Houston, TEXAS, July 22, 2021 – Dawson Racing today announces a new collaboration with Chevron Technology Ventures (“Chevron”) as Dawson celebrates the successful launch of its D3+Transformers racing team at the recent International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) races at Watkins Glen International in New York, held respectively on June 27 and July 2.

The No. 84 D3+Transformers is a Ligier Nissan Le Mans Prototype 3 (LMP3) race car which provides the foundation for Dawson Racing to develop and test alternative fuels in international race conditions. Known for its brightly colored red, black, and white brand and large TRANSFORMERS Autobot shield on the nose, the design is a collaboration between Dawson Racing and brand owner, Hasbro, and is inspired by the TRANSFORMERS franchise. Drivers of the eye-catching race car are Norwegian Theodor Olsen, Brit Ben Devlin and American Dominic Cicero.

By partnering with Dawson Racing, Chevron will share in showcasing future technologies with the potential to help enable a lower carbon future.

“We are very excited to work with Chevron,” said Simon Dawson, President and VP Marketing at Dawson Racing. “Our collaboration with Chevron on the D3+Transformers race team’s debut at Watkins Glen combines our Dawson family history at the iconic New York State circuit with our commitment to state-of-the-art racing innovation, including transitioning to lower carbon fuels. We believe there’s no energy company better at supporting innovation to drive human progress than Chevron, and we feel this is a fantastic way we were able to introduce our D3+Transformers’ race program.

“After being on track and on pace at back-to-back races with our car, we plan to grow with a consortium of like-minded companies working towards a more sustainable future,” continued Dawson. “Our strategic partnerships embrace our technology-driven plan of the automotive future.”

“Chevron Technology Ventures is proud to be a sponsor and collaborator with Dawson Racing as the motorsport company launches its newly branded D3+Transformers Racing Team,” said Barbara Burger, vice president of innovation for Chevron and president of Chevron Technology Ventures. “The sponsorship is an opportunity to engage entrepreneurs and innovators with the potential to enhance the way Chevron produces and delivers affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy now and into the future.”

About Dawson Racing:
Dawson Racing is a highly competent manager, owner and operator of an international sports car racing team. Its principals, Ian and Simon Dawson, have over 60 years’ experience with factory and private global racing teams including engineering, technology, infrastructure and marketing resources. Please visit www.DawsonRacing.com.

About Chevron Corporation:
Chevron Corporation is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. Through its subsidiaries that conduct business worldwide, the company is involved in virtually every facet of the energy industry. Chevron explores for, produces and transports crude oil and natural gas; refines, markets and distributes transportation fuels and lubricants; manufactures and sells petrochemicals and additives; generates power; and develops and deploys technologies that enhance business value in every aspect of the company’s operations. Chevron is based in San Ramon, California. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.

SONOMA, Calif. (July 22, 2021) – The Seipel family, long known in drag racing circles as “the first family of drag racing in Northern California” has been named Grand Marshal of the NHRA Sonoma Nationals at Sonoma Raceway, July 25.

Kyle Seipel, son of longtime Sonoma Raceway drag strip manager Georgia and Super Gas pioneer Ted, lost a three-year battle with cancer on June 21. Kyle spent his life in and around drag racing as a racer, crew chief, promoter and as the Sonoma Raceway Drag Racing Manager, taking over the reins of his mother, in 2018. Known affectionately as “Big Nasty” within the racing community, he was also well known for his Spring Fling Bracket Races he produced with business partner Peter Biondo.

As a racer, Kyle was one of the most accomplished racers in the history of NHRA’s Pacific Division with 22 Division 7 titles. He began racing at age 12 and competed alongside his father as a four-car team during the late-‘80s and early-1990s. Seipel boasts 10 NHRA Lucas Oil Series Division 7 championships and 12 Division 7 E.T. Finals titles, and claimed national event victories in five different Sportsman categories.

Georgia has been involved in the sport for more than 60 years, including 10 years as a drag racer (1976-1987) behind the wheel of a hot pink 1956 Austin-Healey, and 10 years managing Baylands Raceway in Fremont. After joining then-Sears Point Raceway in 1988, she was instrumental in the growth of Sonoma Raceway’s drag racing programs, including Wednesday Night Drags and Top the Cops, as well as Summit ET Bracket Drag Racing.

In a racing career that spans six decades, Ted has achieved great feats behind the wheel. Some of his achievements include six NHRA National Event victories, five NHRA E.T. Finals crowns, numerous divisional event titles and countless bracket racing wins. Ted will compete in the Super Gas class this weekend.

The Seipel family, which also includes Kyle’s wife Dana and children Sydney and Hudson, will be represented by Georgia and Ted and will be honored during pre-race festivities on Sunday morning prior to the NHRA Sonoma Nationals final eliminations. For more information about the event, visit www.SonomaRaceway.com, follow @RaceSonoma or call 800-870-RACE.

33rd NHRA Sonoma Nationals
WHEN: July 23-25
CIRCUIT: Drag strip
2019 WINNERS: Billy Torrence (Top Fuel); Robert Hight (Funny Car); Greg Anderson (Pro Stock); and Andrew Hines (Pro Stock Motorcycle)
INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE (7223), www.SonomaRaceway.com, @RaceSonoma

Motorcyclists from across the country ride into North Central Ohio for the 26th time

LEXINGTON, Ohio (July 22, 2021) – This weekend at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course motorcyclists from across the country will unite for the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield, July 23-25.

This is one of the largest annual gatherings worldwide of motorcyclists, enthusiasts, swap meet vendors and collectors. It is all for a great cause serving as a fundraiser for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Hall of Fame, a non-profit organization located in nearby Pickerington, Ohio, that works to preserve the history and tradition of motorcycling in the United States.

The 2021 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will feature an On Any Sunday theme, celebrating 50 years of Bruce Brown’s epic moto documentary. AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer David Aldana, one of the film’s legendary stars, serving as Grand Marshal. There will also be a special outdoor screening of the renowned film on Friday, July 23.

“Everyone involved in this event was extremely disappointed that we had to postpone the event in 2020 which makes this year even more special. We are thrilled to once again showcase all the different motorcycling activities that will consume our 380-acre property,” said Craig Rust, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course President. “If you ride or just aspire to learn more about the two-wheel culture, this weekend is a fantastic immersive experience for you.”

The weekend will include multiple forms of racing disciplines, including road racing on the 2.4-mile, 15 turn Mid-Ohio road course, hare scrambles, motocross, pit bikes and trials. Flat track racing will be held at the nearby Ashland County Fairgrounds on Saturday evening (July 24).

Along with the abundance of racing, attendees can be entertained through merchandise displays, a swap meet with approximately 1,000 vendors spread across 35 acres, and other attractions, such as the Wall of Death. Demo rides for motorcyclists with proper riding endorsements and safety gear are always a popular weekend feature. Honda and Royal Enfield will be onsite to offer rides on some of their hottest new models for those in a market for a new bike. Motorcycle owners can also take part in the “Lap for History” around the race track during the lunch break each day with a donation to the AMA Hall of Fame, or enter their motorcycle into the bike show on Saturday (July 24).

Ticket prices for the event are $60 for the weekend, $40 for admission on Friday or Saturday and $35 for Sunday ($10 additional at the gate). Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a ticketed adult at all events at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Garage paddock access is open to the public for free during AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield. Motorhome and tent spaces are available for purchase. Tickets can be purchased in advance either by calling 419-884-8400 during business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or by visiting midohio.com.

Visit www.vintagemotorcycledays.com to read more about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Royal Enfield. Follow the event on social media with #AMAVMD.

About Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course:
A comprehensive motorsports facility in Lexington, Ohio, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course sits on 380 acres and features a permanent road-racing circuit with two primary race track configurations: 2.4-mile, 15-turn or 2.258-mile, 13-turn layout. Located 60 miles north of Columbus and 75 miles south of Cleveland near Mansfield, the natural terrain road course is commonly referred to as the “Most Competitive in the U.S.” and annually hosts a diversity of locally, regionally and nationally sanctioned race events for amateur, club and professional drivers and riders. It is also home to The Mid-Ohio School, featuring over 20 driving and riding courses, for teenagers to professional racers using Honda vehicles. Opened in 1962, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has been owned and operated by Green Savoree Mid-Ohio, LLC since 2011, just the raceway’s third private ownership group in its history.

For more information, visit midohio.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page @MidOhioSportsCarCourse or follow updates on Twitter @Mid_Ohio and Instagram @officialmidohio.

CHEVROLET AT SONOMA

What: NHRA Sonoma Nationals
When: Friday, July 23-Sunday, July 25
Where: Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California
TV: FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 4 p.m. ET July 25

Team Chevy powers into Sonoma Raceway for second leg of Western Swing

Robert Hight in Funny Car, Greg Anderson in Pro Stock are defending winners

DETROIT (July 22, 2021) – Two years ago in Victory Circle at Sonoma Raceway, Robert Hight and Greg Anderson congratulated each other for their respective milestone wins.

Hight, the No. 1 qualifier in the Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS, swept the elimination rounds to become the third Funny Car driver in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) history to post 50 career wins. Anderson won his second consecutive Pro Stock race of the Western Swing and 93rd of his career in the KB Racing Camaro SS.

Both drivers will aim to reach other milestones this weekend in the NHRA Sonoma Nationals at the scenic venue in Northern California. The event, which was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, serves as the challenging central point of the Western Swing. Pro Stock racers rejoin the schedule after a three-week break.

Anderson, a two-time winner this season, seeks to tie Warren Johnson’s 97 career victories, which stands as the most in Pro Stock and second behind John Force’s NHRA-record 153. Hight is tied with Joe Amato for 12th on the all-time NHRA list with 52 wins.

“It seems like an eternity since we’ve raced,” said Anderson, who joined KB Racing teammates in testing last week at Darlington Dragway in South Carolina. “I’m itching to get back in the car.”

Anderson, the No. 1 qualifier in six of the seven Pro Stock races in his HendrickCars.com Camaro SS, advanced to the final round in each of the past two races but “couldn’t close the deal” to tie the win record of his mentor.

“I know it’s coming, so the only pressure I have is the pressure I put on myself. I have confidence in my team, the car and even my driving,” said Anderson, a six-time winner at Sonoma. “All the arrows are pointing up.”

The smooth Sonoma Raceway surface, mild ambient temperature with low humidity and running at sea level are ingredients and inducements for record-setting runs. On July 29, 2017, Hight set the NHRA national Funny Car speed record at 339.87 mph at the track.

“I’m feeling good coming into the weekend. I really like the back-to-back races. You start to get into a rhythm, you can quickly move on from a bad weekend, you can ride out momentum and make some moves in the points. Hoping we repeat history here this weekend and get this Auto Club Chevy in the winner’s circle,” said Hight, who has won the past two Funny Car races at the facility that has seen its share of memorable moments since hosting its first NHRA national event on July 31, 1988.

In 1990, Force claimed the first of eight Funny Car wins in Sonoma (the most of any NHRA racer). Fourteen years later, Courtney Force became the winningest female driver in Funny Car history after defeating her father.
John Force, who sits second in the Funny Car standings, is taking aim at his record-extending 17th NHRA championship.

“We survived the mountain. Dodged a bullet, didn’t lose any ground in the points standings,” said Force, who has two wins and a runner-up finish in eight races. “I have to work hard to keep up, keep up with this PEAK Chevy and keep up with the competition, but I’m having a good time. Enjoying being with my team and really competing.”

Brittany Force, coming off her third Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier honor of the season in the Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster, is aiming for her first win at Sonoma Raceway.

FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 4 p.m. ET Sunday, July 25.

CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT

TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, FLAV-R-PAC CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (Three-time No. 1 qualifier; runner-up in Charlotte and Norwalk; No. 1 qualifier in 2014 at track): “Heading straight to Sonoma, race number two in this three-in-a-row Western Swing. I like getting back into the seat with a short turnaround time. As a driver, it keeps me mentally in the game and focused. I’m feeling good about this weekend. Our car has been hitting it’s marks, David Grubnic, Mac Savage and all the Flav-R-Pac guys have worked hard, and a win is coming.”

FUNNY CAR:

JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK/BLUEDEF PLATINUM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (two-time winner this season; No. 1 qualifier in Charlotte four-wide; eight-time winner at track): “We get to keep things going this weekend. The Western Swing is something special, three races in a row all on the West Coast. The teams stay out on the road, it can be a long three weeks but hopefully we come out of it with a couple wins and the points lead. That’s what we’re out here for.”

ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (runner-up in two races, winner at Houston; No. 1 qualifier in Las Vegas four-wide; three-time winner at track): “Sonoma is a home race for me. I’m from Alturas, California, not too far from there and have been to every national event, first as a fan, then as a crew guy and now as a driver. Sonoma Raceway is special to me in that way. It’s also special because this is where this Auto Club team set the national speed record. I’ve also had a couple No. 1 qualifiers and won the last two times we’ve raced here.”

PRO STOCK:

GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (two-time winner this season; No. 1 qualifier in six races; points leader; six-time winner at track): “I know (record-tying win No. 97 is) coming, so the only pressure I have is the pressure I put on myself. I have confidence in my team, the car and even my driving. I feel good about it. All the arrows are pointing up. We tested at Darlington last week, got to try out some new things and just get back in the car.”

ERICA ENDERS, ELITE MOTORSPORTS, MELLING PERFORMANCE/ELITE MOTORSPORTS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (two-time winner this season; second in points; reigning series champion): “I’ve never won at Sonoma and I’m just really hopeful that we’re able to throw up some good numbers on the board and park that Melling Performance car in the winner’s circle. The competition is stout. Every weekend our backs are going to be against the wall, but that’s what is so exciting about Pro Stock is that anybody can win any given Sunday. It’s going to be crucial to perform the best you can and position yourself the best you can for the Countdown to the Championship. I’m ready to get back on track at Sonoma.”

TROY COUGHLIN JR., ELITE MOTORSPORTS, JEGS.COM/ELITE MOTORSPORTS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (runner-up in season opener; transferred to final quad at Charlotte): “Being a part of Elite Motorsports, you know you’re always going to have the best car, power and crew. The guys in the engine shop never stop figuring out ways to make these motors sing. The chassis is constantly being tweaked. The clutch and suspensions are always fine-tuned. It’s a relentless pursuit. As such, I always try to be that precise with my driving. It’s the best way I know to say thank you to everyone that works around the clock to make us successful.”

KYLE KORETZKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (first-year driver; semifinalist at Houston and Norwalk): “I tested with KB at Darlington (Dragway) last week and did a little bracket racing to keep me in the racing loop. Testing was huge for me. We tested a few new things, which went well, and just confidence in my driving, trying to stage better, hit the staging procedure better. All that is what you learn in testing because when you’re qualifying and racing that kind of goes out the window. In a Pro Stock car, you just can’t go to a local track and make runs. There’s a lot more to it. I’ve never been to Sonoma, so it’s a new one on my list. Going there after testing, I’m confident we can qualify in the top half of the field. I think we’ll do really well. I’m ready to back in this weekend.”

DALLAS GLENN, KB RACING, RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (first-year driver; winner at Charlotte four-wide): “I’ve learned a lot about patience. I’ve learned to take it back a little bit and have fun and just drive the car the way that I know how.”

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.

(Chino Hills, CA, July 21, 2021) The impressive 2021 season for Eddie Tafoya Jr. continued last Saturday night when he recorded a USAC/CRA career best finish when he placed third at Perris Auto Speedway. In addition, he also received the race “Hard Charger Award” for passing nine cars after starting 12th. The up-and-coming driver and his crew did not have a lot of time to rest on their laurels as hours later, they hopped into the Specialty Fasteners #51T race hauler for the long drive to the Midwest for Indiana Sprint Week.

In only his second full season in the USAC/CRA Series, the Chino Hills, California based driver journeyed back to Indiana in April to pick up a new DRC Chassis. Since getting that car, he has become one of the most watched drivers in the series scoring four top 10 finishes in five races. Two of the four, including last Saturday, were top five finishes. In his last four races, he has climbed from 29th in the championship standings all the way up to 13th.

Saturday’s race saw Tafoya open the night qualifying 12th in the 22-car field. He followed that up with a third-place result in his heat race. For the main event, he had to start outside the sixth row in 12th. Things started slow in the 30-lapper as he moved forward two spots to 10th in the first five laps. Ten laps later, he had only progressed one more position. However, he found a great line down low and by the 21st circuit, he was up to sixth. A red flag necessitated a restart on lap 28 and at that point, the 24-year-old took the final green flag of the race in fourth. He did not stay there for long. A picture-perfect pass on the back straight with two laps to go earned him the right to step on the podium at a USAC/CRA race for the first of what will be many times in his career.

“Tonight started out pretty slow,” Tafoya told the crowd after the race. “We had a little trouble in qualifying. We had to start the main event farther back than we like to. It feels good to comeback like that, and it definitely builds some confidence going into Sprint Week (in Indiana). I started out slow and I found a line in one and two. Everyone was following each other on the top and I had grip down low. It would slingshot me down the back chute and set me up perfect for sliders in turn three and four.”

Tafoya and crew arrived in Indiana early Wednesday morning, and they are getting ready for the busiest week of the year with seven races in nine nights. The action will kick off this Friday night at the Gas City I69 Speedway. It will be followed up by races Saturday and Sunday at the Kokomo and Lawrenceburg Speedways. Next Monday and Tuesday will be nights off for rest and car repairs before going four straight nights at the Terre Haute Action Track, Lincoln Park, Bloomington, and Tri-State Speedways. Last year his best “Sprint Week” finish came at Lawrenceburg when he placed 19th.

For Midwest fans, the great looking 2021 Team Tafoya shirts will be available during “Sprint Week.” For those who cannot make it to the track, contact Eddie Tafoya Jr. on his Instagram or Facebook page and he will be able to take your order and ship a shirt to you.

Indiana Sprint Week Track Directory

Gas City I69 Speedway – 5871 East, 500 South, Gas City, IN 46933 – (765) 677-RACE – http://www.gascityi69speedway.com/

Kokomo Speedway – 2455 N. Davis Road, Kokomo, IN 46901 – (765) 459-3877 – http://www.kokomospeedway.net/

Lawrenceburg Speedway – 351 East Eads Parkway, Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 – (812) 539-4700 – https://www.lawrenceburgspeedway.com/

Terre Haute Action Track – 3901 S. US Hwy 41, Terre Haute, IN 47802 – (217) 764-3200 –

Lincoln Park Speedway – 1051 W. US Hwy 40, Greencastle, IN 46135 – (765) 653-3485 – https://www.lincolnparkspeedway.com/

Bloomington Speedway – 5186 South Fairfax Road, Bloomington, IN 47401 – (812) 824-7400 – https://www.facebook.com/BloomingtonSpeedway/

Tri State Speedway – 9981 South U.S. Highway 41, Haubstadt, IN 47639 – (812) 768-5995 – https://www.tristatespeedway.com/index.php

Fans who cannot get away to watch Tafoya live, can see all the races on the Flo Racing website. For details, please click on the following link. https://www.floracing.com/

Tafoya and his team would like to thank the following sponsors for being a part of the 2021 racing campaign. Specialty Fasteners, Circle Track Performance, DRC Chassis, Ryder Racing Engines, Benic Enterprises, Simpson, and Bell. If you or your company would like to become a part of the team in 2021, please give them a call or send an Email to the contact information at the top of this press release.

Eddie Tafoya Jr. 2021 Race Results

1/12 Tulsa Expo Raceway Chili Bowl Midget Nationals 12th B Main

1/16 Tulsa Expo Raceway Chili Bowl Midget Nationals 8th H Main

3-26 Thunderbowl Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars DNS

4-16 Bloomington Speedway USAC National Sprint Cars 10th C Main

4-17 Paragon Speedway USAC National Sprint Cars 13th B Main

4-24 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 8th A Main

5-22 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 18th A Main

6-17 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 4th A Main

7-3 Santa Maria Raceway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 6th A Main

7-17 Perris Auto Speedway USAC/CRA Sprint Cars 3rd A Main