Home Blog Page 2633

B.R.M. Chronographs Endurance Races and WeatherTech Sprint Doubleheaders Bring HSR Spring Fling to a Competitive Close Friday at Sebring International Raceway

By
Official Release
-
  • Todd Treffert a Perfect Five-for-Five in Speedconcepts 1974 No. 141 Porsche 911 IROC Prepared by 901 Shop
  • Travis Engen Wins Overall in B.R.M. Chronographs Endurance Challenge Race in GMT Racing 2005 No. 2 Audi R8 LMP

SEBRING, Florida (April 2, 2021) – Two one-hour B.R.M. Chronographs Endurance Challenge races and a full slate of WeatherTech Sprint Series doubleheaders brought the season-opening HSR Spring Fling at Sebring International Raceway to a competitive conclusion Friday.

The HSR Spring Fling’s big winner was Todd Treffert who went a perfect five-for-five in race victories throughout the event in his Speedconcepts 1974 No. 141 Porsche 911 IROC prepared by the 901 Shop.

Two of Treffert’s wins were secured in HSR feature races that took place both Thursday and Friday on the legendary 3.740-mile Sebring airport road course. Treffert also swept all three Group 5 WeatherTech sprints run the last two days, including both races in Friday’s doubleheader schedule.

In Friday morning’s B.R.M. Vintage and GT Classic (GTC) one-hour endurance race, Treffert once again took control at the drop of the green flag and never looked back. He finished first overall while scoring GTC class honors.

The B.R.M. feature race win followed a similar convincing run by Treffert in Thursday’s Sasco Sports International/American Challenge sprint. Treffert led every lap from the start to take the overall and Porsche class Sasco victories.

The B.R.M. Vintage class win Friday morning went to George Balbach who finished a strong second overall behind Treffert in his Ecurie Engineering 1966 No. 0 Porsche 911.

Yves Scemama completed the overall B.R.M. podium in third and took second place GTC honors in his Heritage Motorsports 1974 No. 52 Porsche 911 IROC.

Third in GTC, and securing fourth overall, was the duo of Damon DeSantis and David Hinton in the Heritage 1974 No. 82 Porsche 911 RSR. The showing backed up a podium finish by the duo in the same Porsche in last December’s Classic Sebring 12 Hour when they scored an overall third-place finish in Run Group B.

Lisa Hansen made it two Ecurie entries on the B.R.M. Vintage podium with a solid drive to third in her Ecurie Engineering 1969 No. 110 Porsche 911 S.

The Ecurie teammates bookended the B.R.M. Vintage podium while Travis Engen took second-place honors in his GMT Racing 1962 No. 1 Lotus 23B.

Engen was quick to return to his typical first-place form in Friday’s other feature race, which was the B.R.M. Chronographes Endurance Challenge for the Prototype, Historic and GT Modern (GTM) divisions.

Engen scored both the overall and Prototype victories in his GMT Racing 2005 No. 2 Audi R8 LMP despite starting at the back of the grid. Shaking off a minor mechanical issue that took away any chance of a flying qualifying lap, Engen steadily worked his way through the field after the race start. He took the lead on lap six and stayed in control of the race from that point on for the win.

The B.R.M. GTM win went to Thomas Gruber in his TAG 2016 No. 991 Porsche 991 GT3 prepared by Speed Syndicate. Crossing the finish line second overall, Gruber was the only competitor to finish on the lead lap with Engen.

The B.R.M. Vintage victory was earned by Francesco Melandri in his 1996 No. 96 Porsche 993 GT2 prepared by Amalfi Racing.

Additional podium players in the second B.R.M. race included Aaron Weiss who finished third overall and second in Prototype in his unique 2016 No. 72 Praga R1T.

The B.R.M. GTM podium was completed by a pair of competitors that crossed the finish line in the overall top five.

Paul Marino was second in GTM and fourth overall in his 2016 No. 22 Ferrari 458 while Paul Reisman came home third in GTM and fifth overall in his Hudson Historics 2009 No. 75 Porsche 997 Cup.

Third in B.R.M. Prototype went to the ex-Ruby Tuesday/Alex Job Racing 2007 No. 23 Porsche Crawford Daytona Prototype piloted by Wallis Owens.

The season-opening HSR Spring Fling was the first of HSR’s annual pair of races on the legendary Sebring International Raceway circuit this year. Nine months from now, the HSR racing year once again concludes with the season-ending HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour and Sebring Historics, December 1 – 5.

Next up for HSR is the 43rd HSR Mitty at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 21 – 25. Entry forms, ticket information, the provisional race schedule and more event details are available at the official HSR Mitty event page by clicking here.

About HSR: Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. A dedicated website for the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA is available at www.Classic24hour.com.

Kansas Speedway to Host Limited Fans for Spring NASCAR Weekend, May 1-2

By
Official Release
-

Weekend to Feature Saturday Doubleheader with ARCA Menards Series and Camping World Truck Series, Headlined by Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Buschy McBusch Race 400

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (April 2, 2021) – As Kansas Speedway celebrates its 20th anniversary this season, the track will host a limited number of fans for the upcoming NASCAR Weekend, May 1-2. Kansas Speedway will host a doubleheader on Saturday, May 1, with the ARCA Menards Series race at 12:30 p.m. CT and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event at 6:30 p.m. The weekend’s feature event, the NASCAR Cup Series Buschy McBusch Race 400 will be on Sunday, May 2, at 2 p.m.

The reduced capacity for the event is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and continues in accordance with enhanced safety protocols and procedures in place to provide a safe environment for fans, competitors, employees and industry personnel.

“We are thrilled to welcome fans back to Kansas Speedway for a safe, exciting race weekend just as we did last October,” said Kansas Speedway President Pat Warren. “We have worked with great cooperation from state and local officials to ensure a safe event for our fans, competitors and the entire industry as we look forward to kicking off our 20th anniversary season next month.”

As a result of the seating capacity limitations, many guests have had their grandstand seats relocated. In addition to encouraging distancing throughout the venue, all guests will be screened before entering the facility at staggered entry times and will be required to wear face coverings throughout the event. Multiple handwashing and hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the operating areas and entrances.

To learn more about the Buschy McBusch Race 400 and safety protocols for all of the weekend’s action at Kansas Speedway, visit KansasSpeedway.com/Return.

About Kansas Speedway

Kansas Speedway is a premier motorsports facility in the Midwest. The track, which opened in 2001, hosts two NASCAR Cup Series weekends each year, along with approximately 200 other event days each year. This includes the annual American Royal World Series of Barbecue, the largest barbecue competition in the world which attracts teams both nationally and internationally.  The Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, which opened in 2012, overlooks Turn 2 of the track.  Kansas Speedway’s two NASCAR weekends in 2021 will take place May 1-2 and Oct. 23-24.  Both will consist of a NASCAR Cup Series race, including the Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday, Oct. 24, the second race in the Round of 8 of the Playoffs.  Kansas Speedway is owned by NASCAR.

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’).

Ford named official pace car provider for Nashville Superspeedway

By
Official Release
-

Rico Abreu Named a Rowdy Energy Athlete for 2021 Season

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (April 2, 2021) – Rowdy Energy, the enhanced hydration formula energy drink created by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch, announced today that acclaimed dirt track racer Rico Abreu has been added to the Rowdy Energy Athlete roster for the 2021 season.

Abreu has amassed nearly 100 victories across multiple disciplines in his 10-plus year career, including major wins with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, All Star Circuit of Champions and United States Auto Club (USAC). The California native was crowned the 2014 USAC National Midget Series champion. The fan favorite may be most well-known for capturing back-to-back Chili Bowl titles in 2015 and 2016.

Rowdy Energy will adorn Rico’s familiar No. 24 winged sprint car as its primary partner beginning this weekend during back to back nights of racing at Federated Auto Parts Speedway at I-55 with the World of Outlaws.

“Rico is a great fit for Rowdy Energy; on the track he’s one of the most exciting drivers in all of dirt racing and off the track he keeps his faithful following of fans entertained with his presence on social media,” Busch said. “As he travels coast to coast in a variety of racing disciplines this year, he’ll be a great ambassador for our brand and help us create awareness of our product as we continue to increase our portfolio of vendor partners nationally.”

“I’m really excited for the opportunity that Kyle and the team at Rowdy Energy have presented to me”, Rico said. “We put our toes in the water at the Chili Bowl and we immediately saw the potential to grow a bigger partnership. Kyle expects results both on and off the track and I’m more than ready to live up to the expectations as a brand ambassador. I can’t wait to get into the Rowdy Energy No. 24 car tonight and more importantly, I’m looking forward to putting it in victory lane.”

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.

Trio of Feature Race Winners Crowned in First Official Day of 2021 HSR Competition Thursday at the HSR Spring Fling at Sebring International Raceway

By
Official Release
-
  • Todd Treffert Porsche-Class and Overall Sasco Sports International/American Challenge Winner in Speedconcepts 1974 No. 141 Porsche 911 IROC Prepared by 901 Shop
  • Greg Griffin Secures Season-Opening Stoner Car Care Global GT Victory in Speed Works 2016 No. 071 Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo
  • Barry Payne Takes Sasco International Class Honors in 1999 No. 9 Lotus Elise Prepared by Heritage Motorsports

SEBRING, Florida (April 1, 2021) – A trio of race winners emerged in a pair of feature races that closed out the opening day of 2021 HSR competition Thursday at the HSR Spring Fling at Sebring International Raceway.

After securing a Group 5 WeatherTech sprint race victory earlier Thursday afternoon, Todd Treffert went two-for-two on the day with a flag-to-flag win in the Sasco Sports International/American Challenge season-opening race.

Treffert scored overall and Porsche class Sasco Sports honors for the second-straight running of the HSR Spring Fling in his No. 141 Speedconcepts 1974 No. 141 Porsche 911 IROC Prepared by the 901 Shop.

Porsches swept the overall Sasco Sports top-three with Treffert leading the similar Heritage Motorsports 1974 No. 52 Porsche 911 IROC of Yves Scemama across the finish line.

Frank Beck finished third overall and in the competitive Porsche class in his Becks European 1972 No. 59 Porsche 914/6.

International Sasco Sports honors went to Barry Payne in the 1999 No. 9 Lotus Elise. Payne was joined on the International division podium by Gary Wilt in the 1969 No. 102 BMW 2002. Both entries are prepared this weekend by Heritage Motorsports.

Thursday’s other feature race – the season-opening Stoner Car Care Global GT sprint – was won by Greg Griffin in his Speed Works 2016 No. 071 Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo.

Griffin shared the Stoner Global GT podium with Paul Reisman who finished second in his Hudson Historics 2009 No. 75 Porsche 997 Cup. David Roberts completed the top three in his CRP Racing 2015 Porsche Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

Following up on Thursday’s twin bill of feature races, the HSR Spring Fling includes the first 2021 rounds of the B.R.M. Chronographes Endurance Challenge in a special Friday doubleheader schedule.

The one-hour Vintage and GT Classic (GTC) B.R.M. Endurance Challenge kicks Friday’s schedule off at 8 a.m. EDT. The opening race will be followed by the Historic, Prototype and GT Modern (GTM) 60-minute endurance challenge that afternoon at 12:45 p.m. EDT.

For the entry list, event schedule and more information, please visit the official HSR Spring Fling event page at www.HSRRace.com.

A variety of HSR Spring Fling ticket options, from daily admission on up to RV Parking, are available for purchase at Sebring International Raceway. Visit www.HSRTickets.com for more information.

The HSR Spring Fling is the lead-in event for the 43rd HSR Mitty, Round 2 on the 2021 HSR Schedule, which takes place at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, April 21 – 25. This week’s event is also the first of HSR’s annual pair of races on the legendary Sebring International Raceway circuit in 2021. Nine months from now, the HSR racing year once again concludes with the season-ending HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour and Sebring Historics, December 1 – 5.

Noteworthy

  • This year’s Spring Fling dates have been slightly adjusted to a weekday format allowing competitors and fans to get in a full HSR event and still be home with their families for the Easter Weekend Holiday. Griffin and his family and friends started the celebration early at Sebring, however, and he was well supported by both in victory lane. Griffin’s son Gregory and daughter Lilly joined Dad for a traditional winner’s picture in front of the HSR podium backdrop.

About HSR: Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. A dedicated website for the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA is available at www.Classic24hour.com.

Top Amazing Tips For Buying a Motorcycle Helmet

By
SM
-
Photo by Karim MANJRA on Unsplash

Riding a motorcycle can be a fun and dangerous activity at the same time. It can be hazardous if the riders do not take the necessary precautions. There are essential gears that one is supposed to own once you purchase your motorcycle. The important of all is buying a helmet. Many fatalities that are happening around are because of the riders not wearing a helmet. Choosing the most suitable helmet can be a daunting activity due to the various helmets that are available. Several factors are available to help you in the decision-making process. The factors are essential if you are a new rider or an experienced rider. The ones that should be upfront are your safety, protection, and comfort. It can be tempting to put color, price, and color ahead of those dull safety features when buying a helmet. 

Type of Helmet

Always you should decide on the type of mask you want. There are various types’ helmets that you can choose from. They include full-face helmets, half helmets, motocross, modular and open face. For maximum safety, people recommend a full-face helmet as it encloses the whole face. Research reveals that the most affected area during a motorcycle crash is the chin. You will realize that full-face helmets are what most racers wear while on track. Some people may find wearing full-face suffocating, and if you are at a petrol station, you have to take them off on most occasions. They are the standard designs as they offer maximum protection during harsh weather conditions. 

Some of the individuals may prefer modular helmets. They like them because of their flexibility and adaptability. They argue that they can quickly flip them up when they are at the ATM, taking photos, or fueling without taking them off. They are also not suffocating as you can raise your chin to get fresh air when you are in slow-moving traffic. 

Some may prefer adventure helmets. They usually have a visor and peak. However, some individuals prefer to use goggles than visors. Motocross helmets are explicitly designed to be used off the road. They have a peak but no visor; hence are intended to be used with goggles. They have more open ventilation with foam ventilation in the chin.

Safety Standards and Right Fitting

There is some critical tip that you need to keep in mind. Expensive helmets do not mean safety, nor do cheap helmets mean they are safe. A plain-colored helmet will be more affordable to purchase compared to a helmet with some graphics. Every rider has different head shapes, and every helmet brand has another form. You should measure your head before purchasing your helmet. You can run your tape measure around the head just above your eyebrows and the pointy part at the back of your head. Experts recommend that you not buy helmets over the internet unless you have ever purchased that brand before. You should go to the stores and find those helmets that well fit you.

The tips mentioned above can guide you in deciding on choosing a suitable helmet. Accompanied with other factors like price and color but most important of all ensure safety and maximum protection.

Rocket Pro TPO and Paretta Autosport Announce Primary Sponsorship of #16 Chevrolet Piloted by Simona De Silvestro in the Indianapolis 500

By
Official Release
-

· First Female INDYCAR Team to Partner on Content Highlighting Women in the Mortgage Industry
· Paretta Autosport and Rocket Pro TPO to create ‘Rocket Accelerator’ campaign highlighting female leaders in both racing and mortgage industry

INDIANAPOLIS (April 1, 2021) – Paretta Autosport today announced Rocket Pro TPO, the division of Rocket Mortgage which works exclusively with independent mortgage brokers, will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 16 Chevrolet in the 105th running of the Indianapolis 500.

Piloted by Simona De Silvestro, the #16 Chevrolet represents a groundbreaking achievement in INDYCAR as the first-ever entrant in the Indianapolis 500 from a team that is female-owned, female driven and largely female crewed. As the primary sponsor, Rocket Pro TPO will be front-and-center with dominant branding on the car, firesuit and crew suits.

“Having Rocket Pro TPO come onboard as our primary sponsor for this year’s Indy 500 is a perfect partnership,” said Beth Paretta, CEO/team principal of Paretta Autosport. “We are both huge proponents of highlighting the power of women, while also using technology and speed to be the best at what we do. I cannot wait for what we will be able to accomplish as a team – both on and off the track.”

Together, Rocket Pro TPO, Paretta and De Silvestro will partner on the ‘Rocket Accelerator’ multimedia campaign. The group will use unique and innovative ways to amplify women in the mortgage lending and racing spaces by showcasing female leaders who are thriving in these industries.

This campaign will be just the start of an ongoing commitment from the organizations to improve access to employment in mortgage and racing, increase the availability of mentorship opportunities and build a strong sense of community within the lender’s broker partner network.

“It is an honor to be able to use the Indianapolis 500 to highlight and amplify the important role that women play in our industry, in our company and in independent mortgage brokers’ offices all across the country,” said Austin Niemiec, Executive Vice President of Rocket Pro TPO. “Rocket Accelerator will be a central focus of our business as we look to expand opportunities and access for female brokers, while also creating educational programs for the next generation to give them the keys to unlocking their full potential with a robust career.”

“We all need to have our pedal to the metal and win in our respective industries. At the same time, this isn’t about crossing the finish line first, it is about lifting up others and helping them get there too,” said Stacey Van Roosendaal, President and CEO of Sundance Lending which is a Rocket Pro TPO broker partner. “Women can play a significant role in driving these industries to a better place. It is important we support and cheer for our professional sisters wherever they work.”

Rocket Pro TPO is a division of Rocket Mortgage, the nation’s largest mortgage lender, and part of publicly traded Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT). The company supports the independent mortgage broker community, whose clients seek face-to-face service with the touch of localized expertise, by providing them the industry-leading Rocket technology and process that has enabled so many to achieve the American dream of homeownership.

Paretta Autosport’s formal entry into the 2021 Indianapolis 500 was recently accepted. The team is an extension of the INDYCAR series’ “Race for Equality and Change” announced last July to broaden equality in the sport. Paretta Autosport has a technical alliance with Team Penske.

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.

About Rocket Pro TPO
Rocket Pro TPO is a division of Rocket Mortgage, the nation’s largest mortgage lender, and a part of Rocket Companies, Inc. (NYSE: RKT). It works exclusively with mortgage brokers, community banks and credit unions. Rocket Pro TPO’s partners provide the face-to-face service their clients desire, while tapping into the expertise, technology and award-winning process from Rocket Mortgage. The partner loan officer creates, and maintains, the relationship with the client. Rocket Mortgage approves, underwrites, processes and closes the loan in its name.

For more information please visit www.rocketprotpo.com.

FORMER NASCAR CHAMPION AND HALL OF FAMER BOBBY LABONTE RETURNING TO SOUTH BOSTON SPEEDWAY FOR SATURDAY’S SMART MODIFIED TOUR RACE

By
Official Release
-
Former NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2020 NASCAR Hall Of Fame inductee Bobby Labonte focuses on the task at hand as he prepares for the start of a SMART Modified Tour event. Photo Courtesy Breaking Limits

By Joe Chandler
Public Relations Director, South Boston Speedway

South Boston, VA…..The last time Bobby Labonte competed at South Boston Speedway was in 1991, the year he won the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series championship. Now, 20 years later, he will return to competition at South Boston Speedway on Saturday, this time competing on the SMART (Southern Modified Auto Racing Teams) Tour.

The 2000 NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2020 NASCAR Hall Of Fame inductee will join his fellow SMART Modified Tour competitors for a 99-lap race, one of the headline events of Saturday’s 2 p.m. running of the Pocono Organics’ CBD Day At The Races at South Boston Speedway.

A 100-lap race for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division drivers and 15-lap races for South Boston Speedway’s Budweiser Pure Stock Division and Budweiser Hornets Division competitors are also featured on Saturday’s four-race card.

“I can’t wait to get there,” Labonte remarked when asked if he was looking forward to returning to “America’s Hometown Track.”

“South Boston is one (track) I look forward to going to because I have been there about a half dozen times. It’s a great racetrack. I look forward to going back just because it has been awhile since I’ve been there, and it was always a nice place. I know there is a lot to be proud of what South Boston Speedway has done for the community.”

Labonte, who races with Team 25 owned by Mike “Andretti” Smith and pilots the No. 25 Cook-Out sponsored entry, notes that the competition on the SMART Modified Tour is very tough.

“These are the best Modified racers in the south,” Labonte said.

“It’s a tough deal. I think it’s going to be a great field of cars. It’s going to be hard to win and hard to finish in the top three, but we’re going to give it our best shot.”

One of the keys to victory in Saturday’s 99-lap SMART Modified Tour race at South Boston Speedway will be tire management. Drivers will have to make decisions as to how hard they can push their cars during the race and have enough left in their tires to be competitive at the end of the race.

“You’ve got to manage your tires because you don’t get but one tire for the race,” Labonte explained.

“You can come in and put one tire on it, but you can’t put four tires on it. If you watched the Bristol dirt race, they wore the treads out. This is similar. You’ve got a lot of power and you’ve got a really soft tire that’s fast, and it’s going to wear out if you abuse it. You have to manage that. You can run as hard as you want, but sometimes that’s not always going to be the best way.”

Labonte has won in all three of NASCAR’s top circuits and says winning at South Boston Speedway on Saturday, or winning any of the SMART Modified Tour races, would be special.

“It would mean a lot,” said Labonte, who enters Saturday’s race sitting fourth in the series point standings.

“I’m excited that we have a chance at it, and I’m excited about the way our car is running. If we can win one of these, whether it’s this weekend or not, it will be special for me.”

Competing in the SMART Modified Tour is fun, according to Labonte.

“I really enjoy it,” he remarked.

“I raced at Bowman-Gray Stadium a couple of years ago with Burt Myers. Last year running the race at Florence (South Carolina) I kind of got the bug. I enjoyed it. They (the Modifieds) are a beast to drive. You’ve got a lot of tire, and you’ve got a lot of horsepower. I just like the way they drive. It’s been good.”

In addition to Labonte, Saturday’s 99-lap SMART Modified Tour race will feature some of the best Modified drivers in the country. The projected entry list includes NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Preece who drives the No. 37 JTG-Daugherty entry in the Cup Series. Preece, a standout in Modifieds, won the 2013 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour championship, is a two-time Modified champion at Thompson Speedway and a three-time New Smyrna Speedway Modified champion. Preece has a Modified pole win and race win at South Boston Speedway.

The projected entry list for Saturday’s race also includes the Myers brothers, Burt Myers and Jason Myers of Walnut Cove, North Carolina, Frank Fleming and James Civali who each have two career Modified race wins at South Boston Speedway, one-time South Boston Modified race winner Brandon Ward and New Yorker Tommy Catalano who holds the South Boston Speedway Modified qualifying record of 103.979 mph which he set in March, 2019.

Adult general admission advance tickets for the event, the first of three special events at South Boston Speedway this season, are available online on the South Boston Speedway website for $15 each plus a $1.50 processing fee, for a total of $16.50.

Advance tickets will be available online on the South Boston Speedway website until midnight on Friday before the race. Tickets at the gate on race day will be $20 each.

South Boston Speedway is participating in the Advance Auto Parts My Track Challenge, a contest for NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series tracks. Fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series track through Tuesday, April 27 and can vote up to three times a day. When fans cast their vote they will be entered to win NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series prizes. Votes for South Boston Speedway can be cast at https://bit.ly/VoteForSoBo.

The six tracks that receive the most votes after April 27 will be part of a two-day final round of voting that is scheduled to start on Sunday, May 9.

A $50,000 prize will be awarded to the winning track that can be used toward facility enhancements and community-based programs. The runner-up track will receive $15,000 and the third-place track will receive $10,000.

The latest news and updates about South Boston Speedway and its racing events can be found on the new South Boston Speedway website at www.southbostonspeedway.com and on the speedway’s social media channels. Fans can also subscribe for e-mail updates on the speedway’s website.

Single-Day tickets go on sale today for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

By
Official Release
-

Eleven total races will be featured on track during the 17th annual event

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (April 1, 2021) – Single-Day Grandstand and General Admission tickets are on sale today starting at 10 a.m. ET for the 2021 Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Multi-day weekend tickets are also still available online at gpstpete.com.

The spectator gates will open in 22 days for the event set for April 23-25, 2021. Action from six different racing series will be back on Bayshore Dr., speed onto the runways of Albert Whitted Airport, and roar alongside the waterfront and downtown St. Petersburg skyline for the 17th consecutive year.

A 3-Day General Admission ticket offers the best value at just $60 to experience all the action throughout the weekend. Daily general admission tickets are $25 for Friday, $40 for Saturday, and $55 for Sunday. Three-Day Grandstand seats are $145 and $115 for upper and lower rows, respectively. Single-Day Grandstand seats are $110 in upper rows and $85 in lower rows. Junior pricing is available for ages 12 and under. Only a limited number of tickets are being sold in advance, and no tickets will be sold at the gates during the race weekend. Reserved grandstand seating will remain socially distanced across groups.

The on track action will feature 11 different races headlined by the 100-lap NTT INDYCAR SERIES race on Sunday, April 25, with the green flag set to wave on the field officially at 12:42 p.m. ET as the big finale to the weekend. The SPEED Energy Stadium SUPER Trucks are making their much-anticipated return to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg with two races in store for these high-flying vehicles. Doubleheaders are also planned for all three open-wheel development levels of the Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires, which includes the return of Indy Lights this year, and the Idemitsu Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by BFGoodrich providing some fender-to-fender, showroom stock racing thrills.

The event will operate using specific health and safety protocols for COVID-19. Fans should visit gpstpete.com/covid19 before attending to review all these protocols. Competitors, spectators and all associated with the event will be subject to a health screening and temperature check before entry is permitted. All attendees will be required to wear masks or facial coverings at all times unless when eating or drinking. Hand sanitizer and hand washing stations will be prevalent across the venue.

For complete ticket pricing and the weekend schedule just posted, visit gpstpete.com. Also, follow the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on social media using #FirestoneGP for additional updates and news.

About Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg:
The 17th annual Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is a race event held during Florida’s spring break season each March and rescheduled to the last weekend of April this year. Traditionally the site of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ season-opening race, St. Pete is a destination city hosting this annual motorsports tradition and offering a festival atmosphere with its downtown location. The temporary circuit is a 1.8-mile, 14-turn configuration using the streets circling Pioneer Park, the Duke Energy Center for the Arts, The Dali Museum and extending onto the runways at Albert Whitted Airport, which overlooks the waterfront of Tampa Bay and picturesque St. Petersburg Harbor and Marina. Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg is owned and operated by Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC. Green Savoree St. Petersburg, LLC is owned by Green Savoree Racing Promotions 2, LLC whose other subsidiaries also promote three additional INDYCAR races, The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (July 2-4, 2021), Honda Indy Toronto (July 9-11, 2021), and Grand Prix of Portland (Sept. 10-12, 2021).

For more information, visit gpstpete.com, ‘like’ its Facebook page at @GPSTPETE or follow the event on Twitter @GPSTPETE and Instagram @GPSTPETE using #FirestoneGP.

Cash for Cars – A Great Option

By
SM
-

Most individuals choose not to have a car payment, particularly if it would take four or even more months to accumulate off. If you have the funds, spending cash for a vehicle is usually a safer option than borrowing or leasing. Many who pay cash for cars lose much less time in the long term than those who make deposits so they escape different lender fees per month. 

Besides, unlike leasing, the customer purchases the vehicle completely rather than returning it to the car business at the end of the contract. Paying cash may be the only choice for consumers in some financial circumstances, including those lacking strong credit or a credit card.

Owning an automobile is a costly endeavor in and of itself. According to a AAA survey from 2014, the total cost of vehicle ownership is about $9,000 per year based on 15,000 miles driven. This covers all of the expenses involved with maintaining a vehicle running, such as compensation, licensing, repairs, and petrol. However, borrowing money on a house makes it much more costly.

Reasons to pay Cash for Cars

You’ll Save Money

It would be daunting to clear your bank account to purchase anything as costly as a nice vehicle while recognizing that inflation would be a concern from the start. Funding can sound more enticing at first, even if many customers end up paying more than their loan than the vehicle is worth. Overall, the only money you’re going to put away is the personal loan and possibly your exchange.

Most consumers don’t care much about the vehicle’s value at the end of the car loan because long as the car payment is reasonable. However, debt accumulates, and borrowing becomes a more costly proposition over time.

Determine What You Require in a Car.

Customization options, product kits, and high-end trim tiers are where manufacturers earn cash. Meanwhile, dealers benefit from providing products and repair contracts that connect you to their service center. A salesman may persuade you to buy a car that has more choices than you wanted or that comes to seat cushions and grippy tires that were added later.

Such add-ons may only cost a few bucks more per quarter over the next 60 months, but they may add value to the property more on the average sticker price. Any cash offer should be worried about this. It’s also an important consideration when deciding whether you need some all SUV when a simpler and more gas front-wheel-drive sedan or luxury sedan would suffice.

Paying in cash entitles you to printable coupons.

There are a few aspects that owning the car outright that will result in extra savings. Personal vendors, for instance, often market their cars for significantly less than what retailers ask for them. In some other examples, dealers may be able to go cheaper with a used automobile to even get rid of it so they don’t have to buy it. Funding is nearly often more difficult for a used vehicle. 

So that you can pay cash, you still have more choices so you can conveniently pick among private sales and vendors. Discounts from the auto dealer or supplier can get forfeited for those who borrow by their preferred lender or community bank.

Avoid Loan Repayments

The most apparent benefit of spending cash on a vehicle is that you save making payments. For instance, if you borrow a used automobile for about $12,000 at an interest rate slightly below 6% for 60 months, you would end up spending about $15,000 at the end of the loan. 

The greater the loan term, the higher the rate level, and the higher the vehicle price, the more you will end up spending in the end. And if the interest rate is less than 1%, the additional sum on each dollar borrowed adds up.

Enhances Your Credit Score

Cash payments are also a great way to boost budgeting skills. Most financial institutions take into account the fact that the majority of people have loans. When paying for a credit or debit card, loan, or personal loan, not making a car payment indicates that you do have less debt and therefore not prone to be default risk.

If You Do Have Your Cash, Here’s How to Pay Cash for the car at Car Dealer.

If you’re spending cash for just a car out of your bank account from some origin, bring a refund check. Many car dealers wouldn’t want to take individual deposits, and you certainly don’t want to cart a stack of cash around you.

A safe idea is to speak with the boss to inform them that you’ll be making payments and determine the right means of payment. Any dealer can take credit cards based on the cost. It’s better whether the card has little interest or gets connected to a loyalty scheme, such as frequent flier miles. Nonetheless, owing to the fees involved with the purchase, it is typically a losing proposition for the dealership.

Will You Tell the Supplier That You’re just a Cash Purchaser?

While some auto dealers can be cold to cash customers, wise dealers realize that if they handle the consumer well, it usually means a quick sell and positive ratings. It also ensures that there is no chance of the transaction going through in the finance manager due to the purchaser’s credit ratings.

Conclusion

The first step has always been to ensure that you depart with the word. Don’t leave in your new car without it. The primary way to be cautious about is any vehicle in which the driver does not have all of the required documentation. And if there are valid grounds for losing documents, there are far too many dangers. The owner may simply apply for a missing title or change the title on the paperwork.

A DMV is an ideal place to make the platform for cash trading. You’ll be in a public location and will double-check if all is in order. Normally, you can pay in cash or a cash register check. You may also meet at a market to deposit the trade if you prefer the above choice.

1...2,6322,6332,634...6,766Page 2,633 of 6,766