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Storylines to Watch When DEWALT NHRA Carolina Nationals Return to zMAX Dragway This Weekend

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  • From qualifying shakeups to jet cars and nostalgia exhibitions, there’s plenty of fun fueling fans’ excitement ahead of the return of drag racing to zMAX Dragway this weekend
  • Tickets remain for this weekend’s white-knuckled action at the Bellagio of drag strips, and kids 12 and under get in free; details at zmaxdragway.com

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 13, 2021) – The high-octane excitement of Countdown to the Championship NHRA drag racing returns to zMAX Dragway for the DEWALT NHRA Carolina Nationals this weekend, and there are no shortage of storylines to watch as the action revs to a fever pitch and the 11,000-horsepower prepare to roar to life in a pivotal playoff clash.

Can Anyone Top Torrence?: Three-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Steve Torrence has been unstoppable at zMAX Dragway in recent years, winning six of the last seven events – including two consecutive DEWALT NHRA Carolina National events. To continue his recent dominance, the driver of the 11,000-horsepower Capco dragster will have to hold off power houses like Brittany Force, who currently sits second in the point standings; his father, Billy Torrence, fresh off and win at Redding last weekend; and Don Schumacher Racing’s Leah Pruett, among a field of talented Top Fuel drivers.

Funny Car Force: After sitting out the 2020 season amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, John Force Racing’s namesake and 16-time Funny Car champ John Force wasted no time returning to championship form when the bested the field at the NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in May, notching his 152nd career victory in the class. The first of three wins in the 2021 regular season, Force has once again propelled himself into title contention, leading the Funny Car points heading into the weekend. But bringing home a mind-boggling 17th title will require holding off the likes of Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, JR Todd and Force’s teammate Robert Hight, who round out the top five in points.

Leave It to the Pros: A late-season schedule shakeup means Pro Stock racing returns to zMAX Dragway when the NHRA’s best roll into town this weekend. The addition of the Pro Stocks is not only welcome news for fans – who will get to see the likes of Greg Anderson, Erica Enders and Troy Coughlin Jr. compete in a crucial playoff contest – but also for hometown favorite Dallas Glenn. The Mooresville, North Carolina native earned his first career Pro Stock win earlier this season at the NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, and has ridden that momentum to two additional wins in his rookie season. Glenn, who took over driving duties from three-time Pro Stock champion Jason Line, certainly has the pedigree to take home the title, but doing so will require a strong performance in his second visit to zMAX Dragway. Meanwhile, Glenn’s KB Racing teammate, Anderson, who earned a Pro Stock record-tying 97th victory in Redding on Sunday, will look to add a fourth zMAX Dragway Wally to his collection.

Friday Fireworks: The weekend kicks off with the first round of qualifying under the lights on Friday night. With temperatures dropping and header flames rising, blistering speeds are almost assured when the top four classes (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycles) head to the lanes for Q1. In a nod to the history and tradition of drag racing, fans will be treated to exhibition runs by The ScottRods AA/Gassers and Southeast Nostalgia Pro Stockers. Fueling the fun at the end of opening night, two jet dragsters – “Mustang Sally” and “The Diamond Jim Racing” machines – will light up the night with a side-by-side exhibition. And it wouldn’t be a Friday Night of Fire without pyrotechnics, so fans can expect sparks to fly on and off the track!

TICKETS:

While there are no tickets available for Saturday’s qualifying sessions at the NGK NTK NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, tickets remain for Friday and Sunday. Adult tickets start at just $20 on Friday and $40 on Sunday, kids 13 and under get in free. To purchase, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267).

FOLLOW ALONG:

Keep track of all of the latest news and information from zMAX Dragway by following on Twitter and Instagram or become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

Logitech G Joins Forces with 23XI Racing and eNASCAR iRacing Series Driver Mitchell deJong

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Official Release
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Mooresville, NC (September 13, 2021) – Today 23XI Racing announced the addition of Logitech G to its growing list of team partners. Logitech G joins 23XI Racing as its first partner focused on the team’s involvement in the eNASCAR iRacing Series and will serve as a primary partner for Mitchell deJong and the No. 23 Camry. Logitech G made its debut with deJong at Watkins Glen where he finished the race in third. During the first Playoff race at Darlington Raceway, deJong started from the pole and led 120 of 189 laps before finishing second. As we enter the second race of the playoffs, Logitech G continues as the primary partner for the final three playoff races – Bristol Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway and Texas Motor Speedway. deJong and the No. 23 Toyota Camry team currently sit second in the point standings, two points out of first with two wins this season.

When we started, our vision was to create an all-encompassing, inclusive platform that blurred the line between virtual and real,” said Jim Hoey, head of Logitech G eRacing. “This new partnership with 23XI Racing is further proof of the growth and excitement around sim racing. We’re eager to work alongside 23XI Racing to create new realistic experiences for race fans around the world.”

With the addition of 23XI Racing to the Logitech G family, the team joins Logitech G’s growing list of partners including 23XI Racing’s Driver Bubba Wallace.

“As we continue to grow 23XI Racing, we’re excited to bring Logitech G on board with our eNASCAR iRacing Series team and Mitchell deJong,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI Racing President. “The iRacing Series continues to grow and attract new fans to NASCAR and we certainly want to do our part to bring new eyes and fans to the sport and our team. Both Mitchell and Keegan Leahy have had strong seasons winning races and battling for a championship.”

The second race of the 2021 eNASCAR iRacing Series Playoffs kicks off Tuesday, September 14, at Bristol Motor Speedway at 9 p.m. ET on eNASCAR.com.

About 23XI Racing

23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. Rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace is the single car team’s driver. 23XI Racing’s No. 23 Toyota Camry made its NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Daytona 500 on February 14, 2021 at Daytona International Speedway.

WMI DRIVERS HAVE IMPRESSIVE SHOWING AT FLAMBORO

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Official Release
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Credit: Matthew Manor

(September 13, 2021) Wight Motorsports Inc (WMI) brought two strong cars to Flamboro Speedway to compete in rounds seven and eight of the 2021 NASCAR Pinty’s Series on Sunday afternoon. Both Donald Theetge in the #80 Theetge Chevrolet/Buick/GMC/Cadillac Camaro and Brandon Watson in the #64 Leland Industries / RGC Sports / NTN Chevrolet showed plenty of speed.

Making his first ever start in the Pinty’s Series Watson began the 125-lap race in the 11th position. Showing poise and plenty of skill handling the car and plenty of tough competition, Watson climbed five spots during the race and finished and impressive sixth overall.

During practice Theetge had issues with a broken gear that only allowed him a handful of laps on track. In spite of a 12th starting spot in race one and contact with another car, he claimed a top ten result.

Regrettably, persistent rain showers wouldn’t allow the second 125-lap race to run and it has been postponed at a date still to be determined.

Quotes from David Wight, WMI Principal
“We saw some very impressive driving today from Brandon Watson in his first ever Pinty’s race. You could see him adjusting his line as the race went on and the handling of the car began to change. Finishing just outside the top five is an amazing first effort.

“A bit of a challenge for Donald and the #80 group with the gear issue. But we saw Donald move well into the top-ten before having some struggles with others late in the race. Donald did post the second fastest lap of the race and that would have him starting outside pole for race two”

“It’s too bad we couldn’t get both races in today, I’m not sure how that’s going to shuffle the schedule going forward, but we’ll be ready for even better results”.

WEEKEND PERFORMANCE
DRIVER STARTED FINISHED
Brandon Watson 11 6
Donald Theetge 12 10

The 2021 NASCAR Pinty’s Series will consist of 10 total races in Ontario and Quebec with a mixture of oval tracks, road and street courses.

Schedule notes: The Qwick Wick 125 from Flamboro will be rescheduled at a date to be determined. There has also been a 125-lap race added to the schedule Friday September 24th at Delaware Speedway. Watch the live stream on the TSN app, TSN.ca or through Trackpass on NBC Sports Gold in the US.

Race fans can get the latest information regarding WMI and the drivers on these social media channels:

Wight Motorsports Inc Twitter @Wightmotorsport Instagram @wightmotorsport

Donald Theetge: Twitter @DonaldTheetge

J.F. Laberge: Instagram jf_laberge https://www.facebook.com/jflracingmtl

Mark Dilley: Twitter @MarkDilley9 Instagram @markdilley

TJ Rinomato: Twitter TJ_Rinomato Instagram @tjrinomato

Howie DiSavino III returns to Truck Series competition at Bristol Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C.: After a brief break from competition, Howie DiSavino III will return to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) scene with Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) for his fourth career start in next Thursday night’s UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

DiSavino has impressed in his three prior Truck Series races this season, including scoring a career-best 22nd place finish in his most recent race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June.

For the second time this season, DiSavino will compete on a short track after making his NCWTS debut in April at his hometown track of Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

With confidence remaining on his side, the 20-year-old will soon head to “Thunder Valley” eager to deliver his first career top-20 result.

“I’m stoked to be back with Jordan Anderson Racing for Bristol,” said DiSavino. “Jordan (Anderson) and his team have been exceptional to work with and really have made me feel comfortable in making my transition from ARCA to NASCAR.

“We have made significant gains in every race that we’ve been together and I expect Bristol to be no different. Even though I have never raced at Bristol, I have taken the steps to readily prepare myself for what I expect to be a grueling and intense race. I plan to have a lot of fun though too.”

When it comes to conquering his goal of earning his first top-20 finish, DiSavino will rely on the advice and experience of the team he has assembled around him.

“I am lucky to have the ears of Jordan, my manager Austin (Theriault) and coach Joey (Coulter). They all have experience at Bristol and know what it takes to conquer that place. I’ve never been there so the green flag will be my first lap ever turned.

“I know it is not going to be easy, but they never said anything in racing was going to be, so I take this latest challenge in stride with the determination to stay focused, stay out of trouble and most important of all be respectful of those around me.

“I plan to take the races in stages. I want to stay on the lead lap, that’s the most important. Getting comfortable in Stage 1. Keep working on the balance of our truck throughout Stage 1 and Stage 2 and forging ahead in Stage 3 for the best finish possible. If things go well at Bristol, hopefully, there is some more Truck Series racing in my future before the season ends.”

Longtime DiSavino partner Bud’s Heating & Air Conditioning will serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado, while KEES Vacations will hold an associate partnership role in the quadruple weekend with ARCA and the three national series of NASCAR all in competition at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile.

“I cannot thank my primary partners Bud’s Heating & Air Conditioning and KEES Vacations enough for this opportunity.
“They have been superior partners not only this season but throughout my racing career and I want to deliver for them in a big way on Thursday night.”

In addition to KEES Vacations and Bud’s Heating & Air Conditioning, Azalea D Realty, Bommarito Automotive Group, Lucas Oil, MassMutual Greater Richmond, and Q Barbeque Richmond will serve as associate marketing partners on DiSavino’s No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado.

In addition to Pocono, DiSavino made his NCWTS debut in April at Richmond (Va.) Raceway and competed at Texas Motor Speedway in June. He is also a six-time participant in the ARCA Menards Series where he earned two top-10 finishes for AM Racing.

Former winning NASCAR driver Reed Sorenson will continue to guide DiSavino from above this weekend as his spotter.

For more on Howie DiSavino III, please visit howiedisavino.com, like him on Facebook (Howie DiSavino III Racing), follow him on Twitter (@hdisavino) and Instagram (HowieDiSavino).

The UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (200 laps | 106.6 miles) is the 18th of 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2021 schedule. The 40-truck field will take the green flag on Thurs., Sept. 16, 2021, shortly after 9:00 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

About Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric:

Bud’s Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electric is the recognized leader in residential and light commercial mechanical contractors in the Hampton Roads market. From simple, honest beginnings in 1969, Bud’s quickly rose to prominence, establishing a legendary reputation for quality, service and professionalism while always maintaining the same home-town personalized connections with clients throughout its 51-year history.

In 2000, Bud’s expanded under the current leadership of CEO Robert W. Nelson Jr. adding plumbing and electrical departments and introducing a science-based whole home approach that has now become the industry benchmark, while national influencing the market through innovative business and customer relations practices.

About KEES Vacations:

Your Vacation, Your Way with KEES FLEXSTAY™.

KEES Vacations on the Outer Banks, a division of KEES Travel™, is your source for quality vacation rentals from hotels to oceanfront homes. KEES FlexStay™ gives you the freedom to plan your ideal vacation with flexible check-in and check-out dates. We believe everyone deserves a vacation no matter the length and strive to provide the best experience possible.

Enter promo code HOWIE2021 at checkout and receive a discount at KEESVacations.com and KEESOuterBanks.com.

14-Year-Old Katie Hettinger Makes Presence Known with Victory at Hickory Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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Introducing Katie Hettinger
14-Year-Old Racer Makes Presence Known with Victory at Hickory Motor Speedway

DRYDEN, Mich. (Sept. 13, 2021) – Even at 5’1”, 14-year-old Katie Hettinger will walk into Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway a little taller this Saturday. That’s because on Sept. 4 at the .363-mile oval, Hettinger won the 50-lap Limited Late Model feature as part of the Bobby Isaac Memorial event.

In scoring her first victory at the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars,” the Dryden, Michigan-native became the youngest female race winner at Hickory at 14 years, 2 months and 10 days.

She did it in style too. Hettinger put her No. 71 Victory Custom Trailers/Incredible Bank Chevrolet on the pole, but she had to battle fellow Michigander Max Price for the lead, finally earning the top spot on lap 26. The 19-year-old Price stayed in Hettinger’s rearview mirror through the checkered flag as she took the victory in just her 11th Limited Late Model start at Hickory.

“Max and I raced side-by-side for a couple laps on the start before he got around me and then we just kind of stayed in line, pulling away from the rest of the cars, but he never pulled away from me,” Hettinger said. “I was still right behind him, but I had to match my corners right to be able to set up a pass. About 20 laps in my crew chief told me I only had 30 laps left, so I knew that if I wanted to win I had to make my move quickly.

“We were catching lapped traffic, so I put two corners together as best I could. I got a run on Max halfway down the front straightaway and he gave me room going into the corner, so I used it. We ran side-by-side for a lap and when we caught a lapped car, he went a little higher. I was able to get a good run on the bottom and got around him. After that, I was able to pull away and come home with the win.”

Hettinger is a third-generation racer who attended her first race at only four weeks old. By age five, she was racing Quarter Midgets. At first, it was only locally, but soon Hettinger was racing regionally and then nationally, collecting more than 40 wins.

At nine, she moved up to Junior Sprints and 600cc Micro Sprints, competing on dirt from 2016 through 2018. But pavement beckoned. A 12-year-old Hettinger transitioned to full-bodied stock cars in the Champion Racing Association (CRA) Junior Late Model Series. She proved to be a quick study.

After finishing fourth in the 2019 championship and earning the Sportsman of the Year award, Hettinger upped her game in 2020. She took two wins and earned three fast-time awards, one of which set a new track record at Anderson (Ind.) Speedway. She ended the season as the 2020 CRA Junior Late Model Series champion – the first and only female champion in the CRA’s 25-year history.

Since turning 14 on June 25 and getting her NASCAR license, Hettinger has scrapped the “Junior” tag from her Late Model. She competes at the highest level of local stock car racing, commuting from Michigan to race in the southeastern hotbed of the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series.

“If I want to go to NASCAR, then I have to race down here and get used to everything,” Hettinger said. “But just driving in general, I’m comfortable with it, I’m used to it, and I’ve always just loved going fast.”

Her win at Hickory came in her 19th overall start at the track. In addition to 11 Limited Late Model starts, she has made four Late Model Stock starts and four starts in the Carolina Pro Late Model Series.

“The Late Model Stock car is definitely faster. I feel like I have more control in the Limited Late Model just because I’m more comfortable with it and I’ve had so many laps in it, but the more I race the Late Model Stock and Carolina Pro cars, the more comfortable I get. The Carolina Pro Late Model is more fun because it’s faster and I get to race it at a lot of different tracks.”

A return to the familiar confines of her Limited Late Model is on tap for Hettinger Saturday at Hickory. It’s one of the nearly 30 races Hettinger has on her schedule this year as she balances being a high-school freshman with her near-weekly, 700-mile commute from Michigan to North Carolina.

“I juggle everything I do with sports and school and it can be hard sometimes, but a lot of people are very understanding and I’m able to stay on top of it,” Hettinger said. “I still get mostly A’s and some B’s, and I play a lot of school sports, so sometimes I miss a volleyball game, track meet or a basketball game but, overall, I’m able to manage it.”

Hettinger is committed to this juggling act. She’s racing in the Southeast now with an eye on her future.

“The driving styles down here are different, more aggressive, and the cars are faster too,” Hettinger said. “I’m getting some really good experience.

“After I turn 15, I’d like to test and run an ARCA car. The NASCAR Cup Series is my ultimate goal, and it always has been.”

Beyond the pit crew that helps her at the track, Hettinger has the full support of her family as she chases her NASCAR dream. This includes her 11-year-old sister Grace and 2-year-old brother Keith.

“My mom and dad are very supportive and understanding, and my sister races dirt sometimes, but she’s more of a dancer. My little brother loves racing and he always wants to go see Katie’s racecar. They’re all in this dream as much as I am.”

Era Podium Hopes Dashed by Final Lap Incident at Laguna Seca

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Official Release
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MONTEREY, Calif., (September 13, 2021) – Era Motorsport’s hopes of again finishing on the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship podium were dashed Sunday afternoon when another car sent the No. 18 Oreca LMP2 car off course in WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca’s iconic Corkscrew with just seconds left on the race clock as the team ran in second place.

“Our car showed great speed all weekend, and both of our drivers were really dialed in,” said Team Owner Kyle Tilley. “It’s a real shame that we were taken out in the final corners. Everyone on the team deserved to celebrate another podium after the stellar performance they put on this weekend. I’m sorry they didn’t get that opportunity.”

The No. 18 Oreca, with drivers Dwight Merriman and Ryan Dalziel, showed strong speed in the opening practice, placing second in the LMP2 class. The team progressed for practice two, placing in first over the PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports car. For qualifying, the solid performance continued, securing a second-place starting position for Sunday’s sprint race, the Hyundai Monterey SportsCar Championship.

Dwight Merriman started the race in second, swiftly taking the lead from Ben Keating in the No. 52 PR1 Mathiasen Motorsports Oreca as they roared down the front straight at the drop of the green flag. An early race caution paused the race and grouped the field back together, eliminating Merriman’s lead over the LMP2 field. The No. 18 was passed on the restart, running the majority of the first stint in third.

Ryan Dalziel took over for the final two-thirds of the race, eventually working his way back up to second place, creating a comfortable gap ahead and behind the Era Motorsport car. He held the position to the final lap, when another car dove into Dalziel’s, sending him straight into the advertising signs propped up along the sides of the Corkscrew. Unable to fully see the course, Dalziel continued, swerving to try to remove the signage off the car. In the end, the No. 18 was unable to maintain position, finishing in fourth place.

The team next competes in Petit Le Mans on November 13, the final race of the 2021 season. Era Motorsport, who started the year off on victory circle at the Rolex 24 At Daytona, then a second-place finish at the Twelve Hours of Sebring will be a strong contender for the finale event, showing their strength in endurance events. For event information, visit imsa.com.

About Era Motorsport
Era Motorsport was formed in 2018 with the idea of providing unmatched excellence in historic racing. Just two years later, the team expanded to the world of professional sports car racing, fielding an Oreca 07 in the prolific IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2021, the team went on to win at the iconic Rolex 24 At Daytona, in what was their second attempt competing in the event. Motorsport isn’t just a hobby, it is a way of life: a passion that is in the team’s blood. Whether you find us in the IMSA WeatherTech paddock with modern prototypes or chasing down lap records in our fully restored classic sports cars, or even globetrotting to experience historic F1 at some of the world’s most iconic circuits, Era Motorsport has something for everyone. In 2021, the team will return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the full LMP2 season and also contest in the full seasons of the Asian Le Mans championship and European Le Mans Series.

Jimmie Johnson and Other Racing Legends Gather to Honor Herzog Motorsports at Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed October 15-16

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Official Release
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Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed. (Photo from Herzog Motorsports Collection)

Cars, Trucks and Memorabilia Showcasing Team’s Success in Off-Road, NASCAR, ASA and NHRA will be on Permanent Display; TV Documentary to air in Fall on Fox Network

LINCOLN, Neb. (Sept. 13, 2021) – Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, who credits the Herzog family for playing a major role in helping launch his racing career, will be part of the festivities honoring Herzog Motorsports at the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, Nebraska, on October 15-16, 2021.

Johnson will join other racing legends, including Larry Ragland, Todd Bodine, Danny Ashcraft and Dave Mason, for a two-day celebration to commemorate the Herzog family’s legacy in the sport, and will help kick off a long-term display at the Museum of the iconic cars and trucks that raced under the Herzog Motorsports banner in the 1980s through the 2000s.

Festivities will include a public welcome party, autograph signings, a Cars & Coffee event, and a private gala.

The upcoming display will feature Herzog memorabilia, and the race vehicles will include Baja and Pikes Peak-winning trucks, as well as Johnson’s NASCAR Busch Series and ASA Chevy Monte Carlos. The display will be opened to the public following the Friday night gala.

A one-hour TV special on the history of the team and founders Stanley and Randy Herzog, with support from father Bill, is scheduled to air on Fox Network in September, produced by renowned motorsports reporter Rick Benjamin. Excerpts from the special will be shown during the private gala.

“I knew of the Herzogs and really respected their program and the success that they had in the SCORE Desert Off Road Series,” said Johnson in his interview with Benjamin for the TV special. “They were racing in the Midwest and if it wasn’t for Chevrolet trying to keep me busy and trying to keep me on television and offered me a pit reporting job I wouldn’t have met them.”

Johnson, who joined Herzog Motorsports in 1996 and raced for them in off-road, ASA and NASCAR competition through 2001, added, “I can go on and on how wonderful they are. They became fathers to me, Stan and Randy both. I’ve spent so much time with them, at a critical age in my growth as a man, professionally and personally. I was away from home on the road with them a lot, so their wisdom, their advice, their mentoring, their care for me, and bringing me into their family as they did, meant the world to me.

“I look back on it now and smile with pride and joy for the time we had together, at the start of my professional career, which they had so much to do with.”

Johnson raced for the Herzogs in SODA from 1996 to 1997. He won several races and was the 1996 SODA Winter Series Champion. He then went to ASA, was the 1998 Rookie of the year, and won two races in 1999. He ran eight races for Herzog in the 1999 Busch Series, and spent two full seasons with the team in 2000 and 2001, winning one race in 2001 before moving to Hendrick Motorsports that year.

As for Johnson joining the team, “It evolved around the development of a young off-road driver by the name of Johnson, which was Jimmie,” said Randy Herzog in a similar interview with Benjamin. “GM wanted to develop him and through a certain set of circumstances Herzog Motorsports was selected as the vehicle to develop him, and the programs that we elected to do that through involved off-road racing and then the intermediate level of pavement racing, and that evolved into the Busch Grand National Series at the time, and eventually we were programmed to move him on into the Winston Cup Series, which didn’t actually end up under us.”

When asked if Johnson was his favorite, he responded, “I’d have to say he’s the most prominent. He’s the closest to my heart, I’ll say that. I loved all the drivers who drove for us.”

The Herzogs owned or sponsored race teams that won championships in SCORE, CORR, SODA, NHRA Funny Car class, and have scored victories in such prestigious events as the Baja 1000 and Pikes Peak International Hillclimb.

About Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed:
Named Best Attraction for Car Lovers in the 2021 USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest, the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed is a federally recognized 501 (c) (3) private foundation located in Lincoln, Neb. Founded in 1992 by “Speedy” Bill and Joyce Smith, the Speedway Motors Museum of American Speed was formed to present a continuous chronology of automotive Racing Engine and Speed Equipment development and to preserve, interpret and display items significant in racing and automotive history.

About Herzog Contracting Corp.:
Herzog Contracting Corp., based in St. Joseph, Missouri, is a leading rail and heavy/highway contractor in North America, which efficiently solves complex transportation problems in challenging operating environments. The company has 50 years of experience and a highly-qualified team of professionals. Herzog provides state-of-the-art equipment, technology, construction, and maintenance services to owners and operators of Class 1 railroads, transit agencies, state transportation authorities, and prime contractors.

KENNINGTON SCORES PODIUM IN CASTROL EDGE DODGE AT FLAMBORO

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September 12, 2021. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge arrived ready for business at Flamboro Speedway near Hamilton, Ontario for rounds seven and eight of the 2021 NASCAR Pinty’s Series on Sunday afternoon. The result was a second-place finish in the first of the two scheduled 125-lap races, unfortunately rain showers postponed race two.

Kennington had the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge near the top of the time sheets during the morning practice and qualified with the third quickest time to begin the first race. The hunt for top spot was on right from the drop of the green flag.

“The car felt great all day,” said Kennington. “It got pretty intense right away too battling for position. I think everyone was concerned about rain coming” he explained.

Contact in the first few laps would knock the alignment out and impact the handling of the car. Despite the challenge, Kennington hustled the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge for the entire 125-laps and claimed a second-place finish.

“It was a handful for sure,” said the driver. “It’s nice to get back up near the front where we belong, great job by the Castrol crew and we had the fastest lap of the race so we’ll start on pole for the second one” he added.

Unfortunately, persistent rain showers would force a postponement of the second 125-lap event. No make-up date has yet been scheduled.

Next up DJ Kennington and the Castrol Edge Dodge team will return to Flamboro at a date to be determined to complete the doubleheader. In addition, a 125-lap race has been added to the 2021 schedule and the twin races scheduled for the Autodrome Chaudière have been cancelled. Watch the live stream on the TSN app, TSN.ca or through Trackpass on NBC Sports Gold in the US

Race fans can follow DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team on their official social media platforms:

Twitter www.twitter.com/@djkracing
Instagram www.instagram.com/djkracing
Website www.djkracing.ca
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DJKenningtonRacing/

Team Hardpoint Porsches Earn Solid IMSA GTD Finish at Laguna Seca, Pair of Podium Finishes in Indianapolis For Carrera Cup North America

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Rob Ferriol and Katherine Legge Ran in the Top Five in the IMSA WeatherTech Race, Efrin Castro Scored a Sunday Win and Riley Dickinson Earned a Season-Best Runner Up

MONTEREY, California (September 12, 2021) – Team Hardpoint’s contingent of Porsches had a solid Sunday, earning a top-ten finish in IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship competition at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and adding a win and a runner-up trophy at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Porsche Carrera Cup North America.

Rob Ferriol and Katherine Legge were in eighth place in the No. 88 Richard Mille/GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R at the checkered flag, one position higher than the start of the race, on Sunday afternoon in Monterey. Efrin Castro earned a Sunday morning Pro-Am class win in the first of two Sunday Porsche Carrera Cup North America races on the road course in Indianapolis, and Riley Dickinson followed that up in the afternoon sun with a Pro class second-place finish.

Ferriol started the two-hour, 40-minute race by dodging an opening lap incident involving two competitors, then climbing to fifth in a strong opening 45-minute stint behind the wheel. Legge lost some time in pit lane when the Porsche didn’t go into gear and rejoined in seventh.

She showed her speed in the car as the tires started to fade, matching lap times with the leaders over the final half hour of the race but unable to make up any more positions.

“In racing, lady luck always gets a vote and in my stint a lot of things happened ahead of me that I was able to take advantage of and gain some positions,” Ferriol said. “There were a lot of positives from the team’s perspective, from a driver’s perspective. We got inside the top 10 again. I don’t think that reflects how much better we’ve done since the last time we came out, but that first stint was an indicator of being able to start to work our way to the front at the start rather than holding on at the rear.

“Katherine got in and was right there with the leaders in the last half hour of the race. I think that’s a testament not just to her driving, but that we’re starting to get this car in a competitive window. And that’s what we want.”

In Indianapolis, the pair of Team Hardpoint EBM drivers ran their second and third races of the weekend at the Porsche Together Festival – a celebration of Porsche motorsports headlined by the Carrera Cup North America races.

Castro led the way in the Pro-Am class in the morning race, winning by 1.528 seconds in the No. 65 Fine Fare Supermarkets/GoDominicanRepublic.com Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. That run, which included the fastest Pro-Am lap of the race, also saw Castro climb to a season-best sixth overall. First lap contact in the nightcap relegated him to a ninth-place finish following a pair of wins on the weekend.

Dickinson ran third in the morning race before late contact and a drive through penalty left him eighth in the Pro class and 12th overall. The 18-year-old bounced back in a big way on Sunday afternoon, battling to the finish with the eventual leader before finishing just 0.312-second behind. The runner-up finish is his fifth podium of the season, and his first runner-up finish after four third-place finishes at four separate tracks.

“Being here at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a surreal thing to me,” Dickinson said. “I never would have thought when I got into racing that I would ever be here. There’s so much history here. It’s definitely very hard when we do the gridwalk before the race not to pinch yourself when you walk across the bricks. The amount of names going across that start/finish line is pretty long.

“Being able to get two podiums this weekend is a great accomplishment for myself and the team. I feel like I put my best foot forward. I have a lot to improve and a lot to learn but I think I took a step up this weekend for my overall performance. I can’t thank Team Hardpoint EBM enough for this weekend, they helped a lot to get the Porsche Austin Porsche 911 GT3 Cup up front. I’m looking forward to VIR to see what I can do.”

The event was the first of its kind for Porsche Motorsports in the United States, marked as a celebration of Porsche Motorsports and their respective single-make series across all levels of the Porsche ladder ranging from Time Attack through the Carrera Cup. The race weekend was the final event before the team returns to VIRginia International Raceway – the home base for Team Hardpoint – in October.

“It was really cool to watch Riley and Efrin over the last couple of days,” Ferriol, Team Hardpoint owner, said. “I wish I could have been there, not just as a team owner but as a Porsche fan. Watching those guys get podiums and continue to build a bucket of points in their championship is exciting. I’m anxious to see how these guys continue to progress the rest of the season.”

Before returning to VIR for a home race, the No. 88 Richard Mille/GridRival Porsche 911 GT3 R makes one more stop on the west coast for the Long Beach Grand Prix, September 24-25. The 100-minute race is, along with the Detroit Grand Prix in June, the shortest on the 2021 season calendar.

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. Team Hardpoint EBM is a joint venture between Team Hardpoint and Earl Bamber Motorsport formed in late 2020 for Team Hardpoint’s Porsche Carrera Cup North America program to utilize the resources of EBM and co-owners Earl Bamber and Will Bamber and the early success of Team Hardpoint. 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.

Winward Racing’s Second-Straight Double-Podium Showing Anchors 2-3-4 Mercedes-AMG GT4 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Finish at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca

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Official Release
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Laguna Seca, IMSA, September 2021 (Photo by Brian Cleary/BCPix.com)

MONTEREY, California – Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing team Winward Racing secured its second-straight IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge double-podium race finish to anchor a solid 2-3-4 showing for the Mercedes-AMG GT4 Saturday at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Winward’s double podium followed a similar result one race ago at Road America, but this time it was the No. 4 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 of Russell Ward and Indy Dontje finishing second and leading their sister No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 of Bryce Ward and Alec Udell to the line in third. The No. 56 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 of Jeff Mosing and Eric Foss battled with both Winward cars to the end to finish fourth.

Both the Winward entries and the Murillo No. 56 never ran out of the top-10 in the Michelin Pilot Grand Sport (GS) class standings in the early stages of the race. The trio then stepped up to battle in the top five for the final 60 minutes of two-hour race on the 2.238-mile road course.

The Murillo entry was the first Mercedes-AMG GT4 team to move into podium contention after a flawless pit stop in the first hour. A well-timed caution at the 40-minute mark saw Murillo, the Winward entries and the other front runners all pit for the first time and make driver changes.

Foss took over the No. 56 and returned to the race in second after Mosing pitted from seventh.

With Dontje getting in the No. 4, and Udell taking over the No. 57, the Winward Mercedes-AMG GT4 teams also stayed in lead-pack contention after the first round of pit stops.

A key strategy move came during the race’s second and final pit stops in hour two. Winward took the split strategy of not changing tires on the No. 57 while putting two new rear tires on the No. 4.

The call soon favored the No. 4 as Dontje was able to pass Udell and zero in on Foss in second with just minutes to go. On the race’s final lap, Dontje passed Foss for second place with Udell, despite being on older Michelins than either the No. 4 or No. 56, also managing to edge by the Murillo entry for the third and final podium spot.

Saturday’s podium showings were the fourth and fifth of the season for Winward. Russell Ward and Dontje finished third to race runner ups Bryce Ward and Udell at Road America. The No. 57 teammates also finished third for Winward’s first podium of the season last May at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Another Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing team performance of note came from Capstone Motorsports in just its third IMSA race. After taking over from starting driver Gary Ferrera, race closer Kris Wilson was battling to crack the top-10 in the race’s late stages. Unfortunately, the No. 60 Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4 ran out of fuel coming out of the final turn on the last lap, but Wilson managed to coast across the line in 12th place.

Next up for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams in IMSA competition is the Michelin GT Challenge at VIRginia International Raceway, October 8 – 10.

Indy Dontje, Driver – No. 4 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “We’re really happy. We had seen in practice already that we were quick, and in the race we showed that we were one of the strongest cars. The last 15 minutes was driving on ice with the low grip level here at Laguna. On the other side, I was the only one with better rear tires because we changed rear tires at the last pit stop. I think this helped us. I tried to move on the No. 56 for position, and in the end, I could stick it on the inside. A double podium for Winward Racing makes it really incredible. I’m really happy for the team and for the Ward family. It’s a strong championship and a lot of strong competitors, and I think we showed what we’re really capable of.”

Alec Udell, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “There were some different pit-stop strategies that were playing out when I got in the car, but Bryce did a great stint and brought the car in from fifth. His last two events really have been some of the best driving that he’s done, which is really cool. It’s nice to be a part of that progression because that’s kind of what this sport is about. Having the results in the rain at Road America and being able to bring that momentum into this race shows the team is really dialed in with the Mercedes-AMG GT4 cars. It has been a good season. At Mid-Ohio we were on the podium and again at Road America and here at Laguna Seca. We had an opportunity too at Lime Rock. Overall, it’s a team effort and we were able to make it happen today. There was teamwork together with Indy, and we were back and forth, but it was nice to see both cars are getting the most out of what the Mercedes-AMG GT4 is capable of.”

Eric Foss, Driver – No. 56 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “We unloaded really well here at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. We were quickest in practice one, which is a good start to the weekend. I feel like we did a great job on initial setup and were really close in the race, but we didn’t quite have it dialed in like the Winward cars did. The team was so phenomenal on the pit stops, which is really how we got into position. When Jeff pitted, he was P7, and we came out of the pits in P2. I couldn’t believe how well those guys did that pit stop, they just killed it. Even at the end, when we did our final pit stop, we were able to leapfrog the No. 4 car in the pits. At that point, it just became a game of knowing we were managing tires. These Michelins do a good job, but this track is always really hard on the tires. I felt like I managed the tires really well, and when the No. 57 and the No. 4 were working together, I knew they were slowly gaining. I thought I had enough, but we had some really unfortunate luck in traffic the last couple laps and that’s what really killed our margin over those guys. Once they got to me, I knew it was going to be a struggle to keep them behind. Overall, I have to be really happy. Mercedes-AMG GT4 were able to finish second, third and fourth. The recent BoP (Balance of Performance) rule changes made us competitive again, so we’re thankful to IMSA for that.”

Gary Ferrera, Driver – No. 60 Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4: “Laguna Seca is one of my favorite tracks for emotional reasons. I was stationed in the military here for language school, my wife was stationed here at Fort Ord, and I started college in Monterey. So, I love this place, I love this track and I love coming here. I know the track pretty well but I’m still learning the Mercedes-AMG GT4. We made a significant leap in where we are finishing each race. We still had a couple of hiccups, but the Mercedes-AMG GT4 was great. We really had a great time. In the end we want to have fun. We want to do well, but when everybody has a big smile on their face when you finish, it is a big advantage. We can’t do the next race at VIR, but we’re going to Road Atlanta at the end of the season. This is all about building for next year.”

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