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Thad Moffitt – ARCA Menards Series Race Advance: Kansas

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Official Release
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Saturday, May 1
Track: Kansas Speedway, 1.5-mile oval
Race: 4 of 20
Event: Dutch Boy 150 (100 laps, 150 miles)

Schedule
Practice/Qualifying: 10:00 a.m. ET
Race: 1:30 p.m. ET (FOX Sports 1)

Thad Moffitt, No. 46 CleanPacs/Aqua ChemPacs Ford Fusion

  • Moffitt is coming off of a sixth-place finish last Saturday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. It was his second consecutive top-10 in the 2021 ARCA Menards Series season.
  • Through three races, he and crew chief Derek Smith have the No. 46 Fusion fifth in the driver standings with one top-five and two top-10 finishes.
  • The 20-year-old driver has one previous start at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City coming in 2020. He started eighth and finished 10th in the 100-lap event.
  • The starting grid for the Dutch Boy 150 will be set by times from the combined practice and qualifying session on Saturday morning plus provisionals.

Moffitt on Kansas: “Kansas is a really fun track and usually you can run multiple grooves when you need to. I think in our race it will be about who can hold their car on the white line the longest without washing up. Thankfully we have the session on Saturday morning to get dialed in and try to turn some fast laps to start up front.”

CHEVY NCS AT KANSAS 1: William Byron Press Conf. Transcript

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Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
KANSAS SPEEDWAY
BUSCHY MCBUSCH RACE 400
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
APRIL 28, 2021

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 AXALTA CAMARO ZL1 1LE, Teleconference Transcript:

YOU MUST BE CARRYING CONFIDENCE COMING INTO KANSAS. IS THAT MORE FROM THE EXPERIENCE YOU’VE HAD IN THE PAST FEW SEASONS, OR THE CHEMISTRY WITH YOUR CREW CHIEF AND TEAM, OR SOMETHING WITH THE CAR?
“I think it’s honestly, the last few weeks have just been the result of just the chemistry we have and working really well together. I feel like we’re all on the same page. We’re also getting really fast cars from the shop, which Chad’s work and everybody at the shop. The engines have been really good I’d say since probably the second half of last year. So, all those things have played a role. But I think for use, we’re going into some of these tracks that are some of our best tracks. I feel really confident that Kansas is a place we can go there and try to win. I think we’ve gotten through a couple of obstacles with the Bristol Dirt Race; that was definitely one that we thought we were going to really struggle, and at Talladega and Richmond. So, we’ve kind of gotten through those.”

WITH THIS STREAK THAT YOU’RE ON, YOU ARE THE LEADING HENDRICK GUY RIGHT NOW AND MAYBE THE LEADING CHEVROLET GUY. SHOULD THE CUP SERIES AND MEDIA BE TAKING YOU GUYS MORE SERIOUSLY RIGHT NOW AND GIVING YOU A LITTLE MORE ATTENTION?
“Yeah, I think yes and no. As soon as we win another race, hopefully soon, you guys will be forced to talk about us, and the competition will be forced to deal with us. But I think we’re running well. We’re in the mix every week. I feel like the competition around us probably knows that and understands that. So, I think it’s just a matter of continuing to execute, and put ourselves in position to make ourselves have a chance at winning more races. Honestly, I don’t focus much on the other people we are racing against. I just focus on doing what we can to try to win. We’re doing that every week so far.”

WHAT DOES THAT CONSISTENCY DO FOR YOU? WHAT DOES THAT CHANGE FOR YOU GOING TO THE RACE TRACK EVERY WEEK WITH A CAR THAT’S GOING TO BE A CONTENDER?
“I think it’s confidence. I show up to the track every week now knowing that I can prepare the way that I have been and have success. So honestly, just keep preparing the way that I’ve been doing it. A little bit of iRacing, a little bit of film and talking with my guys. We have great meetings throughout the week. So, we’ve got a really good system going. I feel like we’re able to go to every race track and kind of build on what we’ve been doing.”

THIS HAS BEEN YOUR BEST START TO A SEASON BY FAR IN THE CUP SERIES. WHAT DO YOU THINK HAS IMPROVED THAT HAS LED TO THIS CURRENT STREAK OF TOP 10’S?
“It’s been everything like I’ve said. I think it’s communication, chemistry, and the fact that we’re getting good cars from the shop. It’s really important. You can’t overlook that. You’re only as good, really, as the speed of your car. The effort that goes into that is tremendous. I feel like yeah, it’s just really everything. There’s not just one thing that sticks out at me. We’ve worked on the pit crew. We’ve worked on my communication with my spotter, and communication with Rudy (Fugle, crew chief). It’s kind of everything. Everything is going better this year.”

WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LIKE ABOUT KANSAS? IS IT MULTIPLE GROOVES OR THIS PACKAGE?
“I think it’s just a track that I have good memories on. It’s a track that’s pretty straightforward. It’s not one of those unique places where experience really matters. I think it’s just all about having the right combination with your car and having the right feel. So, I think it’s just one of those standard 1.5-mile tracks. It’s not anything special but I feel like we’ve done a good job of trying to identify what we need in the car there and it’s worked the past couple of times.”

THIS HOT STREAK DATES BACK TO LAST SEASON. YOU PERFORMED PRETTY WELL DURING THE PLAYOFFS. WAS THERE ANY SINGLE LIKE AHA MOMENT WHERE YOU REALIZED YOU TURNED A CORNER, OR YOUR TEAM HAD; AND THAT YOU GUYS HAD IT AND YOU WERE READY TO BUILD ON THIS MOMENTUM AND WHAT’S HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?
“Gosh, I think honestly, there’s not really a specific turning point. I think we’ve really relied heavily on our teammates. Chase (Elliott) has run really well over the past six or seven months and winning the championship and all that. We’ve relied heavily on some of their set-ups and some of the things that Chase says; trying to get my driving style a little bit closer to what the set-up needs and the car needs. It’s a little bit of everything like I said. I don’t think it’s one specific turning point. But we continue to bring more speed to the track and we’ve kind of found a good set-up for a lot of these places.”

IT SOUNDS LIKE CHASE ELLIOTT IS A BIT OF A MENTOR TO YOU. WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE HE’S GIVEN YOU DURING YOUR TIME TOGETHER AT HENDRICK THUS FAR?
“Well, I think he just does a good job. He does a really good job with the details. He and Alan (Gustafson) have kind of been the standard at Hendrick for three years now. So, they are kind of the benchmark that we’ve all had to chase. I feel like I touched on that going into this season with the fact that those guys are the standard. And so, we’ve got to try to match that standard or try to improve upon it. And, we have a lot of respect for those guys and their effort and the way that they execute races, the way that Chase drives, and all those things. So, we try to work on that and make it our own.”

YOU MAKE IT SOUND SO EASY INCLUDING THE WAY YOU’RE RUNNING RIGHT NOW AND THE THINGS YOU’VE TACKLED. WHAT WAS THE HARDEST THING OF ALL OF IT FOR YOU?
“Well, I think the hard part was just learning the Cup Series. I’d say for two years, I really felt out of the box. I felt uncomfortable I guess, in a way. I kind of felt like in order to produce the results and be up front, I had to really drive kind of over your head in a way. You notice that with a lot of the rookies. It’s so tough, the transition from Xfinity to Cup. I don’t think anyone really can quantify that. So, I think there were, in a way, some unnecessary standards kind of put on me when I got to Cup to perform a certain way; because of how I had quickly kind of ascended. But none of that really mattered once I got to Cup because I almost had to relearn a lot of things which, I feel like is similar for anyone who comes in, I’d say in the modern day racing and how it is now with less practice and really smart engineers and all those things. I think that’s the biggest challenge I had.”

SO NOW, WHEN YOU WALK INTO THE GARAGE, EVEN THOUGH YOU’RE VERY YOUNG, DO YOU FEEL LIKE THIS IS MY PLACE AND DO YOU FEEL MUCH MORE COMFORTABLE WITH EVERYTHING BEING THROWN AT YOU NOW?
“Yeah, I don’t feel uncomfortable at all. I don’t look at any of the people I race against as any different. I treat everyone the same I feel like now. Whereas, when I was coming into the series, guys like Jimmie Johnson and Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick; I raced for Kyle Busch, so that was nerve-wracking to race against him every week. And those things were there and those elements of feeling like I was out of place were there. Once you get past that feeling, which, you have to have those results to have that feeling go away, so it comes hand-in-hand with results.”

KANSAS SPEEDWAY IS STARTING TO DEVELOP SOME CHARACTER. HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY DIFFERENCE IN RECENT YEARS AND WHAT DO YOU ANTICIPATE FOR SUNDAY?
“I think it’s just now getting optimal. It’s amazing it takes that many years, but yeah, Kansas is just now becoming a really good character race track that is challenging for the drivers and for the crew chief to have the right set-up and changes throughout the race and all those things that you want in a race track that make it that makes the best teams rise to the top. Yeah, it’s becoming a really awesome race track. I feel like it’s becoming closer to Homestead than really Vegas. I put Vegas kind of in the category with Charlotte, with really coarse that doesn’t really wear that much. So yeah, it’s becoming an awesome race track. I love it.”

WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE TO HAVE KYLE LARSON TO WORK WITH NOW AND WHAT HAS HE BROUGHT TO THE TABLE TO BETTER THE HENDRICK ORGANIZATION AND YOURSELF?
“There are a lot of different kinds of drivers. But to put it simply, Larson is just a feel guy. He just feels it. And that’s really cool to have around, because he’s not really entrenched in the data and all those things. He just honestly tells the team whether the car is loose or tight, or tight in a certain area. He just works on it that way. It’s cool to have a guy that keeps things simple.”

PERFORMANCE BREEDS EVEN MORE CONFIDENCE. IS THAT WHAT YOU HAVE FOUND?
“Yeah, I think for sure. It’s like what comes first, the chicken or the egg? For this situation, in NASCAR, I think performance is that needle-mover for confidence; at least for me it’s always been that way. I grew up and the biggest thing I heard coming from Legend Cars is oh man, you’re not going to win as much. So, how do you find confidence in other ways? Well, I think it comes from working with your crew chief and figuring out how to make the car faster. There are small victories in finishing, for example, finishing Top 10 at Richmond, which has been a track where I usually get lapped. Figuring out those small victories, and hopefully you win plenty of races too, but there are small wins along the way that help build that confidence.”

DID YOU EXPECT TO BE THE TOP GUY AT HENDRICK THIS SOON IN YOUR CAREER?
“I always expect a lot out of myself. I never really look at it as trying to be the top person at Hendrick. I just kind of look at the overall perspective of the whole series. But yeah, you never want to be the last guy and you never want to be struggling when all your teammates are winning. So, that’s kind of the biggest thing; just trying to ride the wave, you know; everyone is doing well trying to be part of that. I feel like we’re doing that right now.”
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.

IMS, Red Gold To Support Military Families through Folds of Honor Practice Day

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Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, April 28, 2021) – Fans of the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge will have a unique opportunity to support the Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides educational scholarships for families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty.

This “Month of May” will feature Folds of Honor Practice Day, presented by Red Gold on Thursday, May 20 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Red Gold, the nation’s largest privately owned tomato processor and the only American Owned, Grown and Made ketchup, has been based in Elwood, Indiana, since 1942. The company started in service to American heroes fighting in World War II and last year aligned with Folds of Honor, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The Indianapolis 500 honors the U.S. military each Memorial Day weekend making this a natural fit for supporting the Folds of Honor Foundation.

“The Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend has always been a special time to honor the brave men and women who sacrifice so much to serve and protect the United States,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “All of us at IMS are proud of Red Gold’s efforts to provide scholarships for military families, and we are happy to help raise funds and awareness for this great cause.”

Red Gold joined forces with Folds of Honor last year as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, and its “Ketchup with a Cause” campaign has provided more than $100,000 to the foundation in its first eight months. The goal of the Month of May promotion is to raise another $200,000.

Indy 500 fans can participate virtually through a donation in the name of their favorite driver by visiting www.fohevents.org/RedGoldPracticeDay2021. The winning driver in the virtual Race for Folds of Honor will be announced at IMS and on numerous social media channels throughout the official May 20 practice day at IMS.

“We at Red Gold believe this is a perfect way to bring two great organizations together for an important cause, with the best fans at ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,’ said Colt Reichart, Red Gold director of marketing and a member of the fourth generation of family ownership. “The Folds of Honor Foundation is doing terrific work helping military families, and we ask that you stand with us in support.”

There are more than 1 million disabled and fallen service members affected by war, and nearly 2 million dependents of military heroes who are adversely affected.

Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded approximately 29,000 educational scholarships, totaling more than $145 million in educational impact. Minority recipients represent 41 percent of all scholarships awarded.

“We are so humbled, so excited and so grateful for what Red Gold is doing to raise awareness for our cause and the meaningful impact that they have already made in such a short time,” said Ben Leslie, Folds of Honor’s executive vice president. “This is a great time for our country to unite and insist on Red Gold Ketchup. Be loyal to the brand that’s loyal to you with a cause that honors the sacrifice and educates the legacy. I look forward to seeing Red Gold ketchup in every home across the nation.”

The 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 30.

Newman to Reach Career Milestone Sunday at Kansas

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Official Release
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Newman to Make 700th Start in NASCAR Cup Series

CONCORD, N.C. (April 28, 2021) — Anyone that knows Ryan Newman would know that the 20-year NASCAR Cup Series veteran is not all that interested in yesterday’s accomplishments. Instead, he chooses to focus on the current and reality, which for him centers around striving to win races, focusing on his two children and maintaining his busy farm life.

But at Kansas Speedway, he will achieve a milestone even he was not all that aware of when asked recently. Newman’s 700th career NCS start comes Sunday, a feat that’s only been accomplished by a handful of the sports’ greats. However, the 43-year-old and his unique sense of humor, initially thought differently of the feat.

“Seven-hundred starts means I’m old and that’s okay, but it’s a milestone no doubt,” Newman said. “It just shows that I’m experienced, lost more than I’ve won just like everybody else in this sport, and it’s pretty cool to still be doing something this long that I’m so passionate about.”

With recent retirements at the elite level of motorsports, only a few true veterans of the series remain, including Newman, who joins NASCAR champions Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch as the only active Cup drivers to reach 700 starts.

“It means they’re old too, but from a sport standpoint, we’ve established ourselves, both from our individual resumes and from a sponsorships standpoint,” Newman added. “We’ve kept people happy and the fans have been engaged with us for many years now. It’s cool to be a senior member and have that resume built, but I still have a lot of business that I want to get done.”

On an ironic note, Newman will tie his longtime friend and mentor, Buddy Baker, for 18th on the all-time list. A piece of the milestone he also was not originally aware of, but one that makes the feat that much more meaningful to the veteran driver.

“I didn’t know Buddy Baker had 700 starts and that I’d tie him, but him being my mentor and driving coach (when I started) makes it even better,” Newman said. “That’s the most special part to me of reaching that number with having something in common with my hero in Buddy.”

Prior to his last-lap crash in the 2020 Daytona 500, Newman also had another notable streak to his credit with 649 consecutive starts, which puts him inside the top-10 of that category among all Cup drivers. Only Jeff Gordon (797), Ricky Rudd, Bobby Labonte, Terry Labonte and Jimmie Johnson had more consecutive starts at any point, while Harvick stands as the only active driver with a considerable streak.

When looking back over the course of any considerable length of time, especially in sports, people often ask ‘would you have done anything differently?’ For Newman, the answer is simple.

“My first race was a DNF, my second race I won the pole in Charlotte,” he said. “Looking back on it, I don’t know that I would’ve said I would be around for 700 starts; it’s crazy when you think about the number. I remember back in that day Dave Marcis was logging lap after lap and that’s something I look back at – I don’t compare myself to him – but I know that was part of the sport that was a topic of discussion, so when I get my 700th I know it’ll come up, but I don’t know that I would have said or done anything different, just fortunate enough to still be doing it.”

Eighteen wins, 265 top-10s, 116 top fives, 51 poles (most among active drivers), and a lot of memories are what Newman takes into Sunday’s race, but gratitude is what comes to mind most adding yet another statistical chapter to his book of rich accolades.

“Throughout the many starts before it was a lot of hard work and effort from team support, sponsor support and fan support,” Newman said. “A lot of racing luck I guess you could say and some moderate levels of success for people to keep me in race cars and let me continue to do what I love. I’m thankful, but it’ll just be another start in the end and it’s just a number – but a special number for sure.”

As part of the achievement, Roush Fenway will run a special decal on Newman’s Hy-Vee Ford Mustang at Kansas, highlighting the accomplishment with the number 700.

Toyota Racing Weekly Preview – 04.28.21

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: April 26 – May 2, 2021

  • NCS/NCWTS: Kansas Speedway – May 1-2
  • ARCA: Kansas Speedway – May 1

PLANO, Texas (April 28, 2021) – Toyota drivers are headed to Kansas Speedway for the first time this season. The ARCA Menards Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series have a doubleheader on Saturday before the Cup Series competes on track on Sunday.

NASCAR National Series – NCS| NCWTS

Hamlin continues to lead… Denny Hamlin extended his points lead and continues to lead the series in several markers, including top-five finishes. Hamlin is also stellar at Kansas Speedway with victories in two of the last three events. Last July, he took the lead with 13 laps to go and drove his Camry to the win.

Kansas features big moment for Bell… Christopher Bell has fond memories of Kansas Speedway. In 2017, Bell made a late race pass to lead the final four laps to earn his first NASCAR Xfinity Series win. Bell added a top-10 finish at Kansas Speedway in his rookie season last fall. Bell is currently 10th in the overall NASCAR Cup Series point standings with five top-10 finishes in the first 10 events this season.

Toyota looks to continue winning streak… Toyota Truck Series drivers are undefeated this season as Tundras have swept the first six events of the year. Toyota is chasing its own record of 10 consecutive victories to start the season, which was set in 2014.

Nemechek leads early… John Hunter Nemechek continues to impress in his return to the Truck Series. The 23-year-old has two wins (Las Vegas, Richmond) and five top-10 finishes to hold a 20-point advantage over fellow Toyota driver Ben Rhodes in the point standings.

Hill looks to add another Kansas triumph… Austin Hill earned his first Kansas victory last summer leading 65 laps (of 134) to earn his fifth career win and clinch a spot in the point standings. Hill comes into Kansas this season on a streak of four consecutive top-10 finishes, which has moved the Georgia-native to fourth in the overall Truck Series standings.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA

Heim on a roll… Corey Heim is back at Kansas Speedway on quite a roll. Heim, who scored his first ARCA win last fall in the season finale at Kansas, has now won three of the last four ARCA events after driving to victory on a last lap pass at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday.

Dollar continues to be solid in ARCA starts… Drew Dollar will make his fourth ARCA start of the season at Kansas Speedway. He is currently second in the overall standings on the strength of three top-10 finishes. Dollar scored two top-10 finishes in Kansas last season. After this weekend’s start, Dollar will return to the ARCA Series at the end of the month at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

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Toyota has created a tremendous value chain and directly employs more than 47,000 in North America. The company has contributed world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama that begins production in 2021.

Through its Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

Genesys 300 and XPEL 375 Fast Facts

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Official Release
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Race weekend: Saturday, May 1 and Sunday, May 2

Track: Texas Motor Speedway, a 1.5-mile oval

Race distances: Genesys 300: 212 laps / 318 miles | XPEL 375: 248 laps/372 miles

Firestone tire allotment: Thirteen sets primary to be used during practice, qualifying and the doubleheader races.

Twitter: @TXMotorSpeedway @INDYCAR, #Genesys300, #XPEL375, #INDYCAR

Event website: www.TexasMotorSpeedway.com

INDYCAR website: www.indycar.com

2020 race winner: Scott Dixon, 1:38:37.7648, 175.201 mph (200 laps/300 miles)

2020 NTT P1 Award winner: Josef Newgarden, 48.0578 seconds, 215.740 mph (two laps)

Qualifying record (based on track distance of 1.44 miles)

One lap: Charlie Kimball, 23.2730, 222.747 mph, June 9, 2017

NBC Sports race telecasts: Qualifying, 4 p.m. ET Saturday, NBCSN (live); Genesys 300, 7 p.m. ET Saturday, NBCSN (live). XPEL 375, 5 p.m. ET Sunday, NBCSN (live). Leigh Diffey is the play-by-play announcer for NBC’s coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, alongside analysts Townsend Bell and Paul Tracy.

Peacock Premium Live Streaming: All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice sessions and qualifying will stream live on Peacock Premium, NBC’s direct-to-consumer livestreaming product.

INDYCAR Radio Network broadcasts: Mark Jaynes is the chief announcer alongside analyst Davey Hamilton and Nick Yeoman. Jake Query is the turn announcer. The Genesys 300 and XPEL 375 races air live on network affiliates, SiriusXM 205, indycar.com, indycarradio.com and the INDYCAR Mobile app powered by NTT DATA. All NTT INDYCAR SERIES practices and qualifying are available on SiriusXM 205, indycar.com and the INDYCAR Mobile app.

At-track schedule (All times local/Central Time):

Saturday, May 1
11:30-11:40 a.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES pit speed limiter practice (two groups/five minutes each)
11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES practice, Peacock Premium
3 p.m. – Qualifying for the NTT P1 Award (Single car, two laps (Lap 1/Genesys 300; Lap 2/XPEL 375), Peacock Premium (Live)
6 p.m. – NBCSN on air
6:40 p.m. – “Drivers, start your engines”
6:45 p.m. – Genesys 300 (212 laps / 318 miles), NBCSN (Live)

Sunday, May 2
3:30 p.m. – NTT INDYCAR SERIES install laps
4 p.m. – NBCSN on air
4:10 p.m. – “Drivers, start your engines”
4:15 p.m. – XPEL 375 (248 laps / 372 miles), NBCSN (Live)

Race Notes:

  • The Genesys 300 and XPEL 375 will be the first doubleheader held at Texas since 2011 and the 33rd and 34th races overall, dating to Arie Luyendyk winning the inaugural event in 1997.
  • The Texas INDYCAR SERIES race will be held in May for the first time. The previous 32 races have been run in June since 1997.
  • No driver has competed in every Texas race, but Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan have started 21 races. Both are entered in the Genesys 300 and XPEL 375.
  • Helio Castroneves and Dixon have won four times at Texas Motor Speedway, tied for the most wins by an INDYCAR SERIES driver at the track. Castroneves won in 2004 Race 2, 2006, 2009 and 2013, while Dixon won in 2008, 2015, 2018 and 2020. Six past TMS winners are entered in this year’s race: Kanaan (2004 Race 1), Dixon, Will Power (2011 Race 2 and 2017), Ed Carpenter (2014), Graham Rahal (2016) and Josef Newgarden (2019).
  • Power has won the pole for three of the past eight Texas Motor Speedway races (2013, 2014 and 2015). Other past pole winners entered this year are Dixon (2008), Newgarden (2018 and 2020) and Takuma Sato (2019). Kanaan won a draw to start first for the second of the 2011 doubleheader races but has never won the pole at Texas.
  • Six drivers have won the Texas race from the pole: Sam Hornish Jr. (2001 Race 2), Gil de Ferran (2003 Race 2), Castroneves (2004 Race 2), Tomas Scheckter (2005), Dixon (2008) and Ryan Briscoe (2010).
  • Drivers who have won at Texas have gone on to win the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship nine times, including the last three seasons with Scott Dixon in 2018 and 2020 and Josef Newgarden in 2019. Dixon also won at Texas and the title in 2008 and 2015. Others are: Sam Hornish Jr. (2001 Race 2 and 2002 Race 2), Tony Kanaan (2004 Race 1) and Dario Franchitti (2011 Race 1).
  • Twenty-one drivers entered this weekend have competed in past NTT INDYCAR SERIES events at Texas Motor Speedway. Twelve drivers have led laps at the track: Dixon 674, Power 432, Kanaan 372, James Hinchcliffe 196, Newgarden 162, Ryan Hunter-Reay 136, Carpenter 92, Simon Pagenaud 85, Sato 60, , Rahal 36, Alexander Rossi 10 and Marcus Ericsson 2.
  • One rookie – Scott McLaughlin – is entered. He will make his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES start on an oval this weekend at Texas. Carpenter, Kanaan and Pietro Fittipaldi will make their 2021 season debut this weekend.
  • There have been two winners in two races in 2020 – Alex Palou (Barber) and Colton Herta (St. Petersburg). Since 2012, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES has averaged just under nine different race winners per season, including a record-tying 11 winners in 2014. There were seven different winners in the 14 races of 2020 with an equally tight competition projected for this season.

Better Half Dash Returns as iRacing Event This June on FS1

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Official Release
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Women of NASCAR take center stage for charity-driven virtual race ahead of All-Star Weekend

CONCORD, N.C. – (April 28, 2021) – Motor Racing Outreach announced today the return of its Better Half Dash, this year as a virtual event in collaboration with iRacing. The Better Half iRacing Dash features the women of NASCAR, highlighting their contributions to the sport and allowing them to raise money for charity.

Participants will compete in a virtual Legends Car race at the virtual Texas Motor Speedway on the iRacing platform. FOX Sports provides exclusive coverage of The Better Half iRacing Dash, which will air during a special edition of NASCAR Race Hub Thursday, June 10 at 6 p.m. ET on FS1.

Confirmed Better Half iRacing Dash drivers include

  • Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Co-Owner and Vice President of JR Motorsports, wife of LW Miller III
  • Kristin Labonte, President of Breaking Limits and wife of 2020 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee and FOX NASCAR analyst Bobby Labonte
  • Morgan Bell, wife of Christopher Bell
  • Marissa Briscoe, wife of Chase Briscoe
  • Megan Smith, wife of FOX NASCAR reporter Regan Smith
  • Jenna Petty, girlfriend of Harrison Burton
  • Tammy Rice, wife of Kaulig Racing President Chris Rice
  • Julia Piquet, girlfriend of Daniel Suarez
  • Jennifer Self, wife of Austin Wayne Self, winner of 2017 Better Half Dash
  • Karissa Flores, wife of Ryan Flores, front tire changer of the No. 2 for Team Penske
  • Alexa De Leon, girlfriend of Tyler Reddick

Jennifer Self is the reigning Better Half Dash champion, winning the last event held in the series on October 6, 2017 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Tammy Rice also participated in the 2017 Better Half Dash, finishing second. Bios of each driver, as well as links to donate and support the charities each are racing for are available at MotorRacingOutreach.com.

Each driver will get an assist from their significant other, who will serve as crew chief for their respective “better half.” Participants are racing to raise money for Motor Racing Outreach as well the non-profit organization of their choice. Drivers will raise money for their charities through donations across social media leading up to the race.

The two drivers who raise the most money for their charity in advance of the race will receive an advantage in qualifying. The driver who finds victory lane at the Better Half iRacing Dash will capture the winner-take-all $10,000 purse for their charity.

“We’re grateful to partner with iRacing, NASCAR, US Legend Cars and FOX Sports to revive the Better Half Dash,” said Billy Mauldin, president and senior chaplain, Motor Racing Outreach. “This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the amazing women in our sport while raising money for many worthy non-profit organizations.”

“US Legend Cars International has a long history supporting MRO and we’re thrilled to continue that relationship by sponsoring the Better Half iRacing Dash,” said Jessica Fickenscher, chief experience officer, Speedway Motorsports, Inc. “It’s fulfilling to be part of an event that celebrates the women in our sport while raising awareness and funds for MRO and other great charities.”

“We are proud to provide the virtual online racing platform for the women of NASCAR to showcase their sim racing skills in the Better Half iRacing Dash,” Otto Szebeni, director of sales and marketing, iRacing. “Collaborating with many great partners for a great cause makes this a fun and worthwhile project for everyone at iRacing.”

Motor Racing Outreach hosted the Better Half Dash, a bandolero race featuring the women at NASCAR at Charlotte Motor Speedway from 2011-2017. Since its inception, the Better Half Dash has raised over $350,000 benefiting Motor Racing Outreach and more than 50 additional non-profits.

Additional information about Motor Racing Outreach and the Better Half iRacing Dash can be found at MotorRacingOutreach.com.

About Motor Racing Outreach
Motor Racing Outreach (MRO) is a non-denominational Christian non-profit founded in 1988 to serve the NASCAR community. Founded by Max Helton in response to NASCAR Cup Series drivers’ inability to regularly attend church, MRO hosts services at each NASCAR national series event and other motorsports worldwide. MRO strives to introduce the racing community (racers and fans) to a personal faith in Christ, growth in Christlikeness, and active involvement in a local church, through relationships that provide care, sharing knowledge of God’s word, and assistance in developing their leadership skills.

LUCAS OIL POWRi SOUTHWEST LIGHTNING SPRINT CAR SERIES AT THE BARONA SPEEDWAY ON SATURDAY

By
Official Release
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(Lakeside, CA, April 27, 2021) The Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series swings back into action this Saturday night, May 1, at the Barona Speedway. The race will be the fifth of the season for the SWLS. The competitive troupe has seen four different drivers win the first four races of the 2021 campaign.

Saturday’s race was originally scheduled to take place at Arizona’s Mojave Valley Raceway. However, it was moved to the Barona Speedway, which is near most of the SWLS drivers home bases. Another race may be added at Mojave Valley later in 2021.

Two weeks ago at Barona, Lakeside, California’s Dalton Sexton became the fourth different winner of the year when he beat San Diegans Wyatt Boczanowski, Brent Horn (Alpine, CA), Matt Sotomayor, and D.J. Dumas to the checkered flag. David Bezio, who also resides in San Diego, and Sexton’s 16-year-old brother Grant came into the race ranked first and second in the championship standings, but both fell on hard times in the main event. Bezio was the last car running when the checkered flag fell and placed seventh. The younger Sexton lost oil pressure due to a cracked fuel filter and finished eighth.

Despite their hardships at the last race, Bezio and Grant Sexton still maintain the top two spots in the points chase. Bezio leads the teenager by 29-markers. Boczanowski, Robert Early of Riverside and El Cajon teen Braden Chiaramonte make up the remainder of the top five.

Besides Dalton Sexton, Indio’s James Turnbull, Brent Sexton of Lakeside, and San Diego’s Parker Dumas are the other four winners in 2021.

As well as the Southwest Lightning Sprints, the IMCA Modifieds, IMCA Sport Mods, Street Stocks, Pure Stocks, 360 Sprint Cars, Pony Stocks, Dwarf Cars, Mini Dwarfs and Junior Sprints will also be in action on Saturday.

As always, the gates will open at noon with racing at 5:00. Fans can bring coolers and barbecues if they wish. The track is located at 1754 Wildcat Road in Lakeside (92040). The track website is https://baronaspeedway.com/ and the office phone number is (619) 749-8115.

The Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series would like to thank the following sponsors for making the 2021 season possible. Lucas Oil, Sexton Fire Protection, RTL Traffic Control & Equipment, Victory Graphix, United Cleaning Company, BK Wing, and A.M. Ortega Construction Inc. If you or your company would like to become part of the series, please contact Brent Sexton at (619) 454-6945.

For up to the minute updates on the Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Series, please visit the series website at raceswls.com or the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Southwest-Lightning-Sprints-101419131399196

2021 Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Point Standings
1. David Bezio – San Diego, CA – 340
2. Grant Sexton – Lakeside, CA – 311
3. Wyatt Boczanowski – San Diego, CA –290
4. Robert Early – Riverside, CA – 275
5. Braden Chiaramonte – El Cajon, CA – 273
6. Matt Sotomayor – San Diego – 254
7. Parker Dumas – San Diego – 200
8. Jeff Dyer – Yucca Valley, CA – 190
9. Rudy Padilla – 170
10. D.J. Dumas – San Diego – 137

2021 Lucas Oil POWRi Southwest Lightning Sprint Car Schedule
March 26 Mohave Valley Raceway (Winged) – James Turnbull
March 27 Mojave Valley Raceway (Winged) – Brent Sexton
April 3 Barona Speedway (Winged) – Parker Dumas
April 17 Barona Speedway (Winged) – Dalton Sexton
May 1 Barona Speedway (Winged)
May 15 Barona Speedway (Wingless)
May 29 Missouri Speedway (POWRi Nationals)
May 30 Missouri Speedway (POWRi Nationals)
June 12 Barona Speedway (Winged)
June 26 Barona Speedway (Wingless)
August 7 Barona Speedway (Winged)
August 21 Barona Speedway (Wingless)
September 4 Barona Speedway (Winged)
September 18 Barona Speedway (Wingless)
October 2 Barona Speedway (Winged)

Latest Statistics on the Free Penny Slots in the Gambling Industry

By
SM
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Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash

Free penny slots machines have moved on from what we know of decades ago. Before now, all you had to do was locate a slot machine and start using your free spins to spin away. The type of slot machines that we knew of before had fixed betting amounts which were at one penny per line hence the name “penny slot machines.” 

As online gambling became the rave of the moment, so did the penny slots machine grow. Slot machines moved on from allowing just 1 penny per game to allow gamblers to use real money to bet much as 100 pennies on their favorite slot games.

Types of Free Slots

There are different types of slot machines in today’s world, with more and more people enjoying them. There are slots that allow playing on only 1 pay line, while there are some classical slots that allow players to play up to 5 pay lines at once. There are different types of online slot games for real money and free:

  • Classic slots: These are slots that have a simplified graphical interface. In most cases, they come in just 3-reel set up and can allow about 9 pay lines at once. The 3-reel is usually designed with card icons or diamond bars. They usually come with limited bonuses and offers, but they still provide as much fun as other games. Double Diamond is a classic example of a classic free online slot game.
  • Video slots: Video slot machines, also known as video pokies, are probably the most popular type in the market. They come in superb designs, allow for multi-line, and can also be progressive. Book of Dead and Dead or Alive are some of the most played video slots games today. This is so innovative that it is almost like playing these games offline. Golden Goddess free slots is a very popular example of this type.
  • Progressive slots: Here, players have the option of significantly increasing their grand prize by combining other types of games. Even with a very lower wager, players have the option of earning a progressive jackpot.
  • Non-progressive slots: These kinds of penny slots are not linked with other machines and thus offer a lower grand prize. On a positive note, it is easier to win because there’s only one category of online slot games to worry about. This is where free online penny slots fall into.
  • Fruit slot machines: These slots machines derive their name from their reel fruity icons. They are very popular among gamblers who prefer traditional gambling in land-based casinos. The gameplay is usually simple, and there are not so many bonus features. Some even have the added benefits of also coming with progressive qualities. 
  • 3D slots: As the technology used in free slots continues to advance, so does the overall gameplay increase. 3D slots offer the gameplay in three dimensions with mind blogging animations. It also comes with an incredible soundtrack for maximum fun.
Types of free slotsPopular games
Classic slotsViking Vanguard
Fruit machinesSuper Diamond Deluxe
Video slotsNarcos
3d slotsRed Cliff
VR slotsNecromancer
Role-playing gamesDungeon: Immortal Evil slot

Free Slot Games

Free slots do not require any form of real money for bets. They are meant for players to have as much fun as possible. The idea behind them is to allow players to have a feel of what slot machine games would be like before committing real money to them. Most of these games can be accessed both on desktop and also on mobile phones, making them available to different classes of players. Mobile slots are gaining grounds because it allows for greater convenience, and there’s the added benefit of it being totally free. Mobile slots games are compatible with Android and also iOS. 

Free Slot Games and Legality

While most forms of gambling have a minimum age that you need to get to before being able to access it, this is quite different with free slots. In essence, free online slot machine games can be played by anyone and anywhere, irrespective of their age. In registering for them, you don’t need to input your personal or bank details, so you are totally saved from those kinds of harassment. The downside of this is that you won’t win real money. 

Online Casino and Bonuses

While playing demos will not give you any real money payouts, casino bonuses can help players to enjoy real money gambling without depositing cash. All players need to do to use these bonuses is to register an account with the gambling platform and a device to access the games online. Then you will be entitled to all types of casino bonuses. It is no surprise to see the spread of online casinos worldwide and their massive popularity among gamblers with the advent of bonuses and promotions.

Conclusion

Free online slot machines may not offer real money in the form of winnings, but one thing that can’t be denied is the fun that comes with actually playing them. You can access the grandest free online slot games at the comfort of your home, with your internet connection and mobile phone or desktop. There’s also the option of playing multi-platform free online slots if those are the kind of games that you are into. From this, you can move on to playing slot games with real money, having mastered the gameplay. For that, you would have to make a deposit at a betting site of your choice and start spinning away. You can also claim several bonuses and other benefits if you are with the right platform.

Navigating the Education Process during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By
SM
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Since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the education system has faced unique challenges. Keeping students engaged amid the distractions of learning from home and finding methods to keep them motivated are among the primary concerns.

Critical thinking and essay writing are especially important for older students in preparation for continuing their education at a college level and pursuing careers in their chosen field.

Younger children in primary and secondary schools, however, have arguably been impacted the most at an important stage of development. The full extent of the effects of school closings and virtual classrooms in this changing environment will take time to assess.

Much of the responsibility for continuing a child’s education process will depend on the parent’s ability to structure a routine that promotes learning and social development in a positive environment.

Experts suggest various strategies to achieve this goal such as designating a place that is set aside for learning to minimize distractions. A schedule is also important and should include breaks for snacks and physical activity. Setting goals can be a useful way to gauge their progress and give them focus. Rewards for reaching goals can include play time or spending time connecting with your child doing activities that they choose.  

Another important aspect to consider is the mental stress that home and virtual learning can place not only upon children but parents as well. Some days will be difficult and it’s vital to make time to deal with the inevitable frustrations. Talk to your child when they are having a bad day and encourage them to talk to you. If you are feeling stressed, don’t forget to make some time for yourself too.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has provided the following checklist for ways parents can help their child cope during the pandemic.

Below are some ways that you can support your child:

  • Take some time to talk with your child about the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Make sure that you answer any questions and share facts in a way that your child can understand about COVID-19.
  • Reassure your child that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset. You can share with them how you deal with your own daily stress and they can learn from you how to cope.
  • Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
  • Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
  • Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
  • Spending time with your child in meaningful activities, reading together, exercising, playing board games.

The most important thing to remember is that there will be days when nothing goes as planned. This process is new for everyone and making mistakes is to be expected. Accept them, learn from them and continue to move forward.

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