Home Blog Page 2373

FedEx Racing Express Facts – Richmond Raceway

By
Official Release
-

Denny Hamlin
11 FedEx Ground Toyota
Joe Gibbs Racing

Saturday Race Info:
Race: Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders
Date/Time: Saturday, Sept. 11/7:30 p.m. ET
Distance: 400 laps/300 miles
Track Length: .75 mile
Track Shape: Oval

Express Notes:

Darlington Recap: Denny Hamlin kicked off the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with a win Sunday night at Darlington Raceway – his first of the season. Hamlin battled Kyle Larson for much of the event on the historic oval, but the driver of the #11 held off a late-charging Larson on the final lap of the race to bring home his third Southern 500 trophy. The win punched Hamlin’s ticket to the Round of 12 of the Playoffs, with two more races remaining in the opening Round of 16.

Richmond Preview: Race #2 of the Round of 16 takes Hamlin to his hometown track of Richmond Raceway, a three-quarter-mile oval where the Chesterfield, Va., native owns three wins in 29 Cup starts. The FedEx Ground Toyota team performed well at the track in April, starting and finishing the race in second. Saturday night’s race falls on a somber anniversary – the 20-year mark since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. In commemoration, the 300-mile race has been specially named the Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders.

Hamlin Statistics:
Track: Richmond Raceway
Races: 29
Wins: 3
Poles: 3
Top-5: 14
Top-10: 18
Laps Led: 1,911
Avg. Start: 9.7
Avg. Finish: 9.0

Hamlin Conversation – Richmond:

Does having one win already in the Round of 16 change the way you approach the rest of the round?

“We want to win these next two races, too. We’re not going to take these next two weeks off. We want to keep this momentum going. That way, when we get to the treacherous second round, we’re ready and we’re in Playoff form.”

Do you remember where you were on the day of the 9/11 attacks?

“I was putting the exhaust on my new late-model car that my parents spent every dollar they had on, and tragedy struck, and we all were glued to the TV for the next eight hours. It was certainly a defining moment in our country. We don’t take lightly everything that happened, and we have such an appreciation for all the first responders who went to the scene and especially for those who never went home again.”

FedEx Ground Along For The Ride: The SCAL district’s focus on “Safety Above All” lands them a placement on the B-post of the No. 11 FedEx Ground Toyota race car during the Sept. 11 Richmond Raceway race.

FedEx Office – Closest to Richmond Raceway: 1111 E Main St, Richmond, VA (804) 783-9880

Ryan Newman – Richmond Advance

By
Official Release
-

Team: No. 6 Oscar Mayer Bacon Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Twitter: @Roush6Team, @RoushFenway and @RyanJNewman
Race Format: 300 miles, 400 laps, Stages: 80-155-165

Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders – Saturday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

ADVANCE NOTES

Newman at Richmond Raceway

  • Newman makes his 39th start at Richmond on Saturday, one of his best tracks on the circuit. He has an average finish of 13.1 with 20 top-10s in 38 starts, eight of which were inside the top five.
  • Newman won at the ¾-mile track in 2003 when he started fourth and led 124 laps in the fall event, one of his eight wins that season. Newman is coming off a 30th-place run in the spring where just two non-stage cautions flew. In 2019 he ran ninth and fifth in the No. 6.
  • Newman has six finishes inside the top three at Richmond, including runner-up results in 2002 (twice), the win in 2003, and third in 2005, 2013 and 2017. He also has one pole and holds an average starting position of 14.1.
  • Newman made five Xfinity starts at Richmond, recording two top fives with a best result of third in 2007.

Scott Graves at Richmond Raceway

  • Graves will be on the box for his 11th Cup race at Richmond where he has five top-10s, marking one of his best tracks on the circuit statistically with a 13.9 average result.
  • Graves called seven Xfinity events at Richmond earning five top-10s and one top five. He led Daniel Suarez to fourth and eighth in 2016, and finished seventh once and 10th with Chris Buescher in 2014 and 2015.

QUOTE WORTHY
Newman on racing at Richmond:
“Richmond is a tricky place to manage in terms of the setup and balance, but it’s a great short track that I’ve always enjoyed running at. Forward drive, braking and finesse is key at a place like Richmond, all things that make a race under the lights that more fun and challenging. Looking forward to a special day Saturday as we honor and remember the events of 9/11, and glad to be part of a sport and community that recognizes it the way we do.”

Last Time Out
Newman hovered around the top-15 for much of Sunday night’s long race at Darlington before going on to finish 14th in the Oscar Mayer Bologna Ford, his third top-15 in the last four races.

On the Car

Oscar Mayer returns to Newman’s Ford for its seventh race of the 2021 season, this time running a bacon-inspired car.

About the Kraft Heinz Company

For 150 years, we have produced some of the world’s most beloved products at The Kraft Heinz Company (Nasdaq: KHC). We are one of the largest global food and beverage companies, with 2019 net sales of approximately $25 billion. Our portfolio is a diverse mix of iconic and emerging brands. As the guardians of these brands and the creators of innovative new products, we are dedicated to the sustainable health of our people and our planet. To learn more, visit www.kraftheinzcompany.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Chris Buescher – Richmond Advance

By
Official Release
-

Team: No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Luke Lambert
Twitter: @17RoushTeam, @RoushFenway and @Chris_Buescher
Race Format: 300 miles, 400 laps, Stages: 80-155-165

Federated Auto Parts 400 Salute to First Responders – Saturday, Sept. 11 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

ADVANCE NOTES

Buescher at Richmond Raceway

  • Buescher makes his 11th Cup start at Richmond this weekend, where his best finish came in 2017 when he ran 17th in the spring event.
  • Buescher finished 25th in the spring race at Richmond in 2021, and overall has short track finishes of 14th (Bristol Dirt), 18th (Phoenix) and 13th (Martinsville).
  • Buescher also made five Xfinity starts at Richmond earning three top-10s, including a best run of seventh in the No. 60 entry in 2014.

Luke Lambert at Richmond Raceway

  • Lambert will call his 17th Cup event from Richmond on Saturday, where he has an average finish of 17.6 with five top fives.
  • Lambert led Jeff Burton to a fifth-place run in just his second Cup race at Richmond in 2013, and also finished third with Ryan Newman in the 2017 fall race.
  • Lambert called a pair of Xfinity races for Elliott Sadler in 2012, finishing sixth and 12th.

QUOTE WORTHY
Buescher on racing at Richmond:
“Any time you’re under the lights – and in a playoff environment – it adds an extra element of drama to the picture, and Saturday will be no different. Richmond is a place we’ve been hard at work at to try and identify how to improve at, and my hope is that we unload with a good Fastenal Ford this weekend. Racing on 9/11 will be extra special, especially on the 20th anniversary, and something I’m sure NASCAR will honor and recognize in a very special way, as it always does.”

Last Time Out
Buescher spent much of Sunday’s long race at Darlington in and around the top-15 and top-10, and surged into the top five late in the going before finishing ninth in the Roush Performance Ford Mustang, his fifth top-10 of 2021.

On the Car
Fastenal returns to the fold at Roush Fenway for its 11th season in 2021. They spent three years on the No. 99 before jumping to the No. 17 Cup Series entry, and were the primary partner on the No. 60 Xfinity team that captured the owner’s championship in 2011.

Fastenal will feature top suppliers Walter Tool, MSA, Radians and ND – Vibratite on Buescher’s Mustang as he competes this weekend. For more information on these suppliers, visit Fastenal.com, and stay up-do-date on social @FastenalRacing, @Fastenal.

About Fastenal
Fastenal [Nasdaq: FAST] is North America’s largest fastener distributor and a ‘one-stop’ source for hundreds of thousands of OEM, MRO and Construction products. With more than 2,600 stores worldwide, the company supports B2B customers with tailored local inventory and dedicated personnel, who visit regularly, quickly respond to emergency needs, and provide efficient inventory management solutions. Fastenal’s service-oriented business network includes the world’s largest industrial vending program, 14 regional distribution centers, 8 custom manufacturing facilities, thousands of delivery vehicles, and industry-leading sourcing, quality and engineering resources.

Is the Jeep Gladiator a Good Truck?

By
SM
-
Photo by Philip Blank on Unsplash

When we think Jeep, most of us initially think of SUVs and crossovers. But let’s not forget this automaker unveiled an interesting addition to its lineup starting in 2020; a mid-size truck known as the Gladiator.

It’s safe to say if you lined up this truck against its competitors — say, the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier — you’d still be able to pick out Jeep’s offering at just a glance. Why? Because it still looks unmistakably like a Jeep with many of its design cues. However, it’s important to understand this truck is more than just a Wrangler with a short pickup bed attached; it has its own set of capabilities for potential owners to consider.

With a few years under its belt, many reviews have rolled in on what it’s really like to drive the Jeep Gladiator. Here’s more on whether the Gladiator is a good truck — including where it excels and where drivers have encountered challenges so far.

Get to Know the Jeep Gladiator: Features and Specifications

It helps to first get to know the 2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport with some of these key manufacturer specs and features.

Starting MSRP: $34,385
Engine: 3.6L V-6
Horsepower: 285 @ 6,400 RPM
Torque: 260 @ 4,400 RPM
Fuel economy: 16 city/23 highway/19 combined
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Drivetrain: 4WD
Gross vehicle weight rating: 5,800 pounds
Towing capacity: 4,000 lbs.
Payload capacity: 1,700 pounds
Passenger capacity: 5
Passenger volume: 103 cu. ft.

The Sport is the most basic trim level for the Gladiator, meaning some of these specifications change as you move up the levels. For instance, the Mojave and Rubicon models can tow up to 4,500 pounds while the High Altitude can tow up to 6,000 pounds — and features an eight-speed automatic transmission.

It’s also worth noting the V-6 engine remains consistent across the Jeep truck trim levels.

What Drivers Love (and Don’t) About the Jeep Gladiator

The experts at Car and Driver made the Jeep Gladiator a 2021 Editor’s Choice for mid-size pickups. What attributes of the Gladiator most impressed them? Calling the truck a “versatile tool” that’s “really cool,” the editors specifically highlighted these qualities:

  • Off-road readiness
  • Ability to configure it without doors and roof
  • Better hauling and towing capabilities than the Wrangler

One expert for Edmunds rated the 2021 Gladiator a 7.9 out of 10 overall, with high marks for the infotainment technology and storage in particular — along with the fact the truck “oozes outdoor fun” and exudes a lot of personality. To be sure, some of this personality is related to the Gladiator’s off-roading capabilities. Just like the Jeep Wrangler is world-famous for going beyond the pavement to tackle tough terrain, the Gladiator was also designed with off-road excursions in mind. This is particularly true for the trail-rated Rubicon trim level. It makes sense off-road adventurers would be interested in a Jeep with a truck bed too in case they wanted to bring their gear — like towing a camper or hauling dirt bikes, for example.

The lowest-scoring category for this expert was economy. Although its fuel economy is comparable to other mid-size trucks with V-6 engines, some drivers find it lacking inefficiency. However, Jeep unveiled a 2021 Gladiator EcoDiesel model capable of achieving 24 miles per gallon combined. As Motor Trend notes, this is an improvement exceeding 25 percent compared to the gasoline V-6. 

So, is the Jeep Gladiator a good truck? Many positive reviews from consumers and experts alike point to yes — for those drivers looking for a rugged truck with payload and towing capacity and who enjoy Jeep design cues throughout the interior and exterior. Although the diesel engine does offer drivers an eco-friendlier option than the standard gas engine, people seeking fuel efficiency above all else will likely want to keep looking.

Spire Motorsports Partners with Shavelogic for Salute to American Heroes 400

By
Official Release
-

CONCORD, N.C. (September 7, 2021) – Spire Motorsports announced today that Shavelogic will be the primary sponsor of both the organizations Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LEs in Saturday’s NASCAR Cup Series’ (NCS) Salute to American Heroes 400 at Richmond Raceway with drivers Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley, respectively.

Shavelogic is the newest, and most advanced entrant into the razor industry. Its product line has quickly evolved from modest production volumes just nine months ago, to a fast-growing category disrupter.

With a team of world-class professionals from industries spanning research and development, to marketing, and manufacturing, Shavelogic has well over 300 years’ worth of combined experience under its belt. After securing over 150 patents to date, the Shavelogic team is on its way to forever changing how men shave.

“For Shavelogic, performance is in our DNA,” said Rob Wilson, CEO of Shavelogic. “I can’t think of a better way to communicate the world class design and functionality of our product, than alongside the best-in-class team of performance-focused minds that make up Spire Motorsports. The team’s attention to detail and drive to be at the top of their sport makes our collaboration all the more impactful.”

Shavelogic’s SL5 razor design was actually inspired by timeless, classically-modeled racecars. The razors, just like LaJoie and Haley’s Spire Motorsports’ Chevy Camaros, are precision instruments that defy expectations – and look good doing it.

Shavelogic believes that in racing, like in shaving, all the pieces of machinery have to work together in perfect harmony to be effective.

“I’ve been looking forward to this weekend since the schedule was released,” commented LaJoie. “Knowing that Richmond was scheduled for the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, this race has been circled on my calendar for a long time.

“Spire Motorsports is also thrilled to welcome Shavelogic to the sport and show the brand and its team the power of the loyal NASCAR fan base. We’ve spent a lot of time together and it’s clear that Shavelogic’s marketing strategies are a perfect fit with our team. I’m proud to represent this exciting new brand and our whole team is eager to get to the track and put on an awesome Saturday night, short-track race. Richmond is one of the most technical tracks on the schedule and the performance package NASCAR has given us will make the cars a lot of fun to drive.”

LaJoie has logged seven total Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway and calls a 21st-place finish a career best at the legendary three-quarter mile oval.

Meanwhile, Haley made his first start at Richmond on NASCAR’s senior circuit in April but was forced to retire from the event prior to its conclusion due to a mechanical failure. The Winamac, Ind., native has four starts at Richmond in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition where’s he’s logged three top 10s, including a runner-up finish.

To honor the 20th anniversary of the September 11 tragedy, NASCAR has partnered with the 9/11 Memorial and Museum to create a decal that will made available to all NCS and Xfinity Series entries to display on their cars this weekend.

“It’s an exciting weekend for everyone at Spire Motorsports,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner TJ Puchyr. “We’re exceptionally proud to welcome Shavelogic into the sport. The entire sport is equally proud to honor the lives of those who were lost and all the sacrifices made by everyone who came together to help their fellow Americans on September 11. It’s going to be a somber weekend in many ways but a very gratifying one at the same time.”

The Salute to America Heroes 400 from Richmond Raceway will be televised live on NBCSN Saturday, September 11 beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 28th of 36 races on the 2021 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Shavelogic …
Founded in 2009 by Rob Wilson and Duwayne Miller, Shavelogic spent more than 10 years conducting skincare research and securing more than 150 company patents before launching its inaugural SL5 shaving system in 2020. Defying competitor convention, the Dallas-based company is challenging the near -$11 billion global razor industry with its focus on high craftsmanship over a price-driven approach. Now with a team that brings together seasoned shave industry veterans with technology-minded industrial designers and engineers, Shavelogic recently opened its first manufacturing facility in the U.S. to meet consumer demand as it rolls out national marketing efforts. For more information, visit www.shavelogic.com.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports was established in 2018 and is co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. Spire Motorsports earned an upset victory for the ages in its first full season when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. The team fields the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Camaros in 2021 with drivers Corey LaJoie and Justin Haley.

Road America Announces Featured Marque for the Weathertech International Challenge With Brian Redman

By
Official Release
-

ELKHART LAKE, Wis., Sept. 7, 2021 – Road America recently announced that the AAR Eagle would be the featured marque of the 2022 WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman. Widely known as one of the largest vintage racecar gatherings in the United States, featuring over 50 classes of cars racing in several groups, The WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman will return on July 14-17, 2022. A mid-summer classic including everything from a special Concours on Friday and Saturday along the streets of Elkhart Lake and a special AAR Eagle racer reunion makes the 2022 event a can’t miss spectacle for any racing enthusiast.

“This event has become an annual tradition for hundreds of racers, enthusiasts, and thousands of fans every year,” said George Bruggenthies, Senior Consultant for Road America. “We are extremely proud to announce that the event will pay tribute to the AAR Eagle as we honor Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers creation and the lineage of racers and champions who drove these beautiful machines. Road America is poised to usher in the celebration with a racer’s reunion, races for club and pro series–vintage, historic and contemporary racers; a Concours with expert and people’s choice awards, track touring, parade laps, and a vendor marketplace, making the 2022 WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman an event that everyone of all ages can enjoy.”

Having the AAR Eagle serve as the featured mark for 2022 is a fitting tribute for the event as Eagles have raced at the fabled four-mile 14-turn circuit since the ’60s. Since its inception, Dan Gurney’s All-American Racers established itself as one of America’s most successful race car constructors, amassing wins in series as diverse as sports car, Formula 1, and INDYCAR. Between 1965 and 2012, the company produced 106 Indy Eagles, and by 1973, just eight years after the first Eagle flew at Indy, nearly 60-percent of Indy 500 teams ran the Eagle chassis. Many racers have taken on the competitive challenges of Road America’s challenging 4-mile, 14-turn road course through several professional racing series, SCCA club racing, and various vintage racing series’ piloting Eagles, and the tradition continues to this day.

More details for the 2022 WeatherTech International Challenge with Brian Redman, including entry information, qualifying procedures, concourse information, and tickets, are expected in the coming months.

About Road America: Established in 1955, Road America is conveniently located between Milwaukee and Green Bay in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. The world’s best racers have competed at this legendary four-mile, 14-turn road circuit for over 65 years. Along with over 500 events held seasonally at the 640-acre facility, several major weekends are open to the public, which include the IndyCar Series, the MotoAmerica Series, three vintage racing events, numerous Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) events, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and NASCAR. Road America’s park-like grounds offer amazing viewing opportunities, numerous camping options, fantastic concessions, and high-speed excitement to hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. Fans can also stay and play in cabins conveniently on the grounds and find all sorts of souvenirs, collectibles, and apparel at the 7,500 sq. ft Paddock Shop. Affectionately known by many as America’s National Park of Speed, Road America can accommodate groups of all sizes, including weddings and corporate events in the Tufte Conference Center. In addition to public race weekends, Road America offers various group event programs, including geocaching, disc golf, and off-road adventure tours, karting, and the Road America Motorcycle and Driving Schools. For more information, visit www.roadamerica.com Follow Road America on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube or call 800-365-7223

Ford Performance NASCAR: Richmond Playoff Advance

By
Official Release
-

FORD PERFORMANCE NASCAR: RICHMOND PLAYOFF NOTES

The NASCAR XFINITY and NASCAR Cup Series will conduct a day-night doubleheader on Saturday at Richmond Raceway. Two races remain in the regular season for NXS teams with Ford driver Austin Cindric in contention for a second straight championship while the Cup competitors prepare for their second playoff race of Round 1.

This Week’s Schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 11 – NASCAR XFINITY Series, 2:30 p.m. (NBCSN)
Saturday, Sept. 11 – NASCAR Cup Series, 7:30 p.m. (NBCSN)

FORD IN THE NASCAR CUP SERIES AT RR

  • Ford has 33 all-time series wins at Richmond.
  • Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano each have two Ford wins at RR.
  • Ryan Newman and Kevin Harvick also have one career series win.

ROUND OF 16 NCS PLAYOFF STANDINGS (Top 12 advance after Bristol)

5-Ryan Blaney +22
6-Joey Logano +21
7-Kevin Harvick +20
8-Brad Keselowski +12
11-Aric Almirola +3
16-Michael McDowell -20

FORD IN THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES AT RR

  • Ford has 19 all-time series wins at Richmond.
  • Mark Martin is Ford’s all-time series leader in wins at the track with five.
  • Ford’s last win at the track came in 2019 by Cole Custer.

KESELOWSKI WINS 2020’S LONE RICHMOND VISIT

Richmond Raceway hosted two NASCAR Cup Series events a year from 1959-2019, but in 2020 the track had only one event due to COVID and Team Penske’s Brad Keselowski took the checkered flag in dominating fashion. Keselowski led 192-of-400 laps in recording his second career Cup win at the Virginia short track, and automatically advanced to the Round of 12. Overall, Ford led 297 laps on the night and had five drivers finish in the top 10, including Joey Logano (3rd), Kevin Harvick (7th), Aric Almirola (8th) and Clint Bowyer (10th).

RICHMOND ONE OF LOGANO’S BEST

It would be easy to look at Joey Logano’s two career wins at Richmond and say it’s got to be one of his best tracks on the circuit, but the statistics provide further proof. In 24 career starts, Logano has 11 top 5 and 14 top 10 finishes, which gives him an average finish of 10.5. That’s his second-best average finish on tracks where he’s run at least five races. The only track where Logano has a better average finish is Las Vegas, where his two wins and 11 top-10 finishes in 16 starts works out to an 8.4 average finish.

HARVICK A CAREER TOP-10 FINISHER AT RICHMOND

Another Ford driver who has experienced consistent success at Richmond is Stewart-Haas Racing driver Kevin Harvick. This weekend will mark his 41st career Cup Series start at the track in which his 10.1 average finish is fifth-best among tracks currently on the circuit in which he has more than five starts. The other four tracks that statistically are Harvick’s best include: Homestead (7.3), Indianapolis (8.6), Phoenix (8.8) and Kansas (9.1).

ALL-TIME FORD PLAYOFF VICTORIES

Ford has 47 all-time playoff victories, including at least one on every track that makes up this year’s 10-race schedule. Joey Logano is Ford’s all-time playoff win leader with 10 while Carl Edwards is second with eight and Greg Biffle third with seven. Talladega Superspeedway has been Ford’s most successful track since the playoff format began in 2004 with nine NASCAR Cup Series victories. Homestead and Kansas are next on the list with seven wins each.

CINDRIC ONLY ONE POINT OUT OF NXS POINTS LEAD

Austin Cindric has led the point standings for most of the season until two weeks ago when AJ Allmendinger passed him. Going into this weekend’s race, Cindric finds himself only one point out of the lead after a third-place finish at Darlington. With a series-high five wins this season, Cindric is already locked into the playoff field, but is now focused on winning the regular season championship for a second straight year and the 15 bonus points that go with the title.

HERBST LOOKING TO STRENGTHEN NXS PLAYOFF POSITION

Riley Herbst is trying to give Ford two postseason participants and with two races remaining in the NASCAR XFINITY Series season, he’s in position to do just that. Herbst has a 46-point advantage over Michael Annett for the final berth, but also has to hope that nobody below him wins and takes that spot away. From a points perspective, Herbst still has a chance to move up in the standings as he sits 19 behind Brandon Jones.

FORD NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS AT RICHMOND

1957 – Paul Goldsmith
1959 – Tom Pistone and Cotton Owens
1960 – Speedy Thompson (2)
1963 – Ned Jarrett (2)
1965 – Junior Johnson (1)
1968 – David Pearson (1)
1969 – David Pearson (1)
1970 – James Hylton (1)
1979 – Bobby Allison (2)
1980 – Bobby Allison (2)
1981 – Benny Parsons (2)
1984 – Ricky Rudd (1)
1986 – Kyle Petty (1)
1988 – Davey Allison (2)
1990 – Mark Martin (1)
1992 – Bill Elliott (1)
1993 – Davey Allison (1)
1994 – Ernie Irvan (1)
1995 – Rusty Wallace (2)
1996 – Ernie Irvan (2)
1997 – Rusty Wallace and Dale Jarrett
1998 – Jeff Burton (2)
1999 – Dale Jarrett (1)
2001 – Ricky Rudd (2)
2002 – Matt Kenseth (2)
2005 – Kurt Busch (2)
2013 – Carl Edwards (2)
2014 – Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski
2017 – Joey Logano (1)
2020 – Brad Keselowski

FORD NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS AT RICHMOND

1987 – Mark Martin
1993 – Mark Martin (Sweep)
1994 – Kenny Wallace (2)
1995 – Kenny Wallace (1) and Dale Jarrett (2)
1996 – Kenny Wallace (2)
1997 – Mark Martin (1)
1998 – Jeff Burton (1)
1999 – Mark Martin (1)
2000 – Jeff Burton (2)
2002 – Jason Keller (1)
2005 – Carl Edwards (1)
2008 – Carl Edwards (2)
2009 – Carl Edwards (2)
2013 – Brad Keselowski (Sweep)
2017 – Brad Keselowski (2)
2019 – Cole Custer (1)

CORVETTE RACING AT LAGUNA SECA: Garcia, Taylor Transcript

By
Official Release
-

CORVETTE RACING AT LAGUNA SECA: Garcia, Taylor Transcript

Corvette Racing drivers Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor, teammates in the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R and points leaders in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, met with members of the media during a Zoom conference call Tuesday ahead of this weekend’s race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna. TRANSCRIPT:

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R
YOU’VE WON THREE TIMES IN YOUR CAREER AT LAGUNA SECA. IS THERE SOMETHING ABOUT THE TRACK THAT SPEAK TO YOU? IS IT LUCK OR IS THERE SOMETHING ELSE?
“I wouldn’t say it was luck. You never know at Laguna. There are always a lot of different strategies in play. It’s usually a two- or three-stop race. Lately it has been more of a three-stop one. With those, you always need to fight those gambling with two stops. We’ve won a few races there but we also lost a few with cars and people who we didn’t expect to get to the end and they ended up managing to make the strategy work. There is a fine line. Tire degradation is the main thing. As soon as there is a yellow, everything starts again and you better have a good tire. Otherwise you are going to end up being very vulnerable. Let’s see what this weekend goes. Hopefully we are on the good strategy.”

WHAT HAVE BEEN THINGS LIKE FOR YOU SINCE THE LAST IMSA RACE AT ROAD AMERICA?
“It’s been very busy. Right after Road America, we had two or three days off and then we were off again to Le Mans. Being European, I was a little luckier than the American guys so I could stay here (in Spain) until the Friday morning before the Test Day. So that saved me a couple of days. Le Mans was very tiring as always. Last week I was at the simulator with Jordan, so the work is still on. You need to keep focusing. There was a ton of data to analyze and some correlation to be done after Le Mans. You better have all the information you can after a big race like that. I spent a few days there and then came back here for some family time. Time flies by when you are with your kids, for sure.”

HOW RELIABLE HAS THE CHEVROLET SIMULATOR BEEN FOR YOU ON THE CORVETTE SIDE WHEN THE CAR GETS ON THE TRACK?
“A lot. The C8.R is the answer for that. We’ve been working on the simulator with the C8.R for two to three years in advance before it was on the track for the first time. That helped a lot. It’s true that you need to trust all the data you are getting from the wind tunnel and all your simulations. Our simulator seems to be very good on correlation. We also have Michelin helping us develop a very, very good tire model which is one of the most important things we need to have. So it has worked very well for us on the C8.R. Every time we had a bad race – even though there was no time to go on track – we had time to recover and fix things that didn’t work. Most of the time, the car is really good out of the box at the track. You end up doing a few tweaks and very small setup changes. It’s been very, very good.”

JORDAN TAYLOR, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R
WHAT ABOUT WEATHERTECH RACEWAY LAGUNA SECA MAKES IT SPECIAL TO A LOT OF PEOPLE?
“To us, it’s a classic sports car track in North America. It’s known around the world for the Corkscrew but anyone who goes there – for our weekend in particular – who is a hard-core sports car fan knows it because of the history of the sport. There’s a lot of history there. A lot of famous guys raced really cool cars back in the day in sports cars. I was able to go there a couple of years for one of the Reunions and drive an old Corvette around the track. You definitely feel a lot of history when you go there. It’s a cool part of the country… lots of great restaurants in the area, you’ve got the town of Monterey. The track itself is built into the hillside there. We enjoy it. The track is challenging. It’s more slippery than you’d expect. It degrades the tire pretty quickly, so it makes the whole weekend pretty tricky to understand what the car needs to be competitive. You can have one car for qualifying that will be fast but you need a completely different animal for the race itself. There always seems to be some sort of compromise, but that’s what makes it enjoyable is to have that challenge.”

WHEN YOU EXPLAIN TO PEOPLE THE SUBJECT OF ADHENSION AND GRIP AND THEN HAVING NONE AT LAGUNA, HOW DO YOU GET THAT TO RELATE TO PEOPLE WHO DON’T DRIVE?
“That’s a tricky question to explain. When you go to a place like Watkins Glen or Road Atlanta, the grip level is high so to find the threshold and limit of the car and the tire, you need to push the car a lot and trust that the grip will be there. When you go Laguna Seca, I wouldn’t say it’s like driving on ice – it’s not that slippery – but the limit comes so fast. You find the limit of the tire, the grip and the car extremely quickly. You’re driving almost like a knife-edge. You try to stay under the grip of the tire and not trying to slide it. The grip level is so low that it’s easy to go past it. I’d say a way to explain it is that you’re very on edge the whole time to stay below that limit and hurt the tire and laptime. If you can save that from the beginning of a stint, it will be pay huge dividends at the end of it.”

HOW DOES THAT CHANGE YOUR AGGRESSION LEVEL, EITHER WHEN YOU’RE PUSHING ANOTHER DRIVER OR PUSHING AGAINST YOURSELF?
“It’s really tricky. It takes some experience and maturity not to get caught up in things, especially in GTLM. Our stint length is really long. I came from being in prototypes where our stints were getting shorter and shorter to like 35- or 40-minute stints. At that point with tire degradation, you can still push pretty hard and maybe you’ll suffer for the last 10 minutes. In GTLM, our stints can be close to an hour in length so you can suffer for 30 minutes. The amount of patience you have to have with the way you are driving, attacking and fighting people and to get through traffic… you have to be a lot more careful and mindful of what you’re doing. Every time you slip the tire a little bit, you kind of remind yourself that maybe you went a little too hard there. You have to reset and think more about the bigger picture.”

WHAT DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE C8.R AT LAGUNA LAST YEAR THAT CAN BE HELPFUL THIS YEAR?
“The biggest thing when we go there is understanding how the tire works and tire compound. I think last year we split strategies between the 3 and 4 car because we have such limited track time. You don’t have much time to test and understand what you need to do in the race itself. Splitting the strategies last year should help us this year to understand where the strengths and weaknesses were between those two strategies and tire options. It’s another thing we were working on last week in the simulator to understand where we want to be and understand the different temperature ranges on the track this week. We learned a lot Last year was the first time the car was on a very low-grip surface. It’s unique in that fashion and we learned some important lessons last year.”

YOU WERE ON THE DALE JR. DOWNLOAD LAST WEEK. TALK ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE.
“It was a lot of fun. Doing the Dale Sr. helmet was special and taking that to Le Mans this year was a big deal. Dale and I have spoken a bit over the years and texted every now and then, and with him coming to cover the Rolex 24 the last couple of years we formed a small relationship to bounce things off each other. I’d tried to get on the podcast for the last couple of years but timing-wise things never lined up. Now with the Dale Sr. helmet and I was up there last week with Antonio for the simulator, schedules lined up pretty well and it was an awesome experience. I never spent a lot of time with Dale Jr., but it was really cool to talk to him even if it was just sharing stories and hear some of his stories with his dad… reminiscing of their experience at the Rolex 24 and some unique stories from that event were pretty funny. To see the personal side of him and getting to know him as a person… I think we realized we are pretty similar guys – we’re pretty shy and reserved but in certain situations and with certain people, we are pretty comfortable and can open up a lot. I definitely had a good time. It was really cool to see the fan response and the support from everyone. I think it opened a lot of eyes from the NASCAR world to the IMSA world, so I think it’s good to have that cross-over. It would be good to have those types of events.”

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.

No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang to Don National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Paint Scheme in Las Vegas

By
Official Release
-
  • Awareness initiative set to inform and promote resources in support of mental health
  • September is National Suicide Prevention Month; September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day
  • Diecast model will contribute to fundraising efforts

The No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang is collaborating with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for a unique paint scheme at the Las Vegas race on Sept. 26. The awareness initiative is intended to facilitate conversations among friends and loved ones regarding mental health. This includes sharing that free and confidential resources are available at any time by calling the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-8255, which will be printed on the car’s hood for the race.

The importance of mental health in the United States, including the motorsports community, has become increasingly apparent in recent years, especially in the last 18 months amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing organization has felt the impact of individuals faced with mental crises, which in some instances has resulted in suicide.

“Mental health is equally as important as physical health, which is why the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team and Wood Brothers Racing have decided to raise awareness for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and its services,” said Jon Orth, Marketing Manager for Ford Customer Service Division (FCSD). “Personally, I lost a close friend to suicide earlier this year, and the more I think and talk about it, the more I wish I could have identified warning signs. Motorcraft and Wood Brothers Racing are working together to use our platform in NASCAR to educate the public with existing resources available to respond to family and friends who may be confronted with mental health concerns.”

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline seeks to reach and serve all people in the United States who could be at risk of suicide, and one of the ways the organization does this is by spreading the word about actions we can all take to prevent suicide. The Lifeline and its network of over 180 crisis centers across the country are working to change the conversation from suicide to suicide prevention, and to promote healing, help and hope.

“Our family is proud to support the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline because we feel strongly about the importance of addressing mental health,” said Eddie Wood, co-owner of Wood Brothers Racing. “We have a duty to our family, friends and colleagues to ask, ‘how are you doing today?’ Then we have to really listen and respond to the answer.”

The campaign #BeThe1To empowers individuals to use five steps, if and when they are concerned about a loved one. The five steps are:

  • Ask: Studies show that asking at-risk individuals if they are suicidal does not increase suicides or suicidal thoughts. In fact, studies suggest the opposite: findings suggest acknowledging and talking about suicide may in fact reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
  • Be There: This could mean being physically present for someone, speaking with them on the phone when you can, or any other way that shows support for the person at risk.
  • Keep Them Safe: After the “Ask” step, and you’ve determined suicide is indeed being talked about, it’s important to find out a few things to establish immediate safety.
  • Help Them Connect: Helping someone with thoughts of suicide connect with ongoing supports (like the Lifeline, 1-800-273-8255) can help them establish a safety net for those moments they find themselves in a crisis. Additional components of a safety net might be connecting them with supports and resources in their communities.
  • Follow Up: After your initial contact with a person experiencing thoughts of suicide, and after you’ve connected them with the immediate support systems they need, make sure to follow-up with them to see how they’re doing. Leave a message, send a text, or give them a call.

“It’s an honor not only to be driving this racecar and paint scheme, but also to be a part of something so much bigger than just the race,” said Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang. “I have people very close to me who have struggled with mental health and loved ones who have contemplated taking their own lives. My faith has shown me the beauty of life and I am so excited to partner with Motorcraft/Quick Lane and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline for an incredible cause that’s close to our hearts.”

Wood Brothers Racing will be offering a signed diecast of this paint scheme. For each diecast purchased from woodbrothersracing.com, 20% of the net proceeds will be donated to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

“For every person who dies by suicide annually, there are another 316 people who have thought seriously about suicide who don’t kill themselves. These stories remind us that help, hope, and healing are happening every day,” said Dr. John Draper, Executive Director of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. “We’re grateful to be working with Ford, Motorcraft/Quick Lane Racing and Wood Brothers Racing to highlight the resources that are available if you or a loved one are struggling.”

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

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

About the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Funded by SAMHSA and administered by Vibrant Emotional Health, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a leader in suicide prevention and mental health crisis care. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Callers who follow the “press 1” prompt are connected to the Veterans Crisis Line. A Spanish Language line is available at 1-888-628-9454, and more than 150 languages are supported through a Tele-Interpreters service. The Lifeline comprises a national network of more than 180 local crisis centers, uniting local resources with national best practices. Since its inception in 2005, the Lifeline has engaged in innovative public messaging, development of best practices in mental health, creative partnerships, and more to improve crisis services and advance suicide prevention for all. suicidepreventionlifeline.org

About Vibrant Emotional Health
Vibrant Emotional Health is a non-profit organization that helps individuals and families achieve emotional wellbeing. For over 50 years, our groundbreaking solutions have delivered high-quality services and support, when, where and how people need it. We offer confidential emotional support through our state-of-the-art contact center and crisis hotline services that use leading edge telephone, text and web-based technologies and include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, NFL Life Line and NYC Well. Through our community wellness programs individuals and families obtain supports and skills they need to thrive. Our advocacy and education initiatives promote mental wellbeing as a social responsibility. Each year we help more than 2.5 million people live healthier and more vibrant lives. We’re advancing access, dignity and respect for all and revolutionizing the system for good. Visit vibrant.org. And follow Vibrant on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Beard Motorsports Back for 2022 Daytona 500

By
Official Release
-

Generational Race Team Procures NextGen Car

MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (Sept. 7, 2021) – Beard Motorsports is the first non-chartered NASCAR Cup Series team to announce its intention to compete in the 64th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

The generational race team founded by the late Mark Beard Sr., and now run by his wife, Linda Beard, has procured a NextGen chassis for its use in 2022, beginning with the Daytona 500. Plans are for the No. 62 Beard Oil Distributing Chevrolet Camaro to compete in subsequent races at Daytona and its sister track, Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. A driver has not yet been determined.

“My father was passionate about racing and he took a great deal of pride in coming to Daytona and competing against the biggest names in the sport,” said Amie Beard, executive vice president, Beard Motorsports. “He passed away just before this year’s Daytona 500 and his presence was definitely missed. We didn’t make the race, and with no qualifying available at the other superspeedway races, we didn’t have the opportunity to race again. We’ve got some unfinished business, and that’s why we’re coming back to Daytona.”

Beard Motorsports has proven to be the little team that could, a modern-day David competing against the Goliaths of the NASCAR Cup Series. The team employs just one fulltime person – crew chief Darren Shaw – and has since its debut in the 2017 Daytona 500 when driver Brendan Gaughan finished 11th.

Beard Motorsports makes it all work by taking a strategic approach to its racing endeavors. It has an alliance with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and runs only the superspeedway races at Daytona and Talladega. This singular focus has yielded solid results, mostly recently a pair of top-10 finishes at Daytona in 2020 – seventh in the Daytona 500 and eighth in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 – both at the hands of Gaughan.

“Beard Motorsports has always over delivered and it’s a testament to its people and the relationships they have within the industry,” said Gaughan, who has since retired from racing and now serves as Beard Motorsports’ vice president of racing operations. “We have to outwork and outthink the competition, and we feel that the NextGen car plays right into our hands because it levels the playing field. We’ll have similar equipment to the big teams, but no one is going to beat us when it comes to want and desire.”

The NextGen car represents a wholesale modernization of the stock car, designed for closer competition, cost containment and manufacturer relevance. It features NASCAR’s first-ever independent rear suspension, sequential gearbox, rack-and-pinion steering and single-lug aluminum wheels.

The NextGen car is currently in the midst of a two-day test at Daytona with eight teams participating, including RCR. The test will help NASCAR gather information about the new car’s aerodynamic characteristics as they race in a pack and draft off one another.

“The NextGen car is a whole new ballgame,” Beard said. “We’re ready to play.”

1...2,3722,3732,374...6,745Page 2,373 of 6,745