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2020 Year in Review – Cruz Pedregon

Photo Courtesy of Cruz Pedregon Racing

This year has been wild and unpredictable for many racers, including Funny Car Veteran, Cruz Pedregon, who entered his 28th year of competition. Speedway Media caught up with the Two-Time Funny Car Champion to discuss his 2020 season.

After the 2019 season, Pedregon entered the year with high hopes after earning one semi-final, five quarter rounds, and 18 first-round matchups last year. The California native entered the season with the same mindset from last year.

“Expectations were going to be a top-five car like we always enter,” Pedregon said. “That (expectations) was changed with everything that went on, especially the abbreviated runs. Our operations needed those runs. Ninety-six runs is normally what we get in a 24 race schedule and we only got a third of that. (Unfortunately), that put our performance in the can.”

Like most seasons in the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association), the season was going along smoothly without interruption and was on track for another 24-race schedule. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit the weekend of the 52nd annual Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida and everything was immediately shut down for several months. NHRA shut down until July before returning with races in Indianapolis. Pedregon remembers exactly where he was when he heard the news.

“I was in Gainesville, Florida at a Snap-On ride-along function and I literally got the call as I was headed to the track,” he said. “At the time, I didn’t know what was going to happen, (the virus) was a complete unknown. I thought we were going to be down one month, not months.”

Pedregon also added how the pandemic has impacted his 2020 season financially as a team.

“Well, it’s all about the economics with the COVID scenario,” the two-time Funny Car Champion said. “As a Team Owner, we had to turn over every rock, hotels, our people, fuel. It has required us to look at everything and scrutinize everything and it’s taught everyone that there are better ways to go about doing business and COVID (is) a lesson to move forward.”

Fortunately, NHRA announced their return to competition in mid-summer with consecutive races at the Indianapolis racetrack in Brownsburg, Indiana. With all the time off in-between, some race teams felt the restart was a fresh start for most people especially Cruz Pedregon.

On that same weekend, he qualified seventh but lost to Tim Wilkerson in the first round. Pedregon offered his insight on what he could have done to advance further into the rounds.

“Yes, I felt like it was a fresh start for us,” Pedregon said. “Early on, we were like a football team, trying to establish good consistent runs and not even worry about going fast at what we did. We accomplished consistency and I think our full run percentage was up near 90 (percent) and later we were going to incorporate the speed but the speed took more runs with what we had at the time.”

Even though Pedregon lost in the first round at the first Indy race following the restart, the Snap-On driver had some memorable highlights of the season such as qualifying third at St. Louis and making the quarter-final three times.

“I would say the third Indy race (was my favorite moment of 2020),” he said. “We had low E.T. of final qualifying run of Q2 (Qualifying Session No. 2) on the hottest part of the racetrack. We appeared to be well in position to win the race the next day. However, the second round we had a mechanical issue that prevented that from happening.”

Photo Courtesy of Cruz Pedregon Racing

Most drivers have an area that they would like to improve on as a driver and Pedregon is no different.

“In racing, it’s always about speed and with the new team I hired, I feel we’re going to have that balance and consistency it takes to be in the late rounds and win the races,” Pedregon said.

Though the 2020 season has not been the best of seasons for Pedregon, the 57-year-old had added some new sponsors as of late for the 2021 season. These include Mothers Polish, KICKER Performance Audio and TRU-SPEC, to name a few. The recent announcements have encouraged Pedregon as he looks ahead to the 2021 season.

“(I’m) very excited,” Pedregon said. “There’s a lot of work going into the season, since the season is so long. Long hard days, weeks, building not just a racecar but a race program. I mean, everything we’ve done, building the inventory up, it’s a long process but it’ll be worth it in the end.”

And as the 2021 season approaches, there are no days off in the Pedregon camp as they continue to prepare as a race team before the start of the Gaternationals.

“My owner hat is on now, strictly working with JC (John Collins, Pedregon’s New Crew Chief) and acquiring the necessary equipment to where he is comfortable and familiar, so we hit the ground running and not skip a beat with our performance.”

2021 could be a big year for Pedregon as he looks to add more victories to the wins column and continue to be a successful NHRA Funny Car driver.

“(I’m looking forward) to being a contender again, and pulling in the gate knowing we have a chance to win the race.”

Photo Courtesy of Cruz Pedregon Racing

In 2020, Cruz Pedregon saw three quarter-round matchups and eight first-round matchups. In addition, his highest qualifying run was third at St. Louis earlier this year and he had a round win/loss record of 3-11. Pedregon finished 10th in Funny Car points standings.

Fans wanting more information on Cruz Pedregon Racing can “Like” him on Facebook, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Fans can also find more information on Snap-On by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and by visiting their website.

Special thanks to Caleb Cox for coordinating the interview and Cruz Pedregon for being gracious with his time.

Magnus Racing Partners with Archangel Motorsports for 2021 IMSA Season

TOOELE, UTAH. (December 7, 2020) – The 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship is set to begin with the Roar Before the 24, January 22-24, and Magnus Racing has big changes ahead for the approaching season. The team, who ran the year as GRT Magnus Racing in a partnership with Grasser Racing, will not partner with GRT for next season, but instead race an Acura NSX GT3 Evo together with Archangel Motorsports.

“The Lamborghini was a good car and it was great working with their people,” said Team Somebody John Potter. “I want to thank the crew and Magnus Racing and GRT folks for their work this year. In the end, I want to change some variables. I am excited to take on something new, and I look forward to working with Acura and building on their success.”

Andy Lally will return for another season as Potter’s co-driver, as the two take on the new challenge, racing the 2020 GTD class’s Manufacturer Champion. The Acura will primarily be run by Archangel Motorsports and some Magnus personnel.

More details on how to follow John, Andy, and the No. 44 car will come in the coming months. Despite being less Magnus-y, John, Andy, et al. might be persuaded to do a poster for Daytona 2021. We welcome fan lobbying and ideas for poster, livery, suits whatever, via social media. They might even award prizes based on no logical criteria, and they might end up choosing their own ideas. Either way, get posting, because we’re already way behind this off season.

“The hardest part of changing all these things year-after-year is needed to go through these painful design processes every year,” said Potter. “You know I am behind when we show up naked at the Roar.”

The Roar Before the 24 will act as IMSA’s first official test of the 2021 season before kicking off the championship a week later with the Rolex 24 At Daytona, January 28-31. Tickets for the event are on sale now, with likely limited pit and paddock access for the general public. To stay up-to-date on all the events and COVID restrictions, visit imsa.com.

Magnus Racing will continue to distribute brief pre-event tune in emails, but please click here to subscribe to in-depth press releases from Magnus with Archangel.

Chandler Smith to Drive the No. 18 Safelite AutoGlass® Tundra in 2021

18-Year-Old Toyota Racing Development Driver Graduates to Full-Time Truck Series Campaign

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 7, 2020) – Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) announced today that Chandler Smith will compete for the 2021 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship behind the wheel of the organization’s No. 18 Tundra. Safelite AutoGlass, the nation’s largest provider of vehicle glass repair, replacement, and recalibration services returns to KBM for a fourth season and will adorn the hood of Smith’s Tundra for 15 races.

The 2021 season will mark the Georgia native’s third season with KBM but first full-time effort. Smith made his Truck Series debut driving the No. 51 Safelite AutoGlass Tundra at Iowa Speedway in June 2019. After qualifying was washed out, he started from the pole based on owner’s points and remained up front for the first 55 laps of the race before bringing his Toyota home eighth.

The Toyota Development Driver has finished inside the top five in half of his 16 career Camping World Truck Series starts, including a career-best runner-up finish at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in August 2019. Smith posted an average finish of 7.7 across his final seven of 12 total Truck Series starts in 2020, including third-place finishes in the series finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway and his first career superspeedway start at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in October.

“Since I started racing at a young age, I’ve worked hard towards my goal of getting to compete full time in NASCAR, so being named to drive the Safelite AutoGlass Toyota Tundra and being able to chase a championship in the Camping World Truck Series next year is very rewarding,” Smith said. “I’ve learned a lot from Kyle the last few years, and I’m thankful to be in a position where I can continue to learn from him. KBM is a top-notch organization, and I know that with the hard work from everyone in the shop combined with the support from Toyota and TRD that every time we go to the race track we’ll have a chance to compete for wins as long as I do my part.

“Having been around KBM the last few seasons, I know how much Safelite supports their drivers and their racing program. I’m going to give it my all to get them back to victory lane next year and hopefully things will be back to normal where their employees and customers will be able to be there to celebrate with us!”

“Chandler is following the path that other Toyota Development drivers have in past seasons where they gain valuable experience driving a limited schedule for a couple of seasons and then graduate to running full time for a championship once they are eligible to do so,” Busch said. “He showed that he could run up front on the short tracks right out of the gates in his first season and at the end of this year once he started to understand the aerodynamics of racing on the bigger tracks in the Truck Series, he proved capable of producing top fives no matter where we were racing. Next season, we expect him to continue his progression and be able to turn some of those second and third-place finishes into wins and put himself into the mix for the championship.

“We appreciate Safelite’s continued support during these unprecedented times and look forward to having a contingent of their employees and customers touring the Truck Series garage proudly in their red and black crew shirts this season.”

“We’re very excited to welcome Chandler to the Safelite family,” said Safelite AutoGlass Senior Vice President Garth Beck. “We know he is a championship-caliber driver with many strong races at KBM under his belt over the last few years while driving a part-time schedule. We think he is a great fit to drive the Safelite Toyota Tundra for the 2021 season and very much look forward to cheering him on to victory next year.”

Smith has recorded nine wins, 10 poles and an average finish of 5.3 across 33 career ARCA Menards Series starts the last three seasons. He captured the pole in his series debut at Fairgrounds Speedway in Nashville (Tenn.) in April of 2018 and set an ARCA Menards Series record by winning four consecutive poles to start his career. He earned his first victory at Madison (Wis.) International Speedway in just his fourth series start in June of 2018. Despite running a part-time schedule, he led the series in laps led in both 2018 and 2019.

Further sponsorship announcements and who will serve as Smith’s crew chief are forthcoming.

About Safelite AutoGlass:

With more than 7,900 MobileGlassShops™ and stores in all 50 states, Safelite AutoGlass® is the nation’s largest provider of vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration services. Last year, close to 7 million customers chose Safelite AutoGlass for its 24/7 national contact centers, advanced online scheduling, superior repair and replacement systems, and the industry’s only nationwide lifetime guarantee.

Safelite AutoGlass is a member of the Safelite® Group family of brands, which together make a difference in the lives of nearly 11 million customers annually. This leading service organization, founded in 1947, is reaching record growth thanks to its People Powered, Customer Driven strategy. The Columbus, Ohio-based company employs nearly 16,000 people across the United States.

About Kyle Busch Motorsports:

Since debuting in 2010, Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) has quickly established itself as one of the most successful teams in all of NASCAR. Owned by two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch and fueled by his passion for winning, the organization holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (80) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).

KBM prepares a fleet of race-winning Toyotas out of its state-of-the art 77,000-square-foot facility in Mooresville, N.C. Fans can stay up-to-date with all the latest KBM news online at www.KyleBuschMotorsports.com, by liking the team on Facebook (KBMteam) and by following the team on Instagram (KBMteam), and Twitter (@KBMteam).

Beloved IMS Historian Davidson Retiring Dec. 31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Noteworthy

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

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

Which Is More Fun: ATV Or UTV?

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

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

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

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

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)   

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

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

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

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

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

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

Utility Terrain Vehicle (UTV)  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which Is More Fun?  

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

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

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

Conclusion  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About Skillz Inc.

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

About Chip Ganassi Racing

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