Home Blog Page 2754

NCS: Rudy Fugle Teleconference Transcript

By
Official Release
-

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

RUDY FUGLE, HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS CREW CHIEF FOR WILLIAM BYRON AND THE NO. 24 CAMARO ZL1 1LE TEAM met with media via teleconference and discussed his new role beginning in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series. Full Transcript:

TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT WILLIAM BYRON AND WHAT YOU THINK YOU LEARNED EARLY-ON FROM HIM THAT YOU CAN APPLY NOW TO A MORE CONFIDENT WILLIAM BYRON?
“Our year of working together, I think one of the biggest things was just that you always learn how to push somebody and how to push their button the right way and how to motivate, encourage, and read their emotions. And that’s one thing about him. We can be pretty real with each other. I’m a pretty straightforward guy and William takes that really well. So, we have a really good communication style and it’s easy to be friends with him. “

WILLIAM BYRON HAS SO MANY ATTRIBUTES THAT YOU WERE LIKELY ONE OF THE FIRST TO DISCOVER. WE’RE SEEING HIS TALENTS NOW. WHAT DO YOU WANT TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT THE WILLIAM BYRON YOU KNOW AND WHAT YOU THINK YOU CAN DO TOGETHER IN THE CUP SERIES?
“I think there’s a whole bunch more talent to be seen. He’s done a really good job for the past three years gaining experience and having good runs; but I think there’s so much more. If you get to year two or three, you’ve kind of done everything at least one time; even though I’m new, the team is the same. And, I’m not really new because we know how to communicate with each other. The spotter is the same. It’s going to be a really good year. I think we’re going to start off being able to communicate and make the car better as we go and make good decisions. It’s so much about building this relationship and the cars at the shop now that we’re not having practice very often that we can sit and have meetings like we used to have and talk about all the things that didn’t go right last year and how we can make it better. I think I can apply those things of the race car with all the smart people here at Hendrick Motorsports and then make it go.”

YOU MENTIONED BACK IN 2016 AND YOU WORKING WITH WILLIAM BYRON (NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES), WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF HIM IN GETTING TO KNOW HIM AND WHAT HE WAS ALL ABOUT?
“Our first meeting in the office-season, where we were basically trying to decide who was going to work with William and who was going to work with whom, we were having some dinner meetings and going over things and just seeing what fit. Instantly he knew a lot more about the races that we were running and the season that we had the past year and all the races, and he was very knowledgeable about everything that a lot of young guys don’t have that depth of knowledge. And then as we started some races, he just realized the drive and the hunger that he’s got and that he’s self-driven, and whatnot. He’s just always kept getting better. It’s really fun to work with him because everybody on the team wants him to succeed. They want to do everything they can for him to make sure he succeeds. He’s a very likable person and it makes everybody on the team do whatever they can to make sure we’re all successful.”

WILLIAM BYRON TALKED ABOUT KIND OF MAKING A JUMP THIS YEAR FROM BEING A GUY WHO JUST WINS RACE AND CHASE ELLIOTT HAS KIND OF RAISED THE BAR FOR SOME OF THAT. WHAT’S IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET TO THAT NEXT LEVEL WHERE HE’S A CONTENDER WEEK IN AND WEEK OUT AND CAN SCRATCH THE WIN COLUMN MORE THAN ONCE A YEAR?
“It’s applying all the knowledge from last year and applying some of the things that the No. 9 (Elliott) did well and just making good decisions on those things. It’s really hard to do. But, it’s not that many steps. It’s really only a couple of small, simple things that I think will get us there. So, discovering what those things are and doing them consistently; it’s just communication, which we’re doing really well on the No. 24 team right now. William was in here all morning long just going over stuff. It’s December 3rd so all that stuff is starting well. Things are going well. I think that, just in ourselves, and how good of cars we have here, we execute better than some of those things with his experience and my knowledge of William and how we can apply it to the team. Just three, four, or five spots weekly and that’s going to lead to more wins and easier to make it into the Playoffs and all those things that make the things easier to be aggressive and get those wins, three or four wins a year, or more, you know?”

HOW MANY PEOPLE WORK ON THE NO. 24 CAR? DO YOU KNOW? WERE YOU ABLE TO BRING ANYBODY? ARE YOU TRYING TO LEARN WILLIAM ON THE CUP-SIDE, BUT ALL THE PEOPLE THAT YOU’RE WORKING WITH?
“I didn’t bring anybody with me. So, I was the new transplant, right? As Chad (Knaus) was showing me around the entire campus on day one, I ended-up knowing more than half the people. I either went to college with them or worked with them previously, or knew them from some race track somewhere. That’s one thing good about Kyle (Busch) is we were racing something somewhere all the time and you get to meet a lot of people. So, it ended-up being not as bad as I originally thought it might be in meeting new people. So, everybody on the No. 24, the majority of them were there last year. And I’m the new guy. And that’s okay. They’re showing me the ropes and everything they’re doing and I’m picking holes or what could be holes in the thing because I’m seeing it a different way than they’ve looked at it and trying to come up with a new way to solve a problem.”

HOW DO YOU APPROACH THE CLASH AND DO YOU LOOK AT IT LIKE OKAY, BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY ROAD COURSES ON THE SCHEDULE THIS IS A THING TO LEARN FOR LATER IN THE YEAR? OR, DO YOU LOOK AT IT LIKE YOU COULD RACE THERE OR RACE MORE ROAD COURSES AS THINGS GET SWITCHED AROUND?
“Definitely. I think we all see that potential of what’s going to happen now and how good the country gets; and we know two of our road courses are in places where we couldn’t race last year. So there’s always that potential for something to get postponed or cancelled or moved to Daytona because that’s an easy fit. So, there’s definitely trying to build a notebook there; you’re also building notebooks for the Roval and a lot of these other road course races. So, the Clash is going to be fun. We have a plan of how Hendrick Motorsports has been doing things really well at the road course races. And then okay, there’s our Plan B and Plan C to how we beat Chase (Elliott) and how we beat the next people. So, Chase, the No. 9 team, was clearly the best road course team this year. But that doesn’t mean that everybody else isn’t working hard as well. So, just trying to not just sit there, but to go and just see if we can think of something better and then prove that it’s better before we go to the track, and say, are we going to try something new or try the same old stuff? So, there’s a lot to the Clash. And then there’s also just element of the fact that we’ve got a non-points event that I can have a Cup race at as a crew chief and the team can work together. William and I can work together and communicate and really, it is what it is. We all want to win. It’s a non-points even to it’s almost a dry run, or practice run if you take it.”

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES GOING TO HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS? COULD IT BE DIFFERENT THAN WHAT YOU’RE USED TO?
“Yeah, there’s a lot of change here. It is a big place. There’s lots of buildings and lots of people. The biggest thing is to not let yourself get overwhelmed since there are moments when I feel like there’s a lot to do and a lot to learn. But then, if you take a step back, you realize how many smart people are at each one of these departments and leading them and the experience they have; and all the experience to lean on (like) these other crew chiefs and Chad Knaus and Jeff Gordon. Let’s just take a step back and take one thing at a time and just not make it too complicated. So, that’s the biggest thing. It can get big. It can get complicated. But all the pieces are here. It’s just my job to manage it. When you move too fast or think about it too much, it gets overwhelming. But if you just tackle one thing at a time, it’s been great.”

ARE YOU GOING TO TRY TO USE THAT SAME PHILOSOPHY WITH WILLIAM? THAT COULD BE OVERWHELMING FOR A YOUNG MAN AS WELL
“Yeah, I think that’s part of it. William does a great job of just focusing on what he can do to be his best and to maximize his potential. He’s always done that. And he didn’t care who he was racing against. It didn’t feel like oh, I’ve got to drive harder because I’m racing Kyle in the Trucks this week or I’m racing Brad Keselowski in Xfinity this week. He always did a good job of just making sure he was performing his best. But yeah, there’s always a perspective that we need to put ourselves into and be reminded of. All we can do is just focus on what we can today leading up to this week’s race, and then we start over. There’s definitely a little process, a schedule, and how we attack each day. That kind of is how I like to approach things and I’m going to try to bring him with me on that and how we do it week in and week out.”

AS YOU EMBARK ON THIS NEW GIG, MY FIRST THOUGHT IS WHAT KIND OF RESOURCES WILL YOU HAVE AT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS WITH CHAD KNAUS OVERSEEING THE COMPETITION-SIDE OF THINGS?
“It’s great. Anytime you’re stepping up to a new role or a different level, it’s great to have somebody with that much success and experience, that’s got that much invested in Hendrick Motorsports to help make sure you’re successful. So, he’s got as much invested in this, and way more years than I do for the No. 24 to go fast and win races and compete for a championship. So, I’ve found that I’ve been lucky as I’ve moved up the ranks along the way that I’ve kind of had a mentor-type person at different levels where it’s helped me. So, I’ve had that experience before. I’m going to use him to help me as much as possible.”

IS THERE A SENSE OF INTIMIDATION, AS WELL? ARE YOU MORE IN SPONGE-MODE IN LISTENING TO EVERYTHING HE HAS TO SAY AND IN EXCHANGE OF IDEAS? HOW IS THAT GOING TO WORK?’
“Naturally, I think I’m an inquisitive person and I’m confident in what I know. I’m definitely going to listen more than I speak when I speak to somebody like that, but I think that’s just respect, right? So, you have a huge amount of respect for people and for somebody that’s done what Chad has done. He’s a legend; just to even say it like that, he just is. You figure out how to talk to him and be respectful and I don’t mean that in the wrong way. What’s the best way to be prepared to get somebody’s time and then ask the inquisitive questions the right way I guess, is the right way to say that.”

THERE ARE MANY THINGS TO DO BETWEEN NOW AND THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON. WHAT WILL IT BE LIKE TO CALL A RACE? IS IT LIKE A RACE IS A RACE? OR, IS IT SOMETHING YOU’LL HAVE TO ADJUST TO? DO YOU HAVE TO ANALYZE WHAT SOME OF THE OTHER CREW CHIEFS DO TO KNOW THE COMPETITION EVEN BETTER?
“Yeah, I’ve always done that. I think even at the Truck Series level, I’m watching the best people; and they might not even run the best but sometimes they make the best calls, or they make some good things. You’re watching every series almost every weekend just to learn how to be really good, you know? If you’re not doing that, you’re not doing better. I’m always studying and paying attention to what everybody is doing. But races are races. They’re longer. There’s going to be more strategy calls in every stage. They’re all different. More sets of tires. More chances for adjustments; and actually, different adjustments in some ways, too, and stuff like that. We’ll be prepared. But that’s the most exciting part. The most fun part of my job is that Adrenalin of calling races and sitting on the box. There’s a lot of fun things about being a crew chief. But that’s why we put in the hours is to be able to compete in the actual race. It makes it fun. And that rush and that moment of what you’re going to do when the caution comes out when you didn’t expect it to and that’s what drives us to do what we do. So that’s the most exciting thing.”

WHAT IS ON YOUR AGENDA? WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON DURING THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS?
“I am trying to soak up as much information as fast as I can so that I can have intelligent conversations about this specific race car that we’re racing weekly. That’s the biggest thing. I feel like the racing-side of things is similar even from a Truck to a car. The William and myself relationship doesn’t need a ton of work. It will come along. It’s just the cars are different aero and suspension and different things than the Trucks I’ve worked on. When you work with a team long enough, all that stuff is embedded in your brain and you know everything like the back of your hand. So, I’m trying to make it where I know all that stuff as much as possible so I can help make those decisions and know as much as possible to make things better when I’m asked upon. So, that’s where I’ve been spending more of my hours. And getting to know everybody is a big part of it during the normal hours and then before normal work hours and after normal work hours I’m learning as much as I can.”

FOR MOST OF THE RACES NEXT YEAR, THERE WON’T BE MUCH PRACTICE OR QUALIFYING TO WORK ON THINGS. DO YOU GIVE YOURSELF A GRACE PERIOD GOING INTO NEXT YEAR OR DO YOU FEEL LIKE WITH ALL THE TIME YOU’VE WORKED TOGETHER YOU’LL BE READY TO GO?
“Yeah, I think we’re planning on starting the year strong and going. There might be some things that come up that it’s like man, I didn’t think I needed to know that, or I messed that up or whatnot. But for the most part, I feel like we’re going to be ready to go. Our in-race communication is going to be good. Our in-race adjustments, there are lots of smart people here to help me make those decisions. We’ve got a good pit crew. Hendrick Motorsports is putting out a good Camaro. So, I think we should be ready to go.”

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.

African American-Led Ownership Group To Compete in Road To Indy

By
Official Release
-

Team Penske to mentor new team as it launches competition in 2021 USF2000 Series

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020) – African American business leader and former team manager Rod Reid has announced the formation of Force Indy, a race team set to compete in the 2021 Cooper Tires USF2000 Championship.

For 30 years, USF2000 has been the formative step of the popular Road to Indy Presented by Cooper Tires ladder system, which culminates in scholarship opportunities in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. This program has grown into a proven pipeline for open-wheel racing’s future stars.

Force Indy Team Principal Reid brings years of karting and auto racing experience and a recently expanded relationship with NXG Youth Motorsports Inc., which has introduced more than 2,300 students from under-represented communities, ages 11 to 15, to the educational benefits of the sport. Force Indy’s race team will focus on hiring and developing Black American men and women mechanics, engineers, staffers and drivers.

“I started a race team in 1984, and I have always had a desire to have a team of talented individuals who look like me in the professional ranks of the sport,” Reid said. “I have been in and around the sport for 40 years, and this is just the culmination of years of hard work. I simply cannot wait to see this race team on the track this spring.”

The Force Indy announcement includes a mentorship from the legendary Team Penske, winners of a record 18 Indianapolis 500’s and 16 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championships. During its first season, Force Indy will be based in Concord, North Carolina, as it receives guidance from Team Penske’s key personnel.

“When the IMS and INDYCAR acquisition happened a year ago, I was pleased to learn of the work Rod Reid was doing,” Indianapolis Motor Speedway Chairman Roger Penske said. “To lend our support to an effort like this is a natural. Together, we’ll work to not only get this new team off the ground but continue to support it and its mission as it continues down a path to compete at the top level.”

Force Indy will make its debut at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, March 5-7, 2021. The team will use No. 99 on the car in honor of the late Dewey “Rajo Jack” Gatson, who drove a roadster with that number toward the end of his career in 1951. Gatson, one of the winningest African American drivers and mechanics in racing history, never received an opportunity to race in the Indianapolis 500.

Overall, the initiative is part of a broader picture in the INDYCAR and Indianapolis Motor Speedway “Race for Equality & Change,” announced in July. The goals include recruiting and developing a diverse workforce throughout all levels of INDYCAR and IMS, ultimately creating a community that fundamentally transforms the sport.

“Rod is a passionate leader and talented team builder who has demonstrated a fundamental commitment to equality and opportunity in our sport,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “IMS has been privileged to be a partner with Rod and NXG for more than a decade, and we know he’ll bring the same commitment and drive for excellence to Force Indy.”

Sponsorship and driver for Force Indy’s inaugural season will be announced at a later date.

“We are fortunate to have Team Penske offer guidance and race-winning experience,” Reid said. “Roger’s experience will be an invaluable resource in creating a successful organization. There’s no better time than now to start a team.”

For additional information, please visit the team’s website: www.ForceIndy.com

New Customer Spotlight | Tuned 2015 EcoBoost F150

By
Official Release
-

Ideas and Inspiration Courtesy of AmericanTrucks’ Latest Interview

PAOLI, Pa. (December 2, 2020) – Aftermarket parts retailer, AmericanTrucks (AT) releases a new video as part of their ongoing “Customer Builds” series.  The video features a tuned 2015 EcoBoost F150 with a 6-inch lift and 35” tires. AT host Justin Dugan sits down for a virtual chat with Pennsylvania resident, Trey Beaver for the inside scoop on all his upgrades. Viewers can head to Trey’s build page at AmericanTrucks.com for a complete breakdown of all his mods, along with additional images and information.

AT host, Justin Dugan begins the virtual meet-up by commenting on the “absolute perfect stance” of this 2.7 EcoBoost F150. In Trey’s opinion, his rig was transformed with the addition of 35” tires and –44 offset Fuels. This was done shortly after he leveled up his stock F150 lift to a 6-inch Superlift.  Other key upgrades include a roll up bed cover, a grill with 2-inch LED light bars, front and rear bumpers, and LED license plate bulbs. Trey’s enthusiasm comes through whether he’s talking about color-matching his bumpers, his tuner, his steps, or his plans for future upgrades. All-in-all, this customer spotlight provides a wealth of motivation for F150 owners looking for their next project.

Viewers can check out the build pages at AmericanTrucks.com to see more of Trey’s lifted 2.7. This includes additional images and a full breakdown of all his mods. AT’s spotlight video series features real projects from around the country. Customers get a chance to show off their rigs while providing ideas and inspiration to fellow truck owners.  AT plans to continue the series with more videos in the works.

View it here:

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

About AmericanTrucks

AmericanTrucks is regarded as one of the best, most reliable online aftermarket retailers providing parts and accessories for F150, F250, Ranger, Silverado, Sierra, and RAM. Catering to the needs and demands of late-model truck owners and enthusiasts, AmericanTrucks provides the best parts with support from genuine truck experts. Located just outside of Philadelphia, AmericanTrucks is dedicated to offering the truck community with the highest quality of parts and customer service. Please visit https://www.americantrucks.com for more information.

CORVETTE RACING IN 2021: Tandy Set to Join Corvette Racing in No. 4 C8.R for Full-Season Run

By
Official Release
-

Tandy Set to Join Corvette Racing in No. 4 C8.R for Full-Season Run

· Sims to round out new additions as endurance driver alongside Milner, Tandy
· Defending GTLM Drivers champions Garcia, Taylor back again in 2021 with Catsburg
· Program focused on continuing development for second year with mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette C8.R

DETROIT (Dec. 3, 2020) – Corvette Racing’s lineup in its No. 4 Chevrolet Corvette C8.R will have a significantly different look for the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the additions of sports car stars Nick Tandy and Alexander Sims alongside long-time Corvette driver Tommy Milner.

It’s a big change on one side of the Corvette Racing garage while the other stays intact from a driving perspective. Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor, the reigning GT Le Mans (GTLM) Drivers champions, will team again in the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Corvette C8.R with Nicky Catsburg back for another season with the pair for the team’s long-distance events in IMSA. Catsburg and Sims will be part of the program’s events for the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans.

Tandy – from Bedford, England – steps into the role held by Oliver Gavin, who stepped away from full-time driving after 19 years with the program. A winner at practically every major sports car race around the world, Tandy joins a full-season lineup that already includes nine IMSA Drivers Championships and 42 race wins with Corvette Racing.

Tandy owns 15 career IMSA victories – all in GT racing – and has won the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans. In addition, he is a past overall winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring and the 24 Hours of Spa.

In Sims, Corvette Racing gets another proven race-winner for some of its most important events of the year. From Alcester in England, Sims is a five-time winner in IMSA competition in a brief but successful two-year, full-season stint in 2017 and 2018. He has a victory at Petit Le Mans to his credit along with 24-hour wins at Spa and the Nürburgring, along with two career starts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The British pair join Milner, now Corvette Racing’s most experienced full-season driver. The two-time IMSA Drivers Champion boasts 15 victories with the program including wins at Le Mans, Daytona and Sebring, among others. Milner has been a key component in testing and development of the Corvette C8.R and will begin his 10th year as part of Corvette Racing.

In the No. 3 Corvette, Garcia and Taylor are together again after taking five victories and combining for six pole positions in the 2020 GTLM season. The pairing won for the first time at Daytona in July for Corvette Racing’s 100th IMSA victory, and both are previous winners at such events like Le Mans, the Rolex 24 and Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring.

Garcia won his fourth Drivers Championship in 2020 while Taylor captured his third Drivers title. Both are past winners at Daytona, Sebring and Le Mans. Catsburg also will return to the cockpit following a season in which he won the Nurburgring 24 Hours, among other high-profile events.

All six drivers will focus on bringing improvements to the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette C8.R, which won six races and swept the full-season GTLM championships in the hands of Corvette Racing. In addition, the C8.R claimed seven pole positions and posted fastest GTLM race lap at six events.

The mid-engine C8.R and 2020 Corvette Stingray street car were developed simultaneously, and the race car and production vehicle share more technology and parts than any previous-generation Corvette. When initial Corvette C8.R design and development work began more than five years ago, Corvette Racing engineers worked closely alongside Corvette production personnel with a heavy emphasis on wind tunnel and simulation testing.

Corvette Racing will open its 2021 season with the Roar Before the 24 from Jan. 22-24 and the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 30-31.
ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “It is nice to have some continuity that we can carry over into 2021. The season Jordan and I had was incredible with the championship and winning a lot of races. Things definitely won’t be easier in 2021 for us, but we do have a year of experience together and with the C8.R. Looking back at 2020, the only thing we missed out on was a good result in the long-distance races. We had the pace to win at Petit Le Mans, but we weren’t expected to get a win at Daytona to start the year and we had our suspension issue at the Sebring 12 Hours. Getting a real endurance win would be key as a next target for the C8.R.”

JORDAN TAYLOR, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “It’s definitely going to be difficult to top what we accomplished in 2020, but rolling into 2021 and learning everything we did with the C8.R, we’ll roll off stronger than we did this season. It will be great to be back with Antonio and Nicky. With having such a strong lineup, it’s good to keep things consistent. We know how each other works and how our driving styles are like. The chemistry there is very strong. It’ll be great to have Nick and Alexander coming in on the No. 4 Corvette. They can bring a fresh perspective as guys who have driven different cars and give us some insight on the strengths and weaknesses of the C8.R that maybe we are used by now, having driven for a year now. I think we’re setting up for a very strong 2021.”

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “I’m super pleased that I’m able to come back again with Corvette Racing. My first year was very, very nice. I really enjoyed it… working with the team and with the C8.R. It seems to suit me and I’ve enjoyed it so far. Other than winning the championship, we didn’t score a victory in one of the endurance races so that’s a big goal for next year, along with winning the championship again for Chevy, Antonio and Jordan. Having Nick and Alexander is very, very cool. I know Alexander very well from races we’ve done and won together. He’s one of the best guys I know, and I think he will fit in right away. He’s a super funny guy as well, so I can’t wait to have him around. Nick is one of the fiercest competitors I’ve ever raced against. He needs no further introduction and he’s an awesome addition for Corvette Racing. This is a super strong lineup, and I’m proud to be part of it.”

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “Going into next year, expectations are very high. We know the C8.R is fast and competitive. We had a couple of small issues through the 2020 season, but they were things that were easily addressed by the engineers and mechanics. It’s a tall order to match what happened this year. We obviously want to win the championships again, but now we have the opportunity to get big wins at Daytona, Sebring and Petit Le Mans. I’d love to get some of those big races under our belt.
“I’m excited about my two new teammates. I’ve been racing against Nick for many years now. I know how strong a competitor he is. Obviously I’d much rather him be in my car and not have to fight against him! I’ve raced against he and Alexander quite a bit. They’re both true professionals, super fast on the track and their results speak for themselves. I’m excited to go race with them and work toward the goals we’ve set for 2021.”

NICK TANDY, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “Since I’ve been racing in IMSA and at Le Mans, Corvette Racing has been the team that everyone looks up to. Many operations aspire to get to the level that Corvette Racing operates at. It’s something I’ve always looked at, and it’s impressed me. The fact that the opportunity arose where I could join the team and stay racing within IMSA is a dream opportunity. You look at the history of Corvette Racing, and it’s been a team that has consistently been in top-level motorsport. And not just competing but winning races and championships wherever they go. It’s an appealing aspect. I hope I can add something to the party and continue that successful legacy that Corvette Racing has. I’d very much like to be part of the next chapter.”

ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “During my two previous years in IMSA, it was clear the level that Corvette Racing is on. I have such fantastic memories of battling with some of the Corvette guys, and some of those battles went against me! My appreciation and respect for Corvette Racing certainly increased. It’s a team that always seemed to be able to achieve a result, even if the track wasn’t one that suited its cars perfectly. If someone was going to make something out of a difficult situation, it usually was Corvette Racing. Now, to have a chance to be in that fold and be part of the program with the absolute pros on this team is really quite special.”

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.

Kenyan Washington Heads To Portugal For Major Karting Race

By
Official Release
-
Kenyan Washington will compete in the Rotax MAX Challenge International Trophy competition next week in Portugal.

PORTIMAO, Portugal – (Dec. 3, 2020) – McCallister Precision Marketing’s newest client, Kenyan Washington, is preparing for one of the most competitive events of his young career.

Washington will take part in the Rotax MAX Challenge International Trophy competition, which will take place Dec. 8-13 at Kartódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portimao, Portugal. Washington will compete in the Mini MAX class against 35 other young competitors from across the world.

For more information, visit www.rmc-internationaltrophy.com.

“I’m really excited to go racing next week in Portugal,” said the 12-year-old Washington, who is based in Germany with his parents. “This race is one of the most competitive events you can race in as a kart racer in Europe. I think it’s going to be tough, but it’ll be a good experience for me and I’m looking forward to it.”

Prior to the Rotax MAX Challenge International Trophy event, Washington got the chance to take part in an official NASCAR Whelen Euro Series test at Circuit de Vendée in Fontenay le Comte, France, as part of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Driver Recruitment Program.

The test provided Washington with his first opportunity to drive a stock car as he prepares for the eventual next step in his racing career.

“The test was a lot of fun,” Washington said. “I got the chance to learn how to shift and be smooth in a car. It’s definitely different than my kart, but it was a lot of fun to learn about what a stock car is like. It was a great experience and I can’t wait to do it again soon.”

—————

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.

Brett Moffitt to Compete Full Time for Niece Motorsports in 2021

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 2, 2020) – Brett Moffitt will make the move to Niece Motorsports in 2021, competing full time for NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship points in the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado.  Moffitt previously announced that he will compete full time in the XFINITY Series in 2021 for Our Motorsports, giving him double duties for 2021.

“I am so thankful to Al Niece, Cody Efaw and everyone at Niece Motorsports for this opportunity,” said Moffitt.  “To be able to compete full time in both the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and the XFINITY Series is a challenge I look forward to. Chris Our, Our Motorsports and Chevrolet were a big part of helping this all come together, so a big thank you to them as well.”

Moffitt, the 2018 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Champion and 2015 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year, has 12 wins, three poles and 39 top-five finishes in 82 career NCWTS starts.

In addition, the Iowa-native has 46 top-10 finishes and has led a total of 1,190 laps in his three seasons of full time NCWTS competition.

“Brett is a proven winner,” said Niece Motorsports General Manager Cody Efaw.  “We are thrilled to have him join Niece Motorsports.  The experience he will bring to our team is invaluable.  We are working hard this offseason – our goal in 2021 is to run up front and contend for wins.  Brett, Carson [Hocevar] and Ryan [Truex] are great talents and we look forward to giving them competitive equipment.”

Moffitt not only brings a wealth of Truck Series experience to the team, but he also has 45 NASCAR Cup Series starts and 32 NASCAR XFINITY Series starts to his credit.

“I’m excited about our driver lineup next year,” said Niece Motorsports Owner Al Niece.  “Brett is a tremendous talent and will be a huge asset to our team.  We know that our drivers have the talent it takes to contend for wins in the Truck Series and l know our crew is working as hard as possible this offseason to build them equipment capable of doing so.”

NASCAR recently announced the 2021 NCWTS schedule, with highlights including the addition of Circuit of the Americas, Nashville Superspeedway, Watkins Glen International, and a race at Knoxville Raceway in Moffitt’s home state of Iowa.

The 2021 NCWTS season will kick off at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 12.

About Niece Motorsports: 

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece.  In 2021, Niece Motorsports enters its sixth season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.  Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices.  Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry.  Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

What To Look For When Trying To Find An Auto Repair Shop

By
SM
-
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Are your car’s brakes making a grinding or squeaking noise? Or maybe the check engine light is on? It sounds like you need to visit a mechanic or an auto repair shop. But how do you find someone reliable who can fix your car right the first time?

Many people looking for a mechanic worry about not having good work done or getting ripped off. Also, do a VIN check before purchasing your vehicle.

We have created a comprehensive checklist to help you find a dependable auto repair shop that offers fair pricing. Ensure the auto repair shop you choose has seasoned mechanics working for them. One good example of the best auto repair shop that you trust is Elite Campbell. 

They Should Have ASE Certification

Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification is something the automotive technician working on your car should have. ASE accreditation proves the individual has undergone thorough training – including written tests – and has at least 2 years of industry experience.

But remember, there are several types of certification. For example, if you have gone to a mechanic to have your transmission rebuilt, but the mechanic is only certified to repair brakes. This could be a problem.

Hiring an ASE-certified automotive repair shop protects your interests as well. If the mechanic has ASE Master Certification, they are trained and certified to work on all eight core areas of your car: brakes, engines, drive axles, transmissions, engine performance, air conditioning/heating, electrical, and suspension/steering.  

In other words, an ASE-certified master European auto mechanic knows every car like the back of their hand. If you’re having any issues with your car, or you’re tired of having your car break down continuously, these experts have the skills to diagnose the issue and fix it the first time accurately.

They Should Have A Good Reputation

We live in the age of the Internet and Google Reviews, which means it’s easy to search a particular business and see what people are saying about it. When looking for an auto repair shop, do your homework and look them up online.

You can do some background research to find out:

  • How long have they been in business
  • What kind of certifications and accreditations do they have
  • What kind of reviews and testimonials are left by their previous customers

The longer an auto repair shop has been around, the more experienced and established it will be. A business can’t survive for long unless they charge fair prices and offer quality service. Ask for their recommendations if you know someone who has had an incredible repair experience.

They Should Offer Additional Services

Not all car repair shops are created equal. Some shops specialize in certain areas, while others offer a wider range of services. Here are a few additional services a good repair shop might offer:

  • Truck bed liners: If you own a truck, you might consider getting a spray-in liner like Bullet Liner to protect the bed from scratches, dents, and corrosion. These liners are extremely durable and can last for the lifetime of your truck.
  • Loaner cars: This can be a lifesaver if your car needs repairs that will take a few days to complete.
  • Shuttle service: Some shops offer a shuttle service to take you home or to work while your car is being repaired.
  • Extended warranties: An extended warranty can provide you with peace of mind in case your car breaks down after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.

They Should Have Extensive Experience

Nothing can replace experience, period. Make sure the auto repair shop you choose has seasoned mechanics working for them.

Many quick-lube shops employ workers who have little to no knowledge of automobiles. You may think that a simple oil change doesn’t need an experienced mechanic, but trust us, it does. Something as straightforward as a lube job can leave you with hundreds of dollars of repair bills if it is not performed correctly.

This is especially prevalent when having your vehicle fixed if it needs a particular mechanic, such as a Land Rover Specialist. Their extensive knowledge of 4×4 vehicles ensures that they have experience in diagnostics and repairs and can provide the best service when it comes to this.

If you don’t want to risk the health of your car – or your wallet – hire someone who knows what they are doing.

They Should Be Willing To Explain Things

If you were a skilled automotive expert, you probably wouldn’t take your car in for repair. An honest auto repair shop understands that. This is why they take the time to explain patiently any work or tune-up your vehicle might need. And they do it without being condescending or irritable.

Also, cars today are way more complex than they used to be 10-20 years ago. An inexperienced mechanic usually keeps throwing new components at a problem until it is fixed. If you suspect your mechanic doesn’t know the problem, don’t be afraid to ask them how they came to the conclusion that a certain part needs to be replaced.

A trustworthy auto repair shop will be more than happy to give you a detailed explanation. They may even show you the problem and provide a comprehensive analysis.

They Should Not Sell You Unnecessary Upsells

A shop that takes pride in its work and commitment to customers will never try to upsell pointless services or upgrades.

We know routine maintenance is essential to ensure your vehicle stays in great shape for as long as possible. However, if, for example, you just had your car battery replaced at one shop, and a different shop is trying to get you to buy the same service again, this is not right.

To ensure you don’t fall into this trap, find your car’s owner manual (it’s most likely inside your glove box) and look for the “recommended maintenance schedule” section or something along those lines. This will give you an idea of when you need to take your car for a tune-up.

You may not think it, but if they recommend the best DIY bedliner to you, you might want to consider it. You’ll be able to transform the bed of your truck into what you see in movies. It can turn out incredible.

They Should Be Friendly

Even though this goes without saying, we think it’s important enough to mention here.

Some mechanics can be downright condescending and pushy, especially to women and old people as they are seemingly easy to persuade into unnecessary repair or service. If you have the same experience while talking to a mechanic, steer clear of them and go to some other shop. To help you avoid places like this, check out items like this Clipped Assist review before you take your car anywhere to make sure the staff at the place you’re going are friendly and knowledgeable.

Also, beware of shops that try to pad repair bills with unnecessary labor or auto parts. If some item in your bill doesn’t make sense to you, don’t hesitate to ask the shop owner to explain it to you.

They Should Not Present You With A Bloated Bill

Sometimes, it makes sense to replace another part while you are already replacing one part. For example, if you are getting your car’s brake pads serviced, you may consider servicing the brake rotors. Or, if you are replacing the timing belt, it’s a prudent idea to replace the engine’s water pump.

However, in some cases, repair shops try to pad the repair bill with completely unnecessary services and parts. These shops not only want to sell you extra (or useless) stuff, but they probably won’t even take the time to diagnose your car correctly. All they need to do is tell you they did what you asked them to do (even when they didn’t), and charge you for “extra fix” that wasn’t necessary.

If your repair bill seems significantly higher than you expected, ask the shop owner to break it down for you. Call another shop for a second opinion if they can’t explain it to your satisfaction.

Haas F1 Team adds Mick Schumacher for 2021 season

By
Andrew Kim
-

The Haas F1 Team completed its newly formed driver lineup for the 2021 Formula One season after the team announced the addition of Mick Schumacher, who will embark on his first full-time competition in F1 racing next year.

Schumacher, a 21-year-old German from Vufflens-le-Château, Switzerland, is the son of Michael Schumacher, seven-time Formula One champion. He is also a Formula 2 competitor for Prema Racing, having achieved two victories and 10 podiums this season. He currently leading the championship standings by 14 points entering the series’ pair of final events of the 2020 season at the Bahrain International Circuit scheduled on December 5-6.

The news comes a day after the Haas F1 Team announced that Nikita Mazepin, a Formula 2 competitor from Moscow, Russia, will join the organization as one of the team’s new competitors for the 2021 F1 season. Both Mazepin and Schumacher will replace Haas’ current lineup, featuring Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen.

“I’m very pleased that we’re able to confirm Mick Schumacher in our driver line-up for next season and I look forward to welcoming him into the team,” Guenther Steiner, Haas’ Team Principal, said. “The Formula 2 Championship has long served as a proving ground for talent to showcase their credentials and this year’s field has undoubtedly been one of the most competitive in recent seasons. Mick has won races, collected podiums and excelled against some pretty exceptional talent in 2020. I firmly believe he’s earned the opportunity to graduate into Formula 1 based on his performances. We have an opportunity ahead of us, as a team, to evaluate and nurture a new driver given our familiarity with our race package heading into 2021. We are putting in place our building blocks for the continued long-term growth of the team and I look forward to Mick’s contributions both on and off the track in that process.”

Schumacher comes into Formula One Racing with an extensive background of racing, having competed in karting before competing in the 2015 ADAC Formula 4 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing. The following year, he competed in the ADAC Formula 4 Championship and the Italian Formula 4 Championship with Prema Powerteam before he campaigned in the 2016-17 MRF Challenge Formula 2000 for MRF Racing. In 2017, Schumacher raced in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship with Prema Powerteam before winning eight races and the championship the following season. In 2019, after joining the Ferrari Academy, he competed in the Formula 2 Championship with Prema Racing, where he achieved his first victory at Hungaroring in Hungary and finished in 12th place in the final standings.

With Mick set to join Haas on a multi-year basis, he is set to become the third member of the Schumacher family to compete in F1, joining his father Michael and uncle Ralf. He will also experience his first laps with Haas in an FP1 at Abu Dhabi next week, where he will then participate in a rookie test a few days following the 2020 F1 finale event at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

“The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless,” Schumacher said. “I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for placing their trust in me. I also want to acknowledge and extend my love to my parents – I know that I owe them everything. I have always believed that I would realise my dream of Formula 1. A huge thank you must also go to all the great motorsport fans out there who have supported me throughout my career. I will give it my all, as I always do, and I look forward to going on this journey together with Haas F1 and them.”

Mick Schumacher is set to make his Formula One debut in the 2021 season-opening event at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit for the Australian Grand Prix on March 21, 2021.

2021 DAYTONA 500 to Have Limited Fan Capacity

By
Official Release
-

The Tradition, Pageantry, Excitement and Drama Continues on Sunday, Feb. 14

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 2, 2020) – The 63rd Annual DAYTONA 500 will play host to a limited number of fans, but The Great American Race will – as it has since 1959 – continue the tradition of the biggest event in all of motorsports, delivering the pageantry, excitement and drama like nowhere else in the world.

The reduced venue capacity for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series opener, set for Sunday Feb. 14, as well as all events part of DAYTONA Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth (Feb. 9-14), is due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and is in accordance with enhanced safety protocols and procedures to provide a safe environment for guests, NASCAR competitors, employees and the local community.

“The DAYTONA 500 is one of the greatest spectacles in all of sports, and fans from all over the world converge in Daytona Beach to be a part of motorsport’s biggest day,” said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. “While we won’t be able to have a capacity crowd here in February, we are excited that we can host the DAYTONA 500 with those in attendance, as well as for the millions who will tune in live on FOX.

“The Great American Race will once again have the aura and atmosphere that fans have come to know and love. From the pageantry of our pre-race festivities to the rumble of 40 engines roaring around the high banks, it’s the biggest stage in motorsports.”

As a result of the seating capacity limitations, the Speedway will work to accommodate guests who have already purchased tickets to the 2021 DAYTONA 500. To ensure social distancing between groups who will be in attendance, many fans will be reseated in new locations. The reseating process is expected to be complete by early January.

All guests will be screened before entering the facility and will be required to wear face coverings while maintaining six feet social distancing throughout their visit. Information about your visit to Daytona International Speedway, including all ticket options and safety protocols, can be found by visiting www.DAYTONA500.com/updates or calling 1-800-PITSHOP.

Tickets for the remaining Speedweeks events, and a limited number of premium and extended-stay camping packages, are still available. Fans wishing to attend are encouraged to make their plans early and secure their seats or camping experience now. Excluding the DAYTONA 500 children 12 and under are FREE in the 100 level seating and $10 in all other reserved seating.  In addition to the DAYTONA 500, the rest of the fresh-look on-track Speedweeks action includes:

·         Tuesday, Feb. 9: 43rd Annual Busch Clash At DAYTONA (DAYTONA Road Course under the lights)

·         Wednesday, Feb. 10: DAYTONA 500 Qualifying Presented By Kroger

·         Thursday, Feb. 11: Duel At DAYTONA qualifying races

·         Friday, Feb. 12: NextEra Energy 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race

·         Saturday, Feb. 13: NASCAR Racing Experience 300 (NASCAR Xfinity Series) and Lucas Oil 200 Driven By General Tire (ARCA Menards) doubleheader


Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.

About Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. In addition to at least nine major event weekends, the Speedway grounds are also used extensively for events that include concerts, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training.

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’).

Russell to Mercedes, Aitken to Williams for 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix

By
Andrew Kim
-

With the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship season two races away from concluding, two championship-winning teams announced a shake-up to its driver lineup for the upcoming Sakhir Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit scheduled on Sunday, December 6.

The first was the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, which announced that George Russell will be competing for this year’s seven-time Constructors’ championship-winning team at Bahrain, replacing this year’s seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, and be a teammate to Valtteri Bottas.

The news comes a day after Hamilton tested positive for COVID-19 and was ruled out of the penultimate event of the 2020 F1 season. It also comes following his win at the Bahrain International Circuit last weekend.

For Russell, he currently competes in Formula One for Williams Racing. Following an arrangement between Williams and Mercedes, Russell, who was viewed as a potential candidate to replace Hamilton, was able to make the transition to Mercedes for this weekend’s event at Bahrain.

Russell, a 22-year-old native from King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England, is in his second season in F1 competition, having joined Williams in 2019 as an F1 newcomer and a future star. Through 36 career starts in F1, his best results are a pair of 11th- and 12th-place finishes and he has yet to record his first points in F1 racing.

Russell also comes with an extensive background in racing, having started his career through karting. He then won the 2014 BRDC Formula 4 championship before competing in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship the following two seasons. In 2017, Russell won the 2017 GP3 Series championship with ART Grand Prix and remained with the team when he competed in the 2018 FIA Formula 2 Championship season, where he won the title.

In early 2017, Russell was added to Mercedes’ junior driver programme. The following season, he was named a reserve competitor for the team before he made his F1 competition debut in 2019 with Williams.

Russell is due to remain at Williams for the 2021 Formula One season along with Williams’ second competitor Nicholas Latifi.

“Firstly, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody at Williams for giving me this opportunity,” Russell said. “I might be wearing a different race suit this weekend, but I’m a Williams driver and I’ll be cheering my team on every step of the way. I see this as a great chance to learn from the best outfit on the grid right now and to come back as an improved driver, with even more energy and experience to help push Williams further up the grid. A big thank you also to Mercedes for putting their faith in me. Obviously, nobody can replace Lewis, but I’ll give my all for the team in his absence from the moment I step in the car. Most importantly, I wish him a speedy recovery. I’m really looking forward to the opportunity and can’t wait to get out on track this week.”

“Our long-term partnership and George’s affiliation with Mercedes is no secret, and so I’m delighted George has this unique opportunity to join Mercedes, the current Constructors’ Champions,” Simon Roberts, Williams’ Acting Team Principal, added. “We have been working hard to ensure that an agreement could be made with Mercedes to allow him this fantastic opportunity. George very much remains a Williams driver and we look forward to him returning to us fresh from this experience and wish him a successful race this weekend.”

With his absence, Hamilton will not compete in an F1 event since 2006, thus snapping his 265-race consecutive starting streak that spans back to the 2007 Australian Grand Prix.

His absence also comes more than two weeks after Hamilton claimed his record-tying seventh world championship following his victory in the Turkish Grand Prix at Intercity Istanbul Park, tying him with Michael Schumacher for the most F1 titles in history. The 35-year-old native from Stevenage, England, has won 11 of 15 Grand Prix events this season, totaling his career wins in F1 to an all-time record 95. He has also achieved 10 poles this season, totaling his career poles in F1 to 98.

With Russell temporarily joining Mercedes, the second driver announcement came from Williams Racing, which announced that Jack Aitken will be making his F1 debut with the team at Bahrain and compete alongside teammate Latifi.

Aitken, a 25-year-old native from London, England, who holds dual British and Korean nationality, is a Formula 2 competitor for Campos Racing. This season, he has achieved two podium results and is in 14th place in the Drivers’ standings entering the series’ pair of final races of the 2020 season at the Bahrain International Circuit.

Aitken comes into F1 competition with an extensive background in racing, having started his career through karting at age seven. He competed in the 2013 Formula Renault 2.0 NEC with Fortec Motorsports. Following a full-time Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 run with Fortec Motorsports in 2014, he remained in the series and joined forces with Koiranen GP in 2015, where he went on to win the championship. Throughout 2015, he also claimed the Formula Renault 2.0 Alps and the Pro Mazda Winterfest. He then competed in the GP3 Series with Arden International in 2016 before joining forces with ART Grand Prix the following season, where he finished in second place in the final standings behind the champion George Russell. Since 2018, Aitken competes in F2, where he has won a total of four races (2018-19).

In addition to racing in Formula 2, Aitken is a reserve driver for Williams Racing. He is also a former reserve/test driver for the Renault F1 Team. He tested a Lotus at Circuito de Jerez in late 2017 and competed in Williams’ FP1 during the practice session of this year’s Styrian Grand Prix at Austria’s Red Bull Ring.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have the opportunity to make my debut with Williams this coming weekend and I am extremely happy for George to have his chance too,” said Aitken. “I really mean it when I say I’ve felt very much at home here since I joined Williams earlier this year, so to get my chance to help the team try to achieve that elusive points finish is an extremely satisfying occasion to say the least. I’ll be doing all I can to prepare in the coming days, but truthfully, I feel like I have been ready since Melbourne. I also want to wish Lewis well in his recovery, and good luck to George getting the chance to drive the Mercedes this weekend.”

“We are also thrilled this means we are able to give another British talent in Jack Aitken the opportunity to make his Formula One race debut,” Roberts added. “Jack joined Williams at the start of this season, and despite COVID-19 restrictions meaning we haven’t been able to interact with him as much as we would like, he has quickly become a much-liked member of the team. We look forward to seeing him build on his previous experience driving the car in practice, to see what he can do in a qualifying and race situation.”

Russell’s move to Mercedes and Aitken’s move to Williams are two of three new driver-team pairings for the upcoming Sakhir Grand Prix, with Pietro Fittipaldi set to compete for Haas F1 Team at Bahrain and filling in for the injured Romain Grosjean, who continues to recover from injuries sustained following his accident in the Bahrain Grand Prix last weekend.

The Sakhir Grand Prix at the Bahrain International Circuit is set to occur on Sunday, December 6.

1...2,7532,7542,755...6,773Page 2,754 of 6,773