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ITsavvy Joins RFR as Primary Partner on Newman’s No. 6 Ford

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Official Release
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ITsavvy to Debut as Primary for Michigan Race on Aug. 22

CONCORD, N.C., (March 31, 2021) – ITsavvy, one of the fastest growing resources for integrated IT products and technology solutions in the country, has joined Roush Fenway Racing and will serve as a primary partner for Ryan Newman and the No. 6 team later this season.

The multi-year agreement will be highlighted by the brand’s Roush Fenway debut during the August 22nd race weekend Michigan International Speedway aboard Newman’s Ford Mustang. ITsavvy will also serve as an associate in select races on the No. 6 machine throughout the year.

“We’re thrilled to bring on a new partner in ITsavvy,” said Hall of Fame team owner Jack Roush. “We are pleased they have chosen to support our team and utilize our platforms in their continued marketing efforts around the sport. We’re really looking forward to sporting their colors come this summer in Michigan. It’s our home track and a big race on the schedule that you circle each year, and we will go there looking for a strong run in the ITsavvy Ford Mustang.”

ITsavvy is an end-to-end technology solutions provider with core competencies in IT Products, Cybersecurity, Managed Services, and Cloud. ITsavvy’s trusted advice provides clients with greater peace of mind. With advanced certifications, dedicated service, and strong partner relationships, ITsavvy offers end-to-end support and over 4 million products and 2,000+ brands at our 46 distribution centers across the US.

Michigan, noted as Jack Roush’s ‘home track’, serves as the site of the Hall of Fame owner’s 23 career wins, including 13 in the NASCAR Cup Series – most of any track on the circuit. Newman will make his 40th Cup start at Michigan in August, a track he has two wins at with 10 top-10 results in 39 starts.

Most recently, Newman finished 13th at the 1.5-mile track last summer. Dating back seven events at MIS, he has five top-15 finishes including two inside the top-10.

“Although we do have a strong history of NASCAR sponsorships, we are especially enthusiastic about this new partnership with Roush Fenway Racing and Ryan Newman,” said Mike Theriault, ITsavvy CEO. “The success of ITsavvy and the success of Roush Fenway can be attributed to the same mindset: staying ahead of the competition with outstanding performance.”

About ITsavvy
ITsavvy is a leader in tailored, end-to-end IT product and service solutions. ITsavvy built its reputation as a value-added reseller with industry-leading product availability, design and implementation, client support and delivery speed through 46 distribution centers across the U.S. ITsavvy also has data center locations in Cedar Knolls, N.J. and Oak Brook, Ill. The company’s user-friendly website provides concise, leading-edge IT decision-making resources, including an e-commerce site with real-time pricing and availability. ITsavvy is headquartered in Addison, Ill., with offices in Chicago’s Loop; Hauppauge, N.Y.; New York, N.Y.; Naples, Fla.; Miami; Warren, N.J.; Hayward, Calif.; Beavercreek, Ohio and Raleigh, N.C. Call 855.ITsavvy (855.487.2889), email info@ITsavvy.com, visit www.ITsavvy.com.

About Roush Fenway Racing
Roush Fenway Racing is one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in NASCAR Cup Series. In its 34th season of competition in 2021, Roush Fenway is a leader in driver development, having launched the careers for many of the top drivers in the sport. Off-track, Roush Fenway is a leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning Social Media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Roush Fenway is co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame team owner Jack Roush and Fenway Sports Group, parent company of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C. Visit RoushFenway.com, become a fan on Facebook and Instagram, and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway.

Ashton Harrison Selected for HPD GT3 Driver Academy

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Official Release
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Brownsburg, Ind. (March 31, 2020) – Wayne Taylor Racing is pleased to announce that Ashton Harrison will be joining the HPD GT3 Driver Academy for the class of 2021. Harrison will drive the Acura NSX GT3 where she will learn the essentials of becoming an endurance race car driver through training from experienced HPD drivers, teams, and personnel outside of a standard race weekend.

The HPD GT3 Driver Academy’s purpose is to provide crucial tools for up-and-coming drivers so they can reach the highest levels of motorsport thanks to a four-weekend program. Veteran drivers will share their experience on topics such as driver changes, driving at night, working and communicating with engineers, in and amongst other areas, in order to prepare the drivers to the next level of motorsport.

Along with her HPD Academy commitments, Ashton Harrison will also be competing in her third season with Wayne Taylor Racing in the AM class in her No. 25 Harrison Contracting LST throughout the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America Season. Harrison was the first female to win a Lamborghini World Finals race in the LB Cup category back in 2019, before graduating to the PRO-AM class with Andrea Amici for 2020 where they earned one win, seven podiums, three pole positions and two fastest laps.

“I am so pumped to be joining the HPD Academy this season,” a delighted Ashton Harrison exclaimed. “I’m very much looking forward to getting some seat time in the Acura NSX GT3 and working alongside some very, very talented Acura drivers. I am thankful to Harrison Contracting and Wayne Taylor Racing for setting this up and giving me the opportunity to grow into something new. It’s shaping up to be a busy year and I can’t wait to get the season started!”

Ricky Taylor, driver of the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-05 will return to the program as a mentor alongside fellow veteran HPD drivers, and he is looking forward to assisting Ashton Harrison throughout the HPD Driver Academy.

“Ashton is gearing up for a big season in 2021,” said Taylor, two-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Champion. “The Acura NSX GT3 Academy is going to be an incredible supplement to her program. She will gain some valuable time in the NSX GT3 with a top-level team to round out some important details to make her an even more complete driver.”

Further information regarding the 2021 HPD Academy season will be released in the coming weeks.

ABOUT HARRISON CONTRACTING
Harrison Contracting Company (HCC) (www.harrisoncontracting.com) is a commercial painting and facility maintenance contracting company headquartered in Villa Rica, GA with divisional offices in Florida and Texas. HCC provides repainting/reimaging and facility maintenance services nationwide, and new construction painting across the southeastern US. At HCC, red is more than the company color, its culture. RED stands for Reliable, Experienced, and Diligent, and is the cornerstone for all we do. We are more than just your painter; we are your partner.

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Bristol Dirt

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Bristol Motor Speedway Cup Series dirt track. Photo by Jim Barnes for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin finished third at Bristol in the first NASCAR race on dirt since 1970.

“I have six top-five finishes in seven races so far this season,” Hamlin said. “So, I guess I’m already in championship form, which always seems to be the case with me, until it’s time to decide the championship.”

2. Joey Logano: Logano dominated the final stage at Bristol and pulled away to win the Food City Dirt Race.

“The No. 22 Penske Ford was great at the end,” Logano said. “We left all the contenders in the dust. As a matter of fact, as you would expect on a dirt oval track, everybody was ‘left’ in the dust.”

3. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski finished 11th at Bristol.

“That’s two straight wins for Penske Racing,” Keselowski said. “One on asphalt and one on dirt. Me? I’d just settle for ‘one.'”

4. Kyle Larson: Larson was caught up in Christopher Bell’s early spin, and the ensuing repairs cost him two laps. Larson eventually finished 29th, five laps down.

“Bell did me dirt-y,” Larson said, “so he’s gonna have to pay for this. Isn’t he supposed to be a dirt-track expert? Consider me not impressed. I guess his reputation on dirt just became a reputation of dirt.”

5. Ryan Blaney: Blaney finished eighth at Bristol, posting his fourth top 10 of the year.

“It was a wild weekend in Bristol,” Blaney said. “It’s like Mother Nature and Joe Dirt got together, shacked up in a double-wide, and birthed BMS’s dirt track.”

6. Kevin Harvick: Harvick finished 15th at Bristol.

“Tony Stewart is frustrated that NASCAR gave the dirt track race to Bristol and not his Eldora Speedway,” Harvick said. “After all Tony’s done for this sport, it’s pretty awful for NASCAR to treat him like dirt over dirt. As a result, Tony’s showing his ass in addition to other body parts, like the cold shoulder, and the middle finger.”

7. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex won Stage 1 at Bristol but faded late and finished 19th.

“That was my first Trucks series win,” Truex said. “And it’s one I’m going to remember a long time from now, especially if I can’t get the taste of Tennessee red clay out of my mouth.”

8. William Byron: Byron finished sixth at Bristol, scoring the best finish for Hendrick Motorsports.

“I don’t mind racing on dirt,” Byron said. “Heck, if it’s dry, it’s practically like racing on a paved surface. And the few fans there seemed to love it too. Even though there were only 30,000 of them in attendance, the place was ‘packed.'”

9. Chase Elliott: Elliott took 10th in Bristol’s rain-delayed dirt race.

“NASCAR announced during the race that next year’s spring race at Bristol would also be on dirt,” Elliott said. “That’s also known as NASCAR ‘soiling themselves.'”

10. Christopher Bell: Bell spun on Lap 51, collecting Kyle Larson and Ross Chastain in his wake. Bell’s day was done, and he finished 34th.

“The accident was certainly my fault,” Bell said. “And both Kyle and Ross have said as much. Kyle especially. He’s been very outspoken in his criticism of me. But I’m no pushover. All I have to say to Kyle is, ‘Watch what you say.'”

Porsche Announced as Featured Marque of 2021 Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Daytona Presented by IMSA

By
Official Release
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Porsche Sports Cars of All Competition Generations Take Center Stage at the Seventh Running of the Classic 24-Hour HSR Race at Daytona International Speedway, October 27 – 31

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (March 31, 2021) – Legendary and perennial sports car racing powerhouse Porsche will be the featured marque at this year’s Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Daytona presented by IMSA, the classic 24-hour race at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) that runs for the seventh time this October 27 – 31.

The Porsche celebration at the HSR Classic Daytona pays tribute to the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s decades of unmatched success in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, and the earlier iterations of the twice-around-the-clock race, which has annually been run on the Daytona road course for nearly 60 years.

“We are honored to be selected as the featured marque of the 2021 HSR Classic Daytona,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Inc. ”Daytona has been the backdrop for many thrilling races for Porsche – some filled with joy, some heartbreaking. But that’s racing! We’ve learned a lot along the way – and made many friends. We’re excited and grateful to celebrate this rich motorsport history with our loyal racing fans here in the United States.”

Porsche is the most successful manufacturer in the history of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, amassing a record 22 overall wins, with the first coming in 1968 and the most recent in 2010. The winning run includes a record 11 consecutive overall victories from 1977 through 1987.

“For more than half a century, Porsche has set the standard for excellence in international sports car racing,” said HSR President David Hinton. “For many, Porsche has been and remains today the globally recognized benchmark for success in international sports car racing. Daytona is one venue where the famous Goldcrest has shined particularly bright, and we are honored to be able to celebrate Porsche’s amazing success at the ‘World Center of Racing’ this year at the HSR Classic Daytona presented by IMSA.”

Porsche’s Rolex 24 At Daytona class win record is just as impressive as its record tally of overall victories. Including the Daytona Continental races, which paved the way starting in 1962 for the inaugural 24-hour race in 1966, Porsches have been driven to 78 class wins at Daytona.

The most recent class win came in the GT Daytona (GTD) division in 2017 when HSR regulars Alegra Motorsports scored its second Rolex 24 At Daytona GT class victory.

Porsches are fixtures on HSR race weekends where they are regularly driven to victory lane in several different run groups and classes. The HSR Classic Daytona in particular draws a diverse and competitive lineup of Porsches each year, and the race has never been run without a Porsche taking overall honors in at least one run group.

Also featuring the HSR Daytona Historics, the 2021 HSR Classic Daytona presented by IMSA weekend at Daytona International Speedway is scheduled for October 27 – 31.

The 2021 HSR racing season begins today with the HSR Spring Fling at Sebring, March 31 – April 2. This year’s Spring Fling dates have been slightly adjusted for a Wednesday through Friday format allowing competitors and fans to be home for the Easter Weekend Holiday. More information, including the event schedule and entry list, can be found at the official HSR Spring Fling information 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.

WHEEL YOUR OWN VEHICLE AROUND TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY FRIDAY TO BENEFIT ALABAMA TORNADO VICTIMS

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Official Release
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NASCAR Star Erik Jones and Richard Petty Motorsports Partner BASF Help the National Auto Body Council® to Put the Brakes on Distracted Driving During April National Distracted Driving Month

By
Official Release
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (March 30, 2021)—NASCAR star Erik Jones, who drives the legendary No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Richard Petty Motorsports in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), and BASF are helping the National Auto Body Council® (NABC) to put the brakes on distracted driving, just in time for National Distracted Driving Month in April.

Distracted driving, particularly related to cell phone use and in-vehicle digital displays, has become one of the most significant factors in vehicle accidents in the U.S. Many states are enacting tough laws banning phone use in the car with stiff fines attached.

Working with Richard Petty Motorsports partner BASF, the official paint of the team, Jones, a Michigan native with two wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, is sharing his tips and advice for reducing distractions on the road, especially for younger drivers.

“As a NASCAR driver, I know that even the slightest distraction can take your focus off what is in front of you,” Jones said. “When I get in my race car, I take the time to focus my attention and make sure everything is set before I fire-up the engine. I do the same thing when I get in my own Chevrolet – I check my directions and set my GPS, line up my music and make sure my phone is put away where I can’t see it and am not tempted to answer it – before I put it in gear. Your car covers 45 feet in one second at 30 mph – that’s one quick look at your cell phone. We all need to make the effort to put down our phones and put the brakes on distracted driving.”

  • Jones, who has spent more than a decade competing in a variety of racing series, offers these tips for staying safe and focused on the road:
  • Before you put your car in gear, check your messages and texts to answer anything outstanding
  • Set an automatic response that tells everyone that for safety reasons, you no longer answer calls or respond to messages while driving
  • Put your phone on silent when you get into your car and connect to your screen display in the talk to text mode, if needed
  • If you’re driving with friends, put someone else in charge of music and selfies, but make sure they aren’t distracting the driver!
  • If you are out late or too tired to drive home, sleep over or call Uber
  • Listen to your GPS device; set up your destination directions to audio instructions before you leave and don’t look at it!
  • Adjust your driving setup to your liking before you drive – and if you’re driving a rental car, make sure you’re familiar with all the controls in advance
  • Pull over if you need to make a call or check a message

“For young drivers, it’s a lot to learn to handle a vehicle, navigate the roads, anticipate what other drivers will do and get to your destination safely,” said Jones, who is 24. “Adding the distraction of a cell phone or digital display to that mix is a dangerous combination. Drivers need to keep their focus solely on the road to ensure the of safety of vehicle passengers, other folks on the road and, of course, themselves.”

Longtime NABC® member BASF is committed to helping all drivers be safer on the road.

“As a partner with the National Auto Body Council and their Distracted Driving initiative, we are proud to support this program to help educate drivers about being safer on the road,” said Jane Niemi, North American Marketing Manager for BASF. “And, as a partner with Richard Petty Motorsports, we couldn’t have a better representative for this program than the driver of the No. 43 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE – Erik Jones.”

ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL®

The National Auto Body Council®, which celebrated its’ 25th anniversary in 2020, is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 2,600 vehicles, provided extrication opportunities for more than 3,800 First Responders and contributed to thousands of distracted driving pledges in communities through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC Distracted Driving Initiative™. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC™ membership dollars. The National Auto Body Council® is changing the paradigm of how the collision industry works and is viewed. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.

About BASF Automotive Refinish

BASF’s Automotive Refinish business manufactures and markets coatings for the collision repair, commercial fleet and automotive specialty markets. Its paint products are supported by technical training programs, advanced color information systems, business management and planning tools. For more information visit http://www.basfrefinish.com

About BASF

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 18,200 employees in North America, and had sales of $17.9 billion in 2017. For more information about BASF’s North American operations, visit www.basf.com.

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. The more than 115,000 employees in the BASF Group work on contributing to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio is organized into five segments: Chemicals, Performance Products, Functional Materials & Solutions, Agricultural Solutions and Oil & Gas. BASF generated sales of €64.5 billion in 2017. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (BAS). Further information at www.basf.com.

Pocono Raceway Launches Fan-Driven ’50 Years of The Tricky Triangle’ Celebration

By
Official Release
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LONG POND, Pa. (March 30, 2021) – Pocono Raceway has launched ‘50 Years of The Tricky Triangle’ in celebration of the first race to take place on their 2.5-mile, triangular shaped track in 1971. This golden jubilee will include stories from motorsports’ most significant figures, a podcast series, a blog series, a collaborative website where fans can contribute photos and a special, online 50th Collection merchandise shop.

“Our family has had the honor of operating this venue for one reason and one reason only, the fans,” said Pocono Raceway CEO, Nick Igdalsky. “My grandparents shared a vision of where people could create lifelong memories here. Doc and Dr. Rose Mattioli dedicated their lives to ensuring everyone who visited felt at home and like family. We carry on their legacy today and look forward to seeing history come back to life through the lens of our beloved fans.”

Fans, and any past attendee to Pocono Raceway, are encouraged to visit www.poconoraceway.com/50 to share their photos. The website will serve as the hub for the entire ’50 Years of The Tricky Triangle’ celebration and details a historic timeline. The timeline will be comprised of notable storylines and fan-submitted memories. 

The fifth season of ‘The Pocono Raceway Podcast’ will launch this week and will feature a motorsport legend each week. Guests will include Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Jeff Gordon and Richard Petty, among others, as well as fans. Additionally, these stories will be complimented with dedicated blog posts or videos. The special, online ‘50th Collection’ merchandise shop will open later this week. The podcast, blog and merchandise shop will also be featured at www.poconoraceway.com/50 and updated regularly.

The 2021 NASCAR Doubleheader Weekend at Pocono Raceway will feature five races in three days, including two NASCAR Cup Series events taking place on back-to-back days. The jam-packed weekend starts with the General Tire #AnywhereIsPossible 200 ARCA Menards Series race on Friday, June 25th. A NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the first of two NASCAR Cup Series races will be held on Saturday, June 26th. The weekend ends with the Pocono Green 225 Recycled by J.P. Mascaro & Sons NASCAR Xfinity Series race and a second NASCAR Cup Series races on Sunday, June 27th. For tickets and more information, visit www.poconoraceway.com.

About Pocono Raceway

Pocono Raceway, also known as ‘The Tricky Triangle,’ is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In business for over 50 years, the Raceway hosts multiple, national motorsports events including two NASCAR Cup Series, one NASCAR Xfinity Series, one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and one ARCA Menards Series events each year. The facility’s calendar also consists of over 200 events including a wide range of car clubs and racing schools. Pocono Raceway is recognized as the world’s first, privately-owned solar-powered sports facility. Their 25-acre, three-megawatt solar farm provides the energy needs of the Raceway, as well as, adds electricity to the local power grid. Each member of our raceway staff is committed to creating exciting experiences and lifelong memories. For more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.

Dover International Speedway promotes four veteran leaders ahead of May 14-16 NASCAR tripleheader weekend

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Official Release
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Buescher Overcomes Flat Tire for 14th-place Finish at Inaugural Bristol Dirt Race

By
Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (March 29, 2021) – Chris Buescher ran for much of Monday’s delayed event on the Bristol dirt in the top-10, with his Fastenal Mustang advancing as high as sixth midway through the race. The Texas native picked up a stage point in the first segment, but a flat right rear tire midway through stage two halted his progress. He would ultimately finish 14th as he battled back from the damage.

With Saturday’s heat races rained out, NASCAR set the field by the formula it has used for other events this year. Buescher began the day from the 11th spot and would maintain that position during a chaotic opening green flag run. The first caution of the day on lap 40 for a pileup in turn 2 brought out a red flag, and Buescher sustained slight damage on the restart. Though he dropped just outside the top-15, another caution quickly flew and allowed cars to hit pit road for the first time in the event.

A unique feature of the event had teams perform controlled and timed pit stops, with three minutes to change tires and repair any damage with no positions to be gained or lost on pit road. The Fastenal team quickly corrected the fender damage and made adjustments to give the Ford Mustang more life on short runs.

The changes quickly paid dividends as Buescher vaulted to the 11th position in just a few laps. As the end of stage one neared, he engaged in a back-and-forth battle with the No. 9 car for the 10th spot and the crucial stage point that came with it. With just over a lap to go in the segment, Buescher completed the pass and took the position at the stage break.

Another pit stop brought more slight changes to dial in the handling of the Fastenal Ford, and Buescher continued his forward momentum early. He was trying to make a pass for the 8th spot at lap 140 when contact with a competitor pinched his right rear fender. The damage slowly drained the life from his tire, and the driver did everything he could to keep the car on the track until the second competition caution of the day at lap 150. By then, he was scored 22nd as cars hit pit road once again.

Damage repairs and a fresh set of tires did the trick, as Buescher would continually pick off positions despite three more cautions displayed before the end of stage two. By that time, Buescher had advanced back to 14th and wouldn’t fall outside the top 15 the rest of the way.

The final 50-lap shootout nearly ran green the entire way until the final yellow of the day flew with just four to go, setting up a chaotic final restart and green-white-checkered finish. Buescher held serve on the restart, taking the checkered flag 14th.

With seven races in the books, NASCAR takes the upcoming weekend off for Easter, with Martinsville Speedway the next stop on the circuit. That 500-lap race from ‘The Paperclip’ is set for Saturday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Coverage can also be heard on MRN and SiriusXM Channel 90.

MYERS BROTHERS LOOKING TO BREAK THE ICE IN SATURDAY’S SMART MODIFIED SERIES RACE AT SOUTH BOSTON SPEEDWAY

By
Official Release
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Burt Myers, pictured in 2019 at South Boston Speedway, will be seeking his first win of the season in Saturday’s 99-lap SMART Modified series race that will be part of the Pocono Organics’ CBD Day At The Races at South Boston Speedway. Myers enters Saturday’s race in second place in the series point standings. Photo Courtesy South Boston Speedway

By Joe Chandler
Public Relations Director, South Boston Speedway

South Boston, VA…..When it comes to Modified racing in the south there are no names more well-known than the Myers brothers.

Burt Myers, 45, and Jason Myers, 42, have long been a staple of Modified racing in the south, having competed at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina for many seasons as well as having competed on the former NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour and in former iterations of the SMART Modified Tour.

This season the two Walnut Cove, North Carolina residents are competing in the SMART (Southern Modified Auto Racing Teams) series. The SMART Modified series will visit South Boston Speedway on Saturday (April 3) for a 99-lap event as part of the Pocono Organics’ CBD Day At The Races, one of the three special events on South Boston Speedway’s 2021 season schedule.

For Burt Myers, who stands in second place in the series points standings, and Jason Myers, who sits fifth in the series standings, Saturday’s 99-lap race at South Boston Speedway is an event they have circled on their calendars.

“I put this race on my calendar to focus on to be a strong point for our season,” Burt Myers said.

“I’m looking to break the ice on 2021 at South Boston Speedway.”

“I’m excited about coming up there,” Jason Myers remarked.

“I’m excited about the race fans up there.”

Both say there is a lot of excitement among the SMART Modified drivers and teams about coming to South Boston Speedway this weekend.

“The talk in the Modified world right now is all about South Boston Speedway,” Burt Myers pointed out.

“It’s the buzz of the community. I know a lot of the guys that weren’t able to attend the last race at Florence (South Carolina), and I honestly think a lot of them were preparing for South Boston. Most teams have put this race on their calendar as a red star, saying ‘we’re going to South Boston’ and are looking forward to it.”

“I’ve talked to a couple of guys that didn’t go to the first two SMART races because they didn’t want anything to happen (to their cars),” Jason Myers pointed out.

“South Boston was the main race they wanted to go to. It’s understandable. It’s a beautiful racetrack, a beautiful place, and great people.”

Burt Myers may have a little edge on his fellow competitors heading into Saturday’s race as he has the most laps, or close to the most laps, on the .4-mile oval since the track was repaved a few short seasons ago.

“I probably have more laps there on the new pavement,” Burt Myers noted, “but our car count and the level of our competition is so high that I’m not sure that’s going to be as much of an advantage as some may think. I do feel, though, that it will play into my favor somewhat just because I know the different lines and the strategies that I’m going to have to work with when I come to run that race.”

Jason Myers, pictured with the car he drives on the SMART Modified series tour, is looking for good things in Saturday’s 99-lap SMART Modified series race that will be part of the Pocono Organics’ CBD Day At The Races at South Boston Speedway. He enters Saturday’s race in fifth place in the series point standings. Photo Courtesy Jason Myers Racing

Jason Myers looks at Saturday’s 99-lap race at South Boston Speedway as an opportunity for redemption.

“I can’t put into words how much it would mean to me to win at South Boston Speedway,” Jason Myers said.

“I’ve been up there and raced a few times and had two of the worst crashes I’ve had in my racing history at South Boston. I’ve had three really bad crashes since I started racing Modifieds, one at Martinsville and the other two at South Boston.

“I’ve kind of got a monkey on my back there,” he continued.

“I want to redeem myself at South Boston. It’s the one place right now that I would rather win at than anywhere else just because of my past experience there.”

The Myers brothers are expected to be joined by a number of the top drivers in the SMART Modified series including NASCAR Hall Of Famer and former NASCAR Cup Series Champion Bobby Labonte, John Smith, Tim Brown, Brian Loftin, Frank Fleming, Gary Putnam and Jeremy Gershner.

The 99-lap race for the SMART Modified series and a 100-lap race for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division competitors headline Saturday’s Pocono Organics’ CBD Day At The Races. A 15-lap race for the Budweiser Pure Stock Division and a 15-lap race for the Budweiser Hornets Division round out the day’s action.

Adult general admission advance tickets 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 are available online on the South Boston Speedway website until midnight on Friday before the race. Adult general admission tickets at the gate on race day will be $20 each.

“We encourage fans to take advantage of the opportunity to purchase their tickets using our online ticket purchasing system,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Cathy Rice.

“It’s fast, easy to use and gives fans an opportunity to save money on their ticket purchases.”

Saturday’s race day schedule has grandstand gates opening at 12:30 p.m. Qualifying will start at 1 p.m. and the first race will start at 2 p.m.

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.

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