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Biofuels VS Electric Power: The Future Of Green Motorsport

No one can rightly argue that current iterations of either green power compare to the results from enriched fossil fuels. The problem, as the vigilant motorsports enthusiast may be aware, is that fossil fuels are a dwindling resource. While arguing that the use of fossil fuels in motorsport alone has a minimal environmental impact, it is the commercial motoring sector that essentially incentivizes manufacturers to support motorsport development.

HVO fuel is growing in popularity as an alternative to diesel in the industrial sector, whilst electric power seems to be the future of the commercial sector. Where does this leave the future of racing and competitive motorsport?

Biofuels And Racing

Biofuels make for a polarizing topic when it comes to high-performance racing. As you are probably aware, all fuels are not equal when it comes to performance. Biofuels are not yet at a point where they are ready to fuel a two-second zero to sixty racing beast.

Electric Power

On the other hand, we have electric power, which shows incredible promise when it comes to performance, albeit with one massive caveat. Despite exciting developments, the actual eco-sustainability of electric power is debatable.

Given Enough Time

Which power source would then win out in the world of high powered automotive sports? That is the billion-dollar question. You see, currently electric has the upper hand in performance, but without some giant leaps in the base tech, it isn’t a renewable energy source at all.

What Goes Unsaid 

The majority of electric power generated globally is still fossil fuel dependent. This inconvenient fact means that in its current form, electric power is just a roundabout way of burning fossil fuel to power vehicles.

Why It’s Worse

The laws of thermodynamics pretty much enforce a simple principle of inefficiency in energy conversion. What this means is that every time you convert energy from one form to another, even when storing it, you lose a large chunk of the initially available energy.

Hence It’s Unsustainable

In its current form electric power, particularly when it comes to powering high-performance racing cars is, in fact, a worse source of carbon emission simply because of where that power comes from and how much of it is lost in the process.

Are Biofuels Better?

In a nutshell, yes, biofuels are largely beneficial as they are extensively more environmentally friendly than current methods of generating electric power. Again, the problem here is the payoff in performance, which is a deal-breaker for most motorsport enthusiast.

Could Biofuels Improve?

Everything can be improved upon; biofuels, as a science, have for a long time no longer been a matter of searching for eco-friendly biologically produced fuel sources. Suffice it to say; it could imaginable outperform traditional fuels one day.

The same can be said of electric power. It already has the lead in performance, so this tech hinges on the possibility of improved battery efficiency and the ability to generate clean energy. Put that way it seems the clear winning candidate, but not so fast.

Commerce Will Decide

While both technologies could, in theory become a feasible alternative, they are also equally likely to reach an as yet unforeseen barrier that places a limit cap on their ability to win out over the other. In the end, the winner will be decided by the commercial market as manufacturers direct their R&D at whichever tech the markets demand.

Wright Motorsports Set for Indianapolis 8 Hour Season Finale

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., (September 30, 2020) – Wright Motorsports will close out one of their three 2020 sports car racing championships this weekend at the Racing Capital of the World, Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The final two rounds of the 2020 GT World Challenge America powered by AWS will run on track in the join the Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli Indianapolis 8 Hour. Wright Motorsports has confirmed entry with the No. 20 driven by Full season GT World Challenge drivers Fred Root and Max Poordad will be joined by Jan Heylen in the No. 20 Porsche 911 GT3 R.

“As a team, we’re obviously no stranger to endurance racing, but we’re excited for our SRO program to get to take part and finish the year with an eight-hour race,” said Team Owner John Wright. “Fred and Max have had such a great run all season, and we hope them and Jan cap it off with a strong finish.”

Poordad and Root have had an impressive rookie season in the GT World Challenge America series, where they started the 2020 season off with two class wins in the opening rounds at Circuit of the Americas. In the six rounds that followed, the pair earned three overall podiums and four more class wins on many on North America’s top road courses. Heylen subbed in for Max Root for the two rounds at Circuit of the Americas, where he and Poordad swept the class wins and earned one overall podium. Root and Poordad dominated the Am Cup class, leading by 100 points heading into the Indianapolis season finale.

Root missed the two Circuit of the Americas rounds to participate in his first 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he and co-drivers Richard Heistand and Jan Magnussen earned a strong sixth-place finish. Following Root’s impressive Le Mans debut, the No. 20 Porsche 911 GT3 R has moved up to the silver class for this weekend’s festivities.

The GT World Challenge America competitors will accumulate their final 2020 championship points in the first three hours of Sunday’s eight-hour endurance race. Intercontinental GT Challenge Powered by Pirelli race will run on Sunday, October 3 from 10:00AM to 6:00PM Eastern, and will air live on CBS Sports Network.

Event Schedule | All times Eastern
Friday, October 2
10:20AM – 11:35AM Test Session
1:40PM – 3:10PM Free Practice

Saturday, October 3
8:30AM – 10:00AM Pre-Qualifying
12:10PM – 12:25PM Qualifying Driver 1
12:32PM – 12:47PM Qualifying Driver 2
12:55PM – 1:10PM Qualifying Driver 3
5:30PM – 5:45PM Pole Shootout

Sunday, October 4
10:00AM – 6:00PM Indianapolis 8 Hour | Live on CBS Sports Network, YouTube.com/GTWorld

Driver Quotes

Fred Poordad
We are thrilled to be going to Indianapolis with a large field of world-class competitors. Max and I will be joined by Jan Heylen for our final race this season, and we are excited to be able to represent Wright Motorsports in what should prove to be a great race.

Max Root
I’m very happy to be returning with Wright Motorsports for our season finale. I unfortunately missed the last round at Circuit of the Americas because of Le Mans, and I’m very happy the event went so well. I’m glad to be returning with Fred and Jan. Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a new track for me, so I’m glad the team has tested here previously and has data from that. We hope to show up strong on Friday, have a good strategy, and try to go for an overall podium in the Indianapolis 8 Hour.

Jan Heylen
It’s nice to have Max back with the team. I hope we can carry the momentum from Austin into this weekend with another podium finish and good points for Fred and Max towards their championship. I love long-distance races in general, so I’m really looking forward to getting started. I hear the competition will be strong with factory efforts and drivers from across the globe: all ingredients for an exciting race and a good challenge for Wright Motorsports.

Wealth Management Strategies | WMS of Equitable
We are passionate about helping our clients Plan, Protect, and Achieve their wealth. Success doesn’t happen by accident; it takes planning, preparation, and discipline along the way. The greatest endurance athletes in the world live by these principles. We see life as the greatest endurance race of all time – one that we all must run. Our results tomorrow largely depend on our actions today. We want to help you plan for your future, protect your loved ones and your business, and achieve whatever success means to you. (WMSassociates.com)

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series, international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013 and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. The 2020 season will see the team return to IMSA Weathertech SportsCar Championship. For more information, visit wrightmotorsports.com

Jimmie Johnson Teams with BlueCross BlueShield Of North Carolina For Virtual Paint Pit Wall Pink Event

Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and BlueCross NC ambassador Jimmie Johnson speaks to a group of breast cancer survivors and BlueCross NC employees during a virtual paint pit wall pink event at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Now in its seventh year, the event helps raise awareness of the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. (CMS/HHP photo)
  • Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson shared message of encouragement and fearlessness with BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina employees and breast cancer survivors at virtual event
  • Seventh annual event to raise awareness of early detection and treatment for breast cancer preceded the Oct. 10 Drive for the Cure 250 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at America’s Home for Racing

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 30, 2020) – For the seventh consecutive year, seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson joined executives from BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and Charlotte Motor Speedway in painting the iconic speedway’s pit wall pink on Wednesday.

Due to restrictions on public gatherings during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the event was conducted virtually, with dozens of BlueCross BlueShield employees and breast cancer survivors tuning in via Zoom to hear messages of encouragement and motivation from Johnson, a longtime BlueCross BlueShield ambassador.

“At the end of the day, we’re trying to raise awareness for this cause,” Johnson said. “I feel like NASCAR is a great place to do that. This race track, Charlotte Motor Speedway, has done a phenomenal job over the years… When you have a cancer that, with early detection is beatable, helping the general public understand that, you’ve got a recipe for success.

“Certainly missed all the fans and wished that the energy was here with all the survivors, but to have the virtual board and know that they were there and watching was really special.”

Johnson was joined at the event by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina Chief Operating Officer Gerald Petkau, who shared his own story of his battle with breast cancer and what he learned through his journey about the importance of community during challenging times.

“It’s an outstanding opportunity for coming together as a group,” Petkau said. “It’s so moving to be able to hear their stories… That community, to be able to share and lean on each other, just like breast cancer patients do with their families, I think doing that as a survivor group is really important and beneficial.”

Following brief comments, Johnson and Petkau put the finishing touches on painting the speedway’s pit road wall pink as an outward show of support that will remain on display at Charlotte Motor Speedway throughout the upcoming NASCAR race weekend, which includes the Drive for the Cure 250 presented by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina on Oct. 10, and the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 on Oct. 11.

During the ROVAL race and throughout the month of October, Johnson will wear pink driving gloves as part of the effort to raise awareness of breast cancer early detection and treatment. His car will also feature a BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina logo on the rear quarter panel.

In addition, the event provided participants the first look at the pink Toyota Camry pace car for the Drive for the Cure 250. The car features more than 1,000 digital signatures of breast cancer survivors collected virtually by BlueCross NC and digitally printed on the car.

Reagan Greene Pruitt, the vice president of marketing and community engagement for BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina, said the event has gained momentum every year, even despite the challenges presented this year as a result of the pandemic.

“We’ve worked hard in our partnership with Charlotte Motor Speedway to pivot and change in this COVID environment,” Pruitt said. “We talked about potentially not coming out here in our seventh year to celebrate breast cancer survivors, to use the NASCAR platform to increase breast cancer awareness and prevention, but we’re here. And while it looks a little different, the impact is the same; the purpose is the same.”

TICKETS:
Tickets are just $50 for the racing double-header on Saturday, Oct. 10, featuring the Drive for the Cure 250 presented by BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Series’ MOTUL 100% Synthetic Grand Prix. Kids 13 and under get in free. For details or to purchase, visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267).

MORE INFO:

Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on Twitter and Instagram, becoming a Facebook fan or downloading the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 Maintain Traditional May And October Race Dates In Dynamic New 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

As part of NASCAR's newly announced 2021 schedule, Charlotte Motor Speedway's crown jewel events, the Coca-Cola 600 and Bank of America ROVAL 400, will maintain their traditional May and October race weekends next season. (CMS/HHP photo)
  • The legendary Coca-Cola 600 will again serve as the grand finale of the greatest day in racing with a Memorial Day Weekend race date of Sunday, May 30, 2021
  • The action-packed Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 returns as the cutoff race for the second round of the NASCAR playoffs on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021
  • Tickets for both 2021 NASCAR Cup Series races as well as the upcoming Oct. 10, 2020 Drive for the Cure 250 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina are available at CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 30, 2020) – Two of NASCAR’s most treasured and anticipated annual events, the Coca-Cola 600 and the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400, will return to their traditional May and October weekends at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2021, as officials today released next year’s NASCAR Cup Series schedule.

The 62nd running of the Coca-Cola 600 will once again cap off “The Greatest Day in Racing” on Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 30, while the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 returns to its place as the pivotal cutoff race for Cup Series drivers chasing a championship in the NASCAR Playoffs Round of 12 on Sunday, Oct. 10.

“While the new schedule features some dynamic changes with both new race tracks and race dates, we are honored to keep the historical tradition of NASCAR racing in May and October at Charlotte Motor Speedway,” said Charlotte Motor Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Greg Walter. “We will miss the NASCAR All-Star Race on our 2021 event schedule, but we know race fans will be excited to see the show Texas Motor Speedway will produce mid-season as part of the revamped schedule.

“At Charlotte, we’ll welcome fans to salute the U.S. Armed Forces with us on Memorial Day Weekend at the Coca-Cola 600 and to witness the playoff pressure on the world’s best drivers at the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400. These two races are crown jewels in our sport and we’re privileged to have the opportunity to bring them to life for fans that make America’s Home for Racing their race vacation destination.”

NASCAR schedules for Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series will be released at a later date.

TICKETS:

Tickets for both 2021 NASCAR Cup Series races as well as the upcoming Oct. 10, 2020 Drive for the Cure 250 presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina are available www.CharlotteMotorSpeedway.com.

FOLLOW US:

Keep track of all of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s events by following on Twitter and Instagram; becoming a Facebook fan or by visiting www.charlottemotorspeedway.com. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

Five Decades In The Making: NASCAR Introduces Three New Tracks, Two New Layouts to 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule

Historic Slate Includes Three New Road Courses and First Dirt Race in Half A Century

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept.  30, 2020) – NASCAR today announced the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, a historic slate that includes the introduction of three new racetracks – and new layouts at two iconic venues – to the sport’s top level.

Not since 1969 has NASCAR added this many new venues to its premier series schedule.

The 36-race slate includes races at three new road course layouts, and the first Cup Series dirt race in more than 50 years.

The road course at Circuit of the Americas (May 23) joins the schedule for the first time, Road America (July 4) returns for the first time since 1956 and, after a thrilling debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2020, the Cup stars will race on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course in 2021 (Aug. 15).

The high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway will transform into a dirt track for a NASCAR Cup Series race on March 28, the first premier series race on dirt since Sept. 30, 1970 (North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh, N.C.).

And as previously announced, NASCAR returns to the Music City with a race at Nashville Superspeedway on June 20, which will kick off the NBC Sports portion of the season.

“We developed the 2021 schedule with one primary goal: Continue to take steps to create the most dynamic schedule possible for our fans,” said Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR executive vice president and chief racing development officer. “Extensive collaboration between NASCAR, the racetracks, race teams and our broadcast partners allowed NASCAR to create what promises to be an exciting 2021 schedule of races.”

In addition, NASCAR announced the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race’s return to a high-speed 1.5-mile track in 2021, as the annual star-studded event moves to Texas Motor Speedway on June 13 for the first time in its 36-year history.

NASCAR will open its Cup Series season with two consecutive races in Florida. As is tradition, the season will kick off with the running of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500 – at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 14 live on FOX before heading south to Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, Feb. 21.

The series will also double down on a pair of familiar venues in markets threaded deep with historical NASCAR ties and passionate fanbases. Cars will hit the track at Darlington Raceway for the first time on Sunday, May 9 and again to kick off the Playoffs on Sunday, Sept. 5 while Atlanta Motor Speedway will host NASCAR’s premier series on Sunday, Mar. 21 and Sunday, July 11.

After an overhaul for the 2020 season, the only change in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs will be a swap of dates between Texas and Kansas in the Round of 8. Wholly unpredictable venues – Bristol Motor Speedway (Sept. 18), the Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval (Oct. 10) and Martinsville Speedway (Oct. 31) – will once again serve as the cutoff races in 2021.

Phoenix Raceway culminates the 10-race Playoffs slate as host of the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race for the second consecutive year.

NASCAR Cup Series races in 2021 will once again air on the FOX and NBC family of networks. Start times and specific networks will be announced at a later date. Schedules for the 2021 NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will also be announced at a later date.

Below is the full 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule (Playoff races in bold font):

2021 NASCAR CUP SERIES SCHEDULE

DateRace / Track
Tuesday, February 9Clash (Daytona Road Course)
Thursday, February 11Duel at Daytona
Sunday, February 14DAYTONA 500
Sunday, February 21Homestead-Miami
Sunday, February 28Auto Club
Sunday, March 7Las Vegas
Sunday, March 14Phoenix
Sunday, March 21Atlanta
Sunday, March 28Bristol Dirt
Saturday, April 10Martinsville
Sunday, April 18Richmond
Sunday, April 25Talladega
Sunday, May 2Kansas
Sunday, May 9Darlington
Sunday, May 16Dover
Sunday, May 23COTA
Sunday, May 30Charlotte
Sunday, June 6Sonoma
Sunday, June 13All-Star (Texas)
Sunday, June 20Nashville Superspeedway
Saturday & Sunday, June 26-27Pocono Doubleheader
Sunday, July 4Road America
Sunday, July 11Atlanta
Sunday, July 18New Hampshire
Sunday, August 8Watkins Glen
Sunday, August 15Indianapolis Road Course
Sunday, August 22Michigan
Saturday, August 28Daytona
Sunday, September 5Darlington
Saturday, September 11Richmond
Saturday, September 18Bristol
Sunday, September 26Las Vegas
Sunday, October 3Talladega
Sunday, October 10Charlotte Roval
Sunday, October 17Texas
Sunday, October 24Kansas
Sunday, October 31Martinsville
Sunday, November 7Phoenix

About NASCAR

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

Talladega Superspeedway’s GEICO 500 & YellaWood 500 Return to Traditional Weekends Next Year as NASCAR Announces 2021 Cup Series Schedule

Springtime GEICO 500 Winner Will Advance to 2021 NASCAR Playoffs While the Fall’s YellaWood 500 will Continue to Play Crucial Role in Battle for the Cup Series Championship

Talladega, Ala. (Sept. 30, 2020) – NASCAR today announced the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule that includes Talladega Superspeedway’s two traditional weekends – the GEICO 500 in April and the YellaWood 500 in October.

The 52nd edition of the Talladega springtime classic, GEICO 500, is set for Sunday, April 25, and will be the premier series’ 10th points race of the year. While this year’s YellaWood 500 is just five days away, the 53rd YellaWood 500 will take place on Sunday, October 3, 2021, and will again be the second race in the Round of 12 of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

“We are thrilled to have both our GEICO 500 and YellaWood 500 back next year in their customary spots on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule,” said Talladega Superspeedway President Brian Crichton.” We have fans that come back year after year for race-family reunions and to celebrate both of our NASCAR weekends, and we can’t wait to have them back again in 2021. Plus, we look forward to new fans being here and enjoying the greatest entertainment one can imagine, beginning their own race traditions and taking home lifetime memories.”

Scheduled to return in 2021 is the Talladega Garage Experience, which debuted last fall to rave reviews. The Talladega Garage Experience gives fans the chance to be immersed into the sport of NASCAR like never before, including being able to be up-close to the NASCAR’s top drivers and teams via a fan walkway under the same roof as the NASCAR Cup Series garage car bays. In addition, there’s the unique 35,000 square foot “Big Bill’s” covered Open Air Social Club, complete with ample seating, a bar and a 41-foot diagonal video screen, the opportunity to be a part of Gatorade Victory Lane, and lots more.

Fans wishing to attend the Cup Series races at ’DEGA in 2021 can take advantage of an early access pre-sale. Tickets for the general public start today at $65 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and younger. Account holders from 2020 can take advantage of even lower pricing when renewing their tickets & camping. For information on the 2021 GEICO 500 and YellaWood 500, fans can visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA (1-877-462-3342).

The full ’21 schedule can be found here or at nascar.com. Schedules for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2021 seasons will be announced in the near future. Start times and television networks for Cup Series races will be also announced at a later date.

Ryan Blaney is the defending champion of both the YellaWood 500 and GEICO 500, winning both by just seven one thousandths of a second. He will go for his third straight Talladega Cup Series victory in this weekend’s YellaWood 500, which would vault him into elite company. Buddy Baker pulled the rabbit out of the hat by winning three consecutive triumphs in 1975-76, and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who actually captured four in—a-row from 2001-03. While we have already reached capacity for grandstand and tower seating for this Sunday’s race, a very limited number of camping spaces remain available for purchase in the track’s famous infield for guests with self-contained RVs. Those interested in camping possibilities for the weekend are encouraged to act quickly by calling 1-877-Go2-DEGA.

The full schedule for the upcoming weekend includes:

Sat, Oct. 3 – Chevy Silverado 250 at TALLADEGA NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series at 12:00 p.m. CDT (FS1, SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 & MRN); 94 laps
Sat, Oct. 3 – Ag-Pro 300 at TALLADEGA NASCAR Xfinity Series at 3:30 p.m. CDT (NBCSN, SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 & MRN); 113 laps
Sun, Oct. 4 – YellaWood 500 NASCAR Cup Series at 1:00 p.m. CDT (NBC, SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90 & MRN); 188 laps

Fans can keep up with all the happenings at the biggest, baddest race track on the planet by following Talladega Superspeedway on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and by downloading the track’s mobile app.

About Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway – which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year – is the most competitive race track on the NASCAR schedule (record 88 lead changes in 188 laps), the highest-banked (33 degrees) and the longest (2.66 miles), as well as the most fun and fan-friendly. Three- and four-wide racing at 200 mph are a norm at Talladega Superspeedway, along with nail-biting, photo finishes. For information, visit www.talladegasuperspeedway.com or call 1-877-Go2-DEGA.

About NASCAR

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

63rd Annual DAYTONA 500 to Open 2021 NASCAR Cup Season While Coke Zero Sugar 400 Will Again Serve as Cutoff Race for the Playoffs

2016 Logos

Denny Hamlin Tries to Become First DAYTONA 500 Champion to Win Three Straight in The Great American Race

Intensity-Filled Coke Zero Sugar 400 Summer Classic set to be Final Event of Regular Season

After the DAYTONA 500, NASCAR’s Premier Series goes to Another Florida Venue,
Homestead-Miami Speedway, as NASCAR Announces Full Cup Series 2021 Schedule

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 30, 2020) – The 2021NASCAR Cup Series schedule was announced today, and like 2020, the DAYTONA 500, NASCAR’s biggest and most prestigious event, will kick off the season while the Coke Zero Sugar 400 will again be final race of the regular season.

The 63rd annual DAYTONA 500, which has had tickets on sale since mid-August, is set for Presidents’ Day Weekend, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021. It will mark the 40th straight time (dating back to 1982) The Great American Race has started off NASCAR’s season. Just a week later, on Sunday, Feb. 21, 2021, NASCAR racing in the Sunshine State of Florida will continue with Homestead-Miami Speedway moving to the second race on the schedule.

Next year’s summer classic Coke Zero Sugar 400 is set for Saturday evening, August 28. Just last month, for the first time in history, the Coke Zero Sugar 400 served as the last-chance, cutoff race for the playoffs and delivered in dramatic fashion. In a “must win” situation, William Byron battled his way to his first career Cup Series win and a guaranteed spot to the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

“The DAYTONA 500 is a tradition fans world-wide get excited about. The drivers, teams, media and sponsors come here with so much anticipation and hope of winning our sport’s biggest event,” said Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile. We are also eager to see if Denny Hamlin can rewrite the DAYTONA 500 record book with his third straight victory in The Great American Race. We can’t wait to see fans from all over the world here in February.

“The excitement both our NASCAR Cup Series races bring to fans in unprecedented.  The pressure to get into the playoffs is immense, and provides incredible racing on the high banks of our historic track. We’re looking forward to having the same level of excitement in 2021.”

Hamlin can become the first driver in the history of the 2.5-mile venue to capture three consecutive checkered flags in the DAYTONA 500. Currently, he, along with Richard Petty (1973-74), Cale Yarborough (1983-84) and Sterling Marlin (1994-95), are the only drivers to claim two straight DAYTONA 500 victories. In fact, with a win, Hamlin would join Yarborough with four total DAYTONA 500 victories, trailing only Petty, who has seven. Hamlin is already a three-time DAYTONA 500 Champion, also winning in 2016.

Race fans travel from all over the globe to attend the DAYTONA 500, and have since its inception in 1959. This year’s DAYTONA 500 in February had attendees representing all 50 states and 45 countries. Tickets for the 2021 DAYTONA 500 classic start at $99 and can be purchased by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or visiting www.DAYTONA500.com.

Fans wishing to attend the 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 can take advantage of an early access pre-sale. Available online or by phone, tickets for the general public start at $49 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and younger. Fans who attended the 2020 event can take advantage of even lower pricing when renewing by the deadline of Dec. 4. For ticket information on the Coke Zero Sugar 400, fans can log onto www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

With the DAYTONA 500 and Homestead-Miami Speedway’s event, it marks the first time since 1952-54 that the NASCAR Cup Series season has opened with the first two events in the state of Florida.  In both ‘52 and ‘54, the first three events kicked off the season in Florida – Palm Beach Speedway, the DAYTONA Beach/Road Course and Speedway Park in Jacksonville. The ’53 season began at the Palm Beach track followed by road course at Daytona. All three of the venues are no longer in existence.

The full ’21 schedule can be found here or at nascar.com. Schedules for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2021 seasons will be announced in the near future. Start times and television networks for Cup Series races will be also announced at a later date.

Fans also have the opportunity to purchase tickets and multi-day packages with a fresh look for Speedweeks Presented by Advent Health:

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

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

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

·         Friday, Feb. 12: NextEra Energy 250 NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series race

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

·         Sunday, Feb. 14: DAYTONA 500, The Great American Race

Premium and extended-stay camping packages include access to general admission seating and the UNOH Fanzone/Pre-race access for each event, excluding the DAYTONA 500. For all other events, children 12 and under are $10 in reserved seating and free in general admission areas and in the UNOH Fanzone/Pre-race access.

Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, PinterestYouTube, and by downloading Daytona International Speedway’s mobile app, for the latest Speedway news throughout the season.

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

About NASCAR

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

NASCAR CUP SERIES SET TO RETURN TO AUTO CLUB SPEEDWAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2021

FONTANA, CA (Sept. 30, 2020) – NASCAR today announced the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, including the series’ return to Southern California for the third race of the season on Sunday, February 28, at Auto Club Speedway.

The 2021 season for the NASCAR Cup Series will kick off on February 14 with the historic 63rd running of the DAYTONA 500 before heading south to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the second race of the season on Sunday, February 21. Following the weekend in Homestead, the Cup Series will once again make its West Coast swing, beginning in Fontana before heading to Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 7 and Phoenix Raceway on March 14.

“We are excited to be hosting the NASCAR Cup Series back here at Auto Club Speedway next February,” said Auto Club Speedway President Dave Allen. “It’s an amazing time of year for our fans throughout the country and the competitors across the sport to make the trip to our community here in Southern California, and we look forward to kicking off the series’ three-week West Coast stay.”

Renewals for the Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway are already underway for existing customers and tickets for the event will go on sale to the public in early November. Fans can view the full 2021 Cup Series schedule and purchase tickets at nascar.com/tickets.

The schedule for the NASCAR Xfinity Series 2021 season will be announced in the near future. Start times and television networks for Cup Series races will be also announced at a later date.

For more information about the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series race at Auto Club Speedway, please visit www.autoclubspeedway.com/renewals or call 800-944-RACE (7223).

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About Auto Club Speedway

Located 50 miles east of Los Angeles in Fontana, Auto Club Speedway is California’s premier motorsports facility, hosting over 320 days of track activity each year including the NASCAR Cup Series Auto Club 400 weekend – Feb. 28-29, March 1, 2020. The two-mile D-shaped oval is one of the fastest tracks on the NASCAR circuit. The Speedway is also home to numerous movie, television and commercial productions, photo shoots, new car testing, club racing and a variety of racing schools. For more information on events at Auto Club Speedway, call 1-800-944-RACE (7223) or visit www.AutoClubSpeedway.com.

NASCAR to return to Watkins Glen International, August 8

NASCAR unveils 2021 Cup Series schedule, includes New York’s Home for NASCAR

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (Sept. 30, 2020) – NASCAR will return to Watkins Glen International and New York State for the Go Bowling at The Glen, August 8, as the sanctioning body announced the schedule for the 2021 Cup Series today.

“We are beyond excited and ready to welcome NASCAR back to Watkins Glen International and the beautiful Finger Lakes Region,” WGI President Michael Printup said. “Our dedicated team has worked hard over the past few months in making sure the competitors, teams and fans can safely enjoy our world-class facility for the future. I know our fans can’t wait for NASCAR to make its return to The Glen in what has become a summer tradition for over 30 years.”

Schedules for the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series 2021 seasons will be announced in the near future. In addition, start times and television network information for Cup Series races will be also announced at a later date.

Two-time defending Go Bowling at The Glen winner and NASCAR Most Popular Driver, Chase Elliott, will look to join four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon (1997-99) and Mark Martin (1993-95) as the only drivers to win three-straight Cup Series races at the 2.45-mile road course.

The full 2021 NASCAR Cup Series schedule can be found at nascar.com. Additionally, for more information on the Go Bowling at The Glen event weekend, please visit TheGlen.com

About Watkins Glen International
Located within five (5) hours (~300 miles) of 25% of the US population, Watkins Glen International is the premier road racing facility in North America, four-times voted “Best NASCAR Track” by readers of USA Today. Keep up with The Glen on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram. For tickets, camping, and additional information, call 1-866-461-RACE or visit www.TheGlen.com.

Pocono Raceway Announces 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Doubleheader Dates & Tickets Savings

LONG POND, Pa. (September 30, 2020) – Pocono Raceway will be the only track to host two NASCAR Cup Series races on back-to-back days in 2021, taking place on Saturday, June 26 and Sunday, June 27. Tickets and Camping options are on sale for the 2021 NASCAR Doubleheader at Pocono Raceway.

Below are major highlights from today’s announcement and a complete press release can be found by CLICKING HERE.

·         2021 NASCAR Cup Series Dates Announced: NASCAR announced the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series scheduled today. Pocono Raceway will host a NASCAR Cup Series race on Saturday, June 26 and a second Cup race the next day, Sunday, June 27. More event details, including race lengths and additional NASCAR and ARCA Menards Series events will be announced later.

·         The Only NASCAR Cup Series Doubleheader: Ticket purchasers will be able to enjoy double the action as the best NASCAR Cup Series drivers tackle ‘The Tricky Triangle’ on back-to-back days for the only time in 2021.

·         Tickets & Camping Available Now: Select tickets and camping options are on sale now during a pre-sale event and 2020 ticket account holders can renew their tickets for the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series events with up to 20% savings.

·         Flexible Ticket Payment Options: 2020 ticket account holders, in addition to saving up to 20% on their 2021 tickets as part of the renewal process, can choose a 4-Payment Plan where 25% is due at the initial purchase and no further payment is due until February 2021. New ticket purchasers can select a 50/50 payment option where 50% is due at the initial purchase and remaining balance is not due until June 2021.

·         Save With Ticket Delivery Options: Ticket purchasers can save money by selecting either the mobile or print-at-home ticket delivery option on select 2021 NASCAR event tickets at checkout.

·         Kids Attend For Free: Kids, ages 12 and under, will be able to attend the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series events at Pocono Raceway for FREE. This includes 100 and 200 Level Grandstand seating locations and camping. Each ticket holder can bring up to four kids to all 2021 NASCAR events at Pocono Raceway for free.

·         Free Parking: Parking is free of charge for all NASCAR events at Pocono Raceway in 2021.

·         Complimentary Weather Ticket Insurance: If a NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono is postponed due to weather, Pocono Raceway ticket account holders will receive a check for the face value of their tickets purchased. This complimentary ticket insurance is known as the Worry-Free Weather Guarantee.

Note: All events, dates and times are subject to change without notice. Children must be accompanied by an adult ticket holder for gate admission and at all times while on Pocono Raceway property. Certain terms, conditions and fees may apply for ticket purchases. Pocono Raceway reserves the right to determine changes in seat/camping locations or to make changes to seating/camping assignments.

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About Pocono Raceway

Pocono Raceway, also known as ‘The Tricky Triangle,’ is family-owned and situated in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. In business for over 50 years, the Raceway hosts multiple, national motorsports events including two NASCAR Cup Series, one NASCAR Xfinity Series, one NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and one ARCA Menards Series events each year. The facility’s calendar also consists of over 200 events including a wide-range of car clubs and racing schools. Pocono Raceway is recognized as the world’s first, privately-owned solar-powered sports facility. Their 25-acre, three-megawatt solar farm provides the energy needs of the Raceway, as well as, adds electricity to the local power grid. Each member of our raceway staff is committed to creating exciting experiences and lifelong memories. For more information, please visit www.poconoraceway.com.