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CHEVROLET NTT INDYCAR SERIES: PATO AWARD WINS 100TH POLE FOR CHEVY SINCE 2012 RETURN TO SERIES

CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
INDY GP OF ALABAMA – APRIL 17-18
BARBER MOTORSPORTS PARK
LEEDS. ALABAMA POLE WINNER QUICK QUOTE
APRIL 17, 2021

Chevrolet earns 100th pole as O’Ward rises to the top
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (April 17, 2021) – Chevrolet earned its 100th pole start in 150 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races since returning to engine manufacturer competition in 2012 as Pato O’Ward rose to the top of the field in qualifications for the season-opening Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama.

O’Ward, 21, driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, recorded a lap of 1 minute, 05.8479 seconds in the Firestone Fast Six session to claim his second Series pole. In the second knockout qualifying session, O’Ward reset the track record on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn road course that was repaved in 2019 with a lap of 1:05.5019.

WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE IN QUALIFYING?
“We made some changes after Practice 2 that helped. We’ve been working so hard in the off-season and we’re clicking. Everybody on the team is working well together and I knew exactly what time I needed to get out of the reds (alternate tires) and we just had to maintain pace on (primary) blacks because I thought we were pretty strong. We did that and we’re starting on pole. It feels good. These guys deserve it and we’ve got a race to win tomorrow. I’m really hungry and I love this place to death.”

THIS HAS TO MEAN A LOT TO BOTH YOU AND THIS TEAM. YOU ARE THE FOCAL POINT OF IT.
“Oh man, these guys deserve it. We’ve been working so hard in the off-season. We had great testing and now it was time to put it to the work. Zak (Peterson) and Sam (Schmidt) are here; all the big guys are here. What a better place to try and put it on the pole, which we achieved that now. Man, I am so happy for them. I’m happy for myself, It’s the best view that you can get into Turn 1 tomorrow and let’s go win this race, man. We’re hungry. We’re really hungry and I love this place. I love this place to death. I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THIS TRACK THAT SUITS YOU SO WELL?
“Ah, cojones! (laughs). Yeah, it takes big ones to throw down a lap around this place. But man, it feels good when you nail it.”

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.

Pato O’Ward wins Barber Pole for Sunday’s IndyCar opener

Pato O'Ward - Honda Grand Prix of Alabama. Photo by Chris Owens.

On the eve of the 2021 IndyCar season opener, the NTT IndyCar Series returned to Barber Motorsports Park for the first time since 2019. Last year, IndyCar was scheduled to compete at its annual event, but the race was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patricio O’Ward started his season off right in the Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet. The Monterrey, Mexico native was a part of the Firestone Fast Six after advancing and qualified on the pole after setting a time of 1:05.8479 late Saturday afternoon to earn the second pole of his IndyCar career. The pole gave Arrow McLaren SP its ninth during their IndyCar tenure.

“It was a good day. Practice one and two were really messy. Got really dicey there with the traffic and people being on different laps into the sequence. We didn’t quite get an idea of what real pace we had. But I knew exactly what I needed to go faster. My engineer put his magic to work.

“We had a really, really quick car in reds. We maintained our very good pace in blacks that we had in practice two. It was good, man. It feels really good to be on pole for the first qualifying session of the NTT INDYCAR Series 2021. These Arrow McLaren SP people have been working really hard. They deserve this. We’ve got a job to finish off.”

Despite a miserable 2020 season with only five podiums, Alexander Rossi looks to rebound and start 2021 on the right foot. So far, the Andretti Autosport driver has done so by qualifying second.

“It was great to be back in competition settings here in Barber,” Rossi said. “This track is pretty wild now that they did the repave, a lot of grip. Yeah, it started out pretty strong this morning. We were happy with the starting balance of the car. Then practice two was messy, just a lot of red flags. We were able to get a lap in.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s tough to come up short, as short as we did in qualifying, because you can think about a couple of areas through the lap where you made mistakes, maybe could have made a difference. Ultimately it’s much better than we’ve ever had around Barber. I think our best starting spot in years past was eight. A big step up. We have a good shot at it tomorrow.”

Rossi’s previous best qualifying effort at Barber was eighth twice, in 2019 and 2018.

There were a few incidents that brought out the red flag during qualifying. In group two, James Hinchcliffe locked up his tires and hit the inside wall hard in Turn 5 with seven minutes remaining. After a brief red flag, cars rejoined the track, but another red flag eventually slowed the session as Felix Rosenqvist’s car went off track in Turn 17 in the final minutes of group two. While Rosenqvist was originally sixth, his fastest lap time in the session was deleted due to bringing out the red flag.

In the Firestone Fast Six, the finishing results were O’Ward, Rossi, Palou, Power, Dixon, and Ericsson.

An IndyCar warm-up session is scheduled for Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. CT live on Peacock with a subscription. The Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama green flag is slated for 2:42 p.m. local time, live on NBC and IndyCar radio.

Official Starting Line Up for the 2021 Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama:

  1. Pato O’Ward
  2. Alexander Rossi
  3. Alex Palou
  4. Will Power
  5. Scott Dixon
  6. Marcus Ericsson
  7. Romain Grosjean
  8. Josef Newgarden
  9. Colton Herta
  10. Conor Daly
  11. Jack Harvey
  12. Scott McLaughlin
  13. Ed Jones
  14. Rinus VeeKay
  15. Simon Pagenaud
  16. Sebastien Bourdais
  17. Ryan Hunter-Reay
  18. Graham Rahal
  19. Takuma Sato
  20. Max Chilton
  21. Jimmie Johnson
  22. Felix Rosenqvist
  23. Dalton Kellett
  24. James Hinchcliffe

John Hunter Nemechek claims second win of 2021 at Richmond

Photo by Barry Albert for SpeedwayMedia.com.

John Hunter Nemechek continued his 2021 season success Saturday afternoon at Richmond Raceway after taking the lead with 17 to go from his teammate Chandler Smith. Nemechek led the final 17 laps en route to his eighth career Truck Series victory.

“It’s a never-give-up attitude,” Nemechek said after the race. “I just can’t thank Kyle, everyone at Toyota and all our great partners. It’s pretty cool to be able to come out and here do what we did. We had a really fast truck and I’m super proud of all my guys and thankful for them.”

Stages 70-70-110 made up the 250-lap race from Richmond Raceway. Ben Rhodes was on the pole via the qualifying metric system.

Stage 1: Lap 1 – Lap 70

Rhodes led through the first three laps of the stage before Grant Enfinger took the lead on Lap 4. Enfinger maintained the lead throughout the rest of the 66 laps and was only somewhat challenged as the Alabaman went on to take his first stage win of the season. Nemechek, Kyle Busch, Rhodes, Austin Hill, Carson Hocevar, Raphael Lessard, Todd Gilliland, Derek Kraus, and Stewart Friesen were the Top 10. During the stage break, Friesen was penalized for too fast on pit road as Spencer Boyd and Tyler Ankrum were both penalized for an uncontrolled tire.

Stage 2: Lap 79 – Lap 140

Just two cautions slowed the pace during the second stage. The first occurred on Lap 84 when the No. 12 of Tate Fogleman crashed in Turn(s) 3 and 4 after making contact with the No. 1 of Hailie Deegan and the second on lap 100, when the No. 10 of Jennifer Jo Cobb crashed off Turn 4.

Nemechek showed early prominence in the second stage and took the stage victory. Stage 1 winner Enfinger followed closely behind in second, Rhodes was third as Austin Hill fourth, Busch fifth, Zane Smith, Lessard, Gilliland, Kraus, and Chandler Smith rounded out the Top 10. Unfortunately for Hill, he was penalized for speeding on pit road during the stage break and had to restart at the back for the final stage.

Stage 3: Lap 150 – Lap 250

Numerous cautions plagued the final stage which made the race run a little long. In fact, there were seven cautions during the final 100 laps. The final yellow of the race came out with 37 to go when the No. 02 of Kris Wright wrecked on the backstretch. Friesen, Lessard, Gray, and Deegan were involved as well.

The yellow set up a restart with 29 to go with Chandler Smith looking for his first career win. The Talking Rock, Georgia native had a battle of his own as his team owner, Busch, was closing in, as was Nemechek. Smith held the lead momentarily before being passed by eventual race winner Nemechek with 17 to go.

Nemechek made the pass on Smith to bring home his first Richmond win of the year with Busch, Ankrum, Smith and Johnny Sauter rounding out the top five.

There were nine lead changes among six different drivers and 11 cautions for 79 laps. Race winner Nemechek led three times for 114 laps to claim the victory and gained six playoff points to his credit.

Official Results following the ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond Raceway:

  1. John Hunter Nemechek, won Stage 2, led 114 laps
  2. Kyle Busch, led 26 laps
  3. Tyler Ankrum
  4. Chandler Smith, led 24 laps
  5. Johnny Sauter
  6. Todd Gilliland
  7. Ben Rhodes, led four laps
  8. Grant Enfinger, won Stage 1, led 71 laps
  9. Sam Mayer
  10. Austin Hill
  11. Sheldon Creed
  12. Carson Hocevar
  13. Stewart Friesen
  14. Zane Smith
  15. Derek Kraus
  16. Spencer Davis
  17. Hailie Deegan
  18. Matt Crafton, led 11 laps
  19. Austin Wayne Self
  20. Danny Bohn
  21. Timmy Hill
  22. Timothy Peters
  23. Raphael Lessard, 1 lap down
  24. Tanner Gray, 1 lap down
  25. Dawson Cram, 2 laps down
  26. Jett Noland, 3 laps down
  27. Spencer Boyd, 3 laps down
  28. Chase Purdy, 5 laps down
  29. Ryan Reed, 5 laps down
  30. Keith McGee, 6 laps down
  31. Cory Roper, 7 laps down
  32. Norm Benning, 10 laps down
  33. Josh Reaume, 10 laps down
  34. Howie DiSavino III, 29 laps down
  35. Kris Wright, OUT, Accident
  36. Codie Rohrabugh, OUT, Accident
  37. Brett Moffitt, OUT, Handling
  38. Jennifer Jo Cobb, OUT, Damage Vehicle Policy
  39. Tate Fogleman, OUT, Accident
  40. Ryan Truex, OUT, Rear Gear

Up Next: The Camping World Truck Series will head to Kansas Speedway on Saturday, May 1, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, live on Fox Sports 1 and MRN Radio.

Jordan Anderson Racing NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race Overview- Richmond Raceway

Track: Richmond Raceway; Oval (0.75 Mile)
Race: Toyota Care 250; 250 Laps – 70/70/110; 187.5 Miles
Date/Broadcast: April 17, 2021 1:30 PM ET
TV: Fox Sports 1 (FS1), and the FOX Sports App
Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN)- Check Local Listings for affiliate, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90
Social Media: Facebook: JordanAndersonRacing, HowieDiSavino Instagram: JordanAndersonRacing, HowieDiSavino Twitter: J66Anderson, HDiSavino

Howie DiSavino III – No. 3 Bud’s Heating & Air Conditioning/ KEES Vacations
Chevrolet Silverado Preview- Richmond Raceway

News and Notes:

  • Starting Position: DiSavino will make his first NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series (NCWTS) start Saturday afternoon from the 35th position in the Toyota Care 250. Due to no practice or qualifying the starting lineup was calculated by the competition-based performance metrics system; fastest lap in the previous race 15 percent, driver finish from previous race 25 percent, owner points 25 percent, and driver points 35 percent.
  • NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Toyota Care 250 will mark DiSavino’s first NCWTS start. In seven ARCA Menards Series starts between 2019-2021, DiSavino holds an average finish of 14.16 with a best of 9th coming at Indianapolis’s Lucas Oil Raceway in July of 2020. Most recently DiSavino captured a 13th place finish in the 2021 edition of the ARCA Menards Series Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway.
  • Bud’s Heating & Air Conditioning; At Bud’s the belief that comfort goes far beyond just what you’re heating and air conditioning systems can provide. We believe that there is even greater comfort in knowing that you have the very best professionals in the industry working for you. With locations in Southern Virginia and the Northern Florida Bud’s is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and 365 days of the year. More information on Bud’s Heating & Air Conditioning can be found at BudsUSA.com
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Howie DiSavino III Quotes;

“I’m incredibly humbled about this opportunity to not only compete in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Jordan Anderson Racing but for the chance to race in front of my family, friends and partners”

“This is undoubtedly the biggest race of my career, but I am up for the challenge.”

“Richmond is going to be an extremely competitive race and tire management will be key. Fortunately, I have surrounded myself with good people who are adequately helping me prepare to make Richmond a successful weekend both on and off the track.”

“I just want to do a great job for Jordan (Anderson) and our partners KEES Vacations and Bud’s Heating & Air Conditioning and with the hope to do some more Truck Series racing throughout the 2021 season.”

“Just to finish the race,” he said of his primary goal. “If I finish all 250 laps, run the best race that I can, I’m looking for a top 25, personally, for my first truck race. I know the trucks have a stout field.”

Jordan Anderson Quotes;

“I have been keeping my eye on Howie for a little while now, and when Austin (Theriault, manager) said he was available and exploring NASCAR opportunities, I wanted to jump at having him make his NASCAR debut in one of our trucks”

“My team and I have built this team from the ground up, and Howie shares the drive and determination that I admire in a driver. I’m looking forward to seeing him be successful.”

  • Chassis; JAR will bring chassis No. 008 for DiSavino to compete with in Saturday afternoon’s Toyota Care 250 at Richmond Raceway. Having last competed for JAR in March 2021 in the FR8 Auctions 200 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chassis No. 008 would earn a Top-25 finish being credited with the 25th position. Chassis No. 008 would race four times during the 2020 campaign at Kansas, Michigan, Richmond, and Phoenix. In the most unlikely of situations Chassis No. 008 was unloaded as a backup truck in the July Kansas double-header in which it would earn its best finish of the year with a 15thplace finish.

About Jordan Anderson Racing

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

Trans Am History Echoes through the Hills of Sonoma Raceway

Trans Am continues long history with former Sears Point Raceway

SONOMA, CALIF. (16 April 2021)- Sonoma Raceway continues its long history with the Trans Am Championship presented by Pirelli with its sixth West Coast Championship race over the past four years.

The Trans Am Series Presented by Pirelli West Coast Championship competed at Sonoma three times during the pandemic-plagued 2020 campaign, with veteran Greg Pickett winning all three rounds from the pole in his Ford Mustang.

Rookie Nick Rosseno won the TA2® opener, while Salinas driver Thomas Merrill swept the doubleheader weekend last fall.

Simon Gregg won the XGT class in the opening 2020 round in a Mercedes-AMG, and claimed the TA West championship by winning the 2019 race in a Corvette. Pickett and Merrill won the respective TA and TA2® classes at Sonoma in 2018, the first Trans Am competition at the circuit in 14 years.

Over the years, Sonoma Raceway has hosted the National Trans Am Championship 24 times from 1969 through 2004. The circuit hosted both spring and fall races five times from 1982 through 1986. It was the site of the 1978 season opener, in addition to serving as the season finale in 1981 and 1982. Many of the legends of American sports car racing have been winners at the circuit located in the heart of California wine country.

Trans-Am’s first visit to what was then known as Sears Point International Speedway came in 1969. Mark Donohue won his fifth of six races to boost Chevrolet to its second consecutive manufacturer championship. In addition, Donohue captured the unofficial driver champion for the second straight year, although that title was not officially instated until the 1971 season.

Donohue did not have the fastest car that day, but the Penske Racing team excelled in the pits. Parnelli Jones, driving the Bud Moore Ford Mustang, qualified two seconds faster than Donohue’s Roger Penske-fielded Sunoco Camaro. In addition, Donohue needed to make three pit stops, to only two for Jones. However, the overall time on pit road for the Penske Camaro was 31 seconds faster than Jones’ two stops. Donohue led only the final 11 of the 80 laps, beating Jones to the checkered flag by 2.17 seconds.

Darin Brassfield was the most successful Trans Am racer at Sonoma, winning four consecutive years from 1989 through 1992. His first Sears Point victory came after a thrilling race-long duel with Dorsey Schroeder. Brassfield was at the wheel of a privately entered Corvette, and he held off Schroeder by 0.17 seconds, the closest finish in event history. Brassfield won the following two years in a Rocketsports Oldsmobile Cutlass, and made it four in a row in 1992 driving a Camaro owned by George Robinson.

“Sonoma has always been my favorite track,” Brassfield said in a 2021 interview. “One, it’s my home, and second, I’ve had so much success there over the years. Every time I go there I’m eager to win in front of all my friends. I tied Mark Donohue’s record with the four wins in a row there. For some reason I’ve always excelled there, and it’s a very special place for me.”

Tom Gloy also was a four-time winning entrant. He drove his own Ford Mustang to victory in 1981 and 1982, and fielded the winning Mustang for Schroeder in 1995, and a Qvale Mangusta for Brian Simo in 2001.

Prior to his four Trans Am West victories, Greg Pickett was a three-time Sonoma winner in National competition, driving his own Corvette in 1978 and Roush Mercury Capris in both 1984 events.

Willy T. Ribbs also pulled off the hat trick, winning in fall 1983 in a DeAtley Camaro; sprint 1985 in a Roush Capri; and 1988 in a Les Lindley Camaro.

Two-time winners at Sonoma included Elliott Forbes-Robinson (U2 driving a Porsche 911 in 1969 and fall 1985 in a Buick); Wally Dallenbach Jr., who swept the 1986 races in Protofab Camaros; and Scott Pruett (1987 in a Roush Mercury MerkurXR4Ti and 2003 in a Rocketsports Jaguar XKR).

The most recent visit for the national Trans Am was in 2004, won by Boris Said in a Ford Mustang.

Trans Am returns to Sonoma Raceway April 25-25 with a combined round from the Trans Am by Pirelli West Coast Championship and the new Trans Am ProAm Challenge. Follow www.gotransam.com/livetiming for live timing and scoring throughout the weekend.

Weekend schedule for Richmond

The Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway on September 12, 2020. Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images.

NASCAR heads to Richmond Raceway this weekend for the Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 Sunday afternoon and the Camping World Truck Series is back after a two-week break on Saturday for the ToyotaCare 250.

The Xfinity Series will return to competition on April 24 at Talladega Superspeedway.

Kyle Busch has the series-best driver rating (110.6) and the most wins of any active driver with six. Richmond could potentially provide the best opportunity for Busch to grab his first victory this season.

But don’t discount Martin Truex Jr. who has won two of the past three races at the 0.75-mile track. Brad Keselowski, who won in 2020, will also be one to watch. And don’t forget Denny Hamlin. Richmond is one of Hamlin’s best tracks. In 28 Cup Series starts he has three poles, three wins, 13 top fives and 17 top 10s.   

There have only been 12 Truck Series races at Richmond. Last year was the first series race since 2005 and was won by Grant Enfinger. This weekend, Enfinger, who is running a part-time schedule, will be wheeling a ThorSport Racing entry. Starting third, he hopes to become the first repeat winner since Tony Stewart in 2002-2003.

There will be no practice or qualifying sessions due to COVID-19 protocols established by NASCAR.

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

All times are Eastern.

Saturday – April 17

1:10 p.m.: Truck Series Driver Intros (Drivers standing by their trucks)
1:30 p.m.: Truck Series ToyotaCare 250 (Stages 70/140/250 Laps=187.5 Miles)
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Pole: Ben Rhodes

Sunday – April 18

2:45 p.m.: Cup Series Driver Intros Drivers Standing by their cars)
3 p.m.: Cup Series Toyota Owners 400 (Stages 80/235/400 Laps=300 Miles)
FOX/MRN/TSN/Sirius XM NASCAR Radio
Pole: Martin Truex Jr.

Richmond Raceway Data

Season Race #: 9 of 36 (04-18-21)
Track Size: 0.75-miles
Banking/Turns 1 & 2: 14 degrees
Banking/Turns 3 & 4: 14 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 8 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 2 degrees
Frontstretch Length:  1,290 feet
Backstretch Length:  860 feet
Race Length: 400 laps / 300 miles
Stage 1 Length: 80 laps
Stage 2 Length: 155 laps
Final Stage Length: 165 laps

Richmond Raceway Qualifying Information:

Track Qualifying Record: Jeff Gordon at 130.599 mph (20.674 secs) on September 4, 2013.
2020 pole winner: None – The Spring 2020 race was moved due to the pandemic and the NCS only competed at the track once in September 2020.

  • Kevin Harvick and Kurt Busch lead all active drivers in the NCS in starts with 39 each.
  • Kyle Larson leads all active drivers with an average starting position of 9.0, followed by Denny Hamlin at 9.9.
  • Hamlin leads all active pole winners with three poles (2006, 2008 and 2016).
  • Joey Logano is the only active driver that have won consecutive poles (2015 sweep).
  • Only three active drivers have been able to win from the pole: Kyle Busch (2010), Brad Keselowski (2014) and Hamlin (2016).

Richmond Raceway Race Information:

Track Race Record: Dale Jarrett at 109.047 mph (02:45:04) on September 6, 1997.
2020 Playoff Race Winner: Brad Keselowski 101.868 mph (02:56:42) on September 12, 2020.

  • Kyle Busch leads all active drivers in wins with six victories (spring 2009, spring 2010, spring 2011, spring 2012, 2018 sweep).
  • A total of 27 different starting positions have led to wins, but the first starting position is the most proficient starting position than any other starting position with 24 wins.
  • Joe Gibbs Racing(JGR) leads in victories with 16 wins.  Tony Stewart (1999, 2001, 2002), Hamlin (2009, 2010, 2016), Busch (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018 sweep), Matt Kenseth (2015), Carl Edwards (2016), and Martin Truex Jr. (2019 sweep).
  • A total of nine different manufacturers have won at Richmond Raceway.  Chevrolet leads in wins with 38 victories, followed by Ford (33), Dodge (17), Toyota (14), Pontiac (11) Plymouth (10), Buick (two), Oldsmobile (two) and Chrysler (one).
  • Busch leads all active drivers in average finishing position at 6.9 in 27 series starts.
  • Hamlin leads all active drivers in laps led with 1,704 laps led in 28 starts.

Top 12 Driver Ratings at Richmond
Kyle Busch – 110.6
Kevin Harvick – 110.3
Denny Hamlin – 106.8
Brad Keselowski – 100.9
Kurt Busch – 94.2
Martin Truex Jr – 92.2
Joey Logano – 92.2
Kyle Larson – 89.2
Ryan Newman – 87.3
Chase Elliott – 86.3
Aric Almirola – 77.5
Tyler Reddick – 76.5

Note: Driver Ratings compiled from 2005-2020 races (31 total) among active drivers at Richmond Raceway.

Young’s Motorsports Richmond Raceway Team Preview

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
Richmond (Va.) Raceway | ToyotaCare 250
Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Kris Wright
Primary Partner(s): MasterTech
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado
Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis
2021 Driver Points Position: 31st
2021 Owner Points Position: 12th

ToyotaCare 250 Starting Position: 22nd (Based on event formula)

Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis No. 10
Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Welcome Back: This weekend, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back mainstay driver Kris Wright who returns to the driving duties of the No. 02 MasterTech Chevrolet Silverado after missing the last two events at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway and the Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway dirt due to COVID-19 protocols.

I Am Number Four: NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year candidate Kris Wright will pilot the No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado this weekend at Richmond (Va.) Raceway for his fourth career start.

In addition to his two Truck Series races this season at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, Wright made his NCWTS debut last summer at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway Road Course.

Welcome Aboard: For the sixth Truck Series race of 2021, Young’s Motorsports welcomes MasterTech as the primary marketing partner on Wright’s No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado for the ToyotaCare 250.

For over 19 years, the MasterTech Vehicle Protection Program® has shielded drivers from the rising cost of vehicle repairs that are over and above the manufacturer’s limited warranty and any applicable powertrain limited warranties.

This elite service contract program can be tailored to meet your driving needs while providing affordable options to meet your budget.

Short Track Debut: Wright, a native of Wexford, Pa. will make his short-track Truck Series debut at Richmond (Va.) Raceway on Apr. 17.

Despite no prior short track starts in Trucks, he does have three short track starts in the ARCA Menards Series with two top-10 finishes including a seventh-place finish in the Zinsser Smart Coat 200 at Lebanon I-44 Speedway in Lebanon, Mo. last September.

Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | Pinty’s Dirt Truck Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the highly anticipated Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Daniel Suárez returned to the series’ aboard the No. 02 GoPro Motorplex | AMR Motorplex Chevrolet.

After Mother Nature canceled the heat races, Suarez started the race mid-pack in 26th but utilized the 150-lap race to move forward and finish a respectable lead lap 17th.

Suárez was utilizing the Truck Series for the NASCAR Cup Series highly anticipated Food City Dirt Race where he earned a season-high fourth place just hours after climbing from his Young’s Motorsports truck.

Solid Start For Young’s Motorsports: With 17 races remaining in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series this season, Young’s Motorsports sits a comfortable 12th place in the series owner standings with a handful of drivers.

Wright started the season off with a strong top-15 finish in the season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, driver Kaz Grala’s eighth-place performance at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway Road Course and respectable runs at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway and the Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

The Mooresville, N.C.-based team Young’s Motorsports team gained two positions with Suarez’s top-20 finish at Bristol.

Driver Intel: Road racing standout Kris Wright continues his rookie season with Young’s Motorsports with Saturday afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond.

The former IMSA and Formula 3 driver invades the Truck Series scene this season after spending much of the 2020 season competing in the ARCA Menards Series competing for Chad Bryant Racing and GMS Racing, respectively.

Wright earned three top-10 finishes in six races, including a career-best seventh in the season finale at Kansas Speedway last October.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Wright as crew chief of the No. 02 MasterTech Chevrolet Silverado is longtime crew chief Eddie Troconis.

Troconis is a two-time winning crew chief in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and comes to Young’s Motorsports after tenures at ThorSport Racing, AM Racing and Sam Hunt Racing (Xfinity Series) respectively.

He will crew chief his 128th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday. In his previous 127 races, he has two wins, 22 top-five and 45 top-10 finishes to his resume.

Troconis touted as a gifted engineer has just one start as crew chief at Richmond’s 0.875-mile oval. Last year, he guided Austin Wayne Self to a 14th place run after starting 17th.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Kris Wright, please visit, kriswrightmotorsports.com, like him on Facebook (Kris Wright Racing) and follow him on Twitter (@KrisOnNASCAR).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).
Kris Wright Pre-Race Quotes:

On Returning To The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series: “I am feeling great and ready to get back to the track with my Young’s Motorsports Truck Series team this weekend at Richmond Raceway.

“I want to thank Josh (Berry) and Daniel (Suarez) for the support with the No. 02 program the last two races. I hope we are able to continue with the momentum with those races on Saturday afternoon.”

On Richmond Raceway: “I always enjoy short track racing and thrilled to make my first Truck Series start on a smaller track this weekend.

“Richmond is a larger short track and I will rely heavily on my crew chief Eddie (Troconis) and my Young’s Motorsports teammates for some advice before climbing into our No. 02 MasterTech Chevrolet and getting after it for 250 laps on Saturday afternoon.”

No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Tate Fogleman
Primary Partner(s): Solid Rock Carriers
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado
Crew Chief: Ryan “Pickle” London
2021 Driver Points Position: 23rd
2021 Owner Points Position: 29th
ToyotaCare 250 Starting Position: 24th (Based on event formula)
Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis No. 11
Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Back To Familiar Territory: In his sophomore season of Truck Series competition, Fogleman returns to Richmond (Va.) Raceway looking to improve on his track-best 15th place run at the 0.875-mile short track in September 2020.

Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | Pinty’s Dirt Truck Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the highly anticipated Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Tate Fogelman made his 31st career Truck Series start aboard the No. 12 Solid Rock Carriers Chevrolet Silverado.

After Mother Nature canceled the heat races, Fogleman started the race mid-pack in 24th but kept his nose clean throughout the 150-lap race to finish 23rd and score his third top-25 finish of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.

Bristol marked Fogleman’s Truck Series debut on dirt.

Solid As A Rock: Solid Rock Carriers will continue a season-long partnership with Solid Rock Carriers as the primary marketing partner of his No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet for the ToyotaCare 250.

Solid Rock Carriers Inc. is a licensed and bonded freight shipping and trucking company running freight hauling business from Lagrange, North Carolina. Serving the eastern United States for over 20 years, Solid Rock Carriers provides on-time delivery and superior customer service.

To The Point(s): Entering Richmond, Fogleman sits 23rd in the championship standings.

Just 28 points separate Fogleman from 15th in the championship standings currently held by Chandler Smith with 17 races remaining this season.

Young’s Motorsports’ No. 12 team also secures 29th in the NCWTS owner standings.

Did You Know?: 21-year-old Fogleman is the son of Jay Fogleman a former competitor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and a 10-time winner in what is now known as the CARS Tour Series.

He is also a business major at High Point University.

A Look Back At 2020: Even with a worldwide pandemic, Fogleman completed a full 23-race schedule in 2020 earning a best finish of 13th at Michigan International Speedway in August, while also tallying three top-15 and 11 top-20 finishes throughout the seven-month season.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Fogleman as crew chief of the No. 12 Solid Rock Carriers Chevrolet Silverado is crew chief Ryan London.

He will crew chief his 30th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday. In his previous 29 races, he has one top-five and two top-10 finishes to his resume.

This weekend will mark his first race at Richmond as crew chief.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Tate Fogleman, please like him on Facebook (Tate Fogelman Racing) and follow him on Instagram (tatefogleman) and Twitter (@tate_fogleman).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Tate Fogleman Pre-Race Quotes:

On Richmond Raceway: “Richmond is a race we had circled on our calendars early in the season because of the strong performance we were able to produce last fall. I enjoy short-track racing and despite my lack of experience at Richmond, we were able to capitalize on a fast truck and earn one of our best finishes of the season.

“Our goal is to return to the Richmond and duplicate and better our finish from last year for our No. 12 Solid Rock Carries Chevrolet team.”

On 2021 Season After Five Races: “Obviously, we started off the year solid, but haven’t built the consistency I was hoping to early in the season. We won’t give up though. The Truck Series is very tough this year, but our Young’s Motorsports team is resilient and we’ll find our groove and start delivering the finishes I know we are capable of producing.”

No. 20 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Spencer Boyd
Primary Partner(s): WML Enterprises
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado
Crew Chief: Joe Lax
2021 Driver Points Position: 27th
2021 Owner Points Position: 32nd
ToyotaCare 250 Starting Position: 26th (Based on event formula)
Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis No. 112
Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Back To Familiar Territory: Fan favorite Spencer Boyd Fogleman returns to Richmond (Va.) Raceway looking to improve on his track-best 20th place run at the 0.875-mile short track in September 2020.

Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | Pinty’s Dirt Truck Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at the highly anticipated Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Boyd made his 52nd career Truck Series start aboard the No. 20 EcoTwist Chevrolet Silverado.

After Mother Nature canceled the heat races, Boyd started the race deep in the field in 31st but kept his nose clean throughout the 150-lap race to finish 25th and score his third top-25 finish of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.

2021 Partner Debut: This weekend at Richmond Raceway, Young’s Motorsports welcome Virginia-based WML Enterprises as the primary partner for Boyd’s No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado.

WML Enterprises is a veteran-owned specialty contractor offering comprehensive residential, commercial, and government demolition, landscaping and site preparation services. They combine passion for good old American dirt, trucks and tractors with a healthy appreciation for technology.

Their logo pays homage in shape and design to many squadron patches that are used throughout the Air Force from the WWII era to present-day operations.

To The Point(s): Entering Richmond, Boyd sits 27th in the championship standings – up two spots from Bristol.

Just 39 points separate Boyd from 15th in the championship standings currently held by Chandler Smith with 17 races remaining this season.

Young’s Motorsports’ No. 20 team also secures 32nd in the NCWTS owner standings.

Chasing That W: Boyd is eyeing his second career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victory for himself and Young’s Motorsports.

In 2019 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Boyd pulled an upset during the Truck Series Playoffs by winning the Sugarland Shines 250 at the 2.66-mile superspeedway edging Todd Gilliland by 0.027 seconds.

Truck Series Rundown: In five years of Truck Series competition, Boyd has 52 career Truck Series starts with one win, two top-five and two top-10 finishes, and a championship best of 17th in 2019.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Boyd as crew chief of the No. 20 WML Enterprises Chevrolet Silverado is veteran crew chief Joe Lax.

He will crew chief his 61st NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Saturday. In his previous 60 races, he has one pole and six top-10 finishes to his resume.

This weekend will mark his second race at Richmond as crew chief. Last year, he guided Boyd to a 20th place run after starting 26th.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Spencer Boyd, please like him on Facebook (Spencer Boyd Racing) and follow him on Instagram (SpencerBoydpr) and Twitter (@SpencerBoyd).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Spencer Boyd Pre-Race Quotes:

On Richmond Raceway: “Richmond is my favorite track on the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series circuit. The track reminds me a lot of what I grew up doing. Short tracks and wheel to wheel racing.

“Hopefully, we can have a good run on Saturday afternoon for everyone at Young’s Motorsports and WML Enterprises.”

On Partnering With WML Enterprises: “I’m proud to bring on another Veteran owned company to our sponsor lineup this year,” remarked Spencer Boyd. “It is truly awesome that I get to represent the hard-working team over at WML.

“They have a motto ‘Always Strive for Better Work’ and that means more to me this year than ever before. In my third year with Young’s (Motorsports), we have circled more tracks to improve at and I simply couldn’t do that without the support of my partners.”

Race Information:

The ToyotaCare 250 (250 laps | 187.5 miles) is the sixth of 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2021 schedule. The 40-truck field will take the green flag on Sat., Apr. 17, 2021, shortly after 1:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.

Five-Time Track Champion Brian Brown to Pilot No. 51 Casey’s General Stores/Rowdy Energy Tundra at Knoxville

Rowdy Energy Athlete to Make Camping World Trucks Debut at Famed Venue

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 16, 2021) – Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that ‘Blackjack’ Brian Brown will pilot the No. 51 Tundra when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series makes its inaugural visit to Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway July 9. Brown’s Toyota will carry primary sponsorship from Casey’s General Stores, the fourth largest convenience store retailer in the United States, and Rowdy Energy, the enhanced hydration formula energy drink created by KBM owner Kyle Busch.

Brown boasts an impressive resume racing Sprint Cars, currently totaling 185 career victories at the numerous tracks he has competed at across the country. The 42-year-old Missouri native has recorded 52 career wins and four track championships at Knoxville in the 410 Sprint Car division, (2010, 2017, 2019-2020) and another 16 victories and one title in the 360 division (2002). ‘Blackjack’ finished second three consecutive years (2012-2014) in the prestigious Knoxville Nationals, a yearly event held at the half-mile dirt oval.

“It’s so cool that I’m getting the opportunity to make my NASCAR Camping World Trucks Series debut at a track that is not only my favorite but a track that I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of success, with my long-time partner Casey’s, and my newest partner Rowdy Energy collaborating to make this dream come true,” Brown said. “It’s been a lot of fun this year as a Rowdy Energy athlete to be able to introduce racing fans across the country to all of the great flavors that Kyle has created in his energy drink and interact with them when they share their appreciation for his product on social media. I’m excited that now they’ll be able to purchase Rowdy Energy easily at over 1800 Casey’s stores.”

“Brian has been a great ambassador for the Rowdy Energy brand this year and has an impressive resume at Knoxville, so as the Camping World Truck Series visits the famed dirt track for the first time, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to get him behind the wheel of the No. 51 Tundra,” Busch said. “From racing out in Iowa a few times myself, I’ve seen firsthand how much Casey’s supports motorsports in the Midwest. It’s an honor to not only have them onboard at KBM as a sponsor for the inaugural NASCAR event at Knoxville but to also have them carrying Rowdy Energy in their stores.”

“Casey’s is excited to see our long-time racing partner, Brian Brown, competing in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race,” said Megan Elfers, Vice President of Marketing, Casey’s. “This race provides a new way for Casey’s to connect with sprint car racing fans alongside Rowdy Energy which goes great with Casey’s famous pizza and snacks.”

KBM has earned three of its Camping World Truck series-leading 83 career wins on dirt tracks. Darrell Wallace Jr. won at Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, a half-mile dirt oval, in 2014 and Christopher Bell made it back-to-back victories for the organization at the famed track in 2015. Most recently, 2017 NASCAR Cup Series champion Martin Truex Jr. drove the No. 51 Toyota to victory March 29 in the Truck Series inaugural dirt race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

About Casey’s General Store:

Casey’s General Stores is a Fortune 500 company (NASDAQ: CASY) operating over 2,200 convenience stores in 16 states. Founded more than 50 years ago, the company has grown to become the fourth-largest convenience store retailer and the fifth-largest pizza chain in the United States. Casey’s provides freshly prepared foods, quality fuel and friendly service at every location. Guests can enjoy pizza, donuts, other assorted bakery items, and a wide selection of beverages and snacks. Learn more and order online at www.caseys.com, or in the mobile app.

About Rowdy Energy:

With a focus on wellness for longevity in his career and life, Kyle Busch, the accomplished driver aptly nicknamed “Rowdy” for his will to win at all costs, created Rowdy Energy with a proprietary Enhanced Energy Formula. Comprised of precise time-released caffeine, sugar reduction ingredients, amazing taste and hydration levels above leading sports drinks, Rowdy Energy is a “better for you” product. Specifically formulated for your needs to accomplish any challenge thrown your way and to be your most effective self. Rowdy Energy seeks to support those that embody a spirit of high performance, not just all-star athletes but the weekend warrior, superhero mom, the ambitious college student, the men and women in uniform.

Rowdy Energy is currently available in seven flavors, including five sugar free options that are KETO certified. For our more traditional energy drink consumers, we designed a 60% less sugar option than the other leading energy drink brands.

About Kyle Busch Motorsports:

Since debuting in 2010, Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) has quickly established itself as one of the most successful teams in all of NASCAR. Owned by two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch and fueled by his passion for winning, the organization holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (83) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).

KBM prepares a fleet of race-winning Toyotas out of its state-of-the art 77,000-square-foot facility in Mooresville, N.C. Fans can stay up-to-date with all the latest KBM news online at www.KyleBuschMotorsports.com, by liking the team on Facebook (KBMteam) and by following the team on Instagram (KBMteam), and Twitter (@KBMteam).

Spencer Davis carries team momentum to Richmond Raceway

Photo Credit: Nigel Kinrade

RICHMOND, Va.: Two weeks after Darrell Wallace steered the No. 11 Spencer Davis Motorsports Toyota to a season-high 11th place finish in the Pinty’s Dirt Truck race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, team owner and driver Spencer Davis returns to the seat for Saturday’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

Davis returns to the seat upbeat about the recent trek of his family-owned team’s performance in their opening two races of the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

After acquiring the owner points from NEMCO Motorsports and making their first run of the season at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway last month, Davis earned a strong top-20 finish after nearly starting shotgun on the field in FR8 Auctions 200 on March 20.

In the series’ highly anticipated debut on the Bristol Motor Speedway Dirt, six-time Truck Series winner Wallace returned to the tour and despite starting deep in the field after the heat races were canceled because of inclement weather, the Mobile, Ala. native cleverly maneuvered his way through the field to finish 11th in his No. 11 Columbia Sports Wear Toyota Tundra.

The recent effort of Spencer Davis Motorsports has lifted the organization from 36th in owner points to 28th in just two races with the Danny Gill-led team showing no sign of slowing down anytime soon.

“I’m very proud of this Spencer Davis Motorsports team, especially our effort at Bristol Motor Speedway,” said Davis. “We’ve been able to find out footing very quickly in just two races but it’s important not to get complacent because we still have work to do and wins to chase after.”

Saturday’s 250-lap race at Richmond’s 0.875-mile oval will mark the Dawsonville, Ga. native’s first run at the legendary short track and while he doesn’t have any laps in real life – he has been steadily preparing for this weekend’s race utilizing other resources.

“I’m glad to be checking off another new track for my NASCAR resume, but Richmond from what I understand is a very demanding short track and tire conservation will certainly come into play,” added Davis.

“We’re going to have a decent starting spot and it’s going to be important for us to get a good balance on our No. 11 INOX Supreme Lubricants Toyota early so we can put ourselves in a good spot for Stage 3. The race had a lot of green-flag runs last year and it is hard to say with the race being run during the day this year if that will change the complexion of the race – but we’ll be ready for anything that is thrown our way.

“I’m just thankful to get back behind the wheel of our No. 11 INOX Supreme Lubricants Toyota this weekend.”

In February, SDM announced that INOX Supreme Lubricants will serve as the team’s primary partner this season.

INOX product range was first released in 1989 with the Original INOX MX3 Lubricant. The original MX3 product was in development stages for two years prior to release with testing and focus on creating the right product for the market.

The INOX product range continues to grow with 12 products on the market, each with their own many specialized qualities used in all different industries. All their products are tested and trialed before hitting the market to ensure the best of quality is maintained in the INOX name. INOX products are available at all major industrial, electrical, automotive, hardware, bearing and mining, marine, fishing and tackle outlets, plus many more locations.

A wholly owned Australian company Candan Industries is now exporting to over 25 countries including United States of America, Canada, France, South Africa, New Zealand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

“Excited to have a long-time friendship turn into more for Atlanta with INOX Supreme Lubricants,” said Davis. “It feels great going there with a popular new scheme and an awesome sponsor, can’t thank Angel and James at INOX enough for their continued support and partnership with our small team.

“Looking forward to having them more on this year hopefully, thrilled to be a brand ambassador and represent them to the best of our ability. We use their products day to day on our race team and in our machines at our business. A quality product and amazing people helped bring this all together.”

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

“Danny has been awesome to work with and has done a great job in helping prepare and call a great race for our Spencer Davis Motorsports team,” added Davis. “The Truck Series is a lot more competitive than it was last year, so you are literally fighting for that next spot, but I think we have showcased over the last month that we have the equipment to battle for strong finishes and that will be our momentum to carry us to Richmond this weekend and Kansas in a few weeks.”

Entering Richmond, Davis, 22, has 24 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts to his credit with a career-best finish of seventh at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in Feb. 2018, with additional top-10s at Texas Motor Speedway (June 2018) and Kentucky Speedway (July 2019).

For more on Spencer Davis, please like him on Facebook (Spencer Davis Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@spencerdavis_29) and Twitter (@spencerdavis_29).

Stay connected with Spencer Davis Motorsports on Instagram (@teamsdm11) and Twitter (@teamSDM11).

The ToyotaCare 250 (250 laps | 187.5 miles) is the sixth of 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2021 schedule. The 40-truck field will take the green flag on Sat., Apr. 17, 2021, shortly after 1:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.

CR7 Motorsports; Codie Rohrbaugh ready for familiar Richmond territory

RICHMOND, Va. After inhaling his first experience on the dirt in the most recent NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway for the Pinty’s Dirt Truck Race, CR7 Motorsports driver Codie Rohrbaugh is ready for some familiar territory in Saturday afternoon’s ToyotaCare 250 at Richmond (Va.) Raceway.

And the popular Virginia short track may be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Statesville, N.C.-based team as they look to the 0.875-mile oval to put their 2021 Truck Series season back on the right footing after tough finishes of 29th and 27th at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway and Bristol respectively.

“I’m really pumped up about Richmond this weekend,” said Rohrbaugh. “The Bristol dirt race was definitely different and while I was thankful for the experience – the finish wasn’t what we hoped. Hopefully, we can go to Richmond this weekend and turn our 2021 season back around with a similar finish from last fall.”

CR7 Motorsports certainly turned heads last September as Rohrbaugh brilliantly crafted through the field in Stage 3 on fresh tires and vaulted inside the top-10 before settling for sixth, one of his three top-10 finishes last season.

Knowing what put them on the map in the Sept. 10, 2020 race – Rohrbaugh is hoping that he and crew chief Doug George can continue their Richmond presence and collect their second top-10 of the 2021 season.

“We took a gamble last year and it paid off,” recalled Rohrbaugh. “If we find ourselves in a spot where we can do that again on Saturday, I’m sure we would make that call all day long. Luckily for us, the race stayed green and we were able to take advantage of track position and tire grip to put us inside the top-10.

“I’m not sure what to expect this weekend since the race will be during the day compared to being run at night last year – but that’s why I have Doug. He’ll know what to do when the cards are dealt.”

If Rohrbaugh is going to contend for his sixth career top-10 finish in Trucks, he knows he’ll have to negotiate traffic early and maintain a lead lap presence with his No. 9 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet Silverado.

“Track position is incredibly crucial at a place like Richmond, so staying on the lead lap is probably our biggest priority in Stage 1. From there, we can work on the balance and set ourselves up to be in a good place at the end of Stage 2 to race to the finish.

“We know what we are fighting for this weekend, I just hope we’re able to again deliver.”

Based on metrics set by NASCAR without practice or qualifying, Rohrbaugh will lineup 20th for his second Truck Series start at Richmond.

CR7 Motorsports has 32 NCWTS starts to their credit with a career-best finish of third at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (February 2020). Additionally, the team owns five other top-10 finishes at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (fifth) in October 2020, Richmond (Va.) Raceway (sixth) in September 2020, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway (seventh | Grant Enfinger) in March 2021, Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (eighth) in February 2021 and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway (10th) in October 2019. An 11th place qualifying effort at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway (Oct. 2019) is the team’s best time trials effort to date.

With 17 races remaining, Rohrbaugh, 27, is 22nd in the championship driver standings, just two points from 20th. CR7 Motorsports holds a solid 15th in the championship owner standings after five races.

In 20 career ARCA starts, Rohrbaugh has a best finish of seventh twice at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway (July 2018 and Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (February 2019). He has qualified a career-best fourth on four different occasions, most recently at Kansas Speedway (Oct. 2018).

Marketing partnership(s) opportunities are also available for the No. 9 Grant County Mulch Chevrolet in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, as well as the team’s ARCA Menards Series No. 97 A.L.L. Construction | Grant County Mulch Chevrolet program with driver Jason Kitzmiller for the 2021 seasons and beyond. Interested inquiries are encouraged to contact
tonya@gcmulch.com or 304.257.8783.

The ToyotaCare 250 (250 laps | 187.5 miles) is the sixth of 22 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2021 schedule. The 40-truck field will take the green flag on Sat., Apr. 17, 2021, shortly after 1:30 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX Sports 1, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.