Home Blog Page 2753

Beloved IMS Historian Davidson Retiring Dec. 31

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020 – Donald Davidson, beloved by race fans worldwide for nearly six decades for his encyclopedic knowledge of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500, is retiring Dec. 31 as IMS historian.

Davidson has amazed, entertained and delighted millions since he first crossed the Atlantic to visit IMS in May 1964, fulfilling a dream and his fascination with “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” since his teenage years growing up in Salisbury, England.

Since then, Davidson has become known and respected around the globe for his preservation and promotion of the history of IMS and the Indianapolis 500. His unique blend of passion, knowledge and a genial personality is immediately apparent to all, whether through interaction with fans at the IMS Museum or the track, answering historical queries from fans and car collectors, countless public speaking engagements and his popular television and radio appearances.

During his long association with IMS and auto racing, Davidson has become one of the most well-liked and respected figures in Speedway history.

“I have been blessed with a truly amazing career which has been jam-packed with hundreds upon hundreds of personally rewarding experiences, but the years have flown by at an alarming rate and never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that this magical ride would last as long as it has,” Davidson said. “Over the last three or four years, I have begun contemplating other areas of my life for which I wish I had been able to spend more time, and this has only been further underscored with daily reminders during the challenging last few months of having to work from home.

“I have enjoyed an unbelievable rapport over the decades with the participants and their families, the media, my colleagues and superiors at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the United States Auto Club, the Speedway’s magnificent Museum and the Radio Network, and, especially, that incredibly devoted legion of the most passionate fans in the world.

“I hope that everyone will understand and respect that this basically private individual, who would really prefer to quietly take a little step back into the shadows without fanfare, has decided the time has come to retire from the official day-to-day duties.

“This was not an overnight decision, and we would like to sincerely thank the close-knit dedicated team that has been discretely working for several weeks on its implementation.”

Davidson has served as IMS historian since January 1998 and is believed to be the only person in the world to hold that role full time for a motorsports racetrack. But his involvement with the Speedway started much earlier.

He developed a passionate interest in auto racing as a teenager in England and saved enough money to come to America and make his first appearance at IMS in 1964. During that visit, Davidson dazzled members of the racing community and IMS officials, including track owner Tony Hulman, with his ability to recite year-by-year accounts of participants’ careers. Davidson also was first introduced to international audiences with a brief appearance that year on the IMS Radio Network.

Befriended by legendary IMS Radio Network anchor Sid Collins, Davidson returned to the United States permanently in 1965. He joined the Radio Network and was hired by the United States Auto Club (USAC) as a statistician, a job he fulfilled with great pride and detail for nearly 32 years.

Davidson then briefly joined TelX (now IMS Productions) as a historical archivist in 1997 before moving to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation as historian in January 1998.

“No one has more knowledge or more appreciation of the heritage of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway than Donald Davidson,” said Roger Penske. “I have always admired Donald’s passion and dedication to the Speedway and ‘The Greatest Spectacle in Racing.’ His ability to seemingly recall every detail of IMS history is remarkable, and he is one of the greatest storytellers racing has ever seen. I want to thank Donald for all he has done for our sport and for helping to bring the personalities and the legends of IMS to life for more than 50 years. Donald will always have a place at the Speedway, and we wish him all the best in this next chapter of his life.”

Davidson’s vast knowledge, painstaking attention to detail and friendly, polished manner led him into numerous media roles across many platforms.

He has served in many on- and off-air roles for the IMS Radio Network broadcast of the Indianapolis 500 since 1965, and he also was part of the broadcast team for selected Brickyard 400 races and other open-wheel events. From 1971-2020, Davidson was the host of the popular call-in radio show “The Talk of Gasoline Alley” on Indianapolis radio station 1070 AM.

Davidson also is a prodigious and skilled writer, with many lyrical turns of phrase and colorful anecdotes bringing IMS and racing history to life. His writing credits include scores of historical articles and columns for various print and digital outlets, Indianapolis 500 Yearbooks in 1974 and 1975, and he co-wrote with Rick Shaffer the acclaimed “Autocourse Official History of the Indianapolis 500,” published in 2006 and updated in 2013.

He also has made countless appearances on Indianapolis-area TV broadcasts and has been featured on national and international TV segments.

Over the years, Davidson also has cherished participating in speaking tours throughout the Midwest during the late winter and early spring to promote the Indianapolis 500 and share its rich history. He has spoken at venues ranging from large auditoriums to small-town public libraries, just as enthusiastic about presentations to a crowd of 12 as he was to a throng of 1,200.

But Davidson most treasures his relationships with fans, drivers, media members and officials. He has built lasting friendships with legends of the sport, such as A.J. Foyt and Mario Andretti, and its lesser lights, giving equal time and his warm personal touch to all. He patiently and humbly answers questions from legions of fans, often posing for a picture or signing an autograph if the request is in person.

“There will never be another Donald Davidson – he is like an encyclopedia on racing,” Foyt said. “I bet he knows more about my career than I do. And I don’t think he should be allowed to retire before me. All joking aside, I wish him the best.”

Said Andretti: “There is something very special about Donald Davidson, and I noticed it from almost the minute I met him. When we first met, we gravitated to each other immediately. I think that was because we were both relatively fresh immigrants from Europe, so we had something in common. But very quickly I realized how remarkable this man was – a walking encyclopedia of everything Indianapolis. He immediately started educating me about the ‘500.’ I was so impressed; the furthest thing I expected from a Brit.

“He and I personally engaged and remained connected over the years. I could ask him where I was on Lap 32 in 1971 or what the track temperature was on Race Day 1984, and he would answer me without the blink of an eye. I thought it was almost miraculous.

“He’s everyone’s go-to guy for information on anything of historical significance, and he can talk about it in the most compelling way, which has earned him tremendous respect.

“And aside from his job at the Museum, he’s a well-liked gentleman who is genuinely kind and so enjoyable to be around. I can honestly say that I looked forward to seeing him every time I returned to Indy. I have so much respect for Donald. I’m very happy that I was able to enjoy and learn from his wisdom. And what I cherish most is that we became friends. I look forward to our paths crossing again.”

In honor of his accomplishments and significant contributions to Indiana culture, Davidson was presented with the state’s highest civilian honor, the Sagamore of the Wabash, in 2016.

Davidson’s remarkable career and personality also have been recognized with induction into the IMS Hall of Fame in 2010, the Indiana Broadcast Pioneers Hall of Fame in 2013 and the USAC Hall of Fame in 2017.

“Donald always has been one of a kind – a true gem,” said Tony George, board chair, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum board of directors. “He has parlayed his love and knowledge of the Indianapolis 500 into a unique style of storytelling, one that captivates audiences and deepens their experience of the sport they love.

“He was invaluable in creating the architecture that became the Indy Racing League and was deeply involved in plans leading up to the inaugural event at Walt Disney World Speedway. We thank him for his many contributions throughout his entire career and wish him well as he spends more time pursuing his passions, including racing and its rich history!”

Fans are encouraged to share their tributes to Davidson on social media with the hashtag #DonaldDavidson.

First-Time and Repeat Race Winners Crowned as Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour Concludes Sunday at Sebring International Raceway

By
Official Release
-
  • John Delane Wins Group A in his HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour Debut in GMT Racing 1972 No. 81 Chevron B21
  • Gray Gregory, Randy Buck and Ethan Shippert Score Third-Consecutive Group B HSR Classic Sebring Victory in Phil Reilly and Co. 1974 No. 26 Chevron B26
  • David Porter Goes a Perfect HSR Classics ‘Four for Four’ in GMT Racing 2007 No. 7 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP with Repeat HSR Classic Sebring Win
  • Chris Ruppel and Eric Zitza Win Group D in Zotz Racing 2010 No. 119 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup

SEBRING, Florida (December 6, 2020) – The Fifth Annual Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network came to a safe and successful conclusion Sunday at Sebring International Raceway where a pair of competitors scored repeat Run Group wins and two more raced to their first HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour victories on the legendary airport road course.

Competitors in the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour were divided into four period-correct Run Groups with each taking to the 3.74-mile Sebring circuit four different times for 42-minute race segments over the last two days. Each overall Run Group winner was presented with a special-edition B.R.M. Chronographes watch commissioned specifically for the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour.

Group A honors went to debuting HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour driver John Delane in the GMT Racing 1972 No. 81 Chevron B21. After finishing second in Saturday afternoon’s opening segment, Delane swept the final three Group A rounds to earn his first major historic endurance racing victory.

An American who is a multiple champion in FIA Masters Historic Formula One competition in Europe, Delane has only recently started historic sports car endurance racing in the U.S. Prior to his breakout solo drive to victory this weekend in the HSR Classic Sebring, Delane has previously competed three times in the HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour race.

While Delane won in a Chevron in his Sebring debut, the winning Run Group B trio of Gray Gregory, Randy Buck and Ethan Shippert co-drove a Chevron to a third-consecutive HSR Classic Sebring victory.

The “threepeat” came after a dominating performance by the Phil Reilly and Co. 1974 No. 26 Chevron B26 drivers and team that began with car-owner Gregory winning Group B Round 1 by more than a minute Saturday afternoon. Buck and Shippert, respectively, swept the next two segments while Gregory and Shippert co-drove to a competitive but cautious second-place finish in Sunday’s fourth and final round to secure the victory.

The third-straight Sebring win is also the fourth overall HSR Classics victory for the No. 26 Chevron B26 team in recent years. Gregory and Shippert co-drove to the Group B win at last month’s HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour race.

Run Group C was home to another repeat winner, with David Porter scoring his second-straight HSR Classic Sebring win in his GMT Racing 2007 No. 7 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP (pictured at top) despite some tough competition.

Porter scored the victory in Group C’s opening segment by more than a minute but then trailed the quick Olthoff Racing 2007 No. 25 Oreca FLM09, co-driven by Larry Huang and Peter Dannan, to the line in Rounds 2 and 3.

Leaving nothing to chance, Porter promptly went out and won the fourth and final Group C segment to wrap up the overall victory. The Porter and Peugeot pairing is now a perfect four-for-four in HSR Classics competition, including the Classic Sebring wins and triumphs at the HSR Classic Daytona last month and in the Peugeot’s HSR debut at Daytona in 2019.

The Run Group D victory went to first-time HSR Classic Sebring winners Chris Ruppel and Eric Zitza who avenged a narrow loss in the division last year in the 2010 No. 119 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup from Zotz Racing.

Ruppel and Zitza co-drove to their only segment win in Saturday’s opening race but coupled a calculated drive with some key pit-side strategy from the Zotz crew to build an untouchable lead over the course of the remaining three segments.

Next up for HSR is a return to Sebring International Raceway for 2021’s season-opening HSR Spring Fling at Sebring, March 31 – April 2. Next year’s Spring Fling dates have been slightly adjusted with a Wednesday through Friday format allowing competitors to be home for the Easter Weekend Holiday.

Noteworthy

  • Quick and well-prepared Porsche 911 competitors raced to overall podium showings in Run Groups A and B. Dawn Myers scored a solid third-place finish in Group A in her 1969 No. 52 Porsche 911 prepared by the 901 Shop. Damon DeSantis and David Hinton in turn co-drove the Heritage Motorsports 1974 No. 82 Porsche 911 to third in Group B. Myers finished behind only Delane’s Chevron and the second-place GMT Racing 1962 No. 1 Lotus 23B of Travis Engen, out-pacing four other production-based Porsches and several pure-bred race cars. DeSantis and Hinton topped a competitive field of six similar Porsche 911 models.
  • Pierce Marshall, co-driver Eric Foss and Matador Motorsports brought the 2006 No. 3 Corvette C6.R that won the GT1-class pole for the 2007 Sebring 12 Hour back to the track this weekend for the team’s first race with the recently restored car. Marshall swept both of his HSR WeatherTech Sprint races in the familiar No. 3 Corvette that proved popular with fans and friends at the event and tracking the action from afar. Motorsports photographer and author Nigel Dobbie, who wrote the book “Corvette Racing – The GT1 Years,” emailed a behind-the-scenes account of a rare livery change the No. 3 went through during the 2007 Sebring weekend.
  • “I remember the car practiced and qualified in yellow as normal, but I was walking through the paddock just before dawn on race day as the No. 3 came rumbling past, and I was astonished to see it was white,” Dobbie said. “The team had prepared a second set of all white removable panels back at the shop, which had been stored out of sight from the drivers. This included the doors, fenders and hood, but the roof and other parts of the car had to be sprayed in a temporary paint booth at the track on Friday night after the drivers had left for the evening. From memory, I think the crew got it done about 3 a.m. and then had about three hours sleep before having to be back at the track ready for the 16-hour day ahead of them for the 12-hour race!”
  • The Arctic White livery paid tribute to team driver Ron Fellows, who was wrapping up his accomplished driving career, and saluted the limited-edition Ron Fellows ALMS GT1 Champion Corvette Z06 street car, which was the first signed special edition in Corvette’s then 54-year history. Marshall owns No. 48 of the limited run of 399 Fellows edition Z06 Corvettes.

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

Which Is More Fun: ATV Or UTV?

By
SM
-
Friends driving off-road with quad bike or ATV and UTV vehicles.

When you’re out with your family or friends to have an awesome vacation, there are various exciting activities you can do. You can go to the beach, try cruising, climb mountains, or go out of town. If you’re into something adventurous and new, having an off-road experience should be written on your bucket list.  

It’s an exhilarating experience to go off-road. You can bond with your family and friends without the worry of being too loud and chaotic (without compromising safety, of course). ATVs and UTVs are the usual off-road vehicle choices. While the two might look and feel similar, there are some key differences between them, which will be discussed in this article.  

Let’s say that you’ve decided to go on an off-road trip and you just can’t wait to get the most out of it. You might also be thinking, which is more fun: an ATV or UTV? To help you out, listed below are their differences to help you decide which of the two tickles your fancy.  

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)   

As the name suggests, it implies that it can handle all kinds of terrain—whether it be sandy, rocky, snowy, or even muddy roads. You’ll surely enjoy the ride no matter where you are off to with your squad.  

An ATV comes in four wheels with motorcycle control that’s designed for solo riders. Some models are equipped to handle a few passengers. Additionally, some ATVs can have three or six wheels. However, four-wheeled ATVs are more common and, some say, more comfortable. Having similar controls like that of a motorcycle, you must exert more physical strength in operating it especially in turning and maintaining your balance on rocky roads. 

ATVs are lightweight and efficient. Since ATVs come in smaller sizes, it’s a lot easier to get through paths without worrying about winding and narrow roads. You won’t have much trouble navigating across difficult roads and passageways as an ATV is designed to pull through challenging travels. 

Considering that this is lightweight, it’s a better choice if you’re planning a race with your friends. It will be a lot faster and more agile when taking sharp turns and maneuvers.  

You may even find ATV tours in Punta Cana if you’re planning an adventurous vacation on the beautiful beaches of the Dominican Republic. Not only will you get to explore the stunning landscapes, but you’ll also have an adrenaline-filled ride on an ATV.

An ATV is great not only for off-road fun but also for handling everyday jobs such as snow plowing, light cargo towing, and land mowing. However, an ATV cannot handle tasks in the heavier category. Nevertheless, it is indeed a great companion in performing simple chores that you cannot handle on your own. 

Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV)  

UTVs are better when it comes to specialized work. A UTV is also called “Side by Side” or “SXS” since it’s larger and typically comes with a passenger seat. It is best described as a heavy-duty golf car. A UTV resembles more of a car rather than a motorcycle, unlike an ATV. UTVs are equipped with a roll cage, steering wheel, pedals, and gear shift. It lives up to its name of being a utility vehicle. Furthermore, it’s very easy to find replacement parts online at places like RMATV, Side by Side Garage and others.

The UTV is created for functionality and utility work, making it an ideal hunting buggy australia enthusiasts can rely on. While they can perform well in off-road racing or other fun activities, they perform better when it comes to doing heavy jobs. Like an ATV, a UTV can also perform well on various kinds of terrains and roads. 

You can also use this functional vehicle for construction and farming purposes. With its heavy-duty construction and design, it can handle large cargo transport, carry heavy equipment, and tow bigger materials and vehicles including trailers.  

The UTV is a perfect choice if you’re planning on taking passengers with you. It allows you to bring one to six family members or friends with you for a fun and exciting trip anywhere. This is also a safer option for you since the front seats have seatbelts, unlike an ATV. If you are into family-friendly trips, you should definitely go for a UTV.   

An excellent feature that a UTV offers is its flexibility to be customized according to your preference. You can throw in LED lights, a stereo system, wheel upgrades, and in-cab heaters.

Some of the most popular upgrades and modifications among UTV riders have everything to do with safety, comfort, and entertainment. For instance, among the first side by side accessories for UTVs owners search for are better seats and better harnesses. Stock seats and seatbelts are somewhat the bane of existence for riders who want to make the best out of these powerful beasts, so they are the first ones to come down. Other popular modifications, among competitive UTV riders, include race exhaust systems, night-lights, rear and side mirrors, race tires, etc. As for the fun part, you will rarely see a UTV enthusiast without professional sound bars, communication systems, GPS trackers, and so on.

In other words, the versatility of the UTV can go sky high if you have a budget for parts and accessories and a refined taste for adrenaline.

Which Is More Fun?  

Here is an outline of their major differences to help you decide on a vehicle soon: 

ATV  UTV  
For solo riders  For group riders  
Resembles motorcycles  Resembles cars  
Limited customization  Flexible customization  
Lightweight tasksHeavy-duty tasks

You should go for an ATV if you want to ride solo and have fun on your own. Meanwhile, if you’re planning to go on a long trip with family and friends, a UTV would be a smarter choice- especially if you plan to bring your grandparents with you as it has additional safety features such as seatbelts.  

Conclusion  

Going off-road is an activity that everyone should look forward to. It’s a memorable experience that everyone should try at least once in their lives. Choosing an off-road vehicle depends on your preference and the number of people you’re bringing with you. No matter which vehicle you choose, the most important part of the trip is how you spend it. Make worthwhile memories and do not miss a moment of your off-road trip alone or with your loved ones. 

Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour Hits Halfway Mark Saturday Night at Sebring International Raceway

By
Official Release
-
  • John Delane Races to Group A Lead in GMT Racing 1972 No. 81 Chevron B21
  • Two-Time and Reigning Sebring Classic Winners Gray Gregory, Randy Buck and Ethan Shippert Move Group B Title Defense Off to Fast Start in Phil Reilly and Co. 1974 No. 29 Chevron B26
  • David Porter Halfway to Group C Repeat in GMT Racing 2007 No. 7 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP
  • Chris Ruppel and Eric Zitza Lead Group D in 2010 No. 119 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup

SEBRING, Florida (December 5, 2020) – The Fifth Annual Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network hit the halfway mark Saturday evening at Sebring International Raceway where four Run Groups of historic and vintage sports cars will continue the competition on the legendary 3.74-mile road course straight to the Midnight hour.

All four Run Groups have completed their first two of four rounds in the 12 Hours of Sebring tribute race, with the Round 3 nighttime session currently underway.

Saturday’s schedule in total includes the first three 42-minute segments for each Run Group – fittingly within the span of a 12-hour period – while the fourth and final rounds, which begin Sunday at 10 a.m. EST, bring the 2020 HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour to a close.

With half of this year’s Classic 12 Hour in the books, potential first-time victors have emerged in two Run Groups while a pair of reigning Classic Sebring winners have stepped up to defend their titles.

A win in Group A would be a first for John Delane in the GMT Racing 1972 No. 81 Chevron B21 in the Classic 12 Hour and he is halfway to that goal. Delane finished second in Saturday afternoon’s opening segment and pounced when Round 1 winner Kyle Tilley encountered gearbox issues with his Era Motorsport 1970 No. 18 Lola T210 early in the Group A’s second race.

Gray Gregory and Randy Buck co-drove the Phil Reilly and Co. 1974 No. 29 Chevron B26 to the Group B victory in each of the last two runnings of the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour and in fast pursuit of the “threepeat” this year.

A third-straight Sebring win would also be the fourth-consecutive HSR Classics victory for the No. 29 team and Gregory, who was joined by Ethan Shippert for the Group B win at last month’s HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour race. Shippert has been added to the No. 29 team’s driver lineup this weekend and is slated to drive in tonight’s third segment after Gregory took the Group B lead in Round 1 and Buck held it through the day’s second race.

Group C, which is a high-speed showcase modern prototypes and GT machines that are the fastest cars in the race, is once again producing the closest competition of this year’s Classic 12 Hour.

Defending Sebring Group C winner David Porter and his spectacular GMT Racing 2007 No. 7 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP leads by 90 seconds after the opening two rounds but can’t quite shake a fast field of Daytona Prototypes, the GMT Racing 2005 No. 2 Audi R8 LMP of Travis Engen and even some sneaky-fast Oreca FLM09 Prototype Challenge “PC” cars.

Porter took the victory in Group C’s opening segment by more than a minute only to finish second in Round 2 to the Olthoff Racing 2007 No. 25 Oreca FLM09 wheeled by veteran professional driver Peter Dannan. Car owner and driver Larry Huang shares the No. 25 “PC” with Dannan in the Classic 12 Hour.

After a narrow loss and second-place Group D finish in the 2019 Classic 12 Hour, Zotz Racing co-drivers Chris Ruppel and Eric Zitza were quick to show Saturday nothing short of the victory will do this year.

Already a winner this week at Sebring in Thursday’s Stoner Car Care HSR Global GT race, Ruppel put the 2010 No. 119 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup in the lead early in the first Group D race. Zitza then took over to take the opening race victory and, following Round 2, the duo has built a one-minute lead on the field.

Following tonight’s Round 3 races that run until just before Midnight EST, the Classic 12 Hour schedule picks up again Sunday at 10 a.m. EST when the fourth and final segments for all Groups will be held in succession to bring the 2020 HSR Classic Sebring 12 to a conclusion.

Classic 12 Hour tickets can be purchased on-site only at the Sebring International Raceway HSR registration window with Sunday admission just $25.

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

HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour Ready to Roll This Weekend After Fast Friday of HSR Sebring Historics Competition at Sebring International Raceway

By
Official Release
-
  • John Reisman Secures Overall and Prototype Class B.R.M. Enduro Challenge Win in 2014 No. 33 Corvette Daytona Prototype from Hudson Historics
  • Ryan Harrold and Jonathon Ziegelman Score B.R.M. GT Modern Win in Team Mean 2011 No. 10 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup Prepared by KMW Motorsports
  • Todd Treffert Triples-Up on HSR Feature Race Wins at Sebring with Overall and Porsche Class Sasco Sports International American/Challenge Victory

SEBRING, Florida (December 4, 2020) – A fast Friday of fantastic HSR Sebring Historics races at Sebring International Raceway was the perfect primer for this weekend’s Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour, which runs on the legendary airport road course for the fifth time Saturday and Sunday.

With the HSR Sebring Classic 12 Hour, presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network, scheduled to start tomorrow at Noon EST, Friday’s spotlight remained on a pair of HSR Sebring Historics feature races and the first rounds of this weekend’s doubleheader schedule of HSR WeatherTech Sprint races.

The day began with the final HSR B.R.M. Historic/Prototype and GT Modern (GTM) Enduro of the year at 10 a.m. EST and wrapped up with the 2020 Sasco Sports International/American Challenge finale at 4:15 p.m. EST.

John Reisman scored the overall and B.R.M. Prototype victory in his Hudson Historics-prepared 2014 No. 33 Coyote Corvette Daytona Prototype. Reisman edged the second-place GMT Racing 2005 No. 2 Audi R8 LMP of Travis Engen to the line while Adam Lindemann made it two Corvette Daytona Prototypes on the podium with a third-place showing in his No. 09 Corvette Daytona Prototype.

The Prototype podium players swept the overall top-three, but a quick trio of top GTM finishers locked out the next three overall finishing positions.

The B.R.M. GTM victory and fourth overall went to the KMW Motorsports prepared Team Mean 2011 No. 10 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup of Ryan Harrold and Jonathon Ziegelman. Harrold battled for the lead from the start of the race while Ziegelman, in his first HSR weekend of the season, took over and drove the No. 10 to the victory.

The duo of Brad Blum and Ron Zitza finished second in the 2006 No. 32 Porsche 997 GT3 Cup prepared by Zotz Racing while the Matador Motorsports 2006 No. 3 Corvette C6.R of Pierce Marshall and Eric Foss put the brakes on an all-Porsche podium with a third-place showing.

The B.R.M. Historic victory was secured by Kenneth Greenberg who reached the top step of the podium Friday in his Air Power Racing 1996 No. 836 Porsche 993 RSR after a third-place showing in Thursday’s Stoner Car Care HSR Global GT race.

The HSR Sasco Sports International/American Challenge race proved to be the perfect feature race finale for the 2020 season. Todd Treffert charged to his third feature race win in two days, scoring the overall Sasco and Porsche-class victory in his SpeedConcepts 1974 No. 14 Porsche 911 IROC entered by the 901 Shop.

Treffert’s perfect three-for-three win streak so far this week at Sebring includes today’s triumph and Thursday’s overall and GT Classic B.R.M. Enduro Challenge and HSR Classic RS Cup victories.

In a repeat of Thursday’s Classic RS Cup top-two, Fritz Seidel finished second in class and overall to Treffert in the Sasco race in the Ecurie Engineering 1973 Porsche 911 IROC.

Billy Johnson finished third overall and in the Porsche class in the Alegra Motorsports 1973 No. 122 Porsche 911 RSR.

Sasco American-division honors went to Gary Moore who topped the class in his Cobra Automotive 1966 No. 98 Shelby GT350. Moore mixed it up with the top Porsches throughout the Sasco sprint and finished fourth overall in addition to taking class honors.

George Vidovic brought his big-bore 2000 No. 99 Python SR Mk II “Cobra” home second in the American class while Dennis Olthoff, filling in for Steven Cullman, was third in the Olthoff Racing 1966 No. 74 Shelby GT350.

Don Norby earned his first HSR feature race win with a convincing victory in the Sasco International class in the Predator Racing 1962 No. 7 Jaguar XKE.

International division second-place finisher John Bibbo also secured a career milestone with his first solo podium finish in his 1976 No. 208 BMW 2002.

Don Ondrejcak finished third in Sasco International in a 1994 No. 38 Honda Prelude that still carries its original IMSA Firestone Firehawk Endurance Championship livery.
About HSR: Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the race cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter and Instagram at @HSR_race. A dedicated website for the Classic 24 Hour at Daytona presented by IMSA is available at www.Classic24hour.com.

Era Motorsport Partners with JOTA Sport for 2021 Asian Le Mans Series Effort

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., (December 4, 2020) – Less than a year after first joining the world of professional sports car racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, LMP2 race team Era Motorsport will expand to partner with JOTA Sport to race in the 2021 Asian Le Mans Series with drivers Kyle Tilley and Dwight Merriman.

Era, with drivers Tilley and Merriman, made their professional sports car racing debut last January in the Rolex 24 At Daytona, finishing third and earning three more podiums before journeying overseas to race in their first 24 Hours of Le Mans with IDEC Sport. The experience only increased the appetite for additional international competition. Era’s partnership with JOTA Sport will see the team entering an Oreca 07 in the four-race championship, with a run time of four hours per race.

“I’m super excited to be competing in the Asian Le Mans Series with Dwight,” said Kyle Tilley, Era Motorsport Team Principal. “More seat time is always a good thing! Working alongside JOTA will be new to us, however their record speaks for itself. Sam Hignett runs a world-class operation, and I’m excited to be a part of it!”

Founded in 2000 by Sam Hignett and John Stack, JOTA Sport is a British racing team with extensive experience and success in European endurance racing. With two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and several championship titles, the team will bring a wealth of information to the effort. The blend of the two teams will be comprised of a 50/50 split of crew from each effort, with Era heading up the engineering while JOTA manages the program.

“We are looking forward to partnering with Era for the upcoming 2021 Asian Le Mans season,” said Sam Hignett, JOTA Team Principal. “Abu Dhabi is a new circuit for us in LMP but preparation is in full swing so we are excited to see what we can do together.”

The 2021 Asian Le Mans Series calendar will be a unique one, with the entire championship taking place in February at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi in February 2021. The first two races of the season will be held February 4-6, with the final two races are expected to be held on February 18-20. A new benefit to joining the series is all races and qualifying sessions will be streamed live across multiple series platforms including Facebook and YouTube.

“I am very pleased to welcome Era Motorsport to the Asian Le Mans Series for the first time,” said Cyrille Taesch Wahlen, Managing Director, Asian Le Mans Series. “It is also positive to be able to welcome another American team to the paddock, further adding to the diversity that last year saw teams from 14 different nationalities race with the Series. For Era, joining forces with a Championship winning team like JOTA will strengthen their efforts. We wish them well and look forward to seeing them in February!”

To stay up to date on all team information, visit eramotorsport.com.

About Era Motorsport
Era Motorsport was formed in 2018 with the idea of providing unmatched excellence in historic racing. Just two years later, the team expanded to the world of professional sport car racing, fielding an Oreca 07 in the prolific IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Motorsport isn’t just a hobby, it is a way of life: a passion that is in the team’s blood. Whether you find us in the IMSA WeatherTech paddock with modern prototypes or chasing down lap records in our fully restored classic sports cars, or even globetrotting to experience historic F1 at some of the world’s most iconic circuits, Era Motorsport has something for everyone. In 2021, the team will return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for limited events and also contest in the full season of the Asian Le Mans championship.

About JOTA Sport
Competing on the global stage, JOTA can count upon many significant victories in one of the toughest and most challenging branches of motorsport. A JOTA entered LMP2 car took a sensational victory at the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours, a win which was labelled as “a modern classic” at the famed French endurance event. 2014 was followed by 6 more podiums including an additional win at the 24 hours Le Mans over the next 6 years taking the team to an incredible “7 in 7” at the prestigious event. Alongside the great success at Le Mans JOTA finds itself as a front running, race winning LMP WEC team taking victories at events such as Sebring, Fuji, Shanghai and Bahrain.

Chip Ganassi Racing Comes to Skillz to Launch First Ever Mobile Game for a NASCAR or INDYCAR Team

By
Official Release
-

Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR), one of the most successful organizations in auto racing, has partnered with leading mobile games platform Skillz and developer Gamie Studios to create a new competitive mobile game, Chip Ganassi Racing Blitz. As the first ever mobile game for a NASCAR or INDYCAR team, this innovative title connects hundreds of millions of auto racing fans to the world of competitive mobile gaming and to Skillz esports players worldwide.

The game can be downloaded in the Apple app store and for Android devices HERE:

“Partnering with Skillz is an amazing opportunity to engage our fans with immersive digital experiences and share our passion for racing with a new generation of audiences both on and off the track,” said John Olguin, Senior Vice President of CGR.

CGR currently owns eight teams across four professional racing series, including a 13-time Champion INDYCAR team and 44 NASCAR wins. With over 225 total race victories and 20 championships, CGR is one of the most successful racing organizations in the world, drawing over 200 million annual viewers on networks like FOX and NBC.

This unique esports experience with Skillz connects racing fans through interactive digital entertainment. Chip Ganassi Racing Blitz brings together special in-game events, live promotions, and exclusive brand-sponsored prizes such as meeting a CGR driver, signed merchandise, and authentic car parts from past races – all of which are only accessible through Chip Ganassi Racing Blitz.

Featuring CGR-branded tournaments and the team’s championship-winning drivers, the game brings the sights and sounds of the track to mobile. The partnership also serves to inform CGR fans and players of upcoming digital and physical events, driving awareness and brand engagement. Additionally, Chip Ganassi Racing Blitz features branded events with CGR sponsors, creating new and innovative sources of value for the sponsors and the race team.

“Auto racing is one of the most popular sports in North America, and with Chip Ganassi Racing we are enabling the millions of racing fans to experience the thrill of the track in their own hands,” said Andrew Paradise, CEO and founder of Skillz. “Not only are fans now able to engage in fair, fun, and meaningful competition on their mobile devices, they can also win prizes sponsored by CGR, such as branded memorabilia and meet-and-greets with drivers.”

Through its industry-leading platform, Skillz has pioneered the casual esports space and is now bringing that groundbreaking technology to brands so they can more deeply engage with their fans. Fostering this social connection and healthy competition from anywhere is more relevant than ever before for both brands and consumers – especially as the pandemic has made it harder for people to connect in-person.

Skillz has previously leveraged its esports platform to work with leading brands and athletes such as T-Mobile, Bowlero, Marshawn Lynch, and Steve Young and Jerry Rice’s Forever Young Foundation. Together, Skillz and its partners are extending physical brand experiences into digital mobile games.

About Skillz Inc.

Skillz is the leading mobile games platform that connects players in fair, fun, and meaningful competition. The Skillz platform helps developers build multi-million dollar franchises by enabling social competition in their games. Leveraging its patented technology, Skillz hosts billions of casual esports tournaments for millions of mobile players worldwide and distributes millions in prizes each month. Skillz has earned recognition as one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, CNBC’s Disruptor 50, Forbes’ Next Billion-Dollar Startups, and the #1 fastest-growing company in America on the Inc. 5000. www.skillz.com

About Chip Ganassi Racing

Chip Ganassi has been a fixture in the auto racing industry for over 30 years and is considered one of the most successful as well as innovative owners the sport has anywhere in the world. Today his teams include four cars in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, two cars in the NASCAR Cup Series, and one car in both IMSA and Extreme E. Overall, his teams have 20 championships and over 225 victories, including four Indianapolis 500s, a Daytona 500, a Brickyard 400, eight Rolex 24 At Daytonas, the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Ganassi boasts state-of-the-art race shop facilities in Indianapolis and Concord, N.C., with a corporate office in Pittsburgh. For more information, log onto www.chipganassiracing.com.

Devon Morgan Signs Extension With MPM Marketing After Strong Season

By
Official Release
-
Devon Morgan earned six victories this year during his rookie season racing a 602 late model across the Southeast. (Richard Barnes Photo)

COLUMBIA, S.C. – (Dec. 4, 2020) – Devon Morgan enjoyed a strong rookie season racing a 602 late model throughout the Southeast, earning six victories across three states.

Morgan, based in Greenville, S.C., celebrated victories at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, S.C., Harris (N.C.) Speedway the Tri-County Race Track in Brasstown, N.C., and Georgia’s Lavonia Speedway during a busy season of racing and learning for the 18-year-old racer.

In addition to his successful rookie season racing a 602 late model, Morgan also welcomed Jiffy Lube Multicare as the primary sponsor of his racing program.

All that adds up to an incredible season that Morgan won’t soon forget.

“It’s been a wild year for sure,” said Morgan when summing up 2020. “Between the COVID-19 pandemic shutting everything down for awhile and me making the switch to 602 late models, it’s been really crazy.

“I couldn’t have imagine I’d win six races in my rookie season, not to mention winning a big race like the Mike Duvall Memorial in Gaffney. On top of all that, we welcomed Jiffy Lube Multicare as our primary sponsor. We can’t thank them and Joel LaMothe Jr. enough for helping us get to the race track.”

In preparation for the 2021 season, Morgan is proud to announce that he has extended his contract with McCallister Precision Marketing for another season. McCallister Precision Marketing will continue to support Morgan as he continues his climb up the racing ladder.

“It’s been a pleasure working with Tonya McCallister and her team this year,” said Morgan. “Without them we would not have been able to go 602 late model racing. They assisted us with so much this year. Tonya has worked really hard to help me prepare as I work my way towards the next step in my racing career. I’m excited to work with Tonya and her team at MPM again in 2021.”

McCallister Precision Marketing Founder Tonya McCallister is excited to welcome Morgan to the MPM Marketing team for another season.

“We’ve really seen Devon grow as a racer and as a person this year in a lot of ways,” McCallister said. “He’s worked really hard to not only improve his racecraft, but also to improve his marketing skills. He’s a super talented young man no matter what he races and that, coupled with his humbleness, will help him succeed no matter what he races. We’re proud of the work he’s done up to this point and we’re excited to help him continue to grow.”

—————

About McCallister Precision Marketing

McCallister Precision Marketing (MPM) focuses on assisting up-and-coming race car drivers with career advancement and promotion. McCallister Precision Marketing helps drivers build confidence in front of and behind the camera, giving them the tools they need to advance to the next level. The company also provides companies with a strategic plan for their sales, marketing and promotional needs. We believe in building positive relationships with our clients so that we may provide them with the most professional, yet personal guidance they need, in order to achieve their racing goals. Our clients include race car drivers, race team owners, companies and racing series’. We also work closely with charities and charity events. For more information on McCallister Precision Marketing, visit www.MarketWithMPM.com, email TonyaMac44@MarketWithMPM.com or call 803-361-6199.

EDDIE TAFOYA FINISHES IMPRESSIVE SOPHOMORE SEASON IN 410 SPRINT CARS

By
Official Release
-

(Chino, CA, December 2, 2020) When the 2020 racing season began, nobody could have predicted what a bizarre year it would be due the Covid crisis.  Likewise, nobody could have foreseen the impressive sophomore season Eddie Tafoya Jr. would rack up.  The Chino Hills, California racer finished the 2020 campaign in mid-November at the 53rd Western World Championships at the Arizona Speedway.

Plans for 2020 envisioned Tafoya competing for most of the time in his native California.  However, Covid changed that!  He ended up doing most of his racing 2,000 miles away in Indiana.  Competing on a variety of tracks in the “Hoosier State” against the nation’s top traditional sprint car drivers proved to be a great learning experience for the second-generation driver.  The 2019 USAC/CRA and USAC Southwest season Rookie of the Year competed favorably with the big stars and made main events when it seemed like the experience level was stacked against him.  That brought him to the Western World with high expectations.

In qualifying on the first night of the Western, Tafoya ended up 21st out of the 34 cars on hand with a lap of 15.652.  He followed that up with a disappointing seventh-place finish in his heat race.  That meant the handsome driver would have to race the B main in order to get into the night’s 25-lap A main event.

The B main was going to be tough as only six cars would transfer to the A.  Tafoya was starting sixth and had his work cut out for him.  As soon as the green light flashed on, he went to work and by the end of the first lap, he had sliced and diced his way into fourth.  That gave him a two-spot cushion.  As per usual, he was not going to rest on his laurels, and on lap four he became embroiled in a crowd-pleasing slide job war for third.   The 23-year old masterfully won that battle and finished third to earn his ticket into the first-night main event. 

Getting into the A main was one thing.  But starting outside of the next to last row in 20th, some who have not seen Tafoya race this year may have had doubts about what he could do.   Those who had been watching his exploits in Indiana this summer, salivated at the probability of what they were going to see.  He did not disappoint them.  He aimed the beautiful #51T towards the front of the pack and advanced forward.  Just past the halfway point, he had moved all the way up to eighth.  He momentarily slipped to 11th but clawed his way back up to 10th at the finish.  In the end, he passed more cars than any other driver in the race and received the well-earned Hard Charger Award.

Saturday’s finale saw Tafoya qualify 20th fast of the 31 cars on hand when he stopped the clocks with a lap of 16.098.  For the second night in a row, he was on the front row for the heat race.  This time, things turned out quite different.  He dove to the bottom on the start and proceeded to lead every inch of the way for a very impressive win. 

Things looked a lot better for the Saturday main.  On Friday Tafoya started 20th, but he was starting 12 spots better on Saturday in eighth.  The driver and the crew of the #51T were pumped for the main event.  However, those hopes were doused after only three laps when a broken bleeder valve knocked him out of the race with a frustrating 22nd place finish.

December is a time off the track for Tafoya, but it will not be for long.  As soon as the holidays are over, he will be headed  to Tulsa, Oklahoma to race in the 35th Annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals beginning on January 11th.  He will be a teammate of 2019 USAC Western States Midget Champion and former So Cal resident Robert Dalby in the prestigious event.  It will be the second straight year that Tafoya has contested the biggest Midget race in the world.

Eddie, his family, and crew want to wish all race fans a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Tafoya and his team would like to thank the following sponsors for being a part of the 2020 racing effort.  Specialty Fasteners, Circle Track Performance, Sprint Car Driving Experience, DRC Chassis, Ryder Racing Engines, and Benic Enterprises.

Eddie Tafoya Jr. 2020 Racing Results

1-15-20                Chili Bowl Preliminary Night                       Tulsa, Oklahoma                             6th C Main

1-18-20                Chili Bowl Finals Night                                  Tulsa, Oklahoma                             9th I Main

3-6-20                  USAC/CRA &  Southwest Sprint Cars        Speedway Park Peoria, AZ            10th A Main

3-7-20                  USAC/CRA &  Southwest Sprint Cars        Speedway Park Peoria, AZ            12th A Main

7-24-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Gas City I-69 Speedway                 5th B Main

7-25-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Kokomo Speedway                         5th C Main

7-26-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Lawrenceburg Speedway              19th A Main

7-29-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Terre Haute Action Track              7th B Main

8-2-20                  USAC National Sprint Cars                           Tri-State Speedway                         8th B Main

8-27-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Kokomo Speedway                         14th C Main

8-28-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Kokomo Speedway                         12th B Main

8-29-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Kokomo Speedway                         19th A Main

9-18-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Terre Haute Action Track              19th A Main

9-19-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Tri-State Speedway                         17th A Main

9-25-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Gas City I-69 Speedway                 8th C Main

9-26-20                USAC National Sprint Cars                           Kokomo Speedway                         11th B Main

11-13-20              USAC/CRA &  Southwest Sprint Cars        Arizona Speedway                          10th A Main

11-14-20              USAC/CRA &  Southwest Sprint Cars        Arizona Speedway                          22nd A Main

NCS: William Byron Teleconference Transcript

By
Official Release
-

NASCAR CUP SERIES
TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
DECEMBER 3, 2020

WILLIAM BYRON, DRIVER OF THE NO. 24 CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 1LE FOR HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS, MET WITH MEDIA VIA TELECONFERENCE TO DISCUSS HIS EXCITEMENT GOING INTO THE 2021 SEASON WITH RUDY FUGLE AS THE NEW CREW CHIEF OF THE NO. 24 TEAM, WHAT HE’S DOING TO PREPARE FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON, AND MORE. Transcript:

WILLIAM, HOW ARE YOU?
“I’m good, thank you.”

FIRST OFF, ONE, HOW’S YOUR OFF SEASON GOING?
“It’s going good. Just been spending some time with my family. My sister is in town from New York, so I’m trying to spend a little time with them and enjoy a little bit of downtime. And also, get ready for next year. I’ve had a couple meetings with Rudy (Fugle, Crew Chief), so far. Just talking about some of the racing for the start of next year and trying to get prepared.”

HOW DID THOSE CONVERSATIONS START? DID YOU FIRST REACH OUT TO RUDY (FUGLE)? DID YOU GO TO MR. H WHEN CHAD (KNAUS) WAS ANNOUNCING THAT HE WAS RETIRING, DID YOU GO TO HIM AND SAY ‘I WANT RUDY FUGLE AS MY CREW CHIEF’ OR HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?
“Yeah, so actually, the way it started was Jeff Gordon reached out to me, I think sometime in August, and was just like ‘Hey, we’re looking at Rudy (Fugle) as a possibility for your crew chief next year. Chad (Knaus) is moving onto a different role and they think Rudy would be a good option’. So, it honestly came from them. I know I kind of planted a seed a couple years ago with Chad about the possibility of Rudy being an engineer at HMS, but it never really materialized then. So, I was kind of surprised when they came to me and said that, but I was really excited. I still had to meet with Rudy and kind of figure out where his goals were, his aspirations, and also figure out if we really still mesh together, given a few years away from each other and kind of doing different things. Honestly, we clicked really well. We met at a restaurant in Concord and just really hit it off right where we left off.”

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU LEARNED FROM CHAD THAT YOU WILL TAKE WITH YOU TO PREPARE YOU FOR RUDY AND WHAT YOU THINK RUDY WILL LEND TO ADD TO WHAT YOU LEARNED FROM CHAD?
“I think it’s two very different styles. I’ve worked with a variety of crew chiefs and, for better or worse, I’ve kind of been put with a lot of different crew chiefs because I’ve moved to different teams and I’ve grown up relatively fast in the sport. So, I’ve learned a lot of different styles. I think I’ve learned quite a few things with Chad that were different than maybe what I did with Rudy at KBM. So, it’s kind of meshing the two styles together. Definitely I feel, like Rudy said, that I’ve matured since I worked with him. I was really young and really kind of naive in the Truck Series at 17 or 18 years old. So, I think a lot has changed since then. But, at the same time, we can definitely apply a lot of the things that we did back then in our communication and our style together. So, I don’t think it’s going to take us too long to really kind of hit where we were back then and kind of apply some of the new things, too.”

DO YOU THINK YOU GAINED CONFIDENCE SINCE YOU STARTED IN THE CUP SERIES? THAT LENDS ITSELF TO HAVING RUDY WITH YOU NOW – YOU’RE MORE CONFIDENT NOW AS A LEADER FOR THE TEAM.
“For sure. When I was with Rudy in the Truck Series, a lot of the time, it was him telling me ‘here’s how we used to do it’ or ‘here’s how Kyle did it’. Now, it’s more – OK, here’s my experience, here’s the things I focus on. He’s not having to tell me as much about certain things or certain ideas. We’re kind of on the same playing field when it comes to the things that we’re contributing. It was definitely a lot more of him contributing to my learning curve in the past versus, now, I think we’re closer to equal. I think that’s going to be a head start in itself.”

WHAT HAS BEEN THE FOCUS ON YOUR PREPARATION FOR 2021? HAVE YOU SAID GET ME ON EVERY ROAD COURSE SIMULATOR I CAN GET ON? ARE YOU LOOKING FOR ANY DIRT RACES TO DO? WHAT’S YOUR FOCUS?
“Yeah, I think the dirt is probably the least important aspect, in terms of preparation, because it’s only one race. We do have to give some thought to it and kind of what I want to do there. But definitely thinking about some road course ideas – how to get a little bit more time in some form or fashion on some road courses in a similar style car. I think the biggest caveat to everything is trying to find a car that’s similar to a stock car on a road course is very hard. So, figuring out that. But yeah, Rudy and I have kind of gone through the first handful of tracks and tried to figure out some of the stuff we want to attack at those tracks. We’ve already talked today about Homestead, the Clash, the Daytona 500, obviously. Just trying to figure out some of the little details and nuances that we want to try to apply to those tracks. So, that’s been the main focus of it and Rudy has done a great job of kind of getting going. I think he’s been in here for two and a half weeks now. He’s done a good job getting going.”

I WANTED TO RE-WIND JUST A LITTLE BIT TO 2016 – THAT FIRST YEAR THAT YOU GUYS WERE PAIRED TOGETHER. YOU WERE JUST 18 YEARS OLD AND ENTERING YOUR FIRST FULL TRUCK SEASON. WHAT SORT OF INFLUENCE WAS RUDY ON THE START OF YOUR CAREER? WAS IT A RE-ASSURING VOICE IN YOUR EAR AS YOU WERE JUST GETTING STARTED?
“Yeah, it was. I think, for me, I really have to think back a lot to how that year unfolded. But we had speed at the beginning of the year, which obviously cures a lot of issues and a lot of lack in experience, stuff like that. So, we had that. But I think as the year went on, I really started to develop as a communicator, as a driver and my level of aggression got higher, things of that nature. And then I kind of went out and went a completely different direction – went to Hendrick, JRM, and kind of learning some of the things there and tried to really grow myself. Yeah, I think there’s a lot of experience along the way at each race and each year that you learn and I’m definitely a lot different than I was then. And I’m sure Rudy is, too.”

DO YOU FEEL LIKE A VETERAN AT THE RIPE OF 23 YEARS OLD, GETTING STARTED FOR A FOURTH CUP SEASON?
“Yeah, I definitely don’t feel like a rookie or inexperienced. I think there’s a lot less questions than there used to be about certain racetracks and certain things that I want to focus on those tracks. I feel like now is the time to get it together and perform really at a high level every week. That’s the goal this year – just to take a step from winning one race and try to take a step towards winning multiple. And even if not maybe the wins, just being in contention for multiple, which is definitely the next step.”

FOLLOWING UP TO WHAT YOU JUST SAID ABOUT NOW IS THE TIME TO STEP IT UP AND GET IT TOGETHER EVERY WEEK, WHEN YOU LOOK AT YOUR FIRST THREE YEARS AND GOING INTO YEAR FOUR, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES? WHAT’S YOUR SELF-CRITISIM THAT YOU HAVE TO PUT ON YOUR SHOULDERS GOING INTO YEAR FOUR?
“I think the positives are easy to kind of identify. I think making the Playoffs the last two years has been great. The pole positions that we had in 2019 when we were qualifying was great. The race win, the Duel win – all those things are good things, which kind of establishes us as a contender. Somebody who can potentially win. But I think now, it’s just being a consistent threat and being somebody that each week and each track we go to is not really a weakness, and we can identify some of those small details that are going to take us to that top five or six group of teams that get to the Final Eight and, hopefully, the Final Four. So, yeah I think just figuring out how to make that next step to not just be kind of a one-time winner each year.”

SECONDLY, YOU SAID YOU AND RUDY SHOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY SOME OF THE THINGS YOU HAD BACK A COUPLE YEARS AGO. WHAT KIND OF AN INFLUENCE ARE YOU EXPECTING HIM TO HAVE ON YOU NOW COMING ON A CUP SERIES PARTNERSHIP AND INFUENCE YOU EXPECT HIM TO HAVE AS THE LEADER OF THIS TEAM?
“Yeah, I think the influence has already been noticeable. We’ve met two or three times over the last couple of weeks and the influence has already been there, and we’ve kind of picked up where we left off with communication. We do have to be out on the racetrack to really see kind of the fruits of that, but you can plan accordingly and have a really good plan and that’s a good start. It doesn’t always go that well, but you can kind of plan those things out. I feel good about it. I feel like we’re going to pick up where we left off.”

IT FEELS LIKE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS HAS TRANSITIONED ITSELF TOWARDS ITS FUTURE AND NOW IT FEELS LIKE THAT TRANSITION IS COMPLETE WITH JIMMIE JOHNSON OFF TO NEW ADVENTURES. I’M CURIOUS, HAS IT HIT YOU AND YOUR TEAMMATES THAT THE FUTURE HAS ARRIVED. IT’S DOWN TO YOU GUYS, THE YOUNG BUCKS, TO CARRY ON THE HENDRICK LEGACY. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO HAVE THAT CHAMPIONSHIP LEGACY ON YOUR SHOULDERS NOW?
“It’s definitely hit us. I think seeing Chase (Elliott) go out there and win the championship like that was definitely a sign that obviously we’re capable. Yeah, the bar has been set, for sure. Things have really evolved – I think the first year when I was here in 2018, how many growing pains there were for me, but also the race team to kind of find out footing with really three new drivers and one veteran guy. So now, it’s four new guys. I feel like three of us have been here for awhile now and really established kind of our trends, our feelings inside the team and what we want in our race cars. I think the bar has definitely been set now and it’s about just going out there and trying to achieve that.”

WHERE DOES ONE GO WHEN THEY’RE GOING TO HAVE AN INTERVIEW WITH A POTENTIAL CREW CHIEF WHEN THEY’RE LOOKING FOR A RESTAURANT IN CONCORD?
“Yeah, we went to TGI Friday’s (laughs). Rudy knows I’m a pretty picky eater, so he chose that one because they have chicken tenders and fries. So, it was perfect.”

BECAUSE THAT WAS AN UNIQUE AND NEW SITUATION FOR YOU AND YOUR CAREER, IN SITTING DOWN WITH A CREW CHIEF, WHAT WERE THE QUESTIONS? WHAT WERE THE THINGS YOU NEEDED TO COME OUT OF THAT MEETING TO KIND OF HAVE THAT COMFORT OR WHAT WERE THE THINGS YOU WERE SEEKING?
“Yeah, I think when I was first working with him at KBM, it was more just surface-level questions about just the basics – things I needed to execute well, like getting on pit road. Really, some of the driving stuff was kind of left up to me or I would ask questions to Kyle. But a lot of the setup stuff and kind of the ideas behind it, I never really asked those questions. I wasn’t far enough along to really understand it. So, I feel like this time around, the conversations when we met back at the end of August, were much more detailed and more specific. So, I could ask more pointed questions about what I wanted to understand. We hit it off right away in terms of those things and he kind of opened up to me more about the details. I just wasn’t experienced enough to know that stuff when I was 18 years old. I kind of had to go out on my own, in a sense, and go through Xfinity and a few years of Cup to understand that stuff.”

YOU MENTIONED THE DRIVER STABLE THERE, WHERE YOU HAVE THREE GUYS THAT ARE PRETTY ESTABLISHED AT HMS, AND NOW YOU’RE WELCOMING ANOTHER GUY. THAT OTHER GUY IS OBIVOUSLY KYLE (LARSON) AND KYLE IS A GUY OBVIOUSLY THAT’S HAD A LOT OF SUCCESS, BUT HE ALSO COMES WITH WHAT HAPPENED THIS YEAR. HOW DO YOU GUYS AS A GROUP OF DRIVERS KIND OF WELCOME HIM IN? IT’S A DIFFERENT SITUATION FOR A TEAM IN NASCAR AS OPPOSED TO LIKE A BASKETBALL PLAYER BECAUSE BASKETBALL PLAYERS ARE TOGETHER ALL THE TIME. YOU GUYS AS DRIVERS AREN’T NECESSARILY TOGETHER ALL THE TIME – HOW DO YOU WELCOME HIM IN AND HOW DO YOU GUYS KIND OF DRAW FROM HIS EXPERIENCES AND HIS TALENTS?
“I think Kyle (Larson) obviously has a lot of talent, but I feel like he’s going to be easy to work with because he’s pretty much all business, all racing. So, it’s not really going to be hard to pick apart his honest feelings about things. I think he’s going to be pretty honest and pretty upfront about a lot of stuff, so I think that’s going to help us in competition meetings, thinking about ideas for the next race, and stuff like that. Obviously, you’re going to have tracks that you can draw from that he’s always been good at. So, you think about Homestead or Chicago, places that are really good for him. It’s going to be cool to kind of pick his brain on that stuff. Anytime you can bring in somebody new that’s going to continue to push the bar I think is really good. You’re going from Jimmie Johnson to another guy that’s going to have a ton of talent, so it’s going to be a pretty easy transition I think.”

DO DRIVERS IN A MULTI-CAR TEAM NECESSARILY NEED TO BE BUDDIES OR IS IT STRICTLY PROFESSIONAL AND YOU GUYS GO THROUGH THE MEETINGS? IS IT MORE HELFUL MAYBE FOR THE FOUR OF YOU GUYS TO HANGOUT WHEN YOU’RE ALLOWED TO HANG OUT, ONCE WE GET THROUGH ALL THE COVID ISSUES?
“Yeah, I might be closer to one or another at certain times, but I feel like we all kind of work pretty well together. Especially the way the meetings are structured, like where we all kind of sit together, you build some similarities between drivers that you might draw from for certain tracks. So, I feel like it’s more professional, for sure. I don’t know if we’d all just go out and have fun together all the time, but we learn from each other, for sure.”

YOU MENTIONED PRACTICE PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR, BUT DID YOU CONSIDER GOING DOWN TO COTA THIS WEEKEND FOR THE ENDURANCE EVENT AS SOME OF THE OTHER DRIVERS ARE DOING TO GET FAMILIAR WITH THE TRACK FOR NEXT YEAR?
“I haven’t, but I’ve got some separate plans that are going to be road course related over the next month or so. I think definitely COTA is high on the list to try to get some laps on, but it’s more going to be kind of a one-on-one thing for me, instead of just watching. More kind of hands-on and getting in some kind of car.

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands, available in 75 countries with nearly 4 million cars and trucks sold in 2019. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found www.chevrolet.com.

1...2,7522,7532,754...6,773Page 2,753 of 6,773