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NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Austin Cindric Set for Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour at Sebring International Raceway This Weekend

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Official Release
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Recently Crowned NASCAR Xfinity Series Champ Co-Drives in HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour with Longtime Friend and Supporter David Roberts in 2009 No. 2 Audi R8 LMS Prepared by CRP Racing

Fifth Running of HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour Presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network This Weekend at Sebring International Raceway, December 3 – 6

SEBRING, Florida (December 2, 2020) – Recently crowned 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion Austin Cindric is set to compete in this weekend’s Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Classic Sebring 12 Hour presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network at Sebring International Raceway, December 3 – 6.

Cindric, less than a month removed from clinching the Xfinity Series title in the No. 22 Team Penske Ford in Phoenix on November 7, co-drives the CRP Racing-prepared 2009 No. 2 Audi R8 LMS at Sebring this weekend with longtime family friend and supporter David Roberts.

“I have known Austin for approximately nine to 10 years and met him through his Dad, Tim Cindric, when my company sponsored CRP Racing in SCCA World Challenge,” Roberts said. “We were at the same tracks on many weekends with IndyCar, and that provided me with the opportunity to follow Austin early on in an F2000 open wheel car as he was just starting on the ‘Road to Indy.’”

Tim Cindric began looking for an opportunity for Austin to get some seat time in a sports car and Roberts offered a ride in his Porsche 944 Turbo Club Sport.

“The HSR Savannah event was approaching and I felt that would be a great place for Austin to get his start in sports cars,” Roberts said. “Taking it easy because his Dad told him to, he finished second in his first race on Saturday. On Sunday, Tim turned him loose and he won the second race of the weekend while earning the respect of his fellow competitors.”

That Savannah HSR weekend was a significant one for Austin.

“Without a doubt, Dave has always been an integral part of my career,” Cindric said. “I always joke and say Dave was the first person to ‘put a roof over my head!’ The first time I was in a full-bodied race car was in Dave’s Porsche 944 Turbo down in Savannah a bunch of years ago. For him to be able to trust me in that car at a young age was pretty unique. I was really nervous about not damaging the car but also some really cool cars I was sharing the track with. HSR always brings out some really cool vintage cars and it was pretty special to be out there racing with them at such a young age.”

A tribute race to the 12 Hours of Sebring, the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour celebrates not only the legendary race cars that have competed at Sebring over the last half century but also the rich military aviation history that first put Sebring on the map.

“I ran in the 12 Hours of Sebring with the Lexus GTD program in 2017 and I am no stranger to the track,” Cindric said. “I have done a lot of open-wheel races there, but it has probably been since 2017 that I have been there. I haven’t had the opportunity to go back until now.”

Roberts watched nearly all of Cindric’s Xfinity Series races this year, straight through the title-clinching finale in Phoenix.

“After Austin won the championship, we exchanged a number of texts and I asked him if he would like to get back into a sports car,” Roberts said. “He responded almost immediately that he would like to race at Sebring, so here we are.”

“Throughout my career, David has been a great supporter of mine and also a great friend,” Cindric said. “It’s great to have the best season of my racing career – winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship – and in some ways being able to end the year having come full circle. This is the last event I plan to run this year, and to go to a track like Sebring and race some cool old cars back in HSR and have some fun is a great opportunity.”

In addition to the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour, the season-ending HSR weekend also features the HSR Sebring Historics. Races on that event’s schedule include the final 2020 rounds of the HSR WeatherTech Sprint Series, the HSR B.R.M. Chronographes Endurance Challenge races, HSR Stoner Car Care Global GT, HSR Classic RS Cup and the HSR Sasco Sports International/American Challenge.

Detailed event information for the Classic Sebring 12 Hour and Sebring Historics, including weekend schedules and entry lists, is available at www.HSRRace.com.

Spectator tickets for the HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour are available on-site at Sebring International Raceway beginning Thursday, December 3. For more information please visit www.HSRTickets.com.

Noteworthy: Cindric’s talent behind the wheel wasn’t the main thing that impressed Roberts when they first met. “I became a huge fan of Austin, but not because of his driving ability, but because of the way he handled himself as a young man, Roberts said. “It has actually taken me until this year to become ‘Dave’ rather than ‘Mr. Roberts’ in the eyes of Austin! Tim and his mother Megan Cindric did a great job raising him.”

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.

BRODY ROA FINISHED THE 2020 SEASON AT 53RD ANNUAL WESTERN WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP – CHILI BOWL NEXT

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Official Release
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(Cypress, CA, December 1, 2020) Garden Grove, California’s Brody Roa wrapped up his 2020 racing season at the 53rd Annual Western World Championships at the Arizona Speedway in mid-November. Up next for the veteran racer will be the 35th Annual Chili Bowl Midget Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma in early 2021. 

Like most, the Covid crisis has wreaked havoc for the 29-year-old racer in 2020.  At the famous Western World event, he was finally getting to race his familiar #91R car for the first time since early March.  The racing excursion started off well enough for Roa as he spent a day at the river with his wife and new baby daughter.  After the day of relaxation, it was time to get his race face on and get to doing what he does so well.  That is racing a sprint car in the USAC/CRA and USAC Southwest Series. 

The first night of the Western World started out well enough for the 2019 Southwest Series champ as he qualified ninth fastest in the 34-car field with a time of 15.335.  He backed that up with a second-place finish in his eight-lap heat race and thus earned the pole position for the A main event. 

Once the green flag flew for the 30-lap main, Roa steered his eye-catching black and green race car into the lead.  The veteran driver faced stiff challenges for the top spot, but he fended each one off over the first 12-laps.  After a tenacious scrap for the top, he slipped back to second on the 13th circuit.  The likable driver then found himself in a battle for the runner-up position.  Unfortunately, that battle did not turn out the way Roa would have liked.  While trying to take second back coming off turn two on the 14th lap, contact with the car he was battling with sent him catapulting towards the crashwall.  He careened backward before finally making violent contact with the wall and then becoming airborne again.  While it did not flip, all four corners of the car made hard contact with the wall or track in the crash.  While frustrated, the veteran driver emerged from the crash unscathed.  The same could not be said for his car.  It was battered and beaten and too damaged to continue.  He ended up with a 21st place finish, which was a bitter pill to swallow after leading more laps than any driver in the race.

It was immediately apparent that due to the extensive damage the car sustained in the crash, crew chief Zac Bozonich and his helpers would have to roll out a backup car for Saturday night’s portion of the show. 

With the back up steed ready to go, Roa qualified 12th out of 31-cars for Saturday’s finale with a 15.815.  He then placed sixth in his heat race.  That left him two spots out of a transfer position and would force him to contest the B main.

A third-place finish in the B main was more than good enough to get Roa into the Western World A Main Event.  He started on the outside of the 14th row and immediately became embroiled in a sensational fight with nearly half of the field that went on for the entire race.  At one point he slid back as far as 19th but he doggedly clawed his way back.  In the final three laps, he swiftly moved forward and secured a hard-earned 10th place finish. 

December will provide a month off from racing for Roa and the team.  Soon after the New Year, he will be heading off to Tulsa for the Chili Bowl that begins on January 11th.   

Roa, his wife Tailor, newborn daughter Addison Leanne and the entire Brody Roa Performance team wish everyone a merry and safe Christmas and a happy New Year.

Roa and the team would like to thank the following for being on board with them on the #91R.  HD Industries, Burris Racing, Competition Suspension, Sander Engineering, Biker Bruce Fisher, K-1 Race Gear, Molecule, Rod End Supply and Baldwin Filters.  If you or your company would like to jump on board the 2021 season, please give the talented racer a call at (714) 932-7994 or E-mail brodyroa91@gmail.com.  He also wants to than car owner Jayson May and the #8M sponsors, Fastenal, Coopers Propane, Total Lubricants, Marina Pools, TJM Oilfield Distribution, Certex, and Biker Bruce for giving him such a fast car.

To view Roa’s online portfolio and learn more about the team, please click on the following link https://www.teamwithbrody.com/.  Fans can also follow the 2020 action on his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/br91r/.

To keep up with May Motorsports, please check out its Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/MayMotorsports8M

Top 5 Signs Your Car Is Due for Repair

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SM
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Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

Cars are arguably the most accessible means of transportation today. They are technological marvels designed to function and transport us for thousands of miles. Despite this, they require routine maintenance and repairs, which can result in untold damage if not completed. If your car shows any of the following signs, then it may be time to take it to the auto shop for repairs.

Fluid Leaks

Leaks are a common car issue that signals that there is a problem with your motor vehicle. While this problem might be minor initially, it will grow into something significant if you do not attend to it. Some systems in your car work efficiently because of certain fluids, and when these fluids become unavailable due to leakage, it spells trouble. If you are looking for where to go for auto repairs, Crash Champions is the ideal auto repair shop to visit.

Knocking Noise

If you hear a knocking noise from the hood of your high-tech car while driving, then your vehicle is due for a repair. A knocking noise results from worn-out engine bearings and will require extensive repairs to resolve. Engine bearings are what moving parts of a vehicle engine rests on. As such, if you do not repair, you will be risking an engine seizure, which does not bode well for your car.

Engine bearings wear out due to extensive mileage or inadequate lubrication. While damage due to mileage is unavoidable, damage due to poor lubrication is. Therefore, always lubricate your engine appropriately and with the proper fluids. So ensure you get where you need to go in the years to come with a reliable vehicle and service from America’s Auto Care & Tire.

Pulling

Pulling occurs when your vehicle jerks to the right or the left while driving. Common causes of this phenomenon include a troubled suspension and problems with the wheel alignment. Fixing such car issues immediately will help prevent further damages which may lead to costly repairs.

Engine Light

If your engine light goes off and comes on, you can be sure your car has a problem that needs fixing. Your engine light going off can indicate any of a wide range of issues, which you wouldn’t be able to ascertain on your own. However, a technician will be able to run diagnostics to figure out the problem and how to solve it.

Excessive Exhaust Smoke

If your sport car’s exhaust suddenly starts releasing a large volume of smoke, especially colored, it is an indicator that there is a problem. Different colors point to various problems, such as:

  • Blue colored smoke indicates that oil is being burnt inside the motor due to an oil leak
  • White-colored smoke points to mixing coolant fluid and gasoline in the combustion chamber due to a coolant leak
  • Black smoke indicates that your engine is burning too much gasoline

Endnote

A car that is used regularly is likely to develop issues. If you experience any of these signs, then it is time to take your car for a repair. If you fail to do so, you should be ready for even significant damage, which can render your car useless and irreparable.

Tips on Inspecting Your Vehicle’s Tyres

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SM
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Your tyres are a significant part of the overall driving experience as well as the vehicle’s safe performance. Tyres are, quite literally, where the rubber meets the road. They help with accelerating, braking, and controlling the vehicle, and a reliable set of tyres will make the difference between a safe ride and a dangerous one. With regular inspections, it’s possible to spot tyre problems before they get serious. Here are a few tips on tyre inspection.

Check the Depth of the Tread

When tyres have enough tread, they have sufficient traction to hold onto the road. If the tread on your car tyres is less than .15mm deep, it’s time to replace them. Worn tread makes a vehicle unsafe, and it also decreases its handling capabilities. Most tyres have tread wear indicator bars built in, which makes it easy to track tyre wear. If the tread wear indicator bar is even with the tyre’s ribs, it’s time to buy new tyres.

Check the Tyre Pressure

It’s easy to use a tyre pressure gauge to ensure proper inflation. The right pressure for a vehicle’s tyres can be found on a placard inside the driver’s side door or the owner’s manual. Proper tyre pressure helps keep us safe on the road, and it’s important to ensure that each tyre on your vehicle is inflated to the right kg/square meter. Compare the reading you get to the figure recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.

Inspect the Tyres’ Sidewalls

Next, examine the tyres’ sidewalls for gouges, scrapes, cracks, and bulges. Cracking typically occurs when the rubber on a tyre starts to degrade from normal wear and elemental exposure. Cracks and bulges indicate the possibility of imminent tyre failure, which means it’s best to replace such a tyre as soon as possible.

Selecting New Tyres

After you’ve decided to change your 4X4 tyres, it becomes easier to select a new set. Start by assessing your usage habits, as well as the seasons and terrain in which you drive. Afterward, it’s simple to find a tyre that suits your driving style.

Maintenance is Essential

Tyre rotation, wheel alignment, and tyre balancing also help tyres become more effective. Age is another crucial consideration; a set of tyres can last up to five years. Maintaining your tyres isn’t just easy and quick, but it also helps keep you safe while saving money. Visit your local online tyre shop for tips on assessing your tyres and ensuring their longevity. If your tyres are worn or damaged, so is your vehicle. When tyres show signs of damage or wear, have them inspected to determine the need for replacement or repair.

ARCA Menards Series 2021 Schedule Features 20 Races at 19 Tracks

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Official Release
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Season Kicks Off at DAYTONA in February, Concludes at Kansas in October

The ARCA Menards Series has finalized its 2021 schedule, which opens on Saturday, February 13 at DAYTONA International Speedway and concludes at Kansas Speedway in October. The 20-race schedule will be contested at 19 different venues, and will once again include the Sioux Chief Showdown, a series-within-the-series that is designed to bring together top teams from the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West.

The diverse schedule includes stops at superspeedways, intermediate tracks, road courses, paved short tracks and a pair of one-mile dirt tracks.

Highlights include:

  • Eleven races run in conjunction with one or more of the NASCAR national touring series – the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series – including stops at DAYTONA, Phoenix Raceway, Talladega Superspeedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Pocono Raceway, Watkins Glen International, Michigan International Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Kansas Speedway.
  • Kansas Speedway will be the only venue to host two races, one in May and then the season finale in October.
  • The series will visit its home track, Toledo Speedway, for the 81st time on Saturday, May 22, return to Minnesota’s Elko Speedway on Saturday, July 10, and visit Indiana’s Salem Speedway on Saturday, September 25 for the final short track race of the season.The Elko race kicks off a stretch of four short track races in four weeks, with additional stops at Berlin Raceway in Michigan, Iowa Speedway, and Indiana’s Winchester Speedway on consecutive Saturdays.
  • Two road course races are on the calendar, the first on June 4 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in conjunction with the track’s NASCAR Xfinity Series weekend, and the second at Watkins Glen International on August 6, part of a quadruple-header with the NASCAR Camping World Trucks, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR Cup Series.
  • A trio of stops at historic fairgrounds, with the two traditional mile-dirt races at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield and DuQuoin State Fairgrounds in DuQuoin, Illinois sandwiched around a return visit to the historic Milwaukee Mile at Wisconsin State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin. It marks the first time since 2007 the series will race at Milwaukee. The Springfield race is the second part of a weekend double-header as the series will compete two days prior at Michigan International Speedway.
  • The race at Charlotte and the fall race at Kansas are on a flex schedule and could be moved by a day.

The Sioux Chief Showdown, ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West and the broadcast schedules are currently being finalized and will be released in the coming weeks.

The complete 2021 ARCA Menards Series Schedule –

Date Track Location
Sat., 2/13 DAYTONA International Speedway Daytona Beach, FL
Fri., 3/12 Phoenix Raceway Avondale, AZ
Sat., 4/24 Talladega Superspeedway Talladega, AL
Sat., 5/1 Kansas Speedway Kansas City, KS
Sat., 5/22 Toledo Speedway Toledo, OH
Fri./Sat., 5/28-29 (F) Charlotte Motor Speedway Concord, NC
Fri., 6/4 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Lexington, OH
Fri., 6/25 Pocono Raceway Long Pond, PA
Sat., 7/10 Elko Speedway Elko, MN
Sat., 7/17 Berlin Raceway Marne, MI
Sat., 7/24 Iowa Speedway Newton, IA
Sat., 7/31 Winchester Speedway Winchester, IN
Fri., 8/6 Watkins Glen International Watkins Glen, NY
Fri., 8/20 Michigan International Speedway Brooklyn, MI
Sun., 8/22 Illinois State Fairgrounds Springfield, IL
Sun., 8/29 Milwaukee Mile West Allis, WI
Sun., 9/5 DuQuoin State Fairgrounds DuQuoin, IL
Thur., 9/16 Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol, TN
Sat., 9/25 Salem Speedway Salem, IN
Sat/Sun., 10/23-24 (F) Kansas Speedway Kansas City, KS

(F) denotes race that is on a Flex Schedule and could be moved by a day
**All dates are tentative and subject to change.

ARCA MENARDS SERIES RETURNS TO PHOENIX RACEWAY IN 2021 WITH TWO EVENTS INCLUDING WEST SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP, NOVEMBER 6

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Official Release
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PHOENIX (Dec. 1, 2020) – Phoenix Raceway today announced the return of the ARCA Menards Series in 2021 with races during each of the two annual NASCAR event weekends, including the ARCA Menards Series West championship event on November 6 as part of NASCAR Championship Weekend. The series is the top developmental ladder for drivers looking to make the next step to one of NASCAR’s three national series as well as a proving ground for some of the best short-track veterans.

“We’re thrilled to host the ARCA Menards Series for two events at Phoenix Raceway once again in 2021 and look forward to crowning another champion in the series next November,” said Phoenix Raceway President Julie Giese. “It’s important that we continue delivering action-packed on-track excitement for our fans and this series offers us that opportunity while also showcasing many of the up-and-coming drivers in stock car racing.”

The series’ first stop through the Valley of the Sun at Phoenix Raceway will be on Friday, March 12 as part of the track’s NASCAR spring event weekend featuring the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Cup Series. This ARCA Menards Series event will be the first race in the Sioux Chief Showdown, a ten-race series within a series that brings together the best from the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West.

The ARCA Menards Series West will once again crown its season champion at Phoenix Raceway when the series returns as part of a Saturday doubleheader with the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship on November 6. The event will be one of four championship races over three days as part of NASCAR Championship Weekend, which will also include the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship and the NASCAR Cup Series championship. ARCA Menards Series West crowned a champion at Phoenix for the first time earlier this year when 15-year-old California-native Jesse Love took home his first ARCA title.

Fans looking to get their tickets to the ARCA Menards Series race on March 12 can do so now by visiting PhoenixRaceway.com or by calling 866-408-RACE (7223). Tickets for the ARCA Menards Series West championship race on November 6 are available now through the purchase of 2021 season tickets ahead of NASCAR Championship Weekend single-event tickets going on sale at a later date.

About Phoenix Raceway

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

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series™), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour), one local grassroots series and three international series. The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, Americrown Service and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

Nikita Mazepin named Haas F1 competitor for 2021 season

By
Andrew Kim
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Haas F1 Team announced Nikita Mazepin has inked a multi-year contract to drive for America’s lone Formula One team for the 2021 season, which will mark Mazepin’s first competition in F1.

Mazepin, a 21-year-old native from Moscow, Russia, currently competes in the FIA Formula 2 Championship for Hitech Racing. He won his first two F2 career races this season in featured events (Silverstone Circuit and Mugello Circuit), he has achieved six podium results and he is ranked in third place in the Drivers’ standings with the series entering its pair of final races of the season at the Bahrian International Circuit on December 5-6.

The announcement of Mazepin joining Haas is all part of Haas’ new driver roster for the 2021 season after the team announced in late October that Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will not be returning next season.

“I’m delighted that Nikita Mazepin will be driving for Haas F1 Team next season,” Guenther Steiner, Haas’ Team Principal, said. “Nikita has underlined his credentials in Formula 2 this year with a brace of victories and a handful of podiums in what’s been a strong sophomore season for him. He’s developed into a mature racer moving up through the junior ranks – notably most recently in the GP3 Series, where he finished runner-up in 2018, and obviously in Formula 2 over the past two seasons. I’m excited to see what Nikita can achieve in Formula 1 and we look forward to giving him the opportunity to compete at the highest level of world motorsport. With a record-setting 23 race schedule set for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, he’s going to get plenty of track action to learn all the nuances of Grand Prix racing.”

Mazepin comes into Formula One racing with an extensive background in racing, having competed in the Formula Renault 2.0 NEC for Josef Kaufmann Racing and the Toyota Racing Series for ETEC Motorsport in 2015 before racing in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship the following two seasons for Hitech GP. He then competed in the GP3 Series for ART Grand Prix in 2018, where he won four races and finished in second place in the final standings. The following season, he competed in the FIA Formula 2 Championship season for ART Grand Prix, where he claimed two poles and finished in 18th place in the final standings. He also competed in the 2019-20 F3 Asian Championship with Hitech Grand Prix, where he finished in third place in the final standings.

Mazepin is also a former F1 test competitor for Force India and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. He is set to become the fourth Russian to compete in Formula One, joining Vitaly Petrov, Sergey Sirotkin and Daniil Kvyat.

“Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a lifelong dream come true for me,” Mazepin said. “I really appreciate the trust being put in me by Gene Haas, Guenther Steiner, and the whole of the team. They’re giving a young driver an opportunity and I thank them for that. I’m looking forward to starting our relationship together, both on and off the track, and I’m naturally keen to continue to demonstrate my abilities after a strong Formula 2 season. The team will be looking to me for feedback and inputs in order to refine its package for 2021 and beyond. I will take that responsibility on and can’t wait to get started.”

An announcement of Haas’ second competitor for the 2021 F1 season will be announced at a later date.

AJ Allmendinger Returns to Full-Time Competition with Kaulig Racing

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Official Release
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Kaulig Racing Adds Third Full-Time Entry to NASCAR Xfinity Series Lineup

LEXINGTON, N.C. (December 1, 2020) – AJ Allmendinger will be returning to full-time competition with Kaulig Racing for the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season.

Allmendinger, who retired from full-time competition in 2018, joined Kaulig Racing’s NXS lineup in 2019, where he made five starts, earning a win at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL and two top-five finishes. In 2020, Allmendinger piloted the No. 16 Chevrolet for 11 races, and recorded two wins, his first-ever on an oval at Atlanta Motor Speedway, as well as a back-to-back win at the Charlotte ROVAL.

“As a part time driver for Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity series, I have really enjoyed working with all the women and men in the organization these past two years,” said Allmendinger. “The love of showing up to NASCAR races has returned for me, and I truly have enjoyed myself on and off the racetrack. It starts with Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice. I can’t thank them enough for giving me a call at the start of 2019 and offering me races that continued into 2020. More than anything, I have really loved being part of the team and watching the growth of the organization, and because of that, the opportunity to come back full-time in 2021 was something I just could not pass up.”

Kaulig Racing recently announced the return of 2020 Championship 4 contender, Justin Haley, as well as the addition of Jeb Burton to its stable, who will contend for the 2021 NXS Championship alongside Allmendinger.

“I am very grateful for Matt Kaulig, Chris Rice and everybody at Kaulig Racing for allowing this to happen,” continued Allmendinger. “I can’t wait to work with my son, Justin Haley, full-time and now Jeb Burton as well. I’m ready to go after a championship in 2021!”

During Allmendinger’s tenure in the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) from 2007 – 2018, he made 371 starts and recorded one win and 11 top-five finishes. Before joining Kaulig Racing, the California native made 11 NXS starts and recorded two wins and three top-five finishes. In 16 starts with Kaulig Racing, he surpassed that, recording three wins and eight top-five finishes.

“Having AJ race full-time for Kaulig Racing will only elevate our program to another level,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. “I truly believe his veteran experience has helped us in every race he has ever run with us, and that is evident in his finishes. I’m sure he will complement our other two great drivers we already have, as he’s been a great teammate since day one. I love the challenge in front of us to go after the championship in 2021 with all three of our drivers.”

Kaulig Racing began as a one-car team in 2016 and expanded to two, full-time entries in 2020 with a part-time, third entry. The 2021 NXS season will mark the first time in the team’s history it fields a third, full-time entry.

“Kaulig Racing has come such a long way in only a few short years,” said team owner, Matt Kaulig. “We started this team in 2016 and have made the playoffs every year. This year we stepped up even more, and had two cars in the playoffs with one in the Championship 4 at Phoenix. With AJ Allmendinger added to our stable, and three fantastic drivers, we will have an even better chance at the championship.”

Allmendinger will pilot the No. 16 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing beginning at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 13, 2021. Sponsor announcements to come at a later date.

About Kaulig Racing™
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and made the Championship 4 round for the first time in 2020. Kaulig Racing fields two full-time entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by Jeb Burton and the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Justin Haley, as well as, a part-time entry – the No. 16 driven by AJ Allmendinger. Kaulig Racing™ earned five wins in 2020 and have come to be one of the top competitors on track each weekend. The team also made its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) start in the 2020 Daytona 500 with Justin Haley where he finished 13th. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Chip Ganassi Racing and The American Legion Announce Multi-Year NTT INDYCAR SERIES Relationship

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Official Release
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The American Legion to sponsor the No. 48 driven by racing legends, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Kanaan

INDIANAPOLIS (December 1, 2020) – Chip Ganassi Racing (CGR) announced today a multi-year agreement with the nation’s largest veterans service organization, The American Legion, as a sponsor of the No. 48 Honda in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES represented by a combination of Seven-Time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson (street and road courses) and former Indianapolis 500 Winner and Series Champion Tony Kanaan (ovals).

“We’re excited about this new relationship with The American Legion as it allows us to further the sponsorship program on the No. 48 team with Jimmie and Tony, while also representing a very important relationship with an organization dedicated to supporting veterans,” said Chip Ganassi, team owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. “Jimmie in particular has a long-standing appreciation for the service of veterans, so it was just another reason why partnering with The American Legion on his debut in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES made sense.”

The American Legion will be featured prominently on Johnson’s No. 48 Honda during every race in the 2021 and 2022 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The organization will also be the primary paint scheme for two races in 2021, including, “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” the Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend. Kanaan, winner of the 2013 Indianapolis 500, will be behind the wheel for those races.

“This is truly a win-win for all involved,” said James W. “Bill” Oxford, national commander of The American Legion. “Teaming up with Chip Ganassi Racing allows The American Legion to showcase how it strengthens America every day through its programs, advocacy and support of veterans and their families. We’re looking forward to bringing that message and our mission to race fans across the country.”

The announcement comes on #GivingTuesday, a day of global giving designed to help change communities and the world. As a result, Johnson, who has family members that have served in the military, will be making a $10,000 donation to The American Legion. Johnson hopes his donation will motivate fans and the public to support our veterans by donating $48 to The American Legion. The $48 pays homage to the number 48 car that he and Kanaan will drive. Donors can visit legion.org/48 to make a gift and help celebrate this new relationship and veterans across the country.

“Our family knows firsthand how important it is to recognize our veterans,” said Johnson, who’s grandfathers and brother-in-law served in the military.  “It’s exciting to be partnering with The American Legion to be able to show our appreciation to veterans and to continue to raise public awareness and support for this special organization.  Giving Tuesday is a great day to announce this partnership and a way for fans to show their appreciation for our veterans.”

About The American Legion

The American Legion is the largest veterans service organization with nearly 2 million members in more than 12,000 posts across the nation. Chartered by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is committed to mentoring youth and sponsoring wholesome community programs, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting a strong national security and continued devotion to servicemembers and veterans.

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 the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 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

DJ KENNINGTON PARTNERSHIP WITH CASTROL CANADA EXTENDED

By
Official Release
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DJ Kennington racing the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge at Jukasa Motor Speedway on his way to victory at the NASCAR Pinty’s series season finale in 2020. Photo Credit: Mathew Murnaghan

-New multi-year agreement signed-

December 1, 2020. DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team have been fixtures in the NASCAR Pinty’s series and for many years previous to that as part of the CASCAR series. The St. Thomas, Ontario driver’s career began at age 16 with the Castrol brand adorning his racecar and that extraordinary partnership will continue into a new decade.

DJ Kennington and Wakefield Canada, the manufacturer and distributor of Castrol branded lubricants in Canada, are pleased to announce a new multi-year agreement that will see Kennington continue to drive the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge in the NASCAR Pinty’s Series in 2021 and beyond, continuing the partnership that began more than 25 years ago.

“This is a relationship that goes way beyond racing” stated Kennington. “It started as a business partnership but quickly evolved into much more. I think we all have people in our lives that are not blood relatives that we consider family, that’s how this is. I’ve been so proud to represent them for my entire career.” he added.

The familiar Castrol logo has been visible on DJ Kennington racecars for a multitude of milestone moments. He is the only driver to compete in each of the 166 NASCAR Pinty’s series races accumulating 21 wins and 99 top-five finishes. Kennington claimed the pole position in the first ever NASCAR Pinty’s series event in 2007 along with series championships in 2010 and 2012. The second title run featuring an extraordinary seven race wins that year including five in a row.

A Castrol Canada association was also part of the programs when DJ Kennington raced in the NASCAR Trucks and Xfinity Series events and when he raced his way into the Daytona 500 in 2017, becoming just the eighth Canadian to participate in the crown jewel of the NASCAR Cup Series.

“I’m not much of a look back guy, I’m always focused on the next race and how we can be better, but there’s no denying that the success on the racetrack in the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge in the Pinty’s series and all the other NASCAR events, I owe it all to the long-term association with everyone at Castrol Canada and Wakefield” stated Kennington.

This alliance is unique & special for Wakefield Canada as well. “we’re excited to be back with DJ and the #17 team in 2021 and are confident our partnership can continue to win both on and off the track. DJ has been a great ambassador for our brand and we’re looking forward to leveraging this partnership further and creating new opportunities to win in the years to come” stated Rob Fifield, Marketing Manager, Brand & Sponsorship for Wakefield Canada.

As he stated earlier Kennington’s attention is now squarely on the 2021 NASCAR Pinty’s season and achieving peak performance from the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge. “Our shop is busy; we’ve got cars just about ready to go so once spring arrives and we can begin testing we’ll be at the track” said Kennington.

“We also want to remind everyone to be safe and stay healthy during the holiday season as we battle Covid-19. Hopefully we’re at the point that it’s safe to have our fans back at the track next season, we can’t wait for that” he added.

The NASCAR Pinty’s Series races are broadcast on TSN in Canada. Broadcast details will be available once the season schedule is announced.

Race fans can follow DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team on their official social media platforms:

Twitter  www.twitter.com/@djkracing
Instagram  www.instagram.com/djkracing
Website  www.djkracing.ca
Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/DJKenningtonRacing/

Follow Castrol Canada
Twitter www.twitter.com/@CastrolCanada
Facebook www.facebook.com/castrolcanada

About Wakefield Canada
Wakefield was founded in 2005 as BP/Castrol’s exclusive strategic partner in Canada. Since then, our company has continued to drive business and brand growth.
Wakefield is a Platinum Club member of Canada’s best managed companies. Platinum Members have maintained their Best Managed status for seven years or more.
Wakefield’s brand portfolio includes Castrol premium lubricants, Castrol EDGE, GTX Magnatec, GTX, Vecton, CRB, and more as its cornerstone brand and business, along with a complete lineup of Wakefield branded products, and SuperClean, a line of cleaners and degreasers for which Wakefield is the exclusive trading partner in Canada.

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