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WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE LINE FOR NHRA SUMMIT RACING SERIES COMPETITORS AT THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

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Official Release
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LAS VEGAS (Oct. 24, 2025) – It all comes down to Las Vegas for 32 standouts in the NHRA Summit Series, as world championships will be on the line for competitors in the Super Pro, Pro, Sportsman and Motorcycle categories as part of the upcoming Dodge NHRA Nevada Nationals powered by Direct Connection, which takes place Oct. 30-Nov. 2 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

The ”Road to Vegas” featured eight hotly-contested Summit Racing Series E.T. Finals across the seven NHRA divisions and Canada, crowning E.T. Finals winners and setting the stage for a thrilling world championship battle in Las Vegas.

This year’s annual event features an incredible lineup of standout drivers in the NHRA Summit Series from the United States and Canada, and the stakes are at an all-time high in Las Vegas. For the first time, winners in each category will receive $6,000, while the runner-up in each class earns $2,000 and semifinalists earn $500. Along with the purse, winners get a national championship Wally trophy, a championship jacket and more.

“It was a fantastic season in the NHRA Summit Series and we’re extremely excited to see world champions decided in Las Vegas,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports & Events Manager. “There continues to be incredible growth and participation in this series, extending to the first E.T. Finals in Canada this year and everyone at Summit Racing Equipment is thrilled to be part of this amazing program with so many talented drivers. The new team aspect to this year’s world championship is an added bonus for racers and we look forward to another huge weekend in Las Vegas.”

The festive weekend in Las Vegas includes a first-time team competition, which includes all seven NHRA divisions and a Canadian team. Team points are accumulated by round wins and the winning team earns $2,000. There will also be the opportunity to win a piece of an extra $2,000 in bonus awards on-track during the weekend.

The must-see world championship features a diverse group of drivers competing in many types of vehicles, including dragsters, roadsters, sedans, coupes and motorcycles, offering thrilling action as part of the national event.

It all starts with a welcome dinner on Thursday, Oct. 30, which will also feature a chip draw for the first four positions, who will then call out the remaining drivers to set the first-round matchups.

Special prizes and experiences will be raffled off during the welcome dinner as well, including:

  • A chance to warm up Daniel Wilkerson’s 12,000-horsepower Funny Car
  • Joining Clay Millican’s crew and ride along with the crew during a qualifying run
  • A VIP experience with the Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team
  • A VIP tour of the KB Titan Racing Pro Stock team with Greg Anderson

All finalists will have marquee access during Top Fuel and Funny Car qualifying sessions in Las Vegas, too, along with a parade in front of the grandstands and introductions during the official pre-race ceremonies.

“When it comes to bracket racing within the NHRA, this is the pinnacle,” NHRA Sportsman Manager Jason Galvin said. “To earn a trip to Las Vegas means you were the best of the best in your division, and for the first time, in Canada as well. We look forward to celebrating these racers all weekend, not just the four who will hold the Wally on Sunday, but the other 28 who fought for the right to be here and earned the VIP treatment the NHRA and Summit Racing Equipment will provide over the course of four great days in Las Vegas.”

Summit E.T. Series Champions in 2024 included Zach Meziere (Division 6) in Super Pro, Alvie Merrill (Division 4) in Pro, C.W. Hoefer (Division 7) in Sportsman, James Paulson (Division 5) in Motorcycle and Omar Leon (Division 7) in Street Legal EV.

For more information on the NHRA Summit Racing Series, visit www.nhra.com/sportsman. For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.NHRA.com.

2025 NHRA SUMMIT RACING SERIES WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITORS

SUPER PRO
Division 1Matt Witkowski
Division 2Austin Logan
Division 3Bob Cireddu
Division 4Talon Farmer
Division 5Tim Blatchford
Division 6Toby Peterson
Division 7Dennis Paz
CanadaCody Levasseur
PRO
Division 1Mike Fornwalt
Division 2Tim Butler
Division 3Austin Tewell
Division 4Jimmy Denham
Division 5Nick Engler
Division 6Brian McGinnis
Division 7Luis Ortiz
CanadaGianni Cantusci
SPORTSMAN
Division 1Bill Hakucsa
Division 2Daniel Salyers
Division 3Luke wiseman
Division 4Gage Wilson
Division 5Grant Pesola
Division 6Devin Froud
Division 7Mike Williams
CanadaDennis Boyko
MOTORCYCLE
Division 1Mark Schwalm
Division 2Pablo Gonzalez
Division 3Michael (MK) Schmalle
Division 4Robert Sanders
Division 5Pat Finder
Division 6Cody Cumpton
Division 7Jeremy Bates
CanadaMichael Konopacki

About Summit Racing Equipment

Summit Racing Equipment has been the World’s Speed Shop® for 56 years! Summit Racing offers a huge selection of in-stock parts for drag racing like drivetrain and suspension components, safety gear, wheels and tires, and brakes. It also carries tools and shop equipment, plus storage upgrades for your trailer and performance upgrades for your tow vehicle. Summit Racing offers fast ground service shipping to most areas of the country and same-day shipping on in-stock items. Summit Racing has the industry’s top-rated customer service and a full-time technical department to answer your questions. With headquarters in Tallmadge, Ohio, Summit operates distribution and retail stores in Tallmadge, Sparks, NV, McDonough, GA, and Arlington, TX.

Summit Racing Equipment
www.summitracing.com
1-800-230-3030

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Building Upon Success: Long-Time RCR Partner Whelen Engineering to Continue Support of No. 2 Chevrolet and Driver Jesse Love in 2026

By
Official Release
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Current Championship Contender Love to Pilot the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet for 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series

WELCOME, N.C. (October 24, 2025) – Whelen Engineering, a global leader in the emergency warning industry for over 70 years, will continue their partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2026 as anchor sponsor on the No. 2 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Jesse Love will return to the organization to pilot the race-winning entry.

“Richard Childress Racing has been an excellent ambassador for Whelen Engineering over the years,” said Peter Tiezzi, general manager of motorsports for Whelen Engineering. “We’re excited to extend our partnership and continue to impact the communities we serve through our race team partnership in 2026. We both remain focused on providing industry-leading solutions. Jesse Love has done a phenomenal job representing our brand. We wish him the best in his NASCAR Playoffs run this season and look forward to competing alongside him and RCR for a championship in 2026.”

Since first partnering with RCR in 2022, Whelen has grown to become one of the most recognizable brands in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, building upon their overall success in motorsports. Whelen has utilized their partnership with RCR and Love to raise awareness for a variety of programs important to the core values of the company, such as the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, while also highlighting key segments of the company, such as Whelen Aerospace Technologies.

Driven by a mission to protect those who protect others, Whelen provides the high-quality, reliable products and technology needed to aid them in their critical missions. From warning lights to white illumination, sirens, controllers, and software, every product that bears the Whelen name has been thoughtfully designed, manufactured, and tested right here in America to perform at the highest level in any condition.

“Whelen’s unwavering commitment to motorsports and their focus on providing unsurpassed safety solutions to the communities they serve makes them a leader in their industry and everyone at RCR is proud to continue our partnership,” said Mike Verlander, president of RCR. “Jesse is a talented young racer that aligns with Whelen’s core mission and values. He has been a great ambassador for Whelen both on and off the track and we look forward to achieving more together in 2026.”

Love, the 2024 Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year, has found notable success in NASCAR’s second tier division while driving the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. The Menlo Park, Calif., native qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs back-to-back years. Both of Love’s Xfinity Series wins have come while driving the familiar white and red No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. Love enters this weekend’s race in Martinsville, Va., the final race in the Round of Eight, 40 points ahead of the cutoff to advance into the Final Four and compete for a championship in Phoenix.

“I’m proud to continue my relationship with Richard Childress Racing and Whelen Engineering and look forward to building upon our already strong foundation,” said Love. “Whelen’s strong commitment to motorsports is unmatched. Thank you to Sonny, Geoff, Peter, and everyone at Whelen for their faith in me. My goal is to go out and win races and championships for RCR and Whelen.”

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with nearly 1,000,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Richard Childress Racing 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 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

The Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway Outlook

By
SM Staff
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com

The NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) heads to Martinsville Speedway for the Xfinity 500 on Sunday, October 26, at 2 p.m. ET. Joe Gibbs Racing’s and now retired Martin Truex Jr. captured the pole for last season’s fall race with a lap of 96.190 mph (19.686 secs.). Ryan Blaney led three times for 32 laps and emerged triumphant with a thrilling late-race victory in the Xfinity 500 on Sunday, November 3, 2024, that secured his place in the championship 4.

Track & Race Information for the Xfinity 500

The Purse: $9,797,935
Track Size/Type: 0.526 Mile Asphalt Oval
Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 12 degrees
Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 12 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 0 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 0 degrees
Frontstretch Length: 800 feet
Backstretch Length: 800 feet
Race Length: 500 laps / 263 miles

Time

Sunday, October 26, at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Stages

Stage 1 & 2 Length: 130 laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 240 laps

Who and what should you look out for at the Martinsville Speedway?

  • Denny Hamlin (2009, 2010) and Ryan Blaney (2023, 2024) lead all active NCS drivers in postseason wins at Martinsville Speedway with two Playoff victories each. Hamlin (No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) has four poles, six wins, 21 top fives, 27 top 10s, and an average finish of 9.821. Blaney (No. 12 Team Penske Ford) has two wins, ten top fives, 12 top 10s, and a series-best average finish of 8.474. Blaney won from the 11th starting position in 2023 and went on to win his first NCS championship.
  • Joey Logano (No. 22 Team Penske Ford) has five poles, one win, 11 top fives, 21 top 10s, and an average finish of 10.697.
  • Chase Elliott (No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) has one pole, one win, eight top fives, 13 top 10s, and an average finish of 11.750.
  • Chase Briscoe (No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota) has two top fives, six top 10s, and an average finish of 12.333.
  • Kyle Larson (No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet) has two poles, one win, seven top fives, nine top 10s, and an average finish of 15.524.

This weekend, 10 of the 59 NCS Martinsville Speedway race winners are active.

Active NCS Martinsville WinnersWinsSeasons
Denny Hamlin62025, ’15, ’10 sweep, ’09, ’08
Ryan Blaney22024, ’23
William Byron22024, ’22
Brad Keselowski22019, ’17
Kyle Busch22017, ’16
Kyle Larson12023
Christopher Bell12022
Alex Bowman12021
Chase Elliott12020
Joey Logano12018

Building a Durable 4×4 That’s Ready for Anything

By
SM
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Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Building a capable off-roader requires more than just throwing every upgrade you can find at your vehicle. You have to understand how each modification affects performance, strength, and reliability. Once your vehicle leaves the factory, it is tuned for everyday roads, not the rough tracks and demanding conditions many enthusiasts aim to conquer. 

That is where quality 4×4 parts come in, helping bridge the gap between comfort and capability, and transforming a standard four-wheel drive into something far more resilient.

Upgrading Suspension and Lift Kits for Better Ground Clearance

Suspension is usually the first upgrade serious off-roaders tackle, and for good reason. Stock suspension is designed for smooth roads and fuel efficiency, but it tends to struggle when faced with unpredictable terrain. An aftermarket suspension kit increases ground clearance, improves load capacity, and allows for greater wheel travel, all of which are crucial when you are crawling over rocks or navigating deep ruts.

A modest two-inch lift is often the sweet spot for many drivers. It offers enough clearance to handle rough tracks without compromising stability on the highway. Pairing a lift kit with upgraded shocks and springs can make a big difference in how your vehicle behaves when the pressure’s on. 

Choosing the Right Tyres, Wheels and Underbody Protection

Tyres are where your rig meets the ground, so choosing the right set determines how well it performs across different surfaces. All-terrain tyres handle a mix of road and dirt driving comfortably, while mud-terrain options provide the bite needed for deep clay or soft sand. Wheels also deserve attention, steel rims might be heavier, but they are more forgiving when the track gets rough, unlike some alloy options that can crack under stress.

What is under your vehicle matters just as much. Skid plates, bash guards, and rock sliders protect essential components like the sump, transmission, and fuel tank from damage. 

Boosting Engine Power and Keeping It Reliable

A tough 4×4 needs a heart that can handle the heat. Upgrades like high-flow air intakes and performance exhaust systems help engines breathe better, improving torque and throttle response, particularly in turbo-diesel setups. ECU remapping or performance chips can also fine-tune power delivery and even enhance fuel efficiency when done properly.

Keeping the engine cool is just as important as boosting its performance. Aftermarket radiators, catch cans, and upgraded filtration systems can make a huge difference on long, demanding trips. They protect against heat build-up, oil contamination, and premature wear, giving your engine a longer, healthier life.

Essential Recovery Gear, Lighting and Electrical Additions

No matter how skilled you are behind the wheel, getting bogged or stuck eventually happens to everyone. The right recovery gear can turn a potential disaster into a quick fix. Winches, snatch straps, rated shackles, and solid recovery points are must-haves for any serious off-roader.

Lighting upgrades are another area that shouldn’t be overlooked. LED light bars and spotlights dramatically improve visibility when driving after dark or through dense bushland. A dual battery setup ensures you can power extra gear like fridges, compressors, or camp lights without draining your main supply. 

Planning Your Build and Ensuring Seamless Integration

Always keep in mind that each upgrade affects another, so planning the build sequence is beyond important. Adding a heavy bull bar or roof rack might seem straightforward, but the extra weight could require suspension tuning to maintain balance. Likewise, fitting larger tyres might mean adjusting gearing or reprogramming the speedometer to keep everything in sync.

Choosing trusted suppliers with clear fitment information helps avoid headaches later. It ensures your upgrades not only meet performance expectations but also stay compliant with road and safety standards.

Final Thoughts

Building a dependable off-road vehicle takes patience and purpose. Every component you choose, from suspension to power upgrades, plays a role in how confidently your vehicle handles the challenges ahead. When each part works in harmony, the result is a vehicle you can trust when the terrain changes.

How to Prevent Wear on Your Alfa’s Interior

By
SM
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Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Alfa Romeos are more than just cars—they’re a fusion of Italian design, engineering, and passion. While the exterior and engine often take the spotlight, the interior deserves just as much care. It’s where you spend most of your time, and over the years, wear can affect comfort, style, and resale value. Here’s how to keep your Alfa’s interior in top condition.

Clean Frequently with the Right Tools and Products

Dirt and oils accumulate gradually, wearing down materials and dulling finishes. Regular cleaning stops this build-up. Vacuuming removes debris that might abrade surfaces, while gentle cloths and soft brushes prevent micro-scratches. 

Use pH-neutral products suited to your interior—leather conditioners maintain softness and prevent cracking, while specialist cleaners protect Alcantara and other delicate finishes. A weekly clean keeps everything fresh, avoiding the deeper grime that leads to lasting damage.

Control Moisture to Avoid Long-Term Damage

Moisture from wet clothing, shoes, or spills can seep into carpets, fostering mould, mildew, or even rust in unseen areas. Prevention begins with awareness—dry mats thoroughly, check for window or door seal leaks, and clean up any spills immediately. 

In colder climates or rainy seasons, watch for interior condensation, especially on glass and fabric surfaces. Keeping things dry ensures the cabin stays clean, healthy, and odour-free.

Keep Sun Exposure in Check to Protect Surfaces

Sunlight is a silent culprit behind faded dashboards, brittle plastics, and dried-out leather. Preventing damage starts with limiting exposure. Parking in the shade, using windscreen sunshades, or applying UV-filtering window film helps reduce the impact of UV rays. 

The fascia of your Alfa Romeo is particularly susceptible to UV-induced fading and cracking. Applying protectants to leather, vinyl, and plastics helps maintain their texture and colour. Even brief daily exposure adds up, so consistent protection prevents premature ageing of key interior surfaces.

Minimise Friction and Contact Wear Over Time

Constant use leads to friction wear. Drivers often see this first on seat bolsters, steering wheels, and armrests. While inevitable, it can be reduced. Avoid dragging bags or clothing across sensitive areas, and be gentle when entering or exiting the car. 

Empty your pockets of sharp or bulky items. For heavily used cars, consider using covers on high-contact zones as temporary protection that can be replaced when worn. 

Limit Clutter and Avoid Storing Damaging Items

Clutter accelerates wear. Loose items like tools or takeaway containers can scratch or dent interior surfaces. Overloaded compartments may warp or stress hinges and plastics. 

Keep storage light and tidy, and use the boot for bulkier items. Avoid storing harsh chemicals, which can spill or cause staining. A clean, minimalist cabin isn’t just visually appealing—it’s easier to maintain and less prone to accidental damage.

Know When It’s Time for Expert Attention

Even with careful maintenance, some wear is unavoidable. When seats crack or trim begins to sag, it’s best to consult professionals. DIY fixes often lead to more harm than good, especially in vehicles with high-end or custom interiors. 

Choosing specialist Alfa auto repair services ensures restoration is sympathetic to the car’s design and materials. Trained experts can restore components without compromising originality, keeping your Alfa as authentic as it is refined.

Preserve the Passion Where It Matters Most

Caring for your Alfa’s interior is about more than looks—it’s about preserving the driving experience and respecting the car’s craftsmanship. 

By limiting sun exposure, cleaning correctly, managing moisture, avoiding clutter, and addressing wear early, you can extend the life of your cabin and maintain its appeal. 

An Alfa’s interior should reflect the passion and precision behind its design. With the right care, it will continue to do so for years to come.

Front Row Motorsports: Martinsville Speedway Competition Notes- Todd Gilliland

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Official Release
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Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Grillo’s Pickles Ford Team
Martinsville Speedway Competition Notes
Xfinity 500

Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Event: Race 37 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Martinsville Speedway (0.5-mile)
#of Laps: 500
Time/TV/Radio: 2:00 PM ET on NBC/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Todd Gilliland Notes

Following a second-place finish at the Talladega Superspeedway last Sunday, Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team turn their attention to the Martinsville Speedway for the NASCAR Cup Series’ second visit of the 2025 season to the famed short-track. In seven previous Cup Series starts at the track, Gilliland has two top-10 and four top-15 finishes. The Virgina track is also home to Gilliland’s first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win, capturing the checkered flag with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2019.

Grillo’s Pickles will partner with Gilliland and the No. 34 team for the 500-lap event in the iconic pickle company’s final race of the season. Grillo’s Pickles will beat and bang around the 0.5-mile track in their classic green and white scheme. Fans can shop for all Grillo’s Pickles products and merch by going to www.Grillos.com.

I have always enjoyed going to Martinsville,” said Gilliland. “I have the clock from my first truck win in my living room, so it’s a good reminder that I can get the job done. It’s a difficult track to navigate, with a lot of beating and banging and passing being a challenge, but I’m up for it, and I know my team is too. After Talladega, the team and I have a lot of good momentum heading into the final two races of the season, and we want to capitalize on it to finish out the season strong.”

Road Crew

Driver: Todd Gilliland

Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Chris Lawson

Hometown: Medway, Ohio

Car Chief: Joe Marra

Hometown: Somers, New York

Engineer: Marc Rullo

Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey

Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Brit Andersen

Hometown: Branford, Connecticut

Underneath Mechanic: Michael Brookes

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Interior Mechanic: Kyle Moon

Hometown: Troy, New York

Tire Specialist: Billy John

Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Tim Meyer

Hometown: Beatrice, Nebraska

Transporter Driver: Randy Bernier

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Rear Tire Changer: Justin Fox

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Paul Steele

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Jackman: Landon Honeycutt

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, North Carolina

Fueler: Zeke Nance

Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia

ABOUT GRILLO’S PICKLES

For people who want freshness, Grillo’s is the pickle company that is changing the game. That’s because Grillo’s uses only clean, garden-fresh ingredients to make deliciously simple foods that deliver all the crunchy, tangy, satisfying flavor you’ve been searching for, with none of the junk. How do we do it? Our products are made cold, shipped cold, and consumed cold. You get an incredible crunch, and we never have to mess with artificial preservatives. In fact, the only thing traditional about us is our 100-year-old family recipe. The rest? It’s fresh. Grillo’s offers mouthwatering bites nationwide with their selection of spears, chips, wholes and Pickle de Gallo. For more information, visit GrillosPickles.com or contact grillos@autumncommunications.com.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Berry, No. 21 Team Head to the Wood Brothers’ Home Turf for Fan Day and Martinsville Weekend

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Official Release
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#21: Josh Berry, Wood Brothers Racing, Motorcraft Quick Lane Ford Mustang

Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are heading to home territory for the Wood Brothers this weekend – with the team’s 75th Anniversary Fan Day set for Friday at the Wood Brothers Museum in Stuart, Virginia, followed by Sunday’s Xfinity 500 at nearby Martinsville Speedway.

“Fan Day on Friday is a really cool way to close out the Wood Brothers’ 75th anniversary season,” Berry said. “It’s awesome to see so many former drivers coming back to be part of it and to put on a great event for the fans who’ve supported this team for generations.”

Fan Day will run from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and feature driver appearances, Q&A sessions, autograph opportunities, raffle prizes, trivia, giveaways and more. Expected attendees include Berry, Donnie Allison, Trevor Bayne, Ryan Blaney, Harrison Burton, Dale Jarrett, Paul Menard, Elliott Sadler, and Michael Waltrip.

Berry, long regarded as a short-track standout, is also eager to return to Martinsville, where he led 40 laps during Stage 1 of the spring race before an electrical issue ended his strong run.

“Martinsville’s a special place for the Wood Brothers, and I’m excited to get back there,” Berry said. “We had a really fast car in the spring before some electrical issues, so hopefully we can build on that and have a strong weekend.”

Practice for the Xfinity 500 is scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 5:40 p.m., both airing on truTV. Sunday’s 500-lap, 263-mile event goes green just after 2 p.m. ET on NBC, with Stage breaks at Laps 130 and 260.

For those attending Fan Day, the Wood Brothers Museum is located at 21 Performance Drive, Stuart, VA 24171. For a full schedule and event details, visit woodbrothersracing.com.

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, 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.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.
*See your dealer for limited-warranty details.”

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Performance
Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 101 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.

Fletcher Takes Mazda MX-5 Cup at Martinsville with Photo Finish

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Official Release
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MARTINSVILLE, Va. (Oct. 23, 2025) – The second-ever Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin race at Martinsville Speedway somehow matched— and maybe even exceeded— the thrills of the inaugural race. In a green-white-checker finish, Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) beat Westin Workman (No.13 BSI Racing) to the line by 0.003-second at the iconic half mile NASCAR track.

Coming off last year’s fantastically entertaining debut race, there was no shortage of hype surrounding the second year of Mazda MX-5 Cup racing at Martinsville. Once again, race fans got another amazing show with battles for the lead throughout the 100 laps and very few yellow flags.

The drama started before the race even began because Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 Advanced Autosports), the fastest driver in qualifying, was sent to the back of the grid for failing post-qualifying tech. This put Frankie Barroso (No. 50 Spark Performance) in the pole spot for the first time in his Mazda MX-5 Cup career.

Barroso held his own against Fletcher, the newly crowned MX-5 Cup Champion, and Workman before the trio began to battle for the lead. Behind them, Nicholson was making up ground quickly and sportscar superstar Earl Bamber (No. 31 Hendricks Motorsports), who started sixth, was moving in to claim a spot on the podium.

When the caution flag came out for the lap 50 stage break, Workman was the leader, followed by Fletcher and Bamber, then Jagger Jones (No. 86 BSI Racing) and Nicholson. That would not be how the second stage started, however. New this year, during the stage break, a fan pulled a number out of a hat that set an inversion for the top 10. The fan pulled the number seven, which meant the top seven cars inverted for the start of stage two.

Ironically, the driver who was seventh and thus inherited the pole for the next stage, was Barroso.

On his second shot at leading the field to green, Barroso was once again able to defend his lead, but it didn’t take long for Nicholson, who had a great start, to get around him and into the lead and Fletcher followed.

The race looked like it was reverting back to how the field was running at the end of stage one until Ethan Tovo (No. 30 McCumbee McAleer Racing) bounced off the side of Bamber and into the barrels at the entrance to the track’s former pit lane. A red flag was issued to clean up the area and replace the barrels, but Tovo and Bamber’s races were done.

The race resumed with 27 laps to go and Nicholson in the lead. He and Workman were able to pull away from the field, but a late-race yellow created a green-white-checkered situation, just like last year.

After finishing runner-up in last year’s race, Workman had learned re-starting on the inside, behind the leader, was the place to be. He lined up behind Nicholson for the start, with Fletcher taking the outside of the front row.

Workman was unable to execute a bump-and-run on Nicholson, the way it was used on him last year, and Fletcher could only hang on to the outside for so long before he had to fall in line behind Nicholson.

Coming off the back straight on the final lap, Nicholson went defensive, pulling to the inside, this slowed both his and Fletcher’s corner entry dramatically. The two made side-to-side contact as Workman quickly caught and tagged the rear bumper of Fletcher, who got sideways and nearly put Nicholson in the wall.

Nicholson had to back out of the throttle and Fletcher and Workman drag raced to the finish line for a photo finish. The timing screens showed the winner was Fletcher by 0.003-second.

“I was on the radio asking for advice (about the restart),” Fletcher said. “My car chief Dalton Dow once called on the radio and tells me that I’m not here to win the race unless I go to the top side. So, I went to the top because I wasn’t going to let him say that and look where it got us.”

Fletcher learned a lot from last year’s race that he was able to use toward this year’s victory.

“We all knew that the invert was coming, and we wanted to stay clean for the first 50 laps,” Fletcher said. “I was happy to sit behind Weston [Workman]. It kind of turns to chaos in the last 50. We learned that last year. I was just kind of waiting for that. I think I timed it decently. I wasn’t in a position I would ideally want to be on that last lap, on the top side, but it paid out in our favor.”

On top of the $250,000 Fletcher got for winning the championship two weeks ago, he received a cool $25,000 for the win Thursday night and a Martinsville clock.

Finishing second again was tough for Workman, but he knew he had done everything he could to get the win.

“Last year was replaying in my head, and honestly, I just tried to do what happened to me last year,” Workman said. “Nicholson did a good job of holding his own. I thought maybe Fletcher and Nicholson would take each other out, and I was going to slot through for the win, but just came up short this year. It sucks to finish second again, but I’m happy to be here and happy BSI finished two and three.”

Jones was thrilled to complete the podium at Martinsville after finishing 16th in last year’s race and having to put a pause on his 2025 MX-5 Cup season after a big crash on the St. Petersburg street circuit.

“I didn’t really get much practice today,” Jones said. “We had some issues, so if I hadn’t run here last year, I would have been in trouble. I just took what I learned about protecting the bottom, which was huge, especially this year, and just took that experience and was able to come home P3.”

Polesitter Frankie Barroso was able to finish fourth, while Sally Mott (No. 15 Spark Performance) earned her first ever MX-5 Cup top five finish.

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Cup season has officially come to an end. The 2026 season kicks off January 21 at Daytona International Speedway.

All races from the 2025 season can be watched anytime on the IMSA and RACER YouTube channels.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

How To Find High Quality Polaris Accessories?

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Photo by depositphotos at https://depositphotos.com/

Polaris accessories help you to make your ride look cooler and perform better. Riders often wish to upgrade their polaris for a better experience. But often they face issues while finding the right one. Actually, it’s hard to choose the best accessories among so many options. Even if you manage to choose one, there is no guarantee that those accessories are of good quality. Sometimes in pictures, it looks great. But, when you get it, it mayn’t meet your expectations. And sometimes, it falls apart after a few rides. So yeah, finding the top quality polaris accessories is a bit tricky.

Don’t be afraid. In this article, we will discuss how to overcome this problem. I’m going to explain how to find high-quality polaris accessories. We will consider your budget but ensure quality while choosing the accessories.

In this article, we’re going to break down everything about polaris accessories. It includes the definition of Polaris accessories, buying guide, quality checking, and also discusses warranties, and reviews. We will also discuss how to avoid fake products or scams, and make sure the accessories fit your polaris by comparing the model details.

What Are Polaris Accessories? 

Polaris accessories are additional parts that are used to improve the looks of Polaris’s vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles. It also improves performance, and comfort. Some common polaris accessories are bumpers, roofs, mirrors, LED lights, utv windshield, bars, winches, storage boxes, upgraded seats and more. You can customize your Polaris according to your needs like farming, trail riding, hunting, etc.

How to find high quality polaris accessories on a budget?

1. Start from the Official Polaris Store: 

The safest and trusted place for buying polaris accessories is their official website. Or you can try their trusted dealers. They make accessories based on the exact model, so they fit perfectly. As they also test every product, so these are of good quality. But, they are a bit costly. So, if budget is not an issue, go for this.

2. Choose Known and Trusted Brands: 

There are some companies that make amazing polaris parts too. These brands are known for their good quality products. But before buying anything, you’ve to check Google reviews or check reviews on social public Polaris groups. If you see positive comments and reviews from users, it’s a good sign.

3. Look Closely at the Material: 

To get good quality accessories, you’ve to look closely at the materials. Most of the good accessories are made from strong stuff like aluminum, stainless steel, or heavy-duty plastic. If it looks too light or feels cheap, don’t buy it. As it’s a sign of a bad product and won’t last long. And, always read the product description. If they don’t mention product materials details, that’s a red flag.

4. Always Read Real Reviews: 

Before buying anything online, always make sure to read reviews from other buyers. Also, you can check reviews on YouTube or other social media groups where you can directly discuss with people who have experience using it.

5. Watch Out for Fake Deals: 

Sometimes, you may see a site selling an item for way cheaper than everywhere else. It’s probably a fake or scam site. Even if it’s not fake, there’s a high chance that the product is of low quality. It is better to compare prices on different trusted sites. Sometimes, paying a little more ain’t bad if the product lasts longer.

6. Check the Warranty: 

To get a good quality product, always search for warranty or easy return options. Most of the good brands have trust in their products and they give warranty and easy return policy. If they don’t offer any warranty or return option, it might be of bad quality and not worth the risk.

7. Make Sure It Fits Your Model: 

Before purchasing anything, match the accessory’s product name to your polaris model. Compare your model number and the product details to ensure that it will fit. If you skip this step, it may lead to mismatched parts.

Conclusion:

Finding the best polaris accessories can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. You can start with trusted sources like the official Polaris store or popular brands, then check materials and quality, read real reviews, and compare product details with your polaris model. In addition, you can look for warranties, and check reliable websites. Finally, the last step is to ask the polaris community on Facebook, Reddit, forums, or other social media platforms about the product quality.

RCR Race Preview: Martinsville Speedway

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Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Martinsville Speedway… In 195 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway, RCR has seven victories, including five by Dale Earnhardt (1985-fall, 1987-spring, 1988-spring, 1991-spring, and 1995-fall). Ricky Rudd won the fall race at Martinsville in 1983, which was RCR’s first Cup Series win on an oval. Kevin Harvick won the 2011 spring race at Martinsville, his first victory at the .526-mile paved speedway. The team owns 31 top-five and 66 top-10 finishes entering Sunday afternoon’s race.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Martinsville Speedway… RCR has two NASCAR Xfinity Series victories at Martinsville Speedway, most recently earning the win with Austin Hill this past spring. Kevin Harvick captured the 2006 event in dominating fashion, leading 149 of 250 laps. Clint Bowyer, Harvick’s teammate, finished a close second, crossing the finish line .271 seconds behind. Harvick and Bowyer combined to lead 207 of the event’s 250 laps enroute to a 1-2 finish. In 19 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Martinsville Speedway, the Welcome, N.C., based team has two wins, one pole, six top-five and eight top-10 finishes.

Do You Remember? Dale Earnhardt’s Martinsville Speedway victory in April 1987 capped off a dominating stretch for RCR and the legendary driver. Earnhardt took the lead from Geoff Bodine with 17 laps to go to score his fourth consecutive NASCAR Cup Series victory. The Martinsville win was Earnhardt’s sixth victory in eight races to start the season and included a sweep of short track races at Richmond Raceway, Bristol Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway plus superspeedway wins at Rockingham Speedway and Darlington Raceway.

Join Us On Streamily… RCR and Streamily, the premier platform for live virtual events, are teaming together for an exclusive interactive experience featuring Richard Childress, Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon. The virtual event is scheduled to take place on October 29, 2025 at 7 p.m. ET on Streamily’s interactive platform, allowing fans to participate in a Q&A session before watching RCR personalities sign and personalize memorabilia in real time. Fans can learn more about the event and pre-order items for signing now at https://streamily.com/rcrteam.

The Cowboy Way… The Carolina Cowboys, a professional bull riding team in the PBR Teams league, owned by Richard Childress and Jeff Broin with Austin Dillon serving as the team’s general manager, are finished the regular season fifth in the league with a 19-16 record on the season. The Cowboys now set their focus on the PBR Teams Series Championship, scheduled to take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 24-26. For more information on the Carolina Cowboys, visit https://pbr.com/teams/carolina-cowboys, Carolina Cowboys on Facebook, @carolinacowboyspbr on Instagram, or @CARCowboysPBR on Twitter.

Catch the Action on Saturday… The NASCAR Xfinity Series’ IAA and Ritchie Bros. 250 at Martinsville Speedway will be televised live Saturday, October 25, beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on The CW. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday’s practice and qualifying session will be shown for free on The CW App beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

Watch Us on NBC… The NASCAR Cup Series’ Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, October 26, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on NBC. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying on Saturday will be broadcast on truTV beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

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Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Waterfowl Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway… In 23 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway, Austin Dillon boasts three top-five and four top-10 finishes. He earned his best finish of third in April 2022 at the half-mile short track after starting from the 23rd position. Dillon finished 18th in the spring race this year after starting 18th.

Beyond Cup… The 2011 NASCAR Truck Series Champion has made five starts at Martinsville Speedway in the Truck Series, earning his best finish of third in October 2011.

Get to the Points… Dillon, who punched his ticket into the 2025 post season with a dominating performance and win at Richmond Raceway on August 16, was eliminated from the NASCAR Playoffs following the Round of 16. He is currently ranked 15th in the standings.

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations, and more. In 2017, Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations, and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with RCR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit basspro.com.

Winchester XPERT®… For decades, XPERT® high-velocity steel shotshells have provided proven success for waterfowl hunters. Waterfowlers of all generations can connect over the dependability and consistent performance that Winchester XPERT® shotshells are known for. Featuring corrosion resistant shot and high velocities that allow for increased range and shorter leads, Winchester XPERT® Waterfowl shotshells are offered in a wide range of gauges and payloads to match any waterfowler’s needs.

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to make a stop at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone on Sunday, October 26, at 10:40 a.m. Local Time to greet race fans and sign autographs. Stop by and get your new RCR gear.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:

Short track racing has been the highlight of the season for the No. 3 team. While Richmond Raceway is much different than Martinsville Speedway, do you have confidence going into that race with a shot at a good result?

“I love short tracks, and Martinsville Speedway has been solid for us over the years. We have had opportunities to run really well there. One of the first Next Gen races there, I had a shot to win and ran third or fourth. You have hard braking and it’s hard to get around that little paperclip. It’s a fun track to race at.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway… Sunday’s Xfinity 500 will mark Kyle Busch’s 41st career NASCAR Cup Series start at Martinsville Speedway. Busch has two wins, two poles, 17 top-five finishes and 21 top-10s at the .526-mile oval. Additionally, the 40-year-old driver has led 1,429 laps, has an average starting position of 12, an average finishing position of 13.4, and has completed 98.2 percent (19,295 of 19,658) of the laps he’s contested there.

Did You Know? Entering this weekend’s race, Busch has been running at the finish in 39 consecutive Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway.

Twice a Cup Series Winner at Martinsville… Busch earned his first Cup Series victory at Martinsville in April 2016. He completed the first-ever sweep of a Martinsville race weekend, leading 352 laps on the way to claiming his first Cup win in 22 starts at the .526-mile oval. A day earlier, he won the Truck Series race to claim his first-ever grandfather clock trophy. In October 2017, he claimed the Cup Series victory in a wild overtime finish, beating Martin Truex Jr. to the stripe by .141 seconds.

Success Not Limited to the Cup Series… In addition to his Cup Series success at Martinsville, the veteran racer also has two NASCAR Truck Series wins at the Virginia paperclip, victorious at the Spring races in both 2016 and 2019.

About BetMGM… BetMGM is a market leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain Plc (LSE: ENT), BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state-of-the-art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market-leading brands including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. For more information, visit https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog.

Meet Busch… Busch is scheduled to make a stop at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Martinsville Speedway Fan Zone on Sunday, October 26, at 10:05 a.m. Local Time to greet race fans and sign autographs. Stop by and get your new RCR gear. Fans can then catch the two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion squaring off against Ty Dillon in NASCAR Family Feud at 11:00 a.m. Local Time on the NASCAR Experience Stage. Busch will then make his way to the Pre-Race Stage in the infield for a Q&A at 11:45 a.m.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

What is the key to getting a win at Martinsville Speedway?

“It’s a tough racetrack and, any time you come in the pits and make an adjustment on your car, you certainly hope it goes the right way, or you make enough of it, or you don’t make too much of an adjustment. The last run can be tricky, too, because you can be coming off a 50-lap run on right-side tires and take four and you’ve only got 30 (laps) to go, or you could have 80 (laps) to go and you know you have to manage that run all the way to the end.”

What do you feel is the biggest key to performing well at Martinsville Speedway?

“I think just being able to get comfortable, get settled and make sure that you’re good to go for those long hauls. Don’t worry about what lap it is, ever, during a race. That’s the worst thing that could happen to you. You just try to not ever worry about what lap you’re on or what’s going on around you. You just keep battling, keep driving, keep your focus forward on what you’re doing.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway… Jesse Love has made three career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Martinsville Speedway. The Menlo Park, California native secured his best result of ninth in the 2024 Spring race and his best qualifying effort of fourth at the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 races.

Last Chance to Advance… Two spots remain up for grabs in the Championship 4 of the Xfinity Series Playoffs and it all comes down to this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, Love earned his third consecutive pole at the Alabama track, before leading 19 laps and finishing the race 10th. Love earned 40 points for his efforts, and while he remained third in the standings, grew his lead to 40 points ahead of the cutline. While a win would directly advance Love to the Championship 4, he could also advance by earning 28 points throughout the race.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, and we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Meet Love… On Saturday, October 25 at 4:10 p.m. Local Time, Love is scheduled to sign autographs with his RCR teammate, Austin Hill, at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Martinsville Speedway. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet and purchase gear for race day.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

You travel to Martinsville Speedway this weekend for the final race in the Round of 8 in pretty good position to lock-in a spot in the Championship 4. What is your mindset and the plan going into this race?

“I’m really looking forward to going to Martinsville. We’re plus 40 on the cutline. It’s been a pretty solid and steady Round of 8 for us even though Talladega didn’t finish how we wanted to, with having to pit for fuel. I am still proud of the points day that we had and the Playoffs that we’ve been able to run for. Obviously, plus 40 is a really good spot, and we’re not locked in by any means, but we’re pretty close. We just have to have a good Stage 1, Stage 2, get some good stage points and qualify up front, and if we can do that, hopefully we can lock in by the time the race is over with. Just have to be on top of our game with the points scenarios and have another solid and steady race so we can close out this Round of 8 and go to Phoenix and have a shot.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet at Martinsville Speedway… Austin Hill has made seven career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Martinsville Speedway, earning his first victory at the Virginia short track earlier this season. The Winston, Georgia native has posted two top-five and three top-10 finishes while driving the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. Hill has also competed in 11 NASCAR Truck Series events at the “Paperclip,” earning one top-five (second in 2021) and three top-10 results.

Tick, Tock, Winner… The last time the Xfinity Series visited Martinsville Speedway, Hill captured RCR’s 100th Xfinity Series victory. The 31-year-old completed a last-corner pass to claim the famous grandfather clock trophy and the Xfinity Dash 4 Cash $100,000 bonus.

Talladega Sweep… One week ago at Talladega Superspeedway, Hill continued his superspeedway dominance by capturing both stage wins, leading a total of 48 laps, and earning the victory. This marked a sweep of both Xfinity Series races at the Alabama track this season and Hill’s record setting 10th drafting track win in the series.

Did You Know? With his win at Talladega Superspeedway, Hill has won four races in each of the last three consecutive Xfinity Series seasons.

Owner Championship Bound… Hill and the No. 21 team punched their ticket into the Xfinity Series owner championship with their win at Talladega Superspeedway. Next weekend at Phoenix Raceway, the No. 21 Chevrolet will be one of four eligible cars to earn the owner championship title.

About Global Industrial… For over 75 years, Global Industrial has been the source for industrial equipment and supplies for businesses of all sizes and the public sector. They have been – and continue to be – a leader, and an authority, for supplying industrial-strength equipment that delivers uncompromising quality at an exceptional value with experts who understand the unique needs of our customers.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, October 25 at 4:10 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs with his RCR teammate, Jesse Love, at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Martinsville Speedway. Stop by to meet Hill and purchase No. 21 gear before the green flag waves.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

Now that the No. 21 team is locked into the Owner Championship, what is the outlook for this weekend at Martinsville Speedway?

“It’s a lot easier going into Martinsville, knowing that we are no longer points racing. We are already locked into racing for an owner championship next week in Phoenix. We are going to Martinsville to win. Our Global Industrial team will most likely play some strategy, maybe flip stages, depending on how the cautions fly. We might even run it backwards like a road course if the cautions work out the right way. We are going to be on the offense. That’s how we were in the spring, which put ourselves in contention to capitalize and be in the top-five, seven range at the end and then capture the grandfather clock. When it comes to the end of these Martinsville races, everyone is going for it, and you have to be the one to come out on top. The No. 21 team did it in the spring so there is no reason why we can’t do it again.”

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