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CORVETTE RACING AT DETROIT: Home, Sweet Home

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Official Release
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Corvette Racing; Rolex 24 at Daytona in Daytona Beach, Florida; January 30-31, 2021; Corvette C8.R #3 driven by Antonio Garcia, Jordan Taylor, and Nicky Catsburg; Corvette C8.R #4 driven by Tommy Milner, Nick Tandy, and Alexander Sims (Richard Prince/Chevrolet Photo).

· First race for program on Belle Isle since 2008
· Two mid-engine Corvette C8.Rs to compete in front of home crowd
· Corvette brand with victories in GT, Prototypes at Detroit over the years

DETROIT (June 8, 2021) – For the first time in more than a decade, Corvette Racing will compete in its hometown when the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship returns to Detroit and the Belle Isle street circuit this weekend for the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic.

Both of the team’s mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette C8.Rs will compete in the 100-minute race that airs live at 5 p.m. ET Saturday on NBCSN as part of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix weekend. While the GT Le Mans (GTLM) contest in a non-points event, that doesn’t lessen the importance of having Corvette Racing back on Belle Isle.

For one, Belle Isle will provide an opportunity for the hundreds of Chevrolet production team members – both within the Corvette team and others outside the main program, all of whom contributed in some way to the C8.R and the road-going Corvette Stingray – to see Corvette Racing in-person for the only time in 2021. The reveal of the C8.R nearly 18 months ago was culmination of almost six years of work between all facets of engineers and designers from the Corvette production side and Corvette Racing.

What resulted was a racecar that won six times during its 2020 debut season and swept the full-season IMSA GTLM championships for Manufacturers, Drivers and Teams. The Corvette C8.R also won the Rolex 24 At Daytona to start the 2021 season.

Second, it’s Corvette Racing’s first IMSA event since the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring in March. Competing on Belle Isle will serve as a tune-up for a busy summer schedule that includes four races in a six-week span, plus the 24 Hours of Le Mans in mid-August. It also will be the first time the full-season driver pairings compete together – defending GTLM champions Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor in the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Corvette C8.R with Tommy Milner and Nick Tandy in the No. 4 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Corvette.

Corvette Racing competed at Belle Isle in 2007 and 2008 with the sixth-generation racing Corvette, which took American Le Mans Series class victories each year. The event date shifted from September to June in 2012, which was in conflict with the 24 Hours of Le Mans – one of the premier events on Corvette Racing’s calendar.

Two of the four Corvette Racing drivers – Milner and Taylor – have previous experience on Belle Isle. Milner twice raced GT2 cars in the American Le Mans Series, and Taylor is a five-time winner in prototypes at Belle Isle, including three in a Corvette Daytona Prototype.

Chevrolet on Display at Belle Isle
In addition to happenings on the racetrack on Belle Isle, fans will have no shortage of things to see and do from Chevrolet. That’s because the Chevrolet Motorsports Display will be full of Chevrolet vehicles that spectators can learn more about throughout the weekend.

The Chevrolet Motorsports Display opens at 7:30 a.m. from Friday through Sunday in the fan midway. Numerous Chevrolet vehicles and other highlights include:

• A Corvette Racing C8.R showcar and the No. 16 Paretta Autsport IndyCar
• Additional Chevrolet products such as the Camaro ZL1, Silverado and Blazer Redline Edition
• An opportunity to receive a 2021 Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix special edition T-shirt

The Chevrolet Sports Car Classic is scheduled for 5:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 12. The race will air live on NBCSN and stream on TrackPass via NBC Sports Gold and the NBC Sports App. IMSA Radio will air full qualifying and race coverage at IMSA.com along with Sirius 219, XM 202 and SiriusXM Online 992.

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “Even though this isn’t a points race, I’m glad we are back at Belle Isle. It’s the first time for me racing in Detroit. Knowing we are racing with one of the most iconic cars around there is pretty cool. Combining that with fans being back in the grandstands and in the paddock is even better. I’m looking forward to getting back on the racetrack and back to racing after a long period since Sebring. I had a chance to race at Spa, but it still feels like a long time since I’ve raced in the States. It’ll be nice to get back to doing what we are used to doing – being around the fans and seeing them. That’s one of the biggest things.”

JORDAN TAYLOR, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “At any racetrack where you’ve had success, you’re excited to go back and enjoy being there. For me, I’ve been with GM for so many years. I won there in 2012 in a Camaro, three times in Corvette Daytona Prototype, and then 2017 in a Cadillac. To be there always in a GM vehicle with the Renaissance Center nearby and all the big bosses coming to the race, it always adds a lot of pressure but always means so much more when the race goes well. You can see those guys in person, and they are so passionate for these programs that it’s awesome to see their excitement. To go back there with the Corvette C8.R after such a strong opening year in 2020 and a strong start in 2021, it’s going to be cool to show them in person what these cars are able to do.”

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “I’m excited to get back in the C8.R again. It’s been a bit of break since Sebring. There has been some testing but there’s nothing like a race weekend. The Detroit event will be a little different for us since it’s a non-points event. We will treat it as a race event but it will be a good warmup with quite a few races coming up. There won’t be much time to take a breath before the end of the season. We’ve missed the atmosphere of having the fans there. For me at least I still feel that’s a missing element. Fundamentally that’s why we go racing – to showcase these amazing Corvette race cars and allow the people to get up close and see how cool they are five feet away. For the fans who have been around sports cars so long to get back the access is pretty special. For us, that’s something that is fun to see.”

NICK TANDY, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “I’ve been to Detroit to visit the Corvette Racing shop. But due to things associated around COVID, I haven’t yet been able to integrate fully into the Chevrolet and Corvette programs. So this is something that I’m looking forward to – meeting some of the team members who have designed and worked on this car and seeing the people of Detroit who want to come and see us. We’re all looking forward to having the paddock open again to show off these cool machines and interact with people. On top of that, it’s my first time at Belle Isle. From a competition standpoint, I’m looking forward to getting onto a brand new circuit. It’s not often that we go to a new track so it’s something that is exciting for me personally.”

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 79 countries with more than 3.2 million cars and trucks sold in 2020. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

O’NEIL ELECTRIC PARTNERS WITH LARRY JACKSON

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Official Release
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(Left to right) O’Neil Electric executives Stephen Kleynhans President, Michael O’Neil CEO with driver Larry Jackson. Photo Credit: Joel Robinson

(June 8, 2021) Ten-year NASCAR Pinty’s Series veteran racer Larry Jackson is elevating his racing program to the next level in 2021. This season the Oakville, ON driver will partner with O’Neil Electric becoming the primary sponsor on his #84 Dodge as he competes in the full NASCAR Pinty’s Series campaign.

O’Neil Electric Supply is a Canadian Owned, Independent Wholesale Supplier of Premium Electrical Products serving clients throughout Ontario from its two Toronto locations for more than 50 Years.

Coming up through the ranks of Ontario’s short track racing community and having made 68 Pinty’s Series starts, Jackson has held the role of driver, mechanic even crew chief. When he’s not at the track or in his race shop Jackson is a Fire Captain with the Mississauga Fire Department. He is a passionate and dedicated first responder who’s committed his work life to helping others. Jackson takes that approach in his motorsports dealings too.

With this new partnership with O’Neil Electric the Mississauga firefighter sees this as a prime opportunity for both parties. “I’m really proud to be carrying the O’Neil Electric colours,” said Jackson. “Mr. O’Neil, the staff and customers are true NASCAR fans, and this is year one of what we all expect to be a long relationship” he added.

“O’Neil Electric Supply is excited about our new partnership with Larry Jackson and his #84 Dodge Team. We feel that NASCAR offers an excellent fit for our brand, and we can’t wait until the season gets to the starting line” stated O’Neil Electric CEO Michael O’Neil.

Though the start of the 2021 racing season has been delayed due to government-imposed restrictions, Jackson and the #84 O’Neil Electric Dodge team are busy preparing to hit the track.

“We acquired some new equipment and everyone in the shop has been working hard to make the cars fast. We have some testing sessions booked, we can’t wait to get out and see what we’ve got and work on getting the #84 O’Neil Electric Dodge to Victory Lane” he stated.

A revised 2021 Pinty’s Series schedule is expected very soon, one that will see the series race in August & September at tracks in Ontario and Quebec. The 2021 NASCAR Pinty’s Series will be broadcast on TSN and RDS in Canada and will once again air in the US on MAVTV. The NASCAR Pinty’s Series is the most watched homegrown series in Canada

Learn more about O’Neil Electric Supply http://www.oneilelectric.com/about-us-2-about-us

Race fans can get the latest information about Larry Jackson and the #84 O’Neil Electric team on these social channels

Twitter: @larryjacksonvrm
Instagram: @larryjackson84

Record Rack’s ‘Bucks for the Brave’ is Back with Spencer Boyd

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Official Release
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Mooresville, NC (June 8, 2021) – In their fourth season of partnership with NASCAR driver Spencer Boyd, Record Rack® premium wildlife feed (brand owned by Cargill, Inc.), is again asking for nominations of heroes to attend their annual Bucks for the Brave charitable event. This contest allows you to nominate Veterans (no longer serving) and retired First Responders (Law Enforcement, Firefighters) to win the hunting experience of a lifetime.

Spencer Boyd commented on the event, “There was such a great response from NASCAR fans the last time we had Bucks for the Brave on the truck. We want to continue to grow awareness of what Record Rack is doing for these service members by rolling it out during the NASCAR Salutes timeframe. I’ll be driving a super-patriotic red, white, and blue paint scheme with the Bucks for the Brave Challenge Coin on the hood at Texas Motor Speedway to drive the message home. I’m just humbled to do my part for this great event.”

Bucks for the Brave is an all-expense paid trip that will take place later this year. The event will be hosted at Trinity Oaks’ Thumbtack Ranch in Batesville, TX, which is the only nationally recognized Purple Heart Ranch in the United States. One winner from each of our seven categories will be chosen: Air Force Veteran, Army Veteran, Coast Guard Veteran, Marine Corps Veteran, Navy Veteran, Retired Firefighter, and Retired Law Enforcement. To receive notification of when the nomination process opens visit https://www.spencerboyd.net/bucks-for-the-brave.

“We want to honor these heroes by sharing their stories, and provide them the chance for this once in a lifetime experience,” said Wildlife Marketing Lead, Jodi Cornelison. “Spending time in the outdoors is a way for many to unwind and recharge from daily life. Bringing these heroes together that have formerly served, gives them back some of the comradery they have been missing. We at Sportman’s Choice® & Record Rack want to recognize these men and women for their service and sacrifices and provide a product that helps them further enjoy wildlife in the outdoors.”

Record Rack’s Bucks for the Brave No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado will head to Young’s Motorsports home state of Texas on Saturday, June 12 for NASCAR’s All-Star Weekend. The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series SpeedyCash.com 220 at Texas Motor Speedway can be seen live on FS1 or heard on the Motor Racing Network or Sirius XM Radio Channel 90 beginning at 1:00pm ET.

About Cargill:
Cargill’s 160,000 employees across 70 countries work relentlessly to achieve our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Every day, we connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive.
We combine 155 years of experience with new technologies and insights to serve as a trusted partner for food, agriculture, financial and industrial customers in more than 125 countries. Side-by-side, we are building a stronger, sustainable future for agriculture.

Ford Performance NASCAR: Texas All-Star Advance

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Official Release
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FORD PERFORMANCE NASCAR: ALL-STAR RACE NOTES

The annual NASCAR All-Star race headlines this weekend’s activity as Texas Motor Speedway hosts the event for the first time. In addition, the NASCAR XFINITY and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be featured at the 1.5-mile facility in a Saturday doubleheader.

This Week’s Schedule:
Saturday, June 12 – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, 1 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, June 12 – NASCAR XFINITY Series, 4 p.m. ET (FS1)
Sunday, June 13 – NASCAR Cup Series, All-Star Open, 6 p.m. ET (FS1)
Sunday, June 13 – NASCAR Cup Series, All-Star Race, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)

FORD IN THE NASCAR ALL-STAR RACE

  • Ford has won the All-Star Race 12 times.
  • NASCAR Hall of Famer Davey Allison is the only Ford driver to win it twice.
  • Ryan Newman, Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick have All-Star wins with Ford.

FORD IN THE NASCAR XFINITY SERIES AT TEXAS

  • Ford is tied for the most series wins at Texas with 14.
  • Mark Martin has the most series wins with Ford at Texas (3).
  • Austin Cindric is the defending winner of this weekend’s race.

FORD IN THE NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES AT TEXAS

  • Ford won the first two series races at Texas with Kenny Irwin Jr. and Tony Raines.
  • Greg Biffle won at Texas in his championship season of 2000.

FORD’S ALL-STAR LINEUP

There are seven Ford drivers guaranteed a place in the All-Star field with additional spots available through the preliminary Open qualifying race and fan vote. Currently, all three drivers from Team Penske, Joey Logano, Brad Keselowski and Ryan Blaney, are in the race while Stewart-Haas will be represented by Kevin Harvick and Cole Custer, and Roush Fenway Racing by Ryan Newman, who won the All-Star Race in 2002 with Ford. Michael McDowell of Front Row Motorsports rounds out the Ford roster of drivers after winning this year’s Daytona 500.

ELLIOTT WINS ALL-STAR RACE IN FRONT OF HOMETOWN FANS

The first time Ford won the All-Star Race was in 1986 when Bill Elliott drove his Thunderbird to Victory Lane, but that race is remembered for another trivial fact as well. That marked the only time, prior to this year, that the event has been run at a track other than Charlotte Motor Speedway. Elliott’s home track of Atlanta Motor Speedway served as host on Mother’s Day that year, a date NASCAR traditionally does not race. With only 10 cars making up the field, Elliott darted to the lead from his outside front row starting position and never gave it up as he led all 83 laps en route to a popular victory with the fans.

WALTRIP-WOOD FIRST-TIME WINNERS

Michael Waltrip’s win in 1996 marked his first victory in NASCAR’s top division and was the first in the event for Wood Brothers Racing. Waltrip almost didn’t get into the big show because he had to battle it out in the preliminary Winston Open, where he grabbed the final transfer spot by holding off Johnny Benson to finish fifth. That meant he started last in the 20-car main event, which was called the Winston Select. After the first two 30-lap segments had been completed, Waltrip found himself fourth for the final 10-lap shootout. He passed Rusty Wallace for third after an aborted restart, and then was riding behind Dale Earnhardt and Terry Labonte, who were battling side-by-side. As the two entered turn one with eight laps to go, they made contact which slowed them down enough to allow Waltrip to dart to the inside and pass both of them for the lead. He held on the rest of the way to post his first win of any kind in NASCAR’s top division.

ONE HOT NIGHT

Davey Allison had won the 1991 version of the All-Star Race, but when he and the other competitors came back the following year it was a totally different experience. Why? The 1992 Winston at Charlotte Motor Speedway was the first NASCAR superspeedway race run under the lights. Billed as “One Hot Night” it lived up to that billing as the final 10-lap shootout featured a battle between Dale Earnhardt and Kyle Petty, who were racing for the win on the final lap. Earnhardt was in the lead coming down the backstretch, but as they entered turn three Petty appeared to tap the familiar No. 3, which sent Earnhardt sliding toward the outside wall. That enabled Allison to get to Petty’s rear bumper coming off turn four and then go to the inside as they entered the tri-oval. As the two hit the finish line, Petty and Allison made contact sending the No. 28 Texaco Havoline Ford into the outside wall. Allison ended up winning by half-a-car-length, but didn’t get to experience Victory Lane as he had to be cut out of the car and removed through the roof before being placed on a stretch and airlifted to an area hospital with a concussion and bruised lung.

EDWARDS WINS IN 2011

Carl Edwards took home the $1 million prize for winning the main event in 2011, capturing three of the four segments, while Roush Fenway teammate David Ragan won the preliminary Sprint Showdown. The race came down to a mandatory four-tire pit stop to begin the fourth and final 10-lap dash to the checkered flag. The 99 crew got Edwards out first and he was never threatened over the last 15 miles as he beat Kyle Busch to the finish line. It marked the third time in history Ford swept the Showdown and All-Star Race. The other two occasions came in 1996 with Jimmy Spencer (Showdown) and Michael Waltrip (All-Star), and 1998 with Jeremy Mayfield (Showdown) and Mark Martin (All-Star). The win was the fourth for car owner Jack Roush, who also won with Matt Kenseth (2004) and Mark Martin (1998 and 2005).

LOGANO AND KESELOWSKI FINISH 1-2

Joey Logano and Brad Keselowski made All-Star history as they became the first teammates to sweep the top two spots in the All-Star Race when they did it in 2016. Logano came out on top of a side-by-side battle with Kyle Larson in the final two laps, getting clear with just over one lap to go after Larson hit the outside wall coming off turn two. That enabled Keselowski to get the runner-up spot and successfully commemorate the 50th Anniversary of car owner Roger Penske’s career in motorsports. It marked Ford’s 11th All-Star Race win and first in five years since Edwards won in 2011.

HARVICK DOMINATES

Kevin Harvick used a push from Ford teammate Joey Logano down the stretch to win the 2018 All-Star Race, a race that featured a new aerodynamic package that utilized restrictor plates for the first time on a 1.5-mile track. In addition, a larger spoiler designed to keep the cars packed together and create passing through the night was used and resulted in 38 lead changes. Harvick was the dominant driver as he won Stage 1 and Stage 3 before leading all 10 laps of the final segment. Daniel Suarez finished second with Logano third.

FORD NASCAR CUP SERIES ALL-STAR RACE WINNERS
1986 – Bill Elliott
1991 – Davey Allison
1992 – Davey Allison
1994 – Geoffrey Bodine
1996 – Michael Waltrip
1998 – Mark Martin
2002 – Ryan Newman
2004 – Matt Kenseth
2005 – Mark Martin
2011 – Carl Edwards
2016 – Joey Logano
2018 – Kevin Harvick

FORD NASCAR XFINITY SERIES RACE WINNERS AT TEXAS
1997 – Mark Martin
1999 – Mark Martin
2000 – Mark Martin
2004 – Matt Kenseth
2007 – Matt Kenseth (1)
2010 – Carl Edwards (2)
2011 – Carl Edwards (1) and Trevor Bayne (2)
2012 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (1)
2013 – Brad Keselowski (2)
2015 – Brad Keselowski (2)
2018 – Ryan Blaney (1) and Cole Custer (2)
2020 – Austin Cindric (1)

FORD NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES RACE WINNERS AT TEXAS
1997 – Kenny Irwin
1998 – Tony Raines
2000 – Greg Biffle (1)

No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 Team to Take on the Motor City This Weekend

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Official Release
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Brownsburg, Ind. (June 8, 2021) – The current 2021 IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Championship leaders will compete at Raceway at Belle Isle Park in Detroit, Michigan this weekend for the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic. After a thrilling victory at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last month that saw the team extend their championship, Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque will pilot the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 for a one-hour and 40-minute sprint race.

The No. 10 Konica Minolta team has four wins in their eight years of competing at the 2.35-mile, 14-turn street circuit with their most recent victory in 2017 with Ricky Taylor behind the wheel. Taylor’s success at the track includes three wins and five top-five finishes.

“This will be my third year at Detroit with the Acura ARX-05 but the first with WTR running one,” said Ricky Taylor. “Between the relatively smooth first and second sectors and the very bumpy and unforgiving third sector it can be very difficult to nail the car setup at this racetrack. However, the team has done a lot of homework since Mid-Ohio to make sure we are as prepared as possible. WTR has a great history of racing in Detroit, but for the first time it’s not going to feel like being on home turf. It’s the home of the Cadillacs here and we get to play as the away team a bit, which makes it fun as well.”

This will be Filipe Albuquerque’s third attempt at the Detroit Grand Prix. He has not won at the historically difficult track but enjoys the challenge that the streets of Belle Isle create while racing.

“We have been preparing for the Detroit Grand Prix at Belle Isle,” commented Filipe Albuquerque. “It’s one of the most challenging tracks that I have ever driven in my life, and I really enjoy racing there. This year the championship is very close between anyone, so I think it’s possible for anyone to win the race. Although I don’t think Detroit is the best suited track for our car, but we will do our best. Strategy is a big role, and anything can happen.”

“I always love coming to Detroit, the big Motor City,” mentioned Wayne Taylor. “We’ve had a lot of success there. This is the first time we’re going there as an Acura, so we are a little in the dark. But we feel that we’re getting to know the car well and every race we’re making it faster. The one thing about Detroit is that it’s all about track position, so it’s ideal to start it on pole. The other advantage we have is that we have the last pit since we’re leading the championship. It’s still a very tough and demanding track where a slight mistake can take you out of the race. We’ve really honed it in on the drivers that this is one of those races where you must finish. We’re looking forward to it and hoping we can add another Detroit win.”

Practice for the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic begins Friday, June 11th at 8:00 a.m. ET with qualifying following at 3:30 p.m. ET. Green flag for the second sprint race of the season will wave at 5:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 12th, with live broadcast coverage beginning at 5:00 p.m. ET on NBC.

About Konica Minolta
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. is reshaping and revolutionizing the Workplace of the Future. The company guides and supports its customers’ digital transformation through its expansive office technology portfolio, including IT Services (All Covered), content services, managed print services and industrial and commercial print solutions. Konica Minolta has been included on CRN’s MSP 500 list nine times and The World Technology Awards recently named the company a finalist in the IT Software category. Konica Minolta has been recognized as the #1 Brand for Customer Loyalty in the MFP Office Copier Market by Brand Keys for fourteen consecutive years, and received Keypoint Intelligence’s BLI 2021 A3 Line of The Year Award and BLI 2021-2023 Most Color Consistent A3 Brand Award for its bizhub i-Series. Konica Minolta, Inc. has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for nine consecutive years and has spent four years on the Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list. Konica Minolta partners with its clients to give shape to ideas and works to bring value to our society. For more information, please visit us online and follow Konica Minolta on Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn and Twitter. Wayne Taylor Racing’s existing lineup of partners that also features Harrison Contracting, Acura Motorsports , Hammer Nutrition and CIT.

BARNES TACKLES TOUGH OCCUPATION IN FARMING, TOUGH HOBBY IN RACING

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Official Release
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Jason Barnes (left) confers with a team member about adjustments to be made to the car during one of this season’s NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division events at South Boston Speedway. Photo Courtesy Joe Chandler/South Boston Speedway

By Joe Chandler
Director, Public Relations
South Boston Speedway

South Boston, VA…..Jason Barnes is immersed in one of the toughest, labor-intensive occupations there is – farming. For fun, Barnes tackles one of the toughest sports there is – auto racing.

When asked which is tougher, Barnes said they are about equal.

“Neither one is easy,” Barnes remarked with a smile.

“But I would say I get more pleasure out of racing. I love farming, but it’s a hard, hard profession this day and time.”

Farming has been a way of life for Barnes for many years.

“I’ve been farming on a family farm in Dinwiddie (Virginia) since I graduated from college,” Barnes explained.

“We farm around 2,500 to 2,800 acres on a diversified farm. Our biggest crop is tobacco, the second-biggest is cotton, peanuts, soybeans and corn. We’re pretty stretched out.”

Farming takes up most of Barnes’ time and attention. He manages to squeeze out time to race in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division.

“I do this (race) on a part-time basis,” Barnes pointed out.

“We work on the car out of a farm shop. It feels pretty good to run with these guys on a week-in-week-out basis.”

Due to time constraints or other circumstances Barnes, at times, has to cut some corners with his racing. When those times occur, they are an uncomfortable prospect.

“It’s disturbing because guys don’t cut any corners,” Barnes said.

“We try to cut corners just to get here. We don’t always put the best tires on in practice and we don’t always have the best-of-the-best, but we try to make do with what we’ve got and be happy with what we have.”

Barnes has had success at South Boston Speedway in the past. In 2018 Barnes finished sixth in the South Boston Speedway NASCAR Late Model Stock Car Division point standings. He was one of 15 drivers that led laps in the division that season.

“In 2018 I finished in the top six in points and almost won a couple of races,” Barnes noted.
“I feel like if we could pull off a win, maybe two, or run Top-Five week-in and week-out and get back like we were, I would really be happy.”

Barnes has two Top-10 finishes in his four starts this season at “America’s Hometown Track.”

He had hoped for better results at this point but notes he is still working to dial in his new car.

“With the new chassis we’ve got and a new motor, if we hit our marks and get our (chassis) setup pretty decent we will be pretty good compared to everybody else,” Barnes remarked.

“We’re running a brand-new car this year, and to come out here with limited practice I feel we’re pretty decent for what we’ve got and the technology we’re running against.”

Barnes has been racing at South Boston Speedway on-and-off for the past five or six years. He says he keeps returning to South Boston Speedway because “America’s Hometown Track” is a great place to race.

“The racing atmosphere here at South Boston Speedway is better than anywhere in the country,” Barnes said.

“This is where my mom and dad grew up coming to races, where I grew up coming to races. I feel like this is home to us. There is a lot of racing history and atmosphere here.”

Barnes likes the various cost-cutting measures the speedway has implemented to help competitors.

“The two-tire deal is hateful at times when you’re trying to figure out the (chassis) setup, but then it’s good because you only have to buy half the tires,” Barnes pointed out.

“The purse is better here at South Boston Speedway than anywhere else. Basically, you cover your tire bill if you finish pretty decent. It’s very respectful of the track to do that for the local guys, small guys like me who have no sponsors. We sponsor ourselves. We have a couple of small silent partners, but it’s like everything else, you’ve got to run well, get some eyes on you, and find somebody that is willing to help you.”

South Boston Speedway’s Celebrate America Campaign continues Saturday night, June 12 with the Halifax Insurance NASCAR Late Model Twin 75s racing program. Twin 75-lap races for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division will headline Saturday night’s event. A 50-lap race for the Limited Sportsman Division, a 30-lap race for the Budweiser Pure Stock Division and a 15-lap race for the Budweiser Hornets Division are also included on the night’s five-race card.

Saturday’s race day schedule has registration and pit gates opening at 2 p.m. Practice starts p.m. and grandstand gates will open at 5:30 p.m. Qualifying will begin at 6 p.m. and the first race will get the green flag at 7 p.m.

Advance adult general admission tickets are priced at $10 each and may be purchased online on South Boston Speedway’s website, www.southbostonspeedway.com, through Friday night, June 11. Adult general admission tickets at the gate on race day are priced at $15 each. Kids ages 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.

The latest news and updates about South Boston Speedway and its racing events can be found on the South Boston Speedway website and through the speedway’s social media channels.

WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODELS RETURN TO OCFS IN 2021!

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Official Release
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MIDDLETOWN NY – The 2021 season at Orange County Fair Speedway is a return to form for the over 100-year-old racetrack, but it’s also the introduction, or reintroduction of many new events. Perhaps the most exciting reintroduction in 2021, will be the return of the World of Outlaws Late Models! Thursday August 19th, the Late Models, the fastest wingless cars to race on dirt, will roll into the pits at OCFS, to put on a show that race fans haven’t seen in over a decade in Middletown, NY.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series is the nation’s premier traveling tour for dirt Late Model stock cars. A cousin of the longer-running World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series that was founded by the late Ted Johnson in 1978, the Late Model Series first ran in 1988-89 under the direction of Johnson. The series sat dormant until being rekindled in 2004 by World Racing Group and has grown each season since then to take its place as the most competitive and lucrative tour for dirt Late Model racers.

A Dirt Late Model is a full-bodied, purpose-built race car that headlines arguably the most popular dirt track division in the U.S. and Canada. There is no cubic inch limit for the aluminum-head engines they use, but most teams have power plants of 400-430 cubic inches that produce over 800 horsepower. Dozens of builders construct dirt Late Model chassis, and unlike OCFS’s regular Dirt Modified racecars, the bodies of Late Models are designed to resemble popular street-car makes from manufacturers such as Chevrolet, Ford, Pontiac, etc.

While the World of Outlaws race will bring touring drivers from that series, local talent will also be on display with a new surprise. Joining them on August 19 is another returning division to OCFS, the Pro Stocks. Like Late Models, the Pro Stocks are also full-bodied race cars. They used to race regularly at OCFS in the early 2000’s. To the disappointment of Pro Stock fans, the series dissipated at OCFS over the years, but a revival has been long talked about. This new one-off race for 2021 hopes to attract enough Pro Stock drivers to put on a great show and provide fans with at least one night of the great Pro Stock racing that they remember!

Race fans, mark those calendars for Thursday, August 19th. The school year will be way over so bring the kids as they will love the sight of full-bodied race cars! And for the adults, OCFS’s on-site bar, the 31st Lap Tavern is open for business and serving ice-cold brews and cocktails!

Bridget Shines in First Road Course Race at Sonoma

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Official Release
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TOOELE, UT, June 8, 2021 – Bridget Burgess and the BMI Racing team had a plan for success at her first career ARCA Menards West road course race at Sonoma Raceway this past weekend. Utilizing the tools available to her included seat time in her HMH Construction Chevrolet ARCA car at Utah Motorsports Campus, as well as competing in the NASA Northern California event the week prior.

The single day format gave the competitors only an hour for a combined practice and qualifying session. Bridget headed out on track for a few laps at the start of the session to ensure the setup of the car felt right, and that she was comfortable and focused in the HMH Construction Chevrolet. The team put on a fresh set of tires and sent her out for a qualifying run. Bridget put in a great effort during the session and for a long time was sitting in 6th, by the end of the session she had slipped back to 9th.

The short break between qualifying and the race gave Bridget an opportunity to catch up with fans as Sonoma Raceway opened its doors to spectators for the weekend – the first time in over a year.

The green flag dropped and Bridget accelerated across the start finish line in the HMH Construction Chevrolet. Driving smart and being patient Bridget had moved up to 5th position, and then at lap 16 was turned by overly aggressive driver putting her back to 16th.

It was time for the halfway break, and the team went to work changing the tires and making adjustments to the car for the last 25 laps of the race. The green flag dropped once again, and Bridget focused again on being patient and working with the equipment she had. The second half of the race was a battle, but Bridget wheeled the HMH Construction Chevrolet to an 8th place finish out of a 22 car field. A career best finish for Bridget.

A replay of Saturday’s race at Sonoma will broadcast on NBCSN on Wednesday, June 9 at 6 p.m. ET.
Bridget’s next race will be the ARCA Menards West Series at Irwindale Speedway on July 3rd

Bridget is powered by these great companies: HMH Construction, GEARWRENCH, Rugged Radios, Cometic Gasket, Ferrea Racing Components, FK Rod Ends, Fragola Performance Systems, GC Cooling Fan, GT Radial, Hawk Performance, Impact Race Products, K&N Filters, Konig, Lucas Oil, Miller Electric, ProAm, PSC Motorsports, Sunoco Race Fuel, Tilton, XS Power

Facebook page: BridgetBurgess8
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Twitter: 8BridgetBurgess

Speedway Motorsports welcomes Credit Karma Money™ as new Partner in NASCAR

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Official Release
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Partnership includes Xfinity Series race entitlement at Atlanta Motor Speedway and All-Star assets at Texas Motor Speedway

HAMPTON, Ga. (Sept. 20, 2018) – Speedway Motorsports today announced a new sponsorship and advertising package partnership with Credit Karma Money™, a single destination within Credit Karma for spending and saving.

As part of this new partnership, Credit Karma Money will become the title sponsor of the July 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Atlanta, as well as receive signage and other marketing and advertising assets at the NASCAR All-Star Race on June 13 at Texas Motor Speedway.

“Anytime you can introduce a new company or organization to NASCAR, it confirms the power of the NASCAR brand to companies all around the world,” said Speedway Motorsports Chief Sales Officer Kevin Camper. “We’re looking forward to establishing a mutually beneficial long-term relationship with both Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR.”

Credit Karma Money is the latest product from Credit Karma, the platform already helping more than 100 million Americans make financial progress. Credit Karma Money is built for the everyday consumer to organize finances, create better financial habits and get access to money faster.

“Just as NASCAR is a sport for every American, we built Credit Karma Money to help every American make progress no matter where they are on their financial journey, so our partnership feels like a natural fit,” said Poulomi Damany, General Manager, Credit Karma Money and Tax. “We know how excited fans are for the races this summer and look forward to introducing them to Credit Karma Money.”

About Speedway Motorsports
Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. Speedway Motorsports provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiaries; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary.

About Credit Karma
Founded in 2007 by Ken Lin, Credit Karma is a consumer technology company with more than 110 million members in the United States, U.K. and Canada, including almost half of all U.S. millennials. While best known for pioneering free credit scores, the company’s members turn to Credit Karma for everything related to their financial goals, including identity monitoring, applying for credit cards, shopping for loans (car, home and personal), high-yield savings accounts and now checking accounts through our bank partner, MVB Bank, Inc., Member FDIC — all for free. Learn more about how Credit Karma members are making financial progress on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Alsco Uniforms partners with Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen for naming rights of the June NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Texas Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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  • Alsco, the global leader in uniform and linen rental services, to convey presenting sponsor naming rights to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen for Texas Motor Speedway’s June NASCAR Xfinity Series race held the day before the NASCAR All-Star Race.
  • Alsco’s support in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) is unrivaled: the company features four NXS entitlements at Speedway Motorsports facilities, including the recent Xfinity Series race held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in both March and September.
  • The green flag drops for the Alsco Uniforms 250 Powered by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, June 12, at 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with television coverage provided by FS1.

SALT LAKE CITY — June 8, 2021 — Alsco Uniforms, the official uniform provider of race fans and proud partner of Texas Motor Speedway (TMS), has brought longtime customer Darden Restaurants and its Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen brand aboard for naming rights of the June NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race.

The Alsco Uniforms 250, Powered by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen on All-Star weekend, will bring out the stars of the NASCAR Xfinity Series as they battle it out in No Limits, Texas, on Saturday, June 12. With the excitement surrounding the fan-favorite All-Star Race coming to Texas as the iconic speedway celebrates 25 Years of Speed in 2021, race fans will be coming out in full force.

“Texas Motor Speedway has created a unique Texas flavor to the NASCAR All-Star Race weekend that fits perfectly with our new partnership with Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, which has a long history in the Lone Star State,” said Texas Motor Speedway president and general manager, Eddie Gossage. “The Alsco Uniforms 250 Powered by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen will undoubtedly be yet another memorable NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Great American Speedway.”

Alsco Uniforms has enjoyed a tremendous relationship with Speedway Motorsports through the years and is excited to head to Texas with Cheddar’s for the first time as an entitlement partner.

“Texas Motor Speedway is such a great venue to highlight the partnership between Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Alsco Uniforms,” said Ben Fox, director of sales and marketing for Alsco. “Alsco Uniforms provides service to hundreds of Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchens around the country with uniforms, linen and floor mats, so having them partner with us on this race was a no-brainer. It’s a perfect opportunity to provide our partners some brand visibility as more guests begin to dine out again.”

“The first Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen restaurant opened in Arlington, Texas, in 1979, and we are proud to maintain our strong tie in the state,” said John Wilkerson, president of Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. “We’re looking forward to joining Alsco on June 12 and giving Cheddar’s guests and race fans another great race at Texas Motor Speedway.”

The Alsco Uniforms 250 Powered by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is just one of four NXS entitlements for Alsco in 2021, all at Speedway Motorsports facilities. In addition to the June race, Alsco Uniforms sponsors events at affiliate tracks Charlotte Motor Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Alsco Uniforms and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen likes to keep pace with one another on all NASCAR partnerships, with both brands providing sponsorship at the NASCAR team level along with Richard Childress Racing with drivers Myatt Snider and Tyler Reddick and Kaulig Racing with driver Jeb Burton.

The Alsco Uniforms 250 Powered by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is part of a NASCAR weekend that also includes the Camping World Truck Series Race, SpeedyCash.com 200 and the NASCAR All-Star Race on Sunday, June 13. The Alsco Uniforms 250 Powered by Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen will be broadcast live on FS1, PRN and 95.9 The Ranch.

About Alsco

Alsco is a fifth-generation family-owned and -operated uniform company founded in 1889 and recognized by the prestigious Hohenstein Institute for having invented the uniform rental industry. Celebrating over 130 years of business, Alsco provides uniform laundry services and other products that keep businesses clean and safe for all kinds of customers in the healthcare, automotive, industrial and hospitality industries. With more than 180 locations and 20,000 employees, Alsco provides laundry rental services to over 355,000 customers in 14 countries, which makes Alsco Uniforms the largest uniform company in the world. Visit https://www.alsco.com to learn more about how Alsco Uniforms is the industry’s best-kept secret.

About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is the homestyle casual dining restaurant where guests always Get a lot. For not a lot™. The restaurant offers a variety of scratch-made meals and generous portions served up in a warm, welcoming atmosphere – all at an unbelievable price. After being welcomed with a signature Honey Butter Croissant on the house, guests can enjoy signature entrées like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, Homemade Chicken Pot Pie and Fall-off-the-Plate Baby Back Ribs. Cheddar’s operates more than 170 restaurants in 28 states and employs more than 15,000 friendly and passionate team members. For more information or to locate the nearest restaurant, visit Cheddars.com. Fans can like or follow Cheddar’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway is among the largest sports stadiums in the United States and features an array of amenities such as the world’s largest TV that make it one of the premier venues in the world of sports. The 1.5-mile superspeedway located in Fort Worth hosts all three NASCAR national series as well as the NTT IndyCar Series among its various races and specialty events throughout the year. Since opening in 1997, Texas Motor Speedway has generated an annual economic impact of approximately $300 million to the North Texas region. Texas Motor Speedway is owned and operated by Speedway Motorsports LLC, a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit texasmotorspeedway.com.

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