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CORVETTE RACING AT SPA: C8.R Ready to Challenge FIA WEC’s Best

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Official Release
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Garcia, Gavin to start fifth from GTE Pro grid in European debut for mid-engine Corvette

STAVELOT, Belgium (April 30, 2021) – Antonio Garcia qualified Corvette Racing’s No. 63 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R fifth in qualifying for Saturday’s Six Hours of Spa – the opening round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Garcia and Oliver Gavin will team together Saturday in the first race outside the United States for the mid-engine racing Corvette. The team is at the Spa circuit for the first time as preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans later this year.

Garcia and the rest of the GTE Pro field had time for just two flying laps in Friday’s 10-minute qualifying session due to two red-flag periods in the GTE session. Garcia’s best effort was a 2:13.106 (117.688 mph) to put the Corvette within two seconds of the pole time.

Single-lap pace was hardly a concern for Corvette Racing in testing Monday and Tuesday, as well as during practice sessions Thursday and Friday. The team worked throughout to optimize the mid-engine C8.R for Saturday’s race, and the Corvette showed encouraging pace over long runs with a focus on extending the life of its Michelin tires.

Much of the positive results so far this week were the result of simulation work in the lead-up to the event. Corvette Racing engineers looked at a number of circuits on the IMSA schedule that have similar characteristics to the 19-turn, 4.35-mile circuit that lies in the heart of eastern Belgium. It allowed engineers and mechanics to arrive at Spa with a solid baseline setup on the Corvette, despite have never turned a wheel at the track.

The rules set in WEC also is different than the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with differing tire and fuel allocations, as well as procedures for things like pit stops and safety cars. Having the experience in-hand should pay dividends when the full Corvette Racing team makes its return to Le Mans in August.

Live race television and online coverage will be available via MotorTrend Network and MotorTrend On-Demand. Radio coverage for all practice sessions plus Friday qualifying and the race will air on Radio Le Mans. Live timing and scoring will be available on the FIA WEC website.

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 63 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – QUALIFIED FIFTH IN GTE PRO: “You obviously always want to be a little further up, but we knew the competition was going to be very high here. We are missing a few things – how to use the tire with the tire warmers and everything… if you really nail a lap it makes a big difference. Qualifying is only a very small portion of the whole race. I’m sure tomorrow with all the tire management we need to do, we need to double-stint some our allotment. That will be key. I hope the deficit we had on ultimate pace closes down to be a little less so that we can have a strong race pace. Let’s hope we have that. If not, we are here to learn and get as much information as we can. But we are hoping for a good one tomorrow.”

OLIVER GAVIN, NO. 63 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “It’s been a lot of work for the team. We’ve gone through a number of setup changes. We’ve been exploring how to make the C8.R work here. It has been challenging. Spa is a very challenging racetrack, and the competition is fierce. The conditions have been quite tricky too… cool with low track temperatures that makes it hard to make the tires work. There is a limited amount of tires you can have for the weekend. So we’ve taken some reasonable swings at the setup. We’ve focused in on something pretty solid now. Antonio in the last practice was pretty competitive on a long run. We’re not too bad for race pace. Whether we have the ultimate pace to fight Saturday, I’m not sure. You never really know until you get into the race. We’ll wait and see.”

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 75 countries with nearly 4 million cars and trucks sold in 2019. 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 www.chevrolet.com.

Roush Fenway Weekly Advance | Kansas I

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Official Release
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Roush Fenway Weekly Advance | Kansas I

Kansas and the Yellow Brick Road is the next stop for the NASCAR Cup Series as the 1.5-mile Speedway plays host to the 11th race of the 2021 campaign. Jack Roush has nine wins all-time at the track including four in the NCS.

Buschy McBusch Race 400
Sunday, May 2 | 3 p.m. ET
FS1, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90

  • Ryan Newman, No. 6 Hy-Vee Ford Mustang
  • Chris Buescher, No. 17 AutoTempest Ford Mustang

Talladega Recap, Kansas Advance

  • Newman persevered late for a 13th-place run Sunday at Talladega, overcoming a pair of late speeding penalties to survive the final crash and bring home a top-15.
  • Buescher was in position coming to the final lap to make a run towards the front, but got shuffled out of line going into turn three and hooked in the right rear, relegating him to a 21st-place result at Talladega.
  • Newman welcomes Hy-Vee to his No. 6 Ford this weekend in Kansas, the backyard of the brand that joined him and Roush Fenway for the fall Kansas race in 2020.
  • AutoTempest, new to the sport of NASCAR, makes its debut on the No. 17 Mustang at Kansas in the first of two races as they’ll also be the primary partner for the COTA race on May 23.

Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Overall, Roush Fenway has started 171 races across the three national series, earning nine wins, 41 top-five finishes, 75 top-10 finishes and has an overall average finish of 14.8.

Winning at Kansas

Roush Fenway swept both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NCS races at Kansas in the fall of 2012 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Matt Kenseth. Stenhouse became the sixth driver to win at the track for the organization via his Xfinity victory.

NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin earned Roush Fenway’s first NCS win at Kansas in 2005 and former driver Greg Biffle bested the 1.5-mile track in 2007 and 2010. Roush Fenway’s first overall win at Kansas came in 2002 via Jeff Burton in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Three drivers (Jon Wood in 2003, Carl Edwards in 2004 and Erik Darnell in 2007) have won in the NGROTS at Kansas for Roush Fenway.

Tale of the Tape

Roush Fenway has started 102 NCS races at Kansas, recording four victories, 20 top-five finishes, 35 top-10 finishes, an average finish of 16.5 and has led 956 laps. Kenseth earned the most recent victory at Kansas in the fall of 2012.

Roush Fenway Kansas Wins
2002 Burton NXS
2003 Wood Truck
2004 Edwards Truck
2005 Martin Cup
2007 Biffle Cup
2007 Darnell Truck
2010 Biffle Cup
2012-2 Kenseth Cup
2012 Stenhouse NXS

Spencer Davis carrying more momentum to Kansas Speedway return

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Official Release
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KANSAS CITY, Kan.: On the heels of his season-best finish for Spencer Davis Motorsports two weeks ago at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, Spencer Davis heads to Kansas Speedway looking to continue a strong pace for his family-owned team in Saturday night’s WISE Power 200.

In three NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races this season – the SDM team has delivered three top-20 finishes and a season-high 11th place finish on the Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway dirt with Darrell Wallace Jr.

With a solid 16th place finish under their belt in the most recent race at Richmond (Va.) Raceway, Davis is focused on returning to Kansas Speedway and putting his No. 11 Spencer Davis Motorsports Toyota inside the top-10.

“The last month has been very positive for our team,” said Davis. “I can’t thank the guys enough on this Spencer Davis Motorsports team for their commitment and faith into building a strong and competitive team. There’s more work to be done, but I think everyone is happy with our direction.”

Davis, a native of Dawsonville, Ga. will make his third Truck Series start at Kansas and looks to improve on a track-best of 14th earned in the season of a double-header weekend of Truck Series racing last July.

“Having two races in one weekend was a huge challenge for us last year, but it was such a productive weekend, especially being able to overcome the battles we faced during the Friday night race and to bounce back on Saturday afternoon with a top-15 was a victory in itself.

“Kansas is a fun truck where momentum is key and drafting plays a big role. We should have a decent starting position for Saturday night,” added Davis. “It is going to be important for us to keep up with the handling of our No. 11 INOX Supreme Lubricants Toyota and making sure we stay on the lead lap and a chance to capitalize during Stage 3.”
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. “It feels great going there with a popular new scheme and an awesome sponsor, 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.”

When asked about the team’s recent momentum, the two-time ARCA Menards Series East winner attributed the vibe around the team to crew chief Danny Gill.

“Danny has been awesome to work with and has done a great job in helping prepare and call some great races for our Spencer Davis Motorsports team,” added Davis.

“The Truck Series is a lot more competitive than it was last year, so you are literally fighting for that next spot, but I think we have showcased over the last month that we have the equipment to battle for strong finishes and that will be our momentum to carry us to Kansas this weekend and Darlington Raceway next weekend.”

Based on metrics utilized to determine the starting lineup, Davis will start his 26th career Truck Series race from the 19th position.

Entering Kansas, Davis, 22, has 25 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 WISE Power 200 (134 laps | 201 miles) is the seventh of 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2021 schedule. The 40-truck field will take the green flag on Sat., May 1, 2021, shortly after 7:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.

Weekend schedule for Kansas Speedway

By
Angie Campbell
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Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images

This weekend NASCAR travels to Kansas Speedway. The Xfinity Series is off but will return next week at Darlington Raceway.

The ARCA Menards Series kicks off the activities Saturday afternoon followed by the Camping World Truck Series race at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday afternoon the Cup Series hits the track for the Buschy McBusch Race 400.

Kevin Harvick (2013, 2016, 2018), Joey Logano (2014, 2015, 2020) and Denny Hamlin (2012, 2019, 2020) lead all active drivers with three wins each at Kansas.

This season continues an impressive run in the Cup Series with nine different winners in the first 10 races. Hamlin, the current leader in the driver standings and the defending race winner, is still looking for his first victory of the year.

Matt Crafton has scored three Truck Series victories at Kansas and Kyle Busch has two track wins. Johnny Sauter, Austin Hill, Brett Moffitt and Ross Chastain have one win each.

There will be no practice or qualifying sessions for the Cup and Truck Series due to COVID-19 protocols established by NASCAR.

The starting lineups will be determined by the following metrics formula:
• 25 percent: Driver’s finishing position from the previous race
• 25 percent: Car owner’s finishing position from the previous race
• 35 percent: Team owner points ranking
• 15 percent: Fastest lap from the previous race

All times are Eastern.

Saturday, May 1

1:30 p.m.: ARCA Dutch Boy 150
Distance: 150 Miles (100 Laps with a break at Lap 50)
FS1/MRN

7:30 p.m.: Truck Series WISE Power 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
Pole: John Hunter Nemechek

Sunday, May 2

3 p.m.: Cup Series Buschy McBusch Race 400
Distance: 400.5 miles (267 laps) Competition caution on Lap 25
Stage 1 ends on Lap 80, Stage 2 ends on Lap 160, Final Stage ends on Lap 267
FS1/TSN/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Pole: Brad Keselowski

Kansas Speedway Data
Season Race #: 11 of 36 (05-02-21)
Track Size: 1.5-miles
Banking/Turn 1 & 2: 17 to 20 degrees
Banking/Turn 3 & 4: 17 to 20 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 10 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 5 degrees
Frontstretch Length:  2,685 feet
Backstretch Length:  2,207 feet
Race Length: 267 laps / 400 miles
Stage 1 & 2 Length: 80 laps (each)
Final Stage Length: 107 laps

Kansas Speedway Qualifying Information:
Track qualifying record: Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 197.773 mph (27.304 secs.) on October 3, 2014.
2020 pole winner: Qualifying was canceled, due to the pandemic, random draw, Kevin Harvick started from the pole.
2019 pole winner: Kevin Harvick, Ford, 179.217 mph, (30.131 secs.) on May 11, 2019

  • Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Ryan Newman have started all 30 NASCAR Cup Series races and lead the series in starts at Kansas.
  • Brad Keselowski leads all active drivers in the NCS in the average starting position with a 10.227 in 22 starts.  Six of the 16 NCS pole winners are active this weekend.  Harvick (5), Joey Logano (2), Martin Truex Jr. (2), Keselowski (1), Kurt Busch (1), and Ryan Blaney (1).
  • Harvick leads the NCS in poles with five (fall 2013, 2014 sweep, spring 2018, spring 2019).
  • Harvick (three-straight: fall of 2013-2014 sweep) and Jimmie Johnson (2007-2008) are the only two drivers to win consecutive poles at Kansas.
  • Four manufacturers have won poles at Kansas, led by Chevrolet with 11, Ford (nine), Toyota, and Dodge (four each).

Kansas Speedway Race Information:
Track race record: Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 144.122 mph, (02:46:44), on April 22, 2012.
2020 race winner: Denny Hamlin, Toyota, 121.835 mph, (03:17:14), on July 23, 2020.
2019 race winner: Brad Keselowski, Ford, 131.023 mph, (03:06:09), on May 11, 2019.

  • A total of 15 different NCS drivers have won at Kansas and Eight winners are active this weekend at Kansas.  Denny Hamlin (2020, 2019, 2012), Joey Logano (2020, 2015, 2014), Harvick (2018, 2016, 2013), Keselowski (2019, 2011), Martin Truex Jr, (2017 sweep), Chase Elliott (2018), Kyle Busch (2016), and Ryan Newman (2003).
  • The youngest series Kansas winner was Chase Elliott (October 21, 2018 – 22 years, 10 months, 23 days).
  • The first starting position is the most proficient starting spot in the field producing more winners (six of the 30races or 20%) than any other starting position on the grid.
  • A total of eight different organizations have won in the NCS at Kansas with Hendrick Motorsports leads the series with seven victories.  Jeff Gordon (2001, 2002, and 2014), Jimmie Johnson (2008, 2011 and 2015), and Chase Elliott (Playoffs 2018).
  • Four manufacturers have won at Kansas Speedway in the NCS, led by Chevrolet with 12, Ford with nine, Toyota with seven, and Dodge with two.
  • Harvick leads all active drivers in the NCS with an average finishing position with a 9.3 in 30 starts and also leads the series in laps led with 949 in 30 starts at Kansas.

Top 12 Kansas Driver Ratings
Kevin Harvick – 109.7
Martin Truex Jr. – 100.6
Chase Elliott – 97.5
Ryan Blaney – 96.8
Kyle Larson – 94.2
Brad Keselowski – 93.8
Kyle Busch – 92.7
Denny Hamlin – 90.9
Joey Logano – 88.7
Kurt Busch – 88.0
Erik Jones – 88.0
Cole Custer – 79.6

Note: Driver Ratings are compiled from 2005-2020 races (26 total) among active drivers at Kansas Speedway.

ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY OPENING GRANDSTANDS TO FULL CAPACITY FOR JULY NASCAR WEEKEND

By
Official Release
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HAMPTON, Ga. (April 30, 2021) – Atlanta Motor Speedway is opening its grandstands to full capacity for the July 10-11 Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart NASCAR weekend.

NASCAR’s first July race at AMS in 47 years will also be the first race at AMS to host an expansive grandstand audience since the start of the pandemic.

“As we’ve seen millions across Georgia and the Southeast get vaccinated, public health restrictions have eased and that gives us the green flag to take a big step towards welcoming more people to enjoy race weekend,” said AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison. “Needless to say, we can’t wait to have thousands of fans join us for some thrilling NASCAR action this summer.”

As AMS opens its gates to a larger crowd, the facility will continue utilizing health and safety protocols for fans attending the event, such as expanded access to hand-washing and hand-sanitizing stations, as well as cashless payments, mobile ticketing, and the clear bag policy to limit contact between fans and staff.

In addition, AMS will follow state and local health recommendations when determined for July regarding mask and social distancing protocols.

The NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series will each compete on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s high banks for the second time in 2021 during the July weekend. The rising stars of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, July 10, in the Georgia 250 and stars like Georgia’s own Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Bubba Wallace, and March winner Ryan Blaney will race for glory in the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart on Sunday, July 11.

To find more information and purchase tickets for the July 10-11 Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart weekend, visit www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

About the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart:

New for 2021 the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart headlines the summer slate of NASCAR racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

The Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart will be the first NASCAR Cup Series race held at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the month of July since 1974. The 400-mile race is sure to be one of the most challenging races of the summer for the stars of stock car racing.

Accompanying the Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart is the NASCAR Xfinity Series on Saturday, July 10. The summer race will challenge the rising stars of the sport to stand out and succeed on one of the circuit’s most challenging tracks.

More information on the July 10-11, 2021 Quaker State 400 Presented by Walmart and ticket availability can be found online at www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Keep track of all of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter, Instagram, and become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Atlanta Motor Speedway mobile app.

TPC Racing Expands Lamborghini, Porsche Sprint Cup Programs Beginning this Weekend at COTA

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Official Release
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Schmidt to Make SRO GT America Debut in Lamborghini While Jordan Wallace Joins Sprint Challenge Line-up for 2021 Season

AUSTIN, Texas (April 30, 2021) – TPC Racing’s professional racing program continues to expand, with the Lamborghini Super Trofeo team wading into the SRO Americas waters and adding a fourth driver to the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America line-up.

Schmidt to Make SRO GT America Debut Ahead of Lamborghini Super Trofeo Season

Scott Schmidt is committed to the IMSA Lamborghini Super Trofeo season with co-driver Trevor Andrusko in IMSA Lamborghini Super Trofeo competition, but makes his debut this week at Circuit of the Americas, April 30 – May 2, in GT America competition. Schmidt will drive the No. 381 Lamborghini Sterling/Erin Levitas Foundation Lamborghini Super Trofeo in the GT2 class during the GT America doubleheader.

Schmidt and Andrusko made their pro debuts a year ago in Super Trofeo action, finishing the year in the Am class of the championship. The duo ended the year with three consecutive podiums, including a runner-up finish to end the season at Sebring International Raceway.

“Scott and Trevor jumped in with both feet last year and we had a lot of fun getting this Lamborghini program off the ground,” Harris Levitas, TPC Racing Director of Race Operations, said. “I have to give them both credit, they’re pushing forward and expecting even more this year. Scott just needs seat time to continue to improve, and we’re going to get a jump on the season by diving into some deep competition during this weekend’s SRO GT America race.”

This weekend, Schmidt will run a pair of 40-minute races on the 20-turn, 3.1-mile circuit. Race one is at 4:45 p.m. CDT on Saturday, and race two caps the event weekend at 3:50 p.m. CDT on Sunday. Each race can be seen live on SRO America’s Youtube channel.

Jordan Wallace Joins TPC Racing Stable For Porsche Sprint Challenge

Despite missing the season opening weekends, Jordan Wallace will join TPC Racing for the remainder of the Porsche Sprint Challenge by Yokohama season beginning this weekend at Circuit of the Americas. Wallace will drive the No. 35 TPC Racing Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport in the Championship’s Silver class.

Including Wallace, the TPC Racing line-up at COTA includes the previously announced entry for Sabré Cook in the No. 37 TPC Racing/Apple Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in the championship’s Platinum class and the season-long entry for Rob Lorndale in the No. 6 TPC Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup in the Gold class.

Wallace is the newest face on the team and has been working as a driving instructor for several years at multiple locations – including currently at Circuit of the Americas. This is first foray into professional racing.

“It’s really a dream come true,” Wallace said. “It’s something I set my sights on probably 12 years ago, maybe naively. I’m just over the moon to get this opportunity thanks to my guys at Dasbold Racing and to Harris and the guys at TPC Racing, who all helped make this happen. It couldn’t have come together better and I’m just excited to get out and maximize the opportunity.

“I’ve been an instructor at COTA for just over a year now. I love the track. It’s extremely technical even though it’s a really big track. There are some really fun places on the track that you can either get into trouble or make some great passes. I think it’s a good racing track, and it looks like it may be wet so the great equalizer is at play. I think we’re going to have some fun.”

The Porsche Sprint Challenge is on track with two 25-minute practices on Friday, April 30, qualifying on Saturday morning, May 1, and the first 40-minute race of the weekend on Saturday afternoon at 5:40 p.m. CDT. Sunday features a second 40-minute race at 10 a.m. CDT.

“We’re really excited to have Jordan join Sabré and Rob this weekend,” Levitas said. “We’re hoping that at the end of the weekend we have a shot at the podium in all three Sprint Challenge classes, but more than that we’re hoping that everyone can continue to take steps forward as drivers and let the results take care of themselves. This is a big weekend for TPC Racing, and our crew is ready to take it all on.”

The Cayman GT4 Clubsport that Wallace will drive was secured through a joint effort by TPC Racing and The Racer’s Group.

“I would really like to give a big thank you to Kevin and Debra Buckler and the entire team at TRG for helping us secure the GT4 Clubsport for Jordan to drive at this event,” Levitas said. “We wanted to start getting into the points championship as soon as possible without waiting for the TPC Racing Clubsport model that we have purchased to arrive. We have worked with TRG in the past and it has always been great. I’m glad that we can continue to work together to deliver a front-running car for Jordan to get started in this weekend.”

Pedro Torres, who was the runner-up in the Gold class in the previous race at Barber Motorsports Park, will miss the COTA weekend for family reasons but is expected to return at the next round.

“Pedro will be with his family this weekend, which is always more important than racing,” Levitas said. “We’ll miss him this weekend, but he’ll be in our thoughts and prayers and we hope to see him back with us very soon.”

About TPC Racing:
TPC Racing is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier maintenance, service, tuning and modification center dedicated solely to Porsche sportscars. TPC Racing specializes in R&D and sales of high-performance modifications for Porsche sports cars and race cars, offering a wide range of vehicle upgrades. Best known for a line of forced induction solutions for the Porsche 911, Cayman and Boxster, a long-time focus on only one make, Porsche, has enabled TPC Racing to become experts in Porsche service, tuning, and racing. In 2000, TPC Racing began entering races under its own banner, scoring an SGS-class Championship in 2004 in the Grand-American Rolex Series and was a class winner in the 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona, and captured the 2013 and 2016 IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA Gold Cup Championships. More information can be found at www.TPCRacing.com.

Greg Van Alst takes an upbeat approach to Kansas Speedway debut

By
Official Release
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KANSAS CITY, Kan: Greg Van Alst may not have a lot to show when it comes to finishing positions this season in the ARCA Menards Series, but that is a statistic he is determined to change in Saturday afternoon’s Dutch Boy 150 at Kansas Speedway.

The 2019 ARCA CRA champion invades Kansas after turning in another stunning performance last weekend at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway – only to see his impressive showing end 15 laps from the finish after being eliminated by another competitor while running second in the General Tire 200.

While frustrated with the results of his return to the ARCA Menards Series in nearly two decades, Van Alst and his Jim Long-led team are also encouraged by the performance of their No. 35 CB Fabricating Chevrolet.

They, like everyone else though hope their luck will finally change in Kansas City.

“I’m extremely proud of Jim (Long) and the entire Greg Van Alst Motorsports team for their hard work this season and especially at Talladega last weekend,” said Van Alst.

“I think we proved that our Daytona performance wasn’t a fluke – we just, unfortunately, did not have the luck we needed to get to the checkered flag.
“Still, we are bringing fast race cars to the track and I think Kansas will be no different.”

Van Alst hasn’t competed on an intermediate track since 2002 when he last raced at Chicagoland (Ill.) Speedway and earned a career-best 15th place finish for Locke Motorsports. Now, 19 years later, Van Alst will race at Kansas – a 1.5-mile speedway with similar characteristics to Chicagoland — eyeing his first career top-10 finish.

“I can’t remember everything about Kentucky and Chicagoland in 2002, but I know I had a lot of fun,” added Van Alst. “The series and even race cars have changed a lot since then though. Thankfully, I have Jim and even Chad (Bryant of Chad Bryant Racing) whom we bought our intermediate car from have been a huge asset.

“I feel we are bringing an extremely competitive intermediate car and have the chance of earning our best finish of the year and give us some much-welcomed momentum into the summer stretch.”

With practice on deck, this weekend at Kansas, Van Alst and his team have a strict agenda.

“We are going to be pretty aggressive during practice,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of time, but we need to make sure our No. 35 CB Fabricating Chevrolet is handling well where we can get some good track position for early in the race.

“We have to stay on the lead lap during the first segment. We’ll make adjustments and just go hard the second half of the race and hope for the best. If all goes well, we will take what we learned at Kansas and apply it to Charlotte and see if we can’t continue to turn heads this season.”

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.

“Without the support of Chris Barkdull and everyone at CB Fabricating, this chance to elevate our team to the next level would not have been possible,” added Van Alst. “We have set goals for ourselves this season and I believe we are aligning ourselves with the right people who can allow us to not only continue to turn heads at Kansas but throughout the 2021 season.”

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 sixth 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 Dutch Boy 150 (100 laps | 150 miles) is the fourth of 20 races on the 2021 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Sat., May 1 with an hour combined practice and qualifying session from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 12:30 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 (CT).

Marco Polo Motorsports Confirms Full-Season GT4 America Effort

By
Official Release
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AUSTIN, Tex,. (April 30, 2021) – As the GT4 America championship gets underway for Rounds three and four of the season, sports car racing team Marco Polo Motorsports with crew from Muellerized… has confirmed its full-season entry into the SRO America-sanctioned series. The KTM team kicked off the season last month at Sonoma Raceway, earning a fourth and third place finish in the double-header.

Co-drivers Nicolai Elghanayan and Mads Siljehaug will be back together again as co-drivers for the full season for the second consecutive year, racing the No. 71 KTM X-Bow Evo in the Silver class. This marks Elghanayan’s fourth year in the series, where the young Californian holds ten podiums and five wins to date.

“I’m happy to come back to GT America with Marco Polo Motorsports,” said Elghanayan. “Mads and I are excited to drive the KTM X-Bow Evo this season. We look forward to the great competition this year.”

Elghanayan and the former ADAC GT4 Germany champion Mads Siljehaug are also currently competing in the Creventic 24H Series, where the duo just earned a win in the KTM at Circuit Paul Ricard with Reiter Engineering, and sit second in the championship points.

“Getting an invitation from Marco Polo Motorsports for racing in America always makes me feel humble and happy,” says Siljehaug. “I’m super happy to return and race in the SRO America series this season, and I’m ready to hit all the amazing tracks again.”

The 2021 championship will visit some of America’s best road courses in six events, including a season finale at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Each weekend, various manufacturers will be represented in each double header, with drivers and teams competing together from all over the world.

The field is stacked for this weekend’s double header, with 37 entries competing in the two races. Each driver will have a 15-minute qualifying session on Saturday morning for the starting position of their respective race. Driver A will start race one on Saturday May 1 at 11:30AM, and after completing his minimum race time, will hand over the car during the pit stop window for driver B to finish the event. Driver B will start race two on Sunday, May 2 at 11:00AM, and following the procedure of the previous day, driver A will take over mid race and finish the event. Both races will air live on YouTube.com/GTworld. For full event information, visit www.gt4-america.com.

About Muellerized…KTM X-BOW Sales and Support
Muellerized Inc. is California’s KTM X-BOW Dealer, with multiple models including the new 2020 X-BOW Comp R in stock. The shop was founded as a suspension and chassis specialist shop in 2004 by third generation champion racer John Mueller, who utilizes his 36 years of road racing experience to craft winning solutions. Muellerized offers a full range of vehicle services for street, track day, and competition vehicles. – muellerized.com

About Kollin Altomare Architects
Beyond providing full-service architecture, interior design and planning services, we create elegant, inspired projects. Not only award-winning luxury hotels, resorts, spas, residential, retail, dining and leisure destinations, but enduring partnerships with the people who hire us. Driven to be Creatively Responsible and Responsibly Creative, we deliver design solutions that surpass the expectations of both our clients and their customers.

Craftsmen Industries
For racing professionals looking for the ultimate in customized automotive transport, Craftsmen Industries, the trusted leader in custom-built transporters, introduces the Craftsmen Transporter. Inspired by the great European racing design, Craftsmen Transporters are Precision-Built, Lightweight, Fast, High-Performance and High-Design. For more details, please visit www.craftsmenind.com/transporters.

KTM Sportcar GmbH
With headquarters in Graz (manufactory) and Wels (racing), KTM Sportcar GmbH is the manufacturer of KTMs super sports car, the X-BOW, since 2008. More than 1,300 vehicles have been sold since, distributed in more than 40 countries worldwide, amongst them markets like Australia, China or North America. With a maximum of 100 cars manufactured per hand per year, KTM is one of the most exclusive car manufacturers worldwide. Besides homologated models for street use, KTM is focused in racing, especially in spec racing series like the “X-BOW BATTLE” or in the SRO GT4 category. With titles in 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, the KTM X-BOW GT4 (developed together with Reiter Engineering) is one of the most successful GT4 vehicles, racing against the biggest as well as most legendary sports car manufacturers in the world and on the most iconic tracks like Nürburgring, Bathurst or Spa-Francorchamps.

Things You Want to Check When Buying a Used Car

By
SM
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Are you thinking or planning to get a used car? If yes, then it’s a great idea. It helps you save a lot of money compared to if you are buying a new car.

However, getting a used car comes with its hassles. Not to worry, here you’ll find a list of things to check when you want to buy a used car.

Review the Vehicle’s History

Reviewing to know a vehicle’s history reveals a lot. This helps you decide whether or not you’re going for the vehicle. How do you check your vehicle’s history? Look up the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to examine the car’s history.

The VIN comprises 17 numbers and letters usually found on the front corner where the windshield and dashboard meet or on the driver’s door. When a car’s VIN is looked up, it reveals car registration details, recalls, theft, damage, and more. You can even do a VIN check to find insurance rates.

There are bodies like Carfax that used the VIN to know accident history if the used car had been flooded or not. The VIN is unique to each vehicle. Make sure you review the VIN history to know the car’s past before buying a used car. By doing this, you avoid purchasing a lemon. 

Inspect for Rust and Paint Damages

Look around the car with eyes open to catch rust and paint damage. Even though minor rust patches are easily repairable, this may be a pointer to halt purchase if you encounter significant rust damage. 

On the other hand, you should inspect whether the painting on the car you intend to buy is still looking good. Check thoroughly for chipped paint and body filler under the color, hiding any significant damage. Note that a car with a bad paint job will cost you additional money to fix.

Scrutinize the car’s undercarriage to see if the vehicle is experiencing rust. Most vehicles that have been flooded have problems with rust. When a vehicle has a problem with rust or a bad paint job, there will be additional costs of fixing it.

Examine the Vehicle’s Frame

Always check the vehicle frame to see if the car has no problems with its stands, trying to see how the door is attached to the edge. Accidents could damage the vehicle’s structure and distort the ideal frame.

If you notice any significant damage to the car’s frame, you should let the car go. That may be a substantial sign that all is not well with the vehicle and you might end up not enjoying it.

Check the Engine and Other Components Under the Hood

Before doing this, please make sure the engine is off and cool. Look out for oil leaks, coolant leakage, and burnt oil smell. It’s also essential, if you can, to check the oil with a dipstick for low oil levels and dirty oil or oil mixed with coolant. A vital action you should do is to start the car engine when it’s cold. That way, you’ll be able to catch any battery problems. A bad/old battery will need a boost to start after it cools. Take note also of blue smoke and loud sounds when the engine comes on; these are red flags. A licensed technician can help you do all this. For example, the Peugeot Mechanic Servicing provides services for Peugeot vehicles in Brisbane.

Scan the Car Electronics

Verify the car electronics such as the air condition, radio, various meters like the odometer, the engine rev, the engine temperature work properly. If all these things have defects, don’t buy.

Use the Odometer to Confirm Car Mileage

The odometer measures the distance the car has covered. It is important to confirm the miles the car has covered. The larger the number, the more care you should take in buying the car. Why? There is more wear and tear on older engines. When you look up the VIN, you see the actual distance traveled by the car.

Check Vehicle Upholstery

Torn upholstery is something you should avoid when inspecting your used cars in sacramento. Examine the seats thoroughly. Because torn seats, damaged headrest, or other damaged upholstery means additional costs spent on the vehicle.

It Is Important to Test Drive the Car

After all the checks, it is crucial to test drive the car you want to buy. Test driving ensures that you know what faults are available in the vehicle. When you try to drive, a lot of hidden defects show up.

No matter the tests and inspections you have carried out on your car, test drive the vehicle to know what exactly is wrong with the car.

Buy Only from Trustworthy Used Car Dealers

Buying from trustworthy car dealers is the best way to get your used vehicles. Search for car dealers that have a reputation for selling good used cars.

Conclusion

If the precautions mentioned above are taken before buying a used car, you get good value for your money. A bonus tip is to go to your dealer with a mechanic to help run the inspection better.

Spire Motorsports, Fraternal Order of Eagles to Honor Mother’s Day with Robert Pressley Throwback Paintscheme

By
Official Release
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CONCORD, N.C. (April 29, 2021) – Spire Motorsports and the Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) will honor Mother’s Day with a commemorative Robert Pressley throwback paint scheme aboard Justin Haley’s No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE during the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR at Darlington Raceway.

Haley’s Spire Motorsports entry will closely resemble the No. 77 machine Pressley raced in 2001 for team owner Doug Bawel. Pressley logged 205 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) starts from 1994-2002, earning five top-five and 11 top-10 finishes. His final start in NASCAR’s premiere series came at the 2002 Daytona 500 where he finished 22nd.

The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR is beloved by the entire NASCAR industry for paying homage through special paint schemes to NASCAR Hall of Famers, legends, team owners and valuable sponsors across the history of the sport.

“The Jasper car stood out at a lot of places,” said Pressley. “I think the fans really enjoy seeing those old paint schemes because they bring back some memories. I’m not saying that’s when the real racing was, but one thing we can all agree on – through the late ‘90s and early 2000s, we packed every grandstand we went to, so somebody was doing something right back in that era. I really feel fortunate that I got to race during the heyday of NASCAR. The Pettys, the Pearsons, Yarboroughs and Allisons built the foundation for us and it seemed like we were the ones who capitalized off of it.

“Darlington has a lot of great memories for me, but it’s one of the places that I believe if you can ever win a NASCAR race … you want to win at Daytona or Darlington. I think Darlington would have been my favorite place to win.”

Meanwhile, Haley’s No. 77 Chevrolet will carry the names of hundreds of mothers, incorporated across the hood and decklid of his machine. The names were gathered and submitted to honor the mothers of members of both the F.O.E. and Spire Motorsports.

For more than a century, the second Sunday in May has been set aside to honor mothers everywhere – and it all started with a push from the Fraternal Order of Eagles. On February 7, 1904, Fraternal Order of Eagles Past Grand Worthy President Frank E. Hering made a public plea to recognize mothers everywhere. A decade later, President Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation making Mother’s Day a reality.

The achievement remains one of the most significant milestones in the history of the organization. From preparing brunch to buying cards and flowers, the spirit of Hering and the F.O.E. lives on through America’s actions each Mother’s Day.

“The F.O.E. is incredibly proud to continue our relationship with Spire Motorsports by honoring Mothers around the world at Darlington,” said Dave Smith, F.O.E. Grand Worthy President. “As proud founders of Mother’s Day, we’re grateful to have this opportunity to share our history and continue to work with the amazing people at Spire who shares our values and commitment to service.”

Haley’s entry will also carry the name of Smith’s late wife, Frances Smith, over the passenger side door.

The Smiths immigrated from their home of Scotland to Canada in 1973. They began their relationship with the F.O.E. in 1980 and continued their service to the community and the F.O.E. in the years that followed. Mr. and Mrs. Smith traveled North America together promoting the F.O.E. and raising money for a variety of charities. She was a proud mother of two, grandmother of four and great grandmother of one who loved spending time with her family whenever possible.

The Goodyear 400 will also mark Haley’s first NCS start at the “Track Too Tough to Tame.” In three previous Xfinity starts at Darlington Raceway, the Winamac, Ind., native has earned one pole, one top 10 and hasn’t finished worse than 13th.

“I’m stoked about the opportunity to celebrate Mother’s Day at Darlington with the support of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and pair that with a really awesome Robert Pressley throwback paint scheme,” commented Haley. “Darlington is such an iconic race track and to this day, still lives up to both of its famous nicknames. You can call it ‘Too Tough To Tame’ or the ‘Lady in Black’ but those nicknames apply the same today as they did back in the ‘60s. The layout is so unique and the speeds are just incredible. it’s an intimidating place but I’ve run pretty good at Darlington all three times I’ve raced the Xfinity car there.

“I’m also honored to carry the names of hundreds of mothers whose impact and influence are felt exponentially across the F.O.E. and Spire Motorsports. Without those amazing women, none of this happens.”

The Goodyear 400 from Darlington Raceway will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, May 9 beginning at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 12th of 36 races on the 2021 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

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About the Fraternal Order of Eagles …
The F.O.E. was founded in February 1898 by six theatre owners gathered in a Seattle shipyard to discuss a musician’s strike. After addressing the matter, they agreed to “bury the hatchet” and form “The Order of Good Things.” As numbers grew, members selected the Bald Eagle as the official emblem and changed the name to “The Fraternal Order of Eagles.” The women’s auxiliary traces its roots to 1927. The Fraternal Order of Eagles includes nearly 800,000 members and more than 1,500 locations across the United States and Canada. Stop by one of our locations and see why the F.O.E. is known as People Helping People.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports was established in 2018 and is co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. Spire Motorsports earned an upset victory for the ages in its first full season when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019.

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