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Phoenix Raceway to Host Limited Fans for 2021 NASCAR Spring Event Weekend, March 12-14

PHOENIX (Jan. 4, 2021) – As NASCAR returns to the Valley of the Sun for Phoenix Raceway’s annual spring event weekend, March 12-14, Phoenix Raceway will host a limited, reduced number of fans throughout the three-day event.

The reduced capacity for the 2021 spring event weekend is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and continues to be in accordance with enhanced safety protocols and procedures to provide a safe environment for fans, competitors, employees and industry personnel.

“We look forward to kicking off another 2021 NASCAR season at Phoenix Raceway this March and while we wish we could host a capacity crowd, the health and safety of everyone remains our top priority,” said Phoenix Raceway President Julie Giese. “In similar fashion to this past November for the track’s first-ever NASCAR Championship Weekend, we plan to host a limited number of fans for this event. November was a tremendous success, and we look forward to executing another safe and successful event this March.”

As a result of the seating capacity limitations, many guests will have their grandstand seats relocated to ensure social distancing between groups. Also due to the limited capacity, Phoenix Raceway will no longer be able to accommodate some guests that have already purchased tickets for the spring event weekend. Season ticket holders will receive priority as part of this process.

Due to restricted access to the competition area, the INfield Experience will not be available, but similar to the NASCAR Championship Weekend in November, reserved table seating will be available in the infield as part of the INfield Hub for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. Hillside seating will also be made available on Sunday.

Camping will still be available with campgrounds opening on Monday, March 8. All campers will be pre-screened upon entry and will be asked to park in the same direction on the right side of each campsite with all campsites limited to a maximum of six guests per spot.

In addition to maintaining a strict adherence to 6’ social 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. Multiple handwashing and hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the operating areas and entrances and a “clean team” of staff, clearly identified for guests, will be cleaning or disinfecting at all times. Additional information for the NASCAR spring event weekend at Phoenix Raceway and its safety protocols may be found online at PhoenixRaceway.com/protocols or by calling Phoenix Raceway at 866-408-RACE (7223).

About Phoenix Raceway

Home to the 2021 NASCAR Championship Weekend, Phoenix Raceway has been the premier motorsports venue in the Southwest since 1964 and hosts two NASCAR race weekends each year. In 2021, the spring event weekend, March 12-14, kicks off the race season at Phoenix Raceway, featuring the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series. For only the second time in the history of the sport, Phoenix Raceway will host the NASCAR Championship Weekend, November 5-7. Over the three-day event, champions will be crowned in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the ARCA Menards Series West. Phoenix Raceway also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including corporate meetings and conferences, charity events, holiday events, sport and endurance competitions, driving schools and Segway tours. For more information, visit www.PhoenixRaceway.com.

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 and three international 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, Americrown Service 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’).

Pros and Cons to Investing in an In-ground Basketball Hoop

Photo by Spencer Lind from Pexels

Owning a high-quality basketball hoop definitely guarantees years of fun for the entire family and community at large. It is a place for kids to meet, and compete in shooting games while improving their basketball skills. This does not mean that adults cannot participate. After a long hard day of work, being able to shoot some hoops while relaxing in their backyard or driveway is completely priceless. Most owners choose to have portable basketball hoops due to their perceived versatility, but these tend to shake and rattle with every contact. If someone has the space for a permanent in-ground basketball hoop, they should go for it. Below are the pros and cons of installing an In-ground basketball hoop.

Pros

The major advantage of having an in-ground hoop over the portable one is its stability. These in-ground basketball hoops, as showcased by https://ironcityshowdown.com/best-basketball-hoop/indoor/, are quite sturdy and stable. Most players love to show their dunking skills, and that cannot be done on a portable hoop. Furthermore, if the hoop is moving around, it can alter the shots and distract the players from enjoying themselves. Additionally, these hoops have a traditional feel to them and have a large backboard allowing for more aggressive and dynamic play as opposed to the portable ones.

In-ground hoops are more durable than other alternatives. The garage mounted basketball hoop can be used for a longer time because it is built with sturdy material and is not moved around due to its permanent installation.

The suppliers of these hoops usually offer long-term or even lifetime warranties in case of damage.

Some parts of the portable system are more expensive than the in-ground hoop. One can get a hoop with a good breakaway rim and backboard at a fraction less than that of a portable unit.

Apart from all the above, having an in-ground system adds more value to the property, especially if one needs to sell. The hoop looks good aesthetically and lasts for a long time. Prospective buyers will factor it in when making their decision.

Cons

Once the in-ground hoop has been installed, it cannot be moved. They are permanent structures and therefore are not useful for people who move from place to place. In addition, it is much harder to dismantle the hoop than portable basketball hoops.

The nature of the installation process is difficult and requires digging a hole in the ground together with the addition of concrete to reinforce the structure. Also, one might require a building permit since it is a permanent structure. In some neighborhoods, there are restrictions on in-ground basketball systems.

These systems are expensive as they are made of expensive materials to make them more sturdy and durable.

In the end, each hoop system has its own advantages and disadvantages; it is an individual choice on what would work. For a greater experience, most people would go for the in-ground hoop.

How To Engage Your Kids During Lockdown

It‘s lockdown everywhere and things can get harder as there can’t be any outdoor activities that used to be before. Nobody can predict when life will come back to its normal routine. Kids can get frustrated during this situation as they have nothing special to do. Their playing options are limited and they have to play only indoor games. They can’t go to parks, playlands, gaming zones, and other recreational places.  

To make kids enjoy themselves at home, there are many activities. The one and the most favorite of them is any form of art. Kids love art and it’s the best way to express their feelings. They can create anything they like. If you let them do paint by numbers, it can be real fun for them. You can give them a canvas and some paints to make anything beautiful.

A healthy activity

Paint by numbers is the best activity for kids in lockdown. It is a superb option to spend time and enjoy it as well. If your kids are annoying and they don’t know what to do on vacations, you should get them occupied with some paint by numbers. 

It is time to say goodbye to gadgets and stay away from noisy tabs and mobile phones. 

Creativity

Art is the best way to express the creativity of kids. They should be free to make any design that can easily paint. It can be a natural view, a pet image, a custom photo, a historical place, a name initials, simple calligraphy, or a bunch of flowers. Make sure they are not limited to making only particular designs. They should be allowed to explore and create unique pieces. 

Kids are creative and they need a platform to express their skills. Nothing can be better than artwork to show what they can do. 

Self-care hobby

You can ask your kids to adopt paint by numbers as their next self-care hobby. They will not only enjoy it but also spend the entire day doing it. This will let them invest time in an enjoyable pastime. There is plenty of time as no school, no tutor, no homework, or any academic activity. So, painting by numbers can be a rewarding hobby for your kids. 

Self-learning with Kids Academy

However, it’s worth mentioning that if you observe your child to be rather inclined to rational activities and processing information, try engaging them with some of the educational tools available online — one example is the Talented & Gifted app the children’s learning app by Kids Academy. The app contains learning courses on all the core subjects for preschool and elementary school students. Young users will find both entertaining and educational activities on the app. It provides an opportunity for kids to get creative with the coloring pages or the drawing games found in the lessons, as well as to learn new things and refresh what they already know about math, ELA, science, etc. Those who like a challenge are welcome to complete the Chess Basics course found on the T&G app.

Art versus digital world

When you compare artistic activities with using gadgets, you will come to know that art is surely the better option. When your kids indulge in mobile phones and other devices, it affects their mental health as well as their eyesight. Their thinking abilities also suffer. When they play games or surf the web for hours, it can have an adverse effect on them. So, you should avoid such things and try to sort some healthy form of art for kids. It will not cause any side effects and also let them explore their hidden talent. When they do art on a regular basis, they will become used to it. With time, they will forget about gadgets and begin enjoying art. 

Peace of mind

When you see your kids are indulged in healthy art activities, you will also be at peace. You will feel good. There will be no distractions from digital games and so on. Let them enjoy this artwork quietly. 

As you know, the majority of kids have become addicted to gadgets and games. It’s hard to make them forget about these things as they spend all day with them. Art can act as a trick to keep kids away from mobile devices. It readily attracts kids and makes them feel good when they paint.

Mental capability

When kids paint, they are given an opportunity to express their talent. It also boosts their mental capacity as they think and use their brain to create something. It’s good to make dull kids active and creative. They get a chance to explore things. When kids make any artwork, they have to think and create shapes. It gives a kick to their mind and lets them use their talent. 

Group work

When kids make groups and do painting, it gives them a platform to interact with one another. They also compare the work of every kid and then learn from them. So, it’s a fun way to learn things from artists of their age. It is good to gather some like-minded kids and organize an art activity. Ask all of them to bring their best painting kits and get started with something they want to paint. You can also organize an art competition to boost their confidence and polish their art skills. 

When kids paint in groups, they socialize and it also helps them learn social manners. They enjoy it when they are introduced to other group members. It will also improve their communication when they will talk to competitors.

Self-esteem

The kids who are good at art and create beautiful paintings are more confident than others. When they look at their achievements it makes them feel good. They have high self-esteem. They know they are capable of creating something nice. Their self-image becomes better. When they get compliments from elders and friends, it also makes them feel great. So, you can say that art contributes to the overall happiness and mental well-being of kids. It makes them happy and satisfied. 

Conclusion

Kids love art and they want something to express their hidden emotions. They also want to polish their skills and interact with others. Lockdown can make them frustrated and excessive use of digital devices can have a bad impact on their health. In this dire situation, think of art as a solution. Paint by numbers can let them enjoy all day and also explore their talent. Why not get them engaged in creating paintings and let them forget about those noisy gadgets that they are addicted to. It’s the best way to take them out of their digital addictions. Art is fun and also the right way to learn. Buy your kids an art kit today and let’s get started.

Spencer Boyd Announces Daytona Sponsorship with American Pavement Specialists

Boyd Will Drive a Raised on Blacktop Special Edition® Truck

Concord, NC (January 4, 2021) – Spencer Boyd, driver of the No. 20 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, announced today that American Pavement Specialists will kick off the 2021 season with their Raised on Blacktop Special Edition® sponsorship at Daytona. The lifestyle brand is owned by the hard working team at American Pavement Specialists that sponsored Boyd in Las Vegas in 2020.

“We share the same mentality that a hard working team is the only way to get thigs done right,” commented Boyd. “The guys over at American Pavement Specialists have created this amazing brand in Raised On Blacktop® that is going to look sick on that truck.”

“I literally grew up racing on every asphalt track we could get to so if there is a brand that speaks to my roots, this is it,” Boyd said.

Matt Stanley, head of Marketing for American Pavement Specialists and Co-Founder of the Raised on Blacktop brand, remarked on their partnership with a NASCAR driver, “We’ve reached so many like-minded people with Spencer’s efforts. NASCAR fans are hardworking people and that is what our brand is about…waking up early, hustling hard, and providing for your family.”

Raised on Blacktop® is paving the way for their industry with this sponsorship of NASCAR driver Spencer Boyd.

Daytona International Speedway recently announced that fans will be allowed in the historic venue for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on February 12, 2021. With Boyd’s track record at Superspeedways, one win and two top-five finishes in five starts, the 25 year-old will be one for fans to watch in the first race of season.

As announced previously, this will be Spencer Boyd’s third season with Young’s Motorsports.

Shop online at: www.raisedonblacktop.com – “SEE YOU AT WORK”

The Next Season Of Nascar: What Do You Need To Know?

NASCAR is one of the biggest sports in America and has been for several years now drawing in thousands of people to the stands as well as watching from home. But with this, comes the excitement surrounding the drivers on and off the track. To help you keep track of all the latest changes to NASCAR and the drivers moving team ahead of the next season, we have compiled everything you need to know.

The 2021 Nascar Cup Schedule

Unlike the 2020 season that was disrupted as the result of the pandemic, the 2021 cup schedule is set to begin in February of 2021 and ending in November of the same year. With the first match-up taking place at the Daytona International Speedway Road course, in Florida, there is plenty for you as a fan to get excited about as the number of laps and miles to be announced as we head closer to the time.

These match-ups at the Daytona raceway will continue up until February 28th when the Nascar tournament will move to the homestead Miami Speedway on February 28th for the Dixie Vodka 400 raceway.  From there, several other places around the US have races scheduled in this year. With some in Las Vegas, Phoenix Arizona, Bristol Tennessee and Virginia to name just a few making it an exciting time for the 2021 series of Nascar in the future making it one of the biggest yet!

 Darrell Wallace And His Career Thus Far

As number 23 in the Nascar Series, Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr is one of the most popular Nascar drivers at this time. With a successful year racing for Richard Petty Motorsport, there is set to be a huge amount of excitement for the team moving forward as Wallace sees all his familiar sponsors making a return to the sport. With zero wins over the last four years, there are several elements to suggest that this season could be won by him. Despite his lack of wins, he is still highly popular with the fans as well as the bookies for NASCAR who place him with odds at +5000 or 50/1 for the championship. Do you think that he will be able to pull this odd or will Denny Hamlin and Joey Logano win yet another championship in this upcoming season?

Sponsors For Darrell Wall in the 2021 Season

It has been announced in the last few weeks that the superstar NASCAR driver will receive some of the largest sponsors in NASCAR at this time. With Doordash, McDonald’s, Dr Pepper and Root Insurance to name just few this sponsorship is set to give him the exposure that he needs to get started on his most promising season yet. With team 23Xi racing with Wallace behind the wheel, this is a fresh new start for him in NASCAR and could see him up there with some of the greats this season. Not only is this team backed by Michael Jorden and Denny Hamlin, but the experience of the three-time Daytona 500 winner could give that team the competitive edge that they need in 2020 to come out on top from the start in 2021. With the funding, the expertise and the team behind them this could be a promising start for the team as we head into the new season.

Which Drivers Are Moving Teams For 2021?

The final major change for the 2021 league is the drivers that are changing team before the February 2021 start. With many people on the move, it can be difficult to keep up, however, we have compiled a list of some of these drivers below:

  • Christopher Bell
  • Ty Dillion
  • Kyle Larson
  • Daniel Suarez
  • Bubba Wallace

Each of these changes is set to provide a huge amount of excitement to the sport this season and may even see a new champion crowned at the end of the season. Who do you think will be the most successful?

Whether you have been a fan of Nascar for a while now or you have only come into the sport to see if Wallace could pull off a win under his new team, we are sure that the 2020 season is one that you will definitely want to watch.

How To Protect Your Truck From The Elements

Whether you have a brand-new truck or your truck’s bed is a bit torn, protecting your truck is essential. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can consider. Such solutions will keep your vehicle looking brand-new and protected from harsh weather elements and increase its value. 

If you’re a new truck owner or you want to provide better protection for your vehicle, below are the different ways you can consider to protect your truck from the elements:

Use The Best Tonneau Bed Cover

A tonneau bed cover is one of the best options you can consider to protect your truck from the elements. Although it’s a bit expensive, it’s worth it because of the cover’s features and the protection it offers

Other than that, most truck owners prefer using the best tonneau cover because it protects the cargo and improves the vehicle’s aerodynamics. Depending on your preferences, you can go with either hardcover or softcover.

Softer ones are made from vinyl and will not provide much protection compared with hardcovers. However, they’re easier to transport, remove, and install. On the contrary, hardcovers are more durable and can keep thieves from fiddling with the items on the back of your truck.

Park Your Truck In The Garage

If you’re using your truck daily, you might experience difficulty finding a parking area that would protect your vehicle from the sun throughout your entire shift. To protect your vehicle, use a parking garage to keep your truck safe and cool. It also helps avoid possible scratches when leaving it on any street and can help prevent wear and tear on the body. You can also avoid dropping branches and other debris from trees. If you are unable to park in the garage all of the time, tree trimming can be a solution. Services like https://www.thelocaltreeexpert.com/ok/broken-arrow/​ can keep your truck safe from falling debris.

Wash And Wax Your Truck Regularly

Washing your truck regularly is crucial to ensuring that your vehicle’s exterior stays fresh. But this only works if you take the time to wash it properly.

Before you start:

  1. See to it that your car is away from direct sunlight.
  2. Use a water hose to rinse off any dirt buildup. If you’re getting the grime off after washing, consider using a clay bar and gently gliding it over the sticky areas.
  3. Once it’s done, rinse your truck again to clear off the residues.

Then, dry your truck’s surface thoroughly using a microfiber cloth. After that, wax your vehicle to keep it shiny and remove surface scratch. If you consider waxing often, you can ensure that your truck is healthy and that you prevent debris or any dirt particles from sticking to your vehicle, avoiding long-term damage to its exterior.

Always Cover Your Truck When Not In Use

If you’ve been sparing your truck from too much driving for several years but see severe damage on its exterior, you need to protect it from the environment.

Damage can come from UV rays, snow, or rain, making your truck look older than it is. You must also consider purchasing a protective item even if you park your vehicle in an indoor parking area. Most people don’t pay attention when leaving the park and could scratch up your bumpers or sides.

The best solution is to use a truck cover to prevent possible damage. With a truck cover, your truck will not only stay safer but also improve its resale value. Just make sure to choose a truck cover that fits your vehicle. It must be made from quality materials to ensure durability.

Beyond protecting the exterior, the truck’s interior also deserves attention. The seats are constantly exposed to dust, spills, and general wear, which can lead to stains, cracks, or fading, especially under prolonged sun exposure to the sun. A good-quality Truck Seat Cover can serve as an extra layer of protection, helping to maintain the original upholstery while enhancing comfort and style.

Conclusion

Protecting your truck from the elements is easy. You don’t even need the help of professionals. The only thing you should do is to take note of the above tips and implement them properly. If you’re confused about which solution is best for your truck, know your preferences and research to avoid making the wrong choice as not all trucks are the same.

Mike Skinner Finishes Second at Red Eye 50/50 in first late model race since 2019

NASCAR Truck Series Champion catches the racing bug once again

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. (January 3, 2021) – Mike Skinner finished second in the 50-lap Pro Late Model feature at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway as part of Saturday night’s Red Eye 50/50 event. It was the first time back in the driver’s seat at a late model race since 2019 for the 63-year-old racer, and another chance to race with his sons, Jamie and Dustin Skinner.

“Getting to race tonight was my Christmas present from my son, Jamie,” said Skinner. “I didn’t know if I’d get to race again, but we were together for Christmas Eve last week and he said, ‘Pops, how would you feel about racing a Pro Late in the Red Eye?’ and here we are with Racecar Solutions on the hood. It’s always such a treat to get to come out and race with my boys, but now I’ve caught the bug again.”

Racing the No. 5 Racecar Solutions Toyota, Skinner started in the fifth position. By lap eight, he was already starting to pick up positions, and by lap 18 he slid into the second position. With the leader already having a 1.622-second gap and the field working through lap traffic, Skinner needed a caution to bunch the field back up and make a run at the lead. However, the race stayed green all night and Skinner came home in the runner-up position.

“We’re only two days into it, but 2021 is turning out to be a pretty exciting year. Angie and I will be partnering with Featherlite Coaches this year to explore America and share our love of motorcoaching. And I was able to climb back in a race car, which honestly, I didn’t know when or if that would happen again. We were a bit too free all night tonight, but at the end it all came down to track position. More than anything, finishing second just adds the fuel to the fire and gets me wanting to come back out here and win a few more races. We’ll need to find some sponsorship, but hopefully we can put something together for Speedweeks and come have a little fun.”

In an impressive showing for Racecar Solutions, all three of the team’s cars finished in the top five. Jade Buford, driving the Big Machine Vodka Toyota finished fourth, and was followed by Jean-Philippe Bergeron in fifth. It was the first start with Racecar Solutions for both of the up-and-coming drivers.

Speculation, questions arising from Hendrick’s pick of Larson’s spotter for ’21 season

Heading into the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season, a lot of the eyes in the NASCAR community are on Hendrick Motorsports and the driver of the No. 5, Kyle Larson. Larson, the former driver of the No. 42 Chip Ganassi Racing Chevy, lost his ride a few races into the 2020 Cup season following his utterance of a racial slur during an online racing event.

For all intents and purposes, the mistake seemed less malicious and more insensitive than anything. Regardless, the punishment was adequate in the big picture of things – he lost his ride, sponsorships, and was suspended from NASCAR until he completed sensitivity training. Larson went above and beyond that, taking the initiative to participate in several outreach programs in an effort to educate himself and to better understand the racial plight and disparity in America, and on the announcement of his return to NASCAR competition he made it clear that he wasn’t going to stop with that.

In the meantime, he managed to win a horde of dirt racing trophies while away from NASCAR; it’s safe to say that along with being paired with NASCAR’s 2020 Cup championship organization it is looking like Larson may be in the hunt for a title for the first time in his career. All of that will depend on his actions off and on the track. Sure, the on-track matters look to be a cinch – Larson is a wheelman in the truest sense. But off-track? 2020 was a shaky year in regards to social unrest, so Larson’s actions will do the talking on whether or not he’s serious about change for the better. There will be a lot of scrutiny in that area.

With that said, Chris Monez was recently tabbed to be Larson’s spotter for the 2021 season. Already, NASCAR Twitter has exposed some questionable aspects regarding Monez and whether or not he’s the type of influence needed around Larson. A cursory search of Monez’s Twitter exposed several questionable tweets and likes that indicate a socio-political fringe mindset away from the track, including his subscription to a cult-like thought group known on the internet as QAnon. This included tweets with the group’s slogan among other things.

In a nutshell, QAnon is an extremely dangerous fringe conspiracy idea that has zero basis in fact and has been labeled as a terrorist threat by the FBI, and in short, believes that Donald Trump is working in a clandestine fashion with several law enforcement officials behind the scenes in order to take down a Satanic-worshipping cabal of celebrity and Democratic pedophiles in a mass event called “The Storm,” where they will then be subject to public executions.

Yes, that is what they actually believe.

In the meanwhile, this is paired with several likes of anti-COVID mask tweets as well as a like of Trump’s tweet from August when he asked if/when Bubba Wallace would apologize for the noose found at Talladega in the summer. With all of this being said, it’s clear where Monez’s interests lie. It’s one thing to subscribe to a political ideology. That’s one of the many great things about being an American, where we can have that sort of freedom. But in 2020, socio-political ideologies began to merge with baseless fringe conspiracies, and many others seemed to jump off the mental deep end. If Monez’s Twitter likes amount to anything it seems like he’s one of those who made the plunge as well.

That said, does it make sense to pair him with Larson, a driver who is working hard to prove that he’s changed? Is Monez the kind of influence he needs? For what it’s worth, any kind of social media “likes” a user has is a form of enabling/endorsing. And despite a substantial amount of NASCAR Twitter claiming that it was “wrong” for these old likes to be looked through, there’s an old adage from the early days of social media where anything is fair game when it’s in the public eye. It just so happens that Twitter is a public forum, and pairing Monez’s name with Larson makes him a very public figure.

In other words, Monez’s “likes” and “tweets” are definitely fair game when it comes to being scrutinized. An argument can be made that if he didn’t want the NASCAR world to see it, then he wouldn’t have tweeted what he tweeted or liked what he liked. Being Larson’s spotter is no small thing. He’ll play a very integral role on race day considering the spotter is one of the top important roles on the team.

So is it worth having someone with that mindset as an influence around Larson? What’s the price of victory worth in NASCAR? At the end of the day the team is privately owned so there’s no point in the social media outcry of “Fire him!” or what have you. But once again, Monez’s subscribing of dangerous conspiracy theories (with zero basis in fact) could compromise Larson’s drive for change. So is it worth it? Does it even matter?

There was once a point where people could actually keep nonsense like that away from the race track, along with talk of religion or politics. But in 2020, a lot of people began making that stuff their identity in an attempt to make those opinions and ideologies valid. Suffice to say, from a logical point of view, opinion isn’t fact and should never be considered valid. Yet these days, there aren’t a lot of logical people out and about.

Sadly, among those crazies, one is now a spotter for a driver on the eve of what could be the most important season of his career. And for all the work that driver has put in to come back, this adds extra scrutiny on an otherwise heavily scrutinized season. So when all is said and done, HMS and Larson must consider if it is worth it keeping this guy around.

CB Motorsports to Make IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Debut in Daytona

Charlotte, N.C. (2 January 2021) – CB Motorsports is set to make its IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) debut starting in 2021. The team will open the 2021 IMSA season with the BMW Endurance Challenge with drivers Caleb Bacon, Mark Kvamme and Trenton Estep behind the wheel of the No. 81 Hyundai Veloster N TCR for the four hour endurance event at Daytona International Speedway.

The opening round will feature a four hour endurance format as Kvamme, Bacon, and Estep will look to launch the IMSA season with a big result. Kvamme and Estep are slated as a full-season pairing for the championship campaign on board the No. 81 Hyundai.

Kvamme returns stateside following his latest campaign in the Asian Le Mans series in 2020. With nine previous starts onboard Prototype and GT platforms at the 3.56-mile Florida circuit, the veteran racer brings a wide range of Daytona experience as he looks forward to a return to TCR class competition in 2021.

“It’s exciting to be back at Daytona International Speedway for the start of the season with CB Motorsports,” said Kvamme. “While I have driven an assortment of cars at Daytona, the Hyundai Veloster N TCR will be a new and exciting challenge. The IMPC TCR class has some of the closest racing in IMSA competition and I got a taste of that with a few outings in 2019. Returning to the TCR field with Caleb (Bacon) and Trenton (Estep) as my teammates is an exciting opportunity. They are talented drivers that I get to work with. Together we have a great chance to fight our way to a podium and open the season on a high note.”

The 2018 IMSA Porsche GT3 Challenge USA champion Trenton Estep will return to IMSA action in 2021 as Kvamme’s full-time co-driver in the No. 81 Hyundai. The 21-year-old has made quick progress in his racing career, moving from karting to quickly establishing himself in sports cars. Estep made his debut at Daytona International Speedway in 2019 as he brought home a top-five finish in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. He will make his first IMPC start at the 3.56-mile course with CB Motorsports.

“I am super excited to be a part of Hyundai and CB Motorsports,” said Estep. “The Hyundai Veloster N TCR has proven itself time and time again in the last two years of the Michelin Pilot Challenge. We have a good opportunity to fight for podiums. I know my co-driver Mark Kvamme well and we work well together. I’m excited to be alongside him and to start working with Caleb (Bacon). Mark (Kvamme) has become a mentor of mine on and off the track and our journey in Michelin Pilot Challenge is a new chapter for us both. 2021 will be a fun year for the three of us in the No. 81 Hyundai.”

CB Motorsports will field a single entry at Daytona in January, and is building operations in preparation for expansion to a two-car team with a second Hyundai Veloster N TCR car starting in Sebring. The team is based in Mooresville, North Carolina and anticipates the completion of its new 9,000 square-foot shop in the spring.

Racing is in the blood of the Bacon family with a history in Motorsports dating back to the 1980’s with Caleb’s grandfather Al Bacon, who raced in the GTU category with Mazda Motorsports. The family has fond memories of Daytona, with Al having taken four Rolex 24 class victories (1989, 1991, 1992 and 1993) behind the wheel of a Mazda RX-7.

The son of the eldest Bacon, Chad Bacon, has been around racing since he was five and began racing in1989, finding success before stepping out of the cockpit to focus on son, Caleb’s racing starting at the age of four.

The youngest of the Bacon family Caleb (15 years-old), began racing go-karts in several series around the country before making a move to sports car racing competing in Spec Miata. The 2020 season saw Bacon enter in the SRO ranks with a Hyundai Veloster R Spec TCA car.

Now ready to make another step in the motorsports ladder, Bacon will make his first IMPC start in January for the four hour endurance event. It will be a big weekend, as the young American will turn 16 just days before taking to the high banks of Daytona.

“I’m really excited to be joining IMSA,” said Bacon. “I know that the Michelin Pilot Challenge Series is very competitive but with my knowledge of the Hyundai Veloster from SRO I’m hoping that I will be able to adapt quickly. It’s great to be paired with both Mark (Kvamme) and Trenton (Estep). Mark has driven many different cars throughout his career and Trenton and I actually raced go-karts together back in the day. Hopefully we can get off to a fast start down in Daytona and start the 2021 IMSA season off strong.”

The IMPC season is set to start January 22-24 with the annual Roar Before the 24 practice weekend. The first round of competition will be just one week later (January 27-31) with the four hour BMW Endurance Challenge set for Friday January 29th.

Gorilla Gasket’s Insights into the Role of High-end Gaskets

No engine manufacturer would like to bother about a gasket’s failures: a pro stock drag sporting engine, a hot street motor, a stock turbine, a dirt track powerhouse, or a hot road engine. Engines perform well in average loads. However, as combustion pressures or compression ratios rise, a stock head gasket might not be capable of sustaining a leak-free tape. Worse things begin to happen once ignited flaming air starts blowing past the gasket’s burning tanks. 

For many years most gasket manufacturers have tried to leak-free gaskets but have not managed to. The high-performing products have emerged recently that meet the motorsports rules, and these gaskets are Gorilla gaskets. All engine gaskets are now available, including large block Chevys. Gorilla gaskets have grown to be a large player in all racing forms because they can handle excessive pressure without blowing out, burning, or leaking. 

Evolving Gorilla gasket designs 

If you have ever shopped high-end gaskets from Gorilla manufactures, you can bear witness that various gasket styles are available for you to choose from. Some use the traditional construction style, which features non-asbestos or no graphite body on both gasket sides. The outer layer is softer to provide a comfortable cold tape, while the metal core offers strength and rigidity. Some of these gaskets are made of a silicone coating that enhances cold sealing. Others have anti-stick agents that ease the removal process besides improving lubricity. 

One of the most important distinguishing features that distinguish Gorilla gaskets from the rest is the sturdy combustion container armor. These gaskets use high-end stainless steel armors thicker and more robust than those from other manufacturers. 

Copper Gorilla gaskets 

Copper gaskets have great adaptability to tremendous compression proportions. Copper is a good conductor of both heat and electricity; this helps stabilize and disperse the block and head gasket. The latter prevents points that may lead to pre-ignition, head warpage, or denotation. Thereby minimizing the risks of gasket burning or blowing out. However, copper has its drawbacks, including that they are not suitable engine sealers. 

O-rings 

Copper head gaskets are used with annealed steel on most horsepower engines. Wire rings help aid concentration around the cylinder to prevent the combustion pressure from blowing beyond the gasket. 

Why choose Gorilla gaskets 

The latest head gaskets for high performing engines are Gorilla gaskets. Unlike other gasket types, Gorilla gaskets employ a different and unique strategy in sealing the combustion chamber. These gaskets use around three to five layers of stainless metal to form a spring-like force that can seal the recess between the block and the head. As engine compression combustion and rpm pressure rise, the piston chamber head is pushed away from the block each period the cylinders heat up. 

However, you cannot see the process with your naked eyes, but you can measure it and break the seal between the head and block with standard gasket configurations. The quantity of lift required on the cylinder’s pressure and the extent to which the head nuts can extend.

The entire steel construction of Gorilla gaskets makes them bulletproof under even extreme operating conditions. These gaskets feature an exterior polymer coating that aids the gaskets to cold seal on less perfect surfaces. The original gorilla gaskets require smooth finishes for excellent sealing. Performance Gorilla gaskets need a 50 Ra surface with thicker coatings that accommodate surface finishes as rough as 60 Ra. Gorilla gaskets do not have installation or sealing issues that most copper gaskets have. On considering their durability, these gaskets are durable and won’t burn out or blow out in the course of use. So you won’t have to replace it frequently, hence saving your pocket.