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Kaulig Racing to Compete Full-Time in the NASCAR Cup Series with Justin Haley in 2022

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Kaulig Racing Secures Two Charters for 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Season

LEXINGTON, N.C. (June 18th, 2021) – Kaulig Racing announces Justin Haley will race full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) for the 2022 season as part of a multi-year agreement, following the team’s procurement of two charters for the upcoming season.

Matt Kaulig’s affinity for NASCAR began in 2014 when he decided to put his company, LeafFilter Gutter Protection, on a NCS car as the primary partner. Bit by the NASCAR bug, Kaulig formed his own team, Kaulig Racing, in 2016 and began full-time competition in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS).

“I’m extremely proud of how far Kaulig Racing has come in just a few short years,” said Matt Kaulig, Kaulig Racing team owner. “We entered our first Daytona 500 in 2020 and have already made it known in just a handful of races that we are there to compete. It’s been no secret that going full-time racing in the NASCAR Cup Series was our goal at Kaulig Racing, and that is exactly what we are doing by purchasing two charters for 2022 and having Justin Haley as our first, full-time driver!”

Haley, who has served as Kaulig Racing’s longest-running, full-time driver in the NXS, will continue his full-time commitment as the team’s first-ever, full-time NCS driver. Haley, a past winner in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway in the NCS, has driven the team’s flagship No. 11 Chevrolet in the NXS since 2019.

“I’ve been so fortunate the past three years to drive for an amazing team owner like Matt Kaulig,” said Haley. “He has been a great mentor in my professional career, as well as my personal life away from racing. It’s been my dream from the start to race full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, and to do so with everyone at Kaulig Racing just feels right.”

During his tenure at Kaulig Racing, Haley has earned three wins, 15 top five, and 50 top-10 finishes for Kaulig Racing in the NXS, including the team’s first-ever NCS start in the 2020 Daytona 500.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for me, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the endless support from Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice,” continued Haley. “This team has done more for me than I could ever do for them. I’m so honored to stay in the Kaulig Racing family for years to come.”

Following the team’s first NCS start in 2020, the team has since made four starts in the series for the 2021 season, and has already earned a top five and two top-10 finishes in the No. 16 Camaro ZL1 1LE.

“We are confident that this is the right time to take this next step for Kaulig Racing,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. “I had the honor of being a part of handpicking Justin Haley as the driver of our No. 11 car in the NXS, and he has truly become an integral part of this Kaulig Racing team. We feel it’s only right that he is a part of taking that next step with us, and we are looking forward to the next couple of years with him.”

Justin Haley will make his next appearance in Kaulig Racing’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1 1LE in February of 2022 to kick start both his and Kaulig Racing’s first, full-time NCS season. Additional partnership announcements will come at a later date.

About Kaulig Racing™
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and made the Championship 4 round for the first time in 2020. Kaulig Racing fields three full-time entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by Jeb Burton, the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Justin Haley, and the No. 16 Chevrolet driven by AJ Allmendinger. Kaulig Racing™ earned five wins in 2020 and have come to be one of the top competitors on track each weekend. The team also made its second NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) start in the 2021 Daytona 500 with Kaz Grala, as well as a limited NCS schedule this season. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Crosley Brands Partners with Myatt Snider and Richard Childress Racing

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Official Release
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Crosley Furniture to serve as primary partner for four NASCAR Xfinity Series events

WELCOME, N.C. (June 18, 2021) – Richard Childress Racing announced today a new partnership with Crosley Brands. Crosley Brands and Crosley Furniture will adorn Myatt Snider’s No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro for four NASCAR Xfinity Series events, starting with this weekend’s return to Nashville Superspeedway. The iconic red and black colors of Crosley will also ride with Snider at Pocono Raceway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“I am thrilled to have Crosley Brands join Myatt Snider and Richard Childress Racing,” said Bo LeMastus, founder and chief executive officer of Crosley Brands. “Racing is a passion of mine and I have spent a lot of years owning and sponsoring teams throughout motorsports. Myatt has had great success so far this season behind the wheel of his No. 2 Chevrolet and I look forward to chasing checkered flags together over the next month. Hopefully, we can capture the guitar trophy this weekend in Nashville to play alongside a Crosley jukebox.”

Based in Kentucky, Crosley Brands has a stylish line of vinyl players and turntables, while also offering jukeboxes, telephones and more through its Crosley Radio brand. Crosley Furniture delivers quality products at competitive prices, offering over 1,800 outdoor and indoor furniture items in a variety of categories and designs.

“I’m very thankful for Bo and Crosley Brands joining our team for four upcoming races,” said Snider, driver of the No. 2 Crosley Furniture Chevrolet. “Crosley is synonymous with excellence and our RCR team looks to do that every weekend when we hit the track. Racing at Nashville is going to be exciting, and I can’t wait to represent the Crosley Brands colors for the first time this weekend.”

Snider and the No. 2 Crosley Furniture Chevrolet will take to Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday, June 19, as the NASCAR Xfinity Series makes its return to the Music City. The green flag will wave at 3:30 p.m. ET, with live television coverage on NBCSN. Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio will carry the radio broadcast.

For more information on today’s announcement and all that is happening at RCR, visit www.rcrracing.com. To learn more about Crosley Brands, visit www.crosleybrands.com.

About Crosley Brands:
For over 30 years, Crosley Brands has been a leader in the nostalgic electronics category. From their beginning in the premium incentive industry, Crosley Brands developed their own exclusive product lines and built solid relationships with some of the most well-known catalogers and retailers in the business. Today, Crosley Brands is known for two brands – Crosley Radio and Crosley Furniture. At the front lines of the Vinyl Revolution, Crosley Radio seeks to bring new life to a classic medium, with its revolutionary line of turntables to its new series of high-fidelity units. Building on a legacy of entrepreneurship, Crosley Furniture delivers quality products at competitive prices, without sacrificing style. From the patio to the kitchen, bath, entryway and beyond, Crosley Furniture offers over 1,800 indoor and outdoor furniture items in a variety of categories and designs.

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).

Watkins Glen International to Fully Open Grandstands For NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen Weekend On Aug. 4-8

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Official Release
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NASCAR returns to the Central New York road course for first time since 2019 season

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 18, 2021) – Watkins Glen International will open its grandstands to full capacity for the NASCAR Go Bowling at the Glen weekend on Aug. 4-8. There will be no restrictions on the number of fans allowed to take in the action at the facility on Sunday, Aug. 8 for the NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen race at 3 p.m.

Grandstands will also be fully open for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on Saturday, Aug. 7, as well as the ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, Aug. 6.

“We are thrilled to welcome fans back at 100 percent capacity to Watkins Glen International following clearance from New York state government and health officials,” stated Michael Printup, WGI President. “Fans are our lifeblood and their presence at the track creates the aura and energy this sport thrives upon. We are appreciative of Governor Cuomo and his administration for their diligent work and collaboration to help us safely and smartly host fans as we look ahead to our IMSA and NASCAR events this summer.”

The announcement comes as New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Tuesday that COVID-19 restrictions are lifted immediately. Consistent with New York’s implementation of recent CDC guidelines, masks will still be required at WGI for unvaccinated individuals.

Watkins Glen International will continue to work closely with local and state government and health officials on any necessary health and safety protocols. Any updates will be made available at TheGlen.com.

In addition to the August NASCAR weekend, Watkins Glen International will host the upcoming IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen, June 24-27, and the IMSA WeatherTech 240, July 1-2. Fans are welcomed at both events with general admission access.

To purchase IMSA or NASCAR race tickets, camping and for additional information, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit TheGlen.com. Fans can view the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedules and purchase tickets at nascar.com/tickets.

About Watkins Glen International

Located within five hours and 300 miles of 25 percent of the U.S. population, Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in North America, four-times voted “Best NASCAR Track” by readers of USA Today. Keep up with The Glen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For tickets, camping, and additional information, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit www.TheGlen.com.

2021 Watkins Glen International Schedule
May 21-23 – Ferrari Challenge North America
June 18-20 – SCCA Majors Super Tour
June 24-27 – IMSA Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen
July 1-2 – IMSA WeatherTech 240 at The Glen
July 9-11 – Masters & HSR Weekend
August 4-8 – NASCAR Go Bowling at The Glen
September 9-12 – Hilliard U.S. Vintage Grand Prix
September 16-19 – GT World Challenge America
October 29-30 – Finger Lakes Beer Festival Presented by Chemung Canal Trust Co.

2021 Watkins Glen International NASCAR Weekend Schedule
August 6 – ARCA Menards Series Clean Harbors 100 at The Glen
August 7 – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race
August 7 – NASCAR Xfinity Series Race
August 8 – NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series) and three international series (NASCAR Pinty’s Series, NASCAR Peak Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

K&L Ready Mix will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 23 at the Indianapolis Road Course

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Official Release
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As the NASCAR Xfinity Series prepares to head to Indianapolis Road Course, Our Motorsports announces today that K&L Ready Mix will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 23 Chevrolet with driver Austin Dillion for the August 14th event.

“K & L Ready Mix is a ready-mix concrete producer that has been servicing Northwest Ohio since 1957. With 6 locations, we cover over 13 counties,” said Tyler Ruhe-Kahle, K&L Representative. “We are proud to continue our partnerships in racing, especially after the loss of our owner Ron Kahle Jr. to cancer last November. We greatly appreciate the opportunity to be on Austin Dillon’s car and can not thank everyone at Richard Childress Racing, Team Dillon Management & Our Motorsports for the chance to honor my father, Ron. We look forward to a great race, great finish, and hope for more opportunities like this in the years to come.”

K&L Ready Mix has an established relationship with NASCAR. They have served as the primary sponsor for a team back in 2019.

“We are very excited to welcome Austin and K&L Ready Mix on board with us at Indy,” said General Manager Joe Williams. “ Austin brings a lot of experience to our team and I look forward to the future with this partnership.”

The on track action kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 14. The 62-lap race will be broadcast on NBCSN.

ABOUT SPONSOR:

K&L Ready Mix is a mid-level ready-mix concrete supplier in Northwest Ohio. Founded in 1957, we began our journey hauling construction aggregates for several years, until we felt we had enough knowledge of local aggregates, we joined the concrete industry. Our six concrete plants were strategically placed so that we could overlap our coverage area, making it easier for more than anyone plant to service the same area or increase plant production on large-scale jobs. This allows us to batch concrete at multiple plants for the same job if necessary or focus our services to local customers out of multiple locations should it be required. Our resources are mostly locally purchased, with multiple locations able to utilize the same materials in an effort to keep our products consistent from one mix to the next.

Austin Dillion to Drive the No.23

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Official Release
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Our Motorsports announces today the addition of Austin Dillon to its driver roster for the No. 23 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Dillon will pilot the entry for Watkins Glens August 7th and the Indianapolis Road Course race on August 14th. Dillon, a native of Welcome, North Carolina native will climb into the No.23 for the 200.9 mile race in Watkins Glen, NY.

“It’s always nice to have experience in our cars,” said team owner Chris Our. “Austin will only help Our Motorsports continue to grow and gain experience. I look forward to having him in the car.”

The 31-year-old driver has over 490 starts across NASCAR’s three national series. He won the Daytona 500 in 2018.

“We at Our Motorsports look forward to adding Austin Dillon to our driver line up for this season,” Said General Manager Joe Williams. “Austin brings a lot of experience to the game. I want to thank K & L Ready Mix and welcome them to Our Motorsports as well. Thank you also to RCR and ECR for all the support. This has become a great partnership and I look forward to the future. These will be a couple exciting weekends in August. Stay tuned”.

The Watkins Glenn 200.9-mile race will take the green flag on Saturday, August 7th at 4 p.m. ET. The event will be broadcast on NBC.

About Our Motorsports
Our Motorsports competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, fielding the No. 02 Chevrolet Camaro for Brett Moffitt, and the No. 23 Chevrolet Camaro for multiple drivers. To find out more information about our team, please visit ourmotorsportsgroup.com.

ARCA Discounted Tickets now selling at Twin Cities-area Menards Stores

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Official Release
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Photo Courtesy of ARCA

Fans Can Save $10 on Advance Purchase for Menards 250

Toledo, OH. (June 17, 2021) – After a one-year hiatus from the shortest and most physical track on the schedule, the ARCA Menards Series returns to Elko Speedway on July 10 for the Menards 250. Twin Cities race fans can visit any one of the 39 Minneapolis/St. Paul-area Menards stores to “Save Big Money” on discounted advance tickets for the biggest night of fender-banging, paint-swapping full bodied stock car racing action of the season at the demanding 0.375-mile oval.

Advance discounted tickets are currently on sale for just $20, a $10 savings off the race day price. Kids 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult ticket holder. Click here for a full listing of Menards stores offering the discounted tickets.

The Menards 250 event will be the seventh race for the ARCA Menards Series at the three-eighths mile oval located just south of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Previous ARCA Menards Series winners at Elko include NASCAR Cup Series and Camping World Truck Series driver Brennan Poole in 2012, all-time ARCA wins leader Frank Kimmel in 2013, current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship contender Grant Enfinger in 2014, Austin Theriault in 2017, Gus Dean in 2018, and Camping World Truck Series driver for Kyle Busch Motorsports Chandler Smith in 2019. Kimmel and Theriault both won en route to respective championships. Series championship contenders Corey Heim and Ty Gibbs, currently first and second in the standings, finished fifth and second respectively in 2019.

The Menards 250 will feature a full day of on-track activity starting with one hour of practice for the ARCA Menards Series at 3:30 pm local time, followed by General Tire Pole Qualifying at 5:30 pm local, local division feature races will begin at 6 pm local, followed by a 45-mnute on-track autograph session at 7:45 pm local. The night’s 250-lap feature event will go green shortly after 9 pm local time.

The Menards 250 will also be the third round of the 2021 Sioux Chief Showdown, a series-within-the-series that allows drivers younger than 18 years of age to compete for a championship. Gibbs has won both of the previous Sioux Chief Showdown races in 2021 and has a six-point lead over Thad Moffitt in the standings.

For those who cannot watch the action at the track, the Menards 250 will be televised live on MAVTV starting at 10 pm ET/9 pm local. For updated event information, please visit ARCARacing.com and TrackEnterprises.com

About ARCA

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly racing all across the country, the organization is scheduled to administer more than 100 events in multiple racing series in 2020, including the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing).

About Menards

A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states. Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building. You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more. To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!

Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture. Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries. And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more.

Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too! For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

Toyota Racing – NCWTS Nashville Quotes – Chandler Smith – 06.18.21

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Official Release
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Toyota Racing – Chandler Smith
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Quotes

NASHVILLE (June 19, 2021) – Kyle Busch Motorsports driver Chandler Smith was made available to media after running the fastest lap in Truck Series practice at Nashville Superspeedway:

CHANDLER SMITH, No. 18 Safelite Auto Glass Toyota Tundra, Kyle Busch Motorsports

How was your run today at Nashville Superspeedway?

“It was honestly unbelievable honestly. I’ve never been here or seen the track in my life. I have a lot of experience at the fairgrounds up the road here a little bit and I’ve always wondered as a kid what this place was like because I don’t remember when NASCAR raced here much, but it’s awesome. I love this racetrack. I feel like it’s a driver’s racetrack. It’s close to a mile-and-a-half. It’s got the same speed as a mile-and-a-half to it at least, but it drives so much like a short track, which I love to death. It should be a fun race tonight.”

Did you have anything else in the truck and what was it like as far as being the fastest guy in practice?

“I’m not going to lie. It didn’t really set in till I set down in this chair just a second ago. I was like ‘Wow, this is a really cool deal.’ Looking at the trophies and the guitar, I thought it was a really cool deal to come off p.1 in practice at the first time back in 10 years, so it’s definitely good for myself, KBM (Kyle Busch Motorsports) and everybody over Safelite.”

I’m assuming you got simulator time.

“Yep.”

How did the simulator translate to the track, and did you notice anything as far as tire wear?

“Tire wear I think I was actually really solid, especially for the pace that we with-standed. I did a few long runs and I’m pretty sure that tire wear came out to be pretty solid to be honest with you. The simulator, everything translated pretty good. The only thing that I felt versus the simulator was there is a bump right on the bottom, right at the apex of three. I didn’t really feel that much in the simulator, but overall, it hit that on the nail.”

What exactly causes tires to cord?

“I think it’s a lot of combinations of what Goodyear brings to the track, and what the teams are running for setup. That’s a big difference as far as the whole tire wear situation. Like for us, for instance, we never really had a problem. As far as the other teams through the garage as far as practice, if they had problems, I’m not sure, but as far as our 18 team, it was pretty solid as far as tire wear goes.”

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.

Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4 Team Set for IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Debut in Watkins Glen Four-Hour Race

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  • John Allen, Kris Wilson and Gary Ferrera Co-Drive No. 60 Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4 in Team’s IMSA and Watkins Glen International Debut
  • Capstone Supports University of Alabama College of Engineering Sports Car Racing Internship Program in 2021 and Beyond

PARKER, Colorado (June 18, 2021) — Capstone Motorsports, a new-for-2021 sports car racing and motorsports company headquartered in Parker, Colorado, makes its IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge series debut next weekend in the four-hour race at Watkins Glen International with co-drivers John Allen, Kris Wilson and Gary Ferrera in the No. 60 Capstone Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4.

Capstone is set for both its IMSA and Watkins Glen International debuts fresh off the team’s first professional sports car racing victory earlier this month at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) where Allen and Wilson co-drove to the win.

Ferrera partners Allen and Wilson in the Capstone driver lineup next weekend for the four-hour race at The Glen, which joins the season-opening four-hour at Daytona International Speedway as the two longest races on the Pilot Challenge event schedule.

The IMSA debut also brings Capstone’s growing University of Alabama College of Engineering Sports Car Racing Internship Program to the IMSA paddock for the first time. The establishment of Capstone continues an evolution for Allen and the UA Engineering internship program which has been an at-track technical curriculum the last couple of years.

Allen, a 1979 UA College of Engineering graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, was named in 2018 a UA Distinguished Engineering Fellow in acknowledgement of his vast professional, military and philanthropic achievements. It was at that year’s Distinguished Engineering Fellows induction celebration that Allen shared his vision for an engineering-based internship program in the high-tech world of modern-day sports car racing.

Active in the sport since 2013, Allen is quick to see the connection between sports car racing and the educational programs offered in the UA College of Engineering.

“Sports car racing today is about so much more than just driving fast and flat out,” Allen said. “Along with driver ability, engineering is the most important aspect of success in today’s high-tech arena of sports car racing. We established the internship program a couple of years ago to open this world to UA Engineering students that might not be aware this incredible opportunity exists. We can’t wait to get to Watkins Glen next weekend to debut both our racing team and the internship program in IMSA.”

The Capstone Motorsports name was chosen to reflect the team’s close ties to UA. “The Capstone” is a nickname for The University of Alabama coined by former UA President G. H. Denny when he used the reference, meaning “the top stone or high point,” to describe the University as the “capstone of the public school system of the state” in 1913.

“I love Watkins Glen,” Allen said. “It’s my all-time favorite of all the tracks I’ve ever driven. I love endurance racing. The team aspect, pit strategy, it’s exhilarating to be a part of a team effort like that. It will be my second IMSA race. I did a race a few years ago and kind of got bitten by the bug. I’m glad that we’re headed back that way to get involved in IMSA.”

Allen’s one-off Pilot Challenge start was with Automatic Racing in 2018 at Road America co-driving with Ramin Abdolvahabi, but it is Wilson – Allen’s fulltime teammate the last few seasons – who brings the most IMSA Grand Sports (GS) class experience to The Glen next weekend.

Wilson has partnered primarily with Ferrera at Automatic in recent seasons in Pilot Challenge competition where the duo earned some success in the four hour races with a runner-up GS finish at Daytona in 2019.

“We are super excited to have our new Capstone Motorsports team stepping into the IMSA arena,” Wilson said. “Gary and I have run together in the Michelin Pilot Challenge series for the past few years, but I’m looking forward to now having John, Gary and I race together in the four-hour race at The Glen in our Mercedes-AMG GT4.

Ferrera has been a pitside guest of Allen’s at races but this is the first time they will co-drive together with Wilson.

“Gary is like Kris, just a good, fun guy to have around and on your team,” Allen said. “Always smiling, always happy. We pick our guys to fit in.”

About Capstone Motorsports: A professional sports car racing team headquartered in Parker, Colorado, Capstone Motorsports competes with the support of the University of Alabama College of Engineering, Class VI Partners, K3 Energizing Beverages, Long Game Financial, NuCalm, Orion Consult Group, Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours and Dr. Sanjay Jatana.

Doug Coby to Compete for GMS Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway

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STATESVILLE, N.C. (June 18, 2021) – Six-time NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Doug Coby will pilot the No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado for GMS Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway in September.

“I’m really thankful to have the opportunity to drive for a winning team like GMS Racing at Bristol,” said Coby. “My racing career has been filled with chance meetings where I come across someone who ends up opening another door for me, and last weekend’s SRX event at Stafford withy Mike (Beam) was another one of those cases. For Mike to leave the event and speak with Maury Gallagher about putting me in one of their trucks at Bristol is phenomenal and I’m grateful for the opportunity to prove myself in the Camping World Truck Series. I’m really looking forward to working with all the guys on the 24 team at one of my favorite tracks. It doesn’t get any better than Bristol!”

Coby won the inaugural SRX Racing event last weekend at Stafford Motor Speedway where he was paired with team president Mike Beam as celebrity crew chief. Coby has 30 Whelen Modified wins to his credit and has made more than 200 starts in the series.

“One of the main goals Ray (Evernham) and his group had with the SRX series was to give these local short track guys like Coby a shot,” said Beam. “We’re blessed to have Maury’s (Gallagher) support to put these local guys in a truck and give them a chance to compete at the national level in NASCAR.”

Sponsorship and paint scheme for Coby’s No. 24 Silverado will be revealed at a later date.

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 Menards 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

Elated Legend Gordon Turns Back Time by Driving USAC Midget at IMS

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INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, June 17, 2021) – NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Jeff Gordon traveled back in time Thursday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, revisiting his racing roots by driving exhibition laps in a United States Auto Club Midget car for the first time in 30 years at the place that turned him into a household name.

In a moment he said was unreal, Gordon drove a Clauson-Marshall Racing USAC Midget car at The Dirt Track at IMS in celebration of his storied career and to offer a preview of what’s to come Aug. 18-19 in the Driven2SaveLives BC39 Powered by NOS Energy Drink.

“I feel like I’ve gone back 25 years in my youth,” Gordon said. “It’s been a long time since I was that excited to get behind the wheel of a race car. I can’t believe I waited this long to get back on dirt in a midget. In another way, I’m very excited that I waited, because it’s a cool event, it’s a great track, and it just made it very special for me.”

Gordon drove a throwback livery that paid tribute to the iconic white Diet Pepsi car he drove to the 1990 USAC National Midget Series championship. The 1989 USAC National Midget Series Rookie of the Year and 1991 USAC Silver Crown Series champion also adorned a red, white and blue driver suit like he did in 1990.

Gordon’s original Diet Pepsi car that he drove for Helmling Racing Inc. was also at The Dirt Track at IMS, exactly like he left it in 1990. That car is the only car in the history of midget racing to win The Night Before the 500, the Hut Hundred, the Belleville Midget Nationals and the Eldora 4-Crown Nationals.

Four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Gordon reminisced with former car owner Rollie Helmling about their dominant USAC days before hopping in the white No. 4 car. Gordon took it easy the first few laps, but he quickly fell back into his competitive element and floored it off Turn 4.

In classic dirt racing fashion, Gordon drifted the car into the corner and worked the wheel like he did 30 years ago in competition, showing why he is one of the greatest race car drivers of all time.

Gordon, 49, parked the car after his first 10-lap run, let out an emphatic cheer and clapped his hands in awe of the exhibition laps he just turned. After he exited the car, Gordon again cheered with excitement, beaming with the energy of a driver who had just won their first career race.

“Something about this place is just magical for a lot of people, but for me, in particular,” Gordon said. “It’s always been that way from the time I came here and just went through the IMS Museum before I was even able to drive a race car around this track, to the first time I did drive a race car here.

“And then every time thereafter, I come to visit here, and I still get excited driving through the tunnel. This place, the history and what it means to motorsports and what it means to me is incredible.”

It was a special moment for the adopted Hoosier, who moved to nearby Pittsboro, Indiana, from his native California at age 15. Gordon experienced much success at the Racing Capital of the World in his NASCAR career, winning the Brickyard 400 a record five times, including the inaugural race in 1994.

Gordon said his USAC Midget exhibition laps rank near the top of the long list of accomplishments he has achieved at IMS, which also includes a NASCAR-Formula One ride swap with Juan Pablo Montoya in 2003 on a previous configuration of the IMS road course.

However, Gordon had never turned laps on The Dirt Track at IMS, which was built before the first running of the Driven2SaveLives BC39 Powered by NOS Energy Drink in 2018. The race honors Bryan Clauson and the Driven2SaveLives campaign through the Indiana Donor Network, which aims to end the wait for lifesaving organ transplants.

“I’ve not had many bad days at Indianapolis, but this is going to go toward the top,” Gordon said. “From my first time racing here in the Brickyard 400, of course, the wins are memorable, but the F1 ride swap and then this is right up there with it.”

Gordon, a 93-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, was also joined by his mother and stepfather, Carol and John Bickford. Gordon’s parents were extremely influential in getting his racing career started, putting him in a quarter-midget car at age 5, setting him on a course to become one of NASCAR’s all-time greats.

Gordon’s throwback day was only getting started on The Dirt Track at IMS. Thursday evening, Gordon, his parents, Helmling and others who helped him achieve massive success will head to Thursday Night Thunder Homecoming at Lucas Oil Raceway. Gordon experienced much success at Lucas Oil Raceway and in nationally televised Thursday Night Thunder races, which helped elevate him to a national stage and set him on course for a NASCAR career.

“I’m so thankful to Tim Clauson and Doug Boles for talking me into doing this,” Gordon said. “I put it off for way too long. I get offers every once in a while to run midgets or sprints, but I kept turning them down. I’m so glad I didn’t turn this opportunity down because that was the most fun I’ve had in a long time.”

Visit IMS.com/BC39 for more information about tickets for the Driven2SaveLives BC39 Powered by NOS Energy Drink on Wednesday, Aug. 18 and Thursday, Aug. 19 at The Dirt Track at IMS.

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