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Newgarden Tops 226 mph To Lead Second Day of Indy 500 Open Test

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Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, April 9, 2021) – Josef Newgarden has won the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship twice in the last four years, so he freely admits winning the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is the biggest box left to check in his racing career.

If the speed chart from the second day of the Indy 500 Open Test on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is any indication, that dream could become reality this May.

Newgarden, from Nashville, Tennessee, was the fastest driver today and overall from two days of testing, turning a top lap of 226.819 mph in the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet under mostly sunny skies on the 2.5-mile oval. That easily eclipsed the top speed from the rain-hampered first day Thursday, 224.427 by Sebastien Bourdais in the No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet.

“It was a pretty good day,” Newgarden said. “I was happy enough with the car. I think we still need some work, for sure, but to just get an initial read on where we’re at is good. Obviously, there are a lot of new parts and differences to the last couple of years, so we’re just trying to assess what we need to really work on these last couple of weeks before we get back here in May. But I’m pretty happy.”

Indy 500 winners and INDYCAR SERIES champions dominated the top of the speed chart. Two-time and reigning Indy 500 winner Takuma Sato was second at 226.369 in the No. 30 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, with two-time Indy winner and 1999 CART champion Juan Pablo Montoya third at 226.123 in the No. 86 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet.

Six-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion and 2008 Indy 500 winner Scott Dixon was fourth at 225.906, while Graham Rahal rounded out the top five at 225.644 in the No. 15 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda.

RLL was the only team to power two drivers into the top five today, and Rahal was the fastest driver without the benefit of an aerodynamic tow in traffic, at 221.949. Sato won the 104th Indianapolis 500 last Aug. 23, with teammate Rahal third.

The speed limit increased today in more favorable conditions and larger, more aerodynamic packs. The top 12 drivers laid down laps faster than Bourdais’ chart-topper Thursday.

Passing raindrops and track inspections only briefly interrupted the nine-hour session. Rookie Scott McLaughlin turned 195 laps in his No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet, more than any driver and just five laps shy of the full 500-mile race distance.

Up next for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is the 2021 season opener, the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst on Sunday, April 18 at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama. NBC and the INDYCAR Radio Network will provide live coverage starting at 3 p.m. (ET).

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

IMS Open Test
Results of Session
Practice 3
Rank Car Driver Name C/E/T Time Speed Diff Gap Best Lap Total Laps
1 2 Newgarden, Josef D/C/F 00:39.6792 226.819 –.—- –.—- 60 121
2 30 Sato, Takuma D/H/F 00:39.7534 226.396 0.0742 0.0742 47 60
3 86 Montoya, Juan Pablo D/C/F 00:39.8013 226.123 0.1221 0.0479 43 68
4 9 Dixon, Scott D/H/F 00:39.8395 225.906 0.1603 0.0382 65 126
5 15 Rahal, Graham D/H/F 00:39.8859 225.644 0.2067 0.0464 40 157
6 47 Daly, Conor D/C/F 00:39.8868 225.639 0.2076 0.0009 119 137
7 12 Power, Will D/C/F 00:39.9112 225.501 0.2320 0.0244 51 162
8 60 Harvey, Jack D/H/F 00:39.9527 225.266 0.2735 0.0415 139 140
9 5 O’Ward, Pato D/C/F 00:39.9790 225.118 0.2998 0.0263 108 156
10 06 Castroneves, Helio D/H/F 00:39.9868 225.074 0.3076 0.0078 105 128
11 22 Pagenaud, Simon D/C/F 00:39.9999 225.001 0.3207 0.0131 104 184
12 28 Hunter-Reay, Ryan D/H/F 00:40.0091 224.949 0.3299 0.0092 119 134
13 26 Herta, Colton D/H/F 00:40.1422 224.203 0.4630 0.1331 42 164
14 20 Carpenter, Ed D/C/F 00:40.1524 224.146 0.4732 0.0102 144 146
15 10 Palou, Alex D/H/F 00:40.1545 224.134 0.4753 0.0021 20 112
16 7 Rosenqvist, Felix D/C/F 00:40.1835 223.973 0.5043 0.0290 112 126
17 18 Jones, Ed D/H/F 00:40.1956 223.905 0.5164 0.0121 15 104
18 3 McLaughlin, Scott (R) D/C/F 00:40.2131 223.808 0.5339 0.0175 151 195
19 27 Rossi, Alexander D/H/F 00:40.2440 223.636 0.5648 0.0309 117 136
20 45 Ferrucci, Santino D/H/F 00:40.2650 223.519 0.5858 0.0210 85 137
21 16 De Silvestro, Simona D/C/F 00:40.2760 223.458 0.5968 0.0110 50 92
22 29 Hinchcliffe, James D/H/F 00:40.2760 223.458 0.5968 0.0000 87 127
23 48 Kanaan, Tony D/H/F 00:40.3404 223.101 0.6612 0.0644 38 99
24 24 Karam, Sage D/C/F 00:40.3415 223.095 0.6623 0.0011 71 81
25 98 Andretti, Marco D/H/F 00:40.3923 222.815 0.7131 0.0508 113 138
26 14 Bourdais, Sebastien D/C/F 00:40.4263 222.627 0.7471 0.0340 119 125
27 59 Chilton, Max D/C/F 00:40.4935 222.258 0.8143 0.0672 3 114
28 8 Ericsson, Marcus D/H/F 00:40.5159 222.135 0.8367 0.0224 147 188
29 51 Fittipaldi, Pietro (R) D/H/F 00:40.5509 221.943 0.8717 0.0350 135 144
30 4 Kellett, Dalton D/C/F 00:40.8727 220.196 1.1935 0.3218 63 97
31 52 Ware, Cody (R) D/H/F 00:41.2017 218.438 1.5225 0.3290 25 58
(R) Rookie Total Laps: 3956
(C)hassis: D=Dallara | (E)ngine: C=Chevy, H=Honda | (T)ire: F=Firestone

Day 2 Rookie Orientation/Refresher Results
Results of Session
Practice 2
Rank Car Driver Name C/E/T Time Speed Diff Gap Best Lap Total Laps
1 06 Castroneves, Helio D/H/F 00:40.7241 220.999 –.—- –.—- 27 29
2 59 Chilton, Max D/C/F 00:40.7376 220.926 0.0135 0.0135 28 28
3 86 Montoya, Juan Pablo D/C/F 00:41.1100 218.925 0.3859 0.3724 29 35
4 51 Fittipaldi, Pietro (R) D/H/F 00:41.1654 218.630 0.4413 0.0554 13 26
5 16 De Silvestro, Simona D/C/F 00:41.1686 218.613 0.4445 0.0032 19 30
6 29 Hinchcliffe, James D/H/F 00:41.2154 218.365 0.4913 0.0468 5 21
7 24 Karam, Sage D/C/F 00:41.3675 217.562 0.6434 0.1521 7 17
8 18 Jones, Ed D/H/F 00:41.3897 217.445 0.6656 0.0222 16 23
9 52 Ware, Cody (R) D/H/F 00:41.4281 217.244 0.7040 0.0384 20 29
10 4 Kellett, Dalton D/C/F No Time No Speed 0.0000 0.0000 0 0
11 14 Bourdais, Sebastien D/C/F No Time No Speed 0.0000 0.0000 0 0
(R) Rookie Total Laps: 238

Paretta Autosport Makes First Laps at IMS

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Official Release
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Simona De Silvestro, driver of the No. 16 Paretta Autosport Rocket Pro TPO entry

Simona De Silvestro Quick Out of the Box

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Apr. 9) – The Open Test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the 105th Running of the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge commenced yesterday in preparation for the May race.

The first practice day was typical of April with scattered showers interrupting the on-track activity of the 32 NTT INDYCAR SERIES entries on hand, generating a day of a lot of waiting around.

But Thursday was still momentous for Beth Paretta, owner of Paretta Autosport, and her driver, Simona De Silvestro, nicknamed “Iron Maiden”.

It was momentous for Paretta because it was the culmination of a six-year journey to see her Indy car take a lap anywhere, let alone at the famed 2.5-mile oval of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

And it was momentous for De Silvestro because it marked her return to INDYCAR competition after six years. It’s been 11 years since the popular Swiss driver won the Rookie of the Year award at the Indianapolis 500. Although her team is new and unique, it also might produce the best chance she’s ever had in the Indianapolis 500, set for Sunday, May 30. De Silvestro shone as she turned the seventh fastest lap of the day a 218.927 among all drivers.

So although the first day the No. 16 Paretta Autosport Rocket Pro TPO Chevy-powered entry only made 51 laps, for Paretta, De Silvestro and the rest of the largely-female crew, it was a day of great pride and promise.

It was also a day of great promise for women in general, as the entry is the first in the series’ “Race for Equality and Change” program to broaden diversity and equality in the sport. Paretta Autosport is the first female-forward team to tackle the Indianapolis 500 in its 105-year history.

Teams are back on track today turning more laps and in this morning’s refresher driver session, Simona was fifth fastest of nine drivers with a speed of 218.613 as she gets more and more comfortable back at The Brickyard.

INDYCAR Open Testing was streamed live on NBC’s Peacock Premium network in the U.S.

Quotes follow:

Beth Paretta, Team Owner/CEO, No. 16 Paretta Autosport Rocket Pro TPO entry
“Great first day out at IMS. Everything went really well. We were able to, after the rain delay, get some meaningful laps on the track. It’s a test as much for Simona as it is the whole team. This is a new group of people working together and every bit of practice helps because we’ve got a lot of busy days ahead of us and important days ahead of us and today was a great day.”

Simona De Silvestro, Driver, No. 16 Paretta Autosport Rocket Pro TPO entry
Regarding Thursday testing:
“It was really good to get in the car today and just get the feel for it. It definitely feels pretty fast coming back to the Speedway. I’m really happy with the car. It feels really comfortable. We just did our steps we needed to do and it was good getting to work with the team, understanding what everything is going on and also getting the feel back for it. So, I think it was a good day and tomorrow we can start working and getting more and more comfortable out there.

Regarding Friday morning testing:
“It was a good session to finish our refresher and it felt pretty good out there. Hopefully, the weather will stay okay today that we get a few more laps in, but, yes, pretty happy about how it started.”

For more information and future announcements, please visit www.parettaautosport.com or the team’s social media channels.

About Paretta Autosport
Paretta Autosport is a new team competing in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. With a technical alliance with Team Penske, it will attempt to qualify and compete in the 2021 Indy 500 and beyond. More than racing, Paretta Autosport is an initiative to encourage and mentor girls and women to pursue careers in STEM-related fields. The team will incorporate women in key roles: mechanics, engineers, marketing, business operations, and more. Created by female automotive and motorsports executive Beth Paretta, the team is part of the INDYCAR series’ “Race for Equality and Change” initiative.

At Paretta Autosport, the competitive spirit drives us. We work hard and always strive for better: for ourselves, for our team, and for others. For more information go to www.parettaautosport.com.

Destiny Homes Announces Multi-Race Sponsorship with Brett Moffitt and Our Motorsports

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Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C. (April 9, 2021) – Destiny Homes will be the primary sponsor on Brett Moffitt’s No. 02 Our Motorsports Chevrolet for multiple races in 2021, beginning with tonight’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The Iowa-based company will also adorn the No. 02 Chevrolet as the primary sponsor at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on May 8, Dover (Del.) International Speedway on May 15, and additional races later during the 2021 campaign.

As one of the largest and fastest growing homebuilders in the Midwest, Destiny Homes continues to build their brand around one of NASCAR’s most successful drivers from their home state by sponsoring Moffit for the fourth consecutive season.

“We are really excited to expand our partnership with Brett Moffitt into the 2021 season,” said Dan Sparks, president of Destiny Homes. “We have been blessed to be a part of winning multiple races with Brett since our first race together in 2018 and we hope to be a part of his first NASCAR Xfinity Series win this year. Our brand has grown over the past several years and we believe our involvement in the sport with Brett has helped us to meet the needs of the housing demand throughout our communities.”

The foundation was poured in 2018, when Moffitt piloted his Destiny Homes sponsored truck to victory lane at Iowa Speedway in the NASCAR Truck Series. That was the first race Destiny Homes sponsored Moffitt, a Grimes, Iowa native, and it proved to be successful.

“It’s a great feeling to have a brand like Destiny Homes continuing to partner with my race team year after year,” said Moffitt. “We had a couple of great runs with Destiny Homes on our No. 02 Chevy last year, including Kansas where we finished seventh just after winning the truck race earlier in the day. Hopefully, we can take them back to victory lane this season.”

ABOUT DESTINY HOMES
Destiny Homes started in Des Moines, Iowa in 2009 and has since built homes for nearly 1,000 families in central Iowa, with prices ranging from $189,000 to over $1,000,000.

At Destiny Homes, there is no shortage of dedicated and experienced professionals ready to serve the families who put their trust in them to build a new home. The hard-working staff at Destiny Homes has over 150 years of combined experience in helping families achieve homeownership.

Destiny Homes’ passion is that every essential worker in the current economy has the opportunity to own a new home. It goes beyond sticks and bricks; it’s about helping customers achieve homeownership which in turn keeps the economy strong. Destiny Homes is proud of their focused effort in helping families achieve affordable homeownership and how that process strengthens the communities where we live, work and play.

For more information visit their website at www.BuyDestinyHomes.com

Toyota Racing – NCS Martinsville Quotes – Martin Truex Jr. – 04.09.21

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Toyota Racing – Martin Truex Jr.
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (April 9, 2021) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. was made available to media via videoconference prior to the Martinsville event today:

MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry, Joe Gibbs Racing

Should we read more into these next five races since they are at Playoff tracks?

“I don’t know, obviously, every race is important, being that they are Playoff tracks is definitely important. I don’t know that you can look and say here are the guys that are going to do good in the Playoffs just because they run well the next few weeks. A lot changes in between now and then. I look forward to hopefully running well and hopefully getting a few more wins and building a notebook for the Playoffs is definitely an important thing.”

Do you have any sort of standards that you would like to see as the garage potentially opens back up to sponsor guests?

“No, honestly hadn’t put much thought into it. Just waiting to see what’s going on first. For now, I don’t know of anything changing. I haven’t been told anything. We will cross that bridge when we get there.”

How did you learn to tackle Martinsville or start liking Martinsville?

“It’s a tough place. It’s a place once you figure out some things with your cars and how you like for them to feel. If they don’t change the tires too much, you can kind of take that and run with it and build on it that success. For us, it’s just been really figuring out what I needed in my car and making it do the things I needed it to do. We’ve been able to kind of do that here these last few trips pretty consistently. Just hope that we can make that happen again. It’s a tricky little place. It looks like Martinsville would be a pretty easy track just because it’s pretty small and flat corners and things like that, but it’s real technical and a lot goes on with the way the rubber gets down in the corners on the concrete and that can change things really drastically, so we will see when we get there this time around, but the last few races we were really strong, and I felt like we had a shot to win both of them. Of course, we won the spring race, so looking forward going up to Martinsville, and hopefully we can continue that success.”

Can you learn anything from watching the Xfinity race?

“I think you can definitely learn. It’s one of the places where you can see where the rubber lays down, things like that, at nighttime, so we will be watching for sure and see what it looks like.”

How much is patience a key element with how your approach Martinsville?

“I would say it’s important for sure, especially on restarts. For whatever reason, if you get hung outside, it’s pretty frustrating. That or pit road penalties, things like that happening can be pretty frustrating to make passes. Patience is key. It’s a long race. You need to be around at the end. That’s the key to short tracks always.”

How much can rain alter the track?

“It just depends on what happens. Last year, we went there, and I believe the Xfinity cars were not there – we were the first cars on track and that first run the rubber on the track was really hard on the tires. We saw guys run up towards the front at the end, and we were one of them, but we fell back to 15th I think that first run. It was pretty bad. It will definitely change things up, but once we get going in the race, it’s not a big deal either way.”

What are the differences in driving Martinsville at night versus the day?

“Really, not that much different. They light it up pretty good, so not a whole lot different. I think the biggest change is probably how the rubber lays down into the concrete in the corners and what is the track temperature going to be. Typically, during the day the suns out, and that can make it pretty slick. At nighttime, a little more gripped up, more traction in the corners for the most part, usually a little more tire wear as well.”

Have you seen your team have momentum this year?

“I have a good feeling about things. Last year, we had a good season, but it was a little bit up and down. We had some tough weeks, and some really good ones, and a lot of really close second and third-place finishes. A lot to build on. I feel like we’ve hit the ground here with more confidence and understanding the no practice and how it all works, and the guys are doing a good job hitting the setups better when we start the race, so that’s been a really good thing. I guess the biggest surprise for me at Bristol not having a lot of dirt experience, was not knowing what to expect, so I didn’t have high expectations going into there. I just wanted to go there, have fun and enjoy myself. We definitely did that. It was cool to win the Truck race. Unfortunately, got the flat tire on the green-white-checkered in the Cup car, but strong run all day. I had a lot of fun and look forward to doing it again.”

Is there anything you are doing differently this season?

“Not really, I would just say better prepared for not having practice is the biggest thing. James (Small), my crew chief – last year was his first year, so just continuing to build on what we did last year and understanding things better has been a big key.

Are there any adjustments you would like to see on future Cup Series dirt events?

“Not really anything big. I think the only thing was we need to figure out how to keep the dust down more. I think our races are so long, typical dirt track races are probably 50 laps or something, and by the end of that race it was a real change with the dust. Trying to figure that out, but really that was the only thing. I thought everything else went well and it was lot of fun.”

How do you feel about where your team is at this point of the season?

“I feel really good about where we are. I feel like we’ve been strong everywhere, especially since we’ve been to a lot of different types of racetracks so far. We’ve been pretty strong at just about all of them. I’m feeling good about where we are. It’s still early. There is a lot of things that are going to change, and we have to continue to work to find things to make our cars faster and continue to work hard and make sure that we are not making mistakes and do all the little things right which is always a challenge. I feel great about it. I feel like we have a championship winning team, no doubt about it. We are ready to get after it and see if we can get it done.”

Does the change from grass to concrete at Martinsville matter at all?

“I don’t think it does. I think your sight line is really the curb around the racetrack, so I don’t think you will change anything at all from what it looks like on TV.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands plus our 1,800 dealerships.

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.

CHEVY NCS AT MARTINSVILLE: William Byron Teleconference Transcript

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Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY
BLUE-EMU MAXIMUM PAIN RELIEF 500
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
APRIL 9, 2021

WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1 1LE, Press Conference Transcript:

ON SHORT TRACKS, YOU’RE EITHER TOP-10 OR OUTSIDE THE TOP-20. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO?
“That’s a good question. We’ve had some really good short track races, but yeah, then we’ve had some issues with brakes and mechanical things. Trying to make sure that we make all that stuff last and make it to the end of the race is really important. So, I think that’s a big emphasis for us. I feel like some of that is how your car is driving, but also just technique and making sure that I’m taking care of my stuff throughout the early part of the race so I can have something good at the end. I think that’s all it is. When we’ve had good handling stuff, then we’ve done well. But you can’t try to crutch it too much with brakes and stuff if you’re not handling well.”

SOME CHATTER NOW THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE GETTING VACCINATED, WHEN WOULD NASCAR ALLOW POTENTIALLY MORE PEOPLE IN THE GARAGE; WOULD DRIVERS START DOING MEET-AND-GREETS AGAIN. DO YOU HAVE ANY SORT OF STANDARD FOR WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE OR DO YOU JUST DO WHAT YOU’RE TOLD TO DO?
“Yeah, I’ll just roll with whatever is comfortable with how we approach it. I feel fairly comfortable as is right now. I think the protocols and things are working well. Yeah, I think it’s going to be a gradual thing. But I think you see all sports right now getting more and more fans around; having them in masks, but being able to have them around. So, I’m good with it if people have masks on. I think it’s working towards the right direction.”

SPECIFIC TO MARTINSVILLE, LAST YEAR YOU WERE 8TH IN THE SPRING AND 35TH IN THE FALL. WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE IN THOSE TWO RACES FOR YOU?
“The fall, there was a lot of stuff going on. We had a mechanical issue there at the end that cost us finishing that race. But I thought we were OK; I thought we were honestly that eighth to tenth range. I don’t think we were going to run in the top-five. But the spring, I thought we could run the top-five, but we had to go to the back three or four times for issues. I think, honestly, the spring I was pretty happy about. I know we’ve got a little bit of a different setup this time. I feel like we’re going to be really fast, so it’s just a matter of making it to the end of the race with a shot at it.”

IF YOU HAD TO PIN-POINT ONE THING THAT MAKES MARTINSVILLE UNIQUE AND DIFFICULT, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
“Just the rhythm. You have to adapt to kind of how the rubber lays down. It’s just a very difficult rhythm place. A little bit off is a lot; you can go a lap down pretty easily. It’s just kind of a rhythm place. You have to find that. It makes it easy if you have a decent car and you can find that rhythm.”

BACK IN DECEMBER, YOU TALKED ABOUT WANTING THE NO. 24 TEAM TO BECOME A CONSISTENT THREAT WHERE EACH TRACK WASN’T A WEAKNESS FOR YOU AND YOU WEREN’T JUST A ONE-TIME WINNER EACH YEAR. WITH THE PERFORMANCE YOU’VE HAD THROUGH SEVEN RACES, HOW CLOSE DO YOU FEEL YOU AND YOUR TEAM ARE TO BEING AT THAT LEVEL?
“I think it’s going according to plan. I think honestly, we started the year and things were off to a really bad start; we had some bad luck and it really forced us to hone in on just executing a clean race. We did that and we won. And then honestly from there, we just tried to execute really clean races and try to get this team executing on a high level to where we can start to push some of the details, like pit road, restarts and things like that that we can start to be aggressive with. We put together a really good five races in a row here and yeah, I feel like we are in that category now of being able to contend every week. We just have to make the next step to lead some more laps. It’s been a couple of weeks since we’ve done that, so that’s important to us.”

DRIVERS HAVE SAID MARTINSVILLE IS BOTH FUN AND QUITE DIFFICULT TO RACE THERE. WHAT CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS RACE TRACK STAND OUT TO YOU THE MOST?
“I think just the way you have to run the curb. Obviously, you try to be as low to it as you can without touching it too much. It’s tricky – you have to get in the corner a certain way. Running the curb is hard and it’s tough to get drive off, too. It’s really kind of one of those standard short tracks, but I like the rhythm of it. It’s one of my favorites because it’s got good grip, but it’s a challenge. And you can pass; usually it’s not a huge issue to pass, you just have to set guys up the right way. I like it. Somebody mentioned how a lot of champions win at Martinsville – I think it’s just because it’s an experience place. It’s a really tough place.”

BEING NO WORSE THAN EIGHTH SINCE YOU WON AT HOMESTEAD, HOW HAS YOUR MENTALITY OR CONFIDENCE CHANGED IN HOW YOU APPROACH GOING TO THE RACETRACK EACH WEEKEND?
“I think we approach it the same, but I think there’s definitely a little more confidence that we can think outside the box a little bit. We’re not just trying to string together one good run to kind of get back on track. Yeah, I think for us, it’s kind of that slow climb of trying to go from I feel like we’re that top-seven to eight team right now, but try to make that next step to be a top-five team. It’s kind of an evolution, but I think we’re getting there. It’s awesome to run as well as we have every week and have specific things to work on; not have to worry about big stuff, we can just worry about small stuff to try and get better. I think we’re on the right track.”

IN THE WEEKEND RELEASE FROM HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS, YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT THE GRASS THAT’S BEEN TAKEN OUT AT MARTINSVILLE. HOW BIG OF A THING IS THAT FOR DRIVERS? IS THAT ACTUALLY NOTICABLE AND SOMETHING YOU’RE GOING TO HAVE TO ADJUST TO?
“Yeah, I mean I think in turns three and four, for sure. One and two, I’ve never really noticed the grass; but three and four, there was a separation between the grass and when the concrete started. So now, it’s not there and that was kind of a reference for where the center of the corner was. I think honestly, that’s going to be different. I’m interested to see how that is on the pace laps. But yeah, I think you’ll adapt and find new marks. It does kind of change things.”

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.

SS GreenLight Racing | Joe Graf Jr. Martinsville Speedway Spring Event Preview

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Official Release
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SS GreenLight Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Martinsville (Va.) Speedway | Cook Out 250

Fast Facts
No. 07 SS GreenLight Racing Team:
Driver: Joe Graf Jr. (@JoeGrafJr)
Primary Partner(s): Responsible Gold | Bucked Up Energy | Z Grills
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Mike Tyska
Call 811 Before You Dig 200 Starting Position: 16th (Based on event formula)
Cook Out 250 Starting Position: 28th (Based on event formula)
2021 Driver Points Position: 18th | 2021 Owner Points Position: 22nd
Chassis Intel: SSGLR Chassis No. 711; competed last at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on Oct. 31, 2020. (Start: 25th | Finish: 21st).
The Cook Out 250 will mark the first time SS GreenLight Racing will utilize chassis No. 711 in 2021.
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines (ECR)

Notes of Interest:

Welcome Aboard: This weekend at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, SS GreenLight Racing and Joe Graf Jr. welcome new partner Responsible Gold as the primary partner of the team’s No. 07 Chevrolet Camaro at the historic 0.526-mile short track.

The Cook Out 250 will be Responsible Gold’s first foray into NASCAR and specifically the Xfinity Series.

About Responsible Gold: The purpose of Responsible Gold is to use the power of technology to solve pressing global challenges. Their mission is to make gold sustainable and globally accessible.

The Responsible Gold standards have been developed to document best practices in responsible production and sourcing. They serve as a tool to support participants in enhancing their environmental, social and governance practices and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Responsible Gold is the only scalable solution for fully traceable ethical gold.

Saving You Some Money: A new partner to Joe Graf Jr. and still excited about their debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series last month at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway, Z Grills is still celebrating their partnership with Graf and the team.

To celebrate the partnership, Z Grills Racing (ZGrillsRacing.com) is offering a 10 percent discount off your total purchase, using the code JoeGraf07 at checkout.

Year of the Underdogs: NFL’s Buffalo Bills running back Antonio Williams and a personal investor in Joe Graf Jr.’s racing career recently launched a video on Twitter offering an exclusive glimpse into his personal life and his reason for wanting to be a part of NASCAR – exclusively with Graf Jr.

Since its release on Feb. 25, 2021, the video has gone viral with over 136,000 views and feedback from some of the sports’ icons including retired NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson and current 23XI Racing driver Darrell Wallace Jr.

The video has since been uploaded on YouTube and can be seen clicking here.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Martinsville (Va.) Speedway Starts: Sophomore NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Joe Graf Jr. will make his second start at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on Friday, Apr. 9, 2021.

Last October, he finished a solid 21st after starting 25th and completed all 250 laps in last season’s Top Draft 250 aboard the No. 08 EAT SLEEP RACE Chevrolet.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Short Track Nuggets: At tracks classified as short tracks with a track length of under 1.0-mile, Graf has seven previous NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, including most recently at Martinsville last Halloween.

He holds an average starting position of 23.7 and an average result of 20.0 and has been running at the conclusion of all seven events.

Atlanta Motor Speedway Race Recap: In the series’ most recent race at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway, Graf battled the handling in his No. 07 HAZHEART.com Chevrolet but fought through the adversity to claim 29th at the checkered flag.

Exiting Atlanta, Graf still sat comfortably in the top-20 in the point standings in 18th.

Last year after six races, he sat 23rd in the championship standings.

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

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

Sneaker Mania: Along with the adrenaline of Motorsports competition, Joe Graf Jr. also has a vogue for hype sneakers. In his current collection, he owns and wears at least 80 limited edition sneakers – and his collection continues to grow every month.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Mike Tyska is Joe Graf Jr.’s crew chief. He will crew chief his seventh NASCAR Xfinity Series race as crew chief on Friday night.

Tyska joined SS GreenLight Racing in January after honing his skills in all three of NASCAR’s national divisions and working for teams like Germain Racing, GMS Racing and Rick Ware Racing.

Tyska was a part of Todd Bodine’s 2006 championship season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at Germain Racing.

Hello From The Other Side: Graf Jr. has a teammate at SS GreenLight Racing. Veteran JJ Yeley will drive the No. 17 ALCOVA Mortgage Chevrolet on Friday night.

Yeley is set to make his 338th career NASCAR Xfinity Series start and second at the historic paperclip. His best Xfinity track finish occurred in the 2006 Goody’s 250 edition where he finished ninth after starting 10th driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

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

For more on SS GreenLight Racing, please like them on Facebook (SS GreenLight Racing) and follow them on Twitter (@SSGLR0708) and visit their website at SSGreenLight.com.

Joe Graf Jr. Pre-Race Quotes:

On Martinsville Speedway: “I am optimistic about returning to Martinsville Speedway this weekend. I certainly learned a lot in a short amount of time last October and we ended up with a pretty decent finish.

“The last couple of races haven’t gone as we hoped, so Martinsville is a good place to come and try to redeem ourselves following the first break of the 2021 season.”

On Responsible Gold Partnership: “We have a unique partnership this weekend that will lead into even better things to come soon. I think our car will certainly catch some attention and hopefully, we’ll also have a good finish too.”

On First Races Of 2021 Season: “The mentality around the team is pretty good and we’re continuing to learn. Atlanta was a disappointment, but we’re not letting our guard down. We are determined to fight hard and bounce back.

“We just need to keep making as little mistakes as possible and hope that everyone’s hard work will pay off with the finishing result on the race track.”
Race Information:

The Cook Out 250 (250 laps | 131.5 miles) is the seventh of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2021 schedule. The 40-car field will take the green flag on Fri., Apr. 9, 2021, shortly after 8:00 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.
About SS Green Light Racing:

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

SS GreenLight Racing will continue with a two-car program in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2021.

Tickets On Sale Now for ARCA Menards Series Race at Iowa Speedway, July 24

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Official Release
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NEWTON, Iowa (April 9, 2021) – A limited number of tickets are on sale now for Iowa Speedway’s July 24 ARCA Menards Series race. Fans can lock in their seats now to catch all the exciting racing action as it returns to The Fastest Short Track on the Planet by visiting IowaSpeedway.com or by calling 866-787-8946. 

Tickets start at just $19 and youth 12 and under are free. In addition to grandstand and Newton Club ticket options, there are also a limited number of Terrace Camping packages available along the backstretch and Turn 4 of the 7/8-mile asphalt oval. General camping will not be available for the event and all Terrace Camping packages must be purchased in advance.

Several protocols and safety measures have been implemented for fans in attendance. For more information on protocols in place for the ARCA Menards Series race at Iowa Speedway, please visit IowaSpeedway.com/protocols.

For more information about Iowa Speedway and the July 24 ARCA Menards Series race, please visit IowaSpeedway.com. 

Stay connected to Iowa Speedway online at IowaSpeedway.com and on social media on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series) and three international series (NASCAR Pinty’s Series, NASCAR Peak Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

About ARCA

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading and most versatile auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards, the ARCA/CRA Super Series and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways.

Speedway Children’s Charities Puts More Fans In The Stands with Fan Cutout Fundraiser at Coca-Cola 600

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Official Release
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  • Speedway Children’s Charities’ Charlotte chapter’s new fundraiser offers fans the chance to have their pictures adorn a cutout in Charlotte Motor Speedway’s grandstands for the Coca-Cola 600
  • A $75 package puts one fan’s picture on a cutout in a grandstand seat, while an upgraded $100 package features a cutout in the grandstands and access to a virtual Victory Lane with the winner of the Coca-Cola 600; All proceeds go directly to Speedway Children’s Charities

CONCORD, N.C. (April 8, 2021) – Thanks to an innovative, new fundraiser from the Charlotte chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities, drivers competing in the May 30 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway could still see a packed house of smiling faces in the grandstands.

Through May 14, fans can have their picture adorn a cutout in a grandstand seat for $75 with all proceeds going directly to Speedway Children’s Charities Charlotte chapter’s efforts to improve the lives of local children in need. In addition to a spot in the stands with their cutout, a $100 upgraded package grants fans exclusive access to a virtual Victory Lane with the winner of the Coca-Cola 600. Fans can reserve their cutouts by visiting https://shop.fancutouts.com/products/charlotte-coca-cola-600-fan-cutouts.

“This fundraiser gives fans a chance to make sure their presence is felt during the Coca-Cola 600 weekend, while providing Speedway Children’s Charities with the opportunity to positively impact the lives of Charlotte-area children,” said Kelly Watts, the director of Speedway Children’s Charities’ Charlotte chapter.

All orders will be verified by Speedway Children’s Charities. For all official rules and guidelines, please visit https://shop.fancutouts.com/products/charlotte-coca-cola-600-fan-cutouts.

For more information on Speedway Children’s Charities and to see how to volunteer or make a donation, visit www.speedwaycharities.org.

ABOUT SPEEDWAY CHILDREN’S CHARITIES:

The mission of Speedway Children’s Charities remains true to the ideals it was founded upon in 1982: To care for children in educational, financial, social and medical need in order to help them lead productive lives. SCC provides funding for hundreds of nonprofit organizations throughout the nation that meet the direct needs of children. Our vision is that every child has the same opportunities no matter what obstacle they are facing.

Our Motorsports: Weekly Race Advance – Martinsville

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Official Release
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Our Motorsports returns to action at Martinsville Speedway this weekend for the seventh race of the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. At just over a half-mile long, the “Paperclip” is always known for producing close and hard racing.

Brett Moffitt and the No.02 Destiny Homes Team

Although the Xfinity Series is relatively new to Martinsville, driver Brett Moffitt is no stranger to the speedway himself. He has six Truck Series starts, two Cup starts, and one Xfinity Series start with three top-5 finishes in the Truck Series. On Friday night, Moffit’s Chevy will be donning the colors of Destiny Homes with his green and white scheme on the No.02 Camaro. This is the fourth season that Destiny Homes has partnered with Moffitt. The No.02 team enters the weekend 13th in owners’ points standings. Moffitt is coming off a big week personally, using his Easter off-week to marry his now-wife, Stephanie!

At Destiny Homes, there is no shortage of dedicated and experienced professionals ready to serve the families who put their trust in them to build a new home. The hard-working staff at Destiny Homes has over 150 years of combined experience in helping families achieve homeownership. Destiny Homes’ passion is that every essential worker in the current economy has the opportunity to own a new home. It goes beyond sticks and bricks; it’s about helping customers achieve homeownership which in turn keeps the economy strong. Destiny Homes is proud of their focused effort in helping families achieve affordable homeownership and how that process strengthens the communities where we live, work and play.

Driver Brett Moffit: 

“The racing at Martinsville is always close and fierce and it’s a lot of fun to battle at. We had a decent car there last year and with all of the progress we made over the offseason, I’m sure we’ll be even better this year. I’m excited to welcome back a hometown sponsor for me personally in Destiny Homes and hopefully we can give them a solid run.”

Blaine Perkins and the No.23 Raceline Wheels / Martin Truex Jr. Foundation team:

This week, Blaine Perkins returns to the No.23 Raceline Wheels / Martin Truex Jr. Foundation Chevy Camaro for his third career race in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Perkins finished 24th in his debut at Phoenix and finished 30th at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Perkins will be debuting a helmet designed by 13-year-old cancer survivor named Christian, supporting Christian’s battle and strength through his fight. He will wear this helmet for the remainder of his 2021 season.

Raceline Wheels is a market leader in the design and manufacturing of wheels for off-road, street, and track use. The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation focuses on programs to generate awareness and funding for childhood and ovarian cancers. 

Driver Blaine Perkins:

“It’s truly an honor to wear my helmet, representing Christian through his artwork, his battle with cancer, and ultimately his defeat against it,” Perkins said. “This kid is the true definition of a champion! Every time I strap into my car and put my helmet on, his art is just the reminder I need before a race that all battles can be won through sacrifice, hard work, perseverance, and faith.”

Past Results at Atlanta for Our Motorsports: 

Last year, Moffit piloted the No.02 at Martinsville. The team earned a 14th place finish in the 2020 event after starting 13th.

Tune in: Tune in for the “Cook Out 250” at Martinsville Speedway this Friday night to watch the Our Motorsports team compete. Fans can catch the action on FS1, MRN/Sirius XM NASCAR, and other local radio affiliates at 8pm ET and by following Our Motorsports on social media.

Bourdais Leads Rain-Interrupted Day at Indy 500 Open Test

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Official Release
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Track Activity To Resume at 9 a.m. (ET) Friday

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, April 8, 2021) – Sebastien Bourdais of AJ Foyt Racing was the fastest among 32 drivers who turned laps Thursday at the 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge Open Test, which included a rain delay of more than five hours at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Frenchman Bourdais was among a group of 11 drivers who took to the 2.5-mile oval in the final 70 minutes of track activity for veteran refresher tests and the Rookie Orientation Program, and he turned a top lap of 224.427 mph in the famous No. 14 ROKiT Chevrolet fielded by legendary four-time Indy 500 winner A.J. Foyt.

Bourdais turned his top lap in the last few minutes of the final session, which resembled the “Happy Hour” of an Indy 500 practice day with cars running in aerodynamic packs. He was among the veterans who needed to complete the two-phase refresher test since he didn’t race in “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in 2020.

“Pretty good refresher for the A.J. Foyt No. 14,” Bourdais said. “That ROKiT car was pretty good. It always feels a little different when you start at low speeds and the car’s never really settled, but we got through both phases and are ready to go tomorrow and start working properly. It’s all good.”

Rain halted the opening veterans-only session at 12:30 p.m. (ET). A second heavy shower around 3:15 p.m. delayed track activity until the track reopened at 6:03 p.m. under blue skies and sunshine.

Track activity will take place from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (ET) Friday, with live broadcast coverage on Peacock. Rookie Orientation and refresher tests will take place from 9-10 a.m., with veterans back on track from 10-11 a.m. The track will open for all drivers from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Conor Daly was the second-fastest driver overall and the fastest in the morning session of 90 minutes before heavy rain arrived in Indianapolis. Daly’s top lap was 222.714 in the No. 47 U.S. Air Force Chevrolet fielded by Ed Carpenter Racing, also with the help of an aerodynamic tow.

Sage Karam was third overall at 222.408, with his best lap in the No. 24 Dreyer & Reinbold Racing Chevrolet also coming during the final session after the rain left town.

Three-time Indy 500 pole winner Ed Carpenter was fourth at 221.296 in the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet. Three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves rounded out the top five at 221.097 in the No. 06 Meyer Shank Racing Honda.

2020 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year Rinus VeeKay suffered a broken finger in a crash in Turn 1 just 11 minutes into track activity in his No. 21 Sonax/Autogeek Chevrolet fielded by ECR. He was cleared to drive.

VeeKay’s car dipped low into the grass inside Turn 1 and did nearly a full clockwise spin before hitting the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1 with the right front and right side of the car. The car then spun twice and slid through the short chute before stopping at the entrance of Turn 2 with heavy damage.

“I wanted to do as many laps as possible to be successful,” VeeKay said. “I’m very sorry. It was a weird moment.”

The 105th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 30. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opens April 17-18 with the Honda Indy Grand Prix presented by AmFirst at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama.

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