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SUSAN G. KOMEN® CANCER SURVIVORS HONORED DURING NASCAR CUP SERIES PLAYOFF RACE AT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

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FORT WORTH, Texas (Sept. 20, 2021) – Texas Motor Speedway and Susan G. Komen® will honor cancer survivors during pre-race festivities for the Oct. 17 NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500.

Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., with 1 in 8 women in the United States diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

Survivors and guests from the Dallas/Fort Worth area will participate in a race day Track Parade Lap in their own vehicles on the 1.5-mile quad-oval beginning at 8 a.m. Later, a group of female and male survivors will be honored on stage and Big Hoss, the world’s largest HD LED video screen, during pre-race ceremonies for the seventh race of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

Tickets in a special seat block for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 are $40, with $10 of each ticket sold donated to Susan G. Komen®. Ticket purchasers in the Komen block will also receive a 50 percent discount ($30) on the No Limits Live Pre-Race Show presented by The Dallas Morning News Track Pass.

“We are excited to come together as a community at Texas Motor Speedway and celebrate and honor our local breast cancer survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer,” said Sofia Olivarez, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Dallas. “After more than a year apart, we are so grateful to see everyone again and celebrate our survivors in such a big way.”

Komen’s 360-degree approach to the fight against breast cancer consists of four pillars: research, care, community, and action. To date, Komen has invested more than $2.9 billion in groundbreaking research, community health outreach, advocacy and programs in more than 60 countries.

“This is a great opportunity for us to show those women and men who may be facing a breast cancer diagnosis that they are never alone in this fight,” said Joy Rich, Executive Director of Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth. “Komen is here to help every step of the way, and has built a community of support for those who need it.”

Join the local fight against breast cancer by participating in a local MORE THAN PINK Walk or Race for the Cure. Visit http://komen.org/community to get more information about Komen events in your area. Join us for the upcoming Dallas MORE THAN PINK Walk on Saturday, October 23. Whether you join us in-person at NorthPark Center or virtually from wherever you are, there are activities for the whole family. Registration is free. Learn more at http://komen.org/dallaswalk.

Click HERE to purchase tickets for the Komen special seat block.

Tickets for the Oct. 16-17 NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 weekend, are on sale now at http://www.texasmotorspeedway.com.

Season tickets and camping for Texas Motor Speedway’s 2022 major event season are on sale now. Save up to 40 percent versus buying individual tickets, take advantage of interest-free monthly payments, get the best seat selection and more. All-new reduced rates are available for the GEICO Infield, GEICO VIP and WinStar World Casino & Resort Lone Star Circle camping areas. Click HERE for more information on and to purchase season tickets.

MORE INFO:
Keep track of all of Texas Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Keep up with all the latest news and information on the speedway website and TMS mobile app.

ABOUT SUSAN G. KOMEN®
Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever. Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while searching for tomorrow’s cures.
Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN. Connect with us on social at komen.org/social.

ABOUT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Texas Motor Speedway is among the largest sports stadiums in the United States and features an array of amenities such as the world’s largest TV that make it one of the premier venues in the world of sports. The 1.5-mile superspeedway located in Fort Worth hosts all three NASCAR national series as well as the NTT IndyCar Series among its various races and specialty events throughout the year. Since opening in 1997, Texas Motor Speedway has generated an annual economic impact of approximately $300 million to the North Texas region. Texas Motor Speedway is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports, LLC, a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit texasmotorspeedway.com.

BLAKE ROWE SCORES THRILLING ARCA/CRA GLASS CITY WIN; CAYDEN LAPCEVICH NOTCHES OUTLAW VICTORY

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CAYDEN LAPCEVICH WINS, BLAKE ROWE TAKES THRILLING ARCA/CRA GLASS CITY WIN

Toledo, Ohio-September 18, 2021: Cayden Lapcevich was the winner in the 100 lap Outlaw Super Late Model feature, while Blake Rowe pulled the big surprise of the night, leading only the final lap in one of the best races in the history of this event as he captured top honors for the ARCA/CRA Super Series powered by Jeg’s Late Models Saturday night at the Central Transport Glass City 200 presented by Courtyard by Marriott, Hampton Inn and DTS Drive Train Specialists at Toledo Speedway. Kaden White took the CRA Jr. Late Model victory on a very pleasant evening. Carson Lucas took the Jr. Late Model championship.

The 9-car inversion put Nick Bailey and Ray Clay on the front row. Bailey grabbed the point for the first 3 laps, with Harold Fair Jr. taking the lead on lap 4. Fast qualifier Steve Needles and Lapcevich were on the move quickly as Cayden was up to third and Needles to fourth spot by lap 9. Lapcevich reeled in Fair, while Needles, the defending race winner, went down pit road in a cloud of smoke on lap 19, ending his bid for repeat. Lapcevich pushed Bob Blount’s #16 into the number 1 spot on lap 20 and set sail, building up a solid lead. Frank Jiovani was up to third by lap 37, while Scott Hantz pitted and was done for the day on lap 45 while running fourth. At lap 50, the top 5 were Lapcevich, Fair Jr., Jiovani, Dennis Strickland and Nick Bailey.

Cayden continued to dominate the contest through the second half of the 100-lap feature as he sailed to the win, while Harold Fair Jr. and Dennis Strickland battled door to door over the final 20 laps for the second spot, with Fair Jr. grabbing the runner-up position. Strickland was third, Mike Root fourth and Conner Zbozien, in his first-ever Toledo start, took fifth. Nick Bailey, Scott Pemberton, Claude Plante Jr., Austin Thiel and Trever McCoy completed the top ten. Dennis Rederstorf, George Rangel, Jiovani, Dean Gassert, Hantz, Clay, Todd Perkins and Needles completed the finishing order. Steve Cronenwett Jr.’s day ended with engine trouble during his qualifying laps.

The night’s finale’ will go down as one of the top races and best finishes in Glass City history and Toledo history, for that fact. A sensational battle up front for the final 20 laps saw Blake Rowe stun the field and the crowd, taking the lead on the white flag lap, nosing under Kyle Crump to steal the victory. Hunter Jack led the first 42 laps, until Carson Hocevar took control of the event. Carson held the point and had a comfortable advantage as Brian Campbell moved into the top 3, as he and Hunter tried to stay within striking distance of Hocevar, the current NASCAR Truck Series leading Rookie and title contender.

Carson jumped back out front again, choosing the second lane of the lap 74 restart. Jack, the point leader going into the event, retired on lap 73 while running second, while Campbell’s night ended on lap 76, going pit-side with mechanical issues. Crump, who started at the tail of the field for an impound infraction, had now moved into contention with a shot at the number 1 spot. The yellow flew again on lap 80 when Scott Tomasik spun, setting up the sensational final 20 laps.

Kyle dove under Carson on the lap 80 restart, as that duo swapped paint and fenders lap after lap. 2 laps later, Crump took the top spot, using the high groove as Hocevar came right back to get side by side with Kyle. On lap 96, the pair flipped lanes, sending Crump to the bottom. The next lap, the pair banged wheels going into turn 1, with Hocevar sliding up the track and coming to a stop, bringing out the yellow and Carson to the tail of the pack.

On the lap 97 restart, Dalton Armstrong was now on the high side of Crump, but fell back at the green flag. Rowe, who had reeled in the leaders, now was in the mix as he dove under Kyle. At the white, Rowe nosed by Kyle, took the lead and the crowd rose to its feet as Crump again darted low coming out of turn 4, getting to the front tires of Rowe’s #57, just inches short as Blake Rowe scored the huge upset win over Crump, Hocevar, Jack Smith, Armstrong, Rick Turner, Cody Coughlin, Scott Tomasik, Albert Francis and Bill Burba. This was Rowe’s first race at the Glass City oval. Campbell, Hunter Jack, Brandon Varney, Evan Varney and Tanner Jack were next in line at the finish.

As a note, this story will never be able to do justice to the incredible and exiting final 20 laps of the ARCA/CRA race…Glass City history, to be sure!

The CRA Jr. Late Models ran a 25-lap contest on the short track for their championship event for the 2021 season. Kaden White topped Keegan Sobilo and Carson Lucas in the feature event, with Lucas notching the Season title. Carson took the heat race win.

In pre-race ceremonies, 2000 Glass City 200 winner Tim Ice was introduced as the Grand Marshal of the event. Tim was presented with a Lifetime ARCA Gold Card membership from Toledo Owner and Promoter Ron Drager. Larry Varney of LV Alliance presented trophies to the Fast Qualifiers Steve Needles for the Outlaws (15:014) and Hocevar (15:593). Both drivers also collected a $300 bonus from Varney for their quick times.

Frank Jiovani, George Rangel, Mike Root, Nick Bailey and Dennis Rederstorf won the DTS Drive Train Specialists $100 product certificates in a random draw held at the drivers meeting. Lapcevich also won the Fastime Racing Engines and Parts $200 Hard Charger award and the $100 Dee and Dennis Figley Half-Way bonus. All in, Lapcevich and car owner Blount collected $6050 on the night.

Clean Harbors and Safety-Kleen conducted a drawing on race day for fans for a NASCAR Driving Experience and an item autographed by Richard Petty. The company also posted bonus money for the Outlaw Super Late Model portion of the event.

Additional sponsors include Bazell Race Fuels, LV Alliance, Penske Shocks, R & M Recycling, Fastime Racing Engines and Parts, Silverback Supply, A & M Transmissions of Flat Rock, Penske Shocks, Innovative Fluids, LLC, ABC Plumbing and Jim’s Butcher Shop of Flat Rock.

Toledo’s next event will conclude the 2021 season, with the Sunday afternoon, October 10 Hemelgarn/Super Fitness Rollie Beale Classic 100 for the USAC Silver Crown Series. The USAC Silver Crown Series 100 lap feature is the only open-wheel event at Toledo this season. The Toledo race will determine the 2021 National Silver Crown Champion.

The 2021 Toledo Speedway season champions for the ARCA R & M Recycling Late Model Sportsman and The Vault ARCA Factory Stocks will also be determined October 10 for the Sunday afternoon contest. A Vintage race car display and parade laps and an open-wheel Racer’s Reunion will also be a part of the final racing event of the season at Toledo.

Advance tickets are available online at www.toledospeedway.com or by calling the track at 419-727-1100. All seating is general admission. Tickets are $25 for adults, children 6-12 are $5 and under 6 are free. Please add $1 per ticket for online purchases. The advance sale ends at 5 p.m. the Friday, October 8. Tickets will go back on sale race day at the track only at 11:30 a.m. There is no rain date for this race.

The ticket office opens at 11:30 a.m. on race day, as well as the spectator gates. Practice begins at 11:30 a.m. and racing begins at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, October 10.

West Coast Swing Week 3: Meyer Shank Racing Heads to Long Beach with Dual IMSA & INDYCAR Entries

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Official Release
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#60: Meyer Shank Racing w/Curb-Agajanian Acura DPi, DPi: Olivier Pla, Dane Cameron

Long Beach, Calif. (20 September 2021) – It’s been a busy three weeks for Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) it travels down the west coast, first making stops at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and Portland International Raceway for the NTT INDYCAR Series.

The team then returned to Laguna Seca last weekend for the penultimate round of the INDYCAR Championship. Now, both MSR programs will reconvene for a big combined weekend of action at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, which will be the second time this season that IMSA and INDYCAR will compete on the same weekend.

Meyer Shank Racing Ready to Represent at Acura’s Home Race

Driver Lineup:

Dane Cameron & Olivier Pla: No. 60 Acura ARX-05 DPi

Tune in:

Saturday, September 25, 5:00pm ET on NBCSN
SiriusXM Ch. 202

Meyer Shank Racing heads into the final sprint race of the IMSA Championship this weekend, competing on the 1.968-mile street course in Long Beach, California. The Acura Grand Prix is a special one with Acura and HPD’s headquarters stationed an hour away in Santa Clarita.

The team is coming off of a fourth-place finish at Laguna Seca after the No. 60 Acura led 55 laps before needing to make a final stop for fuel. Dane Cameron and Olivier Pla will now be looking for redemption this weekend as they tackle the 100-minute race.

The weekend marks Cameron’s seventh start at Long Beach and his third in an Acura DPi. Cameron comes into the weekend with two podium finishes (third in 2016 & 2019) along with a pole position won in 2018.

For Oliver Pla, this will be his first time at Long Beach in seven years after last racing at the track in 2014. Pla started and finished 4th in that race while driving an LMP2 car.

Driver Quotes:

Dane Cameron:
“I’m excited to head back out west for another weekend in California. Long Beach is always a great event and it’s an even more important race for us with it being Acura’s home race. I’ve had some good results at Long Beach in the past, but I’m hoping this weekend we can represent Acura well and give MSR its first win of the season.”

Olivier Pla:
“Long Beach should be an exciting race. It’s been quite a while since I raced there but I love street course racing. We’re going into the weekend with a reset and a clear mind from Laguna and hopefully we can bring home a good result for MSR and Acura.”

Harvey and Castroneves Head Into INDYCAR Season Finale in Long Beach

Driver Lineup:

Jack Harvey: No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda

Helio Castroneves: No. 06 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda

Tune in:

Sunday, September 26, 3:00pm ET on NBCSN
SiriusXM Ch. 205

Meyer Shank Racing will be making its third INDYCAR start on the streets of Long Beach this weekend as the 2021 INDYCAR SERIES comes to a close. Harvey had a strong debut in Long Beach in 2018, finishing 12th in just his third race start with MSR. The 2019 race saw Harvey get caught in a first lap melee, but the team quickly made repairs for Harvey to finish 22nd.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach will also mark Harvey’s final race with MSR. Harvey was a critical member of MSR’s INDYCAR history, scoring his first top ten finish in St. Petersburg in 2019 and going on to give MSR its first podium finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Since 2017, Harvey has made 46 race starts, earning 14 top ten finishes and two front row starts.

Helio Castroneves will be making his sixth INDYCAR start with MSR and returning to a site where he has produced significant results. Castroneves will make his 16th INDYCAR start in Long Beach on Sunday and brings with him two wins in 1997 and 2001. The Brazilian’s last INDYCAR race in Long Beach was in 2017 where he finished ninth.

Castroneves additionally made two starts in IMSA competition in 2018 and 2019 which saw him finish sixth and second respectively.

Driver Quotes:

Jack Harvey:
“I think the weekend itself is probably going to be a mix of emotions. I’m extremely grateful for my time at Meyer Shank Racing. I’m exceptionally proud of what we’ve achieved together, from being a one-time Indy 500 effort to being able to expand into two full-time seasons with the No. 60 and obviously the addition of Helio in the No. 06. I’m sad that it’s coming to an end, but I’m grateful that opportunities are still coming for me and for the team. It’s been the most incredible chapter of my life so far. I’m feeling good now, so we’ll wait and see how I’m feeling after the race on Sunday at Long Beach. I love Long Beach, I was on pole there in Indy Lights so I certainly know we’ve got speed there. That’s probably going to be the biggest one of the year, just trying to get a good result because that’s probably the best way to say thank you to you everyone. Hopefully, we’ll have a nice send-off and I just hope the team wants to match my intentions for that weekend and go and get the best result.”

Helio Castroneves:
“Long Beach is an incredible place. Last year we weren’t able to race there so I’m excited to get back. It’s a place that I really like and it’s a big race for MSR with Acura and Honda located don’t far away. I finished on the podium there in the Acura DPi [IMSA] last time I was there. I also won there in INDYCAR. I can’t believe we’re going to go back to Long Beach and we’re going to have a good time.”

TPC Racing Drivers Earn Three Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Podiums on Sunday at Watkins Glen

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Pedro Torres, Rob Lorndale and Jordan Wallace All Raced To Podium Finishes In the Second of the Doubleheader Weekend

WATKINS GLEN, New York (September 20, 2021) – TPC Racing’s three drivers each landed on the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America podium on Sunday, and Pedro Torres doubled up with a Saturday podium to cap a successful weekend on track for the team and at the online casino.

Torres earned a pair of runner-up finishes in the Gold Class during the weekend’s doubleheader. On Sunday, teammate Rob Lorndale earned a third-place finish in the Gold Class and Jordan Wallace finished second in the Sivler Class.

Starting second on both days, Torres held on in his No. 16 Stoneleaf/TPC Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup during the 40-minute races. Not only did Torres earn a class on podium during Saturday’s race, but by the finish of that one had raced himself into the top-five overall, including the quicker Platinum class.

“I’m very happy for TPC and the team,” Torres said. “We got three podiums today. I’ve got to thank TPC Racing and our coach, Spencer Pumpelly. It was a great weekend. On the track, I’m a lot more confident and consistent from the beginning of the year. I haven’t had the luck, and I’ve made a couple of mistakes, but for me this is great. This is very solid. The team does a great job bringing the platform, it’s just a matter of trying to close that gap and driving it fast and consistent.”

Lorndale’s Saturday podium in the No. 6 TPC Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup came with a huge challenge from behind. Starting fourth, Lorndale had moved into the podium position prior to a late-race full course caution. On the restart, Lorndale kept the competition at bay and sprinted the final handful of laps to his third podium finish in the past four rounds.

“I’m super excited,” Lorndale said. “It was a great race. This is such a fun track to come to. It’s fast, it’s challenging and it definitely gets your attention. Thank you to Porsche Sprint, this is such a terrific series and I can’t say how glad I am to be a part of it.”

Wallace took advantage of contact in the Silver class to drive the No. 35 Dasbold/TPC Racing Porsche Cayman Clubsport to grab a firm hold on the second-place finish. Wallace also improved six positions during Sunday’s race to earn the Yokohama Apex’n award for most positions improved. You can improve your position at the online casinos new zealand and enjoy your favorite games.

“We’re working really hard toward the end of the season, we’re preparing for the future and I think that’s starting to show,” Wallace said. “Part of the hard work we’ve done recently is very driver focused on me. The guys have given me a great car all season and now we’re working on getting me to that elite level and we’re starting to show pace. Keeping it clean is the name of the game in the Porsche Sprint Challenge Silver class, so that’s one of my big goals is just driving smart and letting it play out.”

The Porsche Sprint Challenge field has just one race weekend left on the schedule, the Series Finale “Octoberfest” on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Both Lorndale and Wallace had successful weekends on the road course during the Porsche Together Festival in September and hope to carry that momentum into the doubleheader. Lorndale earned a pair of podium finishes and Wallace swept the class in the non-points exhibition weekend.

“It was a great weekend for the TPC Racing team,” Harris Levitas, Director of Race Operations said. “All three drivers did an amazing job. Pedro had great pace since we unloaded off the trailer. Rob was really up there in practice and in qualifying, he just didn’t get the start he wanted yesterday. We worked with him on getting a little more aggressive on the starts and restarts and it paid off. He did a great job. I’m so proud of him. Jordan Wallace did a tremendous job as well. The weekend didn’t start out the way he wanted to but he stayed in a good position and when that caution came out, Jordan capitalized on that and to finish P2 was phenomenal for them. The TPC Racing crew did a great job, they had early mornings and late nights and great cars and we have one more round in this championship heading back to Indy.”

About TPC Racing: TPC Racing is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier maintenance, service, tuning and modification center dedicated solely to Porsche sportscars. TPC Racing specializes in R&D and sales of high-performance modifications for Porsche sports cars and race cars, offering a wide range of vehicle upgrades. Best known for a line of forced induction solutions for the Porsche 911, Cayman and Boxster, a long-time focus on only one make, Porsche, has enabled TPC Racing to become experts in Porsche service, tuning, and racing. In 2000, TPC Racing began entering races under its own banner, scoring an SGS-class Championship in 2004 in the Grand-American Rolex Series and was a class winner in the 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona, and captured the 2013 and 2016 IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA Gold Cup Championships. More information can be found at www.TPCRacing.com.

Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 Team’s Fifth Pirelli GT4 America Class Victory Anchors Run of Seven Podium Finishes for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams this Weekend at Watkins Glen

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WATKINS GLEN, New York – The No. 72 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 team, and co-drivers Kenny Murillo and Christian Szymczak, secured their fifth race win of the season to lead a 1-2 Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing team Silver-class finish in Saturday’s Pirelli GT4 America SprintX race at Watkins Glen International. The Murillo team finished second overall in the 29-car field and joined Michai Stephens and Colin Mullan in the No. 35 Conquest Racing West Mercedes-AMG GT4 in sweeping the top-two Silver-class finishing positions in the first of two 60-minute Pirelli GT4 America races this weekend at The Glen.

The class victory and runner-up finish anchored a haul of seven podium finishes and two poles on the weekend for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams across three SRO America racing series competing at The Glen.

The SRO Motorsports Group is an international sporting organization best known for promoting and running a variety of racing events, but you can visit the casinojoka casino if you do not have any interest in the racing events taking place.

In addition to Murillo and Conquest, other Mercedes-AMG Motorsport customer teams reaching victory lane this weekend at The Glen included DXDT Racing, Winward Racing, Capstone Motorsports and RENNtech Motorsports.

The lone team to reach the podium twice this weekend was Conquest, which finished second in the Silver class again on Sunday, in addition to crossing the finish line second overall. The double-podium showing came in just the second race for the team new to Pirelli GT4 competition and followed a third-place podium showing in Conquest’s series debut last month at Road America.

Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams competing in the weekend’s featured Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS doubleheader added to The Glen podium tally.

The Mercedes-AMG GT3 first competed in 2016 but now features a new front splitter and dramatic-looking grille for fierce competition and winnings, that you can also take advantage of at the online casino games real money instead of just watching.

Improving from fourth on the grid, Russell Ward and Mikael Grenier co-drove the No. 33 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 team to a third-place Pro class and overall finish in Saturday’s first 90-minute World Challenge race.

They were joined on the GT World Challenge podium by co-drivers Erin Vogel and Michael Cooper who finished third in the Pro-Am class in the No. 19 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3.

The DXDT No. 19 team’s podium followed Vogel’s first career GT World Challenge pole in qualifying earlier Saturday morning. The top qualifying effort saw Vogel clock in fifth fastest overall behind four Pro-class entries.

Capstone Motorsports also earned its first pole in the new team’s debut year of Pirelli GT4 competition in the No. 16 Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4. Kris Wilson won not only the Am-class but overall Pirelli GT4 pole in Saturday morning qualifying for that day’s opening race.

It was Sunday’s final 60-minute race, however, that saw Capstone reach the Pirelli GT4 Am-class podium in dramatic fashion. Starting last in the 29-car field after Wilson’s teammate John Allen had an issue in his qualifying session, the Capstone team and drivers steadily improved throughout the race.

Allen kept the No. 16 on the lead lap and in touch with the field throughout his race-opening stint before handing off to Wilson for the final half of the race. Wilson quickly raced his way into the Am-class top three and was in second place and closing on the leader before a late-race incident just over five minutes from the finish ended the race under caution.

RENNtech’s podium came in Sunday’s second and final single driver GT America sprint courtesy of Chris Gumprecht who finished third in his No. 79 RENNtech Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4. The top-three finish was the first with RENNtech and in Pirelli GT4 for Gumprecht in just his second start with the team and in the series.

Gumprecht and coach and co-driver Kyle Marcelli also ran in podium contention in the No. 79 in Sunday’s Pirelli GT4 finale until Gumprecht spun from third place in the second half of the race and dropped to 10th at the finish.

Next up for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams in SRO America is a full-weekend event for GT World Challenge, Pirelli GT4 and GT America at Sebring International Raceway, October 1 – 3.

Erin Vogel, Driver – No. 19 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I really love this track and I love the fans here. The flowing style of Watkins Glen suits both my driving style and Michael’s. The pole and another podium were good results. It’s been a learning curve in our first year. I’m trying to keep my expectations reasonable, so it’s just always great when you see that hard work pay off. You know you’re moving in the right direction, and that’s what you want to see.”

Russell Ward, Driver – No. 33 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It was our first time here at Watkins Glen with the Mercedes-AMG GT3, it suits this track well, there’s a lot of high downforce, and it’s a complete blast to drive. We were working on the car setup a little bit throughout the weekend and the car felt really good in Saturday’s race. We tested here once before last year, so I’m familiar with the track and the car as well. I think The Glen suits the Mercedes-AMG GT3 especially well.”

Michai Stephens, Driver – No. 35 Conquest Racing West Mercedes-AMG GT4: “I think the results are our proof of concept, proof of belief and a tremendous opportunity for myself and Colin and this team. We’ve been given a weapon, and that’s the Mercedes-AMG GT4, which allows us to put it at the front with more ease. It’s a car that can provide peace of mind and yet optimum performance. Everything thus far has been tremendous. We’ve calculated expectations and left a little room for hope and faith, and that little bit of room to say, ‘who knows.’ Overall, I think this result a tribute to what the organization has in store, and we are going to press forward. We keep it as sharp in focus as we possibly can. You’ve heard people say we take it one race at a time, one moment at a time, but right now we’re taking it one corner at a time and allowing that momentum to build.”

Colin Mullan, Driver – No. 35 Conquest Racing West Mercedes-AMG GT4: “I was super happy to put it all together this weekend and come home with a P2 overall finish. We were second in the silver category again on Saturday. The yellows didn’t quite go our way, but I think we could have been in the fight for first and bring pressure on the leader at the end. The Mercedes-AMG GT4 was amazing the whole stint. We really got this car figured out this weekend. It’s just been fantastic to drive this beast around here at Watkins Glen. I think the track suits this car pretty well, and we were able to lay down some quick lap times out there on track. It’s great being able to take the fight to the leaders and come home with an overall podium this weekend. We have put together an interesting group. We’ve pulled people from all experience levels, all amazing talents, but they’re new to the car as well. It’s all a learning curve for everybody. We’re learning things every step of the way, but it’s absolutely amazing each time we make progress.”

Kenny Murillo, Driver – No. 72 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “Race one Saturday was pretty great. I think the team executed pretty well in race one. Ultimately, when we leave Watkins Glen, we’re going to have a bigger gap leading the Silver championship than when we came here, so that’s the biggest priority right now. We were really fortunate to start up front in the first race. We got lucky there, took our advantage when we could and walked away with some really good points.”

Kris Wilson, Driver – No. 16 Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4: “John did a good job on his first stint Sunday, and we got lucky with a yellow flag that packed everything up. I was able to jump in the Mercedes-AMG GT4 and see what it could do. In brake zones, cornering, all through the bus stop chicane section, the car performed so good. The team is really coming together.”

Chris Gumprecht, Driver – No. 79 RENNtech Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4: “I’m really happy with the GT America race and podium. On Saturday, I think I could have had a better showing, but things got a little mixed up under caution and we were just off the podium in fourth. Today we were right where we needed to be. I got a little too relaxed there at the end, the fourth-place guy started to catch up, but we held them off. The two-driver Pirelli GT4 SprintX is new to me and exciting, but sometimes I get a little too excited. We just need to be ready. We’ll be there for the next one.”

CHEVROLET NTT INDYCAR SERIES – GRAND PRIX OF MONTEREY: TEAM CHEVY RACE RECAP

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CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF MONTEREY
WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA
RACE RECAP
SEPT. 19, 2021

O’WARD AND NEWGARDEN KEEP CHAMPIONSHIP HOPES ALIVE LEAVING LAGUNA SECA

MONTEREY, CALIF (SEPT. 19, 2021) – Pato O’Ward may have the enthusiasm indicative of his youth, but his race craft and maturity in the car go way beyond his years. Although his No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet didn’t cross the finish line first, he and his team fought the entire 95-lap Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey on the 2.238-mile, 11-turn road course that features a 300-foot elevation change and the famous “Corkscrew” in Turns 8 and 8A to bring home a fifth-place finish and head to the season finale only 35 points behind the points leader. You can be the points leader at top sa online casinos, the number one online casino.

Team Chevy’s second championship contender, two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden finished seventh in his familiar No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet and is still mathematically in the fight for the title heading to the famed Streets of Long Beach. You can mathematically fight for the title by reading the leading guide to the best online pokies for top real money pokies sites reviews.

With a 12th place finish, Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet, has a 20-point lead in the battle for the INDYCAR Rookie-of-the-Year title to Long Beach.

Colton Herta was the race winner from the pole. Alex Palou and Romain Grojean completed the podium.

UNOFFICIAL TEAM CHEVY DRIVER FINISHING POSITIONS:
5th Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP
7th Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Hitachi Team Penske
8th Simon Pagenaud, No. 22 Menards Team Penske
12th Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 PPG Team Penske
14th Sebastien Bourdais, No. 14 ROKIT AJ Foyt
16th Conor Daly, No. 20 U.S. Air Force Ed Carpenter Racing
18th Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Sonax/AutoGeek Ed Carpenter Racing
22nd Callum Ilott, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger
23rd Dalton Kellett, No. 4 K-Line AJ Foyt Racing
26th Will Power, No. 12 Verizon 5G Team Penske

The final race of the season will be on September 26th on the Streets of Long Beach.

DRIVER QUOTES:

PATO O’WARD, NO. 5 ARROW MCLAREN SP CHEVROLET, FINISHED 5TH:
WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS THAT DIDN’T GO THE WAY YOU WOULD HAVE LIKED?
“All weekend we didn’t have it. We didn’t have it all weekend and I truly feel like we absolutely used every single ounce of energy and pace that this car had. We pulled off a mere miracle in qualifying in starting in the first three rows. And then in the race, honestly, that was as much as I had. I fought for life for those last few positions, which the red was the desired tire today. We only had one set of the new reds, so we had to do more of a black race than that. I’m disappointed but I’m happy. I’m happy that we honestly really maximized what we had. But am obviously disappointed that the guy we’re trying to catch outscored us again here. All we can do at Long Beach is win and then let everything else fall.”

YOU CAN CONTROL EVERYBODY ELSE, BUT IF YOU DO YOUR JOB THERE IS A CHANCE
“Yeah, I’ve got faith in myself. I’m pretty handy around a street course. Let’s see what we can pull off next week.”

JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 2HITACHI TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, FINISHED 7TH:
IT SOUNDED LIKE YOU WEREN’T HAVING MUCH FUN ON THE BLACKS OR THE REDS, WHAT WAS THIS DAY LIKE FOR YOU?
“It was just hard to do much more than we did starting 17th. We can’t start back there. We know that. It was just a punch to the gut yesterday with the way that went, two weekends in a row. It’s still a little bit hard to digest. I’m not sure what has caused that. But I’m proud of my team. They’ve been doing a stellar job. We’ve had excellent prep coming into the weekends. I’ve felt more confident than ever, showing up, and I’ve certainly gotten everything from my team. But I think we had a fast day. I really do. On a four-stop strategy, I think we executed pretty well. It’s just not going to make up much more ground than we did without some yellow help. And we, unfortunately, needed that on a day like today. So, yeah. We just need to start up higher. We know that. But Team Chevy and Hitachi did a good job for us. I think we got what we could out of it. Now we’ll go to Long Beach and at least try to get second in this championship.”

SIMON PAGENAUD, NO. 22 MENARDS TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, FINISHED 8TH:
ON HIS RACE:
P8 today. It was a great face and fun. I enjoyed it. There was a lot of tire degradation in today’s race. It’s was all about managing. We had one pit stop in the beginning of the race that cost us 5th place overall. But it was a good fight. I’m happy I could help Josef a little bit in the championship. Excited to go to Long Beach, my favorite track, for the last race of the year. Thanks to Menards and Chevy. It was a great day.”

SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN, NO. 3 PPG TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET, FINISHED12TH:
ON HIS RACE :
“We should have been seventh or eighth, but I slid through my pit box which was the only mistake I made. But that did cost us three or four spots. It is what it is. But we have good speed and I passed over 20 cars. It was a lot of fun. The momentum that we have now in terms of where I am with the car and all that sort of stuff, so I feel like we are making great progress! I feel good. I think we are in a good place with the car. Now I have one more race at Long Beach to try and put a good result up on the board for the team going into the off season.”

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.

Dale Earnhardt’s legendary #3 To see another drive

By
SM
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There are some cars that just inspire nostalgia once they’re seen and take people back who may have seen them on the track during their heyday, during their prime, before being scuttled off to a private collectors garage for private admiration. There are certainly some cars on today’s grid driven by the favorite drivers on NH sportsbooks that follow NASCAR and other motorsports as one of their biggest offerings, but much of that excitement may be brought to life once again following an outstanding F1 drive.

At the start of the F1 season, McLaren team boss Zak Brown gifted the newcomer to the team, Daniel Ricciardo, with a toy version of the car driven by his motorsport hero, and a bet that followed; get a top step on the podium, and he can drive the real thing. For much of the season, it looks a bit out of reach as Ricciardo struggled to get set-up with the car and had struggled to string any meaningful performances together, but this past weekend in Monza he was able to win on merit alone and show just how good he is, pushing to the front of the grid and winning in spectacular fashion.

The Chevrolet Monte Carlo has been kept in pristine condition in Brown’s private collection, and earlier in the season there had been plenty of jokes made about getting the car back out for one more drive, but not one to shy away from his word. The day after the win, a video surfaced on Twitter of the car being readied to get back out on the road again and see a few more miles, and a sight that certainly brought many fans back by hearing the sound of the engine and seeing the No.3 running again.

It’s not yet known when Ricciardo will get the drive, perhaps a little later this year in October when F1 returns to the US as it heads to the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. But it’ll no doubt be a big spectacle, not only for F1 fans but for NASCAR fans also looking to see the legendary car once more. There will be plenty of photo opportunities too as the car will no doubt be out on display after spending some time hidden away in this private collection so fans who are able to visit will get a unique opportunity. 

It’s very cool to see, and something not at all common/ It does also open the prospect of other classics maybe one day making another appearance and getting caught up in the public eye too, and if you could, which car would you love to see come back and make one last big gesture before being stored away once more?

Wilkerson, Hart, Koretsky, Sampey win Carolina Nationals

By
Briar Starr
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Photo Courtesy of zMaxDragway/Twitter

Just one race removed from the Countdown (NHRA’s version of the NASCAR playoffs), the action heated up this past weekend at the zMax Dragway in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Tim Wilkerson won in Funny Car, while Josh Hart upset Brittany Force, Kyle Koretsky defeated all-time great Greg Anderson, and Angelle Sampey picked up her 44th career victory over Joey Gladstone in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Funny Car

Five years – 2016: You would have to go back five years to find the last time Funny Car driver Tim Wilkerson earned two victories in one season. Since then, the Springfield, Illinois native went on a winless streak from 2017 to 2021.

Wilkerson broke the winless streak at the U.S. Nationals, one race prior to the beginning of the Countdown. Heading into the Countdown, Wilkerson’s team was hoping to make some noise and he did so Sunday afternoon by eliminating two-time Funny Car champion, Cruz Pedregon.

“It was tremendous pressure today and a crazy day,” said Wilkerson, who now has two victories at zMAX Dragway. “It was a tough day and we barely made it to the rounds in the semifinals and finals. I’m very proud of my guys. We were thrashing and I’m worn out. Sometimes, there’s too much time to stare at the (car) and make changes. Today, I made wholesale changes and lived with them, and it worked out.”

Wilkerson qualified in the eighth position and paired up with a first-round matchup against the No. 9 qualifier, Bob Tasca III. Wilkerson defeated Tasca going 3.931 seconds and 323.58 mph to advance to the quarterfinals where he was slated to go up against 16-time champion and championship points leader, John Force. As the two drivers rocketed off the staging lane, it initially appeared that Force had grabbed the victory. But, unfortunately for Force, he was disqualified after hitting a cylinder block.

As Force was disqualified, Wilkerson was handed the victory and once again was in a rematch of the U.S. Nationals with NAPA Dodge driver, Ron Capps. Wilkerson again advanced and eliminated Capps going 3.909 seconds and 315.42 mph to face Cruz Pedregon in the finals.

Pedregon defeated Dave Richards, J.R. Todd, and won over Alexis DeJoria in the semis to advance to the 80th semi-final of his Funny Car career.

In the finals, Wilkerson got off the starting line and powered over Pedregon’s Snap-On machine to score his third career victory.

Pedregon finished second earning his second runner-up finish of the season and the 42nd of his career.

Funny Car Results

  1. Tim Wilkerson
  2. Cruz Pedregon
  3. Ron Capps
  4. Alexis DeJoria
  5. Matt Hagan
  6. J.R. Todd
  7. Terry Haddock
  8. John Force
  9. Jim Campbell
  10. Blake Alexander
  11. Bob Tasca III
  12. Mike McIntire
  13. Tony Jurado
  14. Robert Hight
  15. Dave Richards

Funny Car Championship Points Standings

  1. Ron Capps, 2,233 points
  2. Matt Hagan, -5
  3. John Force, -25
  4. J.R. Todd, -46
  5. Cruz Pedregon, -52
  6. Robert Hight, -72
  7. Tim Wilkerson, -72
  8. Alexis DeJoria, -97
  9. Bob Tasca III, -103
  10. Blake Alexander, -169

Top Fuel

Rookie Josh Hart has only competed in seven races in his debut season in Top Fuel and did not start at Las Vegas I, Epping, Denver, Sonoma, Pomona I, Topeka, and Brainerd. Even though Hart hasn’t run a whole season and wasn’t qualified for the Countdown, it doesn’t mean he can’t compete for wins.

Sunday Hart earned the second victory of his career upsetting Brittany Force in the final round. The drag race was close between Hart and Force, but as the win light came on at the top end of the racetrack, the victory went to Hart on a holeshot.

“We just planned on getting our feet wet and building the team this year, and that has obviously been accelerated,” Hart said. “The team has gelled together right away and I think the results are showing. I’m glad to be out here and the real magic happens in the pits. The guys are awesome and watching them is like a well-orchestrated symphony, and that’s where the praise needs to go. I’ve got a lot of confidence in (crew chief) Ron Douglas and I’m happy I could return the favor for them in the final round.”

Runner-up Brittany Force had high hopes heading into Charlotte as she continued her qualifying momentum this weekend by picking up her 10th No. 1 qualifier of the season. She had a first-round match with No. 16 Arthur Allen and Force was victorious with a run of 3.689 seconds and 332.67 mph to go to the quarterfinals.

In the second round, Force faced Top Fuel returner, Spencer Massey. She won again by going 3.734 seconds and 325.85 mph to advance to a semi-final round with three-time champ Steve Torrence.

Force won again in the semi-finals and eliminated Torrence though the win light came on in the wrong lane and originally gave the victory to Torrence. Despite the malfunction, Force went to the finals against Hart.

Unfortunately for Force, she continued what has been a bit of a winless streak as she finished runner-up for the fourth time this year.

“Tough for a driver to lose in the final round that way,” Force said. “Fortunately, I have a great group of guys around me in this Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team and we’re staying positive,” Force said. “We’re still out in front and, overall, we had a great weekend, going to the finals, getting that eighth No. 1 in a row and picking up a lot of bonus points. I’m going to put this weekend behind me, build from it, move on and plan to win the next one.”

The Monster Energy driver has not won since Topeka last month in August.

Top Fuel Results

  1. Josh Hart
  2. Brittany Force
  3. Steve Torrence
  4. Justin Ashley
  5. Spencer Massey
  6. Billy Torrence
  7. Clay Millican
  8. Mike Salinas
  9. Antron Brown
  10. Doug Kalitta
  11. Doug Foley
  12. Leah Pruett
  13. Alex Laughlin
  14. Shawn Langdon
  15. Arthur Allen
  16. Joe Morrison

Top Fuel Championship Points Standings

  1. Brittany Force, 2,274 points
  2. Steve Torrence, -21
  3. Justin Ashley, -74
  4. Billy Torrence, -82
  5. Leah Pruett, -128
  6. Mike Salinas, -136
  7. Antron Brown, -138
  8. Shawn Langdon, -141
  9. Clay Millican, -148
  10. Doug Kalitta, -210

Pro Stock

After winning last week at the Mopar Express Lane Nationals in Reading, Greg Anderson was seeking to break the all-time wins record tie in Pro Stock with Warren Johnson this weekend in Charlotte. However, with the young class of Pro Stock drivers, there were hungry drivers waiting for their moment to shine.

One of the drivers that shined was Kyle Koretsky who defeated Greg Anderson in the finals. Koretsky qualified in the fourth spot and faced Cristian Cuadra in the first round. From there, Koretsky eliminated Dallas Glenn in the quarterfinals, local favorite Wally Stroupe in the semis, and eventually Greg Anderson in the finals.

In the finals, Koretsky won his first-ever career Pro Stock victory against all-time great Anderson by setting an ET of 6.629 seconds and 208.20 mph.

“I’m out here living my dream,” Koretsky said. “KB Racing supplies me with the best power out here and my team just works flawlessly. This is huge and what I’ve wanted my whole life. Pro Stock is the most competitive class out there, and we always looked up to Greg. I just raced Greg Anderson in the final round and picked up the first Wally for my family. It feels great and I needed to get this done.”

Anderson will have to wait until next weekend at the NHRA Midwest Nationals in St. Louis to break the tie with Warren Johnson.

“The stars were aligned,” he said. “I had a great car and something in the clutch broke. I went to start the car and drive up to the water and some $5 part broke. It cost me. It’s just another way to lose. I can’t feel bad; we had a great day, everything was going swimmingly. It was a first for me. I at least gained a few points. We love racing here, it’s home for us, no matter where we started our lives and our careers. I don’t know that you have an advantage racing at home, but it’s a powerful motivator to have your team owners, sponsors, friends, and family cheering you on. You want to win every race you go to, but there is always something special about racing here.”

Anderson had victories over Fernando Cuadra, Troy Coughlin Jr. and four-time champion Erica Enders and claimed his 68th runner-up finish.

Pro Stock Results

  1. Kyle Koretsky
  2. Greg Anderson
  3. Wally Stroupe
  4. Erica Enders
  5. Troy Coughlin Jr
  6. Deric Kramer
  7. Mason McGaha
  8. Cristian Cuadra
  9. Vincent Nobile
  10. Fernando Cuadra
  11. Kenny Delco
  12. Alan Prusiensky
  13. Matt Hartford
  14. Chris McGaha
  15. Aaron Stanfield

Pro Stock Championship Points Standings

  1. Greg Anderson, 2,327
  2. Erica Enders -65
  3. Kyle Koretsky, -91
  4. Dallas Glenn, -147
  5. Aaron Stanfield, -157
  6. Troy Coughlin Jr, -158
  7. Matt Hartford, -197
  8. Mason McGaha, -207
  9. Deric Kramer, -212
  10. Chris McGaha, -217

Pro Stock Motorcycle

It was a wild day of action in the Pro Stock Motorcycle category. In the second round, teammates Joey Gladstone and Cory Reed faced each other. However, once the two bikes crossed the finish line, Reed’s bike went over in the other lane and made contact with Gladstone. Reed then fell off his bike and hit the wall. Fortunately, he was alert, conscious, and talking to the Safety Safari personnel and was transported to the local hospital.

The past month has been a challenging time for Angelle Sampey. Sampey’s hometown was affected by Hurricane Ida last month. The Louisiana driver had been without power until this past Thursday when the power came back on.

With all of what was going back in Louisiana, Sampey had to put that in the back of her mind for a couple of hours Sunday and was determined to bring home a Wally for the first time this season.

She qualified second and was paired with Ryan Oehler. The Louisiana native won over Oehler, Andrew Hines in the second round, and Eddie Krawiec to help her advance to the finals to face Joey Gladstone.

When the Christmas tree went green, Sampey came through with the win over Gladstone, as Gladstone’s bike shut off and the killswitch came unplugged. It was an emotional win, her first of the season and the 44th of her career.

“I’ve struggled this year on the Suzuki. It’s been a rocket ship and I’m getting close to where I need to be,” Sampey said. “This race, I didn’t think I was going to make it to the final. I wanted to win it for my team and I feel like we raced our butts off today. I’m very excited and proud to have my win light come on, and I definitely dedicate this Wally to southern Louisiana.”

The runner-up was the second of Gladstone’s career.

Pro Stock Motorcycle Results

  1. Angelle Sampey
  2. Joey Gladstone
  3. Eddie Krawiec
  4. Steve Johnson
  5. Andrew Hines
  6. Scotty Pollacheck
  7. Cory Reed
  8. Matt Smith
  9. Karen Stoffer
  10. Ryan Oehler
  11. Angie Smith
  12. Jim Underdahl
  13. Michael Phillips
  14. Kelly Clontz
  15. Jianna Salinas
  16. Chris Bostick

Pro Stock Motorcycle Championship Standings

  1. Steve Johnson, 2,272
  2. Angelle Sampey, -17
  3. Matt Smith, -30
  4. Eddie Krawiec, -39
  5. Scotty Pollacheck, -95
  6. Joey Gladstone, -101
  7. Cory Reed, -147
  8. Angie Smith, -150
  9. Karen Stoffer, -155
  10. Andrew Hines, -162

Herta Dominates in Laguna Seca Win; Palou Closes in on Championship

By
Official Release
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MONTEREY, Calif. (Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021) – Colton Herta continued his family’s success at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca with a dominant victory Sunday in the Firestone Grand Prix of Monterey, while Alex Palou marched closer and closer to an even bigger win.

Herta earned his second victory this season and fifth career victory, beating Palou’s No. 10 NTT Data Honda to the finish by 1.9747 seconds. NTT P1 Award winner Herta led 91 of the 95 laps in the No. 26 Gainbridge Honda.

California native Herta also won this event from the pole the last time it took place, in 2019 in his only other start here. This race was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Herta’s father and race strategist, Bryan Herta, won this race as a driver from the pole in 1998 and 1999. Be a race strategist and read the best south african online casinos guide for honest review and rankings.

“I enjoy racing here so much,” Herta said. “It’s an amazing track for me and my family. It’s been so good to us. To go two-for-two so far (at Laguna Seca) is great. We were fast all weekend, and I’m glad we could pull it off in the race.”

Spaniard Palou pulled 35 points ahead of Pato O’Ward in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES standings with just one race remaining, the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach this Sunday at Long Beach, California. Palou must finish 11th or better at Long Beach to earn his first title in his second season in the series.

“We didn’t have it today for the win, but we did the most we could,” Palou said. “I was trying, but it was tough. It was Herta’s day today. I’m happy with P2.”

Palou, O’Ward and two-time series champion Josef Newgarden are the only drivers eligible to win the Astor Challenge Cup at the season finale. Newgarden is third in the standings, 48 points back. Six-time series champion Scott Dixon and Chip Ganassi Racing teammate Marcus Ericsson were eliminated from contention at this race after finishing 13th and sixth, respectively.

This will be the 16th consecutive season in which the NTT INDYCAR SERIES title race will be decided at the final race of the season. This is not the end of the season for making money and you can still make real money online casinos Australia for the rest of the year.

Romain Grosjean finished third today in the No. 51 Nurtec ODT Honda after a stirring late-race charge past rivals and lapped traffic in which he sliced between one to two seconds per lap from Herta and Palou. Grosjean’s third podium finish of the season helped him stay alive in the race for Rookie of the Year honors, as he trails Scott McLaughlin by 20 points.

Grosjean was 10 seconds behind Herta with nine laps remaining but closed to within 3.7087 seconds at the finish after some deft driving, including a wheel-banging, side-by-side duel to lap Jimmie Johnson in the famous “Corkscrew” turn with seven laps remaining. Series rookie Johnson was hip-checked off the track by Grosjean but returned to the racing surface to finish a season-best 17th in the No. 48 Carvana Honda fielded by Chip Ganassi Racing.

“The last stint was very fun because we were on new tires and fresher than everyone else,” Grosjean said. “So, that was exciting. It’s been a great day. Sorry to Jimmie for the contact out there. He was trying to protect Alex (Palou, teammate), and I wanted to go chase Alex.

“P13 to P3 today, it’s a pretty good day. Laguna Seca, I love you. That’s all I can say.”

Graham Rahal finished fourth in the No. 15 United Rentals Honda, with O’Ward rounding out the top five in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet.

“All weekend we didn’t have it,” O’Ward said. “I truly feel like we used every single ounce of energy and pace that this car had. We pulled off a near-miracle in qualifying to start in the first three rows. In the race, honestly, that was as much as I had.

“All we can do at Long Beach is win, and then let everything else fall. I’ve got faith in myself. I know I’m pretty handy around a street course, so let’s see what we can pull off next week.”

Herta’s path to victory become much clearer on Lap 2 of the 95-lap race, ironically after he made a mistake. Herta went wide in Turn 4, opening the door for fellow front-row starter and Andretti Autosport teammate Alexander Rossi in Turn 5.

Rossi and Herta banged wheels while side-by-side in Turn 5, and Rossi’s No. 27 NAPA AUTO PARTS/AutoNation Honda then spun into the gravel and stalled. Rossi’s car was refired, but he finished 25th, two laps down.

After that incident, teams unfolded varying tire and fuel strategies trying to undercut or overcut Herta’s lead. None worked, as Herta’s speed and consistency were too much.

The only time Herta didn’t lead the race came when Grosjean was at the front on Lap 19 and from Laps 69-71 during pit cycles.

Palou kept the race close around the midway point, pulling to within one second of Herta as both drivers’ Firestone tires wore during a stint. But Herta had extended his lead to 5.4 seconds by Lap 75.

“There was always pressure there from Alex behind me,” Herta said. “Even at the beginning of the stints when I was a little bit better, he was still there. And he closed it back up at the end of the stints. I think he was a little better that time.

“I’m just happy to have done it. This place is so awesome – it’s my favorite track in North America by far. To win here means so much.”

About the only drama for Herta over the closing laps came with 14 laps remaining when he couldn’t avoid what appeared to be a rabbit or a squirrel running across the track. But the wildlife collision did no damage to his machine, and he marched home to victory.

Grosjean’s charge kept the race lively over the closing laps. It appeared with 10 laps to go the Frenchman may have been able to shave enough time per lap to pass Palou and possibly catch Herta for the win. But traffic and tire wear blunted that effort, and Grosjean ended up 1.734 seconds behind Palou.

While the Drivers’ Championship will go to the wire at Long Beach, Honda today clinched the Manufacturers Award for the fourth consecutive season.

Wright Motorsports Maintains Points Lead at Watkins Glen International

By
Official Release
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WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (September 19, 2021) – Consistency is the name of the game for Wright Motorsports. The John Wright-led team celebrated another rewarding sports car racing weekend in SRO America, earning two pole positions and three podiums across its two Porsche racing efforts at Watkins Glen International. Both Porsche 911 GT3 R race cars had strong performances in each of the races, producing another points-hauling weekend to maintain the championship lead Fred Poordad, Jan Heylen, and Charlie Luck have accumulated throughout the season.

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Fred Poordad and the No. 20 Porsche 911 GT3 R started race one from third position after a red flag cut short his qualifying run earlier that morning. He lost a position at the start but soon recovered and settled into a strong race pace, holding off pressure from Martin Fuentes in a Lamborghini for fifth-place in class. The battle would end up lasting the majority of the race, as Jan Heylen also fought hard with the Lamborghini’s second driver, Giacomo Altoe, for the duration of his stint in the 90-minute feature. Despite having the speed advantage, the Lamborghini defended heavily and the two ran side by side to the checkered flag with Altoe bettering the Wright car by just 0.033 seconds.

Eager to bring in a podium result to secure more championship points, Heylen was not lacking motivation when he started from the Pro/Am class pole position for race two, second overall. He stayed close to the race-leading Lamborghini of Andrea Calderelli, maintaining the position until the pit window opened. The No. 20 Porsche pitted with Fred Poordad taking over with a hot set of tires and a serving of fuel. Michael Di Meo got by the Porsche and pulled away as Taylor Hagler’s Acura started to close in with 15 minutes remaining. On Hagler’s tail was Martin Fuentes in the No. 9 Lamborghini, and the three cars engaged in an exciting battle for second-place through the twists and turns of Watkins Glen. Poordad raced flawlessly, keeping the Porsche ahead of the competition, earning the effort’s ninth podium finish in ten races, protecting their championship points lead.

The championship will move next to Sebring International Raceway after the Florida-based circuit was named as the replacement for the canceled race weekend at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Ontario. Rounds 11 and 12 of the 13-round championship will be run on the historic track, October 1-3.

DRIVER QUOTES

Fred Poordad | No. 20 Porsche 911 GT3 R
That was a tough battle there at the end of race two. I had a lot of pressure from the Lamborghini and the Acuras. One of the Acuras slipped by, but I managed to hold off the others until the checker flag. I felt better in the car today physically after an off day yesterday in race one. We didn’t get the results we wanted yesterday, but I feel like this is good momentum to carry us into the next rounds at Sebring, and that’s a track we really enjoy.

Jan Heylen | No. 20 Porsche 911 GT3 R
We had a good recovery today from a little bit of a disappointing race yesterday. The team gave us a good car all weekend, and we started with a good qualifying run from both of us. Yesterday was a tough race, but we’ve had a lot of really good races this season, so once in a while, it happens. I’m happy to see us come back as strong as we did today. Fred had an unbelievable run with a lot of pressure for most of the race. It was a really good job by everybody. I’m happy to finish back in the podium ahead of the Acrua we’re fighting in the championship.
GT America
Charlie Luck’s streak of victories and podium finishes continued at the track in the Finger Lakes region of New York, where the Masters racer controlled race one from pole position, extending an early lead, and quite literally, riding off into the sunset to take his seventh class and second overall win of the 2021 season. His fastest lap from a smooth race one set Luck up to start from overall pole for the second race. As he did the previous day, Luck pulled away as the green flag waved, creating a gap over Jeff Burton. Six laps later, Burton caught up and made the pass for the lead with 27 minutes remaining on the race clock. Luck’s battle with Burton allowed Andy Wilzoch in third-place to catch up to the first two cars, producing an intense 15-minute battle between the pair of Porsches for second-place. In the final minutes, the side-by-side racing resulted in contact, both cars spinning into the wall at turn nine. Luck came into pit lane immediately and was able to finish the race in second-place at the checkered flag.

Luck’s final race of the year will take place at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Rounds 13 and 14 of the 2021 season will be part of the SRO Eight-Hour weekend at the “Racing Capital of the World”, October 2 – 4.

DRIVER QUOTE

Charlie Luck | No. 45 Porsche 911 GT3 R
Taking the overall win in race one was a huge highlight for me. I was really pleased with how we did in that race. The preparation for the Porsche 911 GT3 R was perfect and my driving was good. There were things I could have done better, as always, but that was a really good finish. It was fantastic to start race two from pole position for two races. We were slow in two corners that handicapped me a little and led to an incident with another car at the end. So we’ll move on to Indianapolis and come back 100% for the final two races.

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Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series, international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship.

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