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Rebel Rock Racing Entering Third Year of IMSA Competition with Camaro GT4.R

By
Official Release
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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (22 January 2021) – Rebel Rock Racing kicks off it’s 2021 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season with the Roar Before the Rolex 24, a three-day test at Daytona International Speedway beginning on Friday, January 22.

The Roar offers Michelin Pilot Challenge teams the opportunity to shake off the racing rust accumulated during the off season with six hours of testing over the course of the three-day event. The 2021 race series gets underway on January 29 at Daytona with the BMW Endurance Challenge, the first of two four-hour events on the 10-race schedule.

“It’s going to be very valuable track time,” said Liddell, who doubles in the role of team manager. “The weather for the next 10 days is expected to be pretty consistent. We’ve got a strong package, and an experienced team in the pits.”

The weekend will also see teams take to the track for the first time under a new set of Balance of Performance (“BOP”) configurations. To keep the field competitive and allow for the widely ranging different types of car platforms, IMSA generates event-specific performance parameters by varying a range of elements including engine power, fuel capacity and weight.

The 2021 Daytona event will open with the Camaro’s settings featuring a significant decrease in air available to the engine which will result in lower top speeds on the high banked track. .

“We’ve had a pretty big BOP adjustment for Daytona,” said Liddell. “But if we do a good job, run consistent laps and stay out of trouble, we should still have a good result in the race and a strong start to the season.”

With the BOP adjustment, the Roar has taken on added importance for the team as it looks to get off to a strong start for 2021.

“It’s kind of frustrating for us to have the power reduced as much as it is, but we know that we just have to execute on everything as best as we can as a team and we could still have a reasonable result,” said DePew. “Our Camaro has never run with this setup, and we’ve never been that strong at Daytona, so we’ve got our work cut out for us.”

Based in nearby DeLand, Florida, Rebel Rock Racing has not had great results in both of its prior starts at Daytona with the Camaro. The team was collected in an early incident in the 2019 event but came back with a strong finish to the campaign, winning at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Road America to jump from 34th in the points after 3 races to finish ninth in the final standings.

Last year, Rebel Rock ran as high as fifth in the Daytona opener but was slowed by driveline issues in the final hour, falling to a 13th- place finish. Once again, the team bounced back, placing first and third in the two events at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. A misinterpretation of the minimum drive-time regulations cost DePew and Liddell a podium finish – and potential victory – in the finale at Sebring International Raceway in November, as they were 3 seconds shy on Frank’s drivetime requiring a driver change for the final lap while the car was in 2nd place.

“We had a standout performance at Sebring, but that’s where we’ve done the bulk of our testing and development,” said Liddell. “Coming to Daytona is a very different animal. Daytona hasn’t been the best track for this car, and I think with this new BOP that will be the case once again.”

For 2021, Frank and Robin will not be joined by Andrew Davis who was the team’s third driver for the endurance races over the last two years, as Andrew will join another team for a full-season program in 2021. The move will also see DePew gain more seat time as he prepares for the longer stints in races like the four-hour opener at Daytona. DePew is looking forward to the challenge.

“I spent last year getting in shape, so I’m up for the challenge,” DePew said. “I’m enjoying it, and the continued seat time will help me continue to improve my performance. I was quite happy with where we left off last season. I’m certainly going to miss Andrew (Davis) and he is still part of this Rebel Rock family in a way. But this new approach will give me added practice, and more time in the car is going to help me so I’m looking forward to that.”

Having raced for several years in historic and Porsche Club competition, DePew has made rapid progression since committing to racing in a professional series.

“Frank finished the season very strongly, and this improvement gives him the chance to step up into a slightly different role,” said Liddell of the two-driver line up. “Now, he will have to drive longer in the two 4 hour races and will have to mentally pace himself for the longer time he will be in the car. That’s an important part of his development as a driver.”

Opening Michelin Pilot Challenge practice begins on Friday January 22 with a one-hour, 15-minute sessions at 10 a.m. (all times ET). There will be a second practice, a one-hour, 30-minute session at 2:30 p.m. Saturday January 23 includes two one-hour practices at 10:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. Sunday January 24 concludes the Roar with a one-hour, 15-minute test at 10:35 a.m.

The BMW Endurance Challenge officially begins the 2021 season at 1:35 p.m. on Friday, January 29.

Additional updates via:
http://rebelrockracing.co
https://twitter.com/rebelrockracing
https://www.instagram.com/rebelrockracing/

Interview: First Seasons with Antron Brown

By
Briar Starr
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Photo Courtesy of Auto Imagery

In continuation of our feature titled “First-Seasons” Speedway Media takes a look back at a driver’s first year or rookie year in racing. In this edition, we caught up with three-time Top Fuel Champion Antron Brown who discussed his rookie year in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

In the interview, Brown reflects on his first start, not qualifying for the Gatornationals, his first victory at the Dallas Nationals in 1999, redemption one year later at the Gatornationals and many other special moments throughout his rookie years in NHRA.

SM: You began racing in NHRA by competing in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class during your rookie year in 1998 at the young age of 22. Why did you choose Pro Stock Motorcycle and what it was like entering the Pro Stock Motorcycle class and coming up through the ranks?

AB: “I chose Pro Stock (Motorcycle) because it (PSM) was what I grew up around,” Brown said. “I grew up as a kid racing motorcycles, from Motorcross to street bikes. That was my first start into it (PSM). That’s all I wanted to do to get in there and do that.” 

SM: Before you started competing in Pro Stock Motorcycle, you connected with Team 23 Racing run by NFL star Troy Vincent which ultimately give you the chance to race. Can you explain how that connection came about?

AB: “So, how that came about was, I was racing street bikes in Atco, New Jersey where there is a little small drag strip there and we were out there racing and I met Troy (Vincent),” the 3x Top Fuel NHRA Champion said. “That’s how the whole connection came together. At the time, Troy was married to my cousin. Troy wanted to get into the Motorcycle NHRA world and my cousin says ‘you know, I have a cousin that races dirt bikes.’ From that point on, he reached out to my family and got me on a bike and that’s how it all started.” 

SM: When you entered the ‘98 season, you ran 14 races, a full-time schedule. What were your expectations? Were race wins or championships on your radar or did you take it one race at a time?

AB: “We took the season race by race,” Brown said. “At the end of the day, I was a rookie. We had some good expectations and things of that nature. We came out to win and we wanted to win. Troy brought the best of everything. I remember everything like it was yesterday; that was the coolest part about it. Just being able to have the opportunity at the end of the day.” 

SM: Your first career start came at the famous Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida but unfortunately, you did not qualify for the show. How did you prepare for the race and were you more nervous or just excited to get to the track? How did you handle not qualifying and do you think you could have done anything differently?

AB: “That was hard,” he said about not qualifying for the Gatornationals. “We would qualify, but it was just an incident where we had a fuel jug mix-up. We actually qualified sixth, but we didn’t pass fuel inspection. Basically, we had regular unleaded gas in our motorcycle which wasn’t supposed to be in there. That was a rookie mistake, you know what I mean? It was a new team, new everything, just accidentally poured the fuel into the wrong jug. 

“It was so funny, because everybody thought this new team was coming out here and trying to use cheap race fuel. We were like ‘are you kidding me?’ The bad part of it was, we were slower that lap. It’s not like we picked up from the lap we were trying to qualify with. That being said, we took our bumps and bruises, and then we qualified the very next race in the top five and had numerous semi-final appearances. 1999 was our breakout year winning three races in our sophomore season. We made the switch to Vincent-Hines race engines and that’s where I got tied in with the crew chief at the time, Mark Peiser. That’s where the whole narrative started to change. We learned, we studied and just became very competitive. The next year (1999), we finished third in points after finishing seventh in my rookie year (1998).”

SM: Just a few races later at the Pennzoil Nationals, you would have first-round wins at the Pennzoil Nationals against Dave Schultz and John Smith in Round 2 and made the semi-finals for the first time in your career racing against Angelle Sampey. What did those first two round victories mean to you especially after you did not qualify for the Gatornationals? 

AB: “It felt awesome to us as a whole team,” Brown said. “It was basically a moment like okay, we’re here. We are where we are supposed to be, all the hard work that took to get there. The whole team came together at a really fast pace of time and we were all new to the game. We were making some noise on the scene. We had a lot of people looking at you and a lot of people who didn’t want you to succeed also. It was refreshing to us to make that happen.” 

SM: Is there anything in particular that you will always remember from the Pennzoil Nationals in 1998? 

AB: “I will always remember everything from that weekend,” he said. “From the start of the year, I remembered it was awesome just to be there, to say this was a kid who grew up in Chesterfield, New Jersey and racing against the people I saw on TV. I was racing against John Smith, John Myers, Dave Schultz, who were the superstars of their career. It (making my debut) was a very eye-opening experience for me. I was very happy to be out there, let alone be competitive.” 

SM: As the season wore on, you made three more semi-final appearances in your rookie season and finished a respectable seventh in the standings, just 811 points behind eventual champion Matt Hines. Would you call your rookie season a success all these years later?

AB: “Oh, absolutely,” Brown said about his rookie season. “I would definitely call (1998) a success. With everything that happened, we learned all the right ways and we didn’t win right off the bat because the competition was so stout, but we just didn’t have the power to win. We were really getting out run. We finished where we should have finished. That made us open our minds, do our homework where we set ourselves up the following year to make a change. We made that change and making that change paid dividends.” 

SM: One year later, you achieved your first runner-up finish at the Gatornationals, the site where you did not qualify one year prior. Did you feel as though that finish was somewhat of a redemption?

AB: “Yes, I did,” the Don Schumacher Racing driver said about qualifying at the Gatornationals one-year later. “I came out there, we hit it hard and qualified well. We struggled a little bit after our first race with the new engine program. I remember my bike wasn’t shifting at a test. We would shift second gear and the gear would pop out. We had some transmission issues and we had to work through that. We definitely were on point after that.”

SM: Finally, the next race at Dallas, you would get your first ever NHRA win. Have you ever gone back to watch that race and what does that win still mean to you to this day?

AB: “That win right there, I tell you what, the victory felt like I’ve done something,” Brown said. “The victory was very heartfelt for sure. I can’t complain about it. Winning that first race will always be special to me. I always look at that victory to where I am now. Winning was like ‘Wow., we did it. We made it here.’ I think (winning) was the biggest thing for me.” 

SM: With that in mind, what will be your fondest memory from your first two years in racing or your rookie season? Was it your first start, round victory, runner up, win, or something else?

AB: “Actually, I raced in AMA Pro Star that year and I won my first race at Atlanta,” he said. “I raced against Paul Gast and that (in Pro Stock Motorcycle) was the start of it. That’s when we knew if we had our power, we could run with people and win races. We weren’t as fast as Paul, but we were within two-hundredths of him every lap. 

“I took him (Paul Gast) out in the final round and I was cutting good lights, while Paul pushed the tree and got two red lights and we won that race. That’s when we knew, we have to get power to where we can be faster. In my rookie year, the front runners would be quicker than us running eight-hundredths faster. We could only qualify fifth through eighth it seemed like. If we qualified the first race, we could have finished fourth or fifth that first year.”

SM: Some racers collect their own memorabilia and some don’t. Do you collect your own merchandise and if so, do you have anything that reminds you of your rookie season from Pro Stock Motorcycle?

AB: “I still have the majority of 80% of all my stuff (from my rookie season in PSM or Top Fuel)” Brown said. “I definitely have saved a lot of my merchandise from over the years.” 

SM: I’ve been asking drivers what their favorite Wally is in their collection out of all the years they competed. What is your favorite Wally and why?

AB: “I would say my favorite Wally in my collection is my 2008 Top Fuel trophy (where Brown won against Tony Schumacher at Atlanta),” he said. “The reason being is that was the wildest dream I ever had of getting there (racing in Top Fuel). My dream was to become a Top Fuel racer and I never could have imagined in a million years of making it there. (Winning in 2008) was definitely a dream come true.” 

SM: Wrapping this interview up, it’s hard to believe your first start was 23 years ago. However, if time travel were available, what would a 44-year-old Antron Brown tell 22-year-old Antron Brown? Is there anything you would do differently? 

AB: “I would literally tell my younger self to not doubt myself and not to settle,” Brown said. “I had a few times in my career where I stayed poised, not plateaued. I stayed in the same spot because I got comfortable sitting in the same position for four years. That’s what I would tell my younger self is to progress faster and not sit idle.” 

In Antron’s career, the Pittsboro, Indiana native has a total of 67 career wins, 16 victories in Pro Stock Motorcycle and 51 victories in Top Fuel including winning the championship three times in his career (2012, 2015, 2016). Overall, Brown has collected 57 runner-up finishes, 93 semi-finals, 119 quarter-finals and 102 first-round appearances which include Pro Stock Motorcycle and Top Fuel. In addition, Brown has a total of 49. No. 1 qualifiers with his first No. 1 qualifier occurring at Gainesville in 2001. His win-loss record stands out 741-371.

Brown has made the playoffs for 11 years in a row with the exception of 2020 where there was no Countdown to the Championship. Throughout the playoffs, the Indiana native won 14 races, earned six runner-up finishes and had five No. 1 qualifiers.

Fans of Antron Brown can follow him on social media on Twitter and Instagram and “like” him on Facebook. You can also visit his website here.

Additionally, fans of Don Schumacher Racing can follow them on Twitter, Instagram and on Facebook. Fans can also visit Don Schumacher’s Racing website here.

Special thanks to Allison McCormick for coordinating this interview and many thanks to Antron Brown for taking the time out of his busy schedule for this interview.

Sean Creech Motorsports’ Lance Willsey Brings COVID Awareness to Daytona

By
Official Release
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Physician and Covid survivor working to raise awareness

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (22 January 2021) – As the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship prepares to launch this Friday with the Roar Before the 24, the field of drivers and teams are all working through their checklists to prepare in the build up to the 59th running of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 30-31. But one set of to-dos is all new for 2021, as teams not only need to work through how to race their way to a new Rolex, but also how to do so safely in the time of Covid-19.

One driver will be using his background as a physician and covid survivor to focus his racing platform on bringing awareness to Covid safety with the goal of getting the fans back to the track.

Sean Creech Motorsports (SCM) driver Lance Willsey is set for his 10th outing in the 24, co-driving the No. 33 Sean Creech Motorsport Exelixis Ligier JS P320 Nissan with four-time Rolex 24 winner Joao Barbosa as well as Wayne Boyd and Yann Clairay.

“In 2020, IMSA did a spectacular job executing the race events and creating a safe environment for us to race and entertain the fans across a variety of media sources” said Willsey, who is anticipated to be the only physician in the starting field for the Rolex event. “Now the challenge that faces us as stakeholders is, what can we do to expedite the path to bring fans back to the stands?”

Willsey, who is a Covid survivor, is working to provide non-political, science and fact-based source of information about what motorsports fans can do to stop the spread and allow the drivers and teams to get back to entertaining tens of thousands of fans live in person.

“All of our fan facing promotion, car livery, driver suits, crew uniforms, and fan swag will be focused on that objective,” said Willsey. We have adopted the image of “Rosie the Riveter” as a symbolic image of what this country has done in the past to deal with adversity and what we are capable of doing again. As both a physician and a Covid survivor it is really important to me that we provide knowledge and education for our fans so that we can accelerate the process of getting back to where we were before, as soon as possible and as safely as possible.

The Daytona event will see limited fan access, socially distanced and within stringent guidelines as has become the norm for many sporting events over the last year.

“As great as it is to go to the Roar, it is still a bit hollow without the full amount fans being there, without the full camp grounds, and everyone wandering through the paddock getting up close with these incredible cars,” said Willsey. “This is entertainment, and if we can’t have fans, it’s not the same experience as we all want it to be.”

Willsey has two goals for the twice around the clock classic.

“I want to stand with my teammates on top step of the podium after 24 hours, and I want to help educate fans as to what we can all do fill the stands as soon as we can in a safe manner. If the 24 can entertain the fans as well as bring about change of behaviors in a positive way by people wearing masks, distancing, and learning about the vaccine, then I think we can really accelerate the process of getting back to a sense of normalcy and getting fans back to the track. If we can accomplish that, it’s a win win for all parties involved.”

Preparations for both efforts have been coming along, with Willsey and SCM getting some laps on board the new Ligier machine last month, while the promotional effort also builds ahead of the roar and the race.

“My objective isn’t to tell anyone what to do about their health, but I want to try to use this as a platform for a greater good so folks can make the best decision based on science and. I think IMSA has shown great leadership in managing all the various processes that are necessary to create a safe environment for us to go out and entertain, and I want to help that process continue to result in more fans being able to come to the track.”

Willsey and his co-drivers will take to the track this January 22-24 for the Roar Before the 24, with the Rolex event weekend set to officially launch with practice on Thursday, January 28.

KELLEY BLUE BOOK AND HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS EXTEND PARTNERSHIP THROUGH 2022

By
Official Release
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RENEWAL CONTINUES SUPPORT OF NASCAR CHAMP CHASE ELLIOTT

CONCORD, N.C. (Jan. 22, 2021) – Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource for vehicle pricing and valuations, has extended its sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports and 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion Chase Elliott with a two-year contract renewal.

In 2021 and 2022, Kelley Blue Book will be featured as a two-race primary sponsor and full-season associate sponsor of Elliott’s No. 9 team. The company’s association with Hendrick Motorsports began with a one-race primary sponsorship in 2014 and expanded to two races in 2016 when KBB.com joined Elliott for his rookie year.

Elliott, 25, will pilot the No. 9 Kelley Blue Book Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series playoff races Sept. 11 at Richmond Raceway and Oct. 17 at Texas Motor Speedway.

“Chase is an extraordinary championship athlete who creates enormous excitement on and off the track, connecting with fans everywhere,” said Greta Crowley, vice president of marketing for Kelley Blue Book. “We’ve been proud partners alongside Hendrick Motorsports, and our organizations are both about driving results. Chase and Hendrick Motorsports strive for excellence, and we are looking forward to building an even stronger relationship with the team.”

In 2020, Elliott became the third-youngest driver in history to win a Cup Series title. At NASCAR’s top level, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native has already won 11 points-paying races and three consecutive Most Popular Driver awards. He has never missed the playoffs in his five full-time Cup seasons.

“Kelley Blue Book has supported me since I was a Cup rookie,” Elliott said. “They have been a big part of my career and our No. 9 team, and I’m proud we were able to deliver them a championship last season. Kelley Blue Book is a major partner for our program and for Mr. (Rick) Hendrick’s whole organization. I look forward to a lot more success with them in the years ahead.”

In addition to individual consumers, Kelley Blue Book’s variety of products and services are available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Partners include Hendrick Automotive Group, which utilizes Kelley Blue Book in each of its 131 automotive retail franchises across the United States.

“Kelley Blue Book is a key relationship for us,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group. “They believed in Chase when he was just starting in the Cup Series, and it has paid off with big wins on the racetrack and valuable business opportunities. We’re grateful for their terrific partnership in all aspects of what we do.”

ABOUT KELLEY BLUE BOOK (WWW.KBB.COM):
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry. Each week the company provides market-reflective values on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In Values and Kelley Blue Book® Price Advisor tool, which provides a range for what consumers can reasonably expect to pay for a vehicle in their area. Car owners looking to sell immediately can also get a redeemable, transaction-ready offer with Kelley Blue BookSM Instant Cash Offer. The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies. Kelley Blue Book is a Cox Automotive brand.

ABOUT COX AUTOMOTIVE:
Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using cars easier for everyone. The global company’s more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader®, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com®, Dealertrack®, Kelley Blue Book®, Manheim®, NextGear Capital®, VinSolutions®, vAuto® and Xtime®, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of $21 billion.

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has earned 263 points-paying race victories and a record 13 car owner championships in the premier NASCAR Cup Series. The organization fields four full-time Chevrolet teams on the Cup circuit with drivers Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron and Alex Bowman. Headquartered in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs more than 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

INDYCAR Announces Update for 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES Opener

By
Official Release
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Series to raise curtain on new season April 18 on NBC

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Jan. 22, 2021) – INDYCAR officials have announced the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener at Barber Motorsports Park has been rescheduled from Sunday, April 11 to Sunday, April 18.

The move results in the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama presented by AmFirst being featured on NBC network television. A record nine events will air on NBC this season.

It’s the first time the 2.38-mile road course will host the opener for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. A return to the popular Birmingham, Alabama, racecourse leads an opening stretch of four races in 15 days with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (April 25) and a doubleheader at Texas Motor Speedway (May 1-2) to follow. NBC will air the first two races of the new season and six of the first eight from April to June.

“The schedule changes we’ve had, while partially prompted by ongoing pandemic conditions, give us a powerful start to the 2021 season,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “With six of our first eight races on network television and all in a more compact timeline, it’s an enormous opportunity to drive even more momentum as we deliver our exciting brand of racing to our fans.”

Barber Motorsports Park became an instant hit among INDYCAR drivers when the series first tested on the fast and undulating circuit in 2007. A fan favorite, as well, this year marks the 11th time the series will race there, a tradition that started in 2010. Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Josef Newgarden is the winningest driver at Barber, with three wins. Two-time Indianapolis 500 champion Takuma Sato is the most recent winner.

“Zoom Motorsports and Barber Motorsports Park jumped at the opportunity to have our event showcased on NBC network television” said Gene Hallman, CEO of Zoom Motorsports. “We are proud of the tremendous support that INDYCAR receives annually here in the heart of the deep south. The facility and museum are world class, and we look forward to highlighting George Barber’s vision in what has become a bucket list destination for all race fans.”

An updated listing of green flag times for the 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule will be announced at a later date.

RELLEVATE AND RICHARD PETTY ANNOUNCE THE RICHARD PETTY ICON GIFT AND REWARD CARDS

By
Official Release
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Portions of the proceeds to be given to Victory Junction

Stamford, Conn. (January 22, 2021)—Rellevate, Inc., a fintech company dedicated to empowering consumers through leading-edge financial and payment services, announced today a multi-year licensing and distribution agreement with Richard Petty. The partnership will allow fans to buy gift and reward cards depicting Richard Petty, “The King,” an American icon. Petty is the winningest driver in the history of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR).

“We look forward to bringing the Richard Petty Icon Gift and Reward Cards to fans by providing a mechanism for corporations to reward employee performance and build consumer promotions,” Jim Hannigan, vice president of licensing for Richard Petty Motorsports, said. “We will contribute a portion from each purchase to Victory Junction.”

“Every day, Victory Junction provides camp experiences for children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions,” Chad A. Coltrane, president & CEO of Victory Junction, said. “We appreciate the support that the partnership between Rellevate and Richard Petty will provide for our Victory Junction kids and families.”

“Rellevate is excited for the partnership with Petty, and in presenting the Richard Petty Icon Gift and Reward Cards to fans across the country. More importantly, we will be supporting Victory Junction,” Stewart A. Stockdale, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Rellevate, said. “The Rellevate management team has extensive experience in groundbreaking gift and reward card programs, including successful licensed products which have built the world’s largest Visa® gift card program. Petty’s extensive and loyal fan base combined with Rellevate’s expertise will be the catalyst for a winning performance.”

The Richard Petty Icon Gift Card will launch in January, in time for the DAYTONA 500 at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February. Cards will be sold directly to consumers and to corporations for employees and consumer promotions. Soon to follow, the Richard Petty Icon Reward Card will be offered through Rellevate’s network of employers as well as corporations closely aligned with motorsports.

Rellevate Visa® Gift Card is issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc

About Rellevate

Rellevate, Inc. is a digital fintech company dedicated to empowering consumers through innovative financial and payment services that allow them to access, move and use their money anytime, anywhere. The company’s suite of financial services, offered primarily via employers, include the Pay Any-Day Product, a Digital Account with a Visa Debit Card, Pay Any-Day, Online Bill Pay, and Money Send, and also Gift and Reward Cards. For more information on Rellevate and for Companies interested in offering Rellevate’s digital financial services to their employees, visit www.rellevate.com or contact Rellevate at info@rellevate.com.

About Richard Petty Motorsports

A performance and marketing driven company, Richard Petty Motorsports (RPM), co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty and successful business entrepreneur Andrew Murstein, is one of the most recognized brands in all of motorsports. RPM is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history with 273 wins and has business partnerships with national and global leaders. Today the race operation fields the famed No. 43 in the NASCAR Cup Series with driver Erik Jones. The team is headquartered in Welcome, N.C.

For additional information, news and the latest updates, please visit www.richardpettymotorsports.com or connect with RPM on Facebook (Richard Petty Motorsports), Twitter (@RPMotorsports) or Instagram (@richardpettymotorsports).

About Victory Junction

Victory Junction is a year-round camping facility for children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions. Co-founded by Kyle Petty and his family in honor of their son Adam, Victory Junction provides life-changing camping experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, in a medically-safe environment, always free of charge. In addition to traditional camp sessions, Victory Junction’s REACH program takes camp experiences to children and their families at hospitals and in Ronald McDonald Houses throughout North and South Carolina.

Since opening in 2004, Victory Junction has delivered more than 60,000 camp experiences and has served children from all fifty states and Puerto Rico, as well as four countries. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network of Camps founded by Paul Newman, and is accredited by the American Camping Association. To learn more, please visit victoryjunction.org.

New Vehicles Added to Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s 40-Foot Tall “Sweep of Speed” Exhibit at Daytona

By
Official Release
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1979 Can-Am Champion Lola T333CS of Jacky Ickx and 2008 Indianapolis 500-Winning Chip Ganassi Racing Dallara-Honda IR-05 Driven by Scott Dixon Added to Display

Two-Day Transformation Captured in 90-Second Time Lapse Video Available at www.MHSF.com

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida (January 22, 2020) – The Motorsports Hall of Fame of America’s (MSHFA) signature exhibit, the 40-foot tall “Sweep of Speed,” underwent an exciting transformation heading into the New Year and again is ready to wow visitors and Daytona International Speedway (DIS) tour guests.

Just before the holiday season, a crew from Orlando-based Nassal removed two vehicles from the soaring exhibit of historic racers and replaced them with two others over the course of two days. It’s the first major refresh of the Sweep of Speed since 2016 – the year the MSHFA museum opened in the Ticket & Tours Building at DIS following its move from Michigan.

“Any time you come to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America here in Daytona you can be sure you’ll see some of the greatest American racing vehicles ever,” MSHFA President George Levy said. “Sometimes that literally involves reaching for the sky.”

The two-day transformation was captured in a 90-second time lapse video available at www.mshf.com and through the link below.

The Sweep of Speed features a 31-degree slice of Daytona International Speedway’s famous high-banked turns. A pack of historic vehicles across motorsports disciplines are mounted on the banking, with others suspended from the roof behind them.

Viewed together, these machines jockey in timeless, overhead competition toward an ever-elusive checkered flag.

The 1979 Can-Am champion Lola T333CS of 2020 inductee Jacky Ickx, and the Scott Dixon driven 2008 Indy 500-winning Dallara-Honda IR-05, on loan from 2016 inductee Chip Ganassi and Chip Ganassi Racing, were the two new cars installed.

The brawny 1970 Lola T165 Can-Am car of 2000 MSHFA inductee Peter Gregg, and an exquisite replica of the Rodger Ward (MSHFA Class of 1995) 1959 Indianapolis 500 winning roadster that also honors 1996 inductee and chassis-builder A.J. Watson, previously lived in the display.

Moving precious four-wheeled artifacts requires patience and skill. Nassal’s crew employed cranes, pulleys and teamwork to detach the Lola and the Watson roadster from the banking on the first day and installed the Ickx Can-Am champion and Dixon Indy 500 winner the following day.

Access to the MSFHA is included with every Daytona International Speedway tour, which run throughout each day, or as a museum-only ticket. The attraction is open daily nearly year round except holidays and on major DIS race and event days.

About the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: The MSHFA is the only hall of fame that honors achievers in all forms of American motorsports: cars, motorcycles, airplanes, off road and powerboats. Induction is decided by a straight vote among 200 experts, about half of them inductees themselves. Its mission is to celebrate and instill the American motorsports values of leadership, creativity, originality, teamwork and the spirit of competition. It was founded by Larry G. Ciancio and Ronald A. Watson and conducted its first induction in 1989. Watson spent the next 30 years tirelessly building it into the nation’s premier motorsports hall of fame until his sudden passing in 2019. The original museum in Novi, Mich., relocated to Daytona Beach, Fla., in 2016 and greets more than 100,000 visitors a year. The MSHFA is operated by the nonprofit Motorsports Museum and Hall of Fame of America Foundation, Inc.

Stoner Car Care Racing Looks to Get 2021 Off to Fast Start

By
Official Release
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ORLANDO, Fla. (21 January 2021) – The Stoner Car Care Racing fielded by Automatic Racing team returns to the track for this weekend’s Roar Before the 24, sporting a driver lineup that shares a combined 17-year history with the team, behind the wheel of one of the most iconic liveries in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC).

Rob Ecklin Jr., Ramin Abdolvahabi and Brandon Kidd will share driving duties in the No. 09 Stoner Car Care Aston Martin Vantage GT4 as they prepare for next weekend’s four-hour BMW Endurance Challenge, part of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s Rolex 24 At Daytona weekend.

Ecklin, from Lancaster, Pa., is the longest tenured driver with the Orlando-based team, having driven for them since 2011. Abdolvahabi (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.) will drive in his fifth-straight season and Kidd (Syracuse, NY) will pilot his fourth.

Each driver points to the stability that Automatic Racing Team Manager David Russell has created as they look for success on board one of the sports most recognizable liveries.

The Stoner Car Care colors have long been connected with the Aston Martin entry, with the team also having campaigned the instantly recognizable blue and yellow Invisible Glass entry through the years as well as part of the partnership with Stoner Car Care.

“For me, it’s all about the team culture,” said Ecklin, “That starts with David (Russell) and his leadership and the people he brings on and how they work together. It’s a good group and they put together a strong car. And I think we drivers bring some stability.

“Stoner Car Care is a company he can count on, and we have a good relationship,” said Ecklin of the family-run business that he steers. “It’s half work, half pleasure, though more on the side of pleasure. It’s about representing the brand and getting brand recognition in something that represents performance and power. We get input from an outside designer and inside marketing people to decide on the liveries each year, and it’s always a tough decision – and a fun process.”

“It all starts with David (Russell),” Abdolvahabi agreed. “He is such an easy-going guy, a low-key guy, but he’s a perfectionist and he keeps the team cohesive. That attracts like-minded people, crew and drivers, so there’s really no ego or fear about asking for help. The Stoner and Invisible Glass liveries are so recognizable, and you can’t say that about that many other cars, so that brings a very enjoyable element to the program.”

“We’re blessed that we have these guys come back and run with us,” said Russell, “and we have some really solid people who have been with the team for a long time. We run it like a family operation – we want to get the job done but we want to have the kind of atmosphere where everyone can grow and learn and enjoy themselves in the process. Rob (Ecklin) has been with us since 2011, Ramin (Abdolvahabi) since 2017 and Brandon (Kidd) since 2018. Everyone gets along well, is headed in the same direction, and has similar goals. It’s very easy when you get to the racetrack, when you have solid customers – and when they’re your friends as well.

“They’re all very level-headed and they’re exceptional team players,” Russell continued. “I learn a lot from Rob on a variety of levels, personal and well as business. Ramin is a very hard worker and since he’s a neurosurgeon and renowned doctor, I lean on him sometimes for medical opinions! Brandon comes from a stock car background, where things happen pretty fast, so he’s very calm in the car – and we also do some business with his financial services company.”

After a roller coaster 2020 that saw the team endure more than its share of bad luck, all three drivers are ready to start 2021 anew. While Ecklin will not attend the Roar owning to his business commitments, Abdolvahabi and Kidd are ready to get back in sync with the Aston Martin Vantage GT4.

The 2021 schedule marks the debut of a new event schedule from IMSA with, for the first time, just days between the Roar and the Rolex 24 weekend.

“It makes sense to have the Roar and the Rolex 24 back-to-back like this,” said Kidd. “I’m looking forward to the weekend – we have an awesome car; the Vantage is one of the better cars out there to drive. Coming off of a winter where you’re not doing a lot for two or three months, it’s good to get back into the race car. I’m less worried about lap time that I am about getting the depth perception back, the sensation of speed. Then next week, it’s back to being second nature. But if there’s any development work we want to do, or to try things outside of the box, this is the time to do it.”

“The focus this weekend is to get back in the rhythm,” said Russell. “IMSA has done a very crafty thing by taking the opportunity to make the Roar and the Rolex 24 back-to-back weekends. We’re only 50 minutes away, and this makes it so much easier for us. We don’t have to leave the racetrack to prep the car between the two events and it sounds as though everyone is completely on board with this.”

“The entire car has been worked through since Sebring,” said Abdolvahabi, “So the Roar is a chance to see if there are any upgrades, check the systems, and fine tune the setup. If we can come out of this weekend with a car that all three of us are comfortable with for four hours – and I’ve driven with Rob long enough that I know what he likes in a car – will be the goal. We always have a strong car, but we had so much bad luck last year so hopefully that’s behind us!”

Daytona International Speedway is the home racetrack for the team, and everyone relishes the opportunity to be a part of the legendary endurance classic weekend. For Kidd, who began his career in stock car racing, the weekend is just that much more special.

“Anytime you go to Daytona, it’s a big deal,” said Kidd. “There aren’t many places like it, and the feeling you get when you come here for the first time, it takes a while for that to wear off. Just seeing the enormity of it all, and the scale, the history behind it, it makes it so special. You can’t help but be blown away at the idea of racing there! It’s not just another race. I grew up watching races there, so it’s like a young baseball player growing up to play at Yankee Stadium.”

Teams will have five test sessions for a total of five and a half hours of track time over the three-day weekend to work on development and setup ahead of next weekend’s first race of the season. The BMW Endurance Challenge will take the green flag Friday, January 29 at 1:35pm Eastern. The race will be broadcast live in the U.S. on NBC Sports Gold’s TrackPass, while international viewers can watch via IMSA.tv. IMSA Radio will also be available at IMSA.com.

About Invisible Glass

Automatic Racing sees their way to victory with Invisible Glass, the top-selling automotive glass cleaner in the United States. The Invisible Glass product line includes aerosol and spray bottle cleaner, Invisible Glass with rain repellent for windshields and wiper blades. Find more online at https://www.invisibleglass.com/

About Stoner Car Care

Stoner Car Care produces high-performance car washes, waxes, polishes, and dressings for auto enthusiasts and car care professionals. The Stoner Car Care line-up includes Invisible Glass, America’s #1 Automotive Glass Cleaner, along with many other appearance products. Whether driving, washing or waxing, Performance Matters! Stoner car care proudly formulates all of our product since 1942

About Automatic Racing

Based in Orlando, Automatic Racing is one of the longest-running teams in the paddock, forming in 2001 and competing in all but one of the 11 MICHELIN Pilot Challenge races at Daytona. The team has been developing, preparing and racing the prestigious Aston Martin Vantage GT4 since 2012. Automatic Racing won the 2017 MICHELIN Pilot Challenge title.

EcoTwist Clean Joins Spencer Boyd for 2021 Season

By
Official Release
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Concord, NC (January 21, 2020) – NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Driver, Spencer Boyd, announced today that the exploding laundry detergent brand, EcoTwist Clean, will be a season-long sponsor of the No. 20 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado. EcoTwist has revolutionized the laundry detergent industry by making a product that actually cleans your clothes with their Odor Release Technology™ while remaining eco-friendly.

“I never thought I’d be talking about doing laundry publicly,” chuckled Spencer Boyd. “I sit in a hot race car for hours. I work out daily. My clothes need to get clean not just sprayed with a scent. EcoTwist works for my clothes and their logo looks amazing on a race truck!”

EcoTwist Clean does it differently. They pride themselves on it. They’ve not only created a proprietary formula for their eco-friendly, powerful laundry detergent, but they’ve also developed a proprietary formula for how they run their business, intentionally focusing on people – not profits.

As a result of how EcoTwist Clean runs their business, a portion of the proceeds from each sale related to Spencer and racing, will go to benefit the non-profit organization, Trinity Oaks, who uses outdoor activities to give back and make a difference in the lives of others.

“We met Spencer through a mutual friend that spoke highly of him because of the person he is, not necessarily because he is a race car driver,” said EcoTwist President and 25-year Harris Teeter veteran, Sean Stanley. “I know the reach that sponsoring a NASCAR driver has, but I wanted to work with someone that shares our values. Spencer is our guy and our detergent is Made in the USA, so it’s a great combination!”

EcoTwist Clean has several scents or unscented versions to choose from while proving a special formula for active lifestyles like Spencer’s. They will also be launching detergent’s for babies, pets, and hunters in the near future. EcoTwist will be on board the No. 20 truck as an associate sponsor for each race of the 2021 season as well as have a number of races with their clean-looking primary paint scheme.

About EcoTwist Clean
EcoTwist Clean, based in Matthews, NC, is the first manufacturer to produce both an eco-friendly and effective laundry detergent. With over 30 years in the industry, founder, Sean Stanley, developed EcoTwist’s proprietary Odor Release Technology™ to fully release and remove the odor causing bacteria from fabric. In addition to providing customers with a clean, safe, and effective laundry detergent, EcoTwist Clean also strives to support local communities through charitable giving, continuing its mission of intentionally focusing on people – not profits. EcoTwist is currently available in Food City and coming soon to Randall’s, Tom Thumb and select Albertsons stores. For more information or to shop online visit www.ecotwistclean.com.

4 Common Auto Accidents That Occur In Racing

By
SM
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Photo by Macau Photo Agency on Unsplash

From speeding cars to flashy colors, racing draws a massive audience. For those who love cars, the nuances and characteristics of every single race car are impressive and spectacular. Although there are many attractive traits of the racing sport, there are many unexpected things that occur regularly. Unfortunately, roughly 20 deaths happen in the racing industry each year. Races often result in dangerous accidents. In this article, we will share four types of auto accidents that race car drivers are likely to get in during their career.

1. Rear-End Collisions

When you think about cars speeding around a track in a tough competitive environment, it is understandable that one car might rear-end another in an attempt to get ahead and win the race. In reality, these wrecks can be fatal for both the driver and the vehicle. In most cases, cars are following too closely behind one another and do not have the space when the car ahead of them brakes. Not only are these accidents common in racing, but they occur frequently on both highways and backroads. 

2. Multi-Vehicle Collisions

The average speed car races at over 200 mph, escalating to 60 mph in less than four seconds. Speeding past cars, gliding on concrete, and steering a hot vehicle requires focus and adrenaline. There is no part of a race where a driver can rest their shoulders and release their built-up tension. Typically, more than two race cars will get in an accident at time, since the drivers do not have enough time to stop their speeding vehicles, and are likely to collide into the pile of vehicles that have already been wrecked. Since interstate roads are often packed full of cars, multi-vehicle collisions occur frequently on these systems as well.

3. Side Collisions

Just like the everyday pedestrian, drivers must have adequate protection for themselves and their vehicles. When taking a tight turn, many drivers lose their grip and slide into the car next to them. In addition, drivers make turns too quickly and collide into the side of another vehicle. Since race cars are moving at such a rapid pace, it can be hard to keep control of the wheel. When a side collision occurs, the damage is typically quite expensive because a large portion of the car is affected. 

4. Car Flipping

Race car drivers are often in situations where they have to make extremely tight turns. If they lose control of the vehicle, the intensity of their speed could cause them to flip over. If they are hit by another car while they are turning, that will cause them to flip. This type of accident is often the most dangerous, causing major physical injuries to the driver. Race car drivers must tone their body because of the strength it takes to steer the car effectively. This sport is not for the faint of heart, it takes an individual who can handle rapidly increasing heart rates while functioning with lasting endurance.

Summary

Life as a race car driver is not as sexy as it looks. The individuals that compete in this field are constantly battling through blood, sweat, and tears to get across the finish line. After hours of built up tension and total depletion, these racers come across the finish line with confidence and resilience. Due to the risk associated with this career, attorneys and insurance companies have to be highly involved with drivers. When working with the trustworthy West Virginia accident lawyer, these drivers can ensure that they are getting the compensation they need if they are a victim of an unexpected accident.

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