Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Bristol
BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY (.533-MILE OVAL)
LOCATION: BRISTOL, TENNESSEE
EVENT: NASCAR CUP SERIES (RACE 29 OF 36)
TUNE IN: 7:30 P.M. ET, SATURDAY, SEPT. 19 (NBCSN/PRN/SIRIUSXM)
Chase Elliott
No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
Driver Chase Elliott Hometown Dawsonville, Georgia
Age 24 Resides Dawsonville, Georgia
2020 Season
7th in standings
28 starts
2 wins
1 pole position
11 top-five finishes
16 top-10 finishes
646 laps led
Career
177 starts
8 wins
9 pole positions
55 top-five finishes
90 top-10 finishes
2,490 laps led
Track Career
9 starts
0 wins
1 pole position
3 top-five finishes
4 top-10 finishes
287 laps led
ROUND OF 16: Saturday night’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway marks the final event in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs Round of 16. Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, currently sits seventh in the playoff standings, 57 points behind the leader.
CAREER HIGHS: In 2020, Elliott has accumulated career bests in laps led (646), runner-up results (three), top-five finishes (11), stage points (217) and stage wins (six) through the first 28 races of a season. His two wins and 16 top-10s are tied for a personal best at the 28-race mark.
NAPA AUTO PARTS: The familiar blue, white and yellow NAPA AUTO PARTS paint scheme will return to the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE this weekend at Bristol. The Atlanta-based company will serve as majority sponsor for Elliott and the No. 9 team for a total of 26 NASCAR Cup Series races this year. In February, it was announced that NAPA AUTO PARTS and Hendrick Motorsports will continue their partnership for another two seasons. NAPA will remain a primary sponsor of Elliott and the No. 9 team through 2022. Click here to read the full release.
NIGHT RACE SUCCESS: Another successful night race is in the books for Elliott after Saturday’s top-five result at Richmond. The Dawsonville, Georgia, native has one win (Charlotte), three runner-up finishes, six top-fives (the most of all drivers) and 238 laps led in the last eight points-paying NASCAR Cup Series night races. Elliott’s NASCAR All-Star Race win at Bristol was also collected under the lights.
BACK AT BRISTOL: During the May NASCAR Cup Series event at Bristol, Elliott and the NAPA team were a force to be reckoned with all afternoon, leading 88 laps and picking up two stage wins before a late-race accident while battling for the lead left him with a 22nd-place finish. In July at BMS, Elliott drove his No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE to take the checkered flag after dominating the field during the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race. Elliott won the second and third stages before crossing the finish line first in the final stage and earning the $1 million prize.
LEADS THE FIELD: In nine Cup-level starts at Bristol, Elliott has led 287 laps – his second-highest total at any track behind only Dover International Speedway (321). He leads all drivers with the longest active streak of races led at Bristol (four).
BRISTOL STATS: On Saturday, Elliott will make his 10th NASCAR Cup Series start at Bristol Motor Speedway. In his first nine appearances at the 0.533-mile oval, the driver of the No. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE has collected three top-five finishes, four top-10s and one pole award (April 2019). He also ranks sixth in average finish (12.7) of drivers with more than six Bristol starts since 2014.
PIT ROAD PERFORMANCE: As the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Bristol, the No. 9 team owns the fourth-best average time for four-tire pit stops at 13.94 seconds through 28 races. The team is comprised of jackman T.J. Semke, gasman John Gianninoto, tire carrier Jared Erspamer and tire changers Chad Avrit and Nick O’Dell.
William Byron
No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
Driver William Byron Hometown Charlotte, North Carolina
Age 22 Resides Charlotte, North Carolina
2020 Season
13th in standings
28 starts
1 win
0 pole positions
3 top-five finishes
10 top-10 finishes
97 laps led
Career
100 starts
1 win
5 pole positions
8 top-five finishes
27 top-10 finishes
391 laps led
Track Career
5 starts
0 wins
0 pole positions
0 top-five finishes
1 top-10 finish
0 laps led
CALLING HIS SHOT: Heading to the final race in the Round of 16, William Byron currently sits three points below the cut line and looks to advance in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. While he may start the race on the outside looking in, the gap between 10th place and 13th in the playoff standings is tight. Currently sitting 13th, Byron has outscored 12th-place driver Clint Bowyer by more than three points in three of the last four races. Meanwhile, the third-year Cup Series driver is only seven points behind 10th-place Aric Almirola. In the last four races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Almirola has finished at least seven positions behind the driver of the No. 24. Byron is also only seven points behind Kurt Busch, who is 11th in the standings. Over the last six races this season, Byron has averaged 10.6 more points per race than Busch.
NIGHT RIDER: While Saturday night’s race at Richmond may not have gone the way the No. 24 team wanted, Byron still has continued success running under the lights. In the last six races run at night, including his August win at Daytona, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has finished inside the top 10 five times. Those five top-10 results tie Byron with Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman and six other drivers as the fifth-most top-10s in 2020 night races.
BATTLE AT BRISTOL: This weekend, Byron will make his sixth NASCAR Cup Series start at Bristol Motor Speedway. He has a best qualifying effort of second at “The Last Great Colosseum,” lining up alongside Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott in April 2019. In the May Bristol event, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native raced his way to an eighth-place finish – a personal track-best performance. Just two months later in July, the Cup Series returned to Bristol Motor Speedway for the NASCAR All-Star Race, where Byron won the opening stage the Open race and locked himself into the main event.
KNAUS’ KNOWLEDGE: With 37 Bristol Motor Speedway starts already under his belt, Saturday night’s race will mark No. 38 for veteran crew chief Chad Knaus at the half-mile track. With two wins, two pole awards, 12 top-five finishes and 20 top-10s coming with Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team, Knaus most recently added a top-10 finish to his BMS stats after an eighth-place result with Byron and the No. 24 team in May. The No. 24 group followed it up with a stage win in the All-Star Open race held at Bristol in July, locking themselves into the $1 million showdown.
LAPS WITH LIBERTY: Wrapping up a four-race stretch, Liberty University will be on board the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Saturday night’s race at Bristol, followed by Texas Motor Speedway the last week of October and Martinsville Speedway in November. Liberty University is in its sixth season of sponsoring the 22-year-old driver dating back to his time in the late model ranks. Liberty has been Training Champions for Christ since it was founded in 1971. Located in the mountains of Central Virginia, Liberty is a liberal arts institution with 17 colleges and schools that offers more than 600 degree programs from the certificate to the doctoral level, on campus and online. Working on an undergraduate degree in business communications, Byron is in his junior year at Liberty University through its online program.
CLOSE TO HOME: Chris Burkey, the pit crew coach for the Nos. 9 and 24 teams, hails from Greeneville, Tennessee, which is only 47 miles southwest of Bristol Motor Speedway. Burkey has an extensive background in coaching, getting his start in football. He played for Wingate University, where he eventually started his coaching career. Burkey coached college football from 1992 to 2005 for Wingate, East Tennessee and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In 2005, he joined the NFL’s Miami Dolphins as a scout. Looking for a new challenge, Burkey made the transition from football to NASCAR when he was hired as a developmental pit crew coach for Hendrick Motorsports in 2009. He moved up to the head coach position for the former No. 5 team and the No. 24 team in 2014.
Jimmie Johnson
No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
Driver Jimmie Johnson Hometown El Cajon, California
Age 44 Resides Charlotte, North Carolina
2020 Season
17th in standings
27 starts
0 wins
0 pole positions
4 top-five finishes
9 top-10 finishes
102 laps led
Career
678 starts
83 wins
36 pole positions
231 top-five finishes
373 top-10 finishes
18,936 laps led
Track Career
37 starts
2 wins
2 pole positions
13 top-five finishes
22 top-10 finishes
914 laps led
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHAMP: Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will turn 45 years young on Thursday, Sept. 17. The native of El Cajon, California, will make his 679th Cup start Saturday night at Bristol Motor Speedway as he attempts the half-mile track for the final time.
MR. TOP 10: Dating back to 2014, Johnson has only finished outside of the top 10 at Bristol three times over the span of 12 races, making for nine top-10 results. Even better, six of those finishes were in the top five, including one win in the spring of 2017. Johnson finished third in his most recent points race at Bristol in May. The only other track where Johnson has more top-10 finishes during that timeframe is Dover, where he has 10. Johnson has the best overall average finish (8.85) of any driver with more than six starts at Bristol Motor Speedway.
CAR ALLIES: Ally Racing recently brought together Johnson and Las Vegas-based custom car personality Danny Koker to share in their love for racing, music and cars. A four-episode content series showcases Koker and Johnson discussing how the car design and livery of the No. 48 Chevrolet for the upcoming Sept. 26 race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was developed. For more info and to watch the weekly episodes, go to AllyRacing.com.
RICHMOND HONOR: Last weekend, Richmond Raceway recognized the historic accomplishments of seven-time champ Johnson by naming its pedestrian tunnel in his honor. The tunnel, originally constructed as part of “Richmond Raceway Reimagined” that was unveiled in fall 2018, will now be called the “Jimmie Johnson Champions Walk.” Click here for photos.
DANIELS MAKING STRIDES: Cliff Daniels will make his 44th start as a crew chief this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Daniels has led the No. 48 team to four top-fives and nine top-10 finishes so far this season.
Alex Bowman
No. 88 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE
Driver Alex Bowman Hometown Tucson, Arizona
Age 27 Resides Concord, North Carolina
2020 Season
8th in standings
28 starts
1 win
0 pole positions
3 top-five finishes
10 top-10 finishes
389 laps led
Career
181 starts
2 wins
2 pole positions
13 top-five finishes
36 top-10 finishes
863 laps led
Track Career
9 starts
0 wins
0 pole positions
1 top-five finish
2 top-10 finishes
0 laps led
SITTING IN EIGHTH: Coming off a ninth-place finish at Richmond Raceway, Alex Bowman now sits eighth in the NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings going into Saturday night’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Tucson, Arizona, native is 27 markers above the 12th-place cutline. Drivers inside the top 12 following the event at the half-mile venue will move on to the Round of 12.
BOWMAN AT BRISTOL: Bowman has nine NASCAR Cup Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway with two top-10 results. His best performance at the half-mile Tennessee venue came in 2018 when he brought home a fifth-place finish after 500 laps in the spring race. Earlier this season, the series visited the track for the 2020 NASCAR All-Star Race, where Bowman and the team earned an eighth-place finish after rolling off second. In 2013, he made two starts at the facility in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, capturing one top-15 finish. The 27-year-old driver will roll off eighth on Saturday night in the final Round of 16 event.
ON A ROLL: Bowman has finished inside the top 10 in four consecutive races held at night and currently holds the longest overall active top-10 streak in the Cup Series with four in the last four weeks. The driver of the No. 88 Chevrolet finished fifth at Dover, seventh at the Daytona oval, sixth at Darlington and ninth at Richmond. Bowman has also finished inside the top 10 in the two most recent short-track events. He has never scored a top-10 in three straight short-track races.
STAGE NOTES: The No. 88 team has four stage wins this season, which is tied for fourth overall in the NASCAR Cup Series. Bowman has captured 184 stage points in 2020, which is eighth on the list of drivers following last Saturday night’s race at Richmond.
SHORT-TRACK STATS: On Saturday, the NASCAR Cup Series visited Richmond Raceway where Bowman finished ninth, his personal best result at the venue. Earlier this season, he finished sixth at Martinsville Speedway after rolling off eighth. The No. 88 team captured back-to-back top-10 finishes at Bristol in 2018, finishing fifth in the spring event and eighth in the fall event.
TENNESSEE NUMBERS: Greg Ives will call his 12th Cup Series race at Bristol on Saturday night under the lights. In 11 previous events at the half-mile track, the crew chief has two top-five finishes and four top-10s with a best finish of second in 2016 with Dale Earnhardt Jr. In 2013 and 2014, Ives was a NASCAR Xfinity Series crew chief at JR Motorsports where his drivers led 59 laps and claimed one top-five finish and three top-10s in four races. As an engineer for driver Jimmie Johnson from 2006-2010, he was part of one win, two pole awards and eight top-10 finishes at Bristol.
AXALTA ON BOARD: This weekend’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway marks the fifth and final event of the 2020 season in which the Axalta colors will adorn Bowman’s No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. The leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings and Hendrick Motorsports announced an extension back in February that will take their partnership through the 2027 season. Read more here.
DEALS, DEALS, DEALS: During the month of September, No. 88 team sponsor ChevyGoods.com is providing discounts on various accessories on its website. Customers can receive 10% below MSRP on all Adam’s Polishes, NOCO and Truck Hero accessories purchased online. Use code CHEVYGOODS to receive the discount at ChevyGoods.com.
Hendrick Motorsports
MOMENTUM INTO BRISTOL: Hendrick Motorsports is carrying momentum into Saturday night’s NASCAR Cup Series playoff showdown at Bristol Motor Speedway. In each of the last six races, the team has led laps, placed multiple cars inside the top 10 and recorded at least one top-five finish. During that stretch, Hendrick Motorsports has the most or is tied for the most in the series in wins (two), top-five finishes (10) and top-10s (15). It also has one runner-up finish, one stage win and 207 laps led in those events. The team’s average result of 11.63 over the last half-dozen races is the best of all Cup-level organizations.
LOOKING FOR 12: At the half-mile Bristol Motor Speedway, car owner Rick Hendrick has 11 points-paying NASCAR Cup Series victories with a track record six different drivers. Jeff Gordon (five) and Jimmie Johnson (two) have won multiple races there for Hendrick Motorsports while Darrell Waltrip (1989), Terry Labonte (1995), Kyle Busch (2007) and Kasey Kahne (2013) have also gone to Bristol victory lane for the team. Most recently, Chase Elliott won the July 15 non-points NASCAR All-Star Race at the track.
NOT SHORT ON WINS: Going into Saturday night’s playoff race at Bristol, Hendrick Motorsports has 50 Cup Series wins on short tracks – the most among active teams. Ten different drivers have posted a short-track victory for car owner Rick Hendrick, which is one away from tying the NASCAR record held by Junior Johnson and Associates.
PLAYOFF HISTORY: Since the inception of the format in 2004, Hendrick Motorsports has 44 NASCAR Cup Series playoff wins – 16 more than any other team. The organization has scored at least one playoff victory in a record 15 different seasons, missing only 2017. A series-topping seven different drivers have won a playoff race for Hendrick Motorsports.
MORE STATS: Since its inception in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has earned 260 race victories and holds the all-time records for championships (12), pole positions (226), top-five finishes (1,092), top-10s (1,884) and laps led (70,123) in points-paying NASCAR Cup Series competition. Including 2020, the organization has won at least one race in 35 consecutive seasons, the longest-ever streak. Hendrick Motorsports is eight wins away from tying Petty Enterprises’ all-time Cup record of 268.
QUOTABLE /
Driver Chase Elliott on if he has an advantage due to his regular-season performances at Bristol:
“I’m not sure that it gives us an edge, but it does give us a good starting spot from a setup perspective, so I look forward to that. I think we have a good baseline, so to speak, to start the race, which is encouraging. Hopefully, we can make the right adjustments throughout the race to be good at the end of 500 laps.”
Elliott on this year’s playoff schedule:
“I was glad to see NASCAR switch it up and change it around. Ultimately, if you are running like you need to be to be a contender, you don’t just sit there and worry about that last race in the round, you want to do good at all of them. I think you have two opportunities to put yourself in a good position. There are a lot of things that are out of your hands. I think if we are running like we need to be running to contend for the championship we aren’t only worried about the last race of each round.”
Driver William Byron on his mindset for Bristol:
“I have confidence for this weekend at Bristol after our performance in the spring race and the All-Star Race. We ran well in both races this year, plus all four races that I’ve run there with Chad (Knaus) on the pit box have been good. We’ve just had circumstances out of our control. I think Hendrick Motorsports as whole runs well at Bristol, too. Chase (Elliott) showed that with his All-Star Race win in the summer. That just means we have a good notebook to utilize for our setup. Overall, I have confidence for this Saturday’s race. We just need to focus on the details, execute all race and we’ll accomplish what we need to.”
Driver Jimmie Johnson on his final Bristol race:
“It’s hard to believe this is my final night race at Bristol. We have been so close the past few races. I would really like my final time there to be a win. We need to execute. Starting 24th will be tough but we’ve been on the outside looking in before and have had fast cars to get through the field. I have so many good memories at Bristol – once I figured out that track – and some great memories of my girls singing the national anthem there before the race.”
Driver Alex Bowman on Bristol Motor Speedway:
“Bristol is a good track for us, just as long as we have the track position we need. If you get down on track position early, it can be difficult to bounce back. We ran pretty strong in the All-Star Race over the summer, which gives the team some momentum going into the final race in the Round of 16.”
Bowman on the No. 88 team’s momentum:
“Following last weekend’s race in Richmond, we have some really good momentum going into Bristol. Richmond has always been a tough track for this team but coming out of Saturday night with a ninth-place finish, was like a win. We are doing what we need to do, as a team, in order to continue pushing our way through the playoff rounds.”
NASCAR Becomes First League Partner of AGA’s Have a Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly. Campaign
Collaboration Focuses on Educating NASCAR Fans on Responsible Sports Betting
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 17, 2020) – NASCAR and the American Gaming Association (AGA) are teaming up to educate NASCAR fans on responsible sports betting through the AGA’s Have a Game Plan.® Bet Responsibly. public service campaign. As the campaign’s first professional sports league partner, NASCAR will develop co-branded content that encourages new and seasoned sports bettors to “Know when to Pit” and bet responsibly.
Today’s partnership announcement coincides with the AGA’s Responsible Gaming Education Week (Sept. 13-19), held annually to showcase the gaming industry’s year-round commitment to responsible gaming initiatives and promote transparency and gaming literacy to customers.
“Legal sports betting allows fans to engage with their favorite drivers and race teams in new, exciting ways. It is critically important to ensure they are informed about how to do so responsibly,” said Casey Clark, Senior Vice President, Strategic Communications, AGA. “This partnership further demonstrates NASCAR’s leadership among professional sports on responsible gaming.”
Over the last year, NASCAR entered into a series of partnerships with world-class brands to prepare the industry and its fans for the rapidly growing sports betting market. Sportradar signed on as NASCAR’s integrity partner, BetGenius as its data provider, Penn National Gaming and BetMGM as Authorized Gaming Operators, IMG Arena as its international streaming partner, and EquiLottery and LEAP in the lottery and virtual gaming spaces, respectively. To help fans become educated on sports betting, NASCAR recently launched NASCAR.com/betcenter and also works closely with The Action Network and VSiN.
“Ensuring that our fans have the resources to bet responsibly is a founding principle of our gaming strategy,” said Scott Warfield, Managing Director, Gaming, NASCAR. “The AGA uniquely understands the convergence of legal betting, sports, and responsible gaming. As sports bettors increasingly engage with NASCAR, we look forward to working together to promote bettor education and resources that help prepare our fans for the rapidly expanding legal sports betting landscape.”
As part of the partnership, NASCAR will develop co-branded content for distribution across its social platforms and produce public service announcements that will run across national radio. NASCAR.com will also produce original responsible gaming content for NASCAR.com/betcenter, which provide fans with stats, odds, and information designed to empower them to make informed decisions in the fantasy and gaming space.
The American Gaming Association launched Have a Game Plan.® in late 2019 as an extension of the industry’s ongoing commitment to responsibility. The AGA and NASCAR are both contributors to the International Center for Responsible Gaming’s (ICRG) fund to support research on sports wagering; AGA as a founding donor and NASCAR as the fund’s first league supporter.
About NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC (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’).
About the AGA
The American Gaming Association (AGA) is the premier national trade group representing the $261 billion U.S. casino industry, which supports 1.8 million jobs nationwide. AGA members include commercial and tribal casino operators, gaming suppliers, and other entities affiliated with the gaming industry. It is the mission of the AGA to achieve sound policies and regulations consistent with casino gaming’s modern appeal and vast economic contributions.
Weekend schedule for Bristol
This week NASCAR heads to Bristol Motor Speedway. The Cup Series will compete Saturday night as they close out the first round of their playoffs to narrow the field from 16 drivers to 12.
Thursday evening will feature the opening round of the playoffs for the NASCAR Gander & RV Outdoors Truck Series. Friday night the Xfinity Series takes to the track for the last race of the regular season.
There will also be a doubleheader for the ARCA Menards Series at Bristol. They will race Thursday night following the Truck Series and again on Saturday afternoon prior to the Cup Series event.
All times are Eastern.
Thursday, Sept. 17
7:30 p.m.: Truck Series UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (Stages 55/110/200 Laps = 106.6 Miles) FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Pole: Grant Enfinger
9:30 p.m.: ARCA Bush’s Beans 200 (200 Laps, 106.6 Miles) FS1/MRN
Friday, Sept. 18
7 p.m.: Xfinity Series Food City 300 (Stages 85/170/300 Laps = 159.9 Miles) NBCSN/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Pole: Justin Allgaier
Saturday, Sept. 19
3 p.m.: ARCA Toyota 200 presented by Crosley Brands (Winchester) Trackpass
7:30 p.m.: Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Stages 125/250/500 Laps = 266.5 Miles) NBCSN/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Pole: Brad Keselowski
| Cup Series Bubble Watch (Via NASCAR.com) | |||
| Rank | Driver | Points to cutoff | |
| 9 | Kyle Busch | 18 | |
| 10 | Aric Almirola | 7 | |
| 11 | Kurt Busch | 7 | |
| 12 | Clint Bowyer | 3 | |
| ——- | Cut-Off Line | ——————— | |
| 13 | William Byron | -3 | |
| 14 | Cole Custer | -8 | |
| 15 | Matt DiBenedetto | -25 | |
| 16 | Ryan Blaney | -27 |
Mike Shiplett to reach 150 Cup starts as crew chief at Bristol
A significant milestone is in the making for Mike Shiplett, crew chief for this year’s NASCAR Cup Series Playoff contender and Rookie-of-the-Year recipient Cole Custer. When the Cup Series competes in this weekend’s Playoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Shiplett will call his 150th race in NASCAR’s premier series as a crew chief.
A native of Amherst, Ohio, Shiplett grew up working on street stock cars for local short track racing with his uncle before he raced his prepared street stock across Ohio at age 16, eventually moving up to late model stock cars. He went on to attain a degree in diesel technology at the University of Northwestern Ohio in 1992. Afterwards, he joined Liberty Racing as a mechanic in the American Speed Association in 1995, which made the eventual move to the NASCAR Truck Series.
In 1998, Shiplett moved to North Carolina and worked as a car chief for the No. 75 Butch Mock Motorsports team that competed in the NASCAR Cup Series. Following the 2000 season, Shiplett joined forces with Ultra Motorsports in 2001 and continued to work as a car chief. Two years later, he joined Evernham Motorsports and another four years later, he worked as a crew chief for Evernham’s Xfinity Series program. Working with seven competitors in the 2007 NASCAAR Xfinity season, Shiplett won his first two NASCAR career races as a crew chief with Kasey Kahne.
In 2008, when Evernham Motorsports became Gillett-Evernham Motorsports, Shiplett was named a full-time NASCAR Cup Series crew chief for the No. 10 Dodge team that started the season with Patrick Carpentier, the 1997 CART Rookie of the Year and Champ Car competitor from LaSalle, Quebec, Canada, behind the wheel. The 2008 season marked Shiplett’s first as a Cup crew chief. From 2008 to 2009, Shiplett worked with five different drivers (Patrick Carpentier, Terry Labonte, Mike Wallace, Reed Sorenson and A.J. Allmendinger) while remaining with the team that became Richard Petty Motorsports in 2009. In August 2008, Shiplett served as a crew chief for Carpentier for the NASCAR Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, where he finished 25th. Following the 2009 season, Shiplett called 66 Cup career races.
In 2010, Shiplett worked as a full-time Cup crew chief with Allmendinger and the No. 43 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford team. Together, Allmendinger and Shiplett achieved a pole position at Phoenix Raceway in April, two top-five results and eight top-10 results as Allmendinger concluded the season in 19th place in the final standings. Following the 2010 season, Shiplett reached 100 Cup races as a crew chief.
For the first 19 Cup races of the 2011 season, Shiplett remained as crew chief for Allmendinger and the No. 43 RPM Ford team as Allmendinger earned one top-five result, four top-10 results and was ranked in 16th place in the standings following the recent Cup race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July. Afterwards, Shiplett was replaced by Greg Erwin for the remainder of the season and Allmendinger went on to conclude the season in a career-best 15th place in the final standings.
In 2012, Shiplett scaled back to the Xfinity Series and worked at Turner Motorsports. He served as a crew chief for 23 Xfinity races while working with Kasey Kahne and Brad Sweet, both of whom split driving roles in the No. 38 Great Clips Chevrolet. He also served as a crew chief for Kahne in the Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway in April, where Kahne went on to win.
From 2013 to 2014, Shiplett rejoined Richard Petty Motorsports and was involved with the team’s research-and-development program. He also served as an Xfinity Series crew chief for Corey LaJoie in the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November when LaJoie made his series debut.
In 2015, Shiplett rejoined the Xfinity Series and worked as a crew chief for HScott Motorsports with Chip Ganassi Racing and the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro team driven between Kyle Larson, Justin Marks and Brennan Poole. Shiplett remained with the organization when the No. 42 car returned only under the Chip Ganassi Racing banner in 2016. From 2015 to 2018, Shiplett won a total of 15 Xfinity races between Larson, Marks, Tyler Reddick, Alex Bowman, Ross Chastain and John Hunter Nemechek.
After Chip Ganassi Racing’s Xfinity program shut down due to sponsorship woes, Shiplett joined Stewart-Haas Racing to serve as crew chief for Cole Custer and the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang team. Together, Custer and Shiplett had great success all season long as they achieved seven victories, six poles, 17 top-five results, 24 top-10 results and an average result of 9.0. In the end, however, Custer and Shiplett finished in second place in the final standings behind the champions Tyler Reddick and crew chief Randall Burnett of Richard Childress Racing.
Following a successful 2019 Xfinity Series season, Stewart-Haas Racing named Shiplett as a full-time crew chief of the No. 41 Haas Ford Mustang driven by Custer for the 2020 season as Custer entered this season as a Rookie-of-the-Year contender. Through the first 16 Cup races of this season, Custer and Shiplett achieved one top-five result, two top-10 results and were ranked in 25th place in the regular-season standings.
The following race at Kentucky Speedway, however, Custer took advantage on a two-lap shootout and made a bold four-wide pass for the lead on the final lap and against names like Ryan Blaney, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. to achieve his first Cup career victory in his 20th series start. The win was also Shiplett’s first in the Cup level as the victory guaranteed Custer, Shiplett and the No. 41 team a spot in the 2020 Cup Playoffs. Custer and Shiplett went on to achieve three additional top-10 results throughout the regular-season stretch. By the time the 2020 Cup Playoff field was set following the regular-season finale at Daytona International Speedway in August, Custer was named the 2020 Cup Rookie of the Year since he was the lone rookie candidate to make the 16-car Playoff field.
Through the first two Cup Playoff races of this season, Custer and Shiplett achieved 12th- and 14th-place results at Darlington Raceway and at Richmond Raceway. Currently, Custer is eight points below the top-12 cutline and is one of four competitor who are on the brink of elimination from title contention entering this weekend’s race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Catch Shiplett’s milestone start at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, September 19. The race will air at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.
Jeremy Clements Racing – Press Release Bristol 2
JCR Dials-In new associate sponsor – Fox Sports Radio Spartanburg, Whitetail Smokeless dips in again and All-South Electric returns for Bristol
Spartanburg, SC – JCR is pleased to welcome Fox Sports Radio Spartanburg 1400 / 98.3 as an associate sponsor for three races starting this weekend at Bristol. As well as Talladega and Charlotte. Plus Whitetail Smokeless makes a second consecutive appearance as an associate sponsor and long-time partners All-South Electric returns for their fifth race of 2020.
“It’s pretty exciting to have our hometown Fox Sports Radio station come aboard as an associate sponsor for these three races. These are three really good tracks for us, and we are capable of running in the Top 10 or winning at all three.” Clements said.
“I’m also excited to have Whitetail join the JCR family for their second race this Friday night.” Clements went on to say.
Joining All-South Electric as associate sponsors too will be, Chalew, ELITE Towing & Recovery LLC Circle Body Shop, Mechanix Wear, Wix Filters, Carolina Driveline and ZMAX
RACE PREVIEW
Track: Bristol Motor Speedway
Race: Food City 300
Dates: Friday, September 18, 2020
Broadcast Information – TV: 7:00 pm EST on NBCSN
FAST FACTS:
• Best Start 5th – 8/2019
• Best Finish 4th – 8/2019
• 21st career start at Bristol
JCR TEAM
Team: No. 51
Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott
Manufacturer: Chevrolet
Engine: Clements Racing Engines
Twitter: @JClement51 @JCR_Clements51
Facebook: Jeremy Clements Racing
ABOUT FOX SPORTS SPARTANBURG
Spartanburg Sports are on Fox Sports 1400 / 98.3 Spartanburg. Home to the Spartanburg Vikings, Gamecock Baseball, and of course Open Mic Daily with Hauser and Clary. Fox Sports 1400 Spartanburg will feature: The Dan Patrick 9am-noon The Herd with Colin Cowherd 12-3pm Open Mic Daily 3-6pm SportsTalk with Phil Kornblut 6-8pm On Saturdays: The Saturday Sports Report 7-9am Droppin the Hammer 9-11am. Too listen live check out www.spartanburgsportsradio.com.
ABOUT ALL SOUTH ELECTRIC
All South Electrical Constructors, Inc. was founded on June 1, 1993, by Chuck and Charlie Koon as a single family and small multifamily/commercial electrical contractor.
By 1996, All South Electrical had created one of the most creditable reputations within the State of Georgia for its outstanding support to its customers.
All South Electrical has employed a group of professionals whose goals and objectives are the same as its founders, to provide a quality product at the most economical price while maintaining a safe environment within the workplace.
Today, All South Electrical is one of the most competitive electrical contractors within the multifamily market. Presently we average 5000 units per year as well as our service department.
All South Electrical is licensed in all of the southeastern states and continues to grow and expand with the market’s needs. For more information see www.allsouthelectric.com
ABOUT WHITETAIL SMOKELESS
Whitetail Smokeless is a small family company that was started because we wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Over the last ten years, our family has lost several family members to cancer caused by tobacco use. We know first-hand how hard it can be to completely drop nicotine cold turkey. Being former dippers ourselves we found the market severely lacking in a quality alternative that actually looked, felt, smelled, tasted, and buzzed like real dip so we started making our own for our personal use. We would occasionally share it with friends looking for a safer alternative. We got so many “Dude! You need to make this shit and sell it” requests that we decided to perfect that product and prepare it for mass market. Since our ultimate goal was to ditch tobacco completely, we also wanted to provide the option to step down to lower nicotine levels when we were ready. Of course, we think we nailed it, but we want to hear what YOU think. After all, this product was made FOR DIPPERS, by dippers and we won’t stop until our customers are satisfied. Feedback is strongly encouraged.
See deerdpip.com.
Goodyear Brakes Announces Premium Brake Line
BRAKE WITH TRADITION: INTRODUCING GOODYEAR BRAKES — PREMIUM QUALITY BRAKE BUNDLES, CALIPERS, ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS
Ideal Solution for Car Owners Who Are Looking to Make Their Own Vehicle Repairs, Upgrade Their Performance or Restore Their Perfect Car
CHARLOTTE (September 16, 2020) – In a licensing deal with FDP Virginia, Goodyear Brakes announced today that it is introducing a full line of braking components, available online at www.GoodyearBrakes.com. Goodyear Brakes was created to address a critical need in the automotive aftermarket for a trusted brand of high-quality brake pads and bundles which are backed by a national warranty, decades of production experience and one of the best-known names in automotive excellence.
“There is a tremendous opportunity for a trusted brand of braking components in the market today,” said Wally McCarty, Senior Vice President of Business Development for Goodyear Brakes. “While OEM braking systems have improved and advanced, driver assistance systems (ADAS) have reduced extreme brake wear and increased the brakes’ lifespan. There are very few well-known brand names in the brake category, so this makes it difficult for consumers to determine what are premium quality brake system components and fair prices when replacing brakes on their vehicle.”
Goodyear Brakes strives to help ensure that drivers are selecting the safest solution for their vehicle. Premium quality brake bundles, calipers, rotors, brake pads and all the hardware for today’s most popular vehicles, from daily drivers to SUVs as well as light trucks are manufactured by Goodyear Brakes. The product lineup offers the ideal solution for almost every braking need – whether drivers are looking to save money on their vehicle repairs, upgrade their performance or restore their perfect car.
“The Goodyear Brakes mission is to provide the most trusted brand of braking components that make your vehicle as safe as possible,” noted Bob Bouwma, Director of Engineering and Advanced Technologies for Goodyear Brakes. “Our team of engineers and scientists work every day to improve the quality, performance and durability of each set of brakes we provide. Using the most advanced technology available in friction science today, the brake bundles are designed to be safe, quiet and long lasting.”
Goodyear Brakes Online Business Model Capitalizes on Consumer Needs, Market Trends
Goodyear Brakes will be sold through www.GoodyearBrakes.com on Amazon and CARid. The portal is designed to give consumers a direct channel to identify their braking system needs using their VIN and license plate information, then order all of the components online. The website also provides expert advice, “How To” videos and proper guidance for brake maintenance and replacement projects.
Aftermarket demand for brake systems and components in North America is forecast to advance 2.6% per annum through 2021 to $4.3 billion, according to the Freedonia Group research. More than 90 percent of the brake pad market is private label products.
Goodyear Brakes are offered through a licensing collaboration with Goodyear, one of the world’s most trusted automotive brands. The brake pads are manufactured in the USA using a proprietary green production process by a company with more than 50 years of experience in friction science. The rotors are made to OEM standards by OEM-approved manufacturers around the world. Calipers are remanufactured in North America, and a majority of that manufacturing process has returned to the United States, bringing important manufacturing jobs back to the American economy.
The Goodyear Brakes Product Line
The Goodyear Brakes product line was developed through decades of friction science experience, advanced engineering and thorough laboratory and on-road testing. Testing was performed at the company’s labs in Virginia, and third-party testing was conducted by Link Engineering Company (LINK) in Detroit. Testing included Dynomometer Tests, Independent Laboratory Tests, Environmental Tests and Certification, Analytical Tests, Vehicle Traffic Tests and Performance Vehicle Tests.
Goodyear Brakes braking systems offer superior braking performance and consistent braking through all temperature ranges, as well as excellent corrosion prevention through its proprietary Antiox Max™ coating for maximum rust and corrosion protection. This is a critical protection needed for driving in inclement weather and brine-treated streets.
The full product line includes:
- Goodyear Brakes premium brake pads manufactured in the USA and specifically formulated to provide maximum stopping effectiveness, control and durability
- High-performance Goodyear Brakes rotors that are CNC-machined to build maximum performance, durability and safety into every rotor and feature a proprietary Antiox Max™ coating for maximum rust and corrosion protection, a critical protection needed for driving in inclement weather and brine-treated streets
- High-performance Goodyear Brakes calipers that are built using exacting standards to match original equipment manufacturer (OEM) requirements, feature Antiox Max™ coating and come with the correct brackets and hardware to ensure a perfect installation. Goodyear Brakes calipers are remanufactured in North America, and a majority of that manufacturing process has returned to the United States, bringing important manufacturing jobs back to the American economy
- Goodyear Brakes hardware accompanies every brake bundle to ensure you have all of the high-quality parts to successfully complete your brake installation.
For more information about Goodyear Brakes, visit www.Goodyearbrakes.com, call 877.GET.BRKS (877.438.2757) and follow on Facebook, twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Goodyear Brakes
Goodyear Brakes manufactures premium quality brake bundles, calipers, rotors, brake pads and all the hardware required to successfully install brakes, all backed by a national warranty, decades of production experience and one of the best-known names in automotive excellence. The brake pads are manufactured in the USA using a proprietary green production process by a company with more than 50 years of experience in friction science. The Goodyear Brakes product line is available through www.GoodyearBrakes.com at Amazon, CarID, BuyBrakes.com and autoanything.com.
Goodyear (and Winged Foot Design) and Blimp Design are trademarks of The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company used under license by FDP Virginia Inc., 1076 Airport Road, Tappahannock, VA 22560, USA. Copyright 2020 The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Goodyear Brakes and FDP Virginia are not responsible for its products when they are subjected to improper applications installation or accident.
About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Goodyear is one of the world’s largest tire companies. It employs about 62,000 people and manufactures its products in 46 facilities in 21 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com/corporate.
Best Rental Cars for Traveling in Style
When it is time to take a trip, why not do it in style? Whether one is traveling for business or pleasure, style is always something to be considered. Imagine traveling to somewhere as beautiful as a Greek island without finding the best rental cars in Crete to accompany you? Whatever the need, no matter the number of people, there is a perfect match for the driver and car.
But where does one start? Check out this recommended list of cars best suited for those who want to make an impression on the people they meet along the road. People want to travel in comfort and style. There is no reason why a traveler in these modern times cannot have both.
What Is a Luxury Rental Vehicle?
A luxury car is one that provides comfort within the vehicle’s cabin while also conveying a level of style and high design for both the interior and exterior. These are vehicles in which the driver wishes to cruise and enjoy the ride. Luxury cars are not meant for speeding down a highway.
Mercedes-Benz S Class
Mercedes provides an entire car experience with design, performance, and style. The S Class vehicles, especially the 2021 models have taken an already gorgeous, luxury car and made it even better. In a technology-driven world, the S Class models embrace technology so whether someone is traveling for business or pleasure, they are never disconnected.
The technology is very real and very up-to-date. The S Class can also come with not only touchscreens for the front driver and passenger but also rear screens. Whether everyone is traveling for an adult getaway or as the whole family, every person in the vehicle can truly travel in comfort and style.
Just because the S Class Mercedes are luxury vehicles that provide comfort and space for the traveler, it does not mean this car is meant for only a casual Sunday drive. Getting around 26 MPG on the highway means the traveler will not need to make stops at every gas station along the travel route. Be on the lookout for possible plug-in models in the upcoming future.
Mercedes-Benz EQC
What about renting a brand new crossover new to 2021? The Mercedes-Benz EQC provides the luxury of the Mercedes brand with a zero-emission focus. For the traveler who seeks style and is eco-conscious, this could be a perfect rental pairing.
This model provides the renter with a smooth, quiet ride while looking good. For those short on time, a fast charge can refuel the battery in just four hours. While the driver rests and recharges, the vehicle can do the same thing: resting up for yet more of travel and adventure.
A sleek, round, shiny design, coupled with a comfortable interior filled with technology for everyone in the car makes for the perfect luxury rental. Have electric crossovers ever looked so good? Not since the 2021 Mercedes EQC.
Audi A8
For the person looking for a simple, yet elegant rental car, the Audi A8 may just be the one. The outside has an understated beauty and design. However, that should not deter the renter from checking the inside.
The interior can be fitted with massaging seats for both front and rear travelers. Being in the backseat does not mean one’s legs will be cramped. The interior design of this sedan provides ample legroom for rear passengers.
Long road trips do not mean the traveler needs to sacrifice luxury and comfort. In addition, because a tech-savvy traveler appreciates luxury partnered with technology, these vehicles also provide a charging pad for smart devices. No need to worry about low phone batteries when renting this vehicle.
For a person who wishes to rent a luxury car with an understated, and beautiful design, the Audi A8 makes for an excellent choice. It does not scream an over-the-top message the driver is all about luxury; rather it gives other passing drivers an acknowledging nod of style and comfort. Renting this vehicle gives the riders amazing amenities without an understated, sleek design.
BMW 3 Series
For the renter looking to go out alone or with a partner, the luxury 3 Series by BMW can pack luxury in a smaller package. This car can get great gas mileage and look good doing it. Getting up to 33 MPG on the highway can get someone who wants to travel far without making a lot of stops to fill up the tank.
The interior is luxurious but is not obnoxious. The technology is up-to-date with touchscreens and even hand-gesture recognition in which by the wave of a finger, the radio volume may be adjusted.
Do not forget the voice-recognition as well. Safety and technology blend well together in the 3 Series for the person traveling who does not want to miss the views along the road while also maintaining a connection through technology.
There is ample room in the 3 Series, but there is also a lot of trunk space for all of the luggage the travelers need. There is no need to pack things in the back seat when the trunk is so large. When renting this car, size does not mean you are losing style and luxury.
Rent Smart, Rent Luxury
Renting a vehicle does not mean you need to rent a family van or a basic car. With the high-end, luxurious vehicles available today, the time could not be better to rent a luxury car. The renter clearly can have both style and functionality – one does not need to be sacrificed.
In the 21st century, there is a wide variety of luxury vehicles to choose from when it comes to renting. Different people require different amenities, technology, style, and design. Renting a luxury vehicle allows a renter to go with a classic, well-known luxury vehicle or try something new one would normally not drive.
By renting a luxury vehicle, one gets all the benefits and style of a high-end mode of transportation without needing to constantly care for it. Whether someone is taking a weekend trip or an excursion that will take someone across the country, people can have fun, travel in style, and maintain the comfort and dependability of today’s technologies.
Rent smart, and reserve a luxury vehicle for the ultimate getaway transportation!
Kansas Speedway to host fans for Cup Playoff race in October
Kansas Speedway will open its facilities for limited number of fans to attend the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race at the track on Sunday, October 18. The track will allow up to 10,000 fans to attend to watch the race. The news comes as other select tracks remaining in this year’s schedule continue to work with NASCAR, safety/medical experts and local/state authorities in allowing fans to attend the remaining scheduled races across the grandstands.
For those who attend the facility and watch the race from the grandstands, they will be directed to specific parking areas while separated from other parked vehicles, screened upon entering and will be assigned to new, socially distanced seating areas near original seating areas. All who attend, from the grandstands to those who reserved campground spots, will be required to keep six feet apart from one another and abide by social distancing protocols. The infield areas of the track will be open only for competition-based personnel, thus excluding infield experiences for the fans. Coolers and glass containers of any type will not be permitted inside the facility, tailgating will not be permitted before and after the Cup race and those who are three years of age or older while attending must wear face coverings. Clear bags, no more than 18″x18″x14″, will be permitted inside the facility and limited “Grab’N Go” and track/NASCAR merchandise will be available for purchase via cashless transactions. In addition, multiple hand washing/sanitizing stations will be provided. All of these protocols will be in effect as Kansas Speedway works with health/government officials to ensure the safety for those who attend and throughout the race.
Camping sites at certain areas at and around the facility, including the GEICO Turns 1, 3 and 4 and Backstretch Terraces along with the GEICO Martinsville, Phoenix, Daytona White and Blue Campgrounds will be permitted for campers and self-contained registered vehicles. For any camper who exits the track, they will be screened upon leaving and re-entering to the track and to their camping spot.
The Cup Playoff race at Kansas in October will serve as the first Round of 8 Playoff race of this season and will be the only event throughout the weekend that will open for fans to attend and watch from the grandstands. The ARCA Menards Series championship event along with the scheduled Gander RV & Outdoors Truck and Xfinity Series Playoff events at Kansas on October 16-17 are not scheduled to have fans in attendance. In addition, race-day experiences that include GEICO Reserved Infield/Tend/Richmond Camping, pre-race passes/FanWalk tickets, ignition garage hospitality, suites, FanVision/Scanner Rentals, Interactive Displays/Fan Engagement Areas, Paid/Premium Tailgate Parkings and Public Transportation services will not be available throughout the weekend.
“At Kansas Speedway, we have a tradition of fantastic Playoff racing, and what better treat for our fans than to have them witness that in person,” Pat Warren, President of Kansas Speedway, said in a statement. “I know the drivers feed off the excitement of having the fans on hand, and we are enthusiastic for the opportunity to welcome them back to the track, offering a safe, healthy environment for everyone.”
On July 23-25, NASCAR raced at Kansas Speedway with no fans in attendance. It all started with the Cup race on July 23 under the lights, which marked the final weekday race of this season, followed by the Trucks and ARCA on July 24. It all capped off with the Trucks and Xfinity running on July 25.
The fall Kansas race joins a host of other tracks that have hosted a Cup race with limited fans in attendance, including Homestead-Miami Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Daytona International Speedway and Darlington Raceway. The upcoming Cup Playoff races at Bristol, Talladega, Texas and the finale at Phoenix Raceway are also scheduled to host limited fans in attendance.
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoff race, Hollywood Casino 400, at Kansas Speedway will occur on Sunday, October 18, at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
DYER LOOKS FORWARD TO TIME WHEN HE CAN APPLY KNOWLEDGE GAINED FROM TESTING TO RACING AT SOUTH BOSTON SPEEDWAY
South Boston, VA……Caleb Dyer is like many other racers in that he took opportunities to test at South Boston Speedway this summer but has not yet been able to apply the fruits of what he and his team learned to competing in races at the .4-mile oval.
“It’s very good,” the 16-year-old Clover, Virginia resident remarked when asked about the opportunity to get some track time and work on his car.
“You get to learn a lot. You get to know how the racing and qualifying is going to be.”
Following his last testing session at South Boston Speedway, Dyer said he wanted to compete in the Limited Sportsman Division at “America’s Hometown Track” this season. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic derailed his plans, and those of a lot of other competitors.
“I was planning on racing here at South Boston Speedway,” he pointed out.
“We tested twice. The first time I was down a lot on power. I went back home and did some research and came back and we were a lot better.”
While South Boston Speedway has not held any racing events this season, the speedway is open
Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to provide race teams an opportunity to get some track time to test their cars. Teams interested in scheduling a test date should contact the speedway office at 434-572-4947 for information.
This season is Dyer’s third season in the Limited Sportsman Division. He started out racing go-karts as part of the Halifax County, VA school system’s former motorsports program. Dyer then leaped into a racecar.
“I hopped into a Limited Sportsman car and went to Orange County Speedway when I was 13,” explained Dyer.
“Last year I went to Orange County Speedway some, then went to Carteret County Speedway (Swansboro, NC) and East Carolina Motor Speedway (Robersonville, NC). This year I was going to come here and try it here (at South Boston Speedway).”
The young racer says he is making good progress.
“The first year I ran at Orange County we were decent,” he said, “but I was like a fifth-place car. Last year we were better but still needed more. This year we’re a lot better than the two previous years.”
Dyer’s goal is to continue to improve and be in the mix for wins and championships.
“The goal is to come out here and be in contention to win every weekend,” Dyer pointed out.
“I’m trying to get to that point. You’ve got all of the guys like Danny Willis Jr. and Jacob Borst and Daniel Moss here. They have been racing for years. I’m just trying to get up there with those guys.”
