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Lawless Alan to Join Niece Motorsports for Multiple Races in 2021, Starting at Darlington

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 5, 2021) – Lawless Alan (www.lawlessalanracing.com) is set to join Niece Motorsports for several NASCAR Camping World Truck Series events in 2021. His first race with the team will come at Darlington Raceway on September 5.

Alan has also been tapped to run the finale at Phoenix Raceway for the team on November 5.

“I’ve learned a lot in the truck races we’ve run so far, and being able to continue that education with a championship-caliber team is a great opportunity,” said Alan. “I appreciate Mr. Niece and Cody [Efaw] putting me in the seat, and I plan on making the most of it. Darlington is a challenging track and another one that I’ve never been to, so I’ll be putting time in on the sim and watching film, and hopefully I can have a good showing in the AUTOParkit Chevrolet and learn some things for next year.”

Alan continues to gain experience in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, with four races so far, all coming this season. The 21-year-old driver made starts at the Daytona Road Course, Circuit of the Americas, Nashville, and Pocono.

“Steel sharpens steel, which is why we are excited for Lawless to be part of Niece Motorsports for these races,” said Shawn Adams, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for AUTOParkit. “It allows Lawless the opportunity to compete, contribute to the team, and most importantly learn for next year, when we hope to have him running for a championship. Lawless continues to be an excellent representative of AUTOParkit, meticulously preparing for every opportunity and relentlessly attacking each race in its entirety.”

Alan won the 2018 Track Championship at Irwindale Speedway in the NASCAR WHELEN Late Model Series. In 2019 Lawless won Rookie of the Year honors in Trans Ams TA2 Series and most recently won the 2020 Silver State Road Course Winter Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Alan has also won the Late Model Winter Showdown at Kern County Raceway, where he qualified on the pole and set a new track record in the process.

“We’re excited for the chance to get Lawless in our Chevrolets,” said Niece Motorsports General Manager Cody Efaw. “He’s proven himself to be a talented driver, so we’re thrilled to have him behind the wheel. Darlington is one of my favorite tracks, and our team has run well there in the past, so it should be a great start to his races with our team.”

The Truck Series will take the green flag at the Darlington Raceway on Sunday, September 5th at 1:30 PM ET, airing live on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2021, Niece Motorsports enters its sixth season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

About AUTOParkit:
AUTOParkit™ is designed, manufactured, and constructed by Dasher Lawless Automation, LLC. These autonomous parking systems are for new and existing buildings and can potentially double the parking capacity compared to traditional ramped concrete parking structures. AUTOParkit’s sustainable approach to autonomous parking provides up to 17 LEED points; reduces construction time due to a modular/scalable architecture; provides automated swapping of EVs to reduce electric vehicle charging infrastructure by up to 10X; is 40% less expensive to operate since it is automated; is safer for the user, and delivers a necessary, convenient alternative to an escalating global problem.

For more information on AUTOParkit, visit www.autoparkit.com
For more information on Dasher Lawless Automation, visit www.dasherlawless.com

Follow on Instagram:
Lawless Alan / @lawless_alan
Dasher Lawless Racing / @dasherlawlessracing

Young’s Motorsports Watkins Glen International Truck Series Team Preview

By
Official Release
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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International | United Rentals 176
Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Kaz Grala

Primary Partner(s): Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries | Sim Seats

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado

Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis

2021 Driver Points Position: 38th

2021 Owner Points Position: 20th

Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis No. 016

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Returning To The Finger Lakes: For the first time since 2000, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will make left and right turns at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International for their third and final road course start of the 2021 NCWTS season.

The Truck Series was held each year at Watkins Glen from 1996 to 2000, with Greg Biffle winning the series’ last race there in June of 2000. Road-course expert Ron Fellows won Watkins Glen’s truck event in 1997 and 1999.

The event located in Schuyler County is among the 16 national series’ tripleheader events in 2021.

Take III: Young’s Motorsports is thrilled to have former series’ winner Kaz Grala return to the seat of the No. 02 Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries | Sim Seats Chevrolet Silverado for his third road course event of the season with the team.

Primary No. 02 pilot Kris Wright will be focusing on his NASCAR Xfinity Series opportunity this weekend at Watkins Glen.

Young’s Motorsports Recap: Grala has impressed in both of his Young’s Motorsports races this year in February on the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway Road Course and most recently in May at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

At COTA, Grala narrowly missed the pole position and was in strong contention for Young’s Motorsports second career Truck Series victory, leading 11 laps before finishing second, the best performance for Young’s Motorsports since winning at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in October 2019.

Entering the United Rentals 176, Young’s Motorsports No. 02 team is eyeing its second top-five and third top-10 overall thus far in 2021.

Welcome Aboard: Supporting Grala for the 15th Truck Series race of 2021, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Texas-based Young’s Building Systems and Randco Industries Inc. as the primary marketing partners on Grala’s aboard the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado for the United Rentals 176.

Proud Partner: Sim Seats, an innovative leader in driving simulators has also stepped up to support Grala for the 72-lap race Saturday afternoon and be displayed on the television panel of the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado.

Since 2009, Sim Seats has been designing and fabricating high-quality made-in-the-USA driving simulators including motion systems, triple monitor mounts, sim racing accessories, complete turn-key iRacing ready packages and even custom fabrication.

Their customer base includes all racers from amateur to pro ranks.

Sim Seats joined Young’s Motorsports as a team partner in June 2021.

Kaz Grala Truck Series Watkins Glen Stats: Saturday afternoon’s United Rentals 176 at WGI will mark Grala’s first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the 2.450-mile road course.

However, Grala does have prior Watkins Glen experience with three ARCA Menards Series East and one NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the 11-turn road course.

Kaz Grala Truck Series Road Course Stats: At NASCAR Camping World Truck Series tracks classified as a road course, Grala has made four starts throughout his career with two top-five and three top-10 finishes. He also carries a road course average finishing position of 9.8.

Kaz Grala Career Truck Series Rundown: Since 2016, Grala has competed in 35 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, delivering one pole, one win, six top-five and 17 top-10 finishes.

He earned his first career NCWTS victory in 2017 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, driving the No. 33 Kiklos Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil Chevrolet Silverado for GMS Racing.

Solid Pace For Young’s Motorsports: With eight races remaining in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season, Young’s Motorsports sits a solid 20th in the series’ owner standings with a handful of drivers.

In addition to Grala and Wright, NASCAR Xfinity Series winner Josh Berry, NASCAR Cup Series’ standout Daniel Suarez and USAC Triple Crown champion Chris Windom have all piloted the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet in the 14 races thus far of 2021.

In one of the most competitive Truck Series seasons on record, the team has collected one top-five, two top-10s, four top-15s and nine top-25 efforts collectively.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Grala as crew chief of the No. 02 Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries | Sim Seats Chevrolet Silverado is longtime crew chief Eddie Troconis.

Troconis is a two-time winning crew chief in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and comes to Young’s Motorsports after tenures at ThorSport Racing, AM Racing and Sam Hunt Racing (Xfinity Series) respectively.

He will crew chief his 137th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday. In his previous 136 races, he has two wins, 23 top-five and 46 top-10 finishes to his resume.

Troconis touted as a gifted engineer will make his first crew chief start at Watkins Glen this weekend.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Kaz Grala, please visit, kazgrala.com, like him on Facebook (Kaz Grala) and follow him on Twitter (@KazGrala).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Kaz Grala Pre-Race Quote:

On Watkins Glen: “I’m so excited to have another opportunity to compete for Young’s Motorsports this weekend at Watkins Glen. I can’t thank Tyler (Young), Randy (Young), Eddie (Troconis, crew chief) and the entire Young’s Motorsports team for the chance.

“I’d love nothing more than go to Watkins Glen and finish what we started at Circuit of the Americas and bring home another win for Young’s Motorsports and their partners.

“It should be another fun weekend.”
No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Tate Fogleman

Primary Partner(s): Banana Pepper Sauce

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado

Crew Chief: Ryan “Pickle” London

2021 Driver Points Position: 20th

2021 Owner Points Position: 30th

Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis No. 015

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Returning To The Finger Lakes: For the first time since 2000, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will make left and right turns at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International for their third and final road course start of the 2021 NCWTS season.

The Truck Series was held each year at Watkins Glen from 1996 to 2000, with Greg Biffle winning the series’ last race there in June of 2000. Road-course expert Ron Fellows won Watkins Glen’s truck event in 1997 and 1999.

The event located in Schuyler County is among the 16 national series’ tripleheader events in 2021.

Welcome To The No. 12 Team: This weekend at Watkins Glen, Fogleman’s No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado will adorn the primary colors of Ben & Pat’s Sauce Company – promoting its Banana Pepper Sauce.

The concept of a hot banana pepper sauce was born out of two friends love for banana pepper and bacon pizza.

Ben Thayer and Pat Halloran, college buddies and basketball teammates at Bates College in Maine, experimented until their sauce formula was perfected. Sourced from farms from North Carolina to Florida, the hot banana peppers are the key to their Made In America goodness.

Tate Fogleman Truck Series Watkins Glen Stats: Saturday afternoon’s United Rentals 176 at WGI will mark Fogleman’s first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the 2.450-mile road course.

This weekend, however, will be his third road course race of the season. Earlier this season, Fogleman competed on the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway Road Course and Circuit of the Americas (COTA) Road Course.

Tate Fogleman Truck Series Road Course Stats: At NASCAR Camping World Truck Series tracks classified as a road course, Fogleman has made three starts throughout his career carrying an average finishing position of 21.0.

Knoxville Raceway | Corn Belt 150 Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Knoxville Raceway, Tate Fogleman made his 40th NCWTS start.

Starting 28th, Fogleman methodically worked his way forward throughout the race and withstood multiple late-race crashes and overtime finishes to collect a career-best Truck Series finish of ninth.

Fogleman’s ninth-place effort eclipses a previous career-best of 13th at Michigan International Speedway last August.

To The Point(s): Entering Watkins Glen, Fogleman sits 20th in the championship standings.

118 points separate Fogleman from 15th in the championship standings currently held by Austin Wayne Self with eight races remaining.

Young’s Motorsports’ No. 12 team has climbed to 30th in the NCWTS owner standings.

Did You Know?: 21-year-old Fogleman is the son of Jay Fogleman a former competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and a 10-time winner in what is now known as the CARS Tour Series.

He is also a business major at High Point University and has a strong passion for fishing.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Fogleman as crew chief of the No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado is crew chief Ryan London.

He will crew chief his 39th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday afternoon. In his previous 38 races, he has one top-five and three top-10 finishes to his resume.

This weekend marks his first race as crew chief at Watkins Glen.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Tate Fogleman, please like him on Facebook (Tate Fogelman Racing) and follow him on Instagram (tatefogleman) and Twitter (@tate_fogleman).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Tate Fogleman Pre-Race Quotes:

On Watkins Glen International: “Our Young’s Motorsports No. 12 team is still feeling great from our finish a couple of weeks ago at Knoxville Raceway. We head to Watkins Glen with an optimistic approach and a goal to stay on track and earn the best finish possible.

“I continue to improve my road racing craft and no doubt another road course race will give me an opportunity to elevate those skills even more and have another strong and successful weekend for our No. 12 Banana Pepper Sauce Chevrolet Silverado.”

On 2021 Season: “I’m proud of everyone on this Young’s Motorsports team – we are finally going in the right direction.

“We had a stout race at Knoxville. My first career top-10 finish and my first top-10 with Young’s Motorsports. It’s exactly what we needed to try and turn our season around and give us a boost for the rest of the season.”
No. 20 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Spencer Boyd

Primary Partner(s): E1 Motorsports

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado

Crew Chief: Joe Lax

2021 Driver Points Position: 26th

2021 Owner Points Position: 36th

Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis 05

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Returning To The Finger Lakes: For the first time since 2000, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will make left and right turns at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International for their third and final road course start of the 2021 NCWTS season.

The Truck Series was held each year at Watkins Glen from 1996 to 2000, with Greg Biffle winning the series’ last race there in June of 2000. Road-course expert Ron Fellows won Watkins Glen’s truck event in 1997 and 1999.

The event located in Schuyler County is among the 16 national series’ tripleheader events in 2021.

No. 104: This weekend at Watkins Glen, Boyd will make his 104th career NASCAR start. Boyd has three starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, 42 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and will make his 59th start in Trucks when the green flag waves Saturday afternoon.

The highlight of his NASCAR career is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in October 2019 driving for Young’s Motorsports.

Welcome Back To The Team: This weekend at Watkins Glen, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back E1 Motorsports as the primary partner on the No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado.

Founded in 2014, E1 Motorsports initially began as a parts drop shipper for automotive enthusiasts on national auto forums and local Facebook groups. E1 Motorsports has grown into a 14,000 sq. ft. full-service automotive repair and customization facility.

Offering Genuine, OE, OEM, and Aftermarket maintenance and repair parts, as well as high-performance accessories, there isn’t a need you have that E1 Motorsports can’t resolve.

Spencer Boyd Truck Series Watkins Glen Stats: Saturday afternoon’s United Rentals 176 at WGI will mark Boyd’s first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the 2.450-mile road course.

This weekend, however, will be his second road course race of the season. Earlier this season, Boyd competed on the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February.

Spencer Boyd Truck Series Road Course Stats: At NASCAR Camping World Truck Series tracks classified as a road course, Boyd has made two starts throughout his career carrying an average finishing position of 28.0.

To The Point(s): Entering Watkins Glen, Boyd sits 26th in the championship standings.

48 points separate Boyd from 20th in the championship standings currently held by teammate Tate Fogleman with eight races remaining this season.

Young’s Motorsports’ No. 20 team also secures 36th in the NCWTS owner standings.

Chasing That W: Boyd is eyeing his second career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory for himself and Young’s Motorsports.

In 2019 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Boyd pulled an upset during the Truck Series Playoffs by winning the Sugarland Shines 250 at the 2.66-mile superspeedway edging Todd Gilliland by 0.027 seconds.

Truck Series Rundown: In five years of Truck Series competition, Boyd has 58 career Truck Series starts with one win, two top-five and two top-10 finishes and a championship best of 17th in 2019.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Boyd as crew chief of the No. 20 E1 Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado is veteran crew chief Joe Lax.

He will crew chief his 69th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday. In his previous 68 races, he has one pole and six top-10 finishes to his resume.

This weekend marks his first race as crew chief at Watkins Glen.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Spencer Boyd, please like him on Facebook (Spencer Boyd Racing) and follow him on Instagram (SpencerBoydpr) and Twitter (@SpencerBoyd).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Spencer Boyd Pre-Race Quotes:

On Watkins Glen International: “It’s awesome to see the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series return to Watkins Glen for the first time in more than two decades.

“Excited to get to the Glen for sure. Road-course racing is fun and the Glen is where I made my NASCAR road racing debut in 2018 in the Xfinity Series.

“We were having a solid run on the Daytona Road Course when circumstances beyond our control hindered our finish. It’s our mission to go to Watkins Glen and see if we can maintain a similar performance with a strong finish to propel us to Gateway.”

On E1 Motorsports Partnership: “E1 (Motorsports) has been on my truck for almost every race over the past few years. They are a great partner and sometimes I spend way too long on their Instagram page.

“I’m so happy to see them on the hood at The Glen because so many of their loyal followers are sports car enthusiasts and there is no better place than The Glen to showcase their brand.”
Race Information:

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.

TPC Racing Set For Battle at Road America in Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Porsche Carrera Cup North America

By
Official Release
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ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin (August 5, 2021) – TPC Racing returns to Road America this weekend, bringing the No. 38 Lamborghini Sterling/Erin Levitas Foundation Lamborghini Huracan for a Lamborghini Super Trofeo doubleheader and the No. 10 Main Street Homes/TPC Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup for a pair of Porsche Carrera Cup North America contests. Both championships are a part of the IMSA SportsCar Weekend at Road America.

Scott Schmidt and Trevor Andrusko will co-drive in the Am class of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo in 50-minute races, which take place at 12:40 p.m. CDT on Saturday, August 7 and at 10:50 a.m. on Sunday, August 8. Vernon McClure returns to his Porsche Carrera Cup machine for 45-minute sprints at 11:35 a.m. CDT on Saturday and 9:45 a.m. CDT on Sunday. All four races can be seen live at IMSA.com/tv.

Schmidt and Andrusko’s appearance at Road America comes in spectacular fashion. An in-race crash at VIR left the team’s original Huracan unable to be repaired, which led to the duo driving at Watkins Glen in a spare car borrowed from Wayne Taylor Racing.

On July 16, a truck pulled into the team’s shop in Jessup, Maryland, with a bare chassis and several boxes of pieces and parts. The crew went to work, assembling and attaching each part to the bare frame and assembling a brand-new car in less than three weeks.

With the assembly, Schmidt and Andrusko head to Road America sitting seventh in the Am class championship.

“It’s been a challenging few weeks at the TPC Racing shop but the guys have really answered the call,” Harris Levitas, Director of Race Operations, said. “The car is together and sound, and though we didn’t get much of a chance to shake it down before it went on the truck we’ll do what we need to do at Road America. This will be another great learning opportunity for Scott and Trevor, coming to the track for the first time.”

McClure heads into the Porsche Carrera Cup North America weekend just six days from a podium finish in Porsche Sprint Challenge for the previous-generation Porsche 911 GT3 Cup car. That event helped McClure get back up to speed, earn a result, and serve as prep for this weekend’s doubleheader.

“Vernon had a great run last weekend, and has continued to learn this new 992-generation Porsche each time he’s been in the car,” Levitas said. “If he can keep moving forward like that, Road America is a place that he can finish well. TPC Racing has a long history of podiums at Road America in Porsche championships, and we’re going to do our best to keep that going this weekend.”

The Lamborghini Super Trofeo event began with a Thursday afternoon practice session, but heats up in earnest on Friday when Carrera Cup makes two practice sessions and a qualifying, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo adds an additional practice session and its qualifying as well. Both single-make championships race on Saturday (11:35 a.m. CDT for Porsche Carrera Cup and 12:40 p.m. CDT for Lamborghini Super Trofeo) and on Sunday (9:45 a.m. CDT and 10:50 p.m. CDT for Porsche Carrera Cup and Lamborghini Super Trofeo, respectively) live on IMSA.com/tv.

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

Jordan Anderson Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race Overview- Watkins Glen International

By
Official Release
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Jordan Anderson Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race Overview- Watkins Glen International; August 7, 2021
Track: Watkins Glen International – Road Course (2.454 Miles)
Race: United Rentals 176 at The Glen; 72 Laps –20/25/27; 176.4 Miles
Date/Broadcast: August 7, 2021 12:30 PM ET
TV: Fox Sports 1 (FS1), and the FOX Sports App
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN)- Check Local Listings for affiliate, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90
Social Media: Jordan Anderson Racing; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Bobby Reuse: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Bobby Reuse – No. 3 I Heart Mac & Cheese
Chevrolet Silverado Preview- Watkins Glen International

News and Notes:

– Starting Position; Bobby Reuse will start the United Rentals 176 at The Glen from the 35th position when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) take to the track on Saturday afternoon after a near month long break. Due to no practice or qualifying the starting lineup would be calculated by the competition-based performance metrics system; fastest lap in the previous race 15 percent, driver finish from previous race 25 percent, owner points 25 percent, and driver points 35 percent.

– Watkins Glen International Stats; Saturday afternoon’s United Rentals 176 at The Glen will mark the first NCWTS event Reuse has competed in at the Watkins Glen International, and his second NCWTS start of the 2021 season. Driving the No. 3 for Jordan Anderson Racing in the Brakebest Brake Pads 159 Presented by O’Reilly at Daytona International Speedway Road Course during the second event of the 2021 season, Reuse would start the I Heart Mac & Cheese Chevrolet from the 13thspot and come home with a 27th place finish. Reuse has previously competed at Watkins Glen in NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) action in 2015 where he would start 39th and finish in the 32nd position.

– I Heart Mac & Cheese; I Heart Mac & Cheese is a fast-casual concept specializing in made-to-order, Build Your Own Bowls and Grilled Cheese sandwiches that guests can customize using a wide variety of chef-inspired proteins, ingredients and sauces. Thinking outside the bowl, the brand takes timeless comfort food in exciting culinary directions, resulting in diverse, crave-able menu options for everyone to enjoy. Led by CEO Steve Giordanella, the brand launched its first location in 2016 and currently operates corporate locations in Pembroke Pines, Jupiter and Boca Raton, Florida. The company’s unique franchising program has fueled nationwide brand growth – with operating franchise locations in Florida, Georgia, New York and Texas – and additional locations are slated to open in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and Texas. I Heart Mac & Cheese was recently named #6 “Best Fast Casual Restaurant” in the USA TODAY 10 Best 2020 Reader’s Choice Awards. The innovative company was also recently featured on QSR Magazine’s “40/40 list for 2020: America’s Hottest Startup Fast Casuals”, and was ranked by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top new franchise opportunities. For more information on I Heart Mac & Cheese visit IHeartMacAndCheese.com.

– Chassis; JAR will bring chassis No. 010 for Reuse to compete with in Saturday afternoon’s United Rentals 176 at The Glen. Having last competed for JAR at the Circuit of the Americas in May with brother Roger Reuse driving Chassis No. 010 earned a 34th place finish. Bobby previously drove Chassis No. 010 at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course in February earning a 27th place finish.

About Jordan Anderson Racing

Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) is a NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson. Established in 2018, JAR has competed full-time in the last three NCWTS seasons claiming back-to-back runner-up finishes in the 2020 & 2021 season opening NextEra 250 at Daytona International Speedway. JAR fields a full-time entry in the NXS Series; the No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro SS driven by Jordan Anderson, Tyler Reddick, Josh Berry, Kaz Grala, Sage Karam, and Erik Jones. JAR also fields the No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado for select drivers in the NCWTS.

GMS Racing Statement – Chase Purdy

By
Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C. (August 5, 2021) – “Late yesterday afternoon, GMS Racing driver Chase Purdy tested positive for COVID-19 with mild symptoms. In accordance with NASCAR protocol and the CDC guidelines, Purdy will not compete in Saturday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at Watkins Glen International. AJ Allmendinger has agreed to substitute as the replacement driver of the No. 23 Bama Buggies Chevrolet. We wish Chase a steady recovery and hope to see him compete at the series’ next event at World Wide Technology Raceway in Gateway.”

ABOUT GMS RACING

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with drivers Sheldon Creed, Zane Smith, Tyler Ankrum, Chase Purdy and Jack Wood. The team also competes in the ARCA Menards Series with Daniel Dye. Since the team began in 2014, GMS Racing won the 2016 and 2020 Camping World Trucks Championship, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East championship and 2020 Sioux Chief Showdown Championship. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. The campus also includes operations for GMS Fabrication. More information can be found at https://gmsracing.net/.

Weekend schedule for Watkins Glen

By
Angie Campbell
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Chase Elliott takes the checkered flag in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images

NASCAR heads to Watkins Glen International this weekend for a full schedule of racing. It will be the first time back at the 2.45-mile road course since 2019.

The ARCA Menards Series starts off the action Friday evening. The Camping World Truck Series and the Xfinity Series compete back to back Saturday and the Cup Series closes out the activities Sunday afternoon.

Chase Elliott has won the last two Cup Series events at Watkins Glen and is considered the favorite heading into the weekend. Kyle Busch and Elliott have the most wins at Watkins Glen among active drivers, with two victories each. Brad Keselowski will start on the pole with teammates Joey Logano starting in second and Ryan Blaney in third.

There have been 26 Xfinity Series races at Watkins Glen with 15 different race winners. In 2019, Austin Cindric became the youngest winner in the history of the track. He was 20 years, 11 months and one day old. JR Motorsports driver Justin Allgaier will start on the pole.

The Camping World Truck Series returns to Watkins Glen for the regular-season finale Saturday afternoon. It’s the series’ first time back at the track since 2000 and Austin Hill will lead the way from the pole. There have only been five previous Truck Series races at the track with four different winners. Ron Hornaday won the first two races, going to victory lane in 1996 driving a Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet, and again in 1997 driving for Billy Hess Racing. Joe Ruttman won in 1998, Ron Fellows in 1999 and Greg Biffle won the last Truck race held at Watkins Glen in 2000.

There will be no practice or qualifying for the Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series.
The starting lineups were determined by the following metrics formula established by NASCAR.

• 25 percent: Driver’s finishing position from the previous race
• 25 percent: Car owner’s finishing position from the previous race
• 35 percent: Team owner points ranking
• 15 percent: Fastest lap from the previous race

All times are Eastern.

Friday, August 6

3:15 p.m. – 4 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Practice/Qualifying
6 p.m.: ARCA Series Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen (41 Laps, 100.45 Miles)
TV/Radio: FS1, MRN

Saturday, August 7

12:05 p.m.: Truck Series Driver Intros (Drivers standing by trucks)
12:30 p.m.: Truck Series United Rentals 176 (Stages 20/45/72 Laps, 176.4 Miles)
Pole: Austin Hill
TV/Radio: FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Driver Intros (Drivers standing by cars)
4 p.m.: Xfinity Series Skrewball Peanut Butter Whiskey 200 (Stages 20/40/82 Laps, 200.9 Miles)
Pole: Justin Allgaier
Defending Winner: Austin Cindric
TV/Radio: CNBC, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Sunday, August 8

2:20 p.m.: Cup Series Driver Intros (Drivers standing by cars)
3 p.m.: Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen (Stages 20/40/90 Laps, 220.5 Miles)
Pole: Brad Keselowski
Defending Winner: Chase Elliott
TV/Radio: NBCSN, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Watkins Glen Data

Season Race #: 23 of 36 (08-08-21)
Track Size: 2.45-miles
Track Type: Multi-Elevational Road Course
Number of Turns: 7
Race Length: 90 laps / 220.5 miles
Stage 1 & 2 Lengths: 20 laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 50 laps

Watkins Glen: Qualifying Data

Track qualifying record: Marcos Ambrose, Ford (129.491 mph, 68.113 secs.) on 08-09-14.
2019 pole winner: Chase Elliott, Chevrolet (127.297 mph, 69.287 secs.) on 08-04-19.

  • Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick lead all active NCS drivers in starts at Watkins Glen with 19 starts each.
  • Chase Elliott leads the series among active drivers in average starting position at Watkins Glen with a 6.000 in four starts.
  • Five of the 22 NCS pole winners at Watkins Glen are active this weekend.  Kyle Busch (2), Chase Elliott (1), Denny Hamlin (1), AJ Allmendinger (1), and Kurt Busch (1).
  • Dale Earnhardt, Mark Martin, and Jeff Gordon lead the series in poles at Watkins Glen with three each.
  • Kyle Busch leads all active NCS drivers in poles at Watkins Glen with two.
  • Five drivers have won multiple poles in the NCS at Watkins Glen.  Kyle Busch is the only active driver with multiple WGI poles (two).
  • The youngest NCVS Watkins Glen pole winner is Chase Elliott (08/4/2019 at 23 years, 8 months, 7 days).
  • Seven different manufacturers have won at least one NCS pole at Watkins Glen.  They are led by Chevrolet with 15 poles, followed by Ford (8), Toyota (four), Dodge, Mercury, Oldsmobile and Pontiac (one each).

Watkins Glen: Race Data

Track race record: Martin Truex Jr., Toyota (104.132 mph, 02:07:03) on 08-06-17.
2019 race winner: Chase Elliott, Chevrolet (98.523 mph, 02:14:17) on 08-04-19.
2020 pole/race winner: The series did not compete in 2020 due to the pandemic.

  • Seven of the 23 NCS winners at Watkins Glen are active this weekend.  Chase Elliott (2), Kyle Busch (2), Martin Truex Jr. (1), Denny Hamlin (1), Joey Logano (1), AJ Allmendinger (1), and Kevin Harvick (1).
  • Tony Stewart leads the NCS in wins at Watkins Glen with five victories (2002, ’04, ’05, ’07 and ’09).
  • Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch lead all active NCS drivers in wins at Watkins Glen with two wins each.
  • Consecutive WGI Race Winners:  Jeff Gordon (1997, 1998, 1999), Mark Martin (1993, 1994, 1995), Chase Elliott (2018, 2019), Marcos Ambrose (2011, 2012), and Tony Stewart (2004, 2005).
  • The youngest NCS Watkins Glen winner is Chase Elliott (08/05/2018 at 22 years, 8 months, 8 days).
  • A total of 10 of the 37 NCS races at Watkins Glen have been won from the pole or first starting position, making it the most proficient starting position in the field at 27%.
  • Kurt Busch leads the series among active NCS drivers with the most starts at Watkins Glen without visiting Victory Lane at 19 starts.
  • 18 different organizations have won in the NCS at Watkins Glen and nine are active this weekend.  Hendrick Motorsports (8), Joe Gibbs Racing (7), Roush Fenway Racing (3), Richard Childress Racing (2), Richard Petty Motorsports (2), JTG Daugherty Racing (1), Team Penske (1), Stewart-Haas Racing (1) and Wood Brothers Racing (1).
  • Six different manufacturers have won in the NCS at Watkins Glen.  It is led by Chevrolet with 19 victories, followed by Ford with eight, Pontiac and Toyota with four each and Buick and Mercury each have one.
  • Erik Jones leads all active NCS drivers in average finishing position at WGI with a 6.333 in three starts.
  • Kyle Busch leads the NCS in laps led at Watkins Glen among active drivers with 247 in 15 starts.

Top 12 Driver Ratings at Watkins Glen

Chase Elliott – 120.4
Kyle Busch – 110.5
Erik Jones – 104.8
Martin Truex Jr – 99.9
Brad Keselowski – 99.4
AJ Allmendinger – 94.9
Kurt Busch – 92.9
Daniel Suarez – 92.5
Kevin Harvick – 90.5
Denny Hamlin – 90.0
Kyle Larson – 88.2
Ryan Blaney – 85.4

Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2019 races (15 total) among active drivers at Watkins Glen International. Series did not compete at WGI in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The Cowboy Channel to Sponsor Richard Childress Racing, Austin Dillon at Watkins Glen International

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Official Release
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Austin Dillon to Drive No. 3 The Cowboy Channel Chevrolet in The Go Bowling at the Glen

WELCOME, NC (August 5, 2021) – Richard Childress Racing announced today that The Cowboy Channel, the first 24-hour television network totally dedicated to western sports and the western lifestyle, has partnered with Richard Childress Racing for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. Dillon will drive the No. 3 The Cowboy Channel Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE in The Go Bowling at the Glen.

Headquartered in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, The Cowboy Channel features content focused on ProRodeo, bull riding, roping, reining, barrel racing, and other western sports genres, along with western fashion and music. The programming lineup also features a wide variety of “live” coverage from major western events showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented PRCA cowboys and cowgirls and is home of the National Finals Rodeo in December.

“I grew up watching old Western movies, spending Christmas at my grandfather’s place in Montana, and overall embracing the western lifestyle so it’s really special to be able to unite two important interests of mine by featuring The Cowboy Channel on the No. 3 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen International,” said Dillon, a two-time NASCAR Champion and the 2018 Daytona 500 Champion. “We even have John Wayne riding along with me this weekend on the car – one of my heroes. I hope that the race allows NASCAR fans to learn about The Cowboy Channel and subscribe to The Cowboy Channel + if they aren’t already.”

The Cowboy Channel enjoys distribution into 42 million homes on cable/satellite systems on Altice, Charter Spectrum, DISH, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Verizon FIOS TV, and many other rural cable systems. In addition, The Cowboy Channel can be streamed online via The Cowboy Channel Plus at cowboychannelplus.com, DIRECTV NOW, Roku, iOS, Android, Firestick, Apple TV, and Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package. The Go Bowling at the Glen airs live on NBC Sports Network at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, August 8th.

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com and thecowboychannel.com.

About Richard Childress Racing: Richard Childress Racing (rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2021 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion, 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet), along with two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick (No. 8 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Myatt Snider (No. 2 Chevrolet).

About The Cowboy Channel: The Cowboy Channel is the official network of ProRodeo and the first 24-hour television network totally dedicated to western sports and the western lifestyle. Headquartered in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, The Cowboy Channel features content focused on ProRodeo, bull riding, roping, reining, barrel racing, and other western sports genres, along with western fashion and music. The programming lineup also features a wide variety of “live” coverage from major western events showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented PRCA cowboys and cowgirls and is home of the National Finals Rodeo in December. The network enjoys distribution into 42 million homes on cable/satellite systems on Altice, Charter Spectrum, DISH, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Verizon FIOS TV, and many other rural cable systems. In addition, The Cowboy Channel can be streamed online via The Cowboy Channel Plus at cowboychannelplus.com, DIRECTV NOW, Roku, iOS, Android, Firestick, Apple TV, and Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package. For more information, please visit thecowboychannel.com.

Mullins Racing Partners With Dale Quarterley For Watkins Glen

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Official Release
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Dale Quarterley has partnered with Mullins Racing for Friday's ARCA Menards Series race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International. (Dale Quarterley Racing Photo)

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. – With the help of Willie Mullins and Mullins Racing, veteran racer Dale Quarterley is dusting off his driving suit to compete in Friday’s ARCA Menards Series Clean Harbors 100 at the Glen at Watkins Glen International.

Quarterley, who made a name for himself racing in the AMA Superbike series before making a successful transition to stock cars, will make his first start in a NASCAR-sanctioned series since the 2019 season on Friday afternoon.

He’ll do so piloting the No. 3 Van Dyk Recycling Solutions Chevrolet, which is being run as part of a partnership with Mullins Racing.

“When I stopped racing full-time in what was then the K&N Series, I started taking on some outside customer work. I was doing some vintage stock cars and the Mullins family happened to be pitted next to me one weekend at VIR,” said the 60-year-old Quarterley. “In the midst of us running and listening to those guys talk as they tried to make adjustments to their car and make it better, I finally got frustrated and walked over there and offered to help them.

“Since then I’ve helped them in multiple situations and they’ve helped us a few times too.”

Mullins, who is the listed owner of the car, said the opportunity to partner with Quarterley for Friday’s race is a chance for him to work with one of his own personal motorsport heroes.

“This goes back to when I was a little kid and you’d watch the modifieds up in New Hampshire and you’d see Dale Quarterley racing there and then you’d see Superbikes and Dale Quarterley was racing that,” Mullins said. “This is kind of cool to have one of my heroes and me working together a little bit.”

Quarterley is a native of Westfield, Mass., and owns six victories in the ARCA Menards Series East (then NASCAR Busch North Series), including two victories on the road course at Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park. He also owns one NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour triumph, which also came at Lime Rock Park.

In addition to his stock car success, Quarterley is the most successful privateer rider in AMA Superbike history. He secured the AMA Battle of the Twins Title and two AMA Endurance Championships during his career that also saw him win a national AMA Superbike race at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in 1993, which helped him place second overall in the season-long championship.

Mullins firmly believes this is his best chance to lay claim to a victory in ARCA competition, even if it is just as the listed car owner.

“This will be one of my best chances to possibly be a winning car owner at Watkins Glen,” Mullins said “This is going to be something to talk about for years to come. Dale has already run in the top-five when he runs these races, he’s not a slouch inside of a road course car.”

During his career, Quarterley has made 11 starts in East Series competition at Watkins Glen. During those races he earned two poles, three top-five and six top-10 finishes, with a best finish of third on two occasions.

Quarterley, who has made one previous ARCA start during his career, returns to stock car racing at Watkins Glen after a few years away and his goals are the same as they’ve always been: run up front and win the race.

“I at least need to have fun, not just driving, but showing up. Things got to be so difficult but it wasn’t worth doing,” Quarterley said. “Now that NASCAR owns ARCA and the series has, from what I hear, calmed down some, I’m going to go test the waters again.

“I only have one speed. Unless I make myself back off. We go as fast as we possibly can the whole time we’re there.”

The Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen is scheduled to begin shortly after 6 p.m. EST and will be broadcast live by FS1.

For more information on Mullins Racing, please visit mullinsracing.net, like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mullinsracing and follow them on Twitter at @mullins_racing.

Which car suits you? Tips on how to find out

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SM
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Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

It can be hard to know where to begin if you are new to buying a car or are making the purchase by yourself for the first time. Which car will suit your needs? How much are you willing to pay? Will it last for the years to come? However, all it takes is a little research and planning. When you know what you are looking for you can begin to look at whether you need a new car, a lease, or a used car. But first thing first is deciding which kind of car you need.

Assessing your needs

The right car for you will depend on what your requirements are for it. Do you need off-road capability? Do you need a car that can zoom around a heavily trafficked area? How many passengers will you regularly have? All of these considerations will take part in which kind of car you need and ultimately want. Whether you are looking to make a statement with your car or if you prefer to have a comfy ride at the weekend, you should establish what your needs are first, before looking at your wants.

Budget

Unless you are paying straight cash for your car then you will need to think about financing your purchase or lease. You should look at the dealerships that offer different prices and deals. River city motors in Edmonton often offers a variety of opportunities for those looking to make a purchase. Questions you should ask should include how much can you afford to be spending each month on your car?

A general rule that suits many is that your car payment should not exceed 15% of your monthly income. You will also want to factor in costs that cover fuel and insurance. Knowing this information ready will help you prepare for any negotiation that you may need to do during your purchase.

Cars

Before people have even begun to look and establish their budget, they often have their heart set on a type of class of the car. This can be a certain make or model. However, in this ever-changing marketplace, cars are constantly hitting the showrooms, reducing the price of older models and makes. You should compare your needs and wants against the specifications of different cars and then begin comparing prices. Once you know what the advantages and disadvantages of certain cars are, your decision on a car will become so much easier.

Test drives

Once you have found a car that you like and can afford, you must set up a test drive. This can swing a car in and out of your favor. You may find that the car is everything you are looking for and fits like a glove. Otherwise, you may find that it really doesn’t suit you. Even if you are looking to purchase second-hand, it is still worth test driving the newest model to feel the differences. Equally, when buying second-hand, you should always request a test drive.

Buying a car

This can be an intimidating process for someone who is not familiar with cars. However, as with most things, with proper research and preparation, you will be able to find a car that not only suits your needs but that you can afford comfortably.

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Watkins Glen

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Official Release
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Watkins Glen International
Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021
2.45-Mile Road Course
3:00 PM ET
Location: Watkins Glen, New York
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (23 of 36)
Radio: SiriusXM, PRN

5 KYLE LARSON

Age: 29 (July 31, 1992)

Hometown: Elk Grove, California

Resides: Mooresville, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels

Standings: 2nd

No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: On July 31, Kyle Larson celebrated his 29th birthday with a trip to victory lane. Competing in the World of Outlaws dirt late model Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway in Illinois, Larson led the final 70 laps en route to his first World of Outlaws Late Models feature win. The Elk Grove, California, native is the only driver ever to win a feature event in both the World of Outlaws Late Models and World of Outlaws Sprint Cars.

FINAL FOUR: In four races following the 26th race of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, playoff points will be awarded to the top 10 drivers in the standings with 15 markers awarded to first place, 10 to second, eight to third, seven to fourth, and so on. Larson currently is ranked second in the regular-season standings, just 13 points behind the leader. If he can erase that deficit in the four remaining regular-season races, it would be worth an additional five playoff points – the equivalent of an extra race win – in Larson’s favor heading into the playoff stretch.

NEW YORK STATE OF MIND: In six Cup Series starts at Watkins Glen International, Larson has one top-five finish and three top-10s. In six NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the 2.45-mile New York road course, the 29-year-old driver has one top-five result – a third-place finish in 2016.

TOP LEVEL: Through 22 of 36 Cup Series races, Larson leads the series in wins (four), second-place finishes (five), stage wins (12), playoff points (32), and laps led (1,441). He is tied for most top-five finishes (11), most top-10s (15) and most pole positions (one).

GOLDEN STATE WIN: In June at Sonoma Raceway, Larson won both stages and led 57 of 92 laps to capture his first Cup Series road course victory. Overall, he has 18 starts on road courses in the Cup Series with one win, three top-five finishes, six top-10s and four stage victories (second-most all-time). In sports cars, Larson competed in the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA for Chip Ganassi Racing from 2014 through 2016 and was victorious in 2015.

NOT SO AVERAGE: At 13.66 seconds, the No. 5 pit crew owns the quickest average time for four-tire pit stops in 2021. The over-the-wall crew is comprised of gasman Brandon Harder, jackman Brandon Johnson, tire carrier R.J. Barnette and tire changers Donnie Tasser (front) and Calvin Teague (rear).

YOUR CAR NEEDS: This weekend, Larson will drive the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. From the convenience of home, customers can select the category, make, model and vehicle packages that are important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks and SUVs available at HendrickCars.com. The website also makes it easy for customers to find one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 93 dealership locations nationwide.

WE’RE HIRING: Hendrick Automotive Group is hiring more than 300 technicians at its dealerships throughout the country. Positions are open for all skill levels and offer tuition and training reimbursement. Interested people can apply at HendrickCars.com.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT

Age: 25 (Nov. 28, 1995)

Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia

Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia

Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson

Standings: 6th

No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE

ROAD COURSE REVIEW: Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, is set to make his 17th NASCAR Cup Series road course start Sunday at Watkins Glen International. He has garnered seven road wins across five different tracks with a combined nine top-five finishes, 11 top-10s and 326 laps led. On road courses in 2021, Elliott has led the most laps of all drivers (86).

MAKING MOVES: Elliott’s seven road course wins are the most of all active drivers and the third-most all-time road course wins behind only Jeff Gordon (nine) and Tony Stewart (eight). The Dawsonville, Georgia, native also leads the way for the most wins on different road courses in the series (five).

NOTEWORTHY NUMBERS: Elliott’s wins account for seven of the last 11 road course victories. He holds the second-best all-time win percentage on road courses (43.75%) and remains the youngest road course winner at 22 years, 8 months, 8 days. Elliott has led laps in the last nine road course races, the Cup Series’ longest active streak and sixth longest all-time. The driver of the No. 9 also holds the best average finish (8.25) of active drivers and the third-best all-time average of drivers with at least five starts. Elliott has garnered the most stage wins (six) of all time at road courses, as well.

SEASON RUNDOWN: With only four races remaining in the 2021 regular season, Elliott’s two wins and 12 top-10 finishes are tied for career bests for him through 22 races. His four runner-up finishes, nine top-fives and 12.0 average finishing position are all career bests for him through 22 races. Elliott has spent 1,815 laps inside the top five – he has run the second-most laps in the top five over the last 10 races with 1,146 – and has 3,340 laps running in the top 10. Elliott currently sits sixth in the driver point standings, 163 points behind leader Denny Hamlin.

RETURN TO THE GLEN: On Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series will make its return to Watkins Glen International. The series last tackled the road course in 2019 before the Covid pandemic altered the 2020 schedule. In Elliott’s previous four starts at The Glen, he won back-to-back races (2018, 2019), which is tied with Stewart and Marcos Ambrose for the third-most consecutive wins at the track. The 25-year-old driver has led 141 laps at the road course – the fifth-most all time and second-most of active drivers – and averages a starting position of 7.0.

GUSTAFSON AT ROAD COURSES: Crew chief Alan Gustafson will call his 39th road course race from atop the pit box this Sunday at Watkins Glen. In his previous 38 starts, the Florida native has garnered seven wins – the most of active crew chiefs – 13 top-five finishes, 19 top-10s and 383 laps led.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Gustafson will celebrate his 46th birthday on Thursday, Aug. 5. In 2018 and 2019, the crew chief enjoyed birthday celebrations in victory lane at Watkins Glen. He grew up down the road from the historic Daytona International Speedway, where he got his start in racing turning wrenches on the go-karts of childhood friend Casey Yunick. Yunick is the grandson of legendary car builder and mechanic Smokey Yunick.

SHOWING SPEED: The No. 9 team owns the third-best average time for four-tire pit stops at 13.77 seconds through 22 races. The NAPA pit crew is comprised of jackman T.J. Semke, gasman John Gianninoto, tire carrier Jared Erspamer and tire changers Chad Avrit and Nick O’Dell.

NAPA AT THE GLEN: Elliott will pilot the blue, white and yellow NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet at Watkins Glen on Sunday. The Atlanta-based company is serving as majority sponsor for the driver and the No. 9 team for a total of 25 NASCAR Cup Series races this year.

24 WILLIAM BYRON

Age: 23 (Nov. 29, 1997)

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle

Standings: 3rd

No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE

BEST YEAR YET: Entering the back half of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, William Byron is having his best season yet at the highest level of competition in the No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. So far, Byron has collected one win (Homestead-Miami Speedway), one pole award (Road America), eight top-five finishes and 14 top-10s (tied for the fourth-most by a driver this season) all while leading 245 laps and collecting three stage wins. His eight top-five finishes are the most the 23-year-old driver has had in a full season at the Cup level and his 14 top-10s tie his previous best in a season, as well.

BEFORE THE BREAK: Before the two-week Olympic break in the Cup season, Byron was running in the front of the field consistently every race. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native has spent 4,013 laps inside the top 10 – the second-most in the series – and 2,166 laps in the top five – the third-most throughout the field. In the last 10 races, Byron has run within the top five for 1,064 laps – the third-most behind Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott. Byron maintains the second-best average running position in the Cup Series of 8.90 and an average finishing position of 11.91, placing him third in the driver points standings.

ROAD COURSE RESULTS: Despite limited road course racing in his background, Byron has stepped up his road course racing skills throughout his time in the Cup Series, finishing in the top 10 in three of the last seven races. In five of the last nine road course events, Byron has led the field at one point, including leading the most laps during last year’s race at the Charlotte ROVAL. Byron also has led the fourth-most laps on road courses during the 2021 season (20). Two of his Cup Series stage wins have come during road course races, as well.

WATKINS GLEN WIZ: Sunday’s race will mark Byron’s third Cup Series start at Watkins Glen International and his fifth overall NASCAR national series start at the road course. In the Cup Series, Byron has a track-best qualifying effort of second (2019) and a best finish of eighth (2018) at the 2.45-mile course. Prior to his two Cup Series starts, Byron made his debut at Watkins Glen in the 2015 NASCAR ARCA Menards Series East race, starting second and finishing seventh. He returned to the road course in 2017 with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, qualifying 17th and crossing the line in 10th. In his four previous national starts at Watkins Glen, Byron has finished outside the top-10 running order only once, which occurred during the 2019 Cup Series race when he was collected in an on-track incident while running second.

HOMEWARD BOUND: While No. 24 crew chief Rudy Fugle has limited experience at Watkins Glen, the Livonia, New York, native is excited to head to his hometown track for Sunday’s race. Already in 2021, Fugle and Byron have four road course starts together. The duo is looking to turn their luck around Sunday after suffering some misfortunes in the previous road course races this season, despite running up front. Aside from four road course starts in the Cup Series, Fugle has seven other road course races under his belt, all coming in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In those seven starts, he has one win (Erik Jones, 2015), three top-five finishes and five top-10s. One of those seven truck starts was also with Byron – the duo raced to a 10th-place finish at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in 2016.

ALL ABOUT AXALTA: When the Cup Series returns after a two-week hiatus, Byron will climb behind the wheel of the No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE as he takes on the 2.45-mile road course of Watkins Glen. Now in its 29th year of partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, Axalta has returned as primary partner on Byron’s No. 24 for 14 races in 2021. For a better look at Byron’s No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, click here.

48 Alex Bowman

Age: 28 (April 25, 1993)

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Resides: Concord, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Greg Ives

Standings: 11th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE

LOOKING BACK AFTER 22: So far in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, Alex Bowman has three wins (Richmond Raceway, Dover International Speedway and Pocono Raceway), six top-five finishes and 12 top-10s, which are tied for the seventh-most top-10 results this year among active drivers. The 28-year-old driver’s six top-five results are currently tied for the second-most top-five finishes in a single season for Bowman. In 2019, Bowman secured seven top-five results. His eight top-10 finishes in the last 10 events are tied for the most with teammate Kyle Larson. The Ally driver has run 1,354 laps inside the top five, which ranks 11th, and he has run 704 laps in the top five in the last 10 races, which ranks seventh. Bowman has led 151 laps this season and is currently ranked seventh in the Cup Series playoff standings after 22 events. His three wins this year are tied for second with Martin Truex Jr. in the Cup Series. All five of Bowman’s career Cup victories came at different venues and all three of his wins in 2021 occurred in the last 14 events.

EMPIRE STATE STATS: The driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet has four previous Cup Series starts at Watkins Glen International. Bowman’s best finish of 14th came during the 2018 and 2019 seasons after 90 laps. In 2013, Bowman made one start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the 2.45-mile road course and finished 13th after qualifying 19th.

TURNING LEFT AND RIGHT: In the Cup Series, Bowman has 16 starts at road courses and has two top-five finishes and seven top-10s. He finished inside the top 15 in 11 of 12 road course starts while behind the wheel for Hendrick Motorsports and has an average finish of 10.5, which is the fifth-best among active drivers since the start of 2018. The No. 48 team has placed inside the top 10 in three of the four road course events so far this season and has finished inside the top 10 in five of the last seven road course races.

IVES AT THE GLEN: Crew chief Greg Ives will call the shots for the sixth time at the New York-based road course venue this weekend. The Bark River, Michigan, native’s résumé includes four top-15 finishes, and his best result at the track came in 2015 when Dale Earnhardt Jr. finished 11th after starting seventh in the 90-lap event. Ives has two starts as a crew chief in the Xfinity Series at the track, capturing one top-five result and two top-10s. Ives was a race engineer for the No. 48 team from 2006-2012 and captured one pole (2009), two third-place results and four top-10s at Watkins Glen.

FROM CUP CARS TO SPRINT CARS: For the last two weeks, the Cup Series has had a break in the race schedule due to the Olympics. How did Alex Bowman spend his days off? The Ally driver tried his hand at sprint car racing for the first time at Circle City Raceway, Attica Raceway, Fremont Speedway and Tri City Speedway. Bowman was scheduled to run seven events over the course of 11 days, but weather delays forced the Alex Bowman Racing team to compete in only five events. Bowman captured two top-five finishes in his first five starts behind the wheel of the No. 55 Ally sprint car.

BACK HOME IN NEW YORK: Andrew Seamans, the interior specialist for the No. 48 Ally team, is going back to his home state of New York this weekend when the Cup Series visits Watkins Glen. Seamans grew up in Syracuse, New York, which is approximately 94 miles away from the 2.45-mile road course. The 35-year-old attended college at SUNY Oswego in Oswego, New York. Prior to joining Hendrick Motorsports, Seamans worked with Kasey Kahne Racing and Kyle Larson Racing in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.

PIT ROAD STATS: After 22 events this season, the No. 48 pit crew ranks fifth for the fastest four-tire pit stop average in the NASCAR Cup Series with a time of 13.83 seconds. The team had the fastest single stop at Dover International Speedway (12.18 seconds) on May 16 and had the third-fastest stop at Atlanta Motor Speedway (12.25 seconds) on July 11. The No. 48 pit crew includes fueler Jacob Conley, tire carrier Allen Stallings, jackman Dustin Lineback, and tire changers Scott Brzozowski (front) and Devin DelRicco (rear).

HOGGING THE ROAD: Hendrick Motorsports holds the NASCAR Cup Series record for all-time road-course victories with 23, which is 10 more than next-best Joe Gibbs Racing. The organization has won on road courses with a series-high seven different drivers: Jeff Gordon (nine wins), Chase Elliott (seven), Tim Richmond (three), Kyle Larson, Jimmie Johnson, Ricky Rudd and Geoff Bodine. Hendrick Motorsports also has the most road-course stage wins of any team with 11.

ALL THE (ROAD) RAGE: In NASCAR Cup Series road races since 2018, Hendrick Motorsports has gone to victory lane in eight of 12 events, won 10 of 24 stages, led 475 of 1,050 laps (45%), and posted three 1-2 finishes.

WIN AT THE GLEN: With eight trips to victory lane at Watkins Glen International, Hendrick Motorsports is the venue’s all-time leader in NASCAR Cup Series wins. The team also holds the track records for pole positions (seven) and laps led (632).

SEVEN OF 10: Over the last 10 NASCAR Cup Series points races, Hendrick Motorsports has won seven times (the most), finished 1-2 on four occasions (most), won 10 of 21 stages (most), and led 1,308 of 2,131 laps raced (61%). With 40 total entries across the most recent 10 events, the team has scored 19 top-five finishes (most) and 26 top-10s (most).

THROUGH 22: After 22 of 36 points-paying races in 2021, Hendrick Motorsports has won 10 times to tie its most ever at this time of the year. Its 16 stage wins are the most in history by any organization going into the 23rd points race. Hendrick Motorsports has tied its most top-five finishes (34) and posted its fourth-most laps led (2,056) at the 22-event mark. The four-car stable has recorded 53 top-10s in 2021, which represent the second-most ever by any team at this point in a season.

QUOTABLE /

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, 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 of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, 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.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, 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.”

Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, on racing at Watkins Glen: “Watkins Glen is different from other road courses. The really high speeds are one reason – the average speed is high, probably in the 140-150 mph range. Aerodynamics is also a huge part, and the braking zones are really important. I think those are the biggest things that stand out. The other thing that is really important is that there are a couple key places in the track, up to the esses and in through the inner loop where you have to change directions really, really fast. The car having stability to change directions really fast is super important to be successful there. I think that’s what makes Watkins Glen so different from the other road courses.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, 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 of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, 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.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, on what he looks forward to at Watkins Glen: “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 it’s 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. I’m 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. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

Greg Ives, crew chief of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, on preparing for Watkins Glen: “With the uptrend of road courses on the schedule, we have been putting a lot of emphasis on fine tuning our setups. Alex has been doing a great job in dry and wet conditions and giving us great feedback to help develop the setups. I’m definitely looking forward to getting to Watkins Glen.”

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