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Toyota Racing NCS Post-Race Recap — Richmond 4.18.21

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Official Release
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HAMLIN FINISHES RUNNER UP IN THE TOYOTA OWNERS 400 AT RICHMOND
Denny Hamlin scores eighth top-five finish in the first nine events this season

RICHMOND, Va. (April 18, 2021) – Denny Hamlin (second), Christopher Bell (fourth) and Martin Truex Jr. (fifth) all drove to top-five finishes in the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday afternoon.

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Richmond Raceway
Race 9 of 36 – 300 miles, 400 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, Alex Bowman*
2nd, DENNY HAMLIN
3rd, Joey Logano*
4th, CHRISTOPHER BELL
5th, MARTIN TRUEX JR.
8th, KYLE BUSCH
26th, BUBBA WALLACE
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Ground Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 2nd

What did you need a little bit more of at the end there?

“We just didn’t take off quite as good there at the end. I tried to warm it up and do everything that I could – just the 48 (Alex Bowman) had a little more on those last few laps and I couldn’t hold the bottom. Once he got the position, we were just shut down there. Great job by this FedEx Ground team. First and foremost, we want to think of all of the families in Indy right now. Awful tragedy to happen there. Our thoughts and prayers are with these names. We will get them. We will keep digging. We are dominating – just have to finish it.”

What did you need to beat Alex Bowman on that final run to the checkered flag?

“Just more grip. The 48 (Alex Bowman) just had more there on the short run. Just got us out of position. I don’t know if their tires were pumped up extra, but they started fading there at the end, but they had already put a gap there.”

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 SiriusXM Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 4th

How was your race overall and did the car come to you late in the race?

“I knew that we had a really, really good SiriusXM Camry right from the drop of the green flag. We kept working on it and kept working on it, but then I guess we got caught a lap down there by the yellow flag in stage two. From that point on, it was just battling back up through there. Really proud of this 20 group. We’ve kind of lacked a little bit of consistency throughout the year, but now it seems like we’re picking it up.”

MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 19 Auto Owner’s Insurance Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 5th

How was your race overall today?

“Driver screwed up our chances there for sure. Auto Owner’s Toyota Camry was really fast. Just like last week, we got off in the middle of the race and then stage three we got it dialed in and I got caught speeding on pit road. We had to drive all the way back through the field and under green, that was tough. We got all the way back to fifth. Heck of an effort by the guys and wish I hadn’t made that mistake so I could have seen what I could have done with them.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 38 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2018.

Through the 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 ToyotaNewsroom.com

Transferring the ownership of customized license plates

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SM
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Almost all vehicles across the world have identification number plates. This is because of tax purposes and also for the government to be able to keep a record of all registered vehicles in its jurisdiction. A personalized vehicle number plate can only be exclusively registered and owned by one individual at a time for as long as they pay for it and retain its users. Because of their premium prices, personalized license plates are often held in high esteem by those who own them. However, ownership of these license plates can be transferred to another party. This may happen when the owner decides to sell their motor vehicle alongside the customized plate or when for their reasons, they decide to sell the license plates independently, just like any other personal property that they own. Check out https://www.platesales.com.au/ for more customized plates information.

These personalized plates are reckoned to command hefty prices ranging from hundreds of pounds to even thousands. As a seller, one may decide to sell the plate through online brokers who will work out the entire process or do it by yourself, in which case you will have to be conversant with all the intricacies involved in the transaction. For starters, customized number plates are those licensed plates personalized to the owner’s specifications. For them, a special price is paid periodically, for instance, for their ownership, retention, and use. Anyone else can, however, buy the license plate’s ownership and proceed to use it as theirs provided the previous remittances and other arising requirements continue to be met by the new owner. While transferring the plates’ entitlement varies across different regions, several standard procedural protocols cut across and have to be observed. Transferring personalized number plates can occur in several ways. It could be the transfer of ownership of the plate when not attached to the motor vehicle or transfer of its own when still attached to the car, in which case the owner sells both the car and the plate.

When transferring the personalized number plate ownership to someone else, one can sell it or give them as a gift. When selling, the plate owner to first find out how much their private license plate would cost in the then prevailing markets. The dealer, from whom you, as the owner acquired the license plate, can help in this case. The amount ascribed to it then would be what you will get as the seller. After identifying the correct cost, you may decide to use the same dealer to sell the plate or do it by yourself. When you go through the dealer, it may be a little easier due to their work’s nature; they interact with many potential buyers. This is unless you already had a prospective buyer ready with an offer. The dealer’s entire transaction can be done online, where the dealer will advertise the license plate on their site, whether for a small fee or freely, depending on the arrangement you have with them. A good dealer will connect you with the prospective buyer and complete all the other nitty-gritty of the transaction, such as assigning the number to the buyer. However, going through the transaction by yourself will require that you find the suitable buyer, complete the sale and transfer the number to the buyer’s vehicle (that’s if you trade the license plate independently without selling it alongside your motor vehicle). Assigning this number to the new buyer’s vehicle can as well be done online. During the transactions, it is essential to ensure that you have and retain a written confirmation of the deal with the buyer after you are done with it.

The ownership transfer process then proceeds to a visit to the transport and motoring customer service center or its equivalence with evidence of your identity, the transfer fee, and a filled personal number plate transfer application signed by both the seller of the license plate and buyer. If the plate is still attached to the vehicle, the seller has to come with a standard plate fee (to acquire one) and an application form for removal or attachment of a personalized license plate. A complete transfer right to display form is also required, allowing the transport and motoring customer service to hand the right to display the new owner’s license plate.

How Can the Process of Claiming for Motorcycle Accidents Be Made Accessible?

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SM
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If you ever confront an accident, you are very well aware of the hardships associated with the claim process. Motorcycle accidents are not uncommon these days. However, the daunting prospects of the claim process are also widespread. These days the number of motorcycle accidents has seen an increase because of various reasons. International authorities and state authorities are trying their level best to help the victims cope up with the aftermath. The claim process requires you to have a proper know-how of each step. Hence, it will be easy to go about the process.

The Way You Will Make Your Claim a Success

You can overcome stressful events like a motorcycle accident with the help of an insurance claim. However, most individuals do not have a reasonable understanding of how to claim for a motorcycle accident. Where to start, how to go about, whom to approach and how to handle the hassle are some of the crucial aspects. Hence, it becomes imperative that you get claim advice from an expert and guide who will help you keep up with the claim progress and other facets.

Organizing medical treatment is another crucial area to contemplate. Physical therapies with rehabilitation need proper attention. Various agencies can help you to get back on track after the accident. Moreover, some agencies can provide you with a replacement of the vehicle, and they also make provisions for arranging the repairs.

Areas You Have to Focus on For Making the Motorbike Accident Claim

Testimonials play a crucial role in the claim process. Whether you deserve compensation or not has a lot to do with your documents and track record. It will help you to get instant access to vehicle repairs, medical treatment, and other services. For this, you have to look into the following questions and try to get an answer to them:

  • Whether you can make a claim: First and foremost if you have faced an injury because of an accident, it may not be for your fault. You may go for a claim irrespective of the severity of your injury and the accident. Before you enter the negotiation process, try to grab reliable input, advice, and assistance from experts and guides.
  • Who can make a claim: Any individual who was involved in the motorbike accident is eligible for earning the share. However, if someone has lost his life, the family members can go for the claim process. For this, reliable documentation and medical reports are mandatory.
  • Whom will you approach: When your vehicle is involved in an accident, the settlement process does not come easy. Right from the accident claim to its final settlement, you have to take care of the insurance, faulty party, and other grave areas. Any accident requires evidence to prove the severity of the case. For this, you need medical reports, receipts from specialists, and transport agencies. It will help in demonstrating the accident and thereby assist you in proving the fault.

When you keep these points in your mind, you will immediately get the claim for the accident. Following the accident, it is significant to ensure the safety of yourself and other road users.

5 Tips for Managing Good Posture When Car Racing

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SM
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Exhilaration as the tires hit the tarmac and the brakes screech around the corner before the throttle kicks in for the straight… 

We think a lot about the thrill of racing, whether we’re watching, playing games, or driving ourselves. However, we don’t often think about the long hours drivers sit down for and the strain they put on their muscles and joints. Therefore, it’s important to follow simple guidelines when racing that could save you a lot of agonies. 

Sleep Counts

Racing drivers spend a lot of time on the track during the season, but they spend just as much time asleep, so it’s important to make sure you look after your posture whilst you’re off in the land of nod. Making sure you have the right mattress is an important part of maintaining good posture. Although a soft mattress might be comfy, they aren’t the most supportive and can bring on aches and pains sooner, so make sure you buy the best firm mattress for a sound sleep. Memory foam is a popular choice for firm mattresses because it evenly distributes your body weight, taking the weight off your heaviest parts.

Got Your Back

Racing cars tend to be built with ergonomics that take into consideration your posture. However, it doesn’t hurt to have some good positioning tips. Ideally, you want to ensure your tailbone is as close to the back of the seat as possible; there should be roughly a three-finger gap between the seat edge and back of your knees.

The Seat Pan

When you sit down your seat should be positioned to allow thorough support of your thighs and your knees should sit lower than your hips. Positioning like this increases circulation to your back by opening up your hips.

Get the Seat Right

Your seat should be raised so that your line of sight is at least three inches above your steering wheel, and there needs to be enough space between your head and the roof. 

When moving the seat along the seat tracks, you need to make sure that you’re at just the right distance to reach the pedal but be far enough away from the steering wheel. Your foot needs to push the pedal through its entire range and doing this comfortably will benefit your posture. Being the correct distance from the steering wheel is integral to crash safety. 

When it comes to setting your seat’s angle, you want to set it at approximately 100°-110° to ease back pain. If you have your seat positioned too far back, you will push your head forwards at an unnatural angle, which can cause pain and tingling sensations across your shoulders to fingers.

For your final seat consideration, make sure that the top of the headrest sits no lower than your ears but no higher than the top of your head – a headrest in the right position can also prevent crash injuries.

Do the Right Workout

As you’ll be aware, driving puts enormous strain on the body, even if you follow every single tip available to maintain good posture. Therefore, it might be beneficial to do workouts specially geared towards racing drivers – you don’t even need fancy equipment as it can all be done at home with two dumbbells.

Finish Line

Hopefully, you’ve learned a bit about maintaining good posture going forward but talk to your team and educate yourself to get the most out of your body and racing experience. And if you do suffer from lingering aches and pains, consult with a doctor to find the underlying cause.

When You Need to Hire a Car Accident Attorney?

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SM
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A lawyer is not always needed in any car accident case. When you’re in a minor car accident and did not experience any injuries, for instance, you probably shouldn’t need to consult a lawyer to resolve a property damage lawsuit. However, if you have sustained a serious injury and therefore unable to function due to mounting medical bills, you can contact an attorney as quickly as possible.

You’ll need a car accident lawyer if the accident was more than a fender bender and you want to make a complete recovery. Following an accident, a number of questions should be addressed. Would you have to pay medical costs in the future? Do you have any defeats that you can’t seem to prove? Is the insurance agent willing to give you a fair settlement? What does your state’s statute of limitations? If your situation isn’t straightforward and you don’t want to jeopardize your lawsuit, you should check with an attorney before proceeding.

Major car damage/Injury

You really don’t need the help of a car accident injury attorney if you were engaged in a fender-bender that did not result in severe injuries. In all such cases, however, consulting with an experienced auto accident injury attorney is the only way to safeguard your legal rights to compensation. But if you are heavily injured or your car is wrecked then you need a professional by your side.

In-depth Knowledge of the Law

It is almost certain you wouldn’t understand any of the rules that apply to your case. Accomplished car accident attorneys will determine which laws and circumstances are applicable to your case, as well as have a comprehensive understanding of those laws and how they may be interpreted by the local court system. This prevents you from spending time researching when you should be concentrating on getting better. If you decide to sue, be prepared for a lot of paperwork and complicated laws that will take up a lot of your time. You’ll need to find out how much to file, how to structure it, how to reference court framework, and what documentation is admissible, among other things. It’s demanding, and you just have so much time. You must look for good car accident lawyers who has a thorough understanding of the law to help you navigate a complex case.

Document your damages

Even though you might have incurred expenses as a result of the accident, you may not even have kept track of them all. To properly assess your argument, your attorney will collect documentation substantiating the expensive repairs to your car, medical costs, lost revenue, and more. Your counsel will also assist you in calculating potential damages as well as non-economic damages including such suffering and pain.

After a collision, accident victims have such a lot to deal with. They are usually injured, unsure when they will be able to return to work, and concerned about how they will pay for their hospital bills. Among all of this, victims can contact an attorney as soon as humanly possible after a collision for a variety of reasons.

Chevrolet NTT IndyCar series: Will Power claims podium finish as 2021 season kicks off

By
Official Release
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Chevrolet Racing in NTT IndyCar Series
Indy GP of Alabama – April 17-18
Barber Motorsports Park
Leeds. Alabama
Race Recap
April 18, 2021

SOLID OPENING RACE FOR CHEVROLET IN 2021 NTT INDYCAR SEASON

  • Four Chevy Powered Drivers score top-six finishes
  • Will Power finished in runner-up position to claim podium spot
  • Pole winner Pato O’Ward finished fourth, Sebastien Bourdais scored the fifth spot and Rinus VeeKay finished sixth
  • Chase for the Chambpionship begins in very competitive field

 BIRMINGHAM (APRIL 18,2021) – It was a beautiful day at Barber Motorsports Park for 24 NTT INDYCAR Series race cars to take the green flag to start the opening race of the 2021season.

Pole winner Pato O’Ward. No.5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, led the field to turn one solidly in the lead, but a multi-car crash in a few turns later jumbled the field and strategies. Chevy drivers Josef Newgarden, Felex Rosenqvist and Max Chilton sustained heavy damage in the melee.

Rosenqvist, No. 7 Arrow McLaren SP Chevy and Chilton, No. 59 Gallagher Carlin Chevrolet were able to make repairs and return to gather points. Newgarden’s, No.2 Hitachi Team Penske Chevrolet, day was done.

Former Series’ champion and Indianapolis 500 winner Will Power and his No. 12 Verizon 5G Team Penske Chevrolet team executed an outstanding race. Methodically he drove his way up to the runner-up step on the podium.

O’Ward led for 25 laps, but strategies that were varied by the crash. He turned fast and consistent laps, but after each of his three pit stops, he was mired deep in the field. He battled is way to fourth at the finish. Four-time champion Sebastien Bourdais, No. 4 ROKIT Chevrolet finished fifth, and Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Sonax Ed Carpenter Racing finished sixth. Up next is the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on April 24-25, 2021. 

TEAM CHEVY FINISHERS:
2nd Will Power
4th Pato O’Ward
5th Sebastien Bourdais
6th Rinus VeeKay
14th Scott McLaughlin
16th Conor Daly
18th Dalton Kellett
20th Max Chilton
21st Felix Rosenqvist
23rd Josef Newgarden

DRIVER QUOTES

WILL POWER, NO. 12 VERIZON 5G TEAM PENSKE CHEVROLET – FINISHED 2ND:“YOU PUT UP A GOOD FIGHT. YOU HAD A LOT MORE PUSH TO PASS LEFT THAN ALEX PALOU. WHAT MORE, IF ANYTHING, COULD YOU HAVE DONE THERE IN THOSE CLOSING LAPS?

“Yeah, I made one little mistake. Yes, you’re right. With the amount of push to pass I had left, it could have been pretty good. I did have to save some fuel, so I had enough to be able to use push to pass for the last two laps. But it just blew my mind how fast Alex was in that first stint. I had absolutely nothing for him. He just pulled away. So, I figured he was doing a three-stop race because I was getting the best lap time I could for the fuel number. But we got the Verizon 5G car on the podium. We’ve had a pretty bad start to the year the last four years, so it’s awesome to get a really good start to the season.” 

SINCE THERE ARE FOUR RACES IN JUST A MATTER OF THREE WEEKS, WHAT DOES THIS DO FOR THE TEAM TO START OFF SO STRONGLY?

“Yeah, it’s great. It’s great. I said to the guys if we do this week in and week out, just solid races with no mistakes, I promise you we will absolutely have a great chance at winning the championship.” 

PATO O’WARD, NO. 5 ARROW MCLAREN SP CHEVROLET – FINISHED 4TH – WHAT’S YOUR TAKEAWAY FROM THE RACE THIS AFTERNOON?

“Track position was everything today. I feel like we executed on what we went for, strategy-wise. Unfortunately, it was the wrong one. But I’ve got to give it to these guys. We were the fastest car on track today. We’ve been the fastest car all weekend in terms of qualifying and pace; and we’re ready for St. Pete. We got good points here. I would have loved to get the win, but we’ve got another shot next weekend and we’re going to be going for it. I just want to thank Arrow Electronics, Arrow McLaren SP, Team Chevy; these guys have been on it. I’m one hundred percent sure that when St. Pete comes in a few days, we’ll be ready to give it our all.” 

SEBASTIEN BOURDAIS, NO. 4 ROKIT AJ RACING CHEVROLET, FINISHED 5TH

“Really good run today for the No. 14 ROKIT Chevrolet for AJ Foyt Racing. A very solid day, a very solid race. Good strategies and good pit stops. And good pace. Really happy for the whole team. We overcame a dodgy day starting 16th. Put on a good show and put on a show. Passed a lot of cars. I’m really happy for everybody and looking forward to. St. Pete.” 

RINUS VEEKAY, NO. 21 SONAX ED CARPENTER RACING CHEVROLET, FINISHED 6TH

“Crazy race here at Barber. G. ot in a lot of trouble on the first lap. Got a flat tire and went all the way to the back. But the team was awesome at strategies. The car was awesome. I felt awesome. We had a great race coming back to P6.So close to the top-five but awesome recovery. All I could wish for. This is the start of an awesome season – so happy me.”

JOSEF NEWGARDEN, NO. 2 HITACHI TEAM PENSKE – SIDELINED IN MULTI-CAR CRASH ON LAP 1

“I got loose coming over the hill. It was a good start. We were lining in pretty nicely, but I just got loose in the wake. I thought I had the car and then touched the grass and I think once I touched the grass it pitched me sideways. I feel really bad for anyone that got involved in that. Obviously, my mess created a bigger mess. Any of the cars that got involved, I’m real sorry because it was obviously us that tipped it off. It’s a shame. I feel like we had a really good car. We just needed to file-in there at the start. We partially did that but yeah. Wudda, shudda, cudda I guess for Hitachi and Chevrolet. But we’ll come back. We’ve just got to bounce back at the next one.”

ARE YOU OKAY AND WHAT HAPPENED?

“Yes, I’m okay. I wanted to just get rolling. I felt like we had so much potential. We had a really good car underneath us and the team worked really hard and was ready to show that. I made a mistake. I got loose in traffic coming up the hill. I haven’t been loose like that at the start of a race here (Barber Motorsports Park). So just feel bad for causing a big wreck and anyone who was involved because of me. It’s tough to have a mistake like that. But thanks to our partners Hitachi, Chevrolet and everyone else, Just disappointed we couldn’t make something of it today.”

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.

CHEVY NCS at Richmond: Alex Bowman Press Conf. Transcript

By
Official Release
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NASCAR Cup Series
Richmond Raceway
Toyota Owners 400
Team Chevy Press Conf. Transcript
April 18, 2021

ALEX BOWMAN TRIUMPHS AT RICHMOND RACEWAYTeam Chevy Takes 3 of the Top-10 RICHMOND, VA – (April 18, 2021) 

Alex Bowman earned his first victory of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) season behind the wheel of his No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1 1LE in impressive fashion by taking the lead in the last 10 laps of the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Bowman rallied back from an earlier pit road penalty and then powered past Denny Hamlin, who had been the dominate leader throughout the race. 

The feat marked Bowman’s first triumph at the .75-mile D-shaped oval, his third NCS career win, and secured him a spot in the NCS Playoff for a chance to compete for the 2021 championship title. The 27-year-old driver gave Team Chevy its 39th victory at Richmond Raceway, the 798th all-time win in NASCAR’s premier division, and the third of the 2021 season for Camaro ZL1 1LE. Bowman’s victory also celebrates the 266th NCS win for car owner, Rick Hendrick, and Hendrick Motorsports. 

Bowman’s teammate, William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Liberty University Camaro ZL1 1LE, finished seventh in the race; and Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon, aboard the No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, was 10th to give Chevrolet three of the Top-10 overall. Rounding out the Top 5 finishers were Denny Hamlin (Toyota) in second, Joey Logano (Ford) third, Christopher Bell (Toyota) fourth, and Martin Truex, Jr. (Toyota) was fifth.  

The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series continues with race 10 of the season, the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, on Sunday, April 25. FOX will telecast the race live at 2 p.m. ET. Live coverage can also be found on MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. 

ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE, PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT:
THE MODERATOR: 

We are joined by our race winner Alex Bowman. We’ll get right into questions for Alex. 

Q. Do you find any poetry in Jimmie making his first INDYCAR start in the 48 car and you getting the win here today?

ALEX BOWMAN: Yeah, it’s really cool. There are so many different things going on right now, I almost didn’t even remember that it’s my first win in the 48, getting a 48 back in Victory Lane.No, it’s really special for a lot of reasons, just to win for Ally, to get the 48 back in Victory Lane. Obviously really emotional, losing Rowdy and Blakley this off-season. It’s been a lot. Obviously, Jimmie making his INDYCAR debut today, really cool. It’s probably over by now. Somebody fill me in on how he did, how eventful it was or wasn’t for him. Really, really cool. 

Q. I think he finished 19th. He spun out early, got stalled, then got back going.

ALEX BOWMAN: Nice. 

Q. It was emotional for you after the race. Can you tell me a little bit about your relationship with Rowdy, how hard this off-season really was for you and your team?

ALEX BOWMAN: Yeah, I mean, our group has a lot of personalities, a lot of awkward people, I guess. Greg and myself are a bit awkward. We have some normal personalities. Rowdy was that big, outgoing personality that really kept the group pumped up in any situation, really held us all together. He was always happy, no matter what the circumstance was. He meant a ton to our race team. He’s probably the first guy when I filled in in the 88 back in the day to really make me feel super welcome, feel like he had my back. He was just a huge part of our team. 

Q. Alex, you have had speed at times this year, but kind of been an up-and-down year in terms of putting together clean races. As the season moved along, did it start to creep into your mind that you didn’t have a win, some guys got wins that you didn’t think were going to do it, desperate, but maybe feeling a little bit that way?

ALEX BOWMAN: Yeah, somewhat. I think Bristol, we were probably good enough to win; broke fourth gear. Martinsville, probably good enough to win; we had some issues there. I feel like we’ve been capable, had race cars capable. Just haven’t put all the parts and pieces together, like you said.We weren’t in a great place with points, but now we’ve got a win and we don’t have to worry about that. I wouldn’t say we were desperate. I feel like we’ve had such fast race cars that we knew we were capable of doing a good job, getting into the Playoffs. This definitely eases the nerves a little bit. 

Q. Can you take me through the restart, what you were thinking, if it went the way you thought it was going to go.

ALEX BOWMAN: Did not go the way I thought it was going to go. We were pretty awful on short runs all day. To be honest with you, a caution came out, I was like, Man, we’re going to struggle to get out of here with a top five. Felt like we had such an amazing long run car, but really struggled on the short runs.We took off. My strong suit all day was being able to get into the corner really deep. I was able to get in deep, aside Denny. I knew I had the preferred lane, could probably clear him. I kind of figured he would get right back to me and be faster than us. When we drove away, I was like, Oh, my gosh, what’s happening? We had some really fast laps there. I was super loose the last couple laps. I did my best to get it back away. We just really improved the race car there, had a lot of grip taken off. 

Q. Do you know what Greg did to the car?

ALEX BOWMAN: I don’t have a clue. I didn’t see a wedge wrench go in it, so I would say air pressure stuff. Which is typically your go-to for short run versus long run stuff. It sure woke it up, that’s for sure. 

Q. You obviously have proven yourself in the Cup Series by winning a couple times. How much does this win mean to you in terms of taking over this ride and working with Ally who have made such a big investment in you and Hendrick Motorsports?

ALEX BOWMAN: Yeah, it means a lot to get Ally a win, get the 48 back where it belongs. It’s been a rough start to the year. Ally has been super committed. J.B. and Andrea and everybody else over there have been amazing to work with. We talk a lot. They are so committed to this program. They do so much for us.So cool to get them a win. It means the world to me. Just very appreciative for them to have faith in me, to give me this opportunity. 

Q. With you and two of your teammates already with wins fairly early in the season, how do you think that will help set you up for the Playoffs?

ALEX BOWMAN: Yeah, I mean, I think I was confident about the Playoffs. Obviously, this helps. This is a really important racetrack for the Playoffs. Short tracks are really important for the Playoffs. We’ve been really strong at the short tracks lately. Knowing kind of what we need to put ourselves in position to win these races, when we come back, is super important. The 9 is going to win super soon. It’s really great to see all four teams being so successful at HMS. A great group of guys. I really enjoy working with William, Kyle, and Chase. It’s been a lot of fun. It’s just cool to be a part of it. 

Q. Denny said he’d rather be where he is at this point in the season without a win, because he’s smashing everybody, his words, rather than where you are right now with a win because I think he feels like he’s just running well. Would you feel the same way? Would you trade places with him at this point or do you like where you’re at?

ALEX BOWMAN: I mean, I feel like lately we’ve been really, really fast each and everywhere we’ve gone. Atlanta, we ran third. Bristol, we’re the best car, break a transmission. Go to Martinsville, the 12 was probably the best car, but we were probably the second-best car. We have our issue there.Pretty happy with where we’re at right now. We’re going to a lot of places that statistically I’ve struggled at, like Martinsville and here, and running really, really well. I think when we get to the places that I feel like we’re actually good at, it’s going to be really, really good. 

Q. What will your approach be moving forward? Now that you have a win, do you go for as many wins as possible or see what happens? What’s your approach?

ALEX BOWMAN: We go to the racetrack every week to win. We’ve gone for every win as long as I’ve been driving these things. There’s never a sit back and relax mode at Hendrick Motorsports. We’re expected to race for wins. All of our partners want us to go out and win. That’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to win a lot of races this year hopefully. I feel like I have a great group of guys behind me to be able to make that happen. 

Q. What would a superspeedway win at Talladega mean to you?

ALEX BOWMAN: That would be pretty special. Not really for any reason aside from the fact that it’s Rowdy’s home track. Winning means a lot to get our car in Victory Lane, we miss him and Blakley a lot. Going to his home track, we’re able to win there, I know that would mean the world to him. We’re going to try our best to make it happen. 

Q. I consider you sort of a short track guy or a guy that came from short track beginnings. Why are you surprised to win at a short track?

ALEX BOWMAN: Not necessarily because it’s a short track. Just because it’s Richmond. We’ve had some pretty painful days here in the past. Really, really struggled. Felt like we got a little better last fall. We had a solid top 10 day. Definitely didn’t feel like we were in contention for a win then. To have one of the best race cars all day, overcome as much as we did, be able to go win on a restart against the guy that’s probably the best in the garage area here, is pretty special. It’s definitely surprising. We were bad on short runs, then we just won the race on a short run. Surprised for a lot of reasons. But happy to have that surprise. 

Q. Do you think it’s the way that you and Greg and everybody have come together? You’ve had plenty of time to get used to each other. Just seemed like with the kind of relationship and how you all have pulled together that things are just starting to happen on the positive again.

ALEX BOWMAN: Yeah, for sure. I mean, I think we ended last season super strong. We had one of the best Playoff runs of anybody. We just didn’t have a big group of Playoff points to lean on to make that Round of 4. We started this year a little rough, but had fast race cars.Greg has a tall task when it comes to here in Martinsville specifically. I kind of drive the racetrack wrong. I can’t figure out how to force myself not to. So, he has to make a race car do a lot, do some things that aren’t really normal for this place. Instead of telling me, Hey, you need to do this different, you need to drive different. He just goes to work on making the race car do what I ask of it. It’s really paying off here lately. 

Q. Do you have an update on a new nickname? I know you don’t like ‘Showman’ that much. More importantly, what kind of confidence or what did you learn from this race as a team that helps out when you know you’ve struggled at tracks like Phoenix and Martinsville in the past?

ALEX BOWMAN: Yeah, for sure, I don’t know on a nickname. I think I’m kind of stuck with it unfortunately.Really confident going to places that maybe I haven’t been good at in the past that Greg has really figured out what I need in the race car, putting a race car under me that’s going to give me what I need to succeed.Martinsville was a place that I struggled at. We were really fast last week. Obviously really fast today, as well. I think Greg and I are clicking really well. Just really confident in Greg’s ability to give me what I need.

Q. It’s been since 2008 that Hendrick Motorsports has been in Victory Lane at Richmond. Do you remember where you were last time they were in Victory Lane, what you were doing?

ALEX BOWMAN: 2008? Man, I was 15. I was running USAC Focus Midgets. I don’t know where, but probably racing somewhere. It’s really neat. This is a place that as a company we’ve struggled at for a while. To be able to come here and get a win is really cool. 

Q. Looking ahead to next week, Talladega. Spring race at Talladega has been your stronger race of the two. Will you sleep a little bit better this week or is there always a little anxiety heading to Talladega?

ALEX BOWMAN: Yeah, nobody sleeps well going to Talladega. There’s a high probability of hitting stuff really hard (laughter). That’s just part of this race week. Superspeedways, we like to tear some stuff up. I think I made 12 laps at the Daytona 500 this year. Not going to sleep any better since we have a win, but at least we won’t have to hit the panic button because of points. 

THE MODERATOR: Alex, thank you for taking some time with us. Congratulations on the win. We will see you next week. 

ALEX BOWMAN: Thanks, guys. Have a good one. 

FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
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.

Chevrolet Racing in National Hot Rod Association: Las Vegas post-race recap and quotes

By
Official Release
-
CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION DENSO SPARK PLUGS NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS
THE STRIP AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY, LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
POST-RACE RECAP – APRIL 18, 2021

Chevrolet holds the winning hand in four-wide format • Erica Enders records 30th Pro Stock victory in 300th race• Brittany Force registers 21st Top Fuel No. 1 qualifier• Robert Hight is No. 1 qualifier for 69th time in Funny Car

LAS VEGAS (April 18, 2021) – Pressure was on reigning National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock champion Erica Enders entering the last of three qualifying sessions for the Denso Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.

Enders’ Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS experienced tire shake on her two previous runs and was on the wrong side of the qualifying bubble. A steady, conservative pass in the final session at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway put her 13th in the 16-car field for the four-wide format.

She knew from experience that anything can happen on race day. And it did in an exceptionally positive way.

Enders, competing in her 300th Pro Stock race, picked up her 30th career Wally in the category by coming out on top in the final quad with a pass of 6.656 seconds at 205.88 mph. Aaron Stanfield was runner-up, Deric Kramer was third and Mason McGaha was fourth in their Camaros.

“I really want to give a big thank you to my guys. It is frustrating to go out there and shake your butt off both rounds (of qualifying). I came back and asked if I still had all my teeth,” said Enders, who clinched her fourth Pro Stock championship in November 2020 with a victory at The Strip. “They got down to business today and that’s all that matters. I’m so proud of my team and I love Las Vegas.

It was Enders’ fifth victory at The Strip and first in the four-wide format at the racetrack.
The COVID-19 pandemic caused four-wide races in Las Vegas and Concord, North Carolina, to be canceled in 2020. The second four-wide event of the season is scheduled for May 14-16 at zMAX Dragway in Concord.

Greg Anderson, the No. 1 qualifier for the second event in a row, registered the low elapsed time of the event of 6.632 seconds in the first round in the Denso Chevrolet Camaro SS for hometown KB Racing. He placed third in the second round – losing out to Enders on holeshot — and did not transfer to the final.John Force Racing drivers qualified No. 1 in Top Fuel (Brittany Force) and 1-2 in Funny Car (Robert Hight and John Force), but none were able to advance to the final quad.

Brittany Force, the No. 1 Top Fuel qualifier for the 21st time in her career, posted the low elapsed time of the event at 3.722 seconds in the Fav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster in winning her first-round matchup. Force, who won at The Strip in the fall of 2019 and holds the track Top Fuel records, placed third in the second round.

Hight, runner-up in the season opener in Florida in the Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS, and John Force in the PEAK/BlueDEF PLATINUM Camaro SS saw the same result in the second round of Funny Car eliminations. Hight, the top qualifier for the 69th time, is second to Force (160) on the all-time Funny Car list.

In a matchup of new and classic Chevrolet Camaros, Conner Statler drove a ’69 Camaro to victory over four-time Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series champion Greg Stanfield’s COPO Camaro in the final of Stock Eliminator as Stanfield fouled when he tripped the red light.
Chevrolet Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock drivers will all be in action April 30-May 2 at Atlanta Dragway for the Lucas Oil NHRA Southern Nationals.

CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT
TOP FUEL:

BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, FLAV-R-PAC CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (No. 1 qualifier; fell in second round): 

“Overall, a good weekend for this Flav-R-Pac team. We qualified No. 1 and picked up point there. We ran consistent all weekend and unfortunately second round we got taken out. That’s four-wide racing for you. You have to keep your focus and I lost it for a short second and that was enough to end our day. We’re going home but we go to Atlanta next.

FUNNY CAR:

ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVORLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 qualifier; fell in second round): 

“It was a tough day for the Auto Club team. We looked really good all through qualifying and then had a problem in that first round but I’m proud of this team. All the guys worked really hard to get this car ready for the second round. Jimmy Prock and Chris Cunningham had this thing dialed in so I’m not worried and I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do. We’ll go out and do some testing tomorrow and move on to the next one.”

JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK/BLUEDEF PLATINUM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 2 qualifier; fell in second round): 

“We did our job, we qualified good. We went some rounds, Robert (Hight) with Auto Club, myself with PEAK and BlueDEF PLATINUM and Brittany (Force) with Flav-R-Pac and Monster Energy. We didn’t get the win, almost got to the final but we had some breakage and that’s why you need sponsors. All my partners are really standing by me, Chevy, Cornwell Tools stepping up their sponsorship, Baldwin Filters and ParkerStore, you know and that what’s really important.”

PRO STOCK:

GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, DENSO SPARK PLUGS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 qualifier; fell in second round): 

“It was a great weekend until that run. We definitely made a mistake on that run. We underestimated the racetrack and paid the price for it by losing on a dead heat with Erica (Enders). You have to execute every single run to win these days. Unfortunately, in drag racing it’s sudden death. You don’t get a second chance. A lot of positives; I feel great about the race car. We made one small mistake and it bit us. The whole team had great cars all weekend and great chances to win.”

KYLE KORETSKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 3 qualifier; fell in second round): 

“Being my first time in a four-wide I was pretty happy. Still real hard on myself because I wasn’t hitting the Tree like I should have been. Consistent, but consistently late. I’m still getting a feel for the car and the pace of the new car. We had a great qualifying, which just shows the KB guys have some real power.”

MASON MCGAHA, HARLOW SAMMONS RACING, HARLOW SAMMONS OF ODESSA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 10 qualifier; competing in 10th Pro Stock race; advanced to final round, finishing fourth):

“Unfortunately, I took myself out of the race during the final with my red light. It was my race to lose. I was on the Tree all day and was feeling very confident. With every pass I am becoming more confident as a driver. It’s a routine and I think I’ve found it. I am learning the ins and out of the rest of the car, but as of right now, it’s my job to drive it and drive it well.”

CHEVY NCS at Richmond: Post-Race Notes and Quotes

By
Official Release
-

NASCAR Cup Series
Richmond Raceway
Toyota Owners 400
Team Chevy Post Race Notes and Quotes
April 18, 2021

TOP TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL RACE RESULTS:
POS. – DRIVER
1st – ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE
7th – WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1 1LE
10th – AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 1LE
12th – CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE
13th – KURT BUSCH, NO. 1 TUBI TV CAMARO ZL1 1LE

TOP FIVE UNOFFICIAL RACE RESULTS:
POS. – DRIVER
1st – Alex Bowman (Chevrolet)
2nd – Denny Hamlin (Toyota)
3rd – Joey Logano (Ford)
4th – Christopher Bell (Toyota)
5th – Martin Truex Jr. (Toyota)

The NASCAR Cup Series season continues next weekend at Talladega Superspeedway for the GEICO 500 on Sunday, April 25, at 2 P.M. ET. Live coverage can be found on FOX, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. TEAM CHEVY.

POST-RACE NOTES AND QUOTES:
ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE –
Race Winner Quote

LAST WEEK, ALEX BOWMAN WAS ONE OF THE FASTEST CARS AND IT ENDED IN HEARTBREAK FOR YOU GUYS. YOU COME BACK AND YOU SEAL THE DEAL TODAY, AFTER OVERCOMING A PIT ROAD PENALTY. HOW DID YOU GUYS OVERCOME THAT?

“We just had a great race car; it’s as simple as that. Greg Ives (Crew Chief) and all the guys, they have to deal with me at short tracks and I drive these places really wrong. We kind of instead of trying to make me figure it out, we went to work on getting the race car where I needed it to be. Greg has done such an amazing job at making that happen.”

“First and foremost, got to thank Ally and Chevrolet; everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. This one is for Rowdy and his family. Miss him and Blakley every day. Just means the world to be able to win for Ally. It’s definitely emotional, obviously, with how hard the off-season was on us. Appreciative for the opportunity and we have more races to win this year.” 

HE’S TALKING ABOUT HIS PIT CREW MEMBER THAT LOST HIS LIFE IN THE OFF-SEASON. LET’S GO BACK TO THE END OF THIS RACE. YOU’RE BATTLING TWO GUYS THAT, COMBINED, HAVE WON IT FIVE TIMES. WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND AT THAT MOMENT?

“To be honest with you, we were terrible on short runs. We restarted third and I’m like man, if we get out of here with a solid top-five, we’ll be good. We’ve overcome a lot today. I don’t know if Greg pumped the pressures way up or what he did, but that’s more grip than I’ve ever had in a race car at Richmond and it worked out really well. Getting to race a guy like Denny (Hamlin) at a place that this is really cool. I feel like we raced each other really clean, so I’m appreciative of that. It means a lot.” 

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1 1LE – Finished 7th

“It was a good day for us. We ran in the top-10 all day; sometimes top-five. Definitely were searching for more there at the end, but to come home seventh at a track that I’ve struggled at is good for us. We definitely know what we need to work on to get better. This is not a race that we had circled to do well, so it’s good to finish top-10 again and keep that streak alive.”

“Congrats to Alex (Bowman) and the No. 48 team. They did a great job there at the end of the race to get their car to take off. That was pretty awesome. We’ll go onto Talladega (Superspeedway) and try to win that one.” 

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 1LE – Finished 10th

“Solid day for our No. 3 Chevrolet team. I thought we had something taking off today. I felt like we were pretty good; drove up into sixth or seventh. We never really were as good as we were the last time we were here. Just couldn’t get that adjustment that really would make us go any better than we were before; just kind of a top-10 place car all day. At one point, we were way worse than that. Justin (Alexander, Crew Chief) did a good job making adjustments and the guys in the pits were solid. Can’t thank all the team at RCR and the No. 3 guys enough; working hard and putting in the effort. Tenth, for a battle, was good. We wanted more, but we’ll take a top-10.” 

ERIK JONES, NO. 43 MEDALLION BANK CAMARO ZL1 1LE – Finished 19th

“It was an up-and-down day for the No. 43 Medallion Bank Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. We started too tight and could not really do what we needed to do with our Chevrolet Camaro. We got it better as the day went, especially towards the end of the race. We started to really get some good speed and gain some track position. Just got too far behind, got caught on pit road when the caution flag came out, lost a lap early and could not get it back where we needed it to be. We will take a top-20 finish. We got some good notes and we will move on.”

TYLER REDDICK, NO. 8 CAT #WHATPOWERSYOU CAMARO ZL1 1LE – Finished 20th

“We tried a lot of different things with our No. 8 Cat #WhatPowersYou Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE today to try to get the handling to where it needed to be and made some small gains throughout the race. It just seemed like we were a tiny bit off from what we had last year during our one visit to Richmond Raceway, so we’ll definitely be studying this one closely to be better when we come back in the fall. I was just a little too tight almost all day and then too loose in the final stage, which didn’t let me charge through the corners like I wanted. Richmond Raceway is a tough place to figure out in a Cup car, especially with it being just my second Cup start here, but I learned a lot. We’ll be ready when we come back here in September.”
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.

Bowman grabs a thrilling late victory at Richmond

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Barry Albert for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Alex Bowman saved his best performance for the last after overtaking Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano on a restart with 12 laps remaining to win the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway on Sunday, April 18, for his first NASCAR Cup Series victory of the 2021 season. In addition, Bowman won after rallying from a pit road penalty prior to the final stage.

The starting lineup was based on a performance metric formula, weighing the driver’s and owner’s results from a previous Cup event, the owner points position and the fastest lap recorded from a previous Cup race. With that, Martin Truex Jr., winner of last week’s Cup event at Martinsville Speedway, started on pole position and was joined on the front row with Denny Hamlin, Truex’s teammate and the regular-season points leader.

When the green flag waved and the race commenced, Truex jumped ahead with an early advantage. He was followed by Chase Elliott and Joey Logano while Hamlin, the first car on the outside lane, dropped back to fourth. 

Entering Turn 1, Logano slipped up wide and Hamlin was able to move up to third place entering Turn 3. At the front, though, Truex led the first lap over Elliott.

By Lap 10, Truex was out in front by more than six-tenths of a second over teammate Hamlin, with Logano, Chase Elliott and Ryan Blaney in the top five. Kevin Harvick was in sixth followed by Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, William Byron and Austin Dillon.

By Lap 25, Truex stabilized his early advantage by nearly eight-tenths of a second over Hamlin while Blaney, teammate Logano and Elliott remained in the top five. Harvick continued to run in sixth followed by Larson, Bell, Austin Dillon and Byron. 

When the competition caution flew on Lap 30, Truex was leading by nearly a second over teammate Hamlin. By then, names like Tyler Reddick, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch, Bubba Wallace and Matt DiBenedetto were in the top 15. In addition, Alex Bowman was in 17th, Aric Almirola was in 19th ahead of teammate Cole Custer, Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman were in 21st and 22nd, rookie Chase Briscoe was in 24th behind Michael McDowell, Daniel Suarez was in 28th behind Austin Cindric and Erik Jones was in 29th. 

Under the competition caution, the leaders pitted and Hamlin emerged with the lead following his four-tire service followed by teammate Truex, Blaney, Logano and Elliott. Larson, who came into pit road running in the top 10, dropped all the way back to 18th after receiving a packer on his car during his service.

When the race restarted on Lap 37, Hamlin, this time around, prevailed on the outside lane to retain the lead while Logano moved up to second place over Truex. Behind, Byron moved his No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE into fourth place followed by Blaney while Elliott and Bell battled for sixth. 

By Lap 50, Hamlin was leading by more than a second over Logano while Truex, Byron and Blaney stabilized themselves in the top five. Bell was in sixth followed by Elliott, Keselowski, Austin Dillon and Harvick.

Through the first 65 laps of the event, Hamlin’s No. 11 FedEx Toyota Camry continued to lead by more than a second over Logano’s No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang. Truex’s No. 19 Auto-Owners Insurance Toyota Camry was in third followed by Byron and Blaney. Bell, racing in his No. 20 SiriusXM Toyota Camry, was in sixth followed by Austin Dillon, Keselowski, Harvick and Alex Bowman. Elliott, meanwhile, had fallen back to 11th in front of Kyle Busch while Larson was mired back in 21st place and in between Ryan Newman and Austin Cindric.

When the first stage concluded on Lap 80, Hamlin was scored the leader as he achieved his fourth stage victory of the season. Truex prevailed in a late battle over Logano to settle in second followed by Byron and Blaney. Bell, Bowman, Austin Dillon, Keselowski and Harvick were scored in the top 10. By then, 29 of the 38 competitors were scored on the lead lap.

Under the stage break, the leaders returned to pit road and Hamlin, Truex, Logano, Byron and Blaney.

The second stage started on Lap 90 with teammates Hamlin and Truex on the front row. At the start, Hamlin retained the lead following a strong start while Truex retained second place ahead of Logano and Blaney. Meanwhile, Bowman started to challenge teammate Byron for a spot in the top five.

By Lap 100, Hamlin continued to lead by a narrow margin over teammate Truex, who started to pressure his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate for the top spot. 

Four laps later and following an intense battle with his teammate, Truex returned to the lead following a pass through Turns 2 and 3. By then, Logano continued to run in third place followed by Bowman while Harvick cracked the top five.

By Lap 110, Truex started to stretch his advantage as he was less than a second ahead of teammate Hamlin. Logano and Bowman battled for third place followed by Harvick, Byron, Blaney, Keselowski, Bell and Kyle Busch. Meanwhile, Kurt Busch was in 13th behind teammate Ross Chastain, Austin Dillon and Elliott were in 15th and 16th, Larson was in 18th in front of Reddick and Bubba Wallace was in 20th ahead of Briscoe, Cindric and Newman.

Through the first 125 laps of the event, Truex continued to lead by less than half a second over teammate Hamlin. Logano stabilized himself in third place followed by Bowman’s No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE and Harvick’s No. 4 Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford Mustang.

By Lap 135, green flag pit stops started as Harvick pitted along with Kyle Busch, Chris Buescher, leader Truex, Hamlin, Bell, Briscoe, Cole Custer, Logano, Byron, Kurt Busch, Chastain, Wallace, Larson and others.

In the midst of the pit stops, the caution flew on Lap 140 when a tap from Cindric sent Newman spinning in Turn 3.

Under caution, some like Austin Dillon, teammate Reddick, Brad Keselowski, DiBenedetto, Corey LaJoie, Daniel Suarez and others that had not yet pitted under green pitted.

With the field cycling back under caution and some taking the wave around, Harvick emerged with the lead, where he was set to restart alongside Truex. By then, 20 competitors were scored on the lead lap while names like Larson, Wallace, Briscoe, Erik Jones, Cindric, Buescher, Custer, McDowell, Newman and others were pinned a lap behind.

When the race restarted on Lap 147, Truex rocketed away from Harvick to reassume the lead. Hamlin muscled his way into second place, thus dropping Harvick to third and with Team Penske’s Brad Keselowski and Logano trailing behind.

By Lap 160, Truex was out in front by a second over teammate Hamlin while Harvick, Logano and Keselowski continued to run in the top five. Reddick was in sixth followed by Bowman, DiBenedetto, Austin Dillon and Suarez. LaJoie was in 11th followed by Bell, Kyle Busch, Byron and Kurt Busch.

Through the first 175 laps of the event, Truex’s advantage over teammate Hamlin decreased to nearly half a second, though the former remained out in front.

Nearly 10 laps later, a second round of pit stops under green commenced as the leaders Truex and Hamlin pitted. Soon, Austin Dillon made the turn to pit road along with Bowman, Harvick, Kyle Busch, Corey LaJoie, Elliott, Suarez, Larson, Logano, Buescher, Briscoe and others.

By Lap 193, Keselowski, who has yet to pit, was leading followed by Kurt Busch and Blaney while Hamlin, the first competitor with fresh tires, was in fourth ahead of teammate Truex. Logano was in sixth while everyone else behind, starting with seventh-place Bowman, were a lap behind.

On Lap 207, Hamlin utilized the fresh tires to his advantage as he overtook Keselowski for the lead. Shortly after, Truex moved into second place followed by Logano as Keselowski slipped back to fourth. Prior to this, Kurt Busch and Blaney pitted.

By Lap 225, Hamlin, who was encountering lapped traffic, including Elliott, was ahead by less than half a second over teammate Truex followed by Logano, Bowman and Harvick. 

When the second stage concluded on Lap 235, Hamlin was able to navigate his way through the lapped traffic to claim his fifth stage victory of the season. Teammate Truex finished second followed by Logano, Bowman, Harvick, DiBenedetto, Kyle Busch, Byron, Bell and Almirola. By then, Elliott, who was in 12th, was able to remain as the first competitor scored a lap behind, thus giving him the free pass ticket for the caution. The result left names like Reddick, Kurt Busch, Suarez, Keselowski and others pinned a lap behind.

Under the stage break, the leaders pitted and Hamlin retained the lead following another stellar service from his crew. Teammate Truex, Logano, Harvick, Kyle Busch and Byron. During the pit stops, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. was panelized for equipment interference. In addition, Bowman was sent to the rear of the field due to an uncontrolled tire violation.

With 153 laps remaining, the final stage started as JGR’s Hamlin and Truex led the field on the front row. At the start, Hamlin retained the lead followed by Logano and Truex while teammate Kyle Busch started to challenge his way to the front while running in fourth. 

Under the final 150 laps, Logano issued a challenge on Hamlin for the race lead. Though he was able to draw himself even with Hamlin’s car, he was unable to pull ahead nor clear Hamlin as Hamlin retained the top spot. 

Shortly after, the battle for the lead between Hamlin and Logano became a three-man battle for the lead as Truex joined the party. 

With 135 laps remaining, Hamlin remained as the leader by less than half a second over Logano and a second over Truex. Kyle Busch, the third JGR competitor, remained in fourth place while trailing the leaders by more than two seconds while Harvick was back in fifth place, trailing by three seconds. Matt DiBenedetto, meanwhile, was in sixth followed by Bell, Byron, Almirola and Austin Dillon.

With 110 laps remaining, Hamlin stabilized his advantage as he was leading by more than a second over Logano and more than two seconds over Truex.

Not long after, another round of pit stops under green commenced as Suarez pitted along with Austin Dillon, Bowman, Reddick, the Busch brothers, Almirola, DiBenedetto and others. Leader Hamlin also pitted followed by Truex.

During the pit stops, disaster struck for Truex, who was caught speeding on pit road during his service and was forced to serve a drive-through penalty on pit road.

Down to the final 100 laps of the event, Hamlin was leading by nearly two seconds over Logano. Kyle Busch was in third followed by Harvick and Bell. Byron, teammate Bowman, Almirola, Austin Dillon and DiBenedetto were in the top 10. Truex, following his pit stop penalty, was in 12th place, the final car scored on the lead lap.

With 75 laps remaining, Hamlin stabilized himself as the leader by nearly half a second over Logano. Kyle Busch, racing in his No. 18 M&M’s Red Nose Day Toyota Camry, continued to run in third place followed by teammate Bell and Harvick. Truex, meanwhile, was in 10th place while Chase Elliott was back as the final car on the lead lap in 12th place. 

Under the final 70 laps of the event, the battle for the lead started to heat up as Hamlin had Logano closing in on him for the lead as both encountered lapped traffic.

Five laps later, Logano emerged with the lead over Hamlin. By then, Elliott was lapped along with Austin Dillon. 

Under the final 60 laps of the event, pit stops under green occurred as names like Byron, Bowman, Elliott, Jones, Logano, Kyle Busch, Hamlin, Harvick, Keselowski, Truex and others pitted. Earlier, Byron tried to enter pit road but he was forced to circle around the track another lap after failing to slow his car prior to the pit road entrance. 

Following the pit stops, Kyle Busch was penalized for a commitment line violation and was forced to serve a pass-through penalty through pit road. 

With 50 laps remaining, Logano was leading by more than a second over Hamlin followed by Bell, Bowman and Byron. Harvick, Almirola, Truex and DiBenedetto were running sixth through ninth. Kyle Busch, following his late pit road penalty, was back in 10th place and trapped a lap behind.

Under the final 35 laps of the event, Logano, who was navigating his way through lapped traffic, was still ahead by nearly eight-tenths of a second over Hamlin. Bell was in third place and trailing the two leaders by nearly 13 seconds. Bowman was in fourth and Harvick was in fifth.

With the laps winding down, the battle for the lead started to heat up as Hamlin closed back in on Logano’s rear bumper for the lead. He then started to challenge Logano on the inside lane, with Logano fighting back on the outside lane. Way behind the leaders, Bowman started to catch Bell for third place.

Then with 20 lap remaining and the battle for the lead between Logano and Hamlin heating up, the caution flew when a cut right-rear tire sent Harvick sliding into the Turn 1 outside wall, where he slapped the wall and sustained significant rear end damage. 

Under caution, the leaders pitted and Hamlin reassumed the lead following another stellar service from his pit crew. Logano exited pit road in second place followed by Bowman, Bell and Almirola.

With 12 laps remaining, the race restarted under green. At the start, Hamlin took off with the lead with a strong start while Bowman challenged Logano for the runner-up spot.

The following lap, Bowman took over the runner-up spot over Logano, but he was not done as he immediately challenged Hamlin for the race lead on the inside lane.

Following a battle beneath Hamlin’s Toyota, Bowman emerged with the lead with 10 laps remaining following a power move in Turn 1.

With five laps remaining, Bowman was leading by seven-tenths of a second over Hamlin. Logano was back in third while Almirola and Bell were in the top five. Behind, Truex worked his way up to sixth place followed by Byron, Kyle Busch, DiBenedetto and Austin Dillon.

With the leaders starting to catch a bevy of lapped traffic, Bowman continued to lead while Hamlin was trying to close back in on Bowman’s No. 48 Chevrolet for the lead. Despite cutting the deficit down to nearly four-tenths of a second, it was too little, too late for Hamlin and Logano as Bowman came back around to Turn 4 in the midst of the traffic and claim the checkered flag by 0.381 seconds for the win.

While Bowman achieved his third NASCAR Cup Series career win and first of the 2021 season, the Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 48 car returned to Victory Lane since June 2017 at Dover International Speedway made by Jimmie Johnson. In addition, Hendrick Motorsports achieved its first victory at Richmond Raceway since September 2008 and its 266th Cup career victory as Bowman became the eighth different winner through the first nine events of the 2021 Cup season.

During his interview, Bowman, who won for the first time since March 2020 at Auto Club Speedway, dedicated his Richmond win to William “Rowdy” Harrell, a Hendrick Motorsports’ pit crew member who died along with his wife Blakley in a car accident in the Florida Keys last November.

“[Crew chief] Greg Ives and all the guys, they have to deal with me at short tracks and I drive these places really wrong,” Bowman said on FOX. “We kind of instead of trying to make me figure it out, we went to work on getting the race car where I needed it to be. Greg has done such an amazing job at making that happen…This one is for Rowdy and his family. Miss him and Blakley every day. Just means the world to be able to win for Ally. It’s definitely emotional, obviously, with how hard the off-season was on us. Appreciative for the opportunity and we have more races to win this year.”

“To be honest with you, we were terrible on short runs,” Bowman added. “We restarted third and I’m like man, if we get out of here with a solid top-five, we’ll be good. We’ve overcome a lot today. I don’t know if Greg pumped the pressures way up or what he did, but that’s more grip than I’ve ever had in a race car at Richmond and it worked out really well. Getting to race a guy like Denny at a place that this is really cool. I feel like we raced each other really clean, so I’m appreciative of that. It means a lot.”

Hamlin, who led a race-high 207 laps, settled in second place for his eighth top-five result through the first nine races of the season, though he did not claim his first victory of the season, while Logano, who led 49 laps and was originally in position of claiming his second victory of the season, finished third.

“We just didn’t take off quite as good there at the end,” Hamlin said. “I tried to warm it up and do everything that I could, just [Bowman] had a little more on those last few laps and I couldn’t hold the bottom. Once he got the position, we were just shut down there. Great job by this FedEx Ground team…We will keep digging. We are dominating, just have to finish it.”

Bell finished in fourth place for his second top-five result of the season while Truex settled in fifth place following his pit road penalty.

Almirola, Byron, Kyle Busch, DiBenedetto and Austin Dillon finished in the top 10 as only 14 of the 38 starters finished on the lead lap.

Elliott finished 12th, Keselowski settled in 14th, Suarez finished 16th, Larson crossed the line in 18th, Harvick dropped back to 24th behind teammates Briscoe and Custer, Bubba Wallace finished 26th and Newman fell back to 30th.

There were 20 lead changes for six different leaders. The race featured five cautions for 39 laps. 

With his runner-up result, Hamlin continues to lead the regular-season standings by 81 points over teammate Truex, 82 over Logano, 124 over Byron, 130 over Blaney and 135 over Larson.

Results.

1. Alex Bowman, 10 laps led

2. Denny Hamlin, 207 laps led, Stage 1 & 2 winner

3. Joey Logano, 49 laps led

4. Christopher Bell

5. Martin Truex Jr., 107 laps led

6. Aric Almirola

7. William Byron

8. Kyle Busch, one lap led

9. Matt DiBenedetto

10. Austin Dillon, one lap led

11. Ryan Blaney

12. Chase Elliott

13. Kurt Busch

14. Brad Keselowski, 25 laps led

15. Ross Chastain, one lap down

16. Daniel Suarez, one lap down

17. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., one lap down

18. Kyle Larson, two laps down

19. Erik Jones, two laps down

20. Tyler Reddick, two laps down

21. Corey LaJoie, two laps down

22. Chase Briscoe, two laps down

23. Cole Custer, two laps down

24. Kevin Harvick, three laps down

25. Chris Buescher, three laps down

26. Bubba Wallace, three laps down

27. Michael McDowell, four laps down

28. Austin Cindric, four laps down

29. Ryan Preece, four laps down

30. Ryan Newman, five laps down

31. Anthony Alfredo, five laps down

32. B.J. McLeod, seven laps down

33. James Davison, 10 laps down

34. Quin Houff, 10 laps down

35. Garrett Smithley, 11 laps down

36. Cody Ware, 15 laps down

37. Josh Bilicki, 16 laps down

38. Justin Haley – OUT, Engine

Next on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is Talladega Superspeedway, the first of two annual visits to the superspeedway venue for the series this season, with the first event to occur on Sunday, April 25, at 2 p.m. ET on FOX.

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