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CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT THE INDIANAPOLIS 500: ARROW MCLAREN AVAILIBILTY

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NTT INDYCAR SERIES News Conference
Friday, May 23, 2025
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Arrow McLaren

THE MODERATOR: Good morning, and happy Carb Day. Holy cow, we have made it to race weekend! I’m utterly impressed that you guys made it here on time.

Moving on, I’ve probably milked these cow jokes enough, but glad to have these four Arrow McLaren teammates here. We’ll spend about 10 minutes doing press conference style and then we’ll go into scrum style for another 10 minutes.

We’ll go ahead and get started. Pato O’Ward will roll off third in the front row to get started this weekend, Christian rolling off eighth, Kyle Larson in 19th and rookie for the race Nolan Siegel in 24th.

What has been your highlight of the month of May so far?

PATO O’WARD: Milking a cow this morning. Woke up for some morning milking, and it was a really cool experience.

CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I think my best experience was listening to what he just said.

KYLE LARSON: I was going to say the same thing.

NOLAN SIEGEL: Mine is yet to come. It’s going to be when they let me do something involved with the Wienie 500 like waving the green flag.

PATO O’WARD: Drivers, start your wieners! (Laughter.)

Q. It’s two different kind of cars, Formula 1 and INDYCAR. Nevertheless, are there some engineering cooperation between your two teams from England to America? During the off-season INDYCAR is now finished quite early after German standard. Is there any sorts of plans for McLaren to give the Formula 1 guys to give some possibility to drive an INDYCAR and vice versa, INDYCAR driver in a Formula 1 car?

THE MODERATOR: I think the first question, Pato, you’ve been over and the reserve driver for the F1 so if you don’t mind sharing how McLaren, F1 and INDYCAR overlap.

PATO O’WARD: Yeah, so with both being open wheel, there is certain things that can be learned from one to another, but it would be a lot less than you think because Formula 1 is a constructor’s championship; you obviously create the car. In INDYCAR it’s more spec.

I do think a lot of the development that actually goes on in INDYCAR isn’t really looked through in so much depth in Formula 1 because what we focus on is parts that — well, that are aero usually, it’s just so aero dependent and focused.

I will say there’s been some crossover from marketing people, from engineering, as well, especially for this weekend and for the 500. There’s a lot of people from the UK that came here to help over here. There is some overlap.

But I wouldn’t say it’s for every weekend. I would say just more select events.

There’s obviously some things that you can learn from one to another, but I would say it’s a lot less than what people think because they don’t translate to each other.

THE MODERATOR: On your second question, I think we’ll let Zak answer that at some point. No immediate plans for the crossover from the F1 guys over here, but never say never. He’ll answer at some point, I’m sure. Right now we’re focused on Kyle as our fourth driver.

Q. Christian, there’s a lot of talk about the pushing that you are doing in performance against Pato. Do you feel like this is — how do you describe how that helps the team going up?

CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, to me, I assume Pato would agree with this, to me it’s very simple. I never came into this team to take Pato’s space. I came here to try to improve the overall package. The only feedback that I’ve been given is it’s going in the right direction, and at the end of the day, we both want to beat each other, but we also want to beat everybody else. I think that’s what we’re really focused on is we’re picking our battles, and I think there is huge respect between the two of us on the track and even off the track.

We want to help and improve the package as a team, and one car is going to be stronger one race and the other is going to be stronger in another race, and I think we’re at peace with that, and I think we’ve seen it already.

I think both of us will be happy to be fighting each other for wins at every single race.

Q. Nolan, I think also the improvement in the team is seen in your side of the garage. What do you describe as the dynamic in the group that you feel like the team is changing after your first year and this year?

NOLAN SIEGEL: Yeah, well, on my side, obviously, I have a bit more learning to do than these guys. We’re coming up to a stretch of races that I did last year, and I think that that’ll be much easier for me in a sense going back to places that I’ve been before, and that’ll be a bit of a change. I think there’s been a big improvement on my side just coming off of races that I haven’t been to before. There’s just a big learning curve.

But no, I feel like we’ve done a good job and the qualifying performance has been good. We’ve had strong races, and it’s just kind of starting to come together. I think results will follow.

On the team side, we changed a lot this off-season. Obviously TK being a team principal now, the 6 car group, core group, changed a lot over the offseason, and I think there have been a lot of really positive changes, and we’ve made a huge amount of progress as a group. Like Christian is saying, I think there’s been progress on the car. I think there’s also been progress on kind of all sides of the team, whether even not necessarily car performance related sides of the team.On the outside, it looks like a lot of changes that might be scary, but I think they’ve been really, really positive, and that’s showing in the performance.

Q. Kyle, I’m sure you’ve probably been asked this, but what has the support been like? How has that made you feel kind of getting the support from the NASCAR side, from whether it be drivers that are reaching out to you, and also, on the converse of that, being here, the INDYCAR fans that are so supportive of you doing this milestone?

KYLE LARSON: Yeah, I think everybody can respect somebody doing the double, so it does — I notice the support, and from the fans especially probably more than anything.

Yeah, it always makes you feel good that you feel like there’s a large amount of people cheering you on.

So yeah, hopefully we can just make everybody proud this weekend and do a good job in both races and just try our best.

Q. Have you spoken with Tony Stewart or any of those guys at all or not really necessarily?

KYLE LARSON: I talked to Tony on the phone the other day mostly just because he’s getting in the broadcast booth on Sunday so he was checking in to see how things were going and what may be different than last year and stuff like that. It was good to catch up with him. I haven’t talked to him in a while, so it was good to chat on the phone.

Q. Pato, as you enter this race on Sunday, where do you feel like you guys’ race car package is from where you guys have had it the last couple years?

PATO O’WARD: We’ve still got work to do, I would say. I don’t think that we’re as far along as we have been in years past. I do think we nailed it in qualifying. At least with my car I was pretty happy with it, as happy as I’ve ever been for 500 qualifying. But for the race car it’s been a bit more of a challenge. Today’s two hours are going to be really important to kind of dialing her in.

But I don’t think we’re far away, but we’re definitely not — I don’t see, at least my car, was even close to some of the other stronger cars that I’ve seen, where it’s like, ooh — I feel like there’s a bigger difference from strong cars to average to, like, weak cars this year. It seems like the change is quite a bit more than years past. Yeah, just trying to get a little bit better and a bit more comfortable.

Q. Kyle, do you feel like this year is less attention and spotlight on your attempt than last year?

KYLE LARSON: Yeah, I actually like that a lot. I feel like I get a lot of attention in everything that I do and race, and I don’t really like that because I feel like it takes away from the spotlight of others. This year has been better because I feel like I’ve kind of flown under the radar a little bit more. Not really under the radar, still obviously an important thing, and I have still gotten a lot of coverage.

But last year I felt, like, crazy.

It’s been good. It’s been more normal, and I like it that way.

Q. How much is it the Pato effect? You don’t have anyone like that in NASCAR to take some of that attention away from you.

KYLE LARSON: Yeah, we’re all pretty vanilla at Hendrick, but he’s not. I feel like most of the INDYCAR garage, though, has got good personalities, so we need more guys like Pato in NASCAR.

Q. Pato, I did not wake up to see you milk the cow, so tell us how you enjoyed your experience.

KYLE LARSON: He loved it.

PATO O’WARD: I really did. The experience was great. Woke up, excited to wake up to milk a cow. Quite interesting. Very warm, you know, gotta warm her up. Her name was Rihanna. Yeah, she was fabulous. Did you see a video at least? You’ll see, first try.

THE MODERATOR: We will split up into scrums and then Tony Kanaan will also join. We’ve got about 10 minutes before the guys have to get off to the drivers’ meeting.

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

Hendrick Motorsports, William Byron agree to four-year contract extension

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Official Release
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DAYTONA 500 CHAMP TO DRIVE NO. 24 CHEVROLET THROUGH 2029

CONCORD, N.C. (May 23, 2025) – Hendrick Motorsports has signed William Byron to a four-year contract extension that will keep him behind the wheel of the No. 24 Chevrolet through the 2029 NASCAR Cup Series season. At just 27 years old, Byron has emerged as one of the sport’s most competitive drivers, having already earned 14 Cup-level race wins – including two in the DAYTONA 500 – and six consecutive playoff appearances (2019-2024).

Byron opened the 2025 season with his second straight DAYTONA 500 victory, becoming the youngest multi-time winner in the event’s storied history, and currently ranks second in the Cup standings after 12 points-paying races. Since being paired with crew chief Rudy Fugle in 2021, he has tallied 13 wins – the second-highest total in the series over that span.

“We’ve built something special with the No. 24 team,” said Byron, who is in his eighth full-time season in the Cup Series. “I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue working with amazing people at Hendrick Motorsports who believe in me, especially Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick. We’ve accomplished some great things that we’re really proud of, but we have even bigger goals ahead. I’m excited to go after them with this team and this organization.”

Byron, who Hendrick Motorsports signed in 2016 at age 18, earned Cup Series rookie of the year honors in 2018 and has become a perennial playoff contender, including back-to-back Championship 4 appearances in 2023 and 2024. He is the only driver other than NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon to win for Hendrick Motorsports in the iconic No. 24 Chevrolet.

“William is the real deal,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “What makes him so special is that he combines natural ability with an unrivaled work ethic. You see it in the great ones – the drivers who could get by on talent alone but choose to outwork everyone anyway. That’s William. On top of it all, he’s a person of high character and embraces his role as a leader. We’re proud to have him in our lineup and look forward to many more wins together.”

A native of Charlotte, North Carolina, Byron will compete at his home track this weekend with double-duty at Charlotte Motor Speedway: Saturday in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (CW Network at 4:30 p.m. ET) and Sunday in the crown jewel Coca-Cola 600 (Prime Video at 6 p.m. ET).

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (316) and laps led (more than 83,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 41 different seasons, including an active streak of 40 in a row (1986-2025). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 150 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

CHEVROLET IN INDYCAR AT THE INDIANAPOLIS 500: RACE ADVANCE

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Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
THE 109TH RUNNING OF THE INDIANAPOLIS 500
INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE

DETROIT (May 22, 2025) The 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 provides Chevrolet with the biggest stage in racing to showcase its engineering development and performance on the biggest stage in American Motorsports.

Chevrolet engineers and their technical partner’s hard work over the off-season paid off with a pair of Chevrolet-powered drivers on the front row and five more Team Chevy drivers in the first four rows. Rookie Robert Shwartzman in the No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet, a surprise pole winner, is joined on the outside of the front row by The No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet driven by Pato O’Ward. The Mexican driver has come up just short, finishing second in two of the last three ‘Greatest Spectacles In Racing,’ and is hungry to add his face to the Borg-Warner Trophy.

“Congratulations to Robert Shwartzman and PREMA Racing on winning the pole for the Indianapolis 500,” said Mark Stielow, Director Motorsport Competition Engineering – General Motors. “As a rookie driver and team, this is a major accomplishment. We are excited to have Pato O’Ward also qualifying on the front row to give Chevrolet two strong drivers up front when the green flag flies, and all 18 Chevy-powered cars qualified into the 33-car field.”

All 18 Chevrolet-powered drivers entered for this year’s Indianapolis 500 qualified, the most Gold Bowtie adorned starters for the “Greatest Spectacle In Racing” since 2002. That year, 26 drivers, including the winner Helio Castroneves and nine of the top ten finishers, were a part of Team Chevy.

“The major goal for Chevrolet is still ahead of us – winning the Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” continued Stielow. “Every year, winning the Indianapolis 500 is one of our primary goals, and our Chevrolet engineering group has worked tirelessly with our teams and technical partners at Ilmor to give the Team Chevy drivers their best opportunity to win the biggest race in the world. To see the Borg Warner Trophy with the wreath, the milk and the amazing Corvette ZR1 pace car awarded to a Chevrolet driver is the ultimate result. We are well prepared for ‘Drivers Start Your Engine’ on Sunday.”

Also new this year, teams and drivers are learning how to maximize the benefit of the hybrid power at the Speedway. Using a supercapacitor to store energy, drivers will have manual and automatic options to deploy the additional 60 horsepower, adding a new wrinkle to the “Greatest Spectacle In Racing.” During practice and qualifying, unique challenges presented to the teams in the quest for optimal performance.

The Team Chevy squad’s 18 drivers represent a mix of experience – half of the Indianapolis 500 winners in the field, with Josef Newgarden (2023 & 2024) behind the wheel of the No. 2 Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Team Penske Chevrolet, Ryan Hunter-Reay (2014) driving the No. 23 DRR CUSICK WEDBUSH SECURITIES Chevrolet, Will Power (2018) in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, and Alexander Rossi (2016) piloting the No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet, – along with youth – rookies Schwartzman and Nolan Siegel driving the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet are joined by seven other drivers that have made less than five Indianapolis 500 starts. The 18 Chevrolet-powered drivers feature 121 starts, five wins, four poles, 49 top ten finishes and 909 laps led in the ‘Greatest Spectacle In Racing.’

Newgarden, one of the Indianapolis 500 winners on Team Chevy, is looking for a record-breaking third straight Indianapolis 500 victory, something Helio Castroneves, Mauri Rose, Wilbur Shaw, Bill Vukovich, and Al Unser, Sr., the other back-to-back winners, have failed to accomplish.

For the second straight year, Kyle Larson will be wearing a gold Bowtie in both races for his attempt at the “double,” racing all 1,100 miles on Sunday. Larson will start inside the seventh row in the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Arrow McLaren Chevrolet in his second Indianapolis 500, after completing all 500 miles and running inside the top ten for two-thirds of last year’s race. Two quick helicopter rides sandwich a flight from Indianapolis to Charlotte, where the Californian will climb in the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Hendrick 1100 Chevrolet for the NASCAR Cup Series’ longest race of the year, the 66th Annual Coca-Cola 600.

The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 will pace the traditional 33 starters to the green flag of the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, marking the 36th time a Chevrolet has held that honor.

The 2025 Corvette ZR1, capable of 233mph, the highest top speed of any car ever made in America by an auto manufacturer, is the 22nd Corvette to pace the field, which started on the 25th Anniversary of the iconic symbol of American speed in 1978.

The 5.5L twin-turbo V8 delivers 1,064 horsepower at 7000 rpm, the most powerful V8 ever produced in America by an auto manufacturer, allowing the fastest Corvette produced to complete zero to 60mph in 2.3 seconds and zipping through the quarter mile in 9.6 seconds at 150mph.

Pro Hall of Fame member and longtime “FOX NFL Sunday” analyst Michael Strahan is the honorary Pace Car driver for the “Greatest Spectacle In Racing.”

Rapid Robert

Unexpected pole winner Robert Shwartzman, the driver of the No. 83 PREMA Racing, has an impressive racing resume, spending the last three years as a test and reserve driver in Formula One, winning one WEC race in the Hypercar class after an outstanding junior formula open-wheel career in Europe. Mostly driving for PREMA Racing, the Israeli-born driver won six FIA Formula 2 races, the 2019 FIA Formula 3 championship and more than ten races in the series below that.

  • The 25-year-old joins Teo Fabi (1983) and Walt Faulkner (1950) as only the third rookie to earn the pole for the Indianapolis 500 and is the only driver to accomplish the unlikely feat in his first-ever oval race.
  • Shwartzman’s first lap pace during the three portions of qualifying was impressive. The rookie had the second-fastest lap on Saturday at 233.320mph and the fastest laps during the Fast 12 (233.166mph) and Firestone Fast Six (233.173).
  • Ryan Briscoe won the first Indianapolis 500 pole in the twin-turbo 2.2L era of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES competition with Chevrolet power. This year, Briscoe is the Sporting Director for PREMA Racing, who, with Shwarztman, won the first Indianapolis 500 pole in the hybrid twin-turbo 2.2L era.
  • Shwartzman is the first Israeli-born driver to qualify for the Indianapolis 500.
  • The No. 83 PREMA Racing crew is a mix of experienced INDYCAR hands, newcomers from Europe, and one race engineer using vacation time from his full-time gig. That includes Nina Cheikh, Ilmor INDYCAR Trackside Support Engineer and Andrea Preacher, General Motors Trackside Engineer.

Television coverage for the 109th Indianapolis 500 in the U.S.A. will be available on FOX, FOX Deportes and the FOX Sports app beginning with pre-race coverage at 10 a.m.(ET), with the green flag flying at 12:45 p.m. International viewers car find viewing options here. INDYCAR Radio Network begins coverage at 10 a.m. and can be found on SiriusXM 218 or one of many local INDYCAR Radio affiliates.

Chevrolet at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Wins: 13

2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske

2023 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske

2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske

2018 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske

2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske

2013 – Tony Kanaan – KV Racing Technology-SH Racing

2002 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske

1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske

1992 – Al Unser, Jr. – Galles/Kraco

1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske

1990 – Arie Luyendyk – Doug Shierson Racing

1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske

1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske

Poles: 14

2025 – Robert Shwartzman – PREMA Racing

2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske

2019 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske

2018 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing

2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing

2014 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing

2013 – Ed Carpenter – Ed Carpenter Racing

2012 – Ryan Briscoe – Team Penske

2002 – Bruno Junqueira – Chip Ganassi Racing

1991 – Rick Mears – Team Penske

1990 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske

1989 – Rick Mears – Team Penske

1988 – Rick Mears – Team Penske

1987 – Mario Andretti – Newman Haas Racing

Podiums: (2.2L V6 Era since 2012): 19

Drivers: Josef Newgarden (3 – 2024, 2023, and 2016), Helio Castroneves (2 – 2017 & 2014), Tony Kanaan (2 – 2013 & 2012), Pato O’Ward (2 – 2024 & 2022), Simon Pagenaud (2 – 2021 & 2019), Will Power (2 – 2018 & 2015), Ed Carpenter (2018), Santino Ferrucci (2023), Ryan Hunter-Reay (2013), Charlie Kimball (2015), Juan Montoya (2015), and Carlos Munoz (2013)
Teams: Team Penske (9 – 2024, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015 [2], 2014), Andretti Global (2 – 2013 [2]), Arrow McLaren (2 – 2024, 2022), Ed Carpenter Racing (2 – 2018 & 2016), KV Racing Technology w/SH (2 – 2013 & 2012), A.J. Foyt Racing (2023), and Chip Ganassi Racing (2015)

Laps Led: (2.2L V6 Era since 2012): 1442

  • Drivers: Simon Pagenaud (169), Will Power (140), Ed Carpenter (137), Tony Kanaan (114), Pato O’Ward (93), Marco Andretti (90), Scott Dixon (87), Helio Castroneves (74), Conor Daly (69), Josef Newgarden (69), Scott McLaughlin (66), Rinus VeeKay (65), Felix Rosenqvist (47), Ryan Hunter-Reay (34), Juan Montoya (26), Carlos Munoz (12), AJ Allmendinger (23), Sting Ray Robb (23), Alexander Rossi (16), Ryan Briscoe (15), Santino Ferrucci (15), Charlie Kimball (10), J.R. Hildebrand (8), James Hinchcliffe (7), Spencer Pigot (7), Callum Ilott (6), EJ Viso (5), Oliver Askew (4), Sage Karam (4), Kyle Larson (4), Rubens Barrichello (2), and Townsend Bell (1)
  • Teams: Team Penske (568), Ed Carpenter Racing (278), Arrow McLaren (165), Chip Ganassi Racing (147), Andretti Global (140), A.J. Foyt Racing (57), KV Racing Technology (47), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (34), Juncos Hollinger Racing (5), and Panther Racing (1)

2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS

  • 344: Podiums in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.
  • 221: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as a twin-turbo V6 engine supplier since 2012.
  • 122: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.
  • 139: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 144 poles awards in total with five recorded based on points due to weathe
  • 107: Poles by Team Penske, the most of any Chevrolet powered team since 2012
  • 85: Wins by Team Penske, the most of any Chevrolet powered team since 2012
  • 47: Poles by Will Power since 2012, the most by any Chevrolet powered driver
  • 31: wins by Josef Newgarden since 2012, the most by any Chevrolet powered driver
  • 19: historical Driver Championships, including seven since 2012.
  • 9: Manufacturer Championships since 201
  • 8: podiums in 2025

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

RCR Race Preview: Charlotte Motor Speedway

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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Richard Childress Racing has made eight trips to Victory Lane at Charlotte Motor Speedway, including six wins in the prestigious Coca-Cola 600, which is the longest race in the NASCAR Cup Series season and widely considered a “Crown Jewel” event in our sport. Dale Earnhardt is the winningest driver under the RCR banner at Charlotte, winning the Coca-Cola 600 in 1986, 1992, and 1993, as well as a 500-mile race at the track in 1986. Kevin Harvick won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2011 and 2013, and Austin Dillon earned his career-first Cup Series win in the Coca-Cola 600 in 2017. Jeff Burton earned one win for RCR at Charlotte Motor Speedway in November 2008.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway… RCR has also found success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway with five victories, most recently when Tyler Reddick captured the checkered flag in 2019. Dillon swept both spring and fall races on the 1.5-mile layout in 2015. Jeff Green gave the Welcome, N.C., based company its first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory in 2002 (spring) and Jeff Burton in 2007 (fall).

RCR Expands NASCAR Xfinity Series Presence at Charlotte Motor Speedway… For the second time this season, Richard Childress Racing will field a three-car lineup in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this weekend. Austin Hill and Jesse Love will be joined by Austin Dillon in the No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet. Dillon, a former Xfinity Series champion and current NASCAR Cup Series driver, is a nine-time winner in the Xfinity Series and has two wins at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Dillon’s last start came in 2023 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Built for Durability… 600 grueling miles? No problem for ECR Engines, which are built on the campus of RCR with durability standards specifically designed to out-perform race conditions. The ECR team’s preparation for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway is consistent with every race on the calendar, driven by NASCAR’s engine seal requirements, which mandates that every engine must perform in multiple events. ECR’s validation process is designed to exceed the mileage and duty cycles of a full race life cycle, whether it’s a short track or a superspeedway. ECR will field eight engines in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.

600 Miles of Remembrance… Each entry in the Coca-Cola 600 will display a fallen service member’s name on the windshield header decal of the racecar as part of the 600 Miles of Remembrance Program as NASCAR Salutes together with Coca-Cola this weekend. As part of the program, the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet will carry the name of United States Army Staff Sergeant Sean Gregory Landrus, while the No. 8 zone Chevrolet will carry the name of Fireman Jeffrey M Svoboda. RCR will host the families of both fallen service members at the track on race day.

Honoring John A. Morris… The No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet will carry a special decal this weekend in recognition of John A. Morris, a decorated World War II veteran who proudly served his country in the Battle of the Bulge. Morris’ service to our country inspired his son’s lifelong respect and gratitude to servicemen and women, and influences many of the military and Veterans programs that are core to Bass Pro Shops.

Tickets to the 2025 Carolina Cowboys Home Stand Are Available Now… Driven by the same passion for performance that guides his race team, Richard Childress’ latest endeavor brings Professional Bull Riding to the Carolinas. The Carolina Cowboys represent the Carolinas in the PBR Team Series, an elite league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing in games throughout the country. The team is owned by Richard Childress and Jeff Broin with 2018 Daytona 500 Champion Dillon serving as General Manager. Don’t miss the Carolina Cowboys 2025 “Cowboy Days” Home Stand September 12-14 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tickets are on sale at PBR.com and Ticketmaster.

Catch the Action on Saturday… The NASCAR Xfinity Series BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be televised live Saturday, May 24, beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET on The CW. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday morning’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on The CW App.

Welcome, Amazon Prime… The Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, May 25, beginning at 6 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime, the first of five consecutive races this season that will air on the streaming service. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NASCAR Cup Series Practice & Qualifying at Charlotte Motor Speedway will also be broadcast on Amazon Prime. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

Austin Dillon and No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Austin Dillon earned his career-first NASCAR Cup Series win with a victory in the Coca-Cola 600 in May 2017. The Welcome, North Carolina native has competed in 16 Cup Series races at his home state track, earning five top-10 finishes. He is a two-time winner at the speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations, and more. In 2017, Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations, and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with RCR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit basspro.com.

The Winchester Legacy… Winchester is the largest small-caliber ammunition enterprise in the world and the leader in delivering innovative ammunition products to hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement, and the U.S. Warfighter. The 159-year-old Winchester® brand is built on integrity, hard work, and a deep focus on its loyal customers. Learn more about Winchester and the responsible use of its products by visiting Winchester.com or connecting with us on Facebook at Facebook.com/WinchesterOfficial.

A Patriotic Salute… Richard Childress Racing, Bass Pro Shops, and Winchester Ammunition are partnering together to honor and remember our nation’s fallen heroes this weekend by running a special patriotic-themed No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Ammunition Chevrolet in this year’s Coca-Cola 600. Dillon, the 2017 Coca-Cola 600 race winner, will pilot the car during the NASCAR Cup Series’ longest and most patriotic race of the season, held annually over Memorial Day weekend. Featuring the red, white and blue colors of our Nation’s flag, Dillon’s Coca-Cola 600 livery is designed to help showcase key patriotic initiatives of both Bass Pro Shops and Winchester, including Bass Pro Shops’ 10 percent off military discount, which is offered to active-duty service members and veterans both in store and online.

Honoring Army Staff Sergeant Sean Gregory Landrus… As part of NASCAR’s 600 Miles of Remembrance program, the windshield header on the No. 3 Chevrolet will feature the name of United States Army Staff Sergeant Sean Gregory Landrus. A native of Thompson, Ohio, Landrus died January 29, 2004, from injuries he suffered when a roadside bomb exploded and hit the convoy he was in near Khalidiyah, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His name was selected for the program by his niece, Jessica Pinkston, a team leader and outfitter at Bass Pro Shops’ Memphis Pyramid location.

Meet the Carolina Cowboys… Ahead of their fourth annual PBR (Professional Bull Riders) Team Series homestand Sept. 12-14 in Greensboro, North Carolina, the Carolina Cowboys, the region’s only professional bull riding team, will be activating in Charlotte Motor Speedway’s BetMGM Speed Street footprint. Stop by all weekend long for special guest appearances featuring members of the team, including coach Jerome Davis, assistant general manager Tiffany Davis, riders Ethan Winckler and Clay Guiton. Dillon, who serves as the team’s general manager, is scheduled to visit the display on Sunday at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to make several public-facing appearances this Sunday, beginning with a stop at the BetMGM Speed Street Stage in the fan midway to participate in a live auction on behalf of Speedway Childrens Charities. Stop by to bid on unique memorabilia and support a good cause. Dillon is also scheduled to visit the Team Chevy Stage (1:20 p.m. ET) and the RCR Merchandise Hauler (1:45 p.m. ET).

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600?

“There’s nothing better than Coca-Cola 600 weekend when all of our military branches are represented at the track. The flyover is as American as it gets and our racecar this weekend pretty much embodies that. Johnny Morris and everyone at Bass Pro Shops and Winchester have done a great job showcasing patriotism on our Chevy. We’ve got the American flag on the side of our car, and through the 600 Miles of Remembrance program we are honoring a fallen soldier. Sean Gregory Landrus will ride along with us. I’m looking forward to going out there, representing the Landrus family and being a part of a very patriotic Memorial Day weekend.”

You won the Coca-Cola 600 in 2017. It was your first NASCAR Cup Series win, and I am guessing you never get tired of seeing the video of the celebration or replaying the race.

“It was very special and I will always cherish my Coca-Cola 600 win. I’ve been close to getting the second one. We were just a lap away two years ago. Hopefully we can be a two-time Coca-Cola 600 Champion by the end of the weekend.”

What does it mean specifically to win the Coca-Cola 600?

“It’s so special to win a NASCAR race, but then to do it at Charlotte Motor Speedway, at a track where everybody is at – your family, your friends, and on Memorial Day weekend. It’s just a huge weekend in our sport and to win that and make it our first race win, I can’t even describe how exciting it is. It’s one of the best days of your life, and I’ll never forget it, that’s for sure.”

What will it take to win your second Coca-Cola 600 win?

“We’ve had some fast cars at RCR this year. I think we’ve learned a little bit over the last couple of weeks on the balance of our Chevys, and what we need. Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a place that we ran really well at in the beginning of the year, and I’m hoping that type of success translates over to this weekend in the Coca-Cola 600. It’s one of my favorite tracks, and I’m also in the NASCAR Xfinity Series race this weekend so those extra laps should give us some confidence.”

How tough is it to run 600 miles?

“It’s a true dog fight. You’re trying to take your equipment to the edge each lap, but knowing that you have such a long race to go it’s easy to lose focus and if you lose focus for one lap, you’re done. You have to do a very good job of compartmentalizing the race, knowing that there are going to be times that your racecar is not going to be perfect. You have to adjust your car for temperature changes because we go from day to night. A lot goes into that race weekend, and understanding what you need to do. Experience does help.”

How do you stay mentally focused for four or five hours?

“The mental side of it is big. You practice this, pretty much, building up to it your entire life racing. The longer races that you run you start to be able to get used to knowing what it takes to be there at the end. That’s just part of sports, I feel like. Outlasting your competitors for that amount of time.”

How do you and Kyle Busch work together to make sure RCR gets back to the front consistently?

“I think Kyle Busch and I work together well. We had a string of top-10s a couple of weeks back and hopefully we can continue that this weekend in the Coca-Cola 600. There are lot of points to gain. Qualifying is important. Kyle had speed at Texas Motor Speedway, which was nice to see. I think we’ve got the speed, and having Kyle as a teammate is great. Everybody at RCR and ECR is working hard right now, and we’ve got the capabilities to do what we need.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 zone Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 will mark Kyle Busch’s 37th career NASCAR Cup Series start on the oval configuration of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion has one points-paying victory at the mile-and-a-half racetrack, which came in the 2018 running of NASCAR’s longest race. Additionally at Charlotte, the 40-year-old driver has 16 top-five finishes and 22 top-10s, has led 1,487 laps, has an average starting position of 11.6, an average finish of 13.8, and has completed 95.3 percent (12,376 of 12,988) of the laps he’s contested there.

Winning in Dominant Fashion… The Las Vegas native’s 2018 win came in dominant fashion. Busch started from the pole, swept all three stages of the race and led 377 of 400 laps en-route to crossing the finish line 3.823 seconds ahead of runner-up Martin Truex Jr.

Leading the Field… Three of the Las Vegas native’s 34-career Cup Series pole awards were earned at Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 2008, October 2014 and May 2018).

Success Not Limited to the Cup Series… In addition to his Cup Series successes at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the veteran racer also has an astonishing nine wins in 27 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and eight more in the NASCAR Truck Series there.

Get to the Points… Busch enters Charlotte 17th in the series standings. He is tied with Josh Berry in 16th with 244 points, but is below the playoff cutline with 14 races remaining in the regular season due to Berry’s win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Stats of the Week… Among Cup Series drivers competing in this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600, Busch is tied for the most top-five finishes (16) on the oval at Charlotte with Jimmie Johnson. He trails only Johnson in top-10 finishes, 22 to 19.

Double Duty… In addition to his driving duties in Sunday’s Cup Series race, Busch will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in Friday’s Truck Series race.

Honor and Remember… The windshield header on the No. 8 zone Chevrolet will feature the name of FN Jeffrey M Svoboda as part of NASCAR’s Honor and Remember program. Boda, as he was known to his friends, joined the Coast Guard in 2003 and was stationed at Atlantic City, N.J. and Air Station Cape Cod, Mss. He was active duty serving as an EE3 Fireman at the time of his death. He received numerous commendations and awards during his seven years of service, including Last Man Standing Physical Endurance competition at Basic training in Cape May, N.J. with Yankee Company – 165. Svoboda also received a letter of commendation from the Coast Guard Commandant for a SAR mission that saved the lives of commercial fisherman off the coast of N.J.

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KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

What do you think it is about the Coca-Cola 600 that make strong drivers end up in victory lane?

“The Coke 600 is the Coke 600. It’s the longest race of the year. It’s a demanding race. You work as hard as you can on yourself with your training and whatnot to be able to withstand the elements for that race.”

As the sport becomes more competitive each week and you see how close times are in qualifying, does that make a difference in a 600-mile race?

“No, it doesn’t. It’s a longer race so you have more time from sunlight to nighttime, and typically you don’t really worry about how your car is until you get to the nighttime because that’s when the money’s paid, so you want to be fast at that time of the day.”

There’s been a lot of speed in your racecars here of late. What do you credit that to?

“It’s a lot of little things. That’s what you’re dealing with in this day and age. There are so many little details that you can find. If you find 100 small, tiny details, then that’s all going to add up. The guys at the shop have been doing a good job working on all of that, whether it’s car build or little things in the setups.”

You look at Texas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway, you’ve had a lot of speed. Do you feel like a win is coming around the corner?

“Texas Motor Speedway was good. I didn’t feel that good about Kansas Speedway. I got up to 11th at Kansas and then kind of stalled out. I feel like if you could have taken me and placed me in fifth, then I probably could have ran in fifth. But, I couldn’t get myself there on my own. Texas, though, I felt like I drove my way up to the front the whole time.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Jesse Love has made one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval, coming last season behind the wheel of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. Love qualified in the fourth position and showed speed, before a mechanical failure relegated the young gun to a 28th-place result. The Menlo Park, California native has also competed in one career ARCA Menards Series event (2023) at the Concord, N.C. facility, where Love started from the pole position, led 67 laps, and secured the victory.

Points Check… Through 12 races, Love currently holds the fourth position in the Xfinity Series driver championship point standings – 17 points behind third-place Sam Mayer.

Manufactured in America… The No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet will sport a special red, white, and blue paint scheme this Memorial Day weekend to honor those who have and are currently serving our country and local communities. As a company that is “Trusted to Protect First Responders,” Whelen proudly manufactures all products in America and is committed to providing reliable products that keep first responders and their communities safe.

Driven to Protect, Powered to Perform… Whelen Engineering is committed to raising the bar for safety and performance. That’s why they developed the Whelen Engineering Vehicle Technician (WEVT) program, an exclusive training initiative for our Master Distributors. Focused on best practices for installing Whelen’s trusted emergency lights and sirens, WEVT helps technicians perform at the highest level to protect those who protect others. Just as pit crews and mechanics work behind the scenes to keep the No. 2 team safe and competitive, vehicle technicians are essential in keeping first responders safe on the road. Whelen is proud to set the standard for excellence, driving innovation, support, and safety both on the track and in the field. The WEVT logo will be featured on the hood of Love’s Chevrolet this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Meet Love… On Saturday, May 24 at 2:00 p.m. ET, Love is scheduled to participate in a question-and-answer session at The CW footprint in the infield of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The CW footprint will be located outside of the Corner Bar and the NASCAR Cup Series garage.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

With one NASCAR Xfinity Series race under your belt on the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval, what do you expect going back with your No. 2 team?

“Last year, our Whelen Chevrolet was fast. We were driving away from Kyle Busch when our power steering went out, which was a shame. I wish we would have been able to play the race out, because I feel like we had a shot at winning. This weekend, I expect the track to have low grip, and drivers will want to run the wall. Charlotte Motor Speedway is a technical track, but the temperatures aren’t going to be as hot as normal which could up the grip level. Turns 1 and 2 are different than Turns 3 and 4. There is a little more room to move around in Turns 1 and 2, but when you do move up to run the wall in Turns 3 and 4, you have to rip the fence.”

Austin Dillon and No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Dillon has made 12 career starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway, accumulating two wins, two poles, six top-five finishes, seven top-10 finishes and an impressive 248 laps led.

Winner, Winner… Dillon’s most dominant performances in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway came in 2015, when he swept both Xfinity Series races at the track from the pole position.

Experience on Top of the Box… Dillon will be paired with long-time RCR employee Andy Street this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Street is an experienced crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and helped guide Austin Hill to an impressive 10 wins and three NASCAR Playoff appearances in the Xfinity Series from 2022 through 2024.

Boot Barn: Outfitting America from Ranch to Road… Boot Barn is the nation’s leading lifestyle retailer of western and work-related footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children. The Company offers its loyal customer base a wide selection of work and lifestyle brands. Boot Barn now operates more than 460 stores in 49 states, in addition to an e-commerce channel www.bootbarn.com. For more information, call 888-Boot-Barn or visit www.bootbarn.com.

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to greet race fans at Boot Barn (7940 Lyles Lane NW, Concord, NC 28027) on Friday at 12 Noon.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

Does racing in the Xfinity Series help you for the Cup Series race?

“It does. I’m excited. Going into the race, more laps is always key and running both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend gives me a lot of opportunity to run laps. The cars drive a little bit different so I will be challenging myself to move around and find the best line.”

What are your thoughts on racing in the Xfinity Series at Charlotte Motor Speedway?

“Charlotte Motor Speedway is probably one of my best tracks, statistically. We’ve really run well there in the past, and I feel like running in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this weekend will also help us on Sunday. I’m excited to get the chance to race on a Saturday afternoon.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet at Charlotte Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made four career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval, capturing a best finish of fourth in 2023 while driving the No. 21 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. The Winston, Georgia native has also competed in two NASCAR Truck Series races and one ARCA Menards Series event at the 1.5-mile speedway.

Testing 1, 2, 3… Earlier this season in mid-March, Hill participated in the Goodyear tire test at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Representing Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series, Hill tried numerous tire compounds and logged laps during the full day session.

Gaining Ground… With 12 races complete, Hill currently sits in the second position in the Xfinity Series driver championship point standings – 51 points behind leader Justin Allgaier. Hill holds a series-leading 21 Playoff points.

K9s for Warriors… Through its corporate social responsibility program, Partnerships With Purpose, Global Industrial has continued its service initiative to raise awareness for veterans through its support for K9s for Warriors – a non-profit organization that provides highly-trained service dogs to U.S. military veterans suffering from post-traumatic brain injury and/or other forms of trauma related to military service. On Saturday, leadership, veteran, and canine members of the K9s For Warriors team will join Hill and the Global Industrial team at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

About Global Industrial… For over 75 years, Global Industrial has been the source for industrial equipment and supplies for businesses of all sizes and the public sector. They have been – and continue to be – a leader, and an authority, for supplying industrial-strength equipment that delivers uncompromising quality at an exceptional value with experts who understand the unique needs of our customers.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, May 24 at 2:30 p.m. ET, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Zone at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Stop by to meet the veteran racer and purchase new No. 21 gear.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

You participated in the Goodyear tire test at Charlotte Motor Speedway in March. Did your team learn anything that can be applied to this weekend?

“I felt that out of all the tires we used during the test, the one that we are using this weekend was our best when it came down to car balance. When we had the time to try things at the end of the afternoon, I thought we found some things that may or may not help. It was mid-60 degrees at the end of the test, so it’s going to be hotter this weekend. The biggest thing that we have to figure out is how slick the track will be compared to the test. We will take our best calculated guess with the setup and see how it fairs in practice. I think setup wise though, we will take the same package but massage on it to get it better for the heat of the day.”

Specifically for Charlotte Motor Speedway, what do you need from the car to have a shot at the victory?

“If it’s going to be warm out, you need a versatile car that can run the bottom or the top. Last year, I was married to one line, forced to run bottom. If I tried to move around, the lap time wasn’t there, and I couldn’t run the pace that I needed to. Being able to move around as rubber lays down in order to create speed will be a key. If we can have a car that can run the bottom or the top, we should have a solid day and a chance at the end.”

Christian Lundgaard targeting “fighting” approach for 2025 Indy 500

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Joe Skibinski (Penske Entertainment).

Christian Lundgaard is off to his best-ever start to an NTT INDYCAR Series season to date.

After spending the previous three seasons driving for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, the 2025 season presented a new beginning for the 23-year-old Lundgaard from Hedensted, Denmark, who assumed the reins of the No. 7 Dallara-Chevrolet entry for Arrow McLaren.

Since becoming a McLaren competitor, he has finished in the top 10 through four of the first-five scheduled events. Coupled with three podiums, he currently holds an average-finishing result of 6.4, which is his best through the first five-scheduled events of a season to date. In addition, he holds a career-best average-starting result of 8.0 and a career-high 49 laps led through the first five events. Through his on-track results, he currently sits in third place in the driver’s standings and trails the championship lead by 98 points.

As Lundgaard shifts his focus towards the upcoming 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, his quest to win the event for the first time ever in his career is off to a strong start as he will line up in the third row in eighth place.

This not only marks his first time starting in the top 10 for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. It also marks his first time transferring to the event’s Top-12 qualifying session. His previous best starting spot for the event was 28th, which occurred a year ago. The 28th-place starting spot couples with his previous two Indy 500 starts of 31st and 30th (2022-23).

So with his eighth-place starting spot in 2025, how much of an advantage does it present for the Danish driver ahead of Sunday’s main event?

“I think ultimately, you want to start the race as far forward as you can from the get-go,” Lundgaard said at the DEX Imaging Media Center. “It’s a little bit of a different situation from what I’ve previously been in. Quite excited for that. I know the Arrow McLaren cars were around this area last year. At least I have a lot of good video and information to look at.”

The 2025 season marks Lundgaard’s fourth consecutive entrance into the Indy 500. His current best result of the event in 13th, which occurred in 2024, as he attempts to become the first Danish competitor to win the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Even with the goal of winning dwelling within his mindset, Lundgaard strives to implement a fighting approach to be competitive and remain in contention when the checkered flag drops.

“At the end of the day, as Marcus [Ericsson] said, it’s a good place to start,” Lundgaard added. “Again, we’re around the cars. We want to fight. Let the fight kind of start early on and make sure we all get to the end.”

Christian Lundgaard’s attempt to win his first-ever Indianapolis 500 event is scheduled to occur this Sunday, May 25. The event’s pre-race coverage is slated to air at 10 a.m. ET on FOX and the drop of the green flag is slated to occur at 12:45 p.m. ET.

Josef Newgarden pursuing historic three-peat attempt in 2025 Indy 500

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Joe Skibinski (Penske Entertainment).

Josef Newgarden made a single fact clear on why he is present at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway ahead of this weekend’s 109th running of the Indianapolis 500. He is here to race.

During the annual Indianapolis 500 Media Day session on Thursday, May 22, Newgarden, the reigning two-time consecutive Indy 500 champion, remained tight-lipped on offering his perspective on the weeklong scrutiny and penalties highlighting Team Penske’s violation of unapproved body fit on the rear attenuators found on both Newgarden’s and teammate Will Power’s entries.

The issues involving the attenuators were first made during the pre-qualifying technical inspection and prior to the Fast 12 session this past Sunday, May 18. The penalties caused both Newgarden and Power to forfeit their qualifying attempts, be demoted to the rear of the field for this weekend’s Indy 500 and have three lead personnel, including team president Tim Cindric, dismissed from Team Penske. In addition, the team was fined $100,000 apiece between Newgarden’s and Power’s entries.

Amid the scrutiny, Newgarden shifted his mentality towards remaining positive and focusing on competing in the NTT IndyCar Series’ most prestigious, annual event on the schedule.

“Well, I think we got a lot of people [media] sitting here today, it looks like,” Newgarden said at the DEX Imaging Media Center. “I don’t want to disappoint or offend anybody. I’m here to talk about the race. I’m here with my team. I’m ready to go racing. I love this race. My goodness, I’ve been enjoying being here this whole time. I look forward to it every year, as we all do. Ready to go to work with our group.”

The 2025 season marks Newgarden’s 14th consecutive year campaigning in both the INDYCAR Series division and in the Indianapolis 500. During his first 11 starts in the latter event (2012-22), the Hendersonville, Tennessee, native had racked up three top-five results and four top-10 results, with his best on-track result being a third-place finish in 2016.

Then, everything changed in 2023 when Newgarden executed a final-lap pass on Marcus Ericsson during a one-lap shootout to etch his face on the Indy 500’s Borg-Warner trophy for the first time in his career. A year later, Newgarden doubled down by executing another final-lap pass, this time on Pato O’Ward, to become the first competitor in 22 years to win back-to-back Indy 500s and deliver the historic 20th victory for team owner Roger Penske.

With his latest Indy 500 victory in 2024, Newgarden joined an exclusive club of competitors to win the events in back-to-back years, which include Wilbur Shaw (1939-40), Mauri Rose (1947-48), Bill Vukovich (1953-54), Al Unser (1970-71) and Helio Castroneves (2001-02). A third consecutive victory this year would elevate Newgarden’s status as the only competitor to achieve a feat.

“It would be amazing,” Newgarden said. “This is such a tough race to win. To win one race here is a very big achievement. To win two is something out of my dreams. Three is historic. I love that we have the opportunity to go for it, which is what we’re going to do. We’re gonna put everything into it to to try to win the race. If it’s meant to be, it’ll happen.”

During Newgarden’s first Indy 500 victory in 2023, he accomplished the feat by starting in 17th place. A year ago, he started in third place and shared the front row along with his Penske teammates, Will Power and Scott McLaughlin. When asked what his key strategy would be when trying to rally from staring in 32nd place of the 33-car field, there was a single term he drew upon the question: patience.

“Patience, I think, is what our strategy is going to be for race day.”

Josef Newgarden’s attempt to win a record-setting third consecutive Indianapolis 500 is scheduled to occur this Sunday, May 25. The event’s pre-race coverage is slated to air at 10 a.m. ET on FOX and the drop of the green flag is slated to occur at 12:45 p.m. ET.

The Importance of Dash Cam Evidence in a Car Accident Case

By
SM
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Dash cams are becoming more and more common for drivers, with recent polling indicating that around 16% of American drivers now use one in their vehicle. For many, purchasing a dash cam was a reaction to nearly being in or actually being in a collision. The polling showed about 40% of dash cam owners bought one only after experiencing a close call or accident on the road. With the proliferation of dash cams, their recordings are being invoked more often in insurance claims and legal proceedings related to crashes. 

Benefits of Dash Cams

Dash cams give visual proof from the driver’s vantage point that can be extremely valuable after a collision. Approximately 20% of dash cam owners have used footage for an insurance claim, and around 10% have used it for a lawsuit with the help of a skilled car accident lawyer. This video evidence can demonstrate fault, prevent fraudulent claims, and simplify the claims process.

Insurance providers find value in dash cam footage when investigating claims and assigning blame following an accident. The video record also assists in fighting insurance scams by capturing the actual event. For drivers, having objective documentation of what happened provides critical evidence if the other driver was at fault or provides false accounts.

Many drivers proactively install dash cams for their crash and insurance benefits. The global market for dashboard cameras was assessed at around $4 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of almost 10% from 2024 to 2030 as more drivers recognize their upside.

Using Dash Cam Footage in Court

If a car accident case goes to court, dash cam footage can be decisive evidence in determining fault and getting a favorable outcome. The video gives visual confirmation for attorneys to show who was responsible for causing the accident. Instead of contradictory versions of what happened, the dash cam footage shows an impartial record that holds up in court.

Dash cam video has been crucial in civil cases concerning car accidents. Lawyers have utilized footage to prove negligence and earn higher settlements for clients who were not at fault. The evidence assists in resolving cases faster, avoiding prolonged trials. Even if a case does go to trial, the dash cam footage provides solid, consistent visual confirmation to help win.

Dash Cam Safety Benefits

Along with accident evidence benefits, dash cams can improve driver safety and decrease risky driving behaviors. A South Africa-based company installed MiX Vision cameras in its fleets, which increased driver safety and efficiency while lowering fuel consumption by over 15%. The cameras prevent distracted driving by keeping drivers focused. They also encourage safer following distances and intersection practices.

Regular drivers can see similar benefits with a dash cam monitoring their driving. The footage can also protect drivers against false accusations of unsafe driving and traffic violations. Having video evidence makes drivers more cautious, which reduces accidents overall.

As dash cams become standard for many motorists, their recordings will play an increasing role after accidents. The objective footage these cameras capture can expedite insurance claims, resolve lawsuits, and improve driver safety. With benefits throughout the claims process and even in court, dash cams prove to be a smart investment for any driver concerned about being in an auto accident. Their recordings make all the difference in achieving a fair outcome. As Justin McMinn, a seasoned car accident lawyer in Austin at McMinn Law Firm, explains, dash cam footage can be the key factor in proving fault and securing rightful compensation.

How to Choose a Payment Method in Online Betting | Reliable Ways to Fund Your Account

By
SM
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Most Trusted Payment Methods in Online Betting: Pros & Cons

Although the internet often discusses payment system ratings, the reality in betting is more complicated than any list. Players do not just care about Visa or Bitcoin support, but about how quickly the money arrives, how easy it is to verify, and whether it is possible to collect their winnings without unnecessary stress.

Reliability is not just about protecting transactions. It is predictability, clear rules, adequate terms and no surprises. Below, together with esportsbets24.com, we will look at which methods players most often choose, what to be guided by when making a choice and what pitfalls can await even the most well-known services.

Bank Cards

The classic choices are Visa and Mastercard. These are the methods that are available on most platforms, and the payment process is familiar to everyone. It is especially convenient to use a separate card just for betting. This helps to keep track of expenses, quicker verification and protect the main account.

But the cards have peculiarities. The transfer can take from a couple of hours to several days, especially for the first withdrawal. Some banks block transactions with gambling-related platforms. In addition, if the transaction goes through an international processor, there may be conversions or commissions, which the player learns about after the withdrawal.

Electronic Wallets

Services like Skrill, Jeton, AstroPay and Neteller have become indispensable for those who play actively. The main thing here is speed and independence. Depositing and withdrawing funds takes only a few minutes, there is no need to wait for bank approval, and card details do not appear anywhere.

E-wallets allow you to clearly control the movement of funds, separate your gaming finances from your day-to-day finances, and quickly switch between different platforms. The convenience is that when withdrawing again, verification is almost unnecessary, and the funds come faster than through any other channels. It’s worth noting that this kind of top-ups has its disadvantages, such as commissions and restrictions in different countries.

Cryptocurrency

When it comes to complete autonomy and speed, cryptocurrencies occupy a separate position. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether and other tokens allow the player to bypass banking restrictions, reduce transaction processing time and not disclose unnecessary data.

Withdrawal often takes less than an hour, and the anonymity allows you not to worry about account blocking or lengthy checks. This approach is especially convenient for those who bet on several platforms at the same time and want to quickly reallocate funds.

Although cryptocurrency can be called one of the best payment methods, it also has its challenges. You need to understand crypto wallets, be prepared for exchange rate fluctuations, take into account network commissions and check in advance the platform’s limits for depositing and withdrawing digital assets. But those who have got used to this format do not return to traditional methods.

Mobile Payments

Systems like Google Pay, Apple Pay, apple pay casino, and local mobile transaction providers are ideal for those who bet from a smartphone. These methods allow you to top up your account in seconds without having to enter your card details each time.

There’s no need to go through a separate verification process, transactions are confirmed with a single tap, and the interface is often built into the casino app or betting platform itself.

There are limitations too, as it is not always possible to withdraw funds using the same method. Some platforms do not support automatic synchronisation with mobile payments. And although deposits work perfectly, withdrawals will have to be made through alternative channels.

How to Choose a Payment Method to Suit Your Playing Style

How to Choose a Payment Method to Suit Your Playing Style

The variety of payment solutions in betting can confuse even an experienced player. The choice of payment method is not only a matter of convenience, but also a strategic part of your interaction with the platform. It determines how easy it is to fund your account, how quickly you will receive your winnings, and whether you will encounter restrictions in the future.

Before choosing, it is worth answering a few key questions. This will help you orientate yourself and avoid getting into a situation where money hangs up on withdrawal or commissions suddenly appear.

What to look out for:

  • Frequency of play and betting volumes. If you bet regularly and in varying amounts, an e-wallet is optimal. It provides fast processing, does not require constant confirmations and allows you to easily switch between platforms;
  • Withdrawal speed. Those who don’t want to wait three days and prefer instant payouts should consider cryptocurrency or e-wallets;
  • Privacy Level. Cryptocurrency is ideal for those who don’t want to reveal personal banking details. E-wallets also offer relative isolation from the main account;
  • Availability on a specific platform. Not all casinos and bookmakers support all methods. Before choosing, it is worth checking which deposit and withdrawal methods are available in your region and for a particular game;
  • Additional fees and restrictions. Some wallets or banks charge a fee for transferring or converting currencies. You should also check the limits on minimum and maximum amounts.

Conclusion

Choosing a payment method isn’t just a tick box in your account settings. It is part of the strategy. A convenient system shortens the time between winning and withdrawal, removes unnecessary steps and reduces stress levels. Which means it allows you to focus on the main thing, which is the game itself. Be attentive to details, check the terms and conditions in advance and don’t forget that safety starts with your own choices.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents and How to Avoid Them

By
SM
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Truck accidents can be scary and life-changing. When a large truck crashes, it often causes more damage than a regular car accident. If you drive a car, ride a bike, or even walk along the road, you could be affected. So, it’s important to understand the common causes of truck accidents and how to avoid them. Whether you’re in New Mexico or anywhere else, this knowledge can keep you and your loved ones safe.

New Mexico has long highways and busy interstates that trucks commonly use to move goods between states. Hence truck accidents are common in New Mexico. A New Mexico truck accident investigation is often required to determine the at fault party and secure compensation for the victim. Knowing exactly why these accidents occur will help you prevent them or know what you should do in case you’re involved in one.

1. Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers work long hours on the road. They sometimes drive 10-14 hours without a break. This can cause fatigue, poor focus, and even sleeping while driving. Boredom and lack of rest make this even worse in New Mexico, where roads stretch for miles and the roads can be endless.

How to avoid it: Take breaks often if you’re a truck driver. Do not drive when you are sleepy. If you drive a car near a truck, avoid standing beside it too long. Stay alert, especially at night.

2. Speeding and Rushing

Some drivers speed just to reach their destination faster. Others may be rushing to meet delivery deadlines. Speeding makes it difficult to stop a big truck quickly, especially on sharp turns or downhill roads. Speeding trucks pose a serious threat on some New Mexico highways.

How to avoid it: Truck drivers should obey speed limits. Car drivers should not cut in front of trucks or brake suddenly when a truck is behind them.

3. Distracted Driving

Like car drivers, truck drivers can also get distracted. They may look at their phones, eat, or adjust the radio while driving. A few seconds of distraction is enough to cause a major accident, especially with such a large vehicle.

The best way to prevent it: Put away your cellphone. Eat nothing and do nothing else to distract you from the road. Even if you aren’t the truck driver, assume others aren’t paying attention and drive carefully.

4. Bad Weather and Road Conditions

Snow, rain, or fog may make roads slippery and reduce visibility. In certain areas of New Mexico, particularly in the north or mountains, weather variations may be sudden and dangerous. Potholes, uneven roads, or construction zones also create dangers.

The best way you can prevent it: Slow down in bad weather. Use headlights and drive safely away. Watch for warning signs and know about road conditions before you go out.

5. Improper Loading of Cargo

If Cargo is not loaded properly, it may shift as the truck moves. This can cause the truck to lose balance, especially when turning or stopping suddenly. Overloaded trucks are also harder to control and can result in tire blowouts.

How to avoid it: When you’re loading the truck, be safe. Check the weight limits and tie everything down properly. Being a driver, do not take chances in case you believe something is wrong with the load.

Final Thoughts

Truck accidents are serious, but many are preventable. Whether you are a truck driver or just passing through, being alert and informed matters. Consulting a truck accident lawyer can also help you understand your rights and the legal steps to take if an accident occurs. Learn from the causes, stick to the safety tips, and always put your safety first.

Front Row Motorsports: Charlotte Motor Speedway Competition Notes – Zane Smith

By
Official Release
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Zane Smith and the No. 38 Benebone Ford Team
Charlotte Motor Speedway Competition Notes
Coca-Cola 600

Date: Sunday May 25, 2025
Event: Race 15 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.5-miles)
#of Laps: 400
Time/TV/Radio: 6:00 PM ET on Amazon Prime/PRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Zane Smith Notes

It’s a home game for the NASCAR Cup Series this Memorial Day weekend as Zane Smith and the No. 38 Ford team head to the Charlotte Motor Speedway. This will be Smith’s third Coca-Cola 600 start at the 1.5-mile Concord, North Carolina speedway and has a career best finish of 10th, earning the finish in 2023 with Crew Chief Ryan Bergenty.

Benebone, a leading USA brand of durable dog toys, will join Smith for the 400-lap race in a new scheme featuring Smith’s dogs, Roxy and Kygo. “I’m excited to reignite my partnership with Benebone,” said Smith. “My dogs are a huge part of my life, so it’s great to have a partner who understands this special connection.” This weekend’s race marks the first of three primaries for Benebone on the No. 38 this season. For more information, visit benebone.com.

The No. 38 Benebone Ford will carry the name of Corporal Keaton G. Coffey. Coffey, a 22-year-old Marine from Boring, Oregon, was killed in action on May 24, 2012, during his second deployment in Afghanistan, just weeks before his scheduled return. He had been planning to marry his fiancée, Brittany Dygert, also from Boring, in July. A 2007 graduate of Damascus Christian School, Coffey briefly attended George Fox University before enlisting in the Marines. Deeply committed to his fellow service members, he had a tattoo honoring a close friend lost during his first tour. He served as a dog handler with his canine partner, Denny, who survived and continued serving until his passing earlier this year.

“This is a special weekend for NASCAR,” said Smith. “Honoring a fallen service member is really special to the team and I, so hopefully I can make their family proud. The 600 is one of the hardest races of the year, not just on your body, but your mind too. We have been showing up to the track with a lot of speed, so I’m confident that we can leave Charlotte with a strong result.”

Road Crew

Driver: Zane Smith

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty

Hometown: Plainville, Connecticut

Car Chief: Will Norris

Hometown: Bells, Tennessee

Engineer: Jacob Clamme

Hometown: Hartford City, Indiana

Engineer: Chris Yerges

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Mechanic: Steve Godfrey

Hometown: West Haven, Connecticut

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Tyler Podlaski

Hometown: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Interior Specialist: Matt Fowler

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut

Transport Co-Driver: Ernest Mullins

Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Transport Co-Driver: Rick Grissom

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Flores

Hometown: Manasquan, New Jersey

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Jackman: Ryan Selig

Hometown: Lindenhurst, Illinois

Fueler: Chris Webb

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

ABOUT BENEBONE

At Benebone, we know that dogs make us better people. They help us live healthier and happier lives. Our simple mission is to make life a little bit better for dogs and their humans. We do it through a commitment to quality, community, and giving back. For more information, visit benebone.com.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

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