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Grant Enfinger returns to CR7 Motorsports at Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.: The summer break is over and CR7 Motorsports and driver Grant Enfinger are ready to tackle the beautiful Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in Saturday afternoon’s United Rentals 176.

Enfinger, the Fairhope, Ala. native returns to the CR7 Motorsports team for his sixth race of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season and looks to duplicate his road course success with the team achieved earlier this year at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) where he propelled the organization to their first top-five of the year with a fourth-place outing.

Armed with the support of longtime partner Champion Power Equipment, Enfinger is hoping to deliver his sixth top-five but ninth top-10 overall in 15 NCWTS races this season.

Since 2003 Champion Power Equipment has earned a reputation for designing and producing the market’s finest power equipment. From our original headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California, Champion has expanded its North American footprint to include facilities in Jackson Tennessee, Milwaukee Wisconsin and Toronto Canada.

Today Champion’s product line has expanded to include portable generators, home standby generators, inverter generators, engines, winches and log splitters. With over 2.5 million generators sold in North America, Champion is a market leader in the power equipment field.

“Champion Power Equipment has been a huge part of my career,” Enfinger said.

“Champion’s line of portable generators is a great fit for NASCAR fans who love to tailgate and camp at their favorite race track. It’s always fun to go out into the campgrounds and meet all the fans that support Champion. By getting out there and connecting directly with their consumers, we’ve had the honor and privilege to see that brand grow over the years.”

CR7 Motorsports nor Enfinger has turned any laps in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at WGI.

The series’ returns to the Finger Lakes of New York for the first time since 2000. Despite their lack of notes for the event, team manager and driver Codie Rohrbaugh are confident in the truck and their gameplan set by veteran crew chief Doug George for the final race of the regular NCWTS season.

“New track for me this weekend and some new Champion Power Equipment colors,” added Enfinger. “Looking forward to another opportunity with the No. 9 guys at Watkins Glen.”

When it comes to road courses, Enfinger has five starts to his credit with one top-five and two top-10 finishes and carries an average finish of 10.8.

“Everyone is excited about going to Watkins Glen for a variety of reasons,” Rohrbaugh offered. “We have seen our road course program improve significantly this year and Grant continues to bring excellence behind the wheel and providing ideas and feedback to improve the overall presence of our race team.”

In Enfinger’s last race with CR7 Motorsports at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in late June, the team contended for a top-five finish, but a mechanical failure eight laps from the finish have Rohrbaugh determined to make it up to his driver.

“Pocono was a major bummer, so everyone is eager to rebound on Saturday with Grant,” added Rohrbaugh. “We had such a strong run going and had an engine issue. I told Grant that we would rebound and I believe the truck we are bringing to Watkins Glen will give him the chance to do it.

“He’s a master when it comes to road course racing. He is so smooth and knows the tricks and trades of turning left and right. I look forward to seeing our No. 9 Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet out front.”
CR7 Motorsports has 38 NCWTS starts to their credit with a career-best finish of third at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (February 2020). Additionally, the team owns six other top-10 finishes including two this season at Circuit of the Americas (fourth | Grant Enfinger) in May 2021 and Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway (seventh | Grant Enfinger) in March 2021. An 11th place qualifying effort at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (Oct. 2019) is the team’s best time trials effort to date.

CR7 Motorsports holds a respectable 25th in the championship owner standings participating in 12 of the 14 races this season.

In 20 career ARCA starts, Rohrbaugh has a best finish of seventh twice at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway (July 2018 and Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (February 2019). He has qualified a career-best fourth on four different occasions, most recently at Kansas Speedway (Oct. 2018).

Marketing partnership(s) opportunities are also available for the No. 9 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, as well as the team’s ARCA Menards Series No. 97 A.L.L. Construction | Grant County Mulch Chevrolet program with driver Jason Kitzmiller for the 2021 seasons and beyond. Interested inquiries are encouraged to contact tonya@gcmulch.com or 304.257.8783.

The United Rentals 176 (72 laps | 176.4 miles) is the 15th of 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2021 schedule. The 40-truck field will take the green flag on Sat., Aug. 7, 2021, shortly after 12:00 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.

About Champion Power Equipment:

Since 2003 Champion Power Equipment has earned a reputation for designing and producing the market’s finest power equipment. From our original headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California, Champion has expanded its North American footprint to include facilities in Jackson, Tennessee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Toronto Canada.

Today Champion’s product line has expanded to include portable generators, home standby generators, inverter generators, engines, winches and log splitters.

With over 2.5 million generators sold in North America, Champion is a market leader in the power equipment field.

For more information visit: ChampionPowerEquipment.com.

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Across Three Racing Series Compete in Dual IMSA and SRO America Events This Weekend at Road America in Wisconsin and the Music City Grand Prix in Nashville

By
Official Release
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ATLANTA – More than a dozen Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams across three sports car racing series compete in dual IMSA and SRO America events this weekend. Mercedes-AMG customer entries are set for both the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge races at Road America, as well as the SRO GT America powered by AWS doubleheader at the inaugural Music City Grand Prix on the streets of Nashville this Saturday and Sunday.

Eight Mercedes-AMG teams are entered for the IMSA SportsCar Weekend, featuring Sunday’s two-hour and 40-minute WeatherTech Championship race at 1:40 p.m. CDT on the four-mile Road America circuit. Saturday’s IMSA highlight is the Road America 120 Michelin Pilot Challenge two-hour race, which is scheduled to start at 4:35 p.m. CDT.

Both IMSA races will be broadcast live on TrackPass on NBC Sports Gold, while international viewers can watch free live streaming of each race at www.IMSA.tv. The WeatherTech Championship race can also be seen Sunday night in same-day coverage on the NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) from 8 – 11 p.m. EDT.

At the same time IMSA competes in Wisconsin, five other Mercedes-AMG customer entries will be taking it to the streets more than 600 miles away in Nashville. The Mercedes-AMG entries for the GT America doubleheader represent an event-high 20% of the capacity 25-car field.

The twin 40-minute GT America sprints on the 2.17-mile Music City Grand Prix circuit are scheduled for Saturday at 7:25 p.m. CDT and Sunday at 2:45 p.m. CDT. The races feature classes for both Mercedes-AMG GT3 and Mercedes-AMG GT4 entries.

A combined four Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams compete at Road America and Nashville, with the new Gilbert Korthoff Motorsports No. 32 entry of co-drivers Guy Cosmo and Shane Lewis carrying the Mercedes-AMG flag in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship race, following an impressive series debut last month.

The Gilbert Korthoff team, with Cosmo and Lewis at the wheel, finished seventh in the WeatherTech GT Daytona (GTD) class in its first IMSA race at Watkins Glen in early July.

A three-strong Mercedes-AMG GT3 entry from DXDT Racing is set for Nashville in GT America’s top-tier SRO3 class for GT3-specification cars.

George Kurtz secured both the overall and SRO3 division victories with a sweep of both rounds in the debut weekend of the series at Sonoma Raceway last March. Similar results this weekend for Kurtz and the No. 04 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 team would renew their championship pursuit with the second half of the season underway.

Kurtz teams with CJ Moses and team owner and driver David Askew in DXDT’s three-car Mercedes-AMG GT3 entry.

Moses drives the No. 58 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in Nashville after securing a pair of top-five SRO3 finishes in his first full weekend of GT America competition one race ago at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR).

Askew drives his familiar No. 63 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in what will be his first GT America start and his first career street race in any category.

​A combined nine Mercedes-AMG GT4 teams will be in action at Road America and Nashville, with seven of the entries headed for the IMSA race in Wisconsin.

Leading the way is the No. 56 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 team and co-drivers Jeff Mosing and Eric Foss, following their milestone victory three weeks ago at Lime Rock Park in Connecticut.

The Lime Rock win was the first career Michelin Pilot Challenge Grand Sport (GS) class win for the Murillo team and drivers and the first victory of the 2021 season for the Mercedes-AMG GT4 in Pilot Challenge competition.

Mosing and Foss compete alongside the sister No. 65 Murillo Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4. The entry is co-driven by Mosing’s brother, Brent Mosing, and his co-driver Kenny Murillo, who fills in this weekend for regular No. 65 co-driver Tim Probert.

Another two-car Mercedes-AMG GT4 Michelin Pilot entry comes from Winward Racing. The team fields the No. 4 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 for Russell Ward and Indy Dontje. The team’s No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 is co-driven by Ward’s father Bryce Ward and his co-driver Alec Udell.

Winward’s best result this season is a third-place finish by Bryce Ward and Udell in the No. 57 last May at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course.

Both Winward entries and the No. 11 FCP Euro Mercedes-AM GT4 joined the Murillo No. 56 as contenders in the recent Lime Rock race.

Taking over from teammate Nate Vincent, Michael Hurczyn led 20 laps in the FCP Euro No. 11 as the team and drivers rolled the dice on a fuel-stretching strategy. The gamble came up just short – Hurczyn was running sixth in GS on the final lap when the No. 11 ran out of fuel two turns from the finish – but the FCP team and drivers still turned in their most competitive performance of the season, despite the ninth-place finish.

After an encouraging IMSA debut in the four-hour Pilot Challenge race in late June at Watkins Glen, Capstone Motorsports makes its second IMSA race start this weekend at Road America. Kris Wilson and Gary Ferrera – who co-drove in the four-hour race with team owner John Allen – share the No. 60 Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4 in Saturday’s two-hour race.

The Road America Michelin Pilot race marks the fourth Mercedes-AMG Motorsport customer team debut in the last five IMSA races. Following first-time IMSA starts for FCP Euro at Mid-Ohio, and Capstone and Gilbert Korthoff at the respective Watkins Glen races, CB Motorsports makes its first start with Mercedes-AMG this weekend.

Similar to FCP Euro’s path, CB steps up to the bigger GS category after competing in the competitive but lower level TCR class. Team drivers Mark Kwamme and Trenton Estep make the move up the ladder with CB, with an eye on competing in the remaining rounds of this year’s GS championship.

On the GT America front, RENNtech Motorsports brings its pair of Mercedes-AMG GT4 teams to Nashville to compete in the GT America GT4 class.

Ross Chouest drives his No. 89 RENNtech Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4 alongside teammate Chris Cagnazzi in the No. 39 RENNtech Mercedes-AMG GT4.

Chouest won the GT4 class in the opening GT America race at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) last March, in what was only his second weekend of SRO America competition. He backed the win up with a second place GT4 finish in Sunday’s GT America final round at COTA.

Making his Mercedes-AMG, RENNtech and SRO debut, Cagnazzi joined race winner Chouest in GT America victory lane at COTA with a third place GT4 class finish. Cagnazzi backed up the COTA podium with two more third-place GT America GT4 finishes in the most recent SRO America race weekend at VIR.

David Askew, Driver – No. 63 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of racing in the GT America powered by AWS race at Nashville. The championship looks very competitive, as my two teammates George and CJ know all too well. Having two races on a street circuit multiplies that challenge even more, but this is something I’ve always wanted to try. Street racing puts a premium on finding the limit of the car, the track and the driver, and the key is having those all work together in an arena where you can’t make mistakes. I’m personally excited about the opportunity.”

George Kurtz, Driver – No. 04 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It is always exciting to race on a street circuit. That adds to the level of excitement we’re all feeling ahead of this new event in Nashville. On the track, I’m sure it will be a completely different focus, with a premium on driving smart and not making mistakes. We have seen that this is a very competitive championship so everyone – driver, crew and engineers – will have to execute to the best of our abilities in a new environment.”

CJ Moses, Driver – No. 58 DXDT Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Street-circuit racing is one of the most exciting aspects of motorsports. I’ve certainly enjoyed the street races I’ve done. The thing I like about it is that everything has to be as close to perfect as possible. There is no margin for error, and I think we are going into Nashville with good momentum from our weekend in Virginia. The circuit should be fantastic, and the weekend will be one of the most dynamic of the year. I can’t wait.”

Kris Wilson, Driver – No. 60 Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4: “I’m looking forward to our second IMSA weekend with our Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4. Watkins Glen was a lot of fun and educational. We were able to get quite a few reps with our pit stops in the four-hour race. We are now ready to be competitive, and Road America is a great venue to start with, much like The Glen. Road America is one of my favorite tracks, and Gary and I just did a test there a couple of weeks ago since he had never been here before. He is drinking from a fire hose right now with these tracks. Road America and The Glen are ‘big boy tracks,’ especially if you have never been there. Weather and fuel are always factors at Road America with the track being four mile in length. It is always a fuel strategy race, which will be a new element for our team, and sometimes it can be raining on what part of the track and completely dry at other parts!”

Popular tennis betting strategies

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SM
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Photo by Mario Gogh on Unsplash

Betting on sports has long ceased to be a simple hobby. Many people devote quite a lot of time to betting and consider it a serious hobby, which can often bring a good cash prize. Some players make bets, guided solely by their intuition. However, this does not always bring the desired result. Those players who want to succeed in betting usually stick to certain strategies. There are proven schemes that often lead to good results.

The “game betting” strategy

This strategy may seem complicated at first glance, but it is easy to figure out. It can be called a slightly modified variation of the strategy “catch-up”, which is popular in other sports.

The essence of this strategy is the following: it is always necessary to bet on the tennis player who serves in a particular game. This scheme has its own logic. Many players have noticed that usually the player who serves wins a game. So, it is necessary to bet on each of the sportsmen in turn (usually in one set the first tennis player serves first, and then – the second, and then – in a circle).

At the same time, such a strategy is not suitable for all games. It does not make sense to use such a scheme in those matches where the athletes differ greatly in level. Some experts recommend applying this strategy a little differently. If the bet is not played, it should be doubled. However, such a risk will be suitable only for brave players. The advantage of this strategy can be called the fact that the overall result of the match does not affect the results of the player’s bets.

Strategy “to win in the third set”

This scheme is suitable for those who prefer to bet on sets rather than games. Just like the previous scheme, it is suitable for matches with approximately equal opponents. In games where there is a clear favorite, it will not bring any result.

This strategy has another important nuance: it is only suitable for in-play betting because it requires mobility from the player. The first thing to do is to wait until the end of the first set and find out who is the winner. Usually, at this point, bookmakers drastically overestimate the results of the match. In this situation, it is worth betting against that player, the odds on the victory of which fell less than 1.20. If this did not happen, then there is no need to bet. As soon as the bets return to their original values, it is worth quickly changing the “against” to “for”. This strategy often proves to be productive, but it has an obvious disadvantage – it is required to follow very carefully what is happening on the field and analyze the course of the game.

The strategy “on the drain”

Many players have noticed that the same strategy works well in midrange matches. It is important to understand that it is not suitable for big tournaments and significant events. This scheme is also suitable for in-play betting. Act as follows:

  • if in the first set one of the athletes beat the other with a large margin, it is necessary to check the situation on the betting site;
  • if everyone sharply begins to bet on the player who won the first set (usually this happens), you should go in the opposite direction and bet on the loser.

Often these bets are the right bets. Such matches, as a rule, cannot be called a contractual match, they simply “sink” according to a certain scheme. At the same time in such a match, there should not be a clear favorite, and the players should be in equal conditions. This should confirm the fact that there is no objective reason for a landslide victory in the first set.

As a rule, in such matches, the situation develops quite simply. The second set goes on without a clear winner, there can be a serious struggle for supremacy on the field. And after that – already in the third set – the player who lost the first set quickly takes the lead. Many betting enthusiasts, over time, quickly begin to distinguish matches in which it is possible to bet “on the drain”. 

High odds betting strategy

This strategy is suitable only for those players who are willing to risk quite large sums by betting. However, it also allows you to achieve good results.

This strategy is based on the mathematical theory that one out of four matches always brings a win. In this case, you need to bet four times in a row on matches with odds of 4 or more. Bets are always placed on the weaker player because they also sometimes win. Many people have to make more than four bets to wait for a win, but the result is worth it.

That being said, it is also worthwhile to choose the matches on which such bets are placed. Often there are players in tennis who are actually quite capable of showing good results, just their potential has not yet been appreciated. It is not a good idea to mindlessly bet on all matches with high odds. 

What strategy to choose

All of the above schemes are very popular with players. When used correctly, any strategy can achieve results. However, it is important to understand that betting always involves a certain risk. No strategy can guarantee a win.

It is also important to have a competent approach to the selection of a sporting event, on which the player plans to bet. To do this, it is best to use a proven portal, such as Scores24. On this site in the section https://scores24.live/en/tennis you can find out when the next matches will take place, see the standings and other thematic information.

Monster Energy Racing: Riley Herbst Watkins Glen NXS Advance

By
Official Release
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RILEY HERBST
Watkins Glen NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

• Event: NASCAR Xfinity Series 200 at The Glen (Round 20 of 33)
• Date: Saturday, Aug. 7
• Location: Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International
• Layout: 2.45-mile, seven-turn road course
• Time/TV/Radio: 4 p.m. EDT on CNBC/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• After two weeks off, Riley Herbst and the No. 98 Monster Energy team are back in action this Saturday for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. The series returns to the 2.45-mile, seven-turn road course for the first time since August 2019 after the COVID-19 pandemic put the track’s 2020 event on hold. Herbst, who was a rookie in 2020, will make his first Xfinity Series start at the track on Saturday, but it won’t be his first start at The Glen. Herbst competed in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East race in 2019, finishing 12th.

• With only seven races remaining until the seven-race Xfinity Series playoffs begin, Herbst is on a mission to close the points gap and lock in his spot among the top-12 drivers in points. Herbst is currently just outside the playoff cutoff spot in 13th, 32 points behind 12th-place Michael Annett, but the Monster Energy driver made up 22 points in the series’ last race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, where Herbst finished 10th.

• Saturday’s race will mark Herbst’s 63rd Xfinity Series start. Herbst is hunting for his first Xfinity Series win and the road course at The Glen might just be the place he can get it. Consider, seven of the past eight winners at Watkins Glen have been Ford drivers. In addition, the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has never finished outside the top-10 at the track. Herbst finished seventh in his last road-course race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

• SHR has made six Xfinity Series starts at Watkins Glen and only finished outside the top-10 once. In 2019, Chase Briscoe drove the No. 98 Ford Mustang to a sixth-place finish. Aric Almirola also drove the No. 98 Ford Mustang to a fifth-place finish in 2018. In 2017, Kevin Harvick scored a sixth-place finish. Cole Custer owns the other three starts, with his best result being a sixth-place drive in 2018 behind the wheel of SHR’s No. 00 Ford Mustang.

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

You have eight career road-course starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but none at Watkins Glen. However, you do have one NASCAR K&N Pro Series East start at the track. What are your expectations heading into Saturday’s race?

“Watkins Glen is a tough track. With the pandemic, I wasn’t able to get a start there in my rookie season, but I do have that one K&N Pro Series start from 2019. I’m excited to go back and get my No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang onto a road course. We have a great road-course package and finished seventh at Road America. Hopefully, we’ll be up front and racing for a win at the end of the day.”

You’ve had two weeks off from racing. What did you do with the downtime?

“It was a nice break to take a step back and regroup before these final races of the regular season. It was a mix of work and fun. I was still doing media interviews and working with the guys, but I also was able to go back home to Vegas to spend some time with my family before the season really got crazy again. These breaks are definitely a great chance to relax before it’s non-stop racing until November.”

With only seven races to go in the regular season, you’re sitting 13th in the points standings and chopping away at the points gap for the final playoff spot. What are your goals for the last seven races before the playoffs begin in your hometown of Las Vegas?

“We’re working hard to get above the cutline in the point standings. This season has had a lot of ups and downs, but hopefully we’re finding our momentum as we head into these final races. We deserve to be in the playoffs at Vegas. The No. 98 team has worked hard to get better all season and we’re seeing improvements each and every race. A win would be the perfect solution to the points problem, but we’re not out of it, yet. We just need to keep the speed up, collect points and stay out of trouble for the final few races of the regular season so we can claim our spot.”

No. 98 Monster Energy Team Roster

Primary Team Members:

Driver: Riley Herbst
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell
Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Engineer: Justin Bolton
Hometown: Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Engineer: DJ VanderLey
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Spotter: Tim Fedewa
Hometown: Holt, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Crew:

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

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

Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons
Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Fueler: James Keener
Hometown: Fortuna, California

Jackman: Sean Cotten
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Road Crew Members:

Truck Driver: Steve Wood
Hometown: Eatontown, New Jersey

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

Engine Tuner: Willie Pelotte
Hometown: Oakland, Maine

Rebel Rock Racing Confident in Return to Road America

By
Official Release
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ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (5 August 2021) – Rebel Rock Racing returns to the scene of one of its greatest moments this weekend as the team looks to build momentum for the second half of the 2021 Michelin Pilot Challenge campaign with a strong run in the IMSA Sports Car Weekend at Road America.

Frank DePew and Robin Liddell are looking to return to the form that saw them place the No. 71 Urban Grid Chevrolet Camaro GT3.R in victory circle earlier this season at Sebring in Saturday’s two-hour race on the scenic and historic four-mile circuit – a track where they made headlines back in 2019.

“We’re excited about going back,” DePew said. “I think we’ve got a decent shot. We tested there this year, and I feel that my driving’s come along a lot as long as I stay mistake-free. I feel confident that we will do well at Road America, and the team will have an opportunity.”

Also boosting the team’s hopes is an adjustment to IMSA’s Balance of Performance, which severely handicapped the Camaro entering the season.

“We got a little BOP bump,” DePew said. “We got a 2 mm restrictor increase, which gets us a bit closer to where we were in the past. That should help us, because up until now, the car has not been very raceable. Being so restricted, forces you to take chances to get by people, because we really couldn’t get a run on some of the quicker cars off the corners. I think it’s going to make a difference for us.”

The team is coming off a DNF following an incident 30 laps into the most recent race at Lime Rock Park, after mechanical issues and incidents led to back-to-back DNFs in the two events at Watkins Glen International.

“Obviously, we haven’t had a great run in the last few races, but we’re looking to make amends for that,” Liddell said. “We had a good test there back in May, and Frank is pretty comfortable with the car there. The slight increase in BOP is going to help, so the car’s performance is going to be improved, which is important because of the long straights at Road America.”

DePew also feels that the long straights will help in his mental approach to the race.

“I’ve got to work on my patience and on my qualifying performance as I am not able to qualify at the level that I race. This put me behind cars that I could have put behind me in qualifying. This leads to impatience and poor decisions,” DePew said. “I need to keep the car safe – but still push to move forwards. I’ve just got to keep my head on like I have done when we have gotten results.”

Rebel Rock Racing won the Road America 120 in 2019, when Liddell charged from fourth to first in the closing turns on the final lap to give the team its second victory.

“It was a very exciting race,” Liddell recalled. “Actually, we were very lucky to get in the position we did; coming into the last corner I felt I would be happy to just finish second. Then coming up to the checkered flag, I couldn’t believe it when we were able to take the win. Sometimes you make your own luck, but sometimes luck just comes your way.”

The team will be bringing back the same car that took the Road America victory, after it has sat back in the shop since an incident at Mid-Ohio in 2020.

“This is the car that won two races for us in 2019,” Liddell said. “It was repaired at Irish Mike’s body shop and has been rebuilt by the team since the accident at Mid-Ohio last year, and now it’s back and ready to go.”

Following Road America – Round 7 of the 10-race campaign – Rebel Rock Racing travels to sunny California for a two-hour race at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Additional updates via:
http://rebelrockracing.co
https://twitter.com/rebelrockracing
https://www.instagram.com/rebelrockracing/

CHEVY NCS AT WATKINS GLEN: Team Chevy Advance

By
Official Release
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TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
GO BOWLING AT THE GLEN
WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL
WATKINS GLEN, NEW YORK
AUGUST 8, 2021

RACE #23 – WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL
The four-race push to the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Playoffs starts Sunday, August 8, at Watkins Glen International. NASCAR’s premier series will return to The Glen for the first time since 2019 after COVID-19 pandemic restrictions forced the Series to move the 2020 event to another venue.

Team Chevy’s Chase Elliott has won the past two races on the 2.45-mile, seven-turn, multi-elevation road course. Elliott earned his first-career NCS victory in 2018 at The Glen and won from the pole in 2019. The driver of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 1LE has won two of the four road course races this season and was runner-up to Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 1LE, at Sonoma Raceway. They have combined to lead 195 of 278 laps on road courses thus far this season.

Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 19 victories in 37 NASCAR Cup Series races at Watkins Glen International. Buck Baker, driving the No. 87 “Black Widow” Chevrolet Bel Air, won the 101-lap inaugural event on August 8, 1957.

Through 22 of 26 regular-season races, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 11 wins and sits atop the Manufacturer Standings. The other three races remaining in the regular season include the inaugural race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course and the ovals at Michigan International Speedway and Daytona International Speedway.

Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) will kick-off the race weekend with a doubleheader at The Glen on Saturday, August 7. Chevrolet NXS drivers will compete in the Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey 200. AJ Allmendinger is second and Justin Allgaier is third in the Driver Standings. Chevrolet continues atop the Manufacturer Standings.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) will make its seventh appearance at The Glen and first since 2000 as drivers will race in the United Rentals 176, the Series’ regular season finale and the drivers last chance in capturing their spot in the 2021 Playoffs. Team Chevy’s Sheldon Creed is fifth in the Playoff rankings, with his win at Darlington Raceway in May securing his chance at competing for a back-to-back NCWTS Championship.

CHEVROLET MAINTAINS ITS LEAD
Chevrolet continues to lead the Manufacturer Standings in the run to its 40th NASCAR Cup Series title and has three drivers in the top-ten of the standings. Kyle Larson is second, while Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron is third and reigning NCS champion Chase Elliott is sixth. Heading into the Watkins Glen race weekend, six Team Chevy drivers have locked up a spot in the Playoffs that begin September 5 at Darlington Raceway.

CLOSING IN ON A RECORD
Team Chevy’s Chase Elliott, who has won seven of the last 11 road course races in NASCAR’s premier division, is third on the NASCAR Cup Series all-time road course win list behind Jeff Gordon (nine wins) and Tony Stewart (eight). Elliott has won at more different road courses – Watkins Glen (2), Circuit of The Americas, Road America, Charlotte ROVAL (2) and Daytona Road Course – than any driver in NCS history. He has won the past two NCS races at Watkins Glen International.

ON THE WAY TO THE GREEN
With no practice or qualifying for the 90-lap/220.5-mile Go Bowling at The Glen, the starting lineup is determined by NASCAR’s metrics system that was introduced to the series last year and incorporates results from both individual races and season-long results.

Team Chevy’s Top-20 Starters:
4th Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 1LE
10th Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1 1LE
11th Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 1LE
12th Ross Chastain, No. 42 MyMcDonald’s Rewards Camaro ZL1 1LE
13th Tyler Reddick, No. 8 Chevrolet Accessories Camaro ZL1 1LE
15th William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1 1LE
16th Austin Dillon, No. 3 The Cowboy Channel Camaro ZL1 1LE
17th Kurt Busch, No. 1 Monster Energy Camaro ZL1 1LE
18th Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Kroger/Bush’s Beans Camaro ZL1 1LE

BOWTIE BULLETS
· Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 98 top-10 finishes and 2,442 laps led of 5,476 total this season.
· In addition to its 19 wins at Watkins Glen, Chevrolet has amassed 63 top-five and 128 top-10 finishes.
· Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 15 poles at Watkins Glen.
· AJ Allmendinger earned his first NCS win at Watkins Glen on August 10, 2014.
· Kurt Busch is tied for most starts at Watkins Glen among active drivers with 19.
Hendrick Motorsports leads all organizations with eight wins at Watkins Glen.
· Chase Elliott became the youngest race winner at Watkins Glen (22 years, 8 months, 8 days) on August 5, 2018.
· Elliott is the youngest pole winner at Watkins Glen (23 years, 8 months, 7 days) when he captured the pole at the NCS race in August 2019.
· Kyle Larson paces all drivers with 1,441 laps led.
· Austin Dillon is second among drivers with 99.91% of laps completed (5,471 of 5,476).
· Five Team Chevy drivers have combined for 20 stage wins: Chase Elliott (Daytona RC); William Byron (Homestead, Pocono2, Road America); Tyler Reddick (Road America); Kurt Busch (Nashville Superspeedway, Pocono1, Atlanta2); Kyle Larson (Las Vegas, Atlanta x2, Kansas, Dover x2, Charlotte x3, Sonoma x2, Nashville).

FOR THE FANS:
• Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Watkins Glen International.
• Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles including: Corvette Stingray Coupe 2LT, Trailblazer Activ, Tahoe 4WD Z71, Suburban 4WD High Country, Silverado Custom Trailboss V6.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:
• Friday, August 6: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 7: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Sunday, August 8: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

TUNE IN
NBCSN will telecast the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, Aug. 8. Live coverage can also be found on MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. On Saturday, Aug. 7, FS1 will telecast the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series United Rentals 176 at 12:30 p.m. ET, and CNBC will telecast the NASCAR Xfinity Series Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey 200 at 4 p.m. ET.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 2nd IN STANDINGS
LARSON ON RACING AT WATKINS GLEN:
“Watkins Glen isn’t my best road course track, but I enjoy racing there. It’s fun because it’s fast-paced. With little fall off (in times), you have to be aggressive the whole run and it seems you have to make some hairy passes in the braking zones to get by people.”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 1LE
DANIELS ON WATKINS GLEN COMPARED TO OTHER ROAD COURSES:
“Watkins Glen is unique because it’s so fast and there’s not a lot of fall off (in lap times due to tire wear). Some of the other road courses we’ve been to like Circuit of The Americas and Road America are fast in some areas, but there’s a lot of fall off. We’ve been fortunate to look back through the (No.) 9 team’s notes from ’18 and ’19 when they won and make the best decisions we can based on that.”

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 AXALTA CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 3rd IN STANDINGS
BYRON ON WHY HE ENJOYS RACING AT WATKINS GLEN:
“Honestly, Watkins Glen is one of the most fun racetracks we go to as a driver because it’s so fast. It gives you a chance as a driver to really get through the gears and feel the speed. That is unique for a road course but fun to do in our cars. Where when we go to these road courses that other series run on, we have to brake a lot more because our cars are so much heavier. Watkins Glen just really feels like a superspeedway for road courses. It makes it fun, fast-paced and exciting as a driver, and I’m ready to get back after we’ve had a year off from there.”

RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 AXALTA CAMARO ZL1 1LE
FUGLE ON RETURNING TO RACING AFTER THE TWO-WEEK BREAK:
“It was nice having a couple weeks off from racing but I’m ready to get back after it. We went into the break without the momentum that we hoped, so I think that the time off allowed us all to reset so we can come back even stronger for this final stretch before the playoffs. Road course racing is a strong suit of not only William but also Hendrick Motorsports. We don’t have the results on those tracks that we anticipated having but we’re going back to the basics Sunday. We’re going to go there and execute what we need and put ourselves in contention to get another win. I grew up close to there and it was the first race track I ever attended as a kid. I’ll have friends and family at the track supporting us, so ending up in victory lane would be even more special.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 6th IN STANDINGS
ELLIOTT ON RETURNING TO WATKINS GLEN:
“We are excited to get back to Watkins Glen. Any time you run well and can win somewhere, it’s always nice to go back. Winning in the Cup Series, in general, is something to be proud of in my opinion regardless of where it is or who you beat. The last couple of trips to The Glen I have enjoyed battling against Martin (Truex Jr.). I feel like we share a lot of mutual respect and have for many years so I have enjoyed those battles with him.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 11th IN STANDINGS
“I’m looking forward to going back to Watkins Glen this weekend. We didn’t get to go there last season, so it should be a lot of fun. It is a really fast track and its extremely tough. I still have a lot to learn there, but I feel like we are gaining on it. Going back there, I think we can unload really strong. Really excited to see fans back at The Glen this weekend. It is always a great crowd there and it is a really fun atmosphere every time we go. Looking forward to the challenge.”

GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE
“With the uptrend of road courses on the schedule, we have been putting a lot of emphasis on fine tuning our set ups. Alex (Bowman) has been doing a great job in dry and wet conditions and giving us great feedback to help develop the set ups. Definitely looking forward to getting to Watkins Glen.”

TYLER REDDICK, NO. 8 CHEVROLET ACCESSORIES CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 12th IN STANDINGS
“Watkins Glen International is just a really fast road course. We’ve seen how fast the recent winners like Martin Truex Jr. and Chase Elliot have been there lately. They really thread the needle and run as close to perfect as possible every single lap, so we need to be ready to step up and perform at that level. My No. 8 Chevy Accessories team has been working hard to give us the best chance we can with the cars we have underneath us. I’ve been working hard as well to be as prepared as I can be entering a race weekend and understanding everything about each track so we can start the race as close to prepared as we can. The esses are really tricky at Watkins Glen. It’s important to your lap time, as well as the bus stop which comes up shortly after them. That whole back-half of the track is so incredibly important to your lap time. There is just so much momentum in this track that you can’t afford to give anything up at any point on the course.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 THE COWBOY CHANNEL CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 13th IN STANDINGS
ANOTHER ROAD COURSE THIS WEEKEND. ANOTHER WILD CARD?
“Yeah, for sure. The road courses have turned into wildcard races. Taking care of your stuff, trying to make it to the end of these things becomes a demo-derby out there. This is going to be one of those ones that if you stay on track, you’re going to have a pretty good run. I’ve had decent runs at Watkins Glen International, but it’s been challenging to string together good finishes. I have a lot of optimism going into Watkins Glen this year, though, because our road course program has been solid this year compared to the past. We’ve put a lot of work in during the off season, and we’ve had a lot of highlights on the road courses this year, including earning stage points and decent finishes.”

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A RACETRACK LIKE WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL?
“A lot of time in the simulator, going over notes and watching old races. We try to make sure we are putting in the work beforehand. We’ve been working really hard on our road course program this year. Watkins Glen is a really fast, aggressive track. You can gain a lot by getting after it on the braking zones and it’s just a high-speed place with all of the grip in the pavement.”

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE SEASON SO FAR?
“I think we’re all on edge with our position in the points, but these next four weeks will be really telling. There’s a lot of fight in this team and we’re not giving up. I’m pleased with the consistency this No. 3 team has had this year. We show up each and every weekend and have strong, consistent cars that withstand the races. I think the next part of that evolution is just getting a little bit more speed. We would like to be where some of our other Chevy teammates are. We’re doing everything we can to lock ourselves into the NASCAR Playoffs.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 GOOD SAM CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 22nd in STANDINGS
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST EXPERIENCE WHEN YOU FIRST ARRIVED IN UPSTATE NEW YORK?
“When I first moved here to the United States, it was to Buffalo. The team owner I was going to race for, Troy Williams, lived in Buffalo. I moved there in February and it was very cold. I just remember it being so cold and there was a lot of snow. I didn’t last in Buffalo very long – only about three months before I packed my stuff and went back to Mexico. Can you imagine a kid from Mexico going to live in Buffalo in the middle of winter?”

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WATKINS GLEN?
“As a race car driver, I love coming to Watkins Glen. The fans make it so good and with all of the camping they do. The atmosphere is very good and so fun. Let me tell you, it’s a very, very fast track, especially for a road course, which makes it exciting, too.”

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 CLEAN HARBORS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 25th IN STANDINGS
TALK ABOUT YOUR THOUGHTS RETURNING TO WATKINS GLEN.
“Watkins Glen (International) is really one of my favorite road courses. Every time we go there, I get excited. Though it is a road course, it races more like a superspeedway in a lot of ways and it is a lot of fun. It’s really fast, really high-paced. Every time I have been there, I feel like we have had really good speed. I think we all feel pretty confident going up there this weekend. Hopefully, we can go up there and have the speed that we have had the last few years in the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 Clean Harbors Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE.”

COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 NATIONSGUARD CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 29th IN STANDINGS
“Ready to get back after it at Watkins Glen with the NationsGuard Chevy Camaro after two off-weekends. It’s been two years since we’ve been there, so the first stage will be just trying to get a feel for the brake zones and corner speeds again. I’m excited to see how we stack up. My road course skills have continued to get better each and every race, so hopefully we can contend for a top twenty this weekend. Watkins Glen is one of my favorite road courses because it’s fast. It’s kind of an intermediate road course, rather than slow and technical, it’s fast and flowy. I’m confident my guys at Spire will continue to build me strong race cars leading into the playoffs.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:
Total (1949-2020): 39
First title for Chevrolet: 1958
Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

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

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

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

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

2021 STATISTICS:
Wins: 11
Poles: 4
Laps Led: 2,442
Top-five finishes: 44
Top-10 finishes: 98

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:
Total Chevrolet race wins: 806 (1949 to date)
Poles won to date: 721
Laps led to date: 239,147
Top-five finishes to date: 4,109
Top-10 finishes to date: 8,500
Stage wins: 20 – Chase Elliott (Daytona RC), William Byron (Homestead, Pocono 2, Road America), Kyle Larson (Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta x2, Kansas, Dover x2, Charlotte x3, Sonoma x2, Nashville), Kurt Busch (Nashville, Pocono 1, Atlanta 2), Tyler Reddick (Road America)

Total NASCAR Cup wins by corporation, 1949 to date

       General Motors: 1,140
       Chevrolet: 806
       Pontiac: 154
       Oldsmobile: 115
       Buick: 65

       Ford: 809                                                         
       Ford: 709
       Mercury: 96
       Lincoln: 4

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

       Toyota: 158

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

CHEVY NCS AT WATKINS GLEN: Chase Elliott Press Conf. Transcript

By
Official Release
-

NASCAR CUP SERIES
GO BOWLING AT THE GLEN
WATKINS GLEN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
AUGUST 4, 2021

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE, Teleconference Transcript Highlights:

EVERYBODY IS TALKING ABOUT A POSSIBLE THREE-PEAT FOR YOU AT WATKINS GLEN THIS WEEKEND. CAN YOU TELL YOUR FANS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF RACING AT THE GLEN?
“I think the most challenging part about Watkins Glen is passing. It’s a race track that has a lot of grip and you kind of get in a rhythm and there are not a lot of passing zones. A lot of the heavy braking zones are after some fast straightaways or the esses, which are really aero-dependent. If you have clean air, you can certainly get through that section faster than you would if you were directly behind somebody, and that leads to an opportunity in the bus stop, but it’s just hard to get close. I think passing, to me, is the first thing that comes to mind. Track position is huge. Positioning yourself well for that second to last run and last pit stop, and obviously the last run of the race.”

HOW MUCH TIME HAVE YOU SPENT IN THE SIMULATOR FOR THIS RACE?
“Not a ton. I think, for us, we look back at prior races and the things that we’ve developed and worked on. We had a test up there like pretty early on, for me, like 2016; I think it was my first year. It’s days like that more so than I do at the SIM and just how we’ve built on that from race to race and how we’ve improved in real life, which I feel like is way more important.”

WHAT IS IT ABOUT ROAD COURSES THAT SEEM TO COME SO NATURALLY TO YOU?
“I wish I knew. I really don’t feel like I do anything spectacularly special, more, or very different at those places. But again, we’ve had a good package as a company. The No. 9 team now used to be the No. 24 team, and Jeff (Gordon) had a lot of successes on road courses. Alan (Gustafson, crew chief) has a great understanding and a little history of road racing, too, prior to NASCAR. So, I feel like we’ve focused on things that matter and we’ve developed a good package. But as I always say, things are evolving and changing as time goes, and we’ve got to continue to push and be better, too. We know our competition is, and we’ll give it our best shot and see where we stack up this weekend, just like always.”

THERE IS A FAN AT WATKINS GLEN WHO SUNBURNS THE NO. 9 ON HIS CHEST. YOU’VE HAD A COUPLE OF INTERACTIONS WITH HIM. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THAT?
“Yeah, just a passionate fan which I think is amazing. I got to see him a couple of times. I specifically remember seeing him after the first win up there a few years ago. Yeah, I mean, what else can you say? The guy is committed. I’m not sure we could ask for anything more. The fans up there have been awesome. That will forever be a special place to me, whether we ever run good there again, or not. Your first of anything is special and especially that first Cup win for me. Watkins Glen will always hold a special spot and certainly that gentleman, for his passion and commitment to not just wear a t-shirt, but he reps the No. 9 for free, which is cool.”

HOW MUCH HAS YOUR LIFE CHANGED SINCE THAT FIRST CUP WIN? AND THEN, YOU CAME BACK TO WIN AGAIN. THIS TRACK HAS A SPECIAL PLACE IN YOUR HEART.
“To be honest, I’m not sure my life has really changed a lot since that first win. A lot of things have happened, obviously, since then. From a professional standpoint, I feel like I have been a better race car driver since then. I would like to think I have developed off the track too, in growing up; like anybody would as you progress through your twenties. Certainly, I think things have changed. I think I’ve developed. I think I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned a lot of lessons since then. But I’m not sure my life, my day-to-day life, is a ton different. I’m still surrounded by a good family and friends. At the end of the day, that’s what’s important. And I’m not sure that has changed because I think it’s a good thing.”

YOU RAN THERE LAST YEAR ON THE BIG COURSE, BUT WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE INDIANAPOLIS ROAD COURSE COMPARED TO SOME OF THE OTHER INFIELD ROAD COURSES?
“Did we? I don’t remember ever running good at the oval. Well, I wouldn’t call it an oval. Apparently, I try to block that one out because I don’t really remember doing good up there. Yeah, you know, that road course to me, is not going to be your average infield road course. That place was the host of an F-1 event, many INDYCAR events over the years, and obviously Xfinity last year. It was laid out probably more like a traditional road course, you know, a place that was kind of made for it and has a little more flow to it than some of the infield tracks that we see, like the ROVAL. A lot of these tracks have infield tracks. We just might not go to them. But I think it’ll be more like a normal road course, more so than the ROVAL. One thing about those types of tracks is they don’t have any elevation really. And that, to me, is kind of what makes them different. Charlotte has a little more elevation and up and down than you might think, but watching that race last year, the thing that stood out to me the most was it is super-flat. There is really no up and down to it. So, I think that could be a little different than the norm.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS OF A THREE-PEAT AT WATKINS GLEN?
“I’m just excited to be going back. I’m looking forward to the challenge. Every time you go to the track, look, it’s always going to be tough. As I’ve said many times before, past success doesn’t equal future success and I don’t think that’s any different this weekend. I anticipate everybody else will be better than they were last time we were up there; and we just try to make sure we match it ourselves to have another shot.”

YOU ARE THE FIRST CUP DRIVER TO HAVE THE DUAL TITLE OF DEFENDING CUP CHAMPION AND REIGNING MOST POPULAR DRIVER. DOES THAT COME WITH ANY ADDED SENSE OF PRESSURE OR RESPONSIBILITY?
“I don’t think so. I feel the most important things are just the folks in your inner circle. While I’m appreciative of the fans and the things they’ve done for me and the opportunities they’ve given me and the support they’ve shown, that’s not me downgrading that or not appreciating it, but I put a lot of emphasis on the folks that directly surround me that have an impact on either my day-to-day life or our performance at the race track on the weekend. The outside opinions beyond that are just development, really. At the end of the day, if it’s not going to make us go faster or make my life at home better, then it really doesn’t deserve any attention. And that’s just kind of how I’ve viewed it and as I’ve grown and gone along this journey. The more and more I realize how true that is. I think the more to your life how true that is, or just the less you care about everybody else’s opinion, and that’s just continued to prove true.”

YOU ARE JUST ONE ROAD COURSE RACE WIN AWAY FROM TYING TONY STEWART, WHO IS SECOND IN ALL-TIME IN ROAD COURSE WINS. WITH THAT, AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIN THIS RACE AT THE GLEN THREE TIMES IN A ROW, HOW MUCH ADDED PRESSURE IS THERE?
“Same answer. There’s not. I think, for me, it’s a great honor to be even on the same page as Tony or Jeff (Gordon). Whether we can ever get there or not, to even be in the same sentence, or like I said, on the same page, I think is very cool. For me, that’s not going to play a role in how I wake up Sunday morning or how I prepare for this weekend or how we go about our race. Again, if it’s not going to make us go faster, I really don’t care about it. And me, worrying about the stat sheet, is not going to do that. While I appreciate it and I think it’s a very cool achievement, it’s not at the forefront of my focus.”

PRIOR TO YOUR CUP SUCCESS IN ROAD COURSE RACING, YOU DID HAVE A WIN IN THE TRUCK SERIES AND IN K&N WEST. DID YOU ANTICIPATE SUCCESS AT THE CUP LEVEL AT THOSE TYPES OR DID YOU HAVE OTHER TRACKS YOU WERE FOCUSED ON?
“No, I wouldn’t say so. I’ve always taken it week by week. But no, I didn’t think just because we won a truck race and won a K&N race at a road course that certainly our first win would be there. I feel like it was kind of random, really. I’m not really sure why that’s been. But yeah, it’s been fun and we’re proud of our accomplishments. But we also are hungry for me and will try to do that this weekend.”

WITH WHAT WE’VE SEEN AT THE TOKYO OLYMPICS, AS DEFENDING CHAMPION AND MOST POPULAR DRIVER YOURSELF, CAN YOU DESCRIBE TO ME HOW IMPORTANT MENTAL HEALTH IS FOR YOU?
“I think mental health is important for everybody. I think you have to respect that. Being in a good place mentally is key to success in all walks of life, I feel like. I support that. I think everybody should be sharp in their head, and make sure their head is in the right place. I support it. I think it’s vital to be happy and to do a good job professionally. That’s a key element in doing that. So, it should matter.”

MARTIN TRUEX, JR. HAS BEEN YOUR MAIN OPPONENT AT THE GLEN. WHAT DO YOU HAVE, PERSONALLY OR CREW-WISE, COMPARED TO TRUEX THAT YOU SEE AS AD ADVANTAGE THESE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS?
“I’m not sure. Martin is a good road racer. We’ve seen that throughout his entire career. He’s had a lot of success. I’ve enjoyed racing against him these last couple of years up there. But I’m not sure. The last time we went, two years ago, I felt like he was every bit as good as us, if not probably better. I think if he’d ever gotten the lead from me, I don’t feel like we would have been able to get him back. And typically, when a guy stays that close to you for that amount of time, they’re typically faster than you are. We know that. I knew that then. But we ran a good race and were able to hold him off. That being said, I know we have to be better to go back up there and challenge again. And we’ll see how it all plays out. But yeah, I don’t really know the correct answer to your question. Martin is very good and always has been and I don’t expect this weekend to be any different.”

GOING BACK TO 750HP AND LOW DOWNFORCE, DO YOU SEE MORE PASSING AND THAT TRUEX COULD POSSIBLY CHALLENGE YOU MORE?
“I don’t know. I feel like we, as drivers, push to the limit of the grip that we have in the tire and in the car. So, whether that’s 550 hp or 750, or 1,000 or 250, I feel like we’re always going to find that limit. And behind the wheel, if you’re living kind of on that edge and finding limits of what you have to work with grip-wise, that’s all you’ve got. That’s it. So, we’re always going to find that, or at least the guys that run up-front on any given weekend, have found it better than others; or hit their balance right, or whatever. So, we’ll see. I’m not sure what the weekend will bring. But I’ll find out, right alongside you.”

REGARDING HIGH HORSEPOWER, WAS THERE ANYTHING YOU LEARNED AT SONOMA WITH THOSE DIFFERENCES THAT YOU CAN APPLY TO THE GLEN AND NOT HAVING THAT PACKAGE FOR REALLY ABOUT THREE YEARS?
“Great question again. Honestly, going back to Sonoma I don’t know if it was because we had a year in between but man, if you would have asked me then if I felt any different than the last time I raced there, I would have said no. To me, it was just the same Sonoma. I’m sure it will be a little different. And I’m sure you might see little, small changes, but I just don’t see it changing the overall complexion of the event. And again, like I said a second ago, I think we always kind of find that edge of what’s available grip-wise. If you have more downforce, you might go a little faster but you’re still on the edge of what you have to work with. And if you have a little less downforce, you might go a little slower, but we’re still going to be on the edge with what we have to work with. So, I don’t really see it being a ton different.”
Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

World Wide Technology Raceway supporting St. Louis Area Foodbank’s #DriveOutHunger campaign during August 20-21 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 INDYCAR Weekend

By
Official Release
-

Fans encouraged to donate non-perishable food items at the track

August 5, 2021, St. Louis Region – World Wide Technology Raceway, the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA in the St. Louis-Metro East region, will be working in conjunction with the St. Louis Area Foodbank to feed those experiencing hunger during its August 20-21 Bommarito Automotive Group 500 weekend. Fans attending the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races at WWTR are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the track to help #DriveOutHunger. Donation bins will be located at the fan entrances.

WWTR already has been working with the St. Louis Area Foodbank, collecting non-perishable food items at select local events and in its lobby.

The best items to donate include non-perishable food items such as canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, and peanut butter. There is also a great need for personal care items including shampoo, conditioner, and feminine product as well as household items such as toilet paper and paper towels. For a full list of the best items to donate visit https://stlfoodbank.org/get-involved/food-drives/.

The St. Louis Area Foodbank distributes food to more than 600 area food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other feeding programs throughout 26 area counties (14 in eastern Missouri and 12 in southwestern Illinois).

With each dollar, the St. Louis Area Foodbank can provide four meals to hungry people in the bi-state region.

The St. Louis Area Foodbank distributed more than 55.1 million pounds of food in the past year, which equates to more than 44 million meals for our neighbors in need. The Foodbank is the bi-state region’s largest nonprofit 501(c)(3) food distribution center dedicated to making sure making sure no one goes to bed hungry. One in six people in the bi-state region need food assistance.

Tickets now are on sale for the August 20-21 Bommarito Automotive 500 Weekend, featuring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES (the cars and stars of the Indianapolis 500), NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 200, Indy Lights and Indy Pro 200 races and vintage Indy car exhibitions. Tickets may be purchased by calling the WWTR ticket office at (618) 215-8888, online at www.WWTRaceway.com or at the WWTR ticket office at 700 Raceway Blvd., Madison, Illinois. WWTR is located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis. Follow WWTR on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram.

About World Wide Technology Raceway

World Wide Technology Raceway is the home of INDYCAR, NASCAR and NHRA racing in the St. Louis region. Located just five minutes from downtown St. Louis and covering more than 600 acres, WWTR is the largest outdoor entertainment facility in the area. WWTR’s facilities include a 1/4-mile drag strip, 1.25-mile superspeedway, recently-expanded 2.0-mile road course, a state-of-the-art karting facility, a 14-acre, multi-purpose dirt off-road venue and the Gateway Drive-In Theater at World Wide Technology Raceway (a drive-in entertainment venue able to accommodate 3,000 cars). WWTR acquired Gateway National Golf Links, adjacent to the speedway property, in 2019. WWTR was the recipient of the 2017 Outstanding Facility of the Year Award from the Race Track Business Conference and the 2017 Spirit of St. Louis Award from the St. Louis Attractions Association. In 2018, owner and CEO Curtis Francois received the Innovator Award from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission in recognition of his work for restoring World Wide Technology Raceway (known then as Gateway Motorsports Park) to prominence. In 2020, WWTR received the Track Award at the annual NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards. The 2021 season marks the 10th year of Francois’ ownership of the facility.

Taylor Hanson Named Recipient Of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s First Jimmie Johnson Scholarship

By
Official Release
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Central Cabarrus High graduate Taylor Hanson received Charlotte Motor Speedway’s first Jimmie Johnson Scholarship. The scholarship program honors Johnson’s commitment to physical fitness and is presented annually to a deserving Cabarrus County high school senior with career pursuits in fitness, nutrition or exercise science. (CMS photo)

CONCORD, NC (Aug. 5, 2021) — Charlotte Motor Speedway awarded Central Cabarrus High graduate Taylor Hanson with the first Jimmie Johnson Scholarship, speedway officials announced on Thursday.

Established in October of 2020 to honor seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, the $4,800 scholarship goes to a deserving Cabarrus County high school senior with career pursuits in fitness, nutrition or exercise science. The scholarship will assist one prospective college student per year for the next 10 years.

“Being the first recipient of the Jimmie Johnson Scholarship means a lot to me,” said Hanson, who dined with her family in The Speedway Club after learning she was the recipient. “It reflects on all of the hard work I’ve put in and the hard work I’ll put in in college. I take a lot of pride in being a positive influence in school and in my community.”

Hanson will attend North Carolina Central University in Durham, North Carolina, where she plans to major in kinesiology as an undergraduate before pursuing a master’s degree and a career in athletic training.

In addition to graduating Summa Cum Laude from Central Cabarrus, Hanson was also a member of organizations including the National Honor Society, the National Beta Club and the National Technical Honor Society. She competed on Central Cabarrus’ track and field and cross-country teams and will continue to run track and cross-country at North Carolina Central.

Hanson’s commencement ceremony took place in June at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“Having Taylor receive this scholarship is such an honor,” said Hanson’s mother, Fannie. “It speaks to how hard she’s worked in school not only to set herself apart from others, but to also have an impact on everyone around her. We’re all very proud of her.”

Charlotte Motor Speedway created the Jimmie Johnson Scholarship to honor the legendary driver’s passion for physical fitness. Johnson – the speedway’s all-time most successful NASCAR Cup Series driver with eight points wins – joined his wife, Chandra, in launching the Jimmie Johnson Foundation in 2006 to support K-12 public education. The scholarship in Johnson’s name represents the speedway’s efforts to mirror Johnson’s foundation in positively impacting students’ academic aspirations.

Kris Wright and Rette Jones Racing hunt victory at Watkins Glen

By
Official Release
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WATKINS GLEN, N.Y.: Fresh off a modest top-10 finish in this past Saturday night’s Calypso Lemonade 200 at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway, Kris Wright and Rette Jones Racing invade the Finger Lakes of New York ready to pull an upset and win Friday evening’s Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen.

Watkins Glen marks the fourth and final planned race of a limited ARCA Menards Series schedule with the Mooresville, N.C.-based team.

With two top-10 finishes in three races entering the final ARCA road course race of the season, Wright and his Mark Rette-led team are eager to get a second chance to turn left and right after getting spun on the first lap at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in early June.

“We had such a fantastic race car in June but really didn’t have anything to show for it,” said Wright who finished eighth at Mid-Ohio after getting one of his two lost laps back.

“Mark and the Rette Jones Racing team set the race car perfectly and we did put some pressure on the leaders late in the race – but it was more about give and take and making sure we had something we could take to Watkins Glen.”

Wright, 26, has already been dubbed a pre-race favorite for the 13th ARCA race of the season considering his road course racing accomplishments outside of NASCAR and his prior experience at the 2.450-mile, 11-turn road course.

Wright began his transition to stock cars last season following a successful stint in Sports Cars, including a second-place finish in the LMP2 class in the 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona.

The Wexford, Pa. native also claimed the IMSA Prototype Challenge championship (LMP3) in 2019 after scoring the IMSA Prototype Challenge Rookie of the Year honors in 2017.

Last June, Wright also competed in two ARCA Menards Series West races on the road course of Utah Motorsports Campus where he finished second and third, respectively.

Following the ARCA Menards Series race, Wright will also compete in Saturday’s Xfinity Series race driving for Sam Hunt Racing. The 82-lap race will be his fifth start of 2021.

“It’s no surprise to anyone that I am a fan of road courses,” added Wright. “I think I have a very good craft when it comes to passing and braking and I’d like to showcase that not only on Friday but Saturday too.”
His experience at WGI hails from his impressive season in IMSA Prototype Challenge competition.

“I love Watkins Glen. It’s the place of my first IMSA Pro win in 2017,” he added. “It should be interesting though to run the Cup layout because all I’ve ever run is the whole track.

“This is my last planned ARCA Menards Series start of the season at this point and I’d like to do nothing more than not only earn my best finish in the series but hopefully put Rette Jones Racing back in Victory Lane.”

Long-time Wright partner Wright Automotive Group will serve as the primary marketing partner for Wright’s third ARCA start of the season.

Since 1927, family-owned and operated Wright Automotive Group and WrightCars.com has been serving the Pittsburg area’s automotive needs featuring its Chevrolet, Buick, GMS, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Lotus, Genesis and Explorer Vans brands.

They offer an extensive selection of new and pre-owned inventory in Pennsylvania.

Find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle at Wright Automotive Group.

“We had a good rebound from Pocono last weekend at Winchester, but everyone is amped up for Watkins Glen,” offered Rette. “We’re going to Watkins Glen with our mission on winning. We felt like we had one of the fastest cars at Mid-Ohio but getting bunted at Lap 1 – we never had a chance to fully recover.

“Kris has done an amazing job for us and I’d like nothing more than to end our schedule together with his best finish in the series.”

In his previous eight ARCA Menards Series races, Wright has four career top-10 finishes, including a career-high seventh twice at Lebanon I-44 Speedway and Kansas Speedway in 2020.

In addition to Wright Automotive Group, iHeart Radio, F.N.B. Corporation, PPG, Ford Performance, Goodridge Fluid Transfer Systems, Jones Group Demolition and Abatement and JRi Shocks join the team as partners this weekend.

RJR is co-owned by Canadian entrepreneur and former race car driver Terry Jones.

For more on Kris Wright, please visit, kriswrightmotorsports.com, like him on Facebook (Kris Wright Racing) and follow him on Twitter (@KrisOnNASCAR).

For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing) or follow them on Twitter (@RetteJones30).

The Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen (41 laps | 100.45 miles) is the 13th of 20 races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series schedule. A combined practice and qualifying session is set from 3:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (ET).

About Rette Jones Racing:

Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the intent of building a successful racing operation built around the fundamentals of hard work and a never give up attitude.

Owned by racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR plan to field a full-time entry in 2021 in the ARCA Menards Series East, while also hopeful to field vehicles in the ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

The winning ARCA East team also offers technical and setup intel as part of its technical alliance partnership program.

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