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106th Indianapolis 500 Logo Captures Iconic Winner’s Wreath in Design

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Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, May 28, 2021) – The logo for the 106th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge captures one of the most visible and beloved traditions of “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” – the winner’s wreath.

The 106th Indianapolis 500 is scheduled for Sunday, May 29, 2022.

Bold burgundy and gold colors highlight the design that features the wreath presented to every Indianapolis 500 winner in Victory Circle since 1960, when Jim Rathmann triumphed after an epic duel with Rodger Ward.

The core of the design remains the continuation of the type lock-up introduced with the unveiling in May 2018 of the logo for the 103rd Running of the race. This lock-up creates a strong, consistent annual brand appearance for the event, made unique by various new elements each year.

As in recent years, the wordmark leans forward, representing speed and a never-ending commitment to progress. That design is placed over a new shield of dark red.

A gold line encircles the burgundy shield and white wordmark, with the wreath leaves also in gold. The timeless legacy of the “500” and IMS also is saluted through the inclusion of the famous Wing and Wheel logo of the track.

The original winner’s wreath featured “exotic-looking” dark yellow and brown flowers. It was created by Indianapolis-based florist Bill Cronin, who was a consultant for the Rose Bowl parade and 500 Festival parade.

In 1989, the current wreath design was created by adding 33 ivory-colored cymbidium orchids with burgundy tips (representing each of the cars in the starting field of the race), red, white and blue ribbon, checkered flags and a base of cedar blocks inscribed with “BorgWarner.”

Julie Harman Vance, the owner of the Buck Creek In Bloom flower shop in Yorktown, Indiana, has made the wreath every year since 1992.

Ford Performance NASCAR: Ford’s Riley Herbst Leads NASCAR XFINITY Series Practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway

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Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR XFINITY Series
Charlotte Motor Speedway Post-Practice Media Availability | Friday, May 28, 2021

Riley Herbst, driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series, posted the fastest speed in today’s practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway at 178.435 mph. He conducted a Q&A session afterwards and spoke about his day and expectations for tomorrow’s race.

RILEY HERBST, No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang — HOW WAS PRACTICE? “Hopefully, we didn’t get cancelled out. That was my biggest thing. I’ve been looking forward to this practice since probably Atlanta, just working with a new team and want as much experience with them and Richard as possible and really glad the rain stayed away, and were able to put some quick lap times down and have a good Ford Mustang.”

WHAT DO YOU FEEL YOU NEED TO PICK UP ON TO GET A PLAYOFF SPOT OVER THE SUMMER MONTHS? “I feel like the biggest thing is doing what we’re doing. I knew it was gonna be a challenge this year. I knew that they had fast cars last year, but me and Chase are different race car drivers and we both want a little bit something different in our race cars, and it was gonna take a while to figure out. To be honest, we had better speed than I expected the first few races at the mile-and-a-halves and we just didn’t get the finishes. I feel like that’s why we’re looking out of the playoffs right now, but the biggest thing we can pick up on is just unloading off the truck better. This is huge being able to work on the race car, so Richard and the boys know what I want in the race car and we can move forward to the next mile-and-a-half and racetracks going forward.”

HOW WAS THE TRACTION COMPOUND DURING PRACTICE? “I don’t know. That traction compound, PJ1, I feel like they shouldn’t even put it on the racetrack because it’s just so inconsistent from each time. Last year we had it and that was the place to be. It was like you had super softs on and if you weren’t in it, you were in trouble, but now if you touch it, you’re gonna spin out. I think it adds a cool feature to it, I just wish it was more consistent.”

CHEVROLET NTT INDYCAR SERIES INDIANAPOLIS 500: TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE

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Official Release
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CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
105TH INDIANAPOLIS 500 PRESENTED BY GAINBRIDGE
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
RACEDAY MAY 30, 2021

Team Chevy drivers prepped, ready for the 105th Indianapolis 500
Front-row starter Rinus VeeKay leads 16 Chevrolet entries into 200-lap battle

DETROIT (May 28, 2021) – Rinus VeeKay will have a front-row seat for the start of the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. What VeeKay, and 15 other Team Chevy drivers, want most is an unobstructed view of the twin checkered flags after 200 laps on Sunday, May 30.

VeeKay, who qualified third in the No. 21 Bitcoin Chevrolet for Ed Carpenter Racing, will be the youngest front-row starter in Indianapolis 500 history at 20 years, 261 days old.

“Very grateful to the team for all the sleepless nights, all the hard work. Definitely also big kudos to Chevy for giving me the great power to bring me to the front row,” said VeeKay, who earlier this month claimed his initial NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory by outdueling the field on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. “I was the fastest teenager in 500 history last year. Now I’m the youngest front row. That’s pretty cool. I think we can definitely go for a 500 win from here.”

Ed Carpenter Racing claimed a front-row spot for the seventh time in nine years. Teammate and team principal Ed Carpenter, a three-time Indy 500 pole winner, qualified fourth in the No. 20 SONAX Chevrolet. Carpenter, who has qualified in the top 10 the past nine years, has a best finish of second in 2018.

“Chevy has been a great partner; they give us so many tools and help us thrive,” said Carpenter, whose team has used Chevrolet power since the Bowtie brand returned to engine manufacturer competition in 2012. “At the end of the day, we’re happy with where we’re starting the Indy 500.”

The 16 entries powered by Chevrolet’s 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V6 engine include three Indy 500 winners. In 2019, Simon Pagenaud transferred his pole start to the biggest victory of his career.

“We had an incredible package in ’19, and Chevy power really helped us tremendously all month. We knew we had a shot,” said Pagenaud, who drives the No. 22 Menards Team Penske Chevrolet. “I think this year we’re close to being where we were in ’19, but I think the whole field is a lot closer. I can’t control the others. I can only control myself and my team, and I think we’re doing everything we can to be in the same spot.”

Of note
VeeKay, of The Netherlands, holds the distinction of the youngest front-row qualifier. The previous record was 21 years, 144 days old by Carlos Munoz in 2013. A.J. Foyt IV is the youngest driver to start the Indianapolis 500. His 19th birthday was on race day in 2003.

Juan Palo Montoya, driving the No. 86 Arrow McLaren SP entry, and Will Power in the No. 12 Verizon 5G Team Penske Chevrolet are the other Team Chevy Indianapolis 500 winner competing this year. Montoya won in 2000 (powered by GM brand Oldsmobile) and 2015 (with Chevrolet). Power won in 2018 in a Chevrolet.

Team owner Roger Penske, who has four Chevrolet entries in the 33-car field, has 18 Indianapolis 500 victories. The first came in 1972 with driver Mark Donohue and the most recent in 2019 with Pagenaud.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of A.J. Foyt’s first victory in the Indy 500. He also won in 1964, 1967 and 1977 as a driver, and 1999 as a team owner. A.J. Foyt Racing has three Chevrolet entries in the race. Rick Mears and Al Unser are the only other four-time winners.

Simona De Silvestro brings an historic team to the grid with her and team owner Beth Paretta. Paretta Autosport is the only female-owned and female forward team in the field. Starting 33rd, the Swiss-born driver will make her sixth Indy 500 start.

Chevrolet has registered 11 Indianapolis 500 victories:
1988 Rick Mears
1989 Emerson Fittipaldi
1990 Arie Luyendyk
1991 Rick Mears
1992 Al Unser Jr.
1993 Emerson Fittipaldi
2002 Helio Castroneves
2013 Tony Kanaan
2015 Juan Pablo Montoya
2018 Will Power
2019 Simon Pagenaud
General Motors brand Oldsmobile has powered five winners:
1997 Arie Luyendyk
1998 Eddie Cheever
1999 Kenny Brack
2000 Juan Pablo Montoya
2001 Helio Castroneves
Tune in
NBC will telecast the 200-lap race at 11 a.m. ET Sunday, May 30. Former race car driver Danica Patrick will lead the field to the green flag in the 2021 mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette Stingray hardtop convertible. The 2021 race marks the 32nd time for Chevrolet to pace dating to 1948, and the 18th time since 1978 for America’s favorite sports car.

TEAM CHEVY STARTING LINEUP WITH QUALIFYING SPEED:
AJ Foyt Racing
22. JR Hildebrand, No. 1 ABC Supply/AJ Foyt Racing (229.980 mph)
27. Sebastien Bourdais, No. 14 ROKiT/AJ Foyt Racing (229.744)
30. Dalton Kellett, No. 4 KITS.com/K-Line Insulators/AJ Foyt Racing (228.323)
Arrow McLaren SP
12. Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP (230.864)
14. Felix Rosenqvist, No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SP (230.744)
24. Juan Pablo Montoya, No. 86 Arrow McLaren SP (229.891)
Carlin
29. Max Chilton, No. 59 Gallagher Carlin (229.417)
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
31. Sage Karam, No. 24 DRR-AES Indiana Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (229.156)
Ed Carpenter Racing
3. Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Bitcoin Ed Carpenter Racing (231.511)
4. Ed Carpenter, No. 20 SONAX Ed Carpenter Racing (231.504)
19. Conor Daly, No. 47 U.S. Air Force Ed Carpenter Racing (230.427)
Paretta Autosport
33. Simona De Silvestro, No. 16 Rocket Pro/Paretta Autosport (228.333)
Team Penske
17. Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Pennzoil Team Penske (230.557)
21. Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Shell Fuel Rewards Team Penske (230.071)
26. Simon Pagenaud, No. 22 Menards Team Penske (229.778)
32. Will Power, No. 12 Verizon 5G Team Penske (228.876)

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.

SS GreenLight Racing | Joe Graf Jr. Charlotte Motor Speedway Event Preview

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Official Release
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SS GreenLight Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway | Alsco Uniforms 300

Fast Facts
No. 07 SS GreenLight Racing Team:
Driver: Joe Graf Jr. (@JoeGrafJr)
Primary Partner(s): Bucked Up Energy
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Jason Miller
Driver Points Position: 26th | Owner Points Position: 34th
Chassis Intel: SSGLR Chassis No. 719; a brand new chassis for SS GreenLight Racing.
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines (ECR)

Notes of Interest:

Full of Energy: Bucked Up Energy and its sister products will continue their role as the primary partner of Graf’s No. 07 Chevrolet Camaro this weekend. Charlotte is the sixth race of 2021 but is the 28th race overall in a multi-year, multi-race deal with the former ARCA Menards Series winner.

Bucked Up is the everyman (or woman) energy drink. We don’t care about the color of your collar; whether blue or white, we all require energy to power our days. We want something that tastes like success, enhances mood and focus, and most of all delivers long-lasting energy.

Bucked Up Energy New Flavors: Bucked Up Energy is now available in 10 different flavors including four recently released new flavors.

Gym n’ Juice pays homage to those classic west coast vibes with a citrusy, smooth flavor that is sure to drive you back to the early-coastal ‘90s.

Bucked Up Energy Strawberry-Kiwi features two delicious flavors fused to form one. The result — a zero sugar, solar-sweet source of energy so abundant the world might actually start revolving around you.
Pink lemonade prodigies innovate, fusing an otherwise basic beverage with refreshing cranberry, and thinly sliced lemons, for garnish — earning its sweet, refreshing, and jubilant. And yet, miraculously sugar-free taste.

Mango Tango tastes like a well-placed double entendre — two meanings, up to your interpretation. Perhaps, it’s a melodic, upbeat fiesta of juicy goodness pulling sultry-sweet dance moves on your tongue. Or we could be using Tango as code, letting you decide the most fitting “T” descriptive word.

Giving Thanks: As Memorial Day approaches, the annual hometown race at Charlotte Motor Speedway has always been a way for NASCAR teams to pay respects to those that have served, currently serving or paid the ultimate price in the line of duty for their heroic services of defending our country.

During Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Charlotte, Joe Graf Jr. and the SS GreenLight Racing team will recognize Marine Corps Sergeant James Montegari who served from 2002 to 2008 in field artillery, with also a tour in Iraq.

Now out of active duty, Montegari, 45, is a United States history teacher at Don Bosco Prep High School in Ramsey, New Jersey. Teaching for nearly a decade, he was also Graf’s teacher during his junior year of High School.

“Joe was a good kid,” recalled Montegari. “He used to come to my classroom after school and tell me about his races and how when he graduated he was going to try and go to pro. I’ve kept in touch with Joe since he graduated and have been following him since he competed in ARCA, as well attending New York University.

“Now, he is a NASCAR driver, and I could not be prouder of him. I cannot thank him enough for what he and his team are doing this weekend at Charlotte.”

Striking Gold!: Last weekend at Circuit of the Americas, G-Coin made its debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as the primary partner of the team’s No. 07 Chevrolet Camaro.

To help boost its partnership with Joe Graf Jr., G-Coin is giving away $1,000 in FREE gold to one lucky person during the month of June.

For entry guidelines and to enter, please click here.

Saving You Some Money: As summer approaches, Joe Graf Jr.’s other marketing partner Z Grills wants to help the NASCAR community save money – but also enjoy the perfect barbecue.

On the heels of their third race partnership of the season earlier this month at Dover (Del.) International Speedway, Z Grills Racing (ZGrillsRacing.com) is offering a 10 percent discount off your TOTAL purchase, using the code NASCAR at checkout.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Charlotte Motor Speedway Stats: Joe Graf Jr. will make his second Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway this weekend. Last May, he started 28th but raced to a solid 19th place run in his No. 08 Core Development Group Chevrolet Camaro.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Career Intermediate Nuggets: At tracks greater than 1.0-mile in size, Graf has competed in 24 NASCAR Xfinity Series races. He holds an average starting position of 24.3 and an average result of 23.5.

Put Me In Coach: In an effort to strengthen his physique, Joe Graf Jr. began working with new trainer and former NASCAR Cup Series Josh Wise during the offseason.

In addition to Wise, Graf has also been working with former NASCAR driver and open-wheel driver Scott Speed on being more discipline behind the wheel of his No. 07 Bucked Up Energy Chevrolet Camaro.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Jason Miller is Joe Graf Jr.’s crew chief.
He will crew chief his 234th race on Saturday afternoon.

In his previous 233 races, Miller has earned two top-five and eight top-10 finishes.

He will lead his 12th Xfinity Series race at Charlotte and looks to improve on a track-best 16th earned in 2019 with driver Ray Black Jr.

Hello From The Other Side: Graf Jr. has a teammate at SS GreenLight Racing. Cody Ware will drive the No. 17 Nurtec ODT Toyota on Saturday afternoon.

Ware, a veteran racer is poised to make his 26th career NASCAR Xfinity Series start and second at Charlotte. He returns to the 1.5-mile track layout for the first time since 2016.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Joe Graf Jr. visit JoeGrafJr.com, like him on Facebook (Joe Graf Jr.), follow him on Twitter (@JoeGrafJr) and Instagram (@joegrafjr).

For more on SS GreenLight Racing, please like them on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on Twitter (@SSGLR0708) and visit their website at SSGreenLight.com.
Joe Graf Jr. Pre-Race Quotes:

On Charlotte Motor Speedway: “I’m glad to be back at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. I’ve had some success at the track in the ARCA Menards Series and we had a solid top-20 finish last year, but we are looking for a top-15 or better on Saturday afternoon.

“Everyone is working hard right now and hopefully, that hard work is rewarded with a good finish on Saturday afternoon and give our team some momentum to take to Mid-Ohio next weekend.”

On Recognizing Former Teacher James Montegari: “Mr. Montegari has always been one of my biggest supporters through it all and that has always meant a lot to me. Not only did he put his life on the line to protect all of us on the battlefront, but now he’s teaching and giving back in more ways than one.

“We have the chance to recognize and thank him for his service this weekend at Charlotte and I’m glad he’ll be there in person not only to see it, but cheer us on.”

On Recent Performances: “The last several races have been tough; however, it is during times like this that all your mental discipline and training really come to the forefront.

“I can’t stress enough the importance of mental toughness in overcoming obstacles you don’t control. We have an amazing pit crew, but two weeks in a row they have suffered late-race problems that ruined our day.

“When I look at the speed and balance of our cars this year they are much better than last year. That isn’t from luck. That is from the hard work and grind it out mental toughness of this team.

“It’s such a shame that we have had such a rough month or so, but this is no different from life. We all experience highs and lows in life. Like anyone at a low point, we are going to remain mentally tough and keep moving forward. We embrace the suck. We
know it can’t last.

“Going forward we are going to focus on what we can control and continue to execute at our highest level. There are a ton of races left in the season and hopefully, we have shaken the bad luck. I would be worried if our cars lacked competitiveness, but they don’t. We have a lot of racing left and we are due for some good luck.”
Race Information:

The Alsco Uniforms 300 (200 laps | 300 miles) is the 12th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2021 schedule. Practice is set for Fri., May 28 from 4:35 p.m. – 5:25 p.m. Qualifying is set for race day, Sat., May 29 beginning at 10:05 a.m. The race will take the green flag later in the day shortly after 1:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).
About SS Green Light Racing:

As one of the most tenured teams in all of NASCAR, SS GreenLight Racing led by team owner and former driver Bobby Dotter has been a mainstay in the sport fielding entries in either the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or the Xfinity Series competition since 2001.

Charlotte Motor Speedway, Blue Cross NC Work Together To Drive Out Childhood Hunger in Greater Charlotte Area

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Official Release
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Charlotte Motor Speedway and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, along with Speedway Children’s Charities are teaming up to address childhood hunger in the Charlotte area with its “Drive Out Hunger” initiative. (CMS photo)

(CHARLOTTE, NC) May 28, 2021 — Building on its longstanding partnership, Charlotte Motor Speedway (Speedway) and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), along with Speedway Children’s Charities (SCC), are teaming up to address childhood hunger in the Charlotte area with its “Drive Out Hunger” initiative. Through a series of events, the organizations will work together to drive out childhood hunger by encouraging both monetary and non-perishable food donations.

“What makes partnerships like this so special is that we can take activations like the ‘Drive Out Hunger’ campaign beyond the speedway and into the community and make a positive impact for others in need in our community,” said Greg Walter, executive vice president and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “We’re grateful for partners like Blue Cross NC who share our passion for service and help bring wonderful programs like this to life.”

A “Drive Out Hunger” campaign branded Pace Car will make its debut during the Coca Cola 600 race weekend and remain at the speedway for races and events throughout the year. This visual representation of the campaign aims to bring awareness to the initiative and encourage fans to donate to help “drive out hunger.”

This collaboration builds on Blue Cross NC’s ongoing commitment to address critical non-medical drivers of health, specifically food security.

“Nearly 15% of Mecklenburg County’s households are considered food insecure, and as an insurer that calls North Carolina home, it is crucial that we are actively working to combat food insecurity in our own backyards,” said Reagan Greene Pruitt, vice president of marketing and community engagement at Blue Cross NC. “Ensuring that all North Carolinians have access to food is something Blue Cross NC is committed to as we continue to work to make health care better for all.”

“Drive Out Hunger” events set to take place throughout the year at the speedway include:

  • Camper Food Donation Drives — Campers staying at Charlotte Motor Speedway for race events will find bins located throughout the camping areas to donate non-perishable foods.
  • Gate Entry Canned Goods Collections at select events at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the zMAX Dragway.
  • Summer Movie Nights — Ticket proceeds will benefit the initiative. Canned goods will also be collected at the events.

All donations collected throughout the year will be donated to local community partners through Speedway Children’s Charities.

For more information regarding the “Drive out Hunger” initiative, please visit https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/driveouthunger/.

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About Charlotte Motor Speedway

For more than 60 years, Charlotte Motor Speedway has set the standard in motorsports entertainment for fans of all ages. Known as America’s Home for Racing, Charlotte Motor Speedway is the only race vacation destination where fans can immerse themselves in the

heart of NASCAR country. Visitors can attend one-of-a-kind race spectacles including the Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America ROVAL™ 400; take behind-the-scenes speedway and race shop tours; explore the NASCAR Hall of Fame and drive an 800-horsepower stock car. Through every event and every decade, Charlotte Motor Speedway puts FANS FIRST with a never-ending commitment to enhance the fan experience. That tradition continues with unmatched value through affordable tickets, unparalleled pre-race entertainment and more opportunities for fans to see their favorite drivers. For all the latest news and information, visit

www.charlottemotorspeedway.com, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, or download the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making health care better, simpler and more affordable. We have been driving better health in North Carolina since 1933, working to tackle our communities’ greatest health challenges. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 3.8 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

NASCAR Makes Long-Awaited Return to Sonoma Raceway

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Official Release
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SONOMA, Calif. (May, 28, 2021) – For the first time in almost two years, the North Bay will be transformed into Thunder Bay as the sights and sounds of NASCAR make their long-awaited return to the twisting, turning layout of Sonoma Raceway, June 5-6.

The Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Cup Series race will mark NASCAR’s first race in the state of California in more than 15 months and the first race in Sonoma in nearly two years.

The return of racing at Sonoma Raceway also signals the return of race fans to the facility as well. Sonoma County authorities have given the green light to host a reduced capacity crowd that will be thirsting for the roar of engines.

No one will be more excited to get back to the 12-turn, 2.52-mile road course than Martin Truex Jr. The 2017 NASCAR Champion has won the past two Cup races in Sonoma and will be trying to join Jeff Gordon as just the second driver to ever win three races in a row at Sonoma. Gordon won the 1998, 1999 and 2000 Toyota/Save Mart 300s.

“I’ve been waiting for a while to go back to Sonoma and try to get the three-peat,” Truex said. “Sonoma is such a fun track and it’s a great part of the country. It’s beautiful and always great weather. I can’t wait to get there and see all of our fans in California that we haven’t seen in quite a while.”

More impressively for Truex, is he has won the past two races on two different configurations. The 2018 race marked the final race for “The Chute”, which was introduced in 1998 and shortened the track to 1.949 miles and eliminated the famous Carousel. The Carousel, which will be in use again this year, returned to the track layout in 2019. Truex and legendary racer Ricky Rudd are the only two drivers to win NASCAR Cup races on both layouts.

Other storylines to watch include Chase Elliott’s pursuit of Jeff Gordon’s career road course win record. Gordon won a NASCAR-record nine road course races during his career. Elliott, the defending series champion, picked up his sixth career road course victory at Circuit of the American in Austin just a week ago.

There will be a distinct California feel to the race as well as five native Californians are expected to compete in the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Kyle Larson (Elk Grove), Kevin Harvick (Bakersfield), Matt DiBenedetto (Grass Valley), Tyler Reddick (Corning) and Cole Custer (Ladera Ranch) make up more than 10 percent of the starting field.

This year’s event is a one-day show for the NASCAR Cup Series as there will be no practice or qualifying due to previously established limitations issued by NASCAR on the duration of race weekends due to Covid-19 precautions.

However, there will still be plenty of racing action throughout the weekend as the General Tire 200 for the ARCA Menards Series West hits the track on Saturday. In addition, the Historic Trans Am Series will compete in timed races on Saturday and Sunday and will feature NASCAR on Fox lead announcer Mike Joy trading in his tie and microphone for a driving suit and a steering wheel.

The General Tire 200 is set to start at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 5 and Sunday’s Toyota/Save Mart 350 will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 6. Sunday’s race will be televised live on Fox Sports 1.

What Are The 10 Most Fuel-Efficient Truck Engines?

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SM
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Commercial trucks are very important in transportation industries as they carry huge weights of cargo in large quantities. They should have good towing, payload capabilities, and withstand long hauls and trips. Proper selection of a good truck is important in achieving your targets, growing your business, and truck safety.

Factors to Consider

One of the important factors in selecting a good commercial truck is a fuel-efficient engine. It doesn’t only affect the truck’s overall performance, but also helps in reducing pollution and global warming emissions. It’s also cost-efficient for your business as you’ll spend a lot less on gas.

Here’s a quick guide on 10 of the most fuel-efficient truck engines:

  • Volvo D11. This is Volvo’s smallest engine. It’s lightweight and features 9 types that range from 325-425 hp and 1,250-1,550 lb-ft of torque. 2 out of the 9 types are considered Eco-Torque engines with two drive modes that mostly stay in Low Torque mode for fuel efficiency.
  • Detroit DD15. It has the same fuel efficiency as the DD13 – from 6.0 MPG to 6.9 MPG at 1,625 RPM. The variations are between 400-505hp and about 1,471-1,671lb-ft of torque. When it’s time for rebuilding, a DD15 rebuild kit ensures quality and durability.
  • Paccar PX-7. The PX-7 is known for its endurance and dependability. Its 11 variations range from 200-360 hp and 520-800 lb-ft of peak torque ratings. It weighs under 1,200 pounds making it lighter, thus minimizing fuel consumption. Its fuel economy and long life make it perfect for your fleet.
  • Cummins 2020 X15 Efficiency. The 2020 X15 Efficiency engine features up to 5% better fuel economy than the X15 Efficiency. It also features the best uptime, decreased Greenhouse Gas emissions, and increased down speedingto have top-notch performance at a lower RPM. Engines that run at lower speeds usually last longer.
  • Volvo D13TC. The TC or “Turbo Compounding” process results in 6% less fuel consumption by capturing energy from the exhaust gas and returning it to the drive train. The Volvo D13TC features 405-455 horsepower, 1,850 lb-ft of torque, and four configurations: High Torque, Economy, Adaptive Gearing, and Super Direct.
  • International A26. This diesel engine is 50 lbs. lighter and 5% more fuel-efficient than the 2017 N13, and the high-pressure common rail helps maximize fuel injection pressure to lower emissions. Its reduced weight allows the truck to haul more freight without getting fined by the DOT for overweight regulations.
  • Cummins 2018 ISX12N. This is the latest series engine to run on compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and renewable natural gas, which means cheaper fuel per gallon than a diesel engine and fewer emissions. It features 400 hp, 1,450 lb-ft of torque and 2,100 RPM.
  • Detroit DD8. It features 7 variations ranging from 260-375 hp and 660-1,050 lb-ft in torque. It gets 8.5 MPG with good driving practices. The maintenance intervals can reach up to 60,000 miles for the engine oil and filter. It’s usually used for bucket trucks or tow trucks.
  • Cummins 2018 X12. This engine is 900 lbs lighter than X15 engines. It also provides fuel efficiency and allows trucks to haul heavier freight. Maintenance intervals can reach up to 60,000 miles for the oil drain, 50,000 miles for the fuel filter, and 300,000 miles for DEF and valve train.
  • Volvo D13. This engine features 22 variations with 375-500 hp and 1,450-1,850 lb-ft torque at 1000 RPM. It also features maximum fuel savings and engine life.

Fuel-Saving Tips

Truck drivers can also help improve their trucks’ fuel efficiency. Driving economically can make drivers an asset to the company and save the environment by limiting fuel use. Here are some tips to help save fuel:

  • Minimize speed. Evidently, driving faster means burning more fuel. Every 1 MPH speed increase results in a 0.14 MPG decrease in fuel. A good range is between 55-60 MPH.
  • Do not overfill the tank. Fuel heated by the engine or the sun overflows in the tank. It can cause fuel spill and add weight to the truck and slow it down.
  • Have a good driving technique. Being gentle is the best technique to save up fuel. Keep a steady movement and minimize unnecessary stops. Hard pressure on the pedal will quickly empty the fuel tank.
  • Proper tire pressure. Correctly inflated tires can help save fuel, have a longer lifespan and create safer road conditions.

Fuel efficiency is important in extending the engine lifespan of your fleet. Make sure you have a robust process in place for managing fuel usage and cost. You contribute to making a positive impact not only on your company but also on the environment.

Sheehan and LTK Ready for Lime Rock Return

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Official Release
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Bow, NEW HAMPSHIRE – May 28, 2021 – Memorial Day Weekend is always a special time of year and Trans Am is marking it in 2021 with what is becoming a traditional trip to Connecticut, “The Constitution State,” on this most poignant of weekends. It’s the seventh decade of Trans Am Racing at Lime Rock Park and the weekend will make for the 30th year of events at the track. Trans Am first competed at Lime Rock in 1967 – the second season of the series and the beginning of its “Golden Years” – and seventy years of motorsports is being celebrated during the Trans Am Memorial Day Classic, May 28 – 31. SVRA joins the weekend with a huge line-up of modern and vintage race cars. It all makes for a top class fan experience over four days. We’re pleased to say fans are being welcomed to the track and the link to buy tickets is below.

Lime Rock Park, Lakeville is just a three and a half hour drive across New England from Bow, New Hampshire where the TA2 LTK Insulation Technologies Damon Racing team are based, making it one of team driver Tom Sheehan’s local tracks. In spite of the current situation with the pandemic, the season has been rolling along as scheduled and this weekend will be Round 4 of the 2021 Trans Am presented by Pirelli Championship season event. The No. 97 LTK Insulation Technologies Ford Mustang Mike Cope car that Tom drives will be one of 23 cars lining up on the grid for the TA2 race.

A regular top ten finisher in recent seasons, Tom has endured mixed fortunes so far this year with a P8 on the opening weekend the highlight point so far. Overall Tom lies in P9 out of the 31 drivers to have competed this season with 35 Championship points. Tom undoubtedly has the pace and the skill to cement his place among the elite drivers in TA2.

Known as a fast and tricky circuit, the 1.53-mile Lime Rock track was originally conceived of in 1956 by Jim Vaill, who, along with John Fitch and Cornell Aeronautical Laboratory, built the track utilizing state-of-the-art road and highway safety principles of the time. For many years the track was listed as being 1.53 miles in length—the story goes that right after it was built, somebody used the odometer in a Chevrolet to measure the track length—and 1.53 was taken as gospel. Following the 2008 reconstruction Lime Rock’s operations staff measured all four possible configurations, and as it turns out, each was 1.5 miles long, plus or minus a few hundred feet.

A field of 23 cars are entered for the 100-mile, 68 lap or 65 minute TA2 class race scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon, May 31 with qualifying taking place that morning at 9:05 a.m. after testing on Saturday. The Trans Am races are the feature events on a terrific weekend of historic motorsports at Lime Rock which is sure to prove hugely popular with fans.

Tickets for the weekend’s action are available here: https://tickets.limerock.com/

Go ahead and keep up with Trans Am driver Tom Sheehan on social media – Facebook page is Damon Racing; Instagram is TomSheehanTA97 and Twitter give us a follow @TomTA2_97. For more information on LTK Insulation Technologies please visit the website online at https://ltkinsulationtechnologies.com/. #GoLTK

About LTK Insulation Technologies:
Putting LTK insulation jackets & covers to work on your project saves your firm real money and time. The LTK Insulation products are so fast and easy. Installation is as fast as identification. Our carefully designed products line allows; fast, sure fit, 100% clean, no tool installation. Product designed for; balance valves, control valves, flex hoses, in line specialties, couplings, quick connects, unions, zone pumps. Your imagination is the only limit….GO LTK!

Military Veteran Keith McGee to Drive for Jordan Anderson Racing in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series on Memorial Day Weekend

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C. (May 28, 2021) – Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) announced today 40-year-old Military Veteran Keith McGee of Eagle River, Alaska will drive the team’s No. 3 Barstool Sports Zero Blog Thirty Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) North Carolina Education Lottery 200 the kick off to the annual Memorial Day NASCAR Weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS) on Friday, May 28.

In April, McGee a veteran of the United States Air Force became the first Alaskan and first disabled veteran to make a NASCAR start in any of the top three tier divisions with his NCWTS debut in the Toyota Cares 250 at the Richmond Raceway.

“As a veteran I was looking forward to racing this Memorial Day weekend at CMS. Monday of this week I had sponsor back out at the last minute, and I put out a feeler on Twitter hoping for a miracle and a few hours later I was talking to Dave Portnoy about having Barstool Sports on the truck and the rest is history;” Said McGee.

“I am very fortunate and grateful for all the companies out there like Barstool Sports that are willing to recognize and give back to the Military and support our Veterans. It is all very fitting everything was able to come together on the grand weekend of celebrating the servicemen and woman of our United States Military. As a kid I always dreamed about driving the iconic No. 3 in NASCAR, it is such surreal feeling knowing I will have the opportunity to run that number, but also be out on track competing for all my brothers and sisters in arms that made the ultimate sacrifice. For Barstool Sports and Jordan Anderson to give me this opportunity truly means a lot.”

Competing in a partial season of ARCA Menards Series – West competition in 2018 & 2019, McGee was able to capture a pair of top-ten finishes at Meridan Speedway in Meridan, Idaho and Placer County Speedway in Roseville, Calif.

McGee’s No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado will carry primary branding from Barstool Sports and Barstool Sports Military podcast Zero Blog Thirty.

“It’s an honor to have veteran Keith McGee and team driving the Zero Blog Thirty truck on behalf of Barstool Racing. Any opportunity Barstool gets to support our veterans, especially on Memorial Day Weekend, we’re happy to be a part of.” – Dave Portnoy, Founder & President of Barstool Sports

Barstool Sports is the preeminent next generation sports media brand and platform, driving 1.2 billion average monthly social views and 8 million average monthly podcast listeners, delivering content 24hrs/day 365 days a year. One of Barstool’s most popular podcasts throughout its platforms is Zero Blog Thirty a military themed podcast released every Tuesday and Friday.

From bombs, bullets, and bad guys to politics, pop culture and all things problematic: Zero Blog Thirty is the stories you might know told from a slightly different perspective that was forged through war, wit, and wounds.

For more information on the Barstool Sports visit them online at BarStoolSports.com, and follow their social channels on; Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Episodes of Zero Blog Thirty can be listened to online; Zero Blog Thirty Podcast and on all major Podcast platforms. Be sure to follow the Zero Blog Thirty social channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for new content and show previews.

Tickets for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 are still available for purchase by visiting Charlotte Motor Speedway online at CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com

If you are unable to make it to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the North Carolina Education Lottery 200, the race will be broadcast LIVE on Fox Sports 1 and the Fox Sports App at 8:30 PM EST and aired LIVE on the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and on SIRIUS/XM NASCAR radio Channel 90.

Be sure to keep updated with Keith’s journey by following him on Social Media; Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

For more information on JAR, visit JordanAndersonRacing.com, and be sure to follow the team all season on the JAR social channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About Barstool Sports

Founded in 2003 by David Portnoy, Barstool Sports is a leading digital sports, entertainment and media platform that delivers original content across blogs, podcasts, radio, video and social, supported by nearly 70 dedicated personalities. It benefits from its base of approximately 54 million monthly unique visitors, reaching an estimated 36% of males and 30% of females in the Millennial and Generation Z generations across the United States. In 2019, Barstool Sports grew by approximately 65%, delivering nearly $100 million in revenue from digital and audio advertising, ecommerce, events, licensing and subscription.

About Jordan Anderson Racing

Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) is a NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson. Established in 2018, JAR has competed full-time in the last three NCWTS seasons claiming back-to-back runner-up finishes in the 2020 & 2021 season opening NextEra 250 at Daytona International Speedway. JAR fields a full-time entry in the NXS Series; the No. 31 Chevrolet Camaro SS driven by Jordan Anderson, Tyler Reddick, and Josh Berry. JAR also fields the No. 3 Chevrolet Silverado for select drivers in the NCWTS.

Greg Van Alst focused on more than one mission in Charlotte ARCA debut

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Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C.: On the heels of his first career top-10 finish in ARCA Menards Series competition earlier this month at Kansas Speedway, Greg Van Alst and his family-owned team invade Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway with plenty of goals for Saturday night’s General Tire 150.

The 2019 ARCA CRA champion is poised to continue his season turnaround after likely top-five finishes in his open two races at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway were unraveled because of circumstances beyond his control.

In the series’ most recent trip to Kansas, Van Alst avoided disaster at the start when reigning series champion Bret Holmes lost control of his race car in front of Van Alst forcing him to take evasive action to miss the spinning No. 23 Chevrolet.

Luckily for the Anderson, Ind. native, the first lap moment proved to be his biggest worry of the day after he guided his No. 35 CB Fabricating Chevrolet to a career-best seventh place after starting eighth.

The next day, he also won the Reese’s Sweet Move of the Race with his impressive skills avoiding Holmes.

With momentum from Kansas, Van Alst enters Charlotte much like Kansas a track that he doesn’t have much experience at. Luckily for the small business owner, he and his Jim Long-led team participated in an open-test session at the 1.5-mile speedway nearly two weeks ago where he negotiated the 11th quickest time overall after turning 29 laps.

“I’m so thankful we tested Charlotte,” said Van Alst. “You know having the opportunity to test at a race track before you go back to the race will help us tremendously. We have a good setup for where we want to be when we unload. Then, it will just be some fine-tuning during practice on Saturday and hoping for the best when that green flag drops.”

Eyeing back-to-back top-10 finishes in ARCA competition, the avid racer believes it will be a race were keeping up with the race track will determine who can have a chance to capture the checkered flag.

“I think a lot of Saturday night is going to come down to handling and who can get over the bumps good,” added Van Alst. “We continued to get better with the grip and maneuverability of our No. 35 CB Fabricating Chevrolet throughout the test, but unfortunately we ran out of time.

“You need to get over those bumps so you can have the grip and speed you need to carry down the straightaways. Charlotte is a remarkably busy track when it comes to lights and its surroundings, so even I think concentration will be a factor.

“It’s going to be a challenging night, but a lot of fun too.”

CB Fabricating, a longtime partner with Greg Van Alst Motorsports has boosted its commitment to the team and will continue its role as the primary marketing partner of Van Alst’s No. 35 Chevrolet.

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly.

Their 26,000 square foot facility allows them to service the needs of many different industries. Everything from the Automotive, agricultural, aquatic, medical, transportation, electrical enclosures, and much more.

Not only is Van Alst racing for a top-10 finish on Saturday night, but awareness too.

CB Fabricating president Chris Barkdull was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and will utilize the ARCA event through the in-car camera to bring attentiveness and awareness to the disease as Barkdull begins treatment soon.

“We would not be racing at Charlotte – heck any of these ARCA races this season without Chris,” added Van Alst. “He’s just not an investor or a partner in this thing – he’s family. When he was diagnosed he was determined to do his part to educate the public and that is exactly what he is going to do.”

In addition to CB Fabricating, Top Choice Fence, Norton Transport, KRJ Race Products and Lintz Creative will serve as associate marketing partners for Van Alst’s seventh career ARCA start.

Additional specifics on Greg Van Alst Motorsports’ 2021 ARCA Menards Series program are forthcoming, including a detailed series schedule.

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please stay tuned for a new website, but like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

For more on CB Fabricating, please visit CBFabricating.com and like them on Facebook (CB Fabricating).

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).

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