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Jason Kitzmiller optimistic ahead of Charlotte ARCA debut

CONCORD, N.C.: Set for his third ARCA Menards Series start of the 2021 season, CR7 Motorsports’ Jason Kitzmiller invades Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway for Saturday night’s General Tire 150 hopeful to deliver his fourth career top-10 finish.

Kitzmiller will eye his 10th career ARCA start determined to improve on his respectable 15th place showing in his most recent race at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last month.

Kitzmiller was headed towards back-to-back top-10 finishes at the legendary 2.66-mile superspeedway, but he was shuffled in the final laps of the event and nearly wrecked by another competitor before recovering control of his No. 97 A.L.L. Construction Inc. Chevrolet SS and producing his eighth straight top-15 ARCA finish.

“Talladega was a little hard to swallow because everyone on the CR7 Motorsports team definitely brought me a fast race car. Unfortunately, there was a lot of jockeying for position there in the closing laps and some impatience by others that nearly sent us home destroyed.

“I had to make that decision on either get wrecked and hope we finish inside the top-10 or back out of the draft and recover and keep our superspeedway car intact for Daytona next year. I think we made the right decision – but I’m motivated to go to Charlotte and finish what we started at Talladega.”

Charlotte’s unique 1.5-mile track will be a new track for Kitzmiller and to prepare him for his first intermediate track of the year, Kitzmiller and his Todd Myers-led team participated in an open test at the facility earlier this year where Kitzmiller maneuvered the 14th quickest lap overall.

“Between the weather, I got to make 31 laps around Charlotte and those were some pretty important laps,” added Kitzmiller. “I like Charlotte, it’s extremely fast and bumpy at the same time. Momentum and concentration is definitely key as well as handling.

“I definitely understood how much our car changed with the drop not only in track conditions but ambient temperatures. All of that is good notes for the race this weekend. Hopefully, we have a good practice on Saturday afternoon and find us in a prime spot for our first top-10 of the year.”

Not competing for points and racing for wins, the team’s often laid-back approach has seemed to work for the Statesville, N.C.-based organization, but once the headsets go on and Kitzmiller straps behind the wheel of his race car, business becomes the priority.

“We don’t necessarily have a strategy at this point, we’ll just see how the race unfolds,”
added Kitzmiller. “It just depends on how those opening laps unfold. 100 laps will go by quickly at Charlotte, but we need to make sure we stay on the lead lap and keep ourselves in the mix.

We just have to wait and see how it all flows and hope we can drive out of the parking lot knowing our Charlotte debut together was a success.”

Kitzmiller and CR7 Motorsports will run a partial ARCA schedule in 2021 with a firm schedule announced soon.

Kitzmiller will also continue to adorn a decal remembering CR7 Motorsports general manager Mark Huff who passed away last week after a brief illness. Huff was responsible for helping revive the ARCA Menards Series team in 2020.

“I will always Mark for his carrying of people on this CR7 Motorsports team and his enormous work ethic. He did a lot for the team and is irreplaceable. We will race to win in his honor on Saturday night.”

Marketing partnership(s) opportunities are available for the No. 97 A.L.L. Construction Chevrolet and No. 9 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet for the 2021 ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series seasons and beyond. Interested inquiries are encouraged to contact at tonya@gcmulch.com or 304.257.8783.

The General Tire 150 (100 laps | 150 miles) is the sixth of 20 races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series schedule. A combined practice and qualifying session begins on Sat., May 29 with a forty-five-minute practice session from 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 7:00 p.m. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), while ARCARacing.com will stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (ET).

CHEVROLET NTT INDYCAR SERIES INDIANAPOLIS 500: MEDIA DAY – TEAM CHEVY DRIVERS GROUP TWO

CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS 500
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
MEDIA DAY – TEAM CHEVY DRIVERS GROUP TWO
MAY 27, 2021

SELECTED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM THE FOUR TEAM CHEVY INDYCAR DRIVERS IN GROUP ONE OF MEDIA DAY ROTATION:

JR HILDEBRAND, NO. 1 ABC SUPPLY/AJ FOYT RACING CHEVROLET
HOW HAS THE MONTH OF MAY BEEN GOING FOR YOU AND HAVING TONY STEWART AS A FILL ENTRY?
“It’s been very cool. A lot of people have asked me. I’m just trying to feed off the energy of it. It’s been great. The team has done an awesome job so far. Heading into qualifying just to our race trim through the week, we had a pretty good feeling for what we were looking for early in the week and couldn’t quite find it. We were trying a lot of different stuff. By the end of the day on Thursday, we had made some really significant gains on how the car was feeling in traffic. And then, rolled into Friday. You’re never really sure what to expect. But as far as being on our side of the fence, we felt like we found some speed and ended up being the fastest car on the team on Saturday and had a really strong qualifying run from our perspective from what we felt like in that short period of time we could work on and extract. I think a lot of that, honestly, is due to the work just over the week that the crew has been doing on the cars. A huge credit to them to find a little extra speed for us and I’m feeling good heading into race day.”

SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN, NO. 3 PENNZOIL TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET
HOW IS THE MONTH MAY GOING FOR YOU?
“I’m enjoying it. It’s been a really interesting month. You’re once an IMS rookie and I’m really taking it in my stride. I enjoy every moment. It’s been an up and down month, obviously, for me. As a team, we’re a little bit underwhelmed with that qualifying speed. But I think in our race trim and the cooler temperatures will certainly help us move forward.”

DID YOU EVER THINK YOU’D BE HERE AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY FOR THE INDY 500?
“Absolutely not. I think I always had the ambition and the want to come over to America and race. But I thought a touring car race was probably where it was going to be if I was able to achieve anything because that’s what I’ve known for my whole time. I’ve really enjoyed my time at INDYCAR so far and thankful for the opportunity. It’s so fresh and new for me. Learning a car that’s completely different from what I’ve ever driven before. I’m really enjoying the freshness and the challenge and comradery. My first Indy 500 means everything that I could have ever thought of. I’m really excited for what’s ahead and really don’t know what to think of what it’s going to be like on race day morning for me.”

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS, NO. 14 ROKIT/AJ FOYT RACING CHEVROLET
HOW HAS THE MONTH OF MAY BEEN GOING FOR YOU?
“The month of May has been interesting. We struggled a little bit early on to find some stuff in traffic that we were comfortable with. And then you transition to qualifying trim and we didn’t do the best job, I don’t think. We probably got a little bit too cautious. If we had done everything right, I think we could have probably been in the top-20. We were too careful. The gaps between the cars made it that the opportunity was pretty unforgiving. When you are not exactly on the money, you are losing quite a few positions. What is done is done. I’m pretty comfortable with what we found Sunday late afternoon with the race car and how we looked. I’m looking forward to it and a better race day.”

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE BACK AT INDIANAPOLIS WITH FANS IN ATTENDANCE?
“It’s like the Indy 500 but not quite, though, because I think 130,000 for the 500 is still going to feel pretty empty, but after everything we’ve been through over the last year or so it’s definitely a step in the right direction and I’m definitely looking forward to getting back to normal.”

ON THE EMOTIONS OF THE TEAM AFTER LAST CHANCE QUALIFYING
“It’s very tough for the team. Everybody works very hard, and you have four cars in the team and then one that just doesn’t have speed. The guys worked extra hard to try to put that car in the show and it didn’t make a difference. It’s heart-breaking Charlie (Kimball) is probably one of the drivers that values the 500 the most and has the most appreciation and respect for the place. He missed the show through no fault of his own just because the car isn’t quick enough is a sad one. But it’s super unforgiving. I’m kind of glad it wasn’t my car, but yes, it’s tough to witness it.”

WILL POWER, NO. 12 VERIZON 5G TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET
HOW HAS MEDIA DAY GONE FOR YOU AND WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR SUNDAY?
“Media Day has gone fine. Expectations, obviously we had some good strategy go our way. I think we have a really good car in traffic, I do. I’ve said that from the beginning. Qualifying didn’t go as we expected, but I was really happy to get in the race. It’s been positive. It really has. We executed on Sunday and the team is in good spirits. I think it’s really hard to judge how this race is going to play out; but we need to make up a lot of positions the whole time.”

HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH FRUSTRATIONS OR SETBACKS OR THINGS YOU WEREN’T EXPECTING? IS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU DO TO KIND OF BOOST TEAM MORALE?
“Actually, we had a dinner last night and talked about race plans, just for my crew. I have been really happy. It’s funny. I’ve been more positive, and happy than I am when I qualify on the front row. It actually was a win for us in getting it right. It just kind of put things into perspective. It turned into a positive, believe it or not.”

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.

Rackley W.A.R. Team Report: Charlotte Motor Speedway

Team Report
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series News and Notes

Event: North Carolina Education Lottery 200
Date: Friday, May 28, 2021
Venue: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway
Track Description: 1.5 mile(s)
Race: 201 miles / 134 Laps

Rackley W.A.R.’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series History … Since entering the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) in 2021, the Centerville, Tenn.,-based organization has logged nine starts with one driver, Timothy Peters, resulting in an average starting position of 20.8 and an average finishing position of 24.4.

In the Queen City: Willie Allen … Rackley W.A.R. co-owner Willie Allen, who spent seven years as a driver in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS), has experience at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The 2007 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year has two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts (2007, 2014) at the Concord, N.C.,-facility. He has one NASCAR Xfinity Series start (2010) at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Timothy Peters
No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado

On Friday, May 28, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series returns to the Charlotte Motor Speedway under the lights to kick-off Memorial Day weekend. This weekend is the 20th appearance of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on the 1.5-mile oval.

For the second week in a row, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will hold a practice session and qualifying session, with all on-track activity on Friday. There are, currently, 40 trucks entered to contend for the 36-truck field.

The Beast of the Southeast Statistics … This weekend marks Timothy Peters’ 13th Charlotte Motor Speedway appearance with the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. He made his series track debut on May 20, 2005.

The Danville, Va.,-native has two top-five finishes and six top-10 finishes at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. In 2011, Peters started from the pole-position, and finished in the 32nd-place after being involved in a mid-race incident.

Speedway Stats: Timothy Peters has 146 combined NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts on speedways (tracks 1 to 2-miles in length). He has two wins (Las Vegas, Phoenix), 33 top-five finishes and 72 top-10 finishes, and has collected an average finish of 12.8.

Pit Stall Selections … Pit Stall 40, towards Turn 4.
Atop the Pit Box: Chad Kendrick … Chad Kendrick, crew chief for the No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado, has two top-five finishes and four top-ten finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at the Concord, N.C.,-facility in 13 starts. In addition, he is credited with leading 19 laps at the Charlotte Motor Speedway as a crew chief. He has three starts (2008, 2009, 2017) at the 1.5-mile track with Timothy Peters.

Catch the Action … The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway will be broadcast live on FS1 on Friday, May 28, starting with NASCAR RaceDay: NCWTS Charlotte at 8:00 p.m. (ET). It will also broadcast live at 8:00 p.m. (ET) on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Qualifying for the tenth event of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series schedule will air on Friday at 5:30 p.m. (ET) on FS1.

In the Rearview Mirror: Circuit of the Americas (COTA) … Timothy Peters, driver of the No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado for Rackley W.A.R., finished in the 32nd-place in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Toyota Tundra 225 at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) on Saturday, May 22, in Austin, Texas. Peters started in the 18th-place in the 36-truck field, and at the end of Stage 1 on Lap 12 he was in the 17th-place. A mechanical issue dropped him back in the field with an issue with the fuel pump. By the end of Stage 2 on Lap 26, Peters was scored in the 33rd-place. On Lap 27 Peters received an infraction for pitting outside of the assigned pit box which resulted in a one lap penalty that was served on Lap 28.

He was scored as high as the 15th-place at the Circuit of the Americas.

QUOTE WORTHY

Timothy Peters, driver of the No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado for Rackley W.A.R.
On the Charlotte Motor Speedway:
“I am hoping for a good weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. It seems like some ‘gremlins’ continue to plague us,
and I hope to get that monkey off our backs this weekend. Our Rackley W.A.R. team has been working hard week-in, and
week-out. I am glad we have another practice session this week to tune-in our No. 25 Rackley Roofing Chevrolet Silverado.”

Follow Rackley W.A.R. on Social Media … To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content,
visit Rackley W.A.R.’s Twitter page – @Rackley_WAR, and on Instagram at @rackley_war. “Like” Rackley W.A.R. on the
official Facebook page at facebook.com/RackleyWAR.

CHEVROLET NTT INDYCAR SERIES INDIANAPOLIS 500: ,MEDIA DAY – TEAM CHEVY DRIVERS GROUP ONE

CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDIANAPOLIS 500
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
MEDIA DAY – TEAM CHEVY DRIVERS GROUP ONE
MAY 27, 2021

SELECTED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FROM THE FIVE TEAM CHEVY INDYCAR DRIVERS IN GROUP ONE OF MEDIA DAY ROTATION:

MAX CHILTON, NO. 59 GALLAGHER CARLIN CHEVROLET:
“We will just have to forget about the Grand Prix and move on to bigger and better things. The Indianapolis 500 is something five or six years ago I wasn’t aware of it to the extent of it I am now. I used to the end of the race in Monaco and think these guys are absolutely heroic. And the first time I actually watched it was through the visor of my helmet. Every year I learn more and more about it. I’ve been though trials and tribulations of not qualifying. We were on the cusp. I knew we were on the right side of it. But it doesn’t make the stress levels amy easier on qualifying day. I am just unbelievably proud of what we did. We were very very disciplined. We were up against power houses like Andretti who is engineering 8 cars. Penske with five and Ganassi with four. So a single car team is not easy. I think we did a fantastic job. We were very very disciplined. Yes we focused on qualifying all week and didn’t do much race running at all. But win a race you aren’t in. So we stuck to it. We were very disciplined. And didn’t get sidetracked by other peoples times. We knew what we needed to do and we actually executed the best we’ve ever done. I did the best qualifying I’ve ever done here. I was flat all four laps and it wasn’t because of downforce. We were trimmed more than ever. I was just really in control my bars and my jacker which allowed me to keep flat. They said at the time we were safe, but it was still very close.”

ED CARPENTER, NO. 20 SONAX ED CARPENTER RACING CHEVROLET:
QUESTION ABOUT OUTLOOK FOR RACE FOR ALL THREE ECR CARS:
“I’m feeling pretty good. We’ve had a really good week and a half of prep. And obviously qualifying weekend went fairly well. Happy to have two of our three cars up in toward the front. And really excited about the race cars we’ve built based on what we learned in practice. I’m just hoping that we can continue the way things have been going. Hopefully we will be in a similar position late in the race from where we are starting and then we can fight for it.”

WERE YOU SURPRISED YOU PUT UP THE BIG QUALIFYING NUMBERS THAT YOU DID? “I think we expected to be able to run over 232 mph for at least a lap based on what we did Saturday. I was encouraged when I saw Rinus time. Any time you have a teammate go before you, you kind of know where you are going to be relative to that. It was good. The guys did a great job with the balance. They had prepared for those conditions Friday. And Fast Friday prepared us pretty well for what we saw in the Shootout. I knew we were going to have a chance. It was going to depend on how big Scott( Dixon) and Colton’s (Herta) first laps were.”

DO YOU HAVE A FEEL FOR FUEL MILEAGE?
“It’s a little hard to tell in those practice sessions. You don’t really know who goes out, and who stays out during those sessions. So it is hard to get an exact measurement on where the competition is. But, I was happy with what we were a le to do and learn. We have good options to be able to do what we need to do come Sunday. But you don’t truly know until the race and everyone is running full stints for real. But I’m always confident in what Chevrolet gives us from a fuel mileage standpoint, but also economy and most importantly reliability.”

JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 2 SHELL FUEL REWARDS TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET
HOW HAS YOUR MONTH OF MAY BEEN AND WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR SUNDAY?
“It’s been good. I’m excited to be here as always. I like seeing the energy again at this track with fans. I can’t wait to get going for Sunday. I think we have a good car. We all feel pretty comfy. We have high expectations without a doubt. We didn’t perform to the level that we would expect or hope in qualifying. But qualifying is one piece of it. The race is another. And I think we’re all very excited to be a part of this field and try to make the most of the day.”

IN YOUR LAST SIX INDY 500’S YOU’VE HAD TOP-10 FINISHES IN FIVE OF THOSE SIX RACES. IT SEEMS LIKE YOU ARE ALWAYS ON CUSP. WHAT IS YOUR MINDSET FOR THIS YEAR’S RACE AND HOW WOULD IT BE TO CELEBRATE IN VICTORY LANE?
“Well, I always believe it can be the year. So that’s no different. We have to be able to attack at the end of this race if we’re able to put ourselves in position. The last couple of times I’ve been up in the mix at the end. First off, you’ve got to be able to put yourself in that mx but then I think be able to capitalize and attack at the very end. That final piece of the puzzle is really what I need. With this team I think we have that. I think we have execution skills, and we can definitely put it all on the line when it really matters. We’ve just got to be prepared to do that.”

ON RACE STRATEGY AND WORKING WITH TEAMMATES
“I think we have the ability to move forward, and I think we can definitely make it happen on race day. I think our cars are all capable of moving forward. This place is a matter of executing at the highest level throughout the day. We have to make strong stops and make the right decisions and if we can drive the car aggressively, I think we will be moving forward all day long and be in the mix. I think any one of us can. That’s our focus right now, to be prepared to do that and hope we have a very strong day.”

BECAUSE OF THE DOUBLE POINTS FOR THIS RACE, DOES THIS RACE BECOME THAT MUCH MORE IMPORTANT?
“Yeah, naturally it does. Because it’s double points it’s double-impactful. I’m still not a huge fan of it. I think it would be nice to see it return to standard points like we have with the season finale. But this is the game that we’re in right now. We know the rules going into it. So, it is important to have a strong race here, but it’s still the Indy 500. I think if you feel like you have a winning car then that overrides anything else on the day. But if you have a so-so car, then, championship-wise, it is a very important event. It’s going to play into the mix here as we go down to the wire. It’s important. You don’t want to think about it because it’s the 500, but it’s impossible not to.”

SIMON PAGENAUD, NO. 22 MENARDS TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET
HOW HAS THE MONTH MAY BEEN FOR YOU AND WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR SUNDAY?
“Well, I’m not going to lie. Qualifying was disappointing. As a team, we worked hard over the Winter trying to find as much as we could to be ready for qualifying day and it turned out to be a disappointment. We are very confident in our race package and we demonstrated it on Monday. Very early in the session we were able to pass many cars and I was very happy with my race car. I was as happy as I was in 1919, so we have a lot of hope. Knowing also my pit crew is the best on pit lane since the beginning of the season. We have a lot of hope we come back to the front. And the goal is to be cracking top-10 at the end of the 100th lap and then I think we’ve got a chance.”

ARE YOU GOING TO BE PLAYING A BIT OF A TEAM GAME TO GET TO THE FRONT OF THE FIELD AND THEN ALONE FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE RACE?
“I think we have a fantastic car, quite frankly. I’m very energized about the opportunity to go out there Sunday. I think the aero package is very good for racing. I think we’re going to see something different than we saw last year. Because they’re giving us more downforce, I think the racing in the back will also be better. I have a lot of hope. I feel like we have a chance to come back. Obviously, there are some very strong cars, but my goal is to come back to the front and do the best I can. There are no team games to play at this point.”

WHAT’S IS YOUR ATTITUDE LIKE GOING IN AS AN INDY 500 WINNER AS COMPARED TO PREVIOUS YEARS WHEN YOU WERE STILL TRYING TO GET YOUR FIRST VICTORY?
“That’s a great point you make. I didn’t get to enjoy the year after winning the championship here at the speedway. It’s okay. There are a lot of winner-seekers this week and it was fantastic to see the fans come back. Last year was definitely weird with no energy before the race, which is something we’re very sensitive to. The fans have been starving for competition so I’m very excited to be able to give them a great show here. And again, being a 500 winner gives you a lot of confidence and also a sense of achievement. It gives me the opportunity to unlock myself a little bit more going into the race knowing that I’ve done it before.”

SAGE KARAM, NO. 24 DRR-AES INDIANA DREYER & REINBOLD RACING CHEVROLET
YOU PROBABLY HAD A BIT OF STRESS ON SUNDAY GOING THROUGH THE LAST ROW SHOOTOUT, BUT HOW HAS YOUR MONTH BEEN? YOU STARTED OFF FAST
“Yeah, it’s been an up and down month, for sure. We rolled off the truck pretty well. We were fourth on the charts on day one, but obviously I think all the drivers know it doesn’t really matter where you are on the first day of practice. But it felt good. It’s a confidence boost for me and the team. Everything was good until we got to Fast Friday and it seemed like the balance of the car changed quite drastically and then we knew we were in trouble. We knew we were probably going to be battling for the Final Five Shootout there, unfortunately. I’ve done that twice now. It doesn’t get any easier even though you’ve done it before. I didn’t really know what I could do for four laps, so I wasn’t totally confident. Thankfully the team gave me a car that was good enough to be able to get in the show inside of the last row. It’s my fourth time starting there, so I have some experience back there. I kind of know what to expect going into Turn 1. I think I have some good drivers around me too, with Will (Power) next to me, so I’m not really worried too much about who I am around. We’ve just got to make sure we avoid anything that might happen and be on our toes. It’s a long race and I think INDYCAR has done a good job with the car in bringing some new aero pieces. It makes it a bit easier to stay close to people and with a cooler track, I think that’s going to help guys like me and Will with passing.”

HOW DIFFICULT IS IT FOR A ONE-OFF TEAM TO COME INTO THE INDY 500 WHEN THE TEAMS ARE GETTING SO MUCH BIGGER?
“It’s obviously quite difficult. It’s a very competitive field. I’m 31st and a 229-mph average. Usually, 31st is like 227 or 226-mph It just shows how good the field is now days. I think for us we had a two-car operation, the last two years. And it was good. You’d go through a test plan a bit quicker and still get some more data. But we’re not a big team. And I think we operate better at just one car and just putting all your energy and effort into that car. That’s when we ran strong. And we’ve struggled the last two years. So, there are definitely some upsides and downsides to being a one off, one-car entry. But I think we’ve shown in the past that we can compete with the big teams. We’ve just got to put everything together.

“It’s hard for me. Being my first race of the season, and my only race of the season like having a whole year off and then trying to come into the 500 being race ready, I need to re-learn some stuff and get ready by just driving. It’s hard to train for racing without actually just racing. After the first day of practice, my neck was just so sore and I’m sure full-time guys don’t have that. They get used to that stuff. I can’t really like workout for that. So, it’s strange. And the team, itself, like they don’t do live pit stops all year and everything, so they have to get in the swing of that through the month. I think that’s like kind of the downside to it. They do a great job and have been doing it for a long time. They’re so used to it. They know what they’ve got to check off the list and what the important stuff is.”

WAS THERE ANY DOUBT THAT YOU WOULDN’T MAKE THE RACE?
“No, just because I don’t want to manifest the negative energy in the universe. I want to always think positive, and I always believed that I was going to make it and I believed in my team and I think the team believes in themselves and in me, as well. I think everybody always believed we were going to make it. It was just going out and executing four perfect laps. As far as like how the run went, it was a good run. That first lap was pretty good. It was in the 230’s and I wasn’t expecting that. And then like the third and fourth corner of the second lap I started to feel the car getting a little bit tougher to handle. So basically, from Turn 3 and 4 at the end of the second lap on, I was holding on to the car. But I think it was like that for mostly everybody.”

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.

Spencer Davis ready for redemption in Charlotte return

Photo Credit: Nigel Kinrade

CONCORD, N.C.: Set to make his fifth NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) start of the season in Friday night’s N.C. Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Spencer Davis is seeking redemption.

Last year, Davis had hopes to shine with his family-owned Spencer Davis Motorsports (SDM) team, but a transmission issue hindered the team’s performance and left them with a disappointing 40th place finish.

Fast forward 12 months later, Davis believes his team is in a much better place and ready to deliver in one of the most anticipated races of the 2021 NCWTS season.

“Charlotte is such a huge race for a variety of reasons,” said Davis. “Everyone wants to go there and do well because it’s the centerpiece race of the Truck Series schedule – but it’s also a chance to shine in the backyard of so many teams, including ours.

“The place is extremely fast, but I enjoy the speed. The track has numerous characteristics as well which can make it a driver’s race track. Thankfully, we have practice and qualifying before the race on Friday night, so we have an opportunity to dial in our No. 11 INOX Supreme Lubricants Toyota Tundra.”

Davis sat on the sidelines last weekend for the series’ most recent race at Circuit of the Americas while road course racing standout Camden Murphy took the driving controls. Despite a soaked race day which included qualifying and racing on wet weather tires, Murphy contended for a top-10 finish but was spun late.

He recovered to finish a modest 19th. While not quite a top-10, Davis was more than satisfied with Murphy’s performance.

“Camden did everything we asked him off and then some,” added Davis. “The conditions were not ideal last weekend at Circuit of the Americas, but as a team, we charged through the challenges and we have some much-welcomed momentum to carry us to Charlotte after our Darlington hiccup.”

Inching closer towards the second half of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season, Davis says his Mooresville, N.C.-based team continues to make huge strides and expects the family-owned organization to rise up during the upcoming stretch.

“We’ve put a lot of emphasis on our Charlotte truck – not only because it’s such a huge race, but it is a place where it can give us a lot of notes for some of the upcoming races on the schedule, including Texas Motor Speedway. Our goal is a top-15 or better on Friday night and I hope we can deliver.”

In February, SDM announced that INOX Supreme Lubricants will serve as the team’s primary partner this season.

INOX product range was first released in 1989 with the Original INOX MX3 Lubricant. The original MX3 product was in development stages for two years prior to release with testing and focus on creating the right product for the market.

The INOX product range continues to grow with 12 products on the market, each with their own many specialized qualities used in all different industries. All their products are tested and trialed before hitting the market to ensure the best of quality is maintained in the INOX name. INOX products are available at all major industrial, electrical, automotive, hardware, bearing and mining, marine, fishing and tackle outlets, plus many more locations.

A wholly owned Australian company Candan Industries is now exporting to over 25 countries including United States of America, Canada, France, South Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

“Excited to have a long-time friendship turn into a season-long partnership with INOX Supreme Lubricants,” said Davis. “I can’t thank Angel and James at INOX enough for their continued support and partnership with our small team.

“We use their products day to day on our race team and in our machines at our business. A quality product and amazing people helped bring this all together.”

Entering Charlotte, Davis, 22, has 27 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts to his credit with a career-best finish of seventh at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in Feb. 2018, with additional top-10s at Texas Motor Speedway (June 2018) and Kentucky Speedway (July 2019).

For more on Spencer Davis, please like him on Facebook (Spencer Davis Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@spencerdavis_29) and Twitter (@spencerdavis_29).

Stay connected with Spencer Davis Motorsports on Instagram (@teamsdm11) and Twitter (@teamSDM11).

The N.C. Education Lottery 200 (134 laps | 201 miles) is the 10th of 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2021 schedule. Practice begins on Fri., May 28th from 11:35 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. Qualifying is set for later in the day beginning at 5:35 p.m. The field will take the green flag a short time later after 8:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

LiftKits4Less Partner with Sheldon Creed and GMS Racing

STATESVILLE, N.C. (May 27, 2021) – GMS Racing officials announced today that LiftKits4Less.com will sponsor Sheldon Creed’s No. 2 Chevrolet Silverado for 12 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this season beginning in Friday night’s event at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“I’m extremely thankful to LiftKits4Less.com for coming on board with us this season,” said Creed. “Our team is competitive week in and week out and I’m excited for the opportunity to get our LiftKits4Less.com Silverado in victory lane.”

“We are very excited about the opportunity to support GMS Racing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Sheldon Creed as our driver. We got an up-close look at his talent level as we watched him win the LiftKits4Less.com Darlington 200 in early May of this year.” commented Christopher Davenport, founder and president of LiftKits4Less.com.

The No. 2 LiftKits4Less.com Chevrolet Silverado will debut in Friday night’s North Carolina Education lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The race will air live on FS1 and MRN.

About GMS Racing – GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with drivers Sheldon Creed, Zane Smith, Tyler Ankrum and Chase Purdy. The team also competes in the ARCA Racing Series with Jack Wood. Since the team began in 2014, GMS Racing won the 2016 and 2020 Camping World Trucks Championship, the 2015 ARCA Racing Series championship as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA East championship and 2020 Sioux Chief Showdown championship. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. The campus also includes operations for GMS Fabrication. More information can be found at https:/gmsracing.net

About The 4Less Group, Inc.:

Building off the knowledge and success of their e-commerce website liftkits4less.com, that targets the aftermarket automotive parts for Jeep Truck and SUV vehicles, The 4Less Group, Inc.(www.the4lessgroup.com) is now focused on launching the world’s first automotive parts only multi-vendor digital marketplace under the URL AutoParts4Less.com. The projected MVP site launch is scheduled for this Summer 2021. Also visit: www.autoparts4Less.com as well as www.LiftKits4Less.com

CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including information about management’s view of the Company’s future expectations, plans and prospects. In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” or “may,” and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements made in this news release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. Such statements are based upon assumptions that in the future may prove not to have been accurate and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that its forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Such statements are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Factors that could cause results to differ include but are not limited to, successful performance of internal plans, product or services development and acceptance, the impact of competitive services and pricing, or general economic risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The Company takes no obligation to update or correct (i) its own forward-looking statements, except as required by law, or (ii) those prepared by third parties that are not paid for by the Company.

CHEVY NCS AT CHARLOTTE: Team Chevy Advance

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
COCA-COLA 600
CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA
MAY 30, 2021

RACE #15 – CHARLOTTE
The iconic 1.5-mile oval of Charlotte Motor Speedway will be the host to all three NASCAR national series for the venue’s first-ever tripleheader on Memorial Day weekend, one of the most anticipated race weekends in motorsports. Coming off a historic victory at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Team Chevy NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) drivers will tackle the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval in the 62nd Annual Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, May 30, one of the NASCAR Cup Series crown jewel races.

In last weekend’s inaugural NASCAR Cup Series event at COTA, reigning NCS champion Chase Elliott brought the Camaro ZL1 1LE to Victory Lane for the fifth time this season. The triumph delivered Chevrolet, the winningest brand in motorsports, its 800th victory in NASCAR’s premier series.

Next up for the NASCAR Cup Series is the 400-lap/600-mile annual Coca-Cola 600, a test of endurance for drivers as the longest race on the series’ schedule. In the May 2020 doubleheader at Charlotte, Elliott registered a runner-up finish in the Coca-Cola 600 and four days later went on to win the Alsco Uniforms 500. In 122 NCS races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 46 victories, including the inaugural race by Joe Lee Johnson driving a Chevrolet Impala on June 19, 1960.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) drivers will race under the lights to kick-off the tripleheader race weekend in the North Carolina Lottery 200 on Friday, May 28. NCWTS Chevrolet drivers are coming off of a strong showing at COTA, occupying second through eighth-place in the final running order. Reigning NCWTS champion Sheldon Creed remains third in the Driver Standings. Chevrolet looks to return to NCWTS victory lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway after Chase Elliott took the win in the No. 24 GMS Racing Silverado at the series’ May 2020 event.

NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) drivers will compete in the Alsco Uniforms 300 on Saturday, May 29. Team Chevy drivers, led by runner-up AJ Allmendinger, placed five in the top-10 at COTA. Allmendinger currently sits third in the Driver Standings and COTA third-place finisher Justin Allgaier is fifth. Heading into the series’ 12th race of the season, Chevrolet remains the leader in the Manufacturer Standings.

CHEVROLET LEADS THE WAY
Coming off the Bowtie brand’s milestone win, Chevrolet remains atop of the NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Standings. Through 14 races thus far in the 2021 season, Team Chevy drivers have recorded five victories among four drivers: two by Alex Bowman and one each by William Byron, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott.

William Byron remains second in the Driver Standings, with Hendrick Motorsports teammates Kyle Larson moving to third and Chase Elliott advancing from seventh to fifth to give Chevrolet three of the top-five in the Driver Standings. Joining them in the Playoff Standings are Austin Dillon in 11th, Alex Bowman in 12th, COTA pole winner Tyler Reddick in 15th.

ALL RECORD-TYING WINS WITH CHEVROLET
Chase Elliott’s first victory of the 2021 NCS season was the 268th for Hendrick Motorsports, tying Petty Enterprises for the most wins in NCS history. The feat was accomplished in Hendrick Motorsports’ 38th season of NCS competition. From Geoff Bodine in 1984 to Kyle Larson in 2021, 20 different drivers have registered victories. The team has won a race in all but one season, with every trip to Victory Lane in a Chevrolet.

Hendrick Motorsports, which has delivered Chevrolet’s 400th (Terry Labonte), 500th (Jeff Gordon), 600th (Kyle Busch), 700th (Jimmie Johnson) and 800th (Elliott) victories, leads all NCS teams with 20 victories at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

MILESTONE START FOR ELLIOTT
Chase Elliott will make his 200th NCS start this weekend. The 2020 champion has recorded 12 wins, 65 top-five’s, 104 top-10’s and nine poles – all in a Chevrolet. His victory at COTA locked up a Playoff spot for the sixth consecutive season. Elliott has one victory (May 28, 2020) among five top-10 finishes in nine starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

BOWTIE BULLETS
· Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 62 top-10 finishes this season.

· Chevrolet drivers Alex Bowman and Tyler Reddick have earned the pole for races this season. Chevrolet has 719 total pole starts.

· Kyle Larson paces all drivers with 778 laps led.

· Austin Dillon has completed 99.89% (3,795) of the 3,799 total laps.

· William Byron (21 years, 4 months, 21 days) is the youngest pole winner at Charlotte in 2019.

· Career Chevrolet driver Jimmie Johnson has eight wins in 37 starts at Charlotte to lead all drivers.

· Kyle Larson in 2013 and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2011 are the two active NCS drivers that made their first NCS starts at Charlotte.

· Austin Dillon earned his first NCS win at Charlotte Motor Speedway when he drove his No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet to victory lane in the 2017 Coca-Cola 600.

· Kurt Busch leads active drivers with 39 starts at Charlotte.

· Ross Chastain recorded a NCS career-best fourth-place finish at COTA.

· Chase Elliott’s victory at COTA was his fourth consecutive top-10 finish.

· Chase Elliott (Daytona Road Course), William Byron (Homestead-Miami Speedway) and Kyle Larson (Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway 2, Kansas Speedway, Dover International Speedway 2) have scored stage wins, for a total of 8 for Chevrolet.

TUNE IN
FOX will telecast the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 live at 6 p.m. ET Sunday, May 30. Live coverage can also be found on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. FS1 will telecast NCS qualifying at 11:05 a.m. ET Saturday, May 29. FS1 will also telecast the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at 8:30 p.m. ET Friday, May 28, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300 at 1 p.m. ET Saturday, May 29.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 2nd IN STANDINGS
BYRON ON HIS THOUGHTS FOR CHARLOTTE:
“This is a big race for us, both Hendrick Motorsports and for myself, growing up in Charlotte. It’s technically a hometown race for all of us and this was always my favorite racetrack growing up. Regardless of how I’ve run the year before, it’s a great feeling pulling up to that track every time. With how we’re running right now, I feel like we have positive momentum on our side and I feel like we have a chance to win. We just need to keep building off of the things we’ve been working on this year and we’ll be in contention. It’s going to be a great race for us.”

BYRON ON WANTING TO BREAK THE ALL-TIME WIN TIE FOR HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
“It would mean a lot to be the driver who breaks the all-time Cup Series win record for Hendrick Motorsports, especially if it happened at Charlotte. Not only is this race huge for me being my hometown, but it’s really where I became a fan of Hendrick Motorsports. I used to watch Jeff (Gordon) and Jimmie (Johnson) be so successful at Charlotte. To then be able to get win No. 269 would be historic for everyone involved but just a whole extra meaning at my hometown track. Charlotte is what gave me my love of racing and Hendrick Motorsports.”

RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1 1LE
FUGLE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURING THE WIN NO. 269 FOR HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
“I think everyone in the organization, in the sport, and even outside the sport knows how important the overall win record is, in general. It’s been a goal that has been set since before I arrived at Hendrick Motorsports. To now be in a position with the organization where our team could be the ones to break that record, it’s monumental. I think I can speak for everyone when I say I’m pretty sure all four Hendrick Motorsports teams feel that way, especially heading into Charlotte race week. Charlotte is already a special place for all of us to race at because usually our friends and family are here and it’s a race that holds a lot of history, aside from it being within walking distance of the race shop. You could technically drive the race car over there without a hauler, it’s that close. It’s a special weekend with something even more special on the line, and I hope we get the job done.”

KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 METROTECH CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 3rd IN STANDINGS
LARSON ON HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS POSSIBLY BREAKING THE RECORD FOR THE MOST CUP SERIES WINS BY AN ORGANIZATION:
“I know it’s going to be special to Mr. Hendrick because every time I talk to him, he brings it up. Now that we’re really close to it, we can all taste it. One more win and he breaks it, and I hope I’m the guy that can do it. I’m happy that I’m one of the drivers that contributed to his record. He’s had a long career of success and a lot of great drivers, and It’s just an amazing accomplishment.”

LARSON ON THE DAY-TO-NIGHT TRANSITION IN THE 600:
“Definitely looking forward to the 600 and getting back on a mile-and-a-half track where we have been one of the strongest cars all year long. Charlotte is a different mile-and-a-half compared to the other ones we’ve run so far. It’s really bumpy and the transition from day to night is challenging. For whatever reason, I’ve always struggled with that transition, so I’m really looking forward to taking on that challenge in a Hendrick Motorsports car. It’s a long race. We need to keep our nose clean, stay in the hunt and not doing anything too flashy until the end.”

CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 METROTECH CAMARO ZL1 1LE
DANIELS ON POSSIBLE INTERNAL HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS TEAM RIVALRY TO SECURE RECORD FOR MOST WINS BY ORGANIZATION:
“Absolutely we want to get that win for Mr. Hendrick, but that rivalry has not been spoken. All four of our teams are strong right now, and it would be special for us to get that victory for the organization and Mr. Hendrick. It’s not anything that any of us have ever talked about, but it’s unspoken that we all want to get that win for the company.”

DANIELS ON 1.5-MILE TRACK SUCCESS IN 2021 AND TRANSLATING THAT TO CHARLOTTE:
“We’ve certainly looked at each mile-and-a-half track races run this year and any common thread we can pull from each to apply to Charlotte. We have been strong but there are no guarantees in this business. Other teams are working hard, so we have to keep upping our game, as well.”

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 5th IN STANDINGS
ELLIOTT ON RACING 600 MILES:
“Charlotte is always a challenge every year. 600 miles is a long time in the car, but honestly enough the race doesn’t really seem that much different. I know it’s a long race to watch and it is a long race, but behind the steering wheel it really does not, or so far, it does not feel that much different. I don’t know that my preparation will be much different, but obviously it is a huge race. It’s a race we all want to win. It’s a race you want to end your career and say that you have won so hopefully we can knock that off the list this weekend.”

ELLIOTT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE NASCAR SALUTES INITIATIVE:
“Memorial Day weekend, I feel like, has always been centered around the 600 for NASCAR for as long as I’ve been around, have watched or been a part of it. NASCAR has really done a fantastic job of honoring the men and women who have served our country and I feel like they have shown a great example of that at the 600 every year. It’s a tradition that we need to carry on, a tradition that should be carried on, and that’s not saying thanks enough, but it’s a small way to honor those folks who you might not hear about or know about otherwise.”

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BASS PRO SHOPS/TRACKER OFF ROAD CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 11th IN STANDINGS
DO YOU GET EXCITED GOING INTO A PLACE LIKE CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY, WHERE YOU’VE WON BEFORE?
“Yeah, I am. I’ve got Nashville Superspeedway after that, too. I won the last NASCAR Truck Series race at Nashville Superspeedway and finished third in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race there before they closed it down. Both Charlotte Motor Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway are two really key races where we know we have to go there with guns loaded and see if we can pop off a win. They’re places we can do it, so we’re pumped to get to those two tracks.”

THE COCA-COLA 600 HAS A LOT OF MEANING TO YOU. IT’S THE LOCATION OF YOUR FIRST NASCAR CUP SERIES WIN, YOUR HOME TRACK, THE RACE IS ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND, AND YOUR’E A MEMBER OF THE COCA-COLA RACING FAMILY. WHAT MAKES THE COCA-COLA 600 CHALLENGING?
“Not making any mistakes and having a clean race is challenging. You’re in the car for a long period of time. It’s hot. You come down pit road a lot and there’s a lot of chances for error. My goals going into the Coca-Cola 600 are to have a clean race and find myself in a great position toward the end. Obviously, if you have the speed to win, that’s even better, but having a clean race is part of having a chance to win it. I think a lot of people have taken themselves out of that race with early mistakes. We’ll do our best to be there at the end. I think the long races have suited me in the past. We’ll see what we got. I think we’ve got some good history there and a good baseline setup. Our 550-horsepower package has been pretty strong. Charlotte Motor Speedway takes a little different mechanical idea than some of the 1.5-mile tracks that we go to. I always look forward to that track.”

WHAT DID WINNING THE COCA-COLA 600 MEAN FOR YOUR CAREER?
“I think, more than anything, winning the Coca-Cola 600 gave me confidence to know that I have a win in the NASCAR Cup Series. Driving the No. 3 Chevy means a lot to me, and to be able to put that number back into victory lane for RCR and for my family is important. The first win means so much to so many. It goes a long way. It gave me confidence leading into some of the other wins that we’ve gotten to know that we’ve been in those situations, been able to make something happen and finish it off. Finishing it off I think is a big part of some of the NASCAR drivers; the guys that finish it when it matters.”

WHAT WOULD A WIN IN THE COCA-COLA 600 THIS YEAR MEAN?
“I have a lot of memories at Charlotte Motor Speedway. I’ve been able to win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Cup Series there, and now we’re just trying to win at Charlotte in the Cup Series again. We’re in a pretty good position in points but we need a win to lock us into the NASCAR Playoffs and it would be nice to do that at my home track. It’s the Coca-Cola 600 and I’m a member of the Coca-Cola Racing Family. We always fight for who finishes best in the Coca-Cola 600.”

TALK ABOUT YOUR PATRIOTIC PAINT SCHEME THIS WEEKEND.
“Bass Pro Shops does a lot for our military, so it’s cool to be able to show that with this beautiful, patriotic paint scheme this weekend. It’s Memorial Day weekend and we want to honor all of our military. They are the men and women who really make this country what it is. Freedom isn’t free. We’re also honoring a Navy SEAL on the windshield header this weekend. Chief Special Warfare Operator David A. Fegyo. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and we’re proud to honor him this weekend.”

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY PATRIOTIC CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 12th IN STANDINGS
“The Charlotte oval is one of my favorite tracks. It is where I got my first career NASCAR win back in 2017 in the Xfinity Series event and it is just a special place. We were really strong in the 600 last year and led the most laps, but just didn’t get the finish to show for it. Our mile and a half program is really strong and I feel like Hendrick Motorsports continues to build fast cars for these tracks.”

“Running the Ally patriotic scheme this weekend is going to be extra special. The Charlotte 600 is always a special event because of Memorial Day weekend and everything NASCAR, the track and the teams do to honor fallen military members. We are honoring Captain Matthew Brewer on the windshield of our No. 48 Chevrolet on Sunday. Captain Brewer took his own life earlier this year after struggling with CTE and PTSD symptoms following his stint with the United States Marines. I had the opportunity to speak with his family last week and I know how special it is for them to see his name on our car this weekend.”

GREG IVES, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY PATRIOTIC CAMARO ZL1 1LE
“It is always tough when they put the marquee numbers out there. It is always sweeter when you are the one to break the record. Chevrolet’s 800 wins couldn’t be accumulated without those our team’s wins and that is what we have to remember. It is great that we are at these numbers, 800 for Chevy and 268 for Hendrick Motorsports. We all have helped get there and that is what we have to remember when we think, man I wish that was us capturing that special win. Very proud of everyone’s efforts and very happy for the No. 9 team.”

“It is definitely not something that is easy for sure. It is a marathon movie. If anyone knows about marathon movies, I’m sure that the people over quarantine know how bored you can get watching long movies. Keeping the team active and fun is what we have to shoot for. Getting a good night’s rest the day before is important. You have to find your energy through your team in order to keep everyone awake and pumped up during those long green-flag runs.”

TYLER REDDICK, NO. 8 ALSCO UNIFORMS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 15th IN STANDINGS
OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS, YOU AND THE NO. 8 TEAM HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PUT SOME SPACE BETWEEN YOU AND THE PLAYOFF CUT LINE. WHAT HAS IT FELT LIKE TO HAVE THAT MOMENTUM HEADED INTO THE SUMMER STRETCH?
“It’s great, but we can’t lift off the gas pedal. We have to continue to push from here until Phoenix at the end of the year. Regardless of our circumstances, we need to keep focusing on what changes we’ve made that have helped us perform and get this momentum going. We have to keep pressing on our strengths and working on our weakness. That’s something we’ve been able to do well over the past few races. This weekend will be important to keeping our climb up the standings going. We’ve worked hard to make our 1.5-mile program better all year, and this weekend will be a good chance for us to check and see how we stack up. I know the team has been working hard on our No. 8 Alsco Uniforms Chevrolet and we’ve put together a solid plan for the weekend, so I’m excited to get out on track Friday to see what we can do.”

THIS WEEKEND IS THE FINALE OF THE NASCAR SALUTES REFRESHED BY COCA-COLA PROGRAM WITH THE COKE 600, RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE MILITARY ALL WEEKEND LONG. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE PART OF SUCH A SPECIAL WEEKEND FOR THE SECOND TIME IN YOUR CAREER?
“It’s really important to me to be able to honor our military and remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. To be able to participate in my second Coca-Cola 600 with Alsco Uniforms and reflect throughout the weekend on those who keep our country safe is really special. It is because of the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers like Army Staff Sergeant Brian F. Piercy that we are able to be free to race like we do every single weekend. I know myself and the No. 8 team will be doing everything we can to make his family proud this weekend.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 CAMPING WORLD CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 24th IN STANDINGS
THE COCA-COLA 600 IS SUCH A LONG RACE. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THAT?
“As a human being you try and perform at 100 percent the entire time, but when you’re running a marathon, you’re not going to be as strong in the last 30 minutes. That’s normal. Fatigue is setting in, your muscles are tired, you’re running out of fluid, and you’re hungry. Racing is the same way, especially in the Coca-Cola 600. We start running out of energy and your mind gets tired after four hours of racing. But I look to this race as a marathon and you have to be on top of your game for the last part of this race. So, I always try to keep that in my mind when I’m in the car. This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.”

WHAT HURTS THE MOST AFTER THE COCA-COLA 600?
“It’s a combination of things. Your neck is tired, your lower back is tired, legs are tired and you’re just fatigued. You definitely feel it the next morning after a 600-mile race. You feel like you worked out a lot the day before, and you did inside the car. Two-and-a-half of these 600-mile races and I could be home in Monterrey, Mexico. It’s crazy to think of it that way.”

IS IT IMPORTANT TO STAY IN SHAPE?
“Working out is a lifestyle for me. I like to feel well and it helps me in the racecar, but it also helps me mentally. You lose a lot of weight in the racecar, and you have to be strong not only at the start of the race, but also at the end of the race. At the end of the day, you don’t win a race at the beginning when everyone is fresh, you win the race at the end when everyone is tired, and I feel like being in shape gives me that advantage at the end.”

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 PETTY’S GARAGE CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 26th IN STANDINGS
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS HEADING INTO CHARLOTTE AND THE LONGEST RACE OF THE SEASON?
“This race weekend is always cool. I really enjoy racing at Charlotte (Motor Speedway). We’re at home for the weekend and getting to sleep in our own beds, so that’s always a good feeling. The Coca-Cola 600 is also a really big race for us and the sport. It’s cool to get to run it every year and have the chance to go out there and be in it, along with it being Memorial Day weekend and everything that Charlotte does pre-race to honor those have served is really cool to see every year. I always look forward to this race and getting to race at home for the weekend.”

COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 DIAMOND CREEK WATER CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 30th IN STANDINGS
“Memorial Day weekend for the Coke 600 is one my favorites. It’s a home race and statistically one of my best 1.5-mile race tracks. We also get a practice, which is rare this season. It’s on Friday night so the track will change a ton between practice on Friday night to Qualifying on Saturday afternoon. The race track always makes a big shift throughout the course of 600 miles, so you need to have some adjustability built into your car. We’ve had some solid runs the last several weeks so I’m looking forward to collecting another solid run this weekend with Diamond Creek Water onboard.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:
Total (1949-2020): 39
First title for Chevrolet: 1958
Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

Drivers Championships:
Total (1949-2020): 32
First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)
Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)
Most Recent: Chase Elliott (2020)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020

Event Victories:
Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2021 STATISTICS:
Wins: 5
Poles: 2
Laps Led: 1,329
Top-five finishes: 28
Top-10 finishes: 62

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:
Total Chevrolet race wins: 800 (1949 to date)
Poles won to date: 719
Laps led to date: 238,034
Top-five finishes to date: 4,093
Top-10 finishes to date: 8,464
Stage wins: 8 Chase Elliott (Daytona RC), William Byron (Homestead), Kyle Larson (Las Vegas Motor Speedway), Kyle Larson (Atlanta x2), Kyle Larson (Kansas), Kyle Larson (Doverx2)

Total NASCAR Cup wins by corporation, 1949 to date

       General Motors: 1,134
       Chevrolet: 800
       Pontiac: 154
       Oldsmobile: 115
       Buick: 65

       Ford: 808                                                         
       Ford: 708
       Mercury: 96
       Lincoln: 4

       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467
       Dodge: 217
       Plymouth: 191
       Chrysler: 59

       Toyota: 157

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.

Midwest Moving Company and American Exteriors Join Brandon Brown for Memorial Day Weekend at Charlotte

Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway | 1.5 Mile Tri-oval
Race: 12 of 33
Practice: Friday, May 28 | 4:30 p.m. ET | FS1
Qualifying: Saturday, May 29 | 10:00 a.m. ET | FS1 & PRN
Event: Alsco Uniforms 300 | Saturday, May 29 | 1:00 p.m. ET | FS1 & PRN
Stages: 45 / 90 / 200

Brandon Brown | Xfinity Stats | Charlotte Motor Speedway
Starts 2
Best Start 15
Best Finish 8

Brown on Charlotte:

“I’m excited to be racing in NASCAR‘s backyard this weekend at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. Unlike last weekend, the weather looks dry and hot, so staying hydrated will definitely be a big key to success on Saturday.

“The Charlotte spring race is always a really special event because it lands on Memorial Day weekend; a time where we get to honor those who have served our country and have paid the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. You’ll see a lot of patriotism throughout the garage as teams run special paint schemes and colors to show their support for our armed forces and I’m proud to be part of that.

“Aboard our No. 68 Chevrolet Camaro this weekend, fans will see Midwest Moving Company and American Exteriors, two companies that belong to some really good friends of mine. They’re both local to the Charlotte area and I can’t thank each of them enough for coming on board to support our team.

“Midwest Moving Company was originally founded in Fargo, North Dakota, but has recently expanded into the Charlotte (North Carolina) market, where they’ve been quickly growing. Our goal this weekend is to really utilize this partnership to help build their brand awareness in the Charlotte area.

“American Exteriors services both the Charlotte and Raleigh (North Carolina) markets for residential and commercial exterior and window cleaning as well as pressure washing. They made my home look brand new after the spring pollen season and they can do the same for you.

“If you’re in the need for fast and friendly moving or exterior cleaning, I encourage you to reach out to my friends at Midwest Moving Company and American Exteriors.”

About Midwest Moving Company

Midwest Moving Company is excited and honored to sponsor Brandon Brown at this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race! Much like Brandon, Midwest Moving Company has also been on the fast track to success as we’ve recently opened our fifth location, but first in North Carolina. Midwest Moving Company proudly services clients in Minnesota, North Dakota, Colorado, Maine and North Carolina. Whether you’re traveling locally or long distance, Midwest Moving Company provides fast, efficient and safe moving!

To learn more about Midwest Moving Company, visit https://www.midwestmovingcomp.com.

Facebook: Midwest Moving Company
Instagram: @midwestmovingcompany
Twitter: @MidwestMovingCo

About American Exteriors

American Exteriors is a customer service focused company that specializes in professional exterior & window cleaning as well as pressure washing services. We believe in providing the best quality of service and experience to our customers. It’s the only way we do business!

To learn more about American Exteriors, visit https://www.americanexteriorsusa.com.

Facebook: American Exteriors
Instagram: @americanexteriorsusa
Twitter: @AmericanExtUSA

About Brandonbilt Motorsports

Brandonbilt Motorsports is a family-owned, professional stock car team competing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS). Owned and operated by Woodbridge, Virginia native, Jerry Brown, Brandonbilt Motorsports has quickly become a household name in the NASCAR Xfinity Series through hard work and determination. As a smaller team in the NXS, Brandonbilt Motorsports’ goal has always been to do the most with less, while also becoming a contending organization in every race that it enters. Brandonbilt Motorsports shocked the racing world in 2020 as driver, Brandon Brown, secured the team’s first playoff berth in only its second, full-time season in the NXS, before going on to finish the year 11th in the overall points standings. On the horizon in 2021, Brandonbilt Motorsports looks to pick up where it left off as a playoff-caliber team at each event it enters. To learn more, visit bmsraceteam.com.

Fan Sweepstakes To Wave The Green Flag To Start the Explore the Pocono Mountains 350

ANNOUNCING FAN SWEEPSTAKES TO WAVE THE GREEN FLAG TO START THE “EXPLORE THE POCONO MOUNTAINS 350”

LONG POND, Pa. (May 27, 2021) – Pocono Raceway and the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau have announced the Explore the Pocono Mountains Summer Sweepstakes. The winner of sweepstakes, which runs through June 13, will have the opportunity to wave the green flag to start the Explore the Pocono Mountains 350 NASCAR Cup Series race at ‘The Tricky Triangle’ on Sunday, June 27. The winner will also receive race tickets and accommodations at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, as well as meal and activities packages for use at Kalahari and Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours.

To learn more and to enter for a chance to win the Explore the Pocono Mountains Summer Sweepstakes, visit www.poconoraceway.com/sweepstakes.

The grand prize for the Explore the Pocono Mountains Summer Sweepstakes includes:

  • (1) opportunity to wave the green flag to start the Explore the Pocono Mountains 350
  • (4) 200-Level tickets with Pre-Race Pit/Paddock Passes for Pocono Raceway’s NASCAR events on Sunday, June 27 – includes the Pocono Green 225 Recycled by J.P. Mascaro & Sons NASCAR XFINITY Series and the Explore the Pocono Mountains 350 NASCAR Cup Series races
  • A five-day/four-night stay with daily waterpark access for four at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions (Pocono Manor, Pa.) from Thursday, June 24 – Monday, June 28
  • (1) $150 Kalahari dining credit
  • (4) Kalahari Gorilla Grove Treetop Adventures ropes course, zip line and mini golf passes
  • (2) UTV Tours courtesy of Pocono Outdoor Adventure Tours located at Pocono Raceway

Pocono Raceway will host five NASCAR and ARCA races in three days during the 2021 NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend. The jam-packed weekend starts with the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, June 25th. The CRC Brakleen 150 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the first of two NASCAR Cup Series races will be held on Saturday, June 26th. The weekend ends with the Pocono Green 225 Recycled by J.P. Mascaro & Sons NASCAR Xfinity Series race and the Explore the Pocono Mountains 350 NASCAR Cup Series races on Sunday, June 27th.

For Pocono Raceway tickets and event information, visit www.poconoraceway.com.

No purchase or payment necessary to enter to win: Open to legal residents, ages 18 and older.  in the 50 U.S./D.C. Void outside the 50 U.S./D.C. and wherever else prohibited by law. Sweepstakes starts at 12:00:01 a.m. ET on 5/24/21 and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. ET on 6/3/21. Total ARV of the grand prize is $2,876.84. Odds of winning will depend on the number of eligible entries received. Limit of one entry per person. For full official rules and regulations, please visit www.poconoraceway.com/sweepstakes. The sweepstakes sponsor is Pocono International Raceway, Inc.

About Pocono Raceway

Pocono Raceway, also known as ‘The Tricky Triangle,’ is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In business for over 50 years, the Raceway hosts multiple, national motorsports events including two NASCAR Cup Series, one NASCAR Xfinity Series, one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and one ARCA Menards Series events each year. The facility’s calendar also consists of over 200 events including a wide range of car clubs and racing schools. Pocono Raceway is recognized as the world’s first, privately-owned solar-powered sports facility. Their 25-acre, three-megawatt solar farm provides the energy needs of the Raceway, as well as, adds electricity to the local power grid. Each member of our raceway staff is committed to creating exciting experiences and lifelong memories. For more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.


About the Pocono Mountains
With 2,400 square miles encompassing Pennsylvania’s Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon counties, the Pocono Mountains region is home to rolling mountain terrain, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls, thriving woodlands, and 170 miles of winding rivers. Winters offer guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, snow tube, and even snowshoe their way through snowy wonderlands encompassing over 163 ski trails, while summers also cater to the active traveler allowing exploration of 261 miles of hiking and biking trails, over 30 golf courses, whitewater rafting, boating, fishing, and open access to nine state and two national parks. 

Pocono Mountains visitor information is available online at PoconoMountains.com or by phone at (570) 421-5791. Follo@PoconoTourismPR on Twitter to stay current with up-to-date information. Established in 1934, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau is a private, non-profit membership organization. The PMVB is the official destination marketing organization for the four counties of Wayne, Pike, Monroe, and Carbon in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

NASCAR schedule for Charlotte Coca-Cola 600 weekend

Photo by Christian Gardner for SpeedwayMedia.com.

NASCAR heads to Charlotte Motor Speedway this Memorial Day weekend as all three series compete culminating with the 62nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday.

The annual 600 Miles of Remembrance continues the Memorial Day tradition, which began in 2015, with each car featuring the name of a fallen soldier on the windshield as NASCAR honors those who sacrificed all to protect our freedoms.

You can visit NASCAR.com for a photo and biography of each military member that will be represented during the 600 miles of remembrance.  

There will be practice and qualifying sessions this weekend for each series as noted below.

All times are ET.

Friday, May 28

11:35 a.m.: Truck Series practice – FS2

4: 35 p.m.: Xfinity Series practice – FS1

5:35 p.m.: Truck Series qualifying – FS1

7 p.m.: Cup Series practice – FS1

8:30 p.m.: Truck Series North Carolina Education Lottery 200
Distance: 201 miles (134 Laps)
Stage 1 Ends on Lap 30, Stage 2 Ends on Lap 60, Final Stage Ends on Lap 134
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Saturday, May 29

10:05 a.m.: Xfinity Series qualifying – FS1

11:05 a.m.: Cup Series qualifying – FS1/PRN

1 p.m.: Xfinity Series Alsco Uniforms 300 – FS1/PRN/TSN
Distance: 300 miles (200 Laps)
Stage 1 Ends on Lap 45, Stage 2 Ends on Lap 90, Final Stage Ends on Lap 200
FS1/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

7: p.m.: ARCA Menards Series General Tire 150 – FS1/MRN

Sunday, May 30

6 p.m.: Cup Series Coca-Cola 600
Distance: 600 miles (400 laps)
Stage 1 Ends on Lap 100, Stage 2 Ends on Lap 200, Stage 3 Ends on Lap 300, Final Stage Ends on Lap 400
FOX/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Charlotte Motor Speedway Data

Season Race #: 15 of 36 (05-30-21)
Track Size: 1.5-miles
Banking/Turns 1 & 2: 24 degrees
Banking/Turns 3 & 4: 24 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 5 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees
Frontstretch Length:  1,980 feet
Backstretch Length:  1,500 feet
Race Length: 400 laps / 600 miles
Stage Length: 100 laps each

Charlotte Motor Speedway NASCAR Cup Series Qualifying & Race Information:

Track qualifying record:                                         Track race (600 miles) record:
Kurt Busch, Chevrolet                                                Martin Truex Jr., Toyota
198.771 mph, 27.167 secs. 10-09-14                         160.655 mph, (03:44:05), 05-29-16

2020 pole winner:                                                 2020 Coca-Cola 600 race winner:
Kurt Busch, Chevrolet                                               Brad Keselowski, Ford 
181.269 mph, 29.790 secs. 05-24-20                        135.042 mph, (04:29:55), 05-24-20

2019 pole winner:                                                 2019 Coca-Cola 600 race winner:
William Byron, Chevrolet                                           Martin Truex Jr., Toyota 
183.424 mph, 29.440 secs. 05-23-19                        124.074 mph, (04:50:09), 05-26-19

Charlotte Motor Speedway Qualifying Information:

  • Kurt Busch leads all NCS active drivers in series starts at Charlotte with 39; followed by Kevin Harvick and Ryan Newman with 38 each.
  • William Byron leads all active drivers in the NCS in an average starting position at Charlotte at 8.250 in four starts.
  • Nine of the 47 NCS Charlotte pole winners are active this weekend.  Ryan Newman (9), Kyle Busch (3), Denny Hamlin (2), Kevin Harvick (2), Aric Almirola (1), Brad Keselowski (1), Kurt Busch (1), Martin Truex Jr (1), and William Byron (1).
  • Newman leads all active drivers in poles at Charlotte with nine (2001, 2003 sweep, 2004, 2005, 2007 sweep, 2009 and 2010).
  • Harvick is the most recent driver to post consecutive poles (2016 Playoffs, 2017 May race).
  • The youngest Charlotte Cup pole winner is William Byron (May 26, 2019 – 21 years, 4 months, 27 days)
  • Eight different manufacturers have won at least one NASCAR Cup Series pole at Charlotte, led by Chevrolet with 34 poles, followed by Ford (30), Mercury (14), Dodge (13), Pontiac (10), Toyota (8), Buick (6) and Plymouth (4).

Charlotte Motor Speedway Race Information:

  • Eight of the 52 NASCAR Cup Series Charlotte winners are active this weekend.  Kevin Harvick (3), Martin Truex Jr. (3), Brad Keselowski (2), Austin Dillon (1), Chase Elliott (1), Joey Logano (1), Kurt Busch (1), and Kyle Busch (1).
  • Jimmie Johnson leads the series in wins at Charlotte with eight victories.
  • The youngest Charlotte winner is Jeff Gordon (May 29, 1994 – 22 years, 9 months, 25 days).
  • The first starting position is the most proficient starting position in Coca-Cola 600 field, producing 11 victories.  The first and second starting positions are the most proficient starting positions in the field, producing more winners (17 each or 27.87%) than any other starting position at Charlotte.
  • Six of the 34 NCS Coca-Cola 600 winners are active this weekend.  Martin Truex Jr. (2), Kevin Harvick (2), Brad Keselowski (1), Kyle Busch (1), Austin Dillon (1), and Kurt Busch (1).
  • Harvick and Truex Jr. lead all active drivers in Coca-Cola 600 wins with two victories each.
  • Hendrick Motorsports leads the series in wins at Charlotte in the NCS with 20 victories.
  • Eight different manufacturers have won in the NCS at Charlotte.  Chevrolet leads with 46 victories, followed by Ford (31), Dodge (15), Pontiac (8), Mercury (7), Toyota (7), Buick (4), and Plymouth (4).

Top 12 Driver Ratings at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Kyle Busch – 105.9
Chase Elliott – 96.5
Denny Hamlin – 95.0
Martin Truex Jr. – 92.0
Kevin Harvick – 90.8
Joey Logano – 90.3
Kurt Busch – 88.5
Brad Keselowski – 87.9
Tyler Reddick – 87.8
Kyle Larson – 86.8
Ryan Blaney – 86.7
William Byron – 83.2
Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2020 races (30 total) among active drivers at Charlotte Motor Speedway.