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RCR Event Preview – Phoenix Raceway

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Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing at Phoenix Raceway … In 125 starts at Phoenix Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has scored six victories with drivers Ryan Newman (2017), Kevin Harvick (2013, 2012, Mar. 2006, Nov. 2006) and Dale Earnhardt (1990). The Welcome, N.C. organization has also found success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with three wins by drivers Elliott Sadler (2012), Clint Bowyer (2007) and Kevin Harvick (2006).

Catch the Action … The NASCAR Xfinity Series Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 200 at Phoenix Raceway will be televised live Saturday, November 7, beginning at 5 p.m. ET on NBCSN and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

The NASCAR Cup Series Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway will be televised live Sunday, November 8, beginning at 3 p.m. ET on NBC and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

This Week’s Dow Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Phoenix Raceway … Dillon has 13 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway to his credit, earning two top-10 finishes. He earned his best finish of eighth at the track in November 2018.

Dow brings a science and engineering crew who is driven by limitless curiosity to the RCR Team … Austin Dillon and the RCR team are again supported by Dow’s materials science expertise and technologies this season. Backed by the power of data analysis and virtual modeling, Dow develops and manufactures high-performance components and materials custom-made for the No. 3 car. Dow and RCR’s partnership has expedited innovation and shortened testing time in the automotive industry by recreating in the lab one of the most extreme environments – the racetrack. After 7 years of collaboration, Dow scientists and RCR engineers are continuing to work together to make the No. 3 car faster, safer and more precise. Stay up to date with Dow’s exciting developments at www.dow.com/sports and follow us on Twitter @DowSports & @DowNewsroom.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:
Phoenix Raceway serves as the Championship race this season, taking over that finale from Homestead-Miami Speedway. What are your thoughts on that?
“It’s hard to recreate what Homestead-Miami Speedway has been able to do for our championship race the last couple of years so Phoenix Raceway has a lot to live up to, but I feel like it being a short track and a place where guys can get to each other, it should be a good race and I’m excited to see what it can deliver. Martinsville definitely did not disappoint from a fan perspective, so I feel like everyone tuning in will be able to experience a good race. I personally like racing at Phoenix Raceway. We had a really fast car at Phoenix in the spring but ended up crashing out early with a cut tire. Still, we were able to gather a little bit of a notebook and I think we will be fast this weekend so that we can finish our season off strong.”

Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 I Am Second Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Phoenix Raceway …
This weekend marks Tyler Reddick’s second NASCAR Cup Series start at Phoenix Raceway. Reddick was on track for a strong finish during this year’s spring event at Phoenix, racing as high as second and mainly in the top-five before a tire issue took him out of the race early during the final stage. Reddick also has five previous NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the milelong track, finishing third in both races last year and collecting two top-10 finishes in 2018. He also has three NASCAR Truck Series starts and two top-10 finishes at Phoenix Raceway.

About I Am Second … I Am Second is a non-profit that ignites hope and inspires people to live for something greater than themselves. Launched in 2008, the iamsecond.com website features more than 100 powerful short films of athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have found hope through a relationship with Jesus. Watch their stories and find out more at iamsecond.com.

TYLER REDDICK QUOTE:
You had a fast No. 8 I Am Second Chevrolet the last time we were at Phoenix Raceway before tire issues took you out of the race early. What are your expectations for this weekend’s return to the track?
“Phoenix Raceway was a bit of a surprise for me this year. It’s a track I still find really tricky to figure out, but my team worked hard all throughout that weekend to really dial in the handling of our No. 8 I Am Second Chevrolet, and it paid off for the race. The traction compound that weekend worked really well to open up another groove on the track surface, so I’m hoping that has the same effect this time around. We’re going back there with the same set-up since it ran so well, so I’m optimistic that we can have another really good run this weekend. It would be great to put together a solid race to close out our season on a high note.”

This Week’s No. 21 TaxSlayer Chevrolet Camaro at Phoenix Raceway… Myatt Snider will strap into the No. 21 TaxSlayer Chevrolet Camaro for the final time of the 2020 season this weekend at Phoenix Raceway. Snider made his first Phoenix Raceway start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series earlier this season. The Charlotte native also has two career NASCAR Truck Series starts at the one-mile raceway in 2016 and 2018.

About TaxSlayer … TaxSlayer makes online tax filing accessible for millions of Americans, with an easy-to-use platform and unlimited support at a fraction of the cost of the competition. Trusted for over 50 years, the Augusta-based tech company successfully completed more than 10 million federal and state e-filed tax returns in 2020 and processed $15 billion in refunds. TaxSlayer achieved a 4.5/5 TrustScore on consumer review site Trustpilot, with 87% of its customers rating the tax filing platform Great or Excellent. For more information, visit www.TaxSlayer.com.

MYATT SNIDER QUOTE
You made your first Phoenix Raceway start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series earlier this season. Is there anything you can take away from that race and apply it to be better this weekend?
“Yeah, absolutely. Any previous experience is important at the racetrack, especially this year since we don’t have any practice or qualifying to lean on. My crew chief, Andy Street, and my entire Richard Childress Racing team have spent a lot of time preparing for this week. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can do as a team this time around. I feel like I’ve learned and matured a lot as a driver this year, so I’m looking forward to finishing out the season strong this weekend.”

2021 SOUTH BOSTON SPEEDWAY SCHEDULE FEATURES 13 EVENTS, VISIT BY PAIR OF TOURING SERIES

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Official Release
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South Boston, Va….South Boston Speedway has released its tentative 2021 season schedule, a schedule that features 13 events including three special events, two of them touring series events.

The 2021 season is slated to open on Saturday, March 20 with a six-race card headlined by twin 75-lap races for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division and twin 25-lap races for the Limited Sportsman Division. Races for the Pure Stock Division and Hornets Division are also included on the schedule for opening day.

“America’s Hometown Track” will close out the 2021 season on Saturday, October 16 with a doubleheader event for the touring CARS Tour series.

One of the highlights of the 2021 season will be the track’s annual pre-Fourth of July showcase event, the Thunder Road Harley Davidson Presented By Grand Atlantic Ocean Resort NASCAR Late Model 200, on Saturday night, July 3. Headlining that event is a 200-lap race for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division. That race will be the first race in the Virginia Late Model Triple Crown Series.

Also included on the four-race card are races for the Limited Sportsman Division, Pure Stock Division and Hornets Division. A dazzling colorful Fourth of July fireworks display will follow the night’s racing action.

Two touring series events are on the track’s tentative 2021 season schedule. The first touring series event features a visit by the SMART Modified tour to “America’s Hometown Track” on Saturday, April 3. A 99-lap race is on tap for the southern-based touring series that features high-horsepower, lightweight tour-type Modifieds.

The second touring series event on South Boston Speedway’s tentative 2021 season schedule is a CARS Tour series doubleheader on October 16. That event will feature a Late Model Stock Car race and a Super Late Model race and will close out the 2021 season.

South Boston Speedway’s tentative 2021 season schedule focuses the spotlight on the speedway’s four regular racing divisions while including the three special events.

“We are excited about 2021, and we expect our 2021 season to be a great one for our fans and competitors alike,” said South Boston Speedway General Manager Cathy Rice.

“Our four regular racing divisions will be spotlighted, the CARS Tour will be returning for a doubleheader, and the SMART Modified Tour will be making a visit here. We are very much looking forward to seeing everyone return for a great season of exciting racing in 2021.”

South Boston Speedway’s tentative 2021 season schedule includes four daytime events that include the first three events on the schedule and the season-ending CARS Tour event on October 16.

There are 18 points races for the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division on the tentative 2021 season schedule. The tentative schedule has 15 points races for both the Limited Sportsman and Pure Stock Divisions and the Hornets Division has 12 points races on the schedule.

Speedway officials said additional events may possibly be added to the tentative 2021 schedule over the course of the upcoming months.

SOUTH BOSTON SPEEDWAY 2021 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

(Subject To Change)

March 20* – NASCAR Late Model T-75/Limited T-25/Pure Stock 30/Hornets 15

April 3* – NASCAR Late Model 100/ Pure Stock 15/ Hornets 15/ SMART Modified Tour 99

April 17* – NASCAR Late Model T-75/Limited 50/Pure Stock 30/Hornets 15

May 1 – NASCAR Late Model 100/Limited T-25/Pure Stock 30/Hornets 15

May 15 – NASCAR Late Model T-75/Limited 50/Pure Stock T-15) Hornets 15

May 29 –  NASCAR Late Model 100/Limited T-25/Pure Stock 30/Hornets 15

June 12 – NASCAR Late Model T-75/Limited 50/Pure Stock 30/Hornets 15

July 3 – Thunder Road Harley-Davidson Presented By Grand Atlantic Ocean Resort NASCAR Late Model 200/Limited 50/Pure Stock 30/Hornets 20/ FIREWORKS

July 24 – NASCAR Late Model T-75/Limited 50/Pure Stock T-15/Hornets 15

Aug. 7 – NASCAR Late Model 100/Limited T-25/Pure Stock 30/Hornets 15

Aug. 21 – NASCAR Late Model T-75/Limited 50/Pure Stock T-15/Hornets 15

Sept. 4 – NASCAR Late Model 100/Limited 50/Pure Stock 30/Hornets 15

Oct. 16* – CARS Tour Series/LMSC/SLM

NOTE: T-Twin/ *Day Race/Special Events In Boldface Type)

DiBenedetto Reflects on Memorable 2020 Season

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Official Release
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#21: Matt DiBenedetto, Wood Brothers Racing, Ford Mustang Motorcraft/Quick Lane

On Sunday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway, the NASCAR Cup Series season, dramatically altered by a once-in-a-century pandemic, will come to an end with the running of the Season Finale 500.

For Matt DiBenedetto and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team, it’s been a year of learning each other and overcoming obstacles.

After racing resumed following a break due to the coronavirus, new NASCAR rules cut out practice and qualifying for all but one race – at Charlotte Motor Speedway. That made it tough for DiBenedetto and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team as they navigated their first season together.

“We had a lot thrown at us, and it was especially hard on us being a new group,” DiBenedetto said. “There are a lot of things we would have learned in practice and been able to apply to the car in a normal year. Instead, we had to learn during the race.

“We still made the Playoffs, had a lot of success, especially in the latter part of the season.”

DiBenedetto and the No. 21 team have turned in some strong numbers over the course of the season. They scored three top-three finishes and 10 top-10s. They scored 107 Stage points, and enter this weekend’s season finale 14th in the points standings, just 11 markers behind 12th place. DiBenedetto’s previous best finish in the final points standings was 22nd, before he joined the Wood Brothers team.

He said this season’s performance has him already looking forward to 2021.

“As a team we’re just now getting on the same page,” he said. “We’re meshing better, and now we are able to turn bad days into good solid runs. That’s what strong teams do.

“We’ll be way, way further ahead when we start next season.”

The 2020 season also saw DiBenedetto sign up to drive the No. 21 Mustang for 2021, and he said he has one main goal in mind for the upcoming year.

“I want to get the Wood Brothers their 100th win and some more as well,” he said. “I want that 100th win more than anything. The Woods are a great family, and it’s a great honor to drive for them – a dream come true.

“I will remember this time for the rest of my life.”

But before DiBenedetto and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team turn their attention to 2021, there’s still Sunday’s 312-miler at Phoenix to run.

“Phoenix is one of my favorite tracks,” said DiBenedetto, who will start 12th. “It’s kind of a short track. We’ll run the low-downforce, high-horsepower package, and I enjoy those races the most.”

He said he’s heartened by the speed the No. 21 Mustang had at Phoenix back in March, when he finished 13th.

“We had a fast car, but we didn’t quite keep up with the adjustments,” he said. “We have lots to build on from the spring. It’s a good place for us.”

Sunday’s 500-kilometer race is set to get the green flag just after 3 p.m. Eastern Time with TV coverage on NBC.

About Motorcraft:

Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford and Lincoln Dealers, independent distributors and automotive parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.

About Omnicraft:

Omnicraft is part of the Ford lineup of parts brands: Ford Parts, Motorcraft and Omnicraft. Omnicraft is the exclusive non-Ford/Lincoln parts brand of premium aftermarket parts. With over a century of parts heritage to build upon, Omnicraft provides excellent quality and fit and is a preferred choice of professional automotive technicians. To find out more about Omnicraft, visit www.omnicraftautoparts.com or contact your local Ford or Lincoln Dealership.

About Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center

Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine vehicle maintenance including tire repair and replacement with a Low Tire Price Guarantee and a full menu of automotive services including oil and filter, brakes, alignments, batteries, and shocks and struts on all vehicle makes and models. Service is performed by certified technicians at more than 1,000 locations worldwide while you wait, and no appointment is necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan. The company designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of Ford cars, trucks, SUVs, electrified vehicles and Lincoln luxury vehicles, provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company and is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, autonomous vehicles and mobility solutions. Ford employs approximately 200,000 people worldwide. For more information regarding Ford, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.

Wood Brothers Racing

Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glen Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glen’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Matt DiBenedetto in the famous No. 21 racer.

Diversified Motorsports Enterprises to close out season at Phoenix Raceway

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Official Release
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AVONDALE, Ariz.: Diversified Motorsports Enterprises (DME) started the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS) season at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and will close out the season with Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

Robby Lyons will drive the team’s No. 97 Chevrolet Silverado in his second NGROTS start at the 1.0-mile.

Lyons, 31, will continue to have the support of Sunwest Construction for the 23rd race of the season.
Industry veteran and winning NASCAR crew chief Bruce Cook will call the shots for the highly anticipated season finale.

“Diversified Motorsports Enterprises is glad to be back at the track this weekend at Phoenix,” said team owner Logan Puckett. “Without question, the year hasn’t gone as we hoped with the pandemic and all – but as an organization, we’ve rolled with the punches and we’re just thankful to be able to participate in the races that we have.

“Robby did a great job in our most recent race at Talladega Superspeedway in October. We were fast and competitive but had an issue late in the race that kept us from a better finish. We have an opportunity to end the season on a high note and that’s exactly what we plan to do.”

Phoenix is home of Lyon’s Truck Series debut in 2017 where he finished 12th after starting 20th. And although the Seminole, Fla. native hasn’t competed on the new configuration, he is hopeful that his prior experience will pay dividends in the 33-truck field.

“Bruce Cook and the entire Diversified Motorsports Enterprises crew have put together an incredible truck in preparation for this weekend’s race at Phoenix,” said Lyons. “I had an awesome experience in my first Truck Series race there three years ago, but the track has changed since then.

“It’s going to be a little tougher to get used to that with no practice or qualifying, but we have 150 laps to learn (it) and execute. With the new configuration, the start | finish line will be one of the biggest challenges on the start and restarts because of the design, as well as the pit road layout.

“I’m confident in my team though and that we can overcome the challenges and deliver a good finish for Logan (Puckett) and the entire DME team.”

Knowing that 2020 hasn’t gone exactly to their plan, Puckett says he is proud of his team for overcoming adversity and making it to the track, especially with the uncertainty because of the Coronavirus pandemic.

“Without Bruce (Cook), Jesse (Little), Robby (Lyons) and all the team members of this DME team, 2020 wouldn’t have happened and I appreciate their hard work and dedication despite some forks in the road,” added Puckett.

“No, we haven’t had the finishes we hoped for, but it hasn’t been for a lack of effort and we’ve learned a lot that will help us move into 2021.

“Robby has established himself as a well respected and talented driver. Both he and Bruce have experience at Phoenix and that should prove to be beneficial. Because of the formula, we’re going to be starting deep in the field, but Robby is a smart racer and he’ll make the moves when it counts most.

“If we can leave Phoenix with a top-15 finish, I’d be ecstatic.”

In 16 prior NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series starts, Lyons has delivered five top-20 finishes, including a top-20 finish earlier this year at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway in June. He has been running at the finish of 14 of the 16 races.

Phoenix marks the sixth NGROTS start of 2020 for the popular driver.

Follow Robby Lyons on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates throughout the weekend.

For more on Diversified Motorsports Enterprises, please visit team-dme.com, like them on Facebook (TeamDME97) or follow them on Twitter (@teamDME97).

Get to know team owner Logan Puckett by following him on Twitter @LPuckett_89.

The Lucas Oil 150 (150 laps | 150 miles) is the 23rd of 23 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series races on the 2020 schedule. The 33-truck field will take the green flag on Fri. Nov. 3, 2020, shortly after 6:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Mountain).

About Sunwest Construction:

Sunwest Construction was founded in 1986 and has grown into the premier construction and development company on the west coast of Florida.

Over the past 30 years they have built and developed over 17,000 condominium units and now specialize in mid-high-rise developments as well as commercial buildings and hotels alongside Marriott and Hampton Inn.

Trans Am Brings Texas-sized Fields to CoTA as Title Chases Ramp Up

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Official Release
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West Coast and National Championships in action as Paul Tracy and Boris Said among top drivers entered at CoTA

AUSTIN, TEXAS (5 November 2020)- The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli returns to racing this weekend (November 6-8) for the Austin SpeedTour with Sportscar Vintage Racing Association at Circuit of The Americas, kicking off the final stretch of the 2020 season (Spectators Welcome).

With a season-high number of entries, the Trans Am National Series and West Coast Championship fields unite for a weekend of intense action as drivers from both series vie for several titles. But, with added competition from Texas natives chasing the Southern Cup title and legendary drivers like Boris Said and Paul Tracy looking to top the podium, the fight for precious championship points gets even tougher as Trans Am returns to the modern Texas circuit. (Stream here)

Trans Am by Pirelli National Series

The talent pool deepens as one of the largest TA2® powered by AEM fields storm the 20-turn, 3.41-mile F1-grade circuit this weekend, boasting several seasoned veterans like former NTT IndyCar Series driver Tracy. Piloting the No. 87 3-Dimensional Services Group Ford Mustang, Tracy will fill in for Doug Peterson. While Tracy made his Trans Am debut two years ago, this will be his first appearance with the series at COTA. (Watch Paul Tracy Live by downloading the Trans Am by Pirelli App here).

“I am looking forward to competing this weekend with Trans Am at Circuit of The Americas,” said Tracy. “The competition is always tough, but by partnering with Doug Peterson’s championship-winning team, we expect good results for my first outing with Trans Am at COTA.”

Reigning team champion Stevens-Miller Racing (SMR) is leading the title chase in TA2® presented by AEM, with Mike Skeen behind the wheel of the No. 77 Liqui Moly / Turn 14 Ford Mustang. Skeen has a 43-point lead over second-place Thomas Merrill, and with Merrill missing this even, Skeen looks to put even more distance between them before the two meet again at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

SMR has also put a priority on securing the Northern and Southern Cup with Ohio-based drivers Alex Wright and John Paul Southern Jr.

Traveling with the team to COTA in the Arlington, Texas-based Berryman Mustang, Wright can relax this time out as he clinched the Northern Cup title during the final round at Virginia International Raceway.

However, young-gun Southern Jr. trails veteran racer Maurice Hall (No. 57 Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro) by 12 points in his Southern Cup campaign for SMH. Bouncing back after suffering a weekend-ending crash at VIR, Southern Jr. will get another go at clinching his first Trans Am title in his rookie season in the newly rebuilt No. 61 Pittrace.com/SouthernMotorsports Chevrolet Camaro.

Trans Am offers several championships throughout the year including Northern and Southern Cups. The two regional groupings of Trans Am competitions were designed to reward competitors and teams that tackle certain segments of the Trans Am schedule, but do not undertake a full season commitment.

In TA, class title holder and current points leader Ernie Francis Jr. (No. 98 OneSouthFloridaWealthAdvisors Ford Mustang ) is hoping to fend off Tomy Drissi (No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet Camaro), as the duo are separated by 37 points leading into COTA for the national TA class championship. The Texas circuit saw Francis Jr. claim the victory in 2018, but last year after dominating most of the race, Francis Jr. lost power steering and podium position in the final laps of the race.

Francis Jr. also has to worry about Said challenging his seventh consecutive charge to the championship. Francis Jr. and Said went head to head last round at VIR. In a battle that went down to the finish line, Francis Jr. beat the pole-sitting No. 2 WeaverRcng/Techniques/SRIPerfor Dodge Challenger.

Though he is not in championship contention, Said will be fighting for the checkered flag he missed out on at VIR.

“I’m looking forward to COTA, it’s an awesome track,” commented Said. “I’ve raced there in a lot of different kinds of cars. It’s a track that rewards being real aggressive, so it’s my kind of place! I am excited to be back racing with Trans Am.”

Two new Southwest drivers will join class-points leader Ken Thwaits (No. 5 Franklin Road Apparel Audi R8 GT3 Ultra) and Kevin Long (No. 15 Franklin Road Apparel Audi R8 LMS Ultra) in the XGT class. New Mexico-based driver Jason Daskalos will bring a Vintage 423 Audi R8 Ultra to the newest Trans Am class while Texas native Dan Knox will run the lone Mercedes in the class (No. 80 ACS Manufacturing Mercedes AMG GT3).

Four-time winner Lee Saunders will lead the SGT assault in the No. 84 Landsearch LLC Dodge Viper. His push to clinch an early title will be challenged by rookie Adrian Wlostowsk (No. 96 F.A.S.T. Auto Ford Mustang), who is fresh off his maiden series victory.

With his closest competition in points missing Round 6, Tim Horrell (No. 45 Breathless Racing Porsche GT4 Clubsport) will use COTA as an opportunity pad his lead before the penultimate event at Road Atlanta.

Trans Am by Pirelli West Coast Championship

Greg Pickett is the lone driver on the roster entered for both the National and the West Coast competition this weekend. Pickett has raced a perfect season so far out west, clinching the championship two rounds early with four victories in the No. 6 Pickett Racing Ford Mustang.

Entering as both a National and West Coast competitor, Pickett can score points and podiums in both series. The 73-year-old multiple Trans Am champion is up for the challenge.

“I missed my good friend Simon (Gregg) at Sonoma,” said Pickett. “I’m glad to see him back in the Camaro so we can go against each other in the same class this round. I also was excited to see my friend Tomy Drissi win this year at Brainerd and Chris Dyson win at Road America. It will be fun racing with them again.”

After clinching the West Coast XGT class championship two rounds early in an AMG Mercedes-Benz GT3, champion elect Simon Gregg will put his focus on the National Championship in the TA class this weekend, wheeling the more familiar No. 59 Derhaag Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro. Gregg has garnered 133 Championship points, nestled five points behind third-place Dyson and three points in front of two-time champion Amy Ruman.

Hailing from Las Vegas, Michele Abbate (No. 30 GearheadCoffee/GrrRacing.com Chevrolet Camaro) was the first female finish on the podium in the TA2® class. Building off her season momentum, Abbate’s goal for COTA is to top the West Coast podium and finish the weekend with the championship lead. A narrow margin of nine points separates the Grr Racing driver from class points leader Tim Lynn. However, in a last-minute cancelation, Lynn will not compete at COTA, leaving the door open for Abbate to top the standings.

After missing the double-header feature at Sonoma due to schedule conflicts, Natalie Decker returns to the West Coast SGT class, driving for Tony Ave in the No. 04 N29 Technologies LLC Audi R8 GT4.

Joe Bogetich, in the No. 65 Westover/Albireo Energy Chevrolet Camaro will look to extend his lead in the GT West Coast points while battling hometown driver Sean Young in the No. 74 Corsair Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT4.

Trans Am will play host to a thunderous mix of 56 TA, TA2® powered by AEM, XtremeGT, SuperGT and GT class machines. The weekend will kick off with optional testing on Friday. Saturday the drivers will participate in practice followed by split class qualifying sessions that start at 4:10 p.m. Central. Sunday commences with a pair of 100-mile races starting with TA2® at 11:00 a.m. Central followed by the TA/XGT/SGT/GT feature at 1:05 p.m. Central. (Entry List and Full Schedule)

Streaming for the Austin SpeedTour begins Saturday on the Trans Am by Pirelli Racing App. (Download the app: https://bit.ly/2Z9IJKq)

Kris Wright to wrap up 2020 season at Phoenix International Raceway

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Official Release
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AVONDALE, Ariz.: Still riding the momentum of his career-best ARCA Menards Series finish last month at Kansas Speedway, newcomer Kris Wright and Chad Bryant Racing (CBR) head to Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway eyeing a top-five finish in Saturday’s Arizona Lottery 100.

Wright has spent the 2020 season adjusting to stock cars after an impressive career in sports cars and while the adjustment has proven to be challenging at times, the recent performances including back-to-back top-10 finishes at Memphis (Tenn.) International Raceway and Kansas have the ARCA rookie optimistic about tackling Phoenix’s 1.0-mile track.

“I’m really excited about going to Phoenix this weekend,” said Wright. “It feels like it’s been forever since I’ve been in an ARCA car, but it’s only been a few weeks.

“We’ve made some really good gains over the summer and fall and I’m looking forward to closing out the year with another strong finish with the Chad Bryant Racing team.”

In addition to ARCA and a start in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series, Wright has also been competing in select Late Model races. The influx of knowledge the Wexford, Pa. native has consumed has proven so beneficial.

Expected to compete in one of his most competitive races of the season, Wright is thankful for the experience and hopes it will prove to be valuable when the green flag drops in the ARCA Menards Series West season finale.

“I’ve learned a lot this year despite the hurdles with COVID-19 and all,” Wright added. “Whether it be NASCAR or ARCA or whatever I’ve raced, everything helps. Everyone on this Chad Bryant Racing team has been patient with me but also given me the motivation and confidence to go out there and race hard.

“That’s what we are going to do this weekend. Go to Phoenix and race hard and see what we can come up with.”

Even though Wright, 26, has never seen Phoenix before, he’ll have time to get adjusted with an hour of group practice and qualifying on Saturday morning shortly before the race.

“It certainly is going to be helpful to have that track time before the race,” sounded Wright.

“The lack of practice and even qualifying definitely can make the race weekend tricky, but at least with practice, we’ll have an opportunity to set a good baseline and have a starting point for the race.

“Once the green flag drops, it’s not about holding anything back but rather just going out there and getting the best finish possible, so everyone leaves Phoenix content and satisfied.”

PPG, Mastertech, iHeart Radio and First National Bank will all support Wright’s efforts on Nov. 7 at Phoenix.

Industry veteran and former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Paul Andrews will call the shots on Saturday for Wright.

For more on Kris Wright, please visit, kriswrightmotorsports.com, like him on Facebook (Kris Wright Racing) and follow him on Twitter (@kriswrightraces).

For more on Chad Bryant Racing, please visit ChadBryantRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Chad Bryant Racing) or follow them on Twitter (@ChadBryantRace).

The Arizona Lottery 100 (100 laps | 100 miles) is the 11th of 11th races on the 2020 ARCA Menards Series West schedule. Group Practice begins Sat., Nov. 7, 2020, with a one-hour practice session from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 12:00 p.m., televised live on NBC Sports’ TrackPass. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire day’s festivities. All times are local (Mountain).

Pilot Flying J, Annett Renew with JR Motorsports

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 5, 2020) – JR Motorsports announced today the return of driver Michael Annett and partner Pilot Flying J on board the team’s No. 1 Chevrolet for the 2021 season. Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, and the 34-year-old Annett have competed together in NASCAR for the past 13 seasons and with JR Motorsports since 2017.

Headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., Pilot Flying J has more than 750 retail locations. The company enters its fifth year of partnership with JRM in 2021, having earned NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff berths in 2017, 2019 and 2020. Pilot Flying J has supported Annett since he first emerged on the NASCAR national stage in 2008.

“Having Pilot Flying J as a partner for the past four seasons has helped JR Motorsports excel on many levels, and being able to continue the relationship will allow us all to keep growing and succeeding together,” said Kelley Earnhardt Miller, general manager of JR Motorsports. “Pilot Flying J’s commitment to the sport and to our team is strong, and we are proud to be moving forward with them.”

Annett, a native of Des Moines, Iowa, is currently finishing his fourth season driving the No. 1 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet for JRM. Annett earned his first career NASCAR Xfinity Series victory with JRM and for Pilot Flying J in the 2019 season opener at Daytona International Speedway and his first career pole position later that season at Talladega Superspeedway. Annett set career highs in top-10 finishes and laps led in 2019, his first full season with crew chief Travis Mack. This past season, Annett set a new standard for top-10s in a season with 21 pending this weekend’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

“Pilot Flying J is excited to continue our long-standing relationship with Michael and JRM,” said Ken Parent, president of Pilot Flying J. “We look forward to seeing where Michael will finish this year and we wish him the best of luck and success in the 2021 season.”

Annett earned a career-best finish of fifth in the championship standings in 2012, and he has earned NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff berths in three of his four seasons with JRM. His career totals in NXS competition with the team include the victory at Daytona and 50 top-10 finishes, along with a pair of top-10 finishes in the point standings. Annett is currently 10th in the standings with one race remaining.

“Returning to JR Motorsports with Pilot Flying J means a lot to me,” said Annett. “We’ve been able to grow this program here, with Travis Mack and the team, and I know that more race wins and playoff appearances are in the future. Pilot Flying J has been a great partner for the past 13 seasons and I am looking forward to being here with Dale, Kelley and the JR Motorsports family.”

Additional details for the No. 1 Pilot Flying J team will be announced at a later date.

ABOUT PILOT FLYING J:
Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers in North America, is committed to connecting people and places with comfort, care and a smile at every stop. With more than 750 locations in 44 states and six Canadian provinces, the Pilot Flying J travel center network offers a variety of products and amenities including 680 restaurants, 74,000 truck parking spaces, 5,300 deluxe showers, 6,200 diesel lanes and 34 Truck Care service centers. Pilot Flying J, along with the One9 Fuel Network and other brands, is part of Pilot Company. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Pilot Company supplies more than 11 billion gallons of fuel per year and is currently ranked No. 10 on Forbes’ list of America’s Largest Private Companies. Visit www.pilotflyingj.com for more information.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the management company and racing operation for Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR’s 15-time Most Popular Driver and winner of 50 NASCAR-sanctioned races. Now in its 19th year of overall competition, JR Motorsports races in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it won championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also competes in Late Model competition and owns four championships in regional late model divisions. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

Things to consider before buying a used car

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In today’s age, transport is a necessity for everyone. People who use public transportation to travel to their destination often face numerous hardships. People who have their own transport are free from the hardships of traveling by public transport. The safest way to travel from one place to another is by car.

These days, most people can’t afford a car due to the continuous increase in car costs. Buying a new car may be difficult, and you may not have enough money to buy it. You can buy a used car from a used car dealer, which is a very good solution for people who can’t afford a new expensive car. You may look for one that is not expensive and is in good condition. There are many used car dealers like used car dealer Rolls Auto Sales which can help their customers in many aspects.

Guide to Buy a Used Car

If you are interested in buying a used car from a used car dealership, then you must check a few things before buying a used car, which is the following:

Budget and Car Model

When buying a car from a used dealer you should do research on which dealer provides the best-used cars in el cajon, or you may seek advice from your family and relatives who can help you or give you the best opinion about cars.

Many dealers offer a car in a very abundant variety, which can give the customer many options (different models and budgets) to choose from.

Research

When buying a car from a used dealer you should do research on which dealer provides the best-used car, or you may seek advice from your family and relatives who can help you or give you the best opinion about cars. You can check different websites for the information you might want to know before buying a used car. Ultimately, choosing a reputable car dealer liverpool (or elsewhere) gives you peace of mind and helps ensure that the car you buy is reliable, safe, and represents good value for money.

Inspect the car before buying

When buying a used car from a dealer, inspect the vehicle you want to purchase before making a decision. An inspection can be conducted by a mechanic who can assess the car’s condition and provide an honest opinion about its condition. An inspection is necessary because you don’t want to encounter any problems after purchasing a car.

Test Drive

When buying a used car from a dealer, take a test drive before making a purchase. It can inform you about many things, whether a car is in good condition or not. Additionally, are you comfortable with the car? If you plan to use a car for a long time, it should be one with which you are comfortable.

Check Document

This is the most crucial stage when you are buying a car from a used car dealer. You should double-check the document before buying a car. If you find anything weird about the document, then you should stop driving the car.

If you believe that the dealership misrepresented the vehicle that you purchased, and you find out that there is damage that wasn’t disclosed prior to the sale, you may wish to consult with auto fraud lawyers to see if they may be able to help you assert your rights as a buyer. 

Change oil, filter, and tire

When you are done purchasing a car, if necessary or needed, then change its oil, filter, and tire to keep your car working smoothly.

Conclusion

A used car dealership can help people who can’t afford a new, expensive car. A used car dealer can display a vast variety of cars, which helps customers make informed choices. You can follow guidelines to help you choose the best car.

Chandler Smith – No. 51 JBL Tundra Gander Trucks Phoenix Preview

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Chandler Smith: Driver, No. 51 JBL Toyota

NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Overview:

Event: Lucas Oil 150, Race 23 of 23, 200 Laps – 45/45/60; 150 Miles
Location: Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway (one-mile oval)
Date/Broadcast: Nov. 6, 2020 at 8 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90

Chatter About Chandler:

Chandler Smith and the No. 51 JBL team head to Phoenix Raceway for the final event of the 2020 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. The reigning owner’s champions were knocked out of this year’s playoffs last weekend at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway after finishing 52 points behind the cutoff line for advancing from the Round of 8 to the Championship 4. Friday’s race will mark this first time since the 2012 season that KBM doesn’t have a driver or team mathematically alive for a championship entering the final race of the season.

The Toyota Racing Development driver ran inside the top five for the majority of last year’s Truck Series event at Phoenix making his way from firth to third on the final restart with 44 laps remaining and maintaining that position when the field took the checkered flag. Smith was victorious in the ARCA Menards Series race at Phoenix in March, taking the lead from fellow Toyota competitor Ty Gibbs on an overtime restart and then finished 0.303 seconds ahead of teammate Michael Self.

Smith has compiled 37 laps led, four top-five and four top-10 finishes across his 11 Truck Series starts this season. He saw a four-race top-five streak end in his last race at Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth after contact from another competitor sent him into the wall in the Final Stage and relegated him to a 21st-place finish. The 18-year-old racing prodigy finished a season-best third in his first-ever superspeedway race Oct. 3 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and has finished fifth at Kansas Speedway, Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway. The 18-yeaar-old’s average finish over the last six Truck Series events this year is 8.5 compared to an average finish of 25.2 across his first five starts this season.

In addition to his limited Truck Series schedule this year, the Toyota Racing Development prodigy competed in his third season of part-time action in the ARCA Menards Series. He finished the ARCA season with two wins, two poles, 332 laps led, eight top-five and 10 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 6.4. Across 32 career ARCA Menards Series starts, Smith has collected nine wins, 10 poles, 1761 laps led, 22 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes en route to an average finish of 5.2.

Wes Ward, who has served as shop foreman at KBM since 2015, will serve as the interim crew chief for the No. 51 team this week while Danny Stockman serves his suspension for the wheel that fell off two races ago at Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth. Ward is a veteran crew chief with more than 300 Xfinity Series races on his resume, as well as 28 Gander Trucks races. He has been atop the pit box for three victories at KBM, two with Kyle Busch and one with Todd Gilliland. Ward’s drivers have compiled an average finish of 18.8 across four Truck Series starts at Phoenix, including a 14th-place finish with Gilliland last year.

The No. 51 team is tied for the lead in the Truck Series with four wins, three with owner-driver Kyle Busch and one with Brandon Jones. The team also leads the series in fastest lap run (280) and ranks second in laps led (393).

Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) has five victories at the Arizona track. KBM’s five victories at the Arizona track have come with four different drivers. Kyle Busch won in 2011, Brian Scott in 2012, Erik Jones went back-to-back in 2013-2014 and Daniel Suarez claimed the top spot in 2016. A KBM driver led the most laps in the Phoenix race every year from 2011 to 2018. Busch (2011, 107), Scott (2012, 43), Jones (2013, 84), Jones (2014, 114), Jones (2015, 106), William Byron (2016, 112), Christopher Bell (2017, 90) and Harrison Burton (2018, 46). The streak narrowly came to an end last year when Brandon Jones led 36 laps but was narrowly eclipsed by Ben Rhodes (47) and Stewart Friesen (44).

Chandler Smith, Driver Q&A

It’s the final race of the year. How would you assess your season?

“It’s the final race of the year. It’s been a great year. It has been a big learning curve especially for me learning my team, learning Danny (Stockman, crew chief) and getting experience on 1.5-mile tracks. I’m definitely hoping we can get back together for next year, but we will see how it works out.”

Phoenix is a unique track. You had a top-five there in trucks last year and won an ARCA race earlier this year. Do you like the track? How crazy are the restarts after the start-finish line?

“I have one win at Phoenix in the ARCA division. I’m pretty sure I finished third there in trucks last year. I’m not quite sure. Phoenix is definitely unique. The restarts are fun. It’s really wide and then gets really narrow in Turn 1. The dogleg always dices things up. It’s a fun racetrack. It’s fun to race on. It’s definitely a dustbowl.”

Now that the season is over, what’s the one thing on the top of your to do list?

“My biggest thing that I want to do in the offseason is relax. I just want to kick back and take it easy because I don’t get to do that much.”

Chandler Smith Career Highlights:

  • Across 15 career NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Series starts has recorded 93 laps led, seven top-five and eight top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 12.9.
  • Produced three top-five and four top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 4.2 across his first four career NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series starts in 2019. He led 55 laps and finished eighth in his Gander Trucks debut at Iowa Speedway last July and then posted top-five finishes in his final three starts, including a runner-up finish at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.
  • Has collected nine wins, 10 poles, 1761 laps led, 22 top-five and 29 op-10 finishes en route to an average finish of 5.2 across 33 career ARCA Menards Series starts. Set an ARCA Racing Series record by winning four consecutive poles to start his career and earned his first victory after leading a race-high 102 laps at Madison (Wis.) International Speedway in his fourth series start.

Chandler Smith’s No. 51 JBL Tundra:

KBM-69: The No. 51 JBL team will unload a brand new Tundra, KBM-69, for Friday night’s race at Phoenix.
KBM Notes of Interest:

  • KBM drivers have collected five wins, five poles, 914 laps led, 11 top-five and 19 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 9.7 across 28 starts at Phoenix Raceway.
  • The organization’s five victories at the Arizona track have come with four different drivers. Kyle Busch won in 2011, Brian Scott in 2012, Erik Jones went back-to-back in 2013-2014 and Daniel Suarez claimed the top spot in 2016.
  • KBM holds the NGROTS 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).

Roush Fenway Weekly Advance | Phoenix

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Roush Fenway Weekly Advance | Phoenix

Phoenix hosts NASCAR’s season finale this weekend for the first time in its history, as the NASCAR Cup Series will battle for 312 laps Sunday afternoon. Jack Roush has 17 wins all-time at the 1-mile track, including seven in the NCS.

Phoenix Raceway (1-Mile)
Season Finale 500
Sunday, Nov. 8 | 3 p.m. ET
NBC, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90
· Ryan Newman, No. 6 Guaranteed Rate Ford Mustang
· Chris Buescher, No. 17 Fastenal Ford Mustang

Season Finale in Phoenix This Weekend

  • The 2020 NASCAR season comes to a close this weekend out west, where Phoenix Raceway hosts the finale for the first time in its history.
  • The return to Arizona is also unique in that the spring race at Phoenix marked the last pre-COVID event for the series, as the pandemic ultimately postponed the schedule for two months following. Despite the hiatus, the #NASCARPlayoffs schedule remained intact, with Phoenix capping the 36-race campaign.
  • Four weeks of NASCAR action were completed prior to the COVID-19 hiatus with races at Atlanta, Homestead, Texas, Bristol, Richmond, Talladega, Dover and Martinsville postponed before the schedule later picked back up in mid-May.
  • Sunday’s starting lineup will be set by three competition-based metrics, rewarding both season-long and single-race performance, and will be announced later in the week.

Martinsville Recap, Phoenix Preview

  • Buescher finished 38th in Martinsville after being collected in an on-track incident.
  • Newman had speed early in the going at Martinsville, earning stage points midway through before going on to finish 18th.
  • Fastenal will return to Buescher’s Ford for the final race of 2020, and feature a new scheme. Roush Fenway and Fastenal will unveil the 2021 scheme on Thursday, and it will run on track in Phoenix this weekend.
  • Guaranteed Rate is back on board Newman’s No. 6 for the final race of the 2020 campaign.

Hooked on Phoenix

Roush Fenway has 291 combined starts at Phoenix, totaling 17 wins, 75 top-five and 134 top-10 finishes. RFR Fords have nine poles and have led 4,031 laps at the 1-mile track.

Winning in the Desert

Roush Fenway has won at Phoenix in all three of NASCAR’s major divisions, with the organization’s first win coming in the fall of 1993 with NASCAR Hall of Famer and former driver Mark Martin in the NCS. Roush Fenway won the second-ever NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Phoenix in 2000 and former driver Greg Biffle claimed the organization’s 100th overall NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Phoenix in 2009.

Former driver Carl Edwards also won there that fall to give Roush Fenway the season sweep. All in all, six drivers have won NASCAR races for Roush Fenway at Phoenix (Martin, Biffle, Edwards, Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth and Joe Ruttman). In addition, Edwards swept Phoenix in the fall of 2010, winning both the NXS and NCS events.

Recent Ryan in Phoenix

Three years ago in the Phoenix spring race, Ryan Newman went to victory lane in the No. 31, marking his most recent win in the NCS. He started 22nd in that race before going on to lead the final six laps en route to his 18th career Cup series win.

Xfinity Success

Phoenix was one of the strongest tracks for Roush Fenway’s Xfinity program. In 93 starts, the organization won eight times, earned 27 top-fives, 53 top-10s and has led 1,406 laps. Roush Fenway most recently went to victory lane with Edwards in Nov. 2010. Its eight wins rank most of any track on the circuit behind only Charlotte (12), Darlington (15), Richmond (9) and Rockingham (10).

Tale of the Tape

Roush Fenway has started 162 NCS races at Phoenix, recording a total of seven victories, 35 top-five finishes, 60 top-10 finishes, four poles and has led 2,291 laps. Edwards earned Roush Fenway’s most recent victory at Phoenix in the March 2013 event.

Roush Fenway Phoenix Wins
1993 Martin Cup
1997-2 Ruttman Truck
2000 Burton Cup
2000 Burton NXS
2001 Biffle Truck
2001 Burton Cup
2001 Biffle NXS
2002 Kenseth Cup
2005-1 Busch Cup
2005-2 Edwards NXS
2006-2 Kenseth NXS
2008-2 Edwards NXS
2009-1 Biffle NXS
2009-2 Edwards NXS
2010-2 Edwards Cup
2010-2 Edwards NXS
2013-1 Edwards Cup

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