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Toyota Racing – NCS New Hampshire Quotes – Christopher Bell – 07.16.21

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Toyota Racing – Christopher Bell
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

LOUDON, NH (July 16, 2021) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell was made available to media prior to the New Hampshire race weekend today:

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Rheem – Watts Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

What can you learn from the Xfinity race since the traction compound will be added after the race?

“It’s going to be a lot more difficult than what I was anticipating and not really ideal situation for sure. You would like to get a Xfinity race on the same track that you are going to run the Cup car, but on the same hand it’s still Loudon. The track is going to be a little bit different, maybe the racing line will be a little bit different, but still, you will be in that Loudon rhythm so to speak of. I definitely had to dig a little bit to find the last race without PJ1, and it affects the racing quite a bit. It will be interesting to see what race turns out better between the Xfinity Series race and the Cup race.”

Is there anything that you will need to remind yourself heading into the Cup race with the traction compound being applied?

“Probably, especially starting the race it’s going to be really difficult to just not over-drive and make sure you don’t get in the PJ1 too early. We know that it is super slick whenever they apply it, so the first couple of laps on Sunday are probably going to be pretty sketchy, so you just have to be really mindful of that. Once it does come in, you are just able to drive so much harder, because the track has a lot more grip. It will be the same for everybody and you just have to mind your p’s and q’s and don’t make a mistake early when the traction compound is still slick.”

Were you going to always be running the Xfinity race or did this just come up?

“It actually just came up a few weeks ago. I didn’t have any Xfinity races on my calendar. I’m not really sure what happened. I think Ty Gibbs maybe was supposed to run it and ended up doing the ARCA deal. So, I’m not really sure what happened, but I was very thankful for the opportunity and really glad that we have DEWALT onboard for Saturday’s race. It would be really, really cool to be able to get DEWALT into victory lane.”

Do you have any plans to race during this two-week break?

“Yeah, I will be going with Swindell Speed Lab, going Sprint Car racing. We are going to run Lernerville, Pennsylvania Tuesday after Loudon and then Friday, Saturday, we are going to Missouri to do a couple of all-star races. The week after that, I’m not really sure. It’s up in the air, but I will definitely be doing something somewhere.”

Why are you so good at New Hampshire?

“Whenever I first started pavement racing, I was fortunate enough to go and do a late model race at Loudon, so that was my first time there and I had a test with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) before my first there in the Truck Series. It’s just been a place where I’ve had a lot of laps at. That test I think helped out a lot, and aside from that, I think I just have really good racecars. Going there with Kyle Busch Motorsports after that test, we had a really good package, and our trucks were really fast, and then Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has always had a really good handle on Loudon. I would love to sit here and tell you that I have secrets for it, but the main ingredient is having really fast racecars.”

How do you feel about the lobster on Sunday if you win?

“I’m not crazy about touching the lobster. My wife (Morgan) is excited about it. I will probably let her hold it.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 47,000 in North America. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Motorcraft/Quick Lane Team Head to New Hampshire

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With their mid-season slump starting to look like a thing of the past, Matt DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are headed to New Hampshire Motor Speedway hoping to post their third top-10 finish this month, and DiBenedetto will be seeking his third-straight finish of sixth or better on the Magic Mile in Loudon.

DiBenedetto finished fifth at New Hampshire in 2019 driving for his previous team then was sixth last year in the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang. He said he feels good about his prospects in Sunday’s Foxwoods Resort Casino 301.

“New Hampshire is a place I always have circled off as being excited to go to,” he said. “I love the low downforce/high horsepower races the most. It fits my driving style for sure.”

“Our cars have been strong there so I’m excited to see if we can go contend for the win.”

Sunday’s 301-lap race is relatively short compared to others on the Cup schedule, and that offers some opportunities for strategy calls that might not work in a longer event.

“It’s a pretty short race, and sometimes strategy is big if cautions fall at odd times,” DiBenedetto said.

DiBenedetto added that he believes the No. 21 team, which is coming off top-10 finishes at Atlanta and Road America, has developed good chemistry between driver, crew chief and crew and is poised to lead laps and compete for race wins.

“We are in the best position we have ever been to go out there and feel like we can absolutely win.”

With no practice or qualifying this weekend, DiBenedetto is set to start 14th on Sunday, as starting positions were determined based on the teams’ performances in the most recent race, at Atlanta Motor Speedway where DiBenedetto finished ninth.

The Foxwoods Resort Casino 301 is set to start just after 3 p.m. Eastern Time with TV coverage on NBCSN. Stage breaks are scheduled for Laps 75 and 185.

About Motorcraft:

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

About Omnicraft:

Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership.

About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center

Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine vehicle maintenance including tire repair and replacement with a Low Tire Price Guarantee and a full menu of automotive services including oil and filter, brakes, alignments, batteries, and shocks and struts on all vehicle makes and models. Service is performed by certified technicians at more than 1,000 locations worldwide while you wait, and no appointment is necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 200,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Wood Brothers Racing

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

NEWS from SRX: Notes Package for Camping World SRX Series Season Finale at Nashville

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Camping World SRX Series Season Finale
Round 6 of 6 – Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway – July 17 LIVE on CBS

WHAT: Camping World SRX Series (Round 6 of 6)
WHERE: Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville, Tennessee
WHEN: 8 p.m. EDT on Saturday, July 17
DISTANCE: Feature consists of 77 laps (preceded by two 12-minute heat races, which sets starting lineup)
CARS: Purpose-built SRX racecars
TV: LIVE on the CBS Television Network with streaming on Paramount+ Premium at 8 p.m. EDT on Saturday, July 17

● Host: Lindsay Czarniak

● Booth: Allen Bestwick (play-by-play) and James Hinchcliffe (driver analyst)

● Pit Reporter: Matt Yocum

● Roaming Analyst: Brad Daugherty

● Producer: Pam Miller

● Director: Jim Cornell

THE TRACK: Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway (.596-mile, paved oval)

● Banking: 18 degrees in the turns; 3 degrees on the straightaways

● Width: 60 feet on frontstretch, 50 feet on backstretch and in corners

● Frontstretch Length: 720 feet

● Backstretch Length: 680 feet

SPOTTER GUIDE: Car color, car number, driver and series they represent

● Black: No. 98 of Marco Andretti (INDYCAR)

● Teal: No. 18 of Bobby Labonte (NASCAR)

● Yellow: No. 2 of Ernie Francis Jr.(TRANS AM)

● Red: No. 3 of Helio Castroneves (INDYCAR and IMSA)

● Lime Green: No. 13 of Paul Tracy (INDYCAR)

● Purple: No. 9 of Bill Elliott (NASCAR)

● Magenta: No. 48 of Tony Kanaan (INDYCAR)

● White: No. 94 of Chase Elliott (NASCAR)

● Indigo: No. 17 of Willy T. Ribbs (TRANS AM, IMSA and INDYCAR)

● Patriotic: No. 1 of Hailie Deegan (NASCAR)

● Orange: No. 14 of Tony Stewart (NASCAR, INDYCAR and USAC)

● Blue: No. 15 of Michael Waltrip (NASCAR)

ROUND 1: June 12 at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford Springs, Connecticut (half-mile, paved oval)

● Feature Winner: Doug Coby (Local All-Star)

● Heat Race No. 1 Winner: Greg Biffle (Ringer)

● Heat Race No. 2 Winner: Doug Coby

ROUND 2: June 19 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa (half-mile, dirt oval)

● Feature Winner: Tony Stewart

● Heat Race No. 1 Winner: Tony Stewart

● Heat Race No. 2 Winner: Scott Bloomquist (Ringer)

ROUND 3: June 26 at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio (half-mile, high-banked, clay oval)

● Feature Winner: Tony Stewart

● Heat Race No. 1 Winner: Tony Stewart

● Heat Race No. 2 Winner: Marco Andretti

ROUND 4: July 3 at Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg, Indiana (.686-mile, paved oval)

● Feature Winner: Ernie Francis Jr.

● Heat Race No. 1 Winner: Scott Speed (Ringer)

● Heat Race No. 2 Winner: Helio Castroneves

ROUND 5: July 10 at Slinger Speedway in Slinger, Wisconsin (quarter-mile, high-banked asphalt oval)

● Feature Winner: Marco Andretti

● Heat Race No. 1 Winner: Marco Andretti

● Heat Race No. 2 Winner: Greg Biffle (Ringer)

DRIVER CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: After Round 5 of 6

  1. Tony Stewart (199 points)
  2. Ernie Francis Jr. (161 points, -38)
  3. Marco Andretti (155 points, -44)
  4. Bobby Labonte (145 points, -54)
  5. Helio Castroneves (140 points, -59)
  6. Tony Kanaan (139 points, -60)
  7. Michael Waltrip (93 points, -106)
  8. Paul Tracy (90 points, -109)
  9. Bill Elliott (66 points, -133)
  10. Willy T. Ribbs (63 points, -136)

Note: Points are awarded in both heats and the feature. In each heat, the winner receives a maximum of 12 points. Second place earns 11 points with every position in descending order receiving one fewer point, with the 12th-place finisher earning one point. Points increase in the feature, with the winner receiving 25 points, second place 22 points, third place 20 points, fourth place 18 points, fifth place 16 points, sixth place 14 points, seventh place 12 points, eighth place 10 points, ninth place eight points, 10th place six points, 11th place four points and 12th place two points.

CREW CHIEF CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS: After Round 5 of 6

  1. Todd Parrott (399 points)
  2. Local Legends (391 points, -8)
  3. Jeff Hammond (319 points, -80)
  4. Mike Beam (297 points, -102)
  5. Tony Eury Jr. (171 points, -228)

Note: Ricky Turner is the local legend crew chief at Nashville. The Dawsonville, Georgia-native is a former driver who went from winning races in Late Model stock cars to serving as the winning crew chief for Late Model drivers, most notably with Chase Elliott. Turner was a part of Elliott’s grand slam in 2013 when he became the first driver to win all four majors on the Super Late Model circuit – the All-American 400 at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, the Winchester 400 at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway, the World Crown 300 at Gresham Motorsports Park in Jefferson, Georgia, and the Snowball Derby at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.

NASHVILLE GUEST STAR: CHASE ELLIOTT

Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia, United States

Social: IG: @chaseelliott9 / Twitter: @chaseelliott / Facebook: @ChaseElliott

● Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports.

● Winner of 13 NASCAR Cup Series races, seven on road courses, and also a five-time winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and a three-time winner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

● Qualified on the pole nine times in the NASCAR Cup Series, including the 2016 and 2017 Daytona 500.

● Earned NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2016.

● Won 2014 Xfinity Series championship, the first rookie to win a NASCAR national series title and the youngest driver (at 18 years of age) to win that series title.

● Voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver by fans in 2018, 2019 and 2020, a distinction his father, NASCAR Hall of Famer Bill Elliott, won a record 16 times.

● Bill Elliott, the 1988 NASCAR Cup Series champion, and Chase, the 2020 champion, are the third father-son duo to win NASCAR championships, joining Lee and Richard Petty, and Ned and Dale Jarrett.

● Before his NASCAR career, became the first driver to win the largest short-track races in the United States – the All-American 400, the Winchester 400, the Snowball Derby and the World Crown 300.

NASHVILLE GUEST STAR: HAILIE DEEGAN

Hometown: Temecula, California, United States

Social: IG: @HailieDeegan / Twitter: @HailieDeegan / Facebook: @ HailieDeegan4 / TikTok: @HailieDeegan

● Substituted for Tony Kannan June 19 at Knoxville and July 10 at Slinger. In SRX debut at Knoxville, finished third in the first heat, fifth in the second heat, and second in the feature to winner Tony Stewart. At Slinger, Deegan finished eighth in the first heat, second in the second heat and fourth in the feature.

● Three-time winner in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, and was the first female to win a race in the series.

● Currently competes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

● At just 19 years old, leads all NASCAR drivers – male and female – in fan engagement on social media.

● Daughter of Brian Deegan, a championship-winning motocross rider, off-road racer and Gold medal-winning X-Games athlete.

THE REGULARS:

MARCO ANDRETTI

Hometown: Nazareth, Pennsylvania, United States

Social: IG: @marcoandretti / Twitter: @marcoandretti

● Won the fifth round of the Camping World SRX Series race July 10 at Slinger. It was Andretti’s first victory in a racecar featuring a roof and fenders.

● Third-generation racer, son of INDYCAR champion Michael Andretti and grandson of the legendary Mario Andretti.

● Racing select NTT INDYCAR Series races in 2021 (which included the Indianapolis 500).

● Winner of the 2006 INDYCAR Series Rookie of the Year.

● Tested for Honda Racing’s Formula One program in 2006 and 2007.

● Purchased childhood home in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, and runs a successful real-estate business.

● Prepared to run the 2020 New York Marathon before the COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellation of the event.

HELIO CASTRONEVES

Hometown: São Paulo, Brazil

Social: IG: @heliocastroneves / Twitter: @h3lio / Facebook: @h3lio

● Four-time and reigning Indianapolis 500 winner (2001, 2002, 2009 and 2021).

● Winner of the 2021 Rolex 24 at Daytona with co-drivers Filipe Albuquerque, Ricky Taylor and Alexander Rossi.

● Credited with beginning the tradition of climbing the fence after a race win, which he did after scoring his first career INDYCAR victory at the 2000 Detroit Grand Prix.

● Mirror Ball Trophy winner on Season 5 of Dancing With The Stars in 2007, alongside partner Julianne Hough.

BILL ELLIOTT

Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia, United States

Social: Twitter: @billelliott9 / Facebook: @billelliott

● Affectionately known as “Awesome Bill from Dawsonville”.

● Won the 1988 NASCAR Cup Series championship and is a two-time Daytona 500 winner (1985 and 1987).

● Still holds the track qualifying records at Daytona International Speedway (210.364 mph) and Talladega Superspeedway (212.809 mph), both set in 1987.

● Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2015.

● Voted NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver by fans a record 16 times.

● Father of reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott. They are the third father-son duo to win NASCAR championships, joining Lee and Richard Petty, and Ned and Dale Jarrett.

ERNIE FRANCIS JR.

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

Social: IG: @erniefrancisjr / Twitter: @erniefrancisjr

● Won the fourth round of the Camping World SRX Series race July 3 at Lucas Oil Raceway. It was Francis’ first career win on an oval.

● Winningest driver in the 55-year history of the SCCA Trans Am Series, all while being just 23 years old.

● At 16, became the youngest champion in Trans Am history and is the youngest professional driver to win seven consecutive championships.

● One of his most impressive performances came in the 2018 Trans Am race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. He had to miss qualifying because of a NASCAR commitment, but still won the race from the back of the grid.

● Has made select starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR K&N Series.

● Grandfather immigrated to New York City from Haiti five decades ago.

● Counts Willy T. Ribbs as a mentor and, like Ribbs, making a name for himself in Trans Am.

TONY KANAAN

Hometown: Salvador, Brazil

Social: IG: @tkanaan / Twitter: @tonykanaan / Facebook: @tonykanaan

● Won the 2004 INDYCAR championship.

● Winner of the 2013 Indianapolis 500.

● Splitting 2021 NTT INDYCAR Series season with seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson in Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 48 entry, competing in all of the series’ oval races.

● Lebanese ancestry but grew up in Brazil; member of racing “Brat Pack” with Dario Franchitti, Max Papis and the late Greg Moore.

● Fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, Italian and English.

● Avid triathlete and has completed Ironman event in Hawaii.

BOBBY LABONTE

Hometown: Corpus Christi, Texas, United States

Social: IG: @bobby_labonte44 / Twitter: @bobby_labonte

● Won the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series championship and 1991 NASCAR Xfinity Series championship.

● Won 2001 International Race of Champions (IROC) title, which was the precursor to SRX.

● Inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2020.

● Is a television analyst for FOX, specifically FS1’s RaceDay.

● Competes in the Southern Modified Auto Racing Tour (SMART).

● Founded Longhorn Chassis in 2010 with his brother, Terry, building dirt late model racecars. (Terry is a two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, earning titles in 1984 and 1996.)

● Owns a Red Mango yogurt shop on the campus of Duke University.

WILLY T. RIBBS

Hometown: San Jose, California, United States

Social: Twitter: @willyribbs

● First African-American to compete in the Indianapolis 500 (1991 and 1993) and the first African-American to test a Formula One car (1986 with Brabham in Estoril, Portugal).

● Winner of the 1977 Dunlop/Autosport Star of Tomorrow Formula Ford 1600 championship.

● A 17-race winner in the SCCA Trans Am Series. Was the 1983 Trans Am Rookie of the Year on the strength of five wins and finished second in the series championship to teammate David Hobbs.

● Won 10 IMSA GTO races driving for the legendary Dan Gurney.

● Showed versatility by competing in Trans Am, IMSA, INDYCAR and various NASCAR divisions, including the Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series.

● Made 46 INDYCAR starts between 1990-1994.

● After retiring from racing, became a professional shooter in the National Sporting Clays Association. Ribbs’ son, Theodore, is also a professional shooter.

● In the Disney Channel cartoon The Proud Family, character Penny proud and her friends attend Willy T. Ribbs Middle School, where the mascot is “Racer.”

● Ribbs was the subject of the 2020 Netflix documentary, Uppity: The Willy T. Ribbs Story.

TONY STEWART

Hometown: Columbus, Indiana, United States

Social: IG: @tsrsmoke / Twitter: @tonystewart / Facebook: @tonystewart / YouTube: @tonystewart14

● Swept the two Camping World SRX Series dirt-track races June 19 at Knoxville and June 26 at Eldora.

● Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (2002, 2005 and 2011), 1997 INDYCAR Series champion and four-time USAC champion.

● Stewart is the first and only driver to win championships in stock cars, Indy cars and open-wheel Midget, Sprint and Silver Crown cars.

● Co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, winner of two NASCAR Cup Series championships (2011 and 2014).

● Owner of Tony Stewart Racing, winner of 26 championships – 14 in USAC, nine in the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series and three in the All Star Circuit of Champions TQ Midgets.

● Inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the NASCAR Hall of Fame (2020), the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) Hall of Fame (2020), the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (2019), the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame (2019), the Texas Motorsports Hall of Fame (2019), the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame (2018), the USAC Hall of Fame (2016) and the National Midget Racing Hall of Fame (2001).

● Formed the Tony Stewart Foundation in 2003.The 501(c)(3) organization’s goal is to raise funds primarily distributed to serving three specific groups – chronically ill and physically disabled children, animals that are endangered or at-risk, and drivers injured in the sport of motor racing. To date, the Foundation has awarded nearly $7 million to assist charitable initiatives for more than 150 well-qualified organizations throughout the United States.

PAUL TRACY

Hometown: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada

Social: IG: @paultracyofficial

● Current NBC TV commentator for its INDYCAR broadcasts.

● Won the 2003 INDYCAR championship.

● Finished second to Helio Castroneves in the 2002 Indianapolis 500.

● Has competed in NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, and dabbled in professional downhill mountain bike racing.

MICHAEL WALTRIP

Hometown: Owensboro, Kentucky, United States

Social: IG: @mwr55 / Twitter: @mw55 / Facebook: @michaelcwaltrip

● Two-time Daytona 500 winner (2001 and 2003).

● Younger brother of three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip.

● Color commentator for FOX’s broadcasts of NASCAR Xfinity and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races, as well as pre-race commentator for FOX’s broadcast of NASCAR Cup Series races.

● Author of a New York Times best-seller in 2011, In the Blink of an Eye: Dale, Daytona, and the Day that Changed Everything. A documentary film adaptation was released in 2019.

● An avid runner, competed in the 2000 Boston Marathon.

● Participated in season 19 of Dancing With The Stars in 2014.

About Camping World SRX Series:

The Camping World SRX Series was created by a team consisting of Sandy Montag and The Montag Group, George Pyne, NASCAR Hall of Fame crew chief and team owner Ray Evernham, and legendary driver Tony Stewart. The Montag Group leads business operations and Evernham oversees all racing operations. Pyne is a member of the Board and serves as an advisor. For more information, please visit us online at www.SRXracing.com, on Facebook, on Twitter and on Instagram.

Trans Am Returns to Brainerd to Honor the Life of Jed Copham

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Official Release
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Trans Am Championship in full swing heading into the Ryan Companies US presents the Jed Copham Tribute Weekend at Brainerd International Raceway

BRAINERD, MINN. (15 July 2021)- The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli will celebrate the life of Jed Copham at Brainerd International Raceway for the second-annual Ryan Companies US Jed Copham Tribute Weekend July 16-18.

The three-day event honoring the track’s late owner and part-time Trans Am driver Jed Copham will highlight racing throughout history from SpeedTour, featuring historic racing from Sportscar Vintage Racing Association, open wheel competition from the youthful Formula 4 United States Championship and Formula Regional Americas Championship presented by Honda drivers and wheel-to-wheel muscle car action from Trans Am. The weekend will also feature Bracket Drag Racing on the dragstrip. (Tickets)

The Ryan Companies, US presents the Jed Copham Tribute Weekend at Brainerd International Raceway marks the fifth year of Ryan Companies US, Inc. playing a pivotal role in bringing the iconic Trans Am Series to a legendary race circuit.

Ryan Companies, US designs, develops, finances, manages and constructs buildings that tell the stories of its employees, its customers and its legacy. Ryan Companies will assist in building Trans Am’s story and legacy this weekend by also supporting the live stream on the Trans Am by Pirelli App and the race replay premiers following the weekend. (Download Trans Am by Pirelli Racing App.)

“Ryan Companies is honored to sponsor the Jed Copham Weekend Tribute at Brainerd International Raceway again this year to honor the life of Jed Copham,” Ryan Companies US Chairman Emeritus of the Board and TA2® driver Tim Gray. “Every Trans Am event brings excellent competition, and this one in particular means a lot to me, as this raceway is where I did my SCCA drivers school and competed in my first-ever Trans Am race. I look forward to another fun event this week here in Brainerd.”

The chase for the TA championship is now at its mid-way point after six rounds with Chris Dyson leading the standings by 22 points following his third consecutive victory at Road America. However, last season at BIR was a huge upset for Dyson’s championship points. During the opening legs of the 100-mile sprint, Dyson experienced a drive train failure, putting him out of points contention. This year, Dyson expects a better outcome for his No. 20 ALTWELL Ford Mustang after a strong, consistent first half of the season.

“Throughout this year, we have had excellent reliability and the points standings reflect our consistency,” said Dyson. “Improving our finishing record was the biggest priority of the off-season, and I’m really encouraged so far.

“Of course every single Trans Am Series race is a fight, and we never underestimate our competition,” Dyson continued. “Tomy (Drissi) has put up a strong challenge all year and you can never count out Ernie (Francis Jr) as a factor in any race. The fans at Brainerd are real enthusiasts and the track loves Trans Am, so we are looking forward to competing there next week.”

Last season, BIR was a crucial points race for Tomy Drissi. Following a race-long battle with Amy Ruman, Drissi took the lead and the win at Brainerd, his first victory since 2018. The win edged Drissi back into the championship chase in 2020.

Entering this weekend the Weathertech Raceway winner hopes to capture the same success in the No. 8 Lucas Oil SlickMist Chevrolet Camaro as he did last season as he trails Dyson in the season-long points battle by 22 points.

“Our Lucas Oil SlickMist car was fast at Brainerd last year but we’re going to have to be faster to beat (Chris) Dyson, Ernie (Francis Jr.), Amy (Ruman) or any of the ringers that have been showing up. I’m proud to be representing the Lucas oil SlickMist family and I can’t wait to get to Brainerd to see the true-blue fans in Minnesota.”

Two-time TA champ Amy Ruman ran her best race of the season last year at BIR, battling Drissi for second place and eventually the lead. Despite losing power steering half way through the race, Ruman wheeled her No. 23 McNichols/Cornertech Chevrolet Corvette to a second-place finish.

Ruman has won at Brainerd twice with Trans Am and expects to make up serious ground in the points with a podium finish. Ruman sits sixth in points (105) behind rookie Ken Thwaits (106), Simon Gregg (119), Ernie Francis Jr. (128), Drissi (155) and Dyson (177).

“It was a quick turnaround from the Road America race and the guys have been working diligently to repair the No. 23 McNichols/Cornertech Chevrolet Corvette after a front suspension part failed and sent us into the wall,” said Ruman. “We had a great race at BIR last year capturing a second-place finish and as always, our strategy is to land a podium spot on Sunday!”

Splitting his time again this weekend with SRX, Francis Jr. will test on Friday morning and skip practice and qualifying on Saturday to make his SRX commitment in Nashville. The seven-time champion will then hop on a red eye to make it back in time to race on Sunday.

Last season Francis Jr. went flatout around the two-mile road course, building more than a 20-second lead within 18 laps before his day was cut short by a mechanical failure. Though, Francis Jr. will start at the back of the field for the 100-mile sprint on Sunday, his No. 98 Future Star/Breathless Racing Ford Mustang will be one to watch make a bid for the podium.

Trans Am drivers will compete in a full test day on Friday (July 16) with practices filling Saturday (July 17) morning before TA2 qualifying block at 1:15 p.m. Central followed by TA qualifying at 3:35. Sunday (July 18) closes the three-day event with a combined 100-mile sprint from Trans Am TA and TA2® drivers at 11:25 a.m. Central.

The weekend will be live streamed on the Trans Am by Pirelli Racing App starting on Saturday.

EMERLING PRIMED FOR RUN TO CHECKERED IN INAUGURAL MOD TOUR EVENT AT LANCASTER

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Patrick Emerling, seen here in a 2011 photo from Thompson Speedway, scored his first career victory in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour in the Bush's Beans 150 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Photo: Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images for NASCAR

Nu-Way Auto Parts 150 Set for July 31

Lancaster, NY (June 16, 2021): Patrick Emerling of Orchard Park, NY, heads into an action-packed race weekend fresh off a strong finish at his home track. This past Saturday, June 10, Emerling posted a runner-up finish in the Ol’ Boy Cup 60 at Lancaster Speedway at New York International Raceway Park. On Saturday, July 31, he hopes to improve his finishing position by one to take down a victory in the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150; the track’s inaugural Whelen Modified Tour event.

“I’ve been wanting the Modified Tour to come out to Western New York for a long time,” said Emerling, whose travel time to compete on the Modified Tour is normally six plus hours, “not only because it’s a short commute but because I’m hoping it does a lot for Modified racing here in the Western part of the state.”

Before the Modified Tour rolls into town, Emerling will have his hands full with a busy schedule at New Hampshire Motor Speedway this weekend. Looking to pad his point lead in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, he is also driving the No. 23 Chevrolet for Our Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

The 30 year old driver currently sits atop the NASCAR Whelen Modified points standings; a scant three points ahead of defending series champion Justin Bonsignore of Holtsville, NY. Heading into Loudon, Emerling has amassed an impressive five top-five and six top-ten finishes in the six series races thus far this season; including a win in the prestigious Spring Sizzler at Stafford Motor Speedway.

Riding consistency to the top of the standings, Emerling feels no pressure in pursuit of the championship.

“We want to be leading the points,” said Emerling, almost matter-of-factly. “It’s what you work toward. But, we are really just a bunch of guys that enjoy racing. We are having fun doing what we do and trying to run the best that we can.”

That bunch of guys also includes crew chief Jan Leaty, a successful modified driver in his own right.

“We are good at the same tracks,” said Emerling of his crew chief. “New Hampshire was one of Jan’s best tracks and it’s one of my better tracks as well. I think that definitely provides a connection between us.”

That could spell trouble for the competition at Lancaster. Ironically, Emerling and Leaty are tied on the all-time Modified win list at Lancaster Speedway with seven wins apiece.

Emerling has an impressive stat in the Sportsman Modified division at the Speedway as well. He is tied with Don Staubitz, Jr. for thirteenth on Lancaster Speedway’s all-time Sportsman feature winners list with eight victories. Admittedly, his most memorable experience at the Speedway came while running the sportsman division.

“Years ago, while running the Sportsman division, we won a handful of races in a row and people started complaining that we were cheating,” said Emerling. “One night we finished second. Well, first and third place got disqualified. We were they only legal car in tech.”

With the parity of the front-runners on the Modified Tour this year – Emerling’s average finish is 3.5, Bonsignore’s is 4.5 and Doug Coby’s is 4.4 – the familiarity could be the advantage at the D-shaped half-mile.

“The track is quite different from anywhere else that the Tour runs,” said Emerling. “We’ve won a good amount here in the past and finished second last week even missing on the setup a bit. I have a really good handle of the way you have to drive this place and I know what to expect as the race goes on. I think that gives me at least a slight advantage over the competitors running the track for the first time.”

And, Emerling has been especially good in his home state of NY this season. He has a pair of runner-up finishes at Riverhead and a third-place finish at Oswego.

While there is a long way yet to go in the season, Lancaster Speedway could be the catalyst for a run to the championship for the local favorite, which is the “ultimate goal” for Emerling.

Fans won’t want to miss when locals with experience and accolades like Emerling, Tommy Catalano, Tyler Rypkema and Chuck Hossfeld take on perennial favorites like Bonsignore, Coby and others.

General admission tickets are now on sale for the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour event at New York International Raceway Park (NYIRP) in Lancaster, NY. Grandstand tickets for the Nu-Way Auto Parts 150, scheduled for Saturday, July 31, are available at SeetheEvents.com for $35 for adults and $15 for children ages 12 and under.

Grandstands will open at Noon with practice beginning at 2pm. Racing begins at 5pm. In addition to the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the race card also includes Sportsman, 4-Cylinders and Street Stocks.

The event website is hosted by event promoter and Lancaster Speedway/NYIRP partner, Speed Enterprises Entertainment.

Located just 30 miles from Niagara Falls in Lancaster, New York International Raceway Park is home to the half-mile Lancaster Speedway asphalt oval as well as a 1/8-mile drag strip featuring IHRA sanctioned drag racing.

Racing since 1959, the speedway has a rich history that has seen winners that include some of the all-time greats of NASCAR Modified racing like Maynard Troyer, Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, Geoff Bodine, Tony Hirschman, Rick Fuller, Mike McLaughlin and Reggie Ruggiero.

Easy way to restore your car with touch-up paint!

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SM
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Photo by Pascal Frei on Unsplash

Over the years, chances are you have accumulated your fair share of scratches, dings, and nicks on your car. That happens! Don’t worry about that – it is bound to happen while driving in inclement weather, driving on dirt roads, or driving on uneven terrain. Every driver has this happen to their car at some point in their life, so you just now have to think of how you can fix this cosmetic issue in your car before it gets any worse.

You will need to figure out a cost-effective and efficient method to get rid of these nicks before they rust your car. If you do this process over a few days, you could prevent any rust buildup on your car and you will learn how to fix any deterioration on the exterior along with getting your car back in the shape it was when you bought it!

Car paint repair – how to use Nissan touch-up paint!

If you find there are nicks, scratches, and dings in your car, you need to use touch-up paint to get your car looking back to its original condition! Whether you need to sell your car and have it looking its best, or you just take pride in the way your car looks, refurbishing and repairing your car is key to looking and feeling good while you are driving around in your vehicle. 

By using Nissan touch-up paint, you can fix the door dings and nicks in no time at all with this foolproof method. By following these simple steps you can do this process on your own without having to spend thousands on a repair job at your local automotive store. 

Get the proper color

The first step of using Nissan touch-up paint to help refurbish your car is finding the exact color of your car. Don’t buy just a generic Red, if you own a red car, it needs to match completely by the manufacturer’s color, or else there will be spots of random color on your car that will look worse than the dings did!

The dealership of your vehicle will typically sell the paint color for your car that is free for consumers to purchase, and it comes in around ½-ounce containers. You can also purchase a clear coat to put on top of the Nissan touch-up paint for around $8-$12 depending on the brand and the size of the clear coat.

Make sure before you buy the color that you call the parts department of the dealership to ensure they have the color in stock. You don’t want to waste your time driving to the dealership if they do not have the color, and you don’t want to buy the wrong color by accident! You can use your VIN number to ensure you get the proper color for your vehicle. 

When buying the Nissan touch-up paint, you only need to purchase one vial of the vehicle paint – this amount of paint is typically the perfect amount for around 15-20 touch-up spots on your vehicle. If you have more dings and dents, consider purchasing two vials to ensure you don’t run out of paint. Most online automotive part sites also offer Nissan touch up paint for your car for between $20 and $30 for around 3 ounces of a bottle of paint.

Get the right tools

The next step in using the Nissan touch up paint to help fix the exterior of your car is getting the proper tools so you can prep the surface and easily put the paint on without any issues. You will need to purchase a spot sanding tool, which typically costs between $8 and $12 at most stores. In addition to having the professional micro applicators, paint syringes are key for adding the Nissan touch-up paint to your car, and they typically around $7-$10 each. Also, you will need to purchase an automotive paint gun. The car paint guns are used to get the job done faster and easier.

For small chips and dents, the small applicators will be the perfect size for the little fixes on your car. If you have larger scratches that take up more space on your car, consider using the paint syringes to apply the paint to the larger surface area. If you have very small dings on the exterior of your car, you can apply the Nissan touch up paint with a small brush. 

Furthermore, you will need a can of wax and grease remover if you find that you have waited too long to fix the dents and scratches and rust is forming. Although it is best to take care of this before rust forms, you might find that the wax and grease remover can help prevent the rust from spreading. 

Get rid of excess paint

The next step in using the Nissan touch up paint for your car is to get rid of any excess paint that is chipping or flaking off of your vehicle. If you inspect the car and see the chips and ents have attached paint that is hanging off of the car, make sure to remove the loose paint with a small screwdriver or knife. 

After you have removed the excess paint, and the outside of your car by using 150-grit sandpaper. You can also use sandpaper to smooth the edges around the scratch or the dent on your car. Once you have used the sandpaper, use the spot sanding tool to remove any rust that is forming on the larger scratches and dents. 

Apply a thin layer of paint

The next step is to apply a thin layer of coating to the area by using the foam brush or paint syringe. Once the first coat dries, you can finally begin using the Nissan touch up paint to fix your vehicle! 

Conclusion

As you can see, using the Nissan touch up paint is quick and easy. All you have to do is follow these simple steps and instructions to get your car back in tip-top shape! By preparing your paint, buying the right tools, preparing the car, and painting the vehicle, you can increase the value of your vehicle and feel more confident while you are driving. 

Ministry of Transport Test or Mot: Things To Keep In Mind for Every Motor Vehicle Owner in the UK

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SM
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In the UK, a motor vehicle (car or motorcycle) needs to be tested every year once it’s three years old. The test is called the Ministry of Transport test or simply MOT. As part of this test, a dozen checks are performed on the vehicle ranging from lights to the exhaust systems. 

If your car fails MOT, depending on the severeness of the fault, you may or may not be able to drive away from the MOT center without getting it repaired. Getting your MOT done at MOT Stockport is crucial because if you’re found driving a car without an MOT or with dangerous faults, you’ll attract a £2,500 fine, get banned from driving altogether, and get three points on your license.

You can get your vehicle’s MOT done at council MOT test centers or your trusted local auto care and servicing company like Auto King NE. Choosing the latter will give you the option to get your car serviced by experts as an MOT test at the same time. Here’s everything you need to know about MOT and things to keep in mind.

Stay On Top of Your MOT Deadline

Know that if you’re found driving a car without MOT or with dangerous faults, you are liable to pay a £2,500 fine and get banned from driving altogether. It’s therefore very crucial to stay on top of the MOT deadline because it’s solely the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the vehicle has a valid MOT.

The car or motorbike owner has to get the first MOT done three years from the date of purchase. Following that, the MOT needs to be done every year. The MOT certificate will have the details of the earliest date you can get the MOT done. If you don’t have the certificate with you or are not sure when to get it done, visit the government of UK’s MOT status check website and enter your vehicle’s registration details.

Make sure to get the MOT done in the month before the current certificate expires. This will ensure that your new MOT certificate expires precisely a year from the original certificate’s expiry date. In case you get the MOT done more than a month before the MOT is due, and it will expire one year from the date when MOT was done, and you’ll lose out. 

What Happens If Your Vehicle Fails MOT?

In the past, if your vehicle failed the MOT, you would still be able to drive from the test center to a garage for repairs, provided it still met the minimum standards of road safety. However, the government introduced new rules in May 2021, which changed this.

Currently, if your car is found to have dangerous faults while being tested, you cannot drive away even if your current MOT is still valid. This is because a vehicle with a dangerous fault fails the MOT and is deemed a road safety and environment hazard and must be repaired before you can drive it. You can either choose to get it repaired at the test center itself or have it towed to your preferred garage but not drive it under any condition.

Another case where your car fails the MOT is if a major fault is found. In this case, you can drive away, provided it’s to get the issue fixed right away, and your existing MOT is valid. You can find the list of dangerous and major faults on the dedicated MOT page on the government of UK website.

Look For The Most Common Fails

Most often, you would be surprised by the reason for the MOT failure. Data suggests that around 40 percent of MOT fail the first time, and most of them are due to simple avoidable reasons. Since some of these faults can be rectified by anyone with a toolbox, it’s best to perform a DIY MOT before going for the actual test. Below are some things to look out for before heading to the test center.

  1. Lights: Do a complete check of your vehicle’s lights, including front, rear, dipper, indicators, number plate lights, and fog lights. If any of them are not working, replace them since it’s pretty easy to do so in some cars.
  2. Suspensions: Check your suspensions by quickly applying weight to each corner of the core and release. If the suspension doesn’t settle back quickly, get it sorted out by a mechanic.
  3. Brakes: Make sure your brakes are working as intended and show resistance when applying. Some cars have brake wear lights that indicate when the brake pads have worn down. 
  4. Tires: Get your tire pressure up to optimum level and ensure that the tire treads are at least 1.6mm, which is the legal minimum
  5. Windscreen: Makes sure that your windscreen is not damaged and wipers are fully functional
  6. Exhaust: Start your car and listen to any unusual noise or smoke coming from the rear. These indicate an exhaust leak, and it’s advisable to get it checked out before MOT.
  7. Steering: This is not easy to check by yourself, but if you feel your steering is less responsive or is behaving unusually, get it checked out before MOT.
  8. Fluids: Ensure that your brake fluid, windscreen washer, and oil reserves are all topped up.

There! This is all you need to know about MOT before you head out for your first. It’s a must for every vehicle to have an MOT, and the owner is solely responsible for taking care of it. Therefore, to avoid getting banned from driving and pay a hefty fine, get the MOT done every year if your car or motorbike is over three years old.

What to Know Before Buying a Dirt Bike Online

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SM
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Photo by Nandu Vasudevan on Unsplash

For many years, dirt biking has been a popular motorcycle sport. With the wide variety of dirt bikes in today’s market, it is not surprising to see an increasing number of riders being enticed to try dirt riding. 

But don’t you have to purchase a dirt bike first?

When it comes to buying a dirt bike, many questions may arise. Is a used dirt bike better than a new one? How do I find the value for my money when shopping for a dirt bike? Does American auto shield provide the best coverage for my dirt bike?

Online shopping for a dirt bike has its share of pros and cons. Some of the benefits of internet shopping include convenience, better prices and a wide range of options. So, it is ideally a better avenue to get your bike compared to in-store shopping. However, it can also be risky to buy your dirt bike over the internet without seeing it in person. 

Shopping for a dirt bike over the internet can be a demanding task, especially if you are green in the motorcycle world. It can be tricky to navigate all those options and identify the best bike that suits your needs and budget. 

Following this detailed guide might just make the process less complicated. 

Level of Experience

Before you buy a dirt bike online, it is important to pay attention to your degree of experience. Same as any other vehicle, these bikes come in different sizes and weights. Smaller and lighter dirt bikes are more appropriate for beginners as they are easier and safer to ride. Although a larger bike may appeal to you, you are unlikely to be able to handle its power. Therefore, start with smaller dirt bikes, then install upgrades or buy a larger one once you gain experience.

Budget

Budgeting is probably the most important task to do before you start browsing for dirt bikes. The prices of these bikes vary from one seller to another. Having a budget enables you to know what you can afford, whether a second-hand or a new dirt bike. It also helps you get the value for your money and effectively curbs overspending. Before you settle on a particular dirt bike, ensure you shop around for better deals. Over time, you will also observe the paints and designs of your dirt bike will fade away as it is often covered by swamp and dirt. So include your budget for upgrading the graphics on a dirt bike to make it always look new and shiny.

Engine

There are two main types of dirt bike engines; two-stroke and four-stroke engines. Each type has both pros and cons, depending on the user. A dirt bike with a two-stroke engine is cheaper to maintain and much lighter, making it an ideal choice for a beginner. On the other hand, a bike equipped with a four-stroke engine is easier to ride and offers more power, which can be ideal for more experienced riders. 

Type

Same as other vehicles, dirt bikes come in a wide range of models. Each type is suited for a specific intended purpose. The most common types of dirt bikes are; Motocross bikes, Enduro bikes and Dual Sports bikes. It is essential to match your dirt bike model with the intended purpose or riding style for optimum performance and enjoyment. 

If you are a track racer, a motocross dirt bike would be a perfect option as it is constructed for rapid acceleration. For rough terrains around the countryside, a trail or enduro dirt bike can offer more comfort. A dual-sport dirt bike will suit your riding style if you need a motorcycle to cover both your on-road and off-road needs.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, buying a decent dirt bike over the internet can be demanding for anyone. However, keeping these few tips in mind as you browse online shops can help you find a bike that would suit your requirements and budget. 

Once you get your dream dirt bike, maintain it well to enjoy the ride to the fullest. 

Ford Performance NASCAR: Chris Buescher NASCAR Zoom Transcript

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Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
NASCAR Zoom Media Availability | Thursday, July 15, 2021

CHRIS BUESCHER, No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang — THOUGHTS ON WATKINS GLEN? “I’m excited to do that. There are a couple different things there. The Glen, for one, the fan turnout at the Glen has been incredible for I don’t know how many years now, but as long as I’ve been going in the Cup Series I feel like it’s been sold out. I was very disappointed to not be able to do that last season for our fans that do come out and participate and camp and tailgate and party and sit in the grandstands. To be able to have that coming back, like you said, in just a handful of weeks now I’m pretty excited for that because I feel like that’s an area that has really supported NASCAR as a sport and we weren’t able to bring it to them last season. On the more personal or 17 side of things, I think we’ve been looking at road courses as pretty good opportunities for us this season. Road America wasn’t as strong as we had hoped, but I do think that we’ve been working hard on Watkins Glen. We feel like it’s a place where we should have pretty good race cars. A lot of the different things that we’ve worked on for our road course racing over the past year-and-a-half now should show up, so there’s a handful of things that we feel like are going to give us a good opportunity to gather a bunch of points, but ultimately try and win a race.”

HOW DO YOU SIZE UP YOUR PLAYOFF CHANCES? IS IT A MUST-WIN SCENARIO FOR YOU? “Yeah, more than likely. I think that was probably our worst-case scenario at Atlanta was for Kurt to be able to win that race as far as our playoff scenario. More than likely it’s a must-win. There would have to be some really solid stages and races, and probably a little bit of bad luck on some of the guys that we’re racing at the same time, so that’s how we’re looking at it. For us, that kind of opens up some opportunities. It’s kind of a double-edged sword. We’re not in it, so that’s not the good part, but, at the same time, it does let us go out there and be a little bit more aggressive again, trying to take some chances, take a little bit more risk, run a little bit harder at times, and to get back on track where we were before Nashville and before having a tire cut down there. We’ve kind of been on a gradual slope downward since then, so it’s time for us to recover. Hopefully, Loudon is the recovery for us and gets us going before the two weeks off, but the road courses are something we’ve looked at as a pretty big positive to be able to do that for us.”

THE BIG NEWS TODAY ABOUT KESELOWSKI LEAVING TEAM PENSKE, HAS THERE BEEN ANY INSIGHT OR DISCUSSIONS ABOUT HIM JOINING ROUSH FENWAY NEXT YEAR? “I guess to start off, I’ve been in the sim since 8 o’clock this morning, so I have no clue what the big news was, but I think from looking at the talk that’s been around, I don’t know where it lies yet. I don’t know exactly how that’s all gonna play out at the end of the day. I don’t know what changed today yet, but, for us, I won’t say it’s business as usual because it’s been a rough month for us and come back to the competition side of things, ultimately, we’ve been trying to get everything turned back around for us. So, a lot of the chatter or a lot of the extra stuff that’s been going on in the background or around us has really been muted out and ignored from our group as we’ve tried to be heading toward the playoffs right now. That’s our focus and maybe as things get a little further down the road and everything progresses and we get some concrete word on what’s going on, then we’ll have a lot more to talk about.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT NEW HAMPSHIRE THIS WEEKEND? “I’ve been in simulation all morning, so a lot of that was Loudon and trying to make sure we’re competitive with our Fastenal group. A lot of it was Watkins Glen and I made my first laps around the Indy Road Course and hit about everything, so that’s been my morning. I guess I missed out on some pretty big news. I like Loudon, but it’s not been my best racetrack. It’s something that we’ve worked hard to get better at it, and I will say that it’s been a really big focus at Roush this year has been trying to figure out how to get our 750 short track program on the up and up, so we hope this is the one that turns it around for us and we get to come back and say we did it, and, if not, we’ll keep our heads down and stay after it.”

Monster Energy Racing: Riley Herbst New Hampshire NXS Advance

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

NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview
• Event: Ambetter Get Vaccinated 200 (Round 19 of 33)
• Date: Saturday, July 17
• Location: New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon
• Layout: 1.058-mile oval
• Time/TV/Radio: 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• Riley Herbst has 61 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, but none at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. The 1.058-mile oval is the site of Saturday’s Ambetter Get Vaccinated 200, and it marks the first Xfinity Series race at the track since 2019 as COVID prevented the series from racing at New Hampshire last year. Last season was Herbst’s rookie year in the Xfinity Series, but the division’s absence from the track last year doesn’t mean Herbst doesn’t have experience at New Hampshire. The driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has a pair of NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts at New Hampshire. He finished fourth in 2018 and sixth in 2019.

• With eight races remaining in the Xfinity Series’ regular season before the NASCAR Playoffs begin Sept. 25 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Herbst is just one spot shy of the top-12 cutoff to make the seven-race playoffs. Herbst enters New Hampshire 13th in the championship standings, 54 points behind 12th-place Jeremy Clements. A win would give Herbst a playoff berth, but the 22-year-old racer from Las Vegas can also point his way into the top-12 with a string of strong finishes between New Hampshire and the playoff cutoff race Sept. 17 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

• The Ambetter Get Vaccinated 200 will be Richard Boswell’s 100th career race as an Xfinity Series crew chief. The 37-year-old from Friendship, Maryland, has been atop the pit box for nine Xfinity Series victories along with 37 top-fives and 61 top-10s with drivers Cole Custer, Chase Briscoe, Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola and, of course, Herbst. Boswell’s first race as an Xfinity Series crew chief was on Nov. 19, 2016 at Homestead-Miami Speedway with Custer.

• SHR has made four career Xfinity Series starts at New Hampshire and never finished outside the top-10. In 2019, Briscoe drove the No. 98 Ford Mustang to a sixth-place finish. Custer owns the other three starts, with his best result being a second-place drive in 2019 behind the wheel of SHR’s No. 00 Ford Mustang.

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

You have 62 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, but none at New Hampshire. However, you do have two K&N Pro Series East starts at the track. What are your expectations heading into Saturday’s race?

“I’m pumped to get to New Hampshire. I’ve had some good runs there in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and I’m hoping to do the same in the Xfinity Series. It’ll be tough with no practice again this weekend, but I’m lucky to have gotten some experience at the track, even if it wasn’t in the Xfinity Series. Laps are laps when it comes to this situation. Hopefully, I can get my Monster Energy team a win on Saturday.”

You’re currently 13th in the championship standings, 54 points back of 12th-place Jeremy Clements, who holds the final transfer spot for the 12-driver NASCAR Playoffs. Eight races remain before the seven-race playoffs begin. Is your mindset to win and secure your playoff spot, or gather as many points as possible to get into the playoffs by being among the top-12 drivers in points?

“We’re just chipping away at that points deficit. It’s definitely a process and our goal is to be higher in the points standings. We deserve to be in the playoff picture at Vegas. Our goal is to find some speed now and make up some more points at New Hampshire.”

The Monster Energy colors are so iconic in NASCAR and in the action-sports world in general. What’s it like representing such a strong brand?

“It’s super cool. Honestly, it’s just so awesome to have their support throughout almost my whole career. They’re like family to me. That flat black scheme is pretty iconic in NASCAR now, and you know that the car will be black with the green claws. I’ve always really loved the paint scheme, and fans seem to like it, as well.”

No. 98 Monster Energy Team Roster

Primary Team Members:

Driver: Riley Herbst
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell
Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Engineer: Justin Bolton
Hometown: Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Engineer: DJ VanderLey
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Spotter: Tim Fedewa
Hometown: Holt, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Crew:

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

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

Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons
Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Fueler: James Keener
Hometown: Fortuna, California

Jackman: Sean Cotten
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Road Crew Members:

Truck Driver: Steve Wood
Hometown: Eatontown, New Jersey

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

Engine Tuner: Willie Pelotte
Hometown: Oakland, Maine

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