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CHEVY NTT INDYCAR SERIES IOWA SPEEDWAY: Tony Kanaan Press Conference Transcript

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CHEVY RACING NTT INDYCAR SERIES
IOWA INDYCAR 250s
IOWA SPEEDWAY
NEWTON, IOWA
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT – TONY KANAAN
JULY 15, 202

TONY KANAAN, NO.14 BRYANT AJ FOYT RACING CHEVROLET, MET WITH MEDIA TO DISCUSS BRYANT SPONSORSHIP, HOW HE SEES THE SEASON PLAYING OUT AND OTHER TOPICS, FULL TRANSCRIPT:

THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to the NTT INDYCAR Series video conference heading into the doubleheader at Iowa Speedway, the Iowa INDYCAR 250s.
We are joined today by 2013 Indianapolis 500 champion Tony Kanaan, who has a special sponsor announcement he would like to share.
Tony, go ahead and share your news.

TONY KANAAN: Thank you. Welcome, everybody. Obviously I’m pretty excited about many things. I sat away for two weekends in a row suffering watching other people drive, which was kind of tough for me.

Today we going to announce, Bryant, which has been my sponsor for 13 out of the last 14 years, they’re going to be my primary sponsor for the two Iowa races.

Pretty excited. I have a long relationship with them. They step it up big-time this year to make the T.K. Last Lap possible. I have good friends there.
If you guys ever noticed, we have the loudest fans on the INDYCAR parade here in Indianapolis during the month of May. Bryant bring more than 500 people every year to the Indy 500. It’s not going to be different this year.
I’m extremely excited. The car looks beautiful. You guys going to have a chance to see it. Not obviously just that they sponsor me. It came out really cool. I’m excited about it. Iowa is a good track for me. We had a lot of success there in the past. Looking forward to this weekend.

THE MODERATOR: Your team sent over a photo of the car. I’m going to share it with everyone right now. I hope everyone can see my screen. Pretty cool car.
T.K., do you want to walk us through it a little bit and tell us about it.
TONY KANAAN: Yeah, they have this saying: Whatever it takes. It’s on the engine cover, as well. You guys can’t see it. The team, the guys from Bryant, they were so cool. They came to me and said, How do you want your car?
I said, Well, it’s more how you guys want your car.
Together we came up with that. I’m pretty happy about it.

THE MODERATOR: At this time we’ll go ahead and open it up to the media for questions.
Q. T.K., here it is Iowa. You have a great record there. Two races. The way your schedule is set up this year, by the time the second race is over, you’ll already be halfway through with your season. Talk a little bit about the mixed feelings that you have going into this race. You’re a former winner and could win this weekend.
TONY KANAAN: For sure. Every race that I finish this year, in my head it’s one less, right? Although I can tell you I’m prepared. That was my decision. But it’s never easy. It’s never easy. I’ve been doing this for 23 years. This is all I’ve done.
I kind of got spoiled in a way with COVID because the season was supposed to start in March and didn’t. I was actually part of the first race of the year. Kind of was twisted in my head because I really didn’t have time to process that.
When it hit me, when everybody went to the next race, I wasn’t there, I was home on the Friday watching it, it was kind of tough. I knew was going to be an adjustment. It is what it is.
When I win, I’m going to be happy. I’m pretty sure three hours later I’m going to be sad. If I don’t win, it will be the same thing. I know it’s coming. Obviously we have still four races to go on my end. We’ll take it one at a time.

Q. There was a time in your career where you go to Iowa, Tony Kanaan was the first name everybody said they had to beat to win that race. Why are you so good there? What is it about that track? Is it a track you have to be aggressive and attack?
TONY KANAAN: Yeah, I mean, it’s a track you need to be aggressive. It’s an oval that has some particularities that I don’t think I’m going to share here because it’s some of my secrets. It’s a track that we clicked right away.
I was always competitive there. If you guys remember, if I’m right, I think I crashed the first three or four times actually leading that race or in contention to win the first three times we went there. It was like, Wow, I’m good but…
It was kind of like a mini Indy for me. I was always very successful, but I couldn’t close the deal. Then we clicked. I’m pretty sure that it’s going to be a good weekend for us. I picked the tracks. I was actually extremely fortunate this year to say, These are the races I want to do. We made it happen with a different sponsor every race, which is awesome. Iowa is one of them because I know I can be very competitive.
What it is, I don’t think I have the answer the total answer for you. For sure, it’s a track that suits my style.

Q. Bryant Heating and Cooling goes all the way back to the early days of A.J. Foyt, back in the ’60s. To have that connection, Robin Miller used to say Tony Kanaan could have raced in the ’60s. You had to be a test pilot to drive those things. With all that being combined, what is it like to be in this?
TONY KANAAN: I mean, if you think about it, Bryant has been in racing since 1958. I mean, it’s crazy how this company has support the Indy 500. They actually sponsored A.J.’s car with John Andretti the year that John did the double I think in ’99. It’s a company that supports INDYCAR.
With me, they made my career last a lot longer because they are one of my biggest sponsors. They’ve been with me through every team. I moved, they moved with me. It’s a company that knows racing, that knows the background.
Back to your question, when you talk about that I could be racing, I could have raced in the 1960s, I don’t disagree. I think I see a lot of things in my boss that I still have it today.
I don’t know if that’s good or bad, but that’s just the way we are. For sure I would have loved to actually be part of those days. I know it was dangerous. He tells me, Tony, we’d start a season, we didn’t know if we would finish the season. Not finish the season because you’d be out of the car but because you probably be not around.
I like that dangerous part. I like the mentality, the way they used to run things. That’s how A.J. and I clicked, because he’s a much older school, but I’m kind of old school.

Q. You mentioned how hard these last couple weekends have been for you watching the races. What have you done during the race weekends or race weeks to try and keep yourself occupied?
TONY KANAAN: I did it all. I tried everything. The first time, the first weekend, during the first day I went to the pool with the kids. I tried to stay in the pool. I couldn’t help getting out of the pool and watch the scoreboard. That was during qualifying. I ended up actually watching the race.
Last weekend I picked a virtual race, a 24-hour race to do. Me, Alonso, Rubens Barrichello and a couple of eSports drivers. That kept me busy. It was a real 24-hour race. We did it in Spa. We ended up winning that race.
I was really busy. Obviously it was a real thing. Alternating doing stints. You got to sleep because you got to be up. I kept myself extremely busy and racing in a way.
I guess one positive thing about the pandemic, I think it brought a lot of people a lot closer. Look how we’ve been doing things lately. And sim racing was something that INDYCAR introduced so we could entertain our sponsors and the fans. I kind of liked it. I picked it up, been doing it regularly.
Actually, as soon as we hang up today, I have a race to do at 2:00 on iRacing. I picked up a 24-hour race to do. In a way, I felt like I was racing.

Q. I know Iowa is a track you have a lot of history with, success at. Being that you only have five races to run this year, the opportunity with how the schedule changed, running two of those at Iowa, trying to build momentum with this team, how much are you looking forward to that?
TONY KANAAN: I’m looking forward many things. To be honest, I mean, the way I shape up the T.K. Last Lap was we had a lot of plans with the fans. Unfortunately that’s not going to happen. But it’s still not going to take away that I, Tony Kanaan, wanted to have.
I am doing it to thank the fans, to thank obviously the sport that gave me so much. Also I’m doing it for myself. I’m going to try to enjoy the weekend as much as I can in many ways: driving the car, which I don’t get to do a lot these days, spending time with my team. Obviously a good result would be awesome.
To me, I just really want to enjoy and just really be in the car and do what I do. I think that’s the best place to be. For me, it’s a good track. I’m extremely, extremely hopeful that we’ll be very competitive there, which is going to help a lot. Just really enjoy the weekend. Like you said, it’s actually four more to go that I get to do this. We’ll enjoy as much as we can.

Q. This is probably less of a concern for you given your physical condition. What do you think about 500 laps in a little over 24 hours in Iowa? The green flag temperature Saturday night is going to be around 90. What kind of a test do you think it will be?
TONY KANAAN: I love it. I think the hotter and the more difficult it is, the better for me. That’s what I train for. I train for difficult situations. I train to be able to have that edge on people that don’t. Unfortunately I know that a lot of the guys are doing the same. I used to I think have a bigger edge on them.
To be honest, they had two extremely hot races already, so they’re more accustomed than I am. Although I can try to simulate the heat in the car, driving the car, it’s what you’re going to feel.
I think we’re going to be level there. I think it’s going to be extremely tough. I talked to the guys, everybody is kind of complaining a little bit that it’s quite a bit hot. But I’m ready. That is something that when I decided to become the athlete or the racecar driver that I am today, one thing that I said was never going to lack is my physical condition.
I’m not worried. Obviously I’m cautious and I have to take the precautions because it is going to be extremely stressful. When you talk about the heat and a road course or a street course, you talk about the heat and fatigue physically. Here is mentally. I found throughout my career the physical fatigue, I think you can manage well.
For me the mental fatigue, it’s really tough. It’s a lot tougher. You kind of not have trained for that. Your body, you can lift weights, do cardio, this and that. Your mind…
I’m expecting to be extremely drained after the two races, but I’m ready.

Q. The 10 car for Ganassi winning Road America, first time since you won with that team six years ago, I don’t know if you keep in touch with a lot of those guys, what did you think of that?
TONY KANAAN: I do. Obviously Dixon and I, we actually see each other every day. We work out together. Felix started cycling. I know you heard that on NBC. Felix is actually my height. I sold him a couple of my bikes so he could have a bike ride. We’ve been working together.
NTT, my personal sponsor, I raced that car. I felt so happy for so many reasons. They gave me the opportunity to drive for Ganassi for all those years. Unfortunately the race that I won there wasn’t with that car. The relationship with those guys, it’s so good.
John was a great, great support, John McCain, that was the CEO that unfortunately passed away a few months ago with brain cancer, didn’t even see that car win. It was so special in so many ways. All those guys were my guys, the guys that I raced with, my mechanics. Really special.
I think you saw, I posted congratulating the 10 car, Chip and NTT. It was really sweet to see it. I mean, I think it was easier to swallow because I’m not there. But they deserve it. They deserve it.

Q. I saw your tweet yesterday about the superstar racing experience. Have you talked to Tony Stewart? Are you going to do this?
TONY KANAAN: So funny. I don’t want to spoil the thing. I see the tweet that they come up with new series. Jokingly I said, I’m in.
Yesterday I was in Charlotte on a simulator for Chevy, for Iowa, the proper one. I’m on the plane, boarding the plane, my phone rings. I see a Charlotte number. I picked up. It’s Ray. Ray says, Hey, T.K. it’s Ray Evernham, what is your suit size?
I truly mean it as I have nothing planned for next year yet. If they make it happen, I’ll be there.

Q. How excited are you with the progress made by the team in recent races? Obviously Charlie finished 10th in Road America. How excited are you to be back in the car this weekend, hopefully kind of extending that progress with the team?
TONY KANAAN: Oh, extremely excited. I think we made quite a good jump. If you look at Texas, Charlie and I were extremely competitive. We were in the top 10 the entire race.
Charlie’s been pretty good. He had an awesome second race in Road America. I’m pumped. I think we have a good thing going. There are still a couple things we need to adjust. But the cars are definitely better this year. We made a lot of changes, some of them we had to do.
I’m pretty pleased. I’m extremely confident and hopeful that we’ll be very competitive there.

Q. The fact that we have a doubleheader this weekend, is that more beneficial to you in terms of progression with the car?
TONY KANAAN: 100%. I mean, for me, you know, if you think about it, I’m out of the car for two weeks. I know it wasn’t an oval, but these guys been driving the car. I have a chance to, let’s say on the first day, because Texas was really hard for me, I was out of the car for eight months, have an hour session, that got cut because a couple guys crash, becomes a 40-minute session. I wasn’t comfortable, I would say, until mid race. Here I have two chances.
I would say it’s definitely better for me.

Q. You mentioned earlier about obviously retirement, four races to go, not being able to really celebrate with the fans. Is retirement something that you may reconsider doing?
TONY KANAAN: That’s something that I’ve been actually stressing enough. I don’t know when we got misled on the retirement. When we announced the T.K. Last Lap, it got confused. Obviously I’m not doing a full season, so it’s tough to say it’s my last season in INDYCAR.
My idea was to slow down a bit. I can assure you I don’t think I’ll be competing on a full championship again in INDYCAR. But I never said I’m going away.
To answer your question, I still have plans to do a few races next year. Obviously a lot of things need to fall in place. For the same reason what you just mentioned, I’m not going to say I’m coming back because I couldn’t celebrate with my fans. The plan all along, obviously it’s quite obvious that I want to do the 500 again. A lot of my sponsors are onboard with that.
But as this year happened the way it happens, I think we have a pretty good chance to probably do exactly the same thing next year. But the message was the T.K. Last Lap was, I’m slowing it down, I’m not going to be a full-time INDYCAR driver any more. I never really had the intention to say, That’s it, I’m leaving. Unless I don’t have a seat, unless I don’t have a car and sponsor that wants to help me to drive, I guess then I would be forced to retirement.
My intentions are to come back in a smaller degree, do maybe the 500 only or maybe two races, one before the 500 and the 500. Also I’m still extremely involved with INDYCAR. I still run the drivers association.
If, if there is no possibility for me to come and drive again in INDYCAR next year, I’m still committed to come to the races. I still have a lot of sponsors there that want me to come. I was going to do the Indy Lights broadcast this year, but they canceled. I’ll still be around so I have time to celebrate with them as well.

Q. Could you talk a bit about Scott Dixon getting off to winning three races in a row. What are you seeing with this? How impressed are you?
TONY KANAAN: He can’t impress me any more. I live with this guy. We raced together. He was my teammate. I see him regularly every day at the gym.
Here is the thing with Scott Dixon. People have to stop giving him chances because he doesn’t need any chances to win anyway. People are doing him huge favors. They’re shooting themselves in the foot, man. From the outside now I can see a lot better because I’m not in it. You can just see it coming.
Scott is, in my opinion, with all the credit to every driver I’ve been teammates, if you think about it, I had tough ones, I had Dan Wheldon, Dario Franchitti, Alex Zanardi, Michael Andretti. I mean, I had them. He’s by far the most complete one I’ve ever seen.
I don’t know how to explain. I joke with him all the time. He’s just Scott Dixon. That’s it. I joke at home, I joke with him, when I do something good, Wow, I Scott Dixon’ed this one.
He’s amazing. He’s on a roll. People better wake up otherwise he’s going to be gone.

Q. New qualifying system this weekend. Two laps, the first lap counts for the first race, second for the second race. How do you attack that? I don’t know if we know about tire deg yet. Is that a thing where you hope to do two consistent ones or go hard on one versus the other?
TONY KANAAN: Actually I found that out like 30 minutes ago. Benito says, Did you see that? I said, What?
I have not had a chance to process. Like you said, I don’t know the tire deg. I’m going to have to make up my mind. For sure you’re not going to do two laps exactly the same. For sure either the first lap or the second lap is going to be the quickest. That’s kind of obvious.
Depends how the weekend goes, the heat. I will know that on Friday on the hour session, then I’ll make my decision. One race is not going to be good, the other one is going to be better. That’s the way it’s going to be.
It’s interesting. It’s actually fun because we never done that. You’re going to have to probably be cautious in the first lap because it’s such a short track, maybe your tire temps, everything is not going to be up to temp yet. Those type of qualifying, you do one to put it in the bank, then you go for the next one. If the next one doesn’t worth, you had the first one. This one is not, you’re going to have both of them.
It’s going to be interesting.

Q. Would it be better to have two fifth starting spots or a first and a 10th?
TONY KANAAN: I would go for first and a 10th. Who cares? Nothing to lose.

Q. How about the race? Two races, two days. Attack more the first race or the second race?
TONY KANAAN: Depending where you’re starting. That’s all going to dictate from where you’re starting, what kind of car you have, to be honest. For me it will be attack them both. I mean, obviously you’ll know your chances better where you qualify from one race to the another.
It’s a tough track. Easy to get lapped there. It’s going to be interesting.

Q. Can you talk a little bit about the rookies, how you see them, especially he’s not technically a rookie, what do you think about Pato O’Ward?
TONY KANAAN: I mean, I was really impressed. Actually in a way, again, I’m on the outside. I’m glad I’m not there actually sometimes to see how many of the young kids are coming up, right?
I think it was kind of like about time. We’ve been dominating for so long, the same guys. Year after year, you call the same people. Oh, it will be those guys, blah blah, you make a list. Now it’s like, Whoa, wait a second. We have something there.
They’re only going to get better. That’s just the nature of things. That time has arrived. It’s no different than when we came in, Helio and I, to the series back in ’98. We were there. Then Wheldon comes in.
I’m happy to see that. It’s really cool. Pato showed a lot of maturity. You call him a rookie, he has done a few races, but still fairly young and unexperienced in INDYCAR. I think he did an awesome job.
It was a shame. Whoever chose that tire for him, I could see that miles away. I couldn’t understand why. They probably have their reasons. It’s easy for me to say.
But it’s pretty impressive to see. I’m excited to see how this thing is going to develop in the future. I think we found three really good kids that are actually going to be giving the old guys a hard time.
That is the time that I say I’m glad I’m slowing it down and going somewhere (laughter). It’s going to be tough to swallow. I’ve been there before.

THE MODERATOR: One other thing I forgot to mention is we have a very special grand marshal for this Friday’s event. The folks at Iowa Speedway have chosen the one and only Tony Kanaan to be the grand marshal on Friday night. He’ll be giving the command from his car.
Talk about that special honor.
TONY KANAAN: That’s so cool. I’ve been watching NASCAR and what they’re doing with Jimmie Johnson. That’s quite cool. I’ve been getting so much back. It’s amazing. It’s something that it’s hard for me because I’m very emotional. I’m going to have to actually hold my breath because I’m really easy to get emotional when people are doing stuff and I actually knowing that.
It’s an honor. I’m glad I’m doing from inside the car, to be honest. I’m excited. It’s one of those things that I didn’t expect it at all. I think it was a nice gesture. I can’t wait.

THE MODERATOR: Thanks, everybody, for joining. Be sure to tune in this weekend on NBCSN for both races beginning 8:30 p.m. on Friday night.

Team Chevy high-resolution racing photos are available for editorial use.

About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

HOW TMS IS KEEPING FANS SAFE ON SUNDAY

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A NEW WAY OF DOING THINGS AT TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY BUT THE SAME GREAT O’REILLY AUTO PARTS 500

  • Texas Motor Speedway plans to open to fans on Sunday, July 19 for the NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 race
  • COVID-19 protocols like deep cleaning, digital ticketing, and cash-free concession and merchandise stands are being implemented for this event
  • TMS has posted more than 2,000 pieces of signage at its gates, restrooms, concession stands and more to promote safe actions from fans on raceday

FORT WORTH, Texas (July 15, 2020) – The NASCAR Cup Series O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 on July 19 will be the first major sporting event in Texas with spectators, and while there’s every reason to believe the racing will be fantastic as always, much has changed in how Texas Motor Speedway personnel prepares for the race weekend.

The number one priority at Texas Motor Speedway has always been for the safety and enjoyment of its race fans. The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed how businesses are run so the following are just some of the additional protocols and procedures in place for this weekend’s event.

Ticketing
All grandstand tickets will be seated to meet social distancing guidelines and additional protocols. All tickets will be digital and available through the Texas Motor Speedway app. Tickets can be purchased on the day of the event on the app but the on-site ticket office and Will Call will not be open. Race fans can download the Texas Motor Speedway app at .

Parking
All parking lots will adhere to social distancing guidelines. Every vehicle attending the race with paid parking must show a valid digital ticket to the parking attendant before entering the parking lot. All previously distributed reserved parking passes will be reissued digitally. Free unreserved parking will be available on the west side of the property.

Masks
Every person over 10 years of age who attends the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 are required to wear a face covering over the nose and mouth whenever it is not possible to maintain six feet of social distancing from another person not in the same household. All Speedway Motorsports employees, vendors and NASCAR personnel will wear masks.

Clear Bags
While coolers will not be permitted for this race, clear bags with a maximum size of 14″x14″x14″ will be allowed through the gates. Food and unopened beverages (not in glass containers) will be permitted as long as items fit inside the clear bag.

Concession Stands
A select number of concession stands will be available with credit card payments only. No cash will be accepted onsite.

Cleaning/Hand Sanitizers
There will be enhanced cleaning and sanitation in high-touch, high-traffic public areas. A total of 123 hand-sanitizer stations have been installed throughout the concourse and garage areas and blower hand dryers in the bathrooms have all been replaced with paper towel dispensers. All hands entering the gates will also be offering a complimentary personal hand sanitizer from Alsco.

Digital Event Program
No-touch procedures have moved the event program into the digital world. Fans won’t be able to get their favorite drivers to autograph their copy, but it will also never get dog-eared or accidentally tossed into the trash can. Click for your copy.

Virtual Fan Zone
The amazing partner displays and activities that normally fill the Texas Motor Speedway Fan Zone during the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 weekend will not be in play this weekend. However, the Virtual Fan Zone will get you up to speed on the latest news and deals from many of our partners. Click for all of the information.

The tripleheader weekend begins Saturday, July 18 with the NASCAR Xfinity Series My Bariatric Solutions 300 (2 p.m. CT, NBCSN) followed that evening by the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series Vankor 350 (7 p.m. CT, FS1). Texas Motor Speedway will not be open to spectators for either event.

Gates open at noon Sunday, July 19, for the 24th running of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 500 (2 p.m. CT on NBCSN).

Ryan Truex – Vankor 350 Race Advance

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Vankor 350 | Texas Motor Speedway Race Advance
Team: No. 40 Marquis Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Ryan Truex
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @Ryan_Truex

Truex on Racing at Texas: “I’m excited to get on track in our Marquis Chevrolet Silverado at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend,” said Truex. “We had a better truck at Kentucky than the results showed, and I know we will have another strong truck this weekend. My crew chief Ryan [McKinney] and I are communicating better each time we get to the race track, and I think that’s something that will continue to improve the more we work together. We definitely want to have a strong run at Al’s home track.”

Truex at Texas: Truex will make his fourth NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series start at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday night. In his three previous starts, Truex has one top-five and two top-10, with his best finish of fourth coming in 2017.

Truex has four NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at Texas Motor Speedway, with his best finish of 13th coming in 2018.

On the Truck:The No. 40 Chevrolet will carry the Marquis colors at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday night.

Marquis, an employee-owned company founded in 1980, offers creative and innovative designs that provide the ultimate soaking experience, cost less to operate, and require the least amount of maintenance. Marquis spas are designed with cutting-edge features for supreme comfort and long-lasting enjoyment. Marquis is proud to craft a spa designed to enhance health and well-being.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2020, Niece Motorsports enters its fifth season in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel / lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Natalie Decker – Vankor 350 Race Advance

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Official Release
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Vankor 350 | Texas Motor Speedway Race Advance
Team: No. 44 N29 Capital Partners/REMarkable Pillow Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Natalie Decker
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @NatalieRacing

Natalie Decker on Racing at Texas: “We had a really great truck last week at Kentucky, before the weather cut the race short,” said Decker. “I’m so excited to get back on track this week in our N29 Capital Partners/REMarkable Pillow Chevrolet. Paul and the whole team have done a great job preparing strong trucks, and we are really working well together.”

Decker at Texas: Decker has one previous NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series start at Texas Motor Speedway, coming last season.

On the Truck: Decker’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado will race with support from partners including, N29 Capital Partners and REMarkable Pillow.

N29 Capital Partners financially supports early-stage startup companies that have created products or services that are disruptive in their industry.

REMarkable Pillow is the recognized industry leader in innovation, state-of-the-art product design, U.S. Manufacturing, and an uncompromising commitment to total customer satisfaction. REMarkable Pillow prides itself with an ever-growing portfolio in design and manufacturing of advanced molded foam solutions for a wide variety of industrial sectors including but not limited to Aviation, Automotive, Bedding and Office Furniture.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2020, Niece Motorsports enters its fifth season in the NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel / lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

Haley Riding a Wave of Momentum Heading into Texas

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Ethics and Compliance 2010

Justin Haley Notes
Best start at Texas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS): 11th (2019)
Best finish at Texas Motor Speedway in the NXS: 7th (2019)

Kaulig Racing Notes:
Best start at Texas Motor Speedway in the NXS: 2nd (2018)
Best finish at Texas Motor Speedway in the NXS: 2nd (2019)

Race Notes
Saturday, July 18 at 3PM ET on NBCSN
Stages: 45/90/200 Laps

Justin Haley Quote
“I can’t wait to get to Texas Motor Speedway. We just came off a similar mile-and-a-half at Kentucky Speedway, which has a lot of grip, similar to Texas. I’ve won a truck race there, and I’m running both races Saturday evening. Hopefully we can get this No. 11 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet in victory lane. It’s been a good track for me, so let’s keep that momentum rolling! We’ve been super fast the past few weeks, and if we keep it up, we’re going to get some more wins.”

About Kaulig Racing™
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016 Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started. Kaulig Racing fields two full-time entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by Ross Chastain and the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Justin Haley, as well as, a part-time entry – the No. 16 driven by AJ Allmendinger. Kaulig Racing™ earned two wins in 2019 and have come to be one of the top competitors on track each weekend. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

About LeafFilter Gutter Protection™
Since 2005, LeafFilter Gutter Protection™ has revolutionized the gutter protection industry. The company is proud to have grown from one small office in Hudson, Ohio to the largest direct to customer home products company in the nation and the leading choice in gutter protection systems. Once installed on a homeowner’s existing gutters, LeafFilter Gutter Protection eliminates gutter cleaning for life. With more than 70 million feet of gutter guards installed on homes across the United States and Canada, LeafFilter Gutter Protection has the knowledge and expertise to guarantee that nothing, but water, will get into your gutters. Learn more about LeafFilter Gutter Protection and request a free estimate at www.leaffilter.com.

Trump 2020 – All-Star Race – Race Advance

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Official Release
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Event: NASCAR All-Star Race

Venue: Bristol Motor Speedway (Bristol, Tennessee)

Date/Broadcast: Wednesday, July 15 at 7 p.m. ET on FS1

The NASCAR All-Star race is typically a thrilling show for race fans as eligible drivers vie for the $1 million payday, but this year’s event is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic to date.

A slate of changes has been put in place regarding this year’s non-points event, including a venue change. The NASCAR All-Star Race, which was first run in 1985 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, relocates to Bristol Motor Speedway for the 2020 event, becoming the third track to host the race.

There will also be a significant change to the paint schemes on the NASCAR Cup Series machines. The number, which is usually centered on the door panel, will be shifted toward the rear wheel, allowing more space for sponsors.

Another change will be the incorporation of a choose rule. When drivers approach a designated spot on the track, they must commit to the inside or outside lane for the restart. A tail-of-the-field penalty will be served for failure to make a clear choice or for changing lanes after the designated spot.

Go Fas Racing driver Corey LaJoie will look to race his way into the All-Star event by winning a segment in the Open. He could also make the All-Star field by winning the fan vote. The field is made up of 2019 and 2020 race winners, past All-Star winners and past champions, in addition to the Open segment winners and the fan vote winner.

The Open will include three segments (35 laps-35 Laps-15 laps), while the All-Star race will have four (55 laps-35 laps-35 laps-15 laps).

Patriots of America, a political action group calling for the reelection of Donald Trump, will sport its Trump 2020 livery onboard the GFR Ford for the second time this season at the ‘Last Great Colosseum.’

Out of an estimated 75 million NASCAR fans, about 15 million are not registered voters. LaJoie and the No.32 Go Fas Racing team are hoping to help get NASCAR fans to the polls this November.

Starting 22nd in the Open, LaJoie and the Trump 2020 team hope to have a shot at making it into the All-Star Race for a chance at snagging the grand prize.

With no points on the line, it’s sure to be an exciting night in ‘Thunder Valley’ as drivers battle it out to become the ultimate 2020 All-Star.

Coverage of the festivities begins on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on FS1.

LaJoie on the upcoming race:

“We’ll be ready to race our way in Wednesday night. I know [Crew Chief] Ryan Sparks and our team are revved up and ready to contend for a spot in the All-Star race with our Trump 2020 Ford. It’s a cool opportunity for us to put ourselves into the spotlight and race for some big money. It’ll be great to have a lot of fans back at the track with us as we race under the lights at one of my favorite tracks on our schedule.”

LaJoie’s Cup history at Bristol Motor Speedway:
Starts: 7
Best Finish: 24th (2017, 2019)
Average Start: 32nd
Average Finish: 28.7

Looking back on the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway:
Corey LaJoie and the Keen Parts team finished 28th in the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway. LaJoie started the Quaker State 400 from the 27th position but settled into the 30th by the time the competition caution flew on lap 12. Crew Chief Ryan Sparks called for a four-tire stop, including adjustments, under caution as LaJoie reported that the CorvetteParts.net Ford was about a three out of 10 tight. He continued to report the same condition throughout the 80-lap opening segment, and rounded out stage one in 30th, one lap down.

Under the stage break, Sparks elected to make a minor adjustment – in addition to replacing four tires and adding fuel – to the No. 32 Ford. LaJoie took off from 28th to start stage two. Racing for the free-pass position, LaJoie described the balance of the Keen Parts machine as ‘really tight.’ He hit pit road for a scheduled four-tire stop just as a caution flew on lap 154. While asking for more help with left-front turn, the 28-year-old driver crossed the line 30th to end stage two on lap 160.

The third segment got underway with 100 laps to go and the Go Fas Racing Ford was in the 29th position. LaJoie dropped to 30th, three laps down, and remained in that spot through multiple cautions and a four-tire stop. With less than 15 laps remaining, the Keen Parts Mustang gained two positions to take the checkered flag 28th.

About Our Team

About Go Fas Racing:
Go Fas Racing (GFR) currently fields Ford Mustangs in the NASCAR Cup Series for driver Corey LaJoie. Located in Mooresville, North Carolina, GFR has competed in the NASCAR’s premier series since 2014; fielding cars for some of NASCAR’s top drivers, including past champions. To find out more information about our team please visit www.GoFasRacing.com.

Stay up-to-date on Corey LaJoie:
To get live updates during the race weekends follow @coreylajoie on Instagram and Twitter. Make sure to give Corey a “like” on Facebook – “@CoreyLaJoieRacing”. For a detailed bio and updated in-season statistics, please visit www.coreylajoieracing.com.

USAC champion Kody Swanson to make ARCA debut at Iowa Speedway for Chad Bryant Racing

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Official Release
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No. 22 Fatheadz Eyewear Ford Fusion

NEWTON, Ia.: Five-time and defending USAC Silver Crown Series champion Kody Swanson (@KodySwanson) will make his ARCA Menards Series debut for Chad Bryant Racing (CBR) in Saturday afternoon’s Shore Lunch 150 at Iowa Speedway.

A three-time and reigning Little 500 winner, Swanson will drive the No. 22 Fatheadz Eyewear Ford Fusion and is eager to add success in the ARCA Menards Series to an already impressive Motorsports resume.

Following his first USAC Silver Crown Series championship in 2014, Swanson had the opportunity to test an ARCA car at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in preseason testing, but Saturday’s race will be the first in the series’ composite-style race car.

“This is an unbelievable opportunity for me,” said Swanson. “I’m excited to take this next leap in my racing career and compete in the ARCA Menards Series at Iowa Speedway with a winning-race team.”

Longtime marketing partner Fatheadz Eyewear has expanded its relationship with Swanson for his ARCA debut in a primary role.

Founded in March 2004 under the direction of Rico Elmore, Fatheadz first started by catering to men with heads too large to fit in standard width sunglasses comfortably. To solve this issue, Elmore created a product line with four oversized sunglasses available in varying colors.

Fatheadz has now grown to encompass five distinct lines of eyewear of all sizes for both men and women. With over 1000 unique product offerings, innovation continues to drive Fatheadz’s customer centric business.

“We are excited to extend and grow our relationship with Kody this year as he embarks on this next opportunity in the ARCA Menards Series,” said Rico Elmore, Founder and CEO of Fatheadz Inc.

“Kody has been a great ambassador of our brands for the past few years and we’re excited to be associated again with him as he transitions into stock car racing with Chad Bryant Racing.”

While Swanson, 32, does not have any prior stock car experience at Iowa, the Kingsburg, Calif. native has turned laps at the 0.875-mile race track in open wheel competition.

A 29-time race winner in Silver Crown competition (all-time leader), he also holds the track record at Iowa Speedway in Silver Crown competition, as well as boasting two second place efforts and a third.

While the vehicles are quite different, Swanson is hoping that some of his prior track knowledge will pay some dividends during his ARCA debut weekend.

“I’m sure that our only hour of practice will go by really fast,” added Swanson, who resides near Indianapolis, Ind.

“I’m thankful to have some experience with this racetrack and hoping that background will help me feel comfortable in my new surroundings and transition to the different characteristics of these ARCA Menards cars more quickly.”

ARCA will not hold General Tire pole qualifying this weekend, so Swanson will likely start by owners’ points – putting him just outside the top-10 to start.

With the 150-lap race being broken into three segments with a competition caution at the end or near Laps 50 and 100, Swanson realizes if his car isn’t to his liking at the start, veteran and championship winning crew chief Paul Andrews will have the ability to adjust on it.

“With no qualifying, it definitely changes your perspective. Looking at the positives, with a short practice schedule already, we can continue to work through that entire session on getting me comfortable in the car, and what I should expect in the race. I hope that I can become familiar enough with the car to provide Paul with good information, and we can continue to improve every chance we get.

“I’d like to get this team a win on Saturday – that’s what every racer sets out to do, but I realize that I will have an awful lot to learn in a short amount of time. I am thankful to have this opportunity with the Chad Bryant Racing team, and I know they are familiar with Victory Lane in the ARCA Menards series and Iowa Speedway. I hope I can adapt quickly, continue to improve with each lap, and can be in a good position to contend for a win for this team.

“I am extremely grateful for the effort Chad Bryant and Rico Elmore have made to give me an opportunity like this, and thankful for everyone who has joined us to help make it happen.”

Team owner Chad Bryant is ecstatic to work with a driver of Swanson’s potential and be the platform for his first stock car start.

“To bring Kody onboard to our Chad Bryant Racing team to Iowa is huge,” offered Bryant. “He comes from an open wheel discipline, but I think he will capitalize on it tremendously this weekend in Iowa.

“He’s a deeply knowledgeable driver and wants to perform not only for the team but his partners too. Paul and the guys have been working hard on his race car and I cannot wait to get to the race track and see what kind of performance he can put together. I think we can contend for a win.”

In other open wheel accolades, Swanson, the 2009 USAC Silver Crown Rookie of the Year joined Al Unser Sr. in 2018 as one of the only two drivers in history to win four consecutive Hoosier Hundred USAC Silver Crown Series race at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

In addition to Fatheadz, Rosewood Machine & Tool, Lyons Transportation, Matthews Family Racers, Beyond Designs and Radio Hospital will serve as additional sponsors on the No. 22 Ford Fusion for the 14th ARCA race held at the 0.0875-mile oval.
For more on Kody Swanson, please visit kodyswansonracing.com, like him on Facebook (Swanson Kody and follow him on Twitter (@KodySwanson).

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

For more on Fatheadz and their products, please visit Fatheadz.com, like them on Facebook (Fatheadz Eyewear) or follow them on Twitter (@fatheadz).

The Shore Lunch 150 (100 laps | 150 miles) is the seventh of 20 races on the 2020 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Sat., Jul. 18 with a one-hour practice session from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag shortly after 4:30 p.m. The event will be televised live on MAVTV and NBC Sports Gold while ARCARacing.com will stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (Central).

Chastain Sports Fresh Paint, Eyes Best Finish in Texas

By
Official Release
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Ethics and Compliance 2010

Ross Chastain Notes
Best start at Texas Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS): 7th (2019)
Best finish at Texas Motor Speedway in the NXS: 2nd (2019)

Kaulig Racing Notes:
Best start at Texas Motor Speedway in the NXS: 2nd (2018)
Best finish at Texas Motor Speedway in the NXS: 2nd (2019)

Race Notes
Saturday, July 18 at 3PM ET on NBCSN
Stages: 45/90/200 Laps

Ross Chastain Quote
“We are headed to Texas this weekend. I can’t wait to get there. We are going to build off our notebook we just learned at Kentucky. Even though these tracks are pretty far apart, they are pretty similar, in my opinion, with one end of the track being relatively flat compared to the other end with a lot more banking. I’m taking a few days to get rested up and get ready for our race in Texas this Saturday. We’re going to have some fresh paint on the car – a fresh wrap. I can’t wait for you guys to see our Titan XC scheme – a product of Nutrien Ag Solutions. We’re changing it up a little bit. Hopefully we will be changing up our luck and going to victory lane. We finished second here last year. For me, being in clean air and being able to run as fast as you can in turns three and four is a big thing. Being able to pass off turn four is going to be key. We definitely struggled a little bit at Kentucky in some areas, and we are looking to make those areas better. We’re going to work to be the best we can. Tune in on Saturday!”

About Kaulig Racing™
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time multi-car NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016 Kaulig Racing™ has made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started. Kaulig Racing fields two full-time entries; the No. 10 Chevrolet driven by Ross Chastain and the No. 11 Chevrolet driven by Justin Haley, as well as, a part-time entry – the No. 16 driven by AJ Allmendinger. Kaulig Racing™ earned two wins in 2019 and have come to be one of the top competitors on track each weekend. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

About Nutrien Ag Solutions™
Nutrien Ag Solutions™ is the retail division of Nutrien™ Ltd. It combines global innovation with local expertise to provide full-acre solutions through a network of trusted crop consultants at retail locations around the world. Nutrien Ag Solutions strives to help growers achieve the highest yields with the most sustainable solutions possible, offering a wide selection of products, including our proprietary brands: Loveland Products, Inc.®, Proven® Seed and Dyna-Gro® Seed.

Toyota Racing Weekly Preview – 07.15.20

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: July 13-19, 2020
· NCS: Bristol Motor Speedway (Bristol, Tennessee) – July 15
· NCS/NXS/NGROTS: Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, Texas) – July 18-19
· ARCA: Iowa Speedway (Newton, Iowa) – July 18

PLANO, Texas (July 15, 2020) – NASCAR’s annual All-Star Race kicks off the weekend before heading to Texas, while the ARCA Menards Series makes their annual stop at Iowa Speedway.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS | NGROTS

All-Star Ready… Four Toyota drivers are locked into Wednesday night’s All-Star Race, which was moved to Bristol Motor Speedway for the first time. Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin, Erik Jones and Martin Truex Jr. each earned a spot on the strength of their NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race wins last year. Christopher Bell and Daniel Suárez look to qualify for the main race through the Open. Hamlin (2015) and Busch (2017) have each won the prestigious event while five Toyota drivers have raced their way through after winning the Open, including Truex (2010) and Suárez (2017).

Texas Strong… Busch and Hamlin have each driven their Toyota Camrys to victory lane at Texas Motor Speedway in the last two years. In April 2018, Busch scored his third Texas trophy after leading 116 laps. Hamlin also added his third Texas triumph last season, just down the highway from Toyota’s North American headquarters.

Jones Streaking… Jones has scored five consecutive top 10 finishes at Texas Motor Speedway, dating back to the fall of his rookie NCS season in November 2017. Those stats include three fourth-place finishes in 2018 and 2019.

Riding High After Career-Best… Riley Herbst tied his career-best NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) result with a second-place finish last week at Kentucky Speedway. A steady string of eight top-10 results this year has boosted Herbst inside the top 10 in the point standings. Herbst carries momentum to his first start at Texas Motor Speedway.

Hill Continues to Lead… After a fifth-place finish in the rain-shortened NASCAR Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series (NGROTS) event at Kentucky Speedway, Austin Hill extended his streak to seven consecutive top 10 finishes since the beginning the 2020 season, after also winning last year’s season finale. Hill has a 46-point lead in the overall driver standings.

Home of the Tundra… Texas is home to the Tundra, with over 200,000 built yearly at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio. Texas has also been the site of significant Tundra success as Toyota drivers have driven to more Texas wins than any other NASCAR track with 19 NGROTS trophies, including eight of the last 12 NGROTS events at the Fort Worth, Texas-based facility. Toyota has six drivers in the field looking to add to that success – points leader Hill, series win leader Busch, veteran Stewart Friesen and rookie contenders Christian Eckes, Derek Kraus and Raphael Lessard.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA

A Year and Counting… Ty Gibbs added another ARCA Menards Series win last weekend at Kentucky Speedway – his second national ARCA win this season and the 14th consecutive ARCA victory for Toyota, which extends the series record. Toyota has now won every national ARCA event for over a full calendar year – a streak Chandler Smith began with a victory at Elko Speedway on July 13, 2019.

Running for Two Championships… This weekend’s event at Iowa Speedway counts for the national ARCA Menards Series championship as well as the Sioux Chief Showdown Series. The 20-event ARCA championship is currently led by Michael Self with a 22-point advantage over teammate Drew Dollar. Self and Dollar’s Venturini Motorsports teammate Chandler Smith is the leader of the Sioux Chief Showdown after victories in the first two events on the schedule at Phoenix Raceway in March and Lucas Oil Raceway in Indianapolis in July.

Stay Connected

@ToyotaRacing.com @ToyotaRacing

facebook.com/ToyotaRacing Camera With Flash on Apple iOS 11.3 ToyotaRacingMedia.com

# # #

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 40 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold nearly 2.8 million cars and trucks (nearly 2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.

Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.toyotanewsroom.com.

JR Motorsports — NXS Texas Preview

By
Official Release
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Ethics and Compliance 2010

JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW:
TRACK: Texas Motor Speedway
RACE: My Bariatric Solutions 300 (200 laps / 300 miles)
DATE: Saturday, July 18, 2020

Michael Annett
No. 1 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet
• Michael Annett heads to Texas Motor Speedway this weekend in search of a third straight top-10 finish on a 1.5- mile track in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
• In seven starts this season on 1.5-mile tracks, Annett has one top-five and five top-10 finishes. His average finish on these tracks in 2020 is 8.9.
• At Texas, Annett has two top-10 finishes, his sixth-place run last spring the best of those. He’s also completed 99 percent of the laps run in his 15 starts there.
• In addition to his streak on 1.5-mile tracks, Annett is on a run of four straight finishes in the top 10. He has two fifthplace runs, an eighth and a ninth in that span.

Jeb Burton
No. 8 State Water Heaters Chevrolet
• Jeb Burton heads to Texas for his fifth start this season behind the wheel of the No. 8 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports.
• In four previous NXS starts at the 1.5-mile oval, Burton has scored one top five and two top 10s with a best finish of fifth coming in this event last season. Both of Burton’s top10 results at Texas have come while driving for JRM.
• Texas is the site of Burton’s first career victory in the Truck Series, coming in June of 2013. Burton started third and led 25 laps en route to the victory.
• This will be the first primary race of 2020 for State Water Heaters.

Noah Gragson
No. 9 Bass Pro Shops / TrueTimber Chevrolet
• Gragson has two starts in the NXS at Texas with a best finish of 13th coming in the spring of 2019.
• At tracks that are between 1-2 miles in length in the NXS, Gragson has an average finish of 8.5, including eight top fives, 19 top 10s and has led 413 laps.
• Through 15 races in 2020, Gragson leads the way for JRM with two wins, eight top fives, 11 top 10s and is currently second in the championship standings.
• Gragson is currently the series leader in stage wins, scoring a total of eight, including three in the past two NXS races.
• Since the series returned to racing at Darlington in May,
Gragson has an average finish of 7.2 and has led 424 laps.

Justin Allgaier
No. 7 BRANDT / Tracker Technologies Chevrolet
• Justin Allgaier has nine top-10 finishes at Texas with a best finish of fifth coming in 2018. He led 37 laps on the way to that top-five finish.
• This season, the 34-year-old driver has two top fives and four top 10s on mile-and-a-half tracks, including a fifth place finish he scored last weekend at Kentucky Speedway.
• Two of Allgaier’s 11 NXS career wins came on 1.5-mile tracks. He took home the trophy on two different occasions at Chicagoland Speedway (2011, 2017).
• This weekend, Dallas, Texas-based company Tracker Technologies joins BRANDT on board the No. 7 Camaro.

Driver Quotes

“Coming off a great weekend in Kentucky, I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum rolling this week at Texas. We had fast Chevrolets at Kentucky and had a chance to double up on top fives, and that just shows the strength of this No. 1 team. Over our last four races, we have an average finish of 6.8, and we’re looking to keep that going this weekend at Texas.” – Michael Annett

“Last weekend was definitely an eventful one for our team, but we came through it stronger and with a top-five finish to show for it. This team has proven time and time again that they never give up and they’ve been working their tails off all year long. We’ve had great speed on mile-and-a-half tracks and after how fast we were at Kentucky, that makes me even more excited to get to Texas with our BRANDT/Tracker Technologies Camaro to see what we can do.” – Justin Allgaier

“Texas is a definitely a special place for me and my career having won my first truck race here. It’s a track that I’ve always enjoyed coming to and have always felt really confident at. We had some really good runs here last year and I have no doubt that we can unload with that same speed on Saturday with our State Water Heaters Chevrolet. Taylor (Moyer, crew chief) and all of the guys on this JR Motorsports team have been working really hard and I can’t wait to get to the track and see what we can do.” – Jeb Burton

“Statistically Texas hasn’t been one of my best tracks that we race at. I’ve finished 13th and 30th here the last two races but had never finished outside of 10th when I ran here in the Truck Series. We’ve had speed since coming back in May and I am hopeful that it will continue this weekend in Texas. I’m not sure how I would look wearing a cowboy hat, but there’s no better place to try one on than in Victory Lane this weekend. ” – Noah Gragson

JRM Team Updates

• JRM at Texas: In 73 NXS starts at Texas Motor Speedway, JR Motorsports has one win, 18 top fives and 44 top 10s, along with one pole award (2014). The organization’s lone victory came in 2014 with Chase Elliott. JRM also has an average finish of 10.8 at the 1.5-mile speedway, ranking third best among all active tracks in the NXS, trailing only Michigan International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway.
• JRM’s 1.5-Mile Success: 12 (25 percent) of JRM’s 48 victories in the NXS have come on 1.5-mile tracks. Mark Martin scored the organization’s first victory on a mile-and-a-half on March 1, 2008 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Tyler Reddick earning the most recent victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 17, 2018.
• Bass Pro Shops Savings: Zero in on great gear at Bass Pro Shops with savings up to 50 percent. Apparel, optics, storage, shooting accessories and more are all on sale through July 22. Visit BassPro.com for shipping to your home or order for free curbside pick-up at your local store.

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