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LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: KANSAS SPEEDWAY RACE RECAP

By
Official Release
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KANSAS CITY, Kan. (May 11, 2025) – The NASCAR Cup Series rolled into Kansas Speedway for the AdventHealth 400, delivering a Mother’s Day special under sunny Midwestern skies. On the 1.5-mile intermediate oval, a 38-car field took the green flag. Erik Jones, driving the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE, led the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entries from the 16th starting position. Teammate John Hunter Nemechek followed closely in the No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE, rolling off 17th. Kyle Larson started from the pole, and when the checkered flag flew after 400 miles, it was Larson who found himself in victory lane.

Below is a look at how the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entries fared:

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE RACE RECAP:
START: 17TH | FINISH: 10th | POINTS: 19th

The opening 80-lap Stage 1 saw only one early caution on Lap 8 for the No. 16 car, with the remaining 70 laps running green. The leader set a blistering pace, putting all but 19 cars a lap down.

John Hunter Nemechek struggled early with a tight-handling race car and repeatedly called for more grip. After falling as far back as 36th, he clawed his way up to 28th. But with four laps remaining in the stage, as he entered Turn 3, Nemechek radioed the Dollar Tree team reporting a possible tire going down.

The crew quickly prepared for a pit stop, but Nemechek chose to nurse the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE around the 1.5-mile oval to the stage break, ultimately finishing Stage 1 in 30th.

During the stage break, the crew mounted four fresh tires, packed the car with fuel, and raised the front end to add more downforce and improve handling.

“We’ll take the time now and get some speed in our car and drive back to the front,” said crew chief Travis Mack.

At the restart, Nemechek found himself four- and five-wide, which shuffled the No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE back to 30th. Midway through the stage, he reported that the car was still a bit tight but had improved grip compared to Stage 1.

With the car handling better, Nemechek set his sights on racing back into the free pass position. With just 15 laps remaining in Stage 2, leader Kyle Larson closed in to put him another lap down. Nemechek dug in, matched Larson’s pace, and managed to stay in front of the leader to remain just one lap down, finishing Stage 2 in 27th.

During the stage break, Nemechek reported that the car felt slightly loose but overall “pretty good.” The team opted for a routine pit stop: four tires and fuel, with no further adjustments.

With a solid car underneath him, Nemechek began working his way forward. Though he started the stage several positions behind the free pass spot, within 20 laps he overtook the No. 99 and moved into the coveted position. All the team needed now was a caution—and they got it just a few laps later, on Lap 195, putting Nemechek back on the lead lap.

Crew chief Travis Mack came over the radio with encouragement: “You were outpacing the top-5 cars there—we’ve got a good car. Let’s be patient.” Nemechek replied confidently: “Let’s see if we can drive back up through here.”

The third stage was much different than the previous two stages, when several cautions for accident jumbled up the running order. With 50 laps to go, Nemechek lined up 18th by the time he came back to complete that next lap, he was up to 14th and wasn’t stopping there. On lap 254 cracked the top 10. Nemechek would hold onto 10th as the race came to a close. This finish gives Nemechek a back-to-back top-10 finish, his fourth top-10 of the season.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTABLE:
“We’ve made a lot of gains for sure. Last week was a really good showing, and we had speed. This week, both cars had speed as well. Luckily, we were able to come home 10th in our Dollar Tree Camry. I like it. I like that we have decent speed. Solid day, solid effort. It wasn’t pretty – that is for sure, but we were able to maximize our finish and come home 10th.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 ADVENTHEALTH TOYOTA CAMRY XSE RACE RECAP:
START: 16TH | FINISH: 32nd | POINTS: 29th
Erik Jones tackled the hot and slick racetrack of Kansas Speedway in Sunday’s AdventHealth 400. After starting 16th, Jones battles in the opening laps to hold the position but struggled with the handling of his car in traffic, similar to the issues he had in Saturday’s practice session. He fell back to 27th as he fought an extremely tight No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE. He finished the stage in 25th, one lap down.

After having to come to pit road twice during the stage break to tighten a lug nut, Jones restarted at the back of the field in 33rd for the start of Stage 2. He found himself 24th by lap 101 and told the team he could use some more of the last adjustment when they came in for green flag pit stops as it helped his car. The team brought him in on lap 123 for four tires, fuel, and another set adjustment. The No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE took a turn toward the loose side on the final run of the stage though. Still, Jones was able to hold on for a 24th-place result in Stage 2.

After pitting during the stage break caution, Jones found himself in 24th once again when the field took the green flag. Despite being a lap down and still battling an ill-handling car, Jones held on until the caution came out on lap 195. The No. 43 team took a gamble to not pit with the rest of the cars and wave around to get their lap back. This move ended up working out in their favor as a caution came out before the field made it back around one time on the lap-200 restart. Unfortunately, cautions bred cautions and Jones found himself a product of a three-wide battle gone wrong as he was collected in a wreck with Justin Haley and Corey Heim just a few laps later. The result was a broken left rear toe link on the No. 43 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE. The No. 43 team took the car behind the wall and went on the DVP clock to repair the damage. They sent Jones back out with less than 30 laps to go, but he did not meet minimum speed and was forced to retire early. The result was a 32nd-place finish at Kansas.

ERIK JONES QUOTABLE:
“We were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I felt like we were making progress in that final stage after fighting a tight Toyota Camry XSE pretty much all day. We caught a break in the final stage when we took the wave around to get our lap back and caught a quick caution. Just got caught in a bad spot on a restart and killed the car. I wish we could’ve gotten a better finish for AdventHeath to thank them for all their support, but things didn’t go our way.”

NEXT UP:

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: (LEGACY MC) is a premier auto racing organization co-owned by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee, Jimmie Johnson and Knighthead Capital Management, LLC. Drawing from a rich tradition of success, LEGACY MC is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of motorsport and setting new standards of excellence. The CLUB competes under the Toyota Gazoo Racing banner in the NASCAR Cup Series with the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE piloted by Erik Jones and the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE driven by John Hunter Nemechek. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

Toyota GAZOO Racing – NCS Kansas Post-Race Report – 05.11.25

By
Official Release
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BELL, BRISCOE SCORE TOP-FIVES TO LEAD TOYOTA AT KANSAS
Nemechek delivers back-to-back top-10s, Heim earns impressive top-15 in season debut

KANSAS CITY (May 11, 2025) – Christopher Bell (second) and Chase Briscoe (fourth) led Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas Speedway on Sunday afternoon. For Bell, it his sixth top-five in 12 starts this season – and fifth top-10 in the last six races. Briscoe, who started from the rear of the field, matched his Toyota-best finish for the fourth time.

John Hunter Nemechek (10th) earned consecutive top-10s for the second time this season. The LEGACY MOTOR CLUB driver has now matched his last season total of four top-10s just 12 races into this season.

Truck Series points leader Corey Heim also delivered an impressive showing as the Toyota Development Driver finished 13th in his first start of the season and first time in a Cup car since June 2024. It was a career-best Cup Series result, besting the 22nd he earned in this race one year ago.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Kansas Speedway
Race 12 of 36 – 400.5 miles, 267 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Kyle Larson*

2nd, CHRISTOPHER BELL

3rd, Ryan Blaney*

4th, CHASE BRISCOE

5th, Alex Bowman*

10th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK

13th, COREY HEIM

17th, TYLER REDDICK

27th, RILEY HERBST

28th, TY GIBBS

32nd, ERIK JONES

33rd, BUBBA WALLACE

36th, DENNY HAMLIN

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Reser’s Fine Foods Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 2nd

What more did you need to catch Kyle Larson?

“Yeah, I don’t know. I didn’t feel like we were very good today. We qualified well, had good pit stops – never really had any issues to set us back, but on the track, we were constantly going the wrong direction instead of going forward, but everyone fought hard on this Reser’s Camry and got us a good finish. I don’t know. I’m sure I will be a lot happier about it tomorrow and later in the week, but just didn’t feel like we were very good, and we were still right there, so I think that is a testament to how good this team is.”

CHASE BRISCOE, No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 4th

What changed throughout the afternoon with the adjustments that you made?

“We just started in the back, so it made it tough to know what we needed. Even that first stage, we had a terrible pit stop during the green flag pit cycle and we came out about three-quarters of a straightway behind the 5 (Kyle Larson) car and we were able to run him down and pass him and get back on the lead lap, then in the second stage, we kind just lost our magic, I felt like, and then finally the third stage, we kind of found it back and our car started going forward again and was able to go from 17th or 18th back up to fourth. I would have loved to have track position all day – that is the name of the game half of the time, but overall great Bass Pro Shops Toyota. We needed just a good solid run like this, so that helps.”

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK, No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

Finishing Position: 10th

What does this finish say about where this team is at?

“We’ve made a lot of gains for sure. Last week was a really good showing, had speed. This week, both cars had speed as well. Luckily, we were able to come home 10th in our Dollar Tree Camry. I like it. I like that we have decent speed. Solid day, solid effort. It wasn’t pretty – that is for sure, but we were able to maximize our finish and come home 10th.”

What differences have you seen at the shop in the preparation that has allowed for this kind of success?

“There is a lot. It is not just one person. It is the team. The whole way that everyone works together. There is just a lot that goes into it. Proud of the effort of everyone at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. We just have to continue it on.”

COREY HEIM, No. 67 Robinhood Toyota Camry XSE, 23XI Racing

Finishing Position: 13th

Top-15, ran all of the laps. What did you learn today that you can take to Nashville?

“I think from the very beginning I was trying to settle in. Such a different experience than my Truck Series regular style driving. Such a different approach with aero balance and trying to find clean air and trying to get grip. It is tough. We are at the top level, and I had to settle in. It has been about a year since I drove one of these things. First stage was messy to say the least. I went a lap down, but the team stuck with me and made really good adjustments, and we climbed back through the field all day. We kind of just made consistent steps forward. I’m super proud of everyone at 23XI, Toyota – very thankful for Robinhood for coming on board. The Robin Neon looked great out there running top-15 at the end. Just proud of the consistent progress, and team definitely stuck with me in the first stage. It wasn’t pretty on my part, but grateful for everyone believing in me and grateful for the opportunity.”

BUBBA WALLACE, No. 23 Columbia Sportswear Toyota Camry XSE, 23XI Racing

Finishing Position: 33rd

Do you know what happened?

“Not really sure. Not sure if the 67 (Corey Heim) got into somebody, and I just tried to hang a left and stay in the gas and I got clipped in the right rear. It’s unfortunate. I hate it. It all stems back from our penalty earlier on. We tried so hard to fight back but it wasn’t meant to be. We had a lot of confidence coming into this race. Felt good about it yesterday, but just not our day. Not our last couple of weeks, but Happy Mother’s Day. Excited to get back home to see my wife and our baby boy and focus on that.”

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 Progressive Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 36th

Can you take us through what happened?

“Yeah, I think eventually just broke the transaxle trying to leave the stall there. Unfortunate for the Progressive Toyota team. Really fast again – just can’t keep it together right now.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

CHEVROLET NCS: Larson Takes Team Chevy to Three-Straight Triumphs at Kansas Speedway

By
Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
KANSAS SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE REPORT
MAY 11, 2025

Larson Takes Team Chevy to Three-Straight Triumphs at Kansas Speedway

TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL TOP-10 RESULTS:
POS. DRIVER
1st – Kyle Larson
5th – Alex Bowman

  • In yet another dominating performance, Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the NASCAR Cup Series’ AdventHealth 400, delivering Chevrolet its third-straight trip to victory lane at Kansas Speedway. The victory – Larson’s third win of the 2025 season and 32nd all-time in the division – is Chevrolet’s 16th all-time NASCAR Cup Series victory at Kansas Speedway to continue to lead the series at the 1.5-mile Midwest oval.
  • Larson’s victory marks Chevrolet’s fourth NASCAR Cup Series win of the 2025 season, and the manufacturer’s second in five events on non-drafting intermediate ovals – each earned by the 32-year-old Elk Grove, California, native.
  • The victory came after a weekend sweep for the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet team, starting with a strong performance on Saturday that ended with the team’s first pole win of the season. Taking command on the opening lap, Larson went on to take both green-white checkered flags to bring his stage win total to a series-leading eight with just 12 races complete. The stage sweep came after tallying 150 of 165 laps led in the first two stages, and despite a calamity-filled final stage, Larson went on to bring his total to a race-high 221 laps led en route to back-to-back triumphs in the track’s spring event.
  • An early qualifying lap for Alex Bowman put the Hendrick Motorsports mid-pack in the starting lineup, but the Blake Harris-led No. 48 Ally Chevrolet team quickly rebounded to showcase the speed they carried in Saturday’s practice session. The 32-year-old Tucson, Arizona, native navigated his Chevrolet-powered machine through the field to collect top-seven finishes in each stage, going on to take the checkered-flag in the fifth position for the team’s second top-five finish.

Chevrolet’s all-time NASCAR Cup Series statistics at Kansas Speedway:

Wins: 16
Poles: 14
Top-Fives: 77
Top-10s: 167

Chevrolet’s season statistics with 12 NASCAR Cup Series races complete:

Wins: 4
Poles: 7
Top-Fives: 24
Top 10s: 55
Stage Wins: 11

UP NEXT: The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at North Wilkesboro Speedway for the All-Star Race weekend on Sunday, May 18, with the All-Star Open at 5:30 p.m. ET and the All-Star Race at 8 p.m. ET. Live coverage of both events can be found on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
Post-Race Driver Quotes:

Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 22nd

“It was a tough day for our No. 3 BetMGM Chevrolet team at Kansas Speedway so a 22nd-place finish is actually pretty good considering how challenging the race was for our team. The handling of our Chevy was loose early in the race and then ended up too tight in Stage 2. Unfortunately, we got caught up in a late-race incident that caused significant damage to the nose and right side, which took away any chance of a competitive finish. I’m proud of everyone’s effort at Richard Childress Racing. The crew did a great job making repairs and getting us back out there. We’ll go back to the drawing board and come back stronger when we return to Kansas in the fall.”

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Finished: 1st

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE WAY THIS RACE UNFOLDED, YOU HAD A VERY DOMINATE RUN, BUT THERE WERE MOMENTS YOU HAD SOME CONCERNS. HOW DID YOU WORK THROUGH THAT?

“Yeah, it was tough. I could get out to a good lead, and I could kind of manage my tires. But Chase (Elliott) was really good at the end of the long runs. We decided to take control of the race, and we kind of lost it a little bit there. We had some restarts work out in our favor, and that last run just played out well enough to get the win. I wasn’t very good again at the end of the run, but I am just proud of my team and proud of this HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevy team. It’s just been an awesome day.”

HOW MUCH DID YOU NEED TYLER AND CLIFF TO KEEP REMINDING YOU ABOUT SAVING THE TIRES OVER THE COURSE OF THE RUN?

“Yeah, it helps. Cliff (Daniels) is really good at keeping me informed with what is going on with other people and especially our team. So, yeah, he had me concerned, but I could feel it, as well. Just happy that last run went good. I was a bit nervous there at the end and it was starting to shake a lot, and I was afraid it was going to blow a right-rear tire. I tried to back my pace down a lot, but had enough to get to the end there.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO LEAVE HERE WITH THE WIN AND HEAD TO INDY AND HAVING CHARLOTTE AND NORTH WILKESBORO AND A BUSY TIME AHEAD?

“It’s really cool to head to Indy as the point leader two years in a row in the Cup Series. It’s really tough to do, and it’s really cool for our team and our sport that the Cup Series point leader gets to run the Indianapolis 500. It’s awesome, and thanks again to these guys right here. I won’t get to celebrate with them tonight, but we will do a little celebrating here before we have to leave the track.”

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Finished: 21st

“Tough weekend for our No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet. I was happy with it in practice, we had really good long run speed. I got in the fence on my qualifying lap, fortunately it didn’t hurt the car but it put us at the back to start the race. We made some good progress and were in a good spot for a decent finish when I got spun out. Not much we could do after going a lap down to put tires on it. Not the finish we deserved today.”

Jesse Love, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 29th

“Our weekend started out strong with a solid practice in the C4 Ultimate Energy Chevrolet. The car had top-15 pace and I thought we could have a really good race. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out that way for our No. 33 team. The balance fired off on the loose side and during our first scheduled green flag stop, I drove through too many boxes on exit which forced us to do a pass through under green. From there, it was a battle. When the right rear tire would burn off, the car didn’t have any security. Andy Street (crew chief) and the team kept working on it during every stop. We took the wave around at one point and regained a lap with a timely caution. While the result wasn’t what we wanted, I’m still very appreciative of the opportunity to drive in the Cup Series. I’ve learned a lot about these cars in a short period of time.”

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Finished: 5th

What more did you need out there?

“Not to crash the car on the Stage Two restart. We were really good before that, and then we destroyed the race car – the toe’s knocked out of it and the body was killed. While it might not look destroyed and we still ran fifth, these things are just super sensitive. It’s a bummer that happened. You just don’t get many race cars that are that good. We had one last weekend (at Texas Motor Speedway) and we didn’t capitalize on it. We had one at Bristol (Motor Speedway) and didn’t capitalize on it. Today, we ended up with a top-five, but I don’t feel like we capitalized on it.

I’m frustrated on that side of things, but super proud of everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. It’s not something we did or that the car did. Two guys under me decided to drive us straight into the fence. That’s Next Gen racing, though. The restarts get pretty crazy, and unfortunately, it just kind of hurt the rest of our day.”

Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet

Finished: 23rd

“Tough day for this No. 71 Gainbridge Chevrolet team. We just got behind a little bit those first couple of runs. We were really loose and corded the right-rear tire. We lost a lap, and then we just never really recovered from there. I thought we were going to get lucky there and get a caution near the end, but it didn’t work out. Just a struggle in the race, for whatever reason. We’ll go back and figure out what we need to do better. We fought hard; got one lap back, but needed to get two back. Just hate it for this team. We had really good speed yesterday, it just didn’t correlate to today.”

Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 20th

“That was a decent finish for how it felt. My SafetyCulture Chevrolet definitely got better there at the end. The team made adjustments that helped me get more comfortable with the car. Just going to keep learning and making progress on the ovals.”

Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet

Finished: 34th

Suarez on the accident that ultimately ended his day early in the final stage:

“He (Ty Dillon) was on new tires and drove into the corner and wrecked the No. 51 (Cody Ware) and myself there. We were just in the wrong place there, but at the end of the day, it’s our fault. We shouldn’t be in those positions and in those situations. I thought our No. 99 Choice Privileges Chevrolet had decent speed, but we never had a shot. We just fired off today very, very off balance. We were super, super tight. Eventually, we got it a little bit better, but our car was just off on balance. I feel like our car had potential, but we just didn’t do a good job with our adjustments overnight.”

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

Alex Palou continues monster run with victory at The Brickyard

By
Tucker White
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INDIANAPOLIS - MAY 9: Alex Palou, driver of the #10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda, drives during practice for the NTT IndyCar Series Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 9, 2025, in Indianapolis. Photo: Simon Scoggins/SpeedwayMedia.com

While not the woodshed whooping he put on the field at Barber, Sunday, Alex Palou continued his dominant run, this season, with a victory at The Brickyard.

The driver of the No. 10 Chip Ganassi Racing overtook Graham Rahal in Turn 7 on Lap 58 and never looked back to win the Sonsio Grand Prix at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s crazy,” he said. “I’m sad that it’s going to end at some point, and it’s going to be tough in my career to feel as good as I feel now. I know that, and that makes me sad, but happy at the same time.

“It’s amazing. It’s amazing. I know I’m with the best team out here, and they give me the best tools they have, the best people to fight for races every single weekend, and it feels sweet.”

It’s his 15th career victory in 86 career NTT INDYCAR Series starts

Pato O’Ward brought his car home second and Will Power rounded out the podium.

“We fought hard today,” O’Ward said. “Started eighth, and I was pretty happy with the balance of my car. Just missed it there in qualifying with the issues that we had in a straight line, but Ian fixed it. It was good to have good pace.”

“It was just a solid day,” Power said. “Didn’t pass anyone on track. It was the same as Barber. Didn’t pass a single car. Just spent the whole day sort of like in a good pit stop strategy and speed and sort of overcut there at the end. Got us a couple of positions. Yeah, it was a very uneventful day. It was eventful in the car catching and driving hard the whole day, but as far as chopping through the field or anything. I mean, when you start seventh, obviously it’s not like you’re able to pass a lot of people. But, yeah, it’s a very stout field. People don’t make mistakes. Even the person who finishes last — I don’t know who finished last, but I know when I lapped Abel, he stuck behind me at the same pace, exactly the same space. Hardly dropped off.

“It’s just a stout field with great teams and drivers. Maybe we need to try a lock-out push-to-pass system where you get within a second and it locks the guy out in front and create passing like that, but it’s cool to see. I’m not sure what it looks like on TV, but yeah, I think this was the first step, try something with tires, but I think you need to do something more.”

Scott McLaughlin and Scott Dixon rounded out the top-five

Graham Rahal (led a race high of 49 laps), Kyle Kirkwood, Marcus Armstrong, Rinus VeeKay and Felix Rosenqvist rounded out the top-10.

Race summary

Prior to the start, Kyffin Simpson stalled on pit road. He didn’t get underway before the green flag and took his car to the garage. Josef Newgarden came down pit road prior to the race, due to radio issues. As a result, he dropped to the rear of the field on the start.

Alex Palou led the field to green at 4:55 p.m. ET. Graham Rahal overtook him on the outside into Turn 1 for the race lead.

VeeKay kickstarted a round of green flag stops on Lap 15 (he took Firestone reds). Palou pit from second on Lap 18 and took used Firestone blacks. Devlin DeFrancesco pit from second on Lap 19 and took new Firestone blacks. Palou cycled out in front. Rahal pit from the lead on Lap 20, took Firestone blacks and exited pit road ahead of Palou.

Following the cycle of stops, Rahal and Palou traded laps of running faster than the other. While the gap held steady at roughly 0.6 seconds. By Lap 34, however, Palou cut the gap to under half a second, thanks to the lapped car of Jacob Abel. By Lap 35, the gap closed to roughly 0.3 seconds. This forced Rahal to burn up his Push-to-Pass.

VeeKay kicked off another round of green flag stops on Lap 37. Both Rahal and Palou pit on Lap 41 (Rahal took used Firestone reds, while Palou took new Firestone blacks). Rahal beat him out of pit road.

Palou didn’t wait for the final stop to make his move on Rahal. Coming down Hulman Boulevard on Lap 58, Palou pulled to his inside and overtook him into Turn 7 for the race lead. Two laps later, Palou pulled to a three-second lead.

Rahal pit from second on Lap 62 for new Firestone blacks, but a slow stop costs him time on track. Palou pit from the lead on Lap 65. He took new Firestone reds.

David Malukas’ car stalled in the grass off of Turn 8, which brought out a caution and ended a streak of 408 consecutive laps without one. This evaporated a 10-second lead by Palou.

The race restarted with 13 laps to go and Palou drove on to victory.

What else happened

Callum Illot hit Conor Daly and spun him in Turn 12 on Lap 1.

On Lap 6, Malukas made contact with Marcus Ericsson and turned him in Turn 12.

Rosenqvist pulled inside of VeeKay in Turn 7 on Lap 25, made contact and spun out.

Nuts and bolts

The race lasted one hour and 48 minutes, at an average speed of 115.163 mph. There were seven lead changes among four different drivers and one caution for two laps.

Palou leaves with a 97-point lead over Kyle Kirkwood.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns to action on May 25, with the Indianapolis 500.

Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Recap: Kansas Speedway

By
Official Release
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NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE RECAP: KANSAS SPEEDWAY
Event: Heart of America 200 (134 laps / 201 miles)
Round: 9 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Kansas Speedway
Location: Kansas City, Kansas
Date & Time: Saturday, May 10 | 7:30 PM ET

No. 42 J.F. Electric / Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

Start: 18th
Stage 1: 22nd
Stage 2: 19th
Finish: 12th
Driver Points: 18th
Owner Points: 21st

  • Key Takeaway: Mills began the 134-lap race in 18th, but suffered overheating issues which plagued the team throughout the first two stages. Despite being forced to make several unscheduled stops to rectify their issues, Mills and team stayed in the battle to make it into the top-15. Through pit strategy, the No. 42 gained track position late in the going which resulted in Mills earning his best finish of the season in 12th-place.
  • Matt Mills’ Post-Race Thoughts: “On the initial start of the race, there was a big stack up and I lost a lot of track position being in the wrong lane. We came down pit road to make some adjustments real quick based off how we thought we were going to fire off, but quickly realized we were having some overheating issues. I just couldn’t get it cooled down for the majority of the night. By the time that we figured out what was going on, we were fighting for track position. Mike (Shiplett) made a good strategy call by staying out before the caution flew which gave us a chance up front. I just have to do some more homework on my restarts. I need to learn how to handle the traffic better with the truck we had tonight just being free. Overall, I’m happy to come out of here with a clean J.F. Electric Chevy to move onto North Wilkesboro.”

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

No. 44 AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Bayley Currey | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers

Start: 17th
Stage 1: 9th
Stage 2: 15th
Finish: 26th
Driver Points: 21st
Owner Points: 17th

  • Key Takeaway: Bayley Currey and the No. 44 team ran inside the top-10 near the start of the race in Kansas, but left with a disappointing finish. Currey fought the handling on his truck during the day, but was able to find grip once the crew made adjustments in the race. Late in the going however, Currey lost control of his truck in turn two resulting in a crash. Though the team finished the race, they were mired back a few laps behind the leaders.
  • Bayley Currey’s Post-Race Thoughts: “I hate the way that second half of the race went for us because early on, I thought we had a shot at having a good night. My truck was super free in practice and all the guys on the No. 44 team worked hard at making it better. It felt like once we were able to get near the front, I had a lot more confidence in what we were working with. But there in the start of last stage, my truck randomly popped out of gear and I lost so much time trying to figure out what was going wrong with it. There at the end, I was just hustling it trying to pick up some spots and it just came out from under me. I thought we were going to be fine without any damage, but once the tires blew out I had no chance of staying off the wall. We’ll keep grinding it out and move forward on our AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics / Masked Owl Technologies / DQS Solutions & Staffing team.”

About AutoVentive: AutoVentive is an industry-leading Software as a Service (SaaS) applications developer providing customized solutions to the automotive logistics industry. The company is part of Liberty Hill Equity Partners, LLC, a Cincinnati-based private equity firm.

About Precision Vehicle Logistics: Precision Vehicle Logistics is a customer-focused group of professionals committed to service excellence in finished vehicle logistics. Precision offers a unique combination of talented experience, industry-leading software and systems, and a network of partners and resources to deliver customized solutions to the world’s leading automakers.

No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing / Masked Owl Technologies Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Kaden Honeycutt | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

Start: 7th
Stage 1: 7th
Stage 2: 8th
Finish: 8th
Driver Points: 8th
Owner Points: 10th

  • Key Takeaway: Kaden Honeycutt qualified the highest out of the team in seventh-place. The No. 45 was a contender through the opening two stages, picking up a total of seven points. When a caution came out during the green flag pit cycle, however, the team was trapped one lap down, forced to take the wave-around. Stuck in traffic, Honeycutt struggled to maintain the speed which he had up front. Luckily, the team rebounded nicely for a eighth-place finish.
  • Kaden Honeycutt’s Post-Race Thoughts: “With all we overcame, it wasn’t a bad night for us at all. I put myself in a terrible spot when we had that late caution in the first stage and lost us a ton of points. Then in the second stage, we just fought some balance back there in the back half of the top-10. We still got some points though, which was good for us. We started off the final stage and got into the top-five, which I was pretty content with. I couldn’t really go anywhere further with everyone kind of running the same lane. When we made our green flag stop, I thought we were going to come out around fifth again, and the dang caution came out.

That seems to be the story of our season; we had a top-five truck but didn’t get the results to show for it. That’s about the fifth-or-so race that it’s happened to us. Big thanks to DQS Solutions & Staffing, Masked Owl Technologies, Precision Vehicle Logistics, AutoVentive, and everyone that works so dang hard on our trucks. We’ll go to Wilkesboro next week and try to keep the momentum going. It’s still a decent finish, I’m not disappointed too bad in it, but just wish we could have ended up where we should have.”

About DQS Solutions & Staffing: Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom solutions that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District.

About Masked Owl Technologies: Masked Owl Technologies (MOT) is an industrial solutions integrator specializing in developing customized automation and controls processes. They take a consulting-based approach to identify the root cause of system challenges and incorporate tested, emerging technology into industrial solutions that mitigate risk and solve complex problems, the first time.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 190+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

Toyota GAZOO Racing – NCTS Kansas Post-Race Report – 05.10.25

By
Official Release
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HEIM DRIVES THROUGH THE FIELD LATE TO LEAD TOYOTA AT KANSAS
Ruggiero scores third top-10 run in the last four races

KANSAS CITY (May 10, 2025) – Corey Heim overcame multiple issues to lead Toyota with a top-five in the NASCAR Truck Series race at Kansas Speedway on Saturday evening. Heim, who won the first stage, restarted 21st with 23 laps to go after a penalty on the prior restart. The Toyota Development Driver charged the field to a fourth-place finish.

Heim’s fourth led four straight Tundras across the finish line as Rookie of the Year leader Gio Ruggiero finished fifth, Stewart Friesen was scored sixth and Xfinity Series regular Brandon Jones earned a seventh-place run.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS)
Kansas Motor Speedway
Race 9 of 23 – 201 Miles, 134 Laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Carson Hocevar*

2nd, Layne Riggs*

3rd, William Bryron*

4th, COREY HEIM

5th, GIO RUGGIERO

6th, STEWART FRIESEN

7th, BRANDON JONES

21st, TONI BREIDINGER

28th, TANNER GRAY

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

COREY HEIM, No. 11 Safelite + Foster Love Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 4th

Fourth-place finish for Corey Heim, after you found everything that could go wrong tonight. Can you describe that race?

“Yeah, for sure. Started out with that pit gun breaking – no fault to my pit crew there. They did an awesome job all night. It seemed like a situational kind of deal there and then caught on the exact wrong time on the green flag cycle – had to take the wave and start from the back again, and got out of line for a penalty on my part. Like you said, a roller coaster kind of day today. Very proud of everyone at TRICON Garage and Toyota. This Safelite, Foster Love Tundra was really fast today. I feel like we made a lot of gains on it throughout the race. We kind of struggled more in dirty air than I thought we would coming into this race, but regardless, I think we were still the best truck today. Certainly, disappointing after being able to sweep the year last year, but we will move forward.”

GIO RUGGIERO, No. 17 First Auto Group Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 5th

Scored a top-five in your first time here at Kansas in a truck. What did you learn?

“I learned it is definitely pretty racy, especially on the restarts here – using all of the lanes up. It gets pretty aggressive there. That was fun. I tried to dig all day, and fight really hard with our First Auto Group Tundra. We were in the back for a while, so just proud of my guys for never giving up. The pit crew did a really good job. We had some really solid stops and kept picking up spots on pit road, so that helped us as well, so it was a step in the right direction for sure, but we need to run better next weekend.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

Chevrolet Powered Drivers Claim Three of Top-Four Finishing Positions at IMS Road Course

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
SONSIO INDY GRAND PRIX
ROAD COURSE AT INDIANAPOLIS MOTOR SPEEDWAY
INDIANAPOLIIS, INDIANA
TEAM CHEVY RACE RECAP
MAY 10, 2025

Chevrolet Powered Drivers Claim Three of Top-Four Finishing Positions at IMS Road Course

  • Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, and Will Power, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet finished second and third respectively
  • O’Ward started eighth and drove to his second podium of the season
  • Sits fourth in the standings heading into preparation for the Indianapolis 500
  • Power drove from the seventh starting spot to his first podium and third top-five of the season
  • Scott McLaughlin brought the No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet in the fourth finishing position, his third top-five of the year
  • McLaughlin sits fifth in points
  • Two-time and defending Indianapolis 500 winner Josef Newgarden finished 12th, after a pace lap run down pit lane to investigate a possible issue that dropped him to the rear of the field
  • Conor Daly, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet, recovered from on-track contact that sent him to the back of the field to finish in 15th
  • Up next for Team Chevy in the NTT INDYCAR Series is qualifying for the 109th Indianapolis 500 May 17-18, 2025, with Fast Friday up first when the boost is turned up from 1.3 bar to 1.5 adding approximately 60 additional horsepower.
  • Saturday will see teams and drivers run for a starting position in the Indianapolis 500. At the conclusion of the day, the Fast 12 and positions 13-30 will be set.
  • Sunday will see the battle for the final three starting positions, as well as the pole run from the Fast 12 to the Firestone Fast Six. Indy 500 qualifications will be televised on the FOX Network on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, May 18, at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., as well as practice runs on FoxSports 1 and 2 both days

SONSIO GRAND PRIX RACE RESULTS:

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (QUOTES):

A.J. FOYT RACING

David Malukas, No. 4 A.J. Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“Well, we were around 15 laps short. It just kind of sums up the start of this season. We got unlucky again. We had some overheating issues, and our race ended up short there, which is really unfortunate, because I think we had a really good race car coming up from the back. Qualifying was a little bit of a rough performance from my side. But through the race, we started moving ourselves forward and making some good positions. Unfortunately, it just didn’t play out for us. We made a lot of good gains with a lot of positives. We have to just get our heads down for the month of May, which with the A.J. Foyt team normally, the history, it’s been very, very strong here. Hopefully all this bad luck that’s been happening will be gone. Maybe the Pope, who’s from Chicago, can give us some help for the 500.”

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing/Sexton Properties Chevrolet:

“Obviously, a long day, nothing we can do. We had a motor change and couldn’t run warm up. We couldn’t even put the car on the pad before going out for the race. Honestly, the guys did a phenomenal job with what we had. We were stuck with the trim, which we didn’t want because of the heat. All in all, probably one of the toughest races I think I’ve had in a while, trying to handle the car and make some moves to try and keep us in the game. Excited to be done with turning left and right, and ready to be just turning left.”

ARROW MCLAREN

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It was push, all the way through the race. No. 10 car was just a little quick for us today. But it has been like that for everyone so far this year. It’s solid that Team Chevy was 2-3 today. The Big One is next and that is the one we really want for Arrow McLaren, Chevrolet and all of our partners. I’ve been so close. Now it’s our turn to reach victory lane.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I think we made the most of what we had today. It was well-executed, and the strategy was good. We made a few passes, and we were competitive on the Firestone Alternate tires. We struggled a lot on the Firestone Primaries but minimized the damage there. Yesterday was the bigger issue. Looking forward, if we can fix Qualifying and start further up, I think we’ll be competitive on race days. The pace is there. It just all needs to come together, and we’re making progress. Today was a good boost and pretty solid day going into the month of May.”

Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“Tough day and tough weekend really. I think we were on to fight for a good result, but the pit lane penalty ruined those plans. Not the race we wanted, but we’ll move on quickly because the next race up is the one we work all year for.”

ED CARPENTER RACING

Alexander Rossi, No. 20 Java House Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“It was a really tough day today. We didn’t seem to have strong enough pace on either tire. Despite that, the ECR Java House team pushed to the end, and I thank them for that. I am already looking ahead to the big one.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Splenda Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“The day that could have been. We were running so well, and we had a Top 10 car today. That’s where we should have been, but, on one of my stops something happened to my pit lane speed control button, so when I launched from the pit box I ended up with a pit lane speed violation. We were having a really good day so receiving a penalty is very frustrating. A positive for us was our pace and the middle stints were our best. I am really looking forward to the rest of the month and excited for the Indianapolis 500. We deserved the result here today that we didn’t get, but we will keep on trucking.”

JUNCOS HOLLINGER RACING

Conor Daly, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Honestly, I got spun on the first lap and did a whole donut. A full 360. And I had to come back from last, but we really had good pace. It was a shame the race worked out that way because we would have finished much better today. I’m thankful for our crew as they did a terrific job today. We had good pit stops, and the car ran well. I love the 500 and now coming off the best finish for the season for our young team is good. It’s not where we want to be, but we are very much building as a team at this point. I believe in these guys, and they believe in me. Just have to keep working to improve now.”

PREMA

Robert Shwartzman, No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet

“We finished our race here at Indy and, after all of the issues we had during the weekend, I think there is a very positive outcome. I finally got a decent balance from the car, and we showed good performance and good pace. In the first pitstop, I had an issue with the clutch, but it’s also my responsibility. It cost us around 20 seconds, which could have helped us in getting a better position. However, today was a good day and we need to analyze and work together. Then move forward into the next events, where if we put it together then I am sure we can deliver a good race.”

Callum Ilott, No, 90 PREMA Racing Chevrolet:

“On the first racing lap, I was spun around in Turn 12, which was unfortunate. We picked up damage from it which we had to repair. It took us a while in the pitlane, but the team did a good job to get us back out. From there, it was largely about gaining mileage. The pace was okay. It was a bit up and down, but now we look ahead to the 500 and hopefully can put together a strong showing there.”

TEAM PENSKE

Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet:

“I should be upset with a fourth. I think we could have gotten second today but I made a mistake on the pit exchange, and I lost a couple of spots. And that was our day. I will take a fourth. But it could have easily been a second and my first podium at Indy. Next race is the best race of the year. I thought it was a bold move to start on the black tires, and I was super fast on those tires. I was proud of the guys for that move. We made some big inroads with the car over the weekend. Now I can’t wait to get on the oval this week.”

Will Power, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet:

“I would tell you we have had a fantastic last four races if one guy wasn’t winning them all. It’s a good start to month and we are looking forward to the 500 now. I think Chevy will get its first win of the season there. We had very good strategy and a good car pace today. Things were well executed. Unfortunately, no passing for me at this track. I’m excited to get on the oval. It will be interesting to see how the car feels, and I think found some good stuff in the test.”

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

Palou Continues Magic Carpet Ride with Sonsio Grand Prix Victory

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, May 10, 2025) – Alex Palou continued his march toward history and immortality by winning the Sonsio Grand Prix on Saturday on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, his fourth victory in five NTT INDYCAR SERIES races this season.

It was the Spaniard’s third consecutive victory in this race, an event record, and he became the first driver since Sebastien Bourdais in 2006 to win four of the first five races of an INDYCAR SERIES season.

“I cannot describe the amazing season we’ve had so far,” Palou said. “I owe everything to the team, Chip Ganassi Racing, my teammates, everybody who is working behind the scenes to make me look so fast on track. It’s amazing. It’s unbelievable.”

NTT P1 Award winner Palou drove his No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda to a 5.4840-second victory over the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet of Pato O’Ward. That margin may have been considerably larger if not for a late caution period – the first in the series since Lap 1 of the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding – bunching the field before Palou ran away again.

Two-time series champion Will Power finished a season-best third in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, 8.4529 seconds behind Palou. His teammate Scott McLaughlin was fourth in the No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Chevrolet.

Six-time series champion Scott Dixon rounded out the top five in the No. 9 PNC Bank Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

After this victory, Palou’s report card this season reads four victories (St. Petersburg, Thermal, Barber, Indianapolis road course) and one second-place finish (Long Beach). He leads the standings by 97 points – nearly two races’ worth of points – over Kyle Kirkwood of Andretti Global after just five of 17 races this season.

“We need to do something to stop this 10 car,” O’Ward said. “These guys are really, really on a roll. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it, especially in INDYCAR.”

Future targets are coming into clear focus for Palou after this win. The first is victory in the next event, the biggest of them all, the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge on Sunday, May 25 at IMS. Palou has never won the “500” or on an oval, about his only remaining mountains to climb in this series.

“Hopefully we get to stay here (Victory Podium) again in a couple of weeks for the biggest race of the year,” Palou said.

Then, the focus could shift to a fourth Astor Challenge Cup as series champion in five years, a feat last achieved by Bourdais when he won four straight titles from 2004-07. It’s also not a stretch in this moment of dominance with 12 races remaining to conceive of Palou threatening the all-time series record for victories in a season, 10 by legends A.J. Foyt in 1964 and Al Unser in 1970.

This was another victory in which strategy and patience were the successful blueprint for Palou. He led 29 laps, second to Graham Rahal’s 49. But that’s a familiar tactic for Palou, who has been the overall lap leader in only one of his victories this season, last Sunday at Barber Motorsports Park.

Palou started from the pole, but Rahal dove under him in Turn 1 on Lap 2. Rahal stayed out front in the No. 15 Fifth Third Bank Honda of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing past the halfway point of the 85-lap race except for pit cycles. But Palou never let Rahal get away, staying within a second or closer nearly that entire time.

While Rahal and Palou marched in lockstep around the 14-turn, 2.439-mile circuit, there was a key strategic difference between the two drivers.

New INDYCAR rules for this event mandated that every driver use two sets each of Firestone primary and alternate tires. Palou used scuffed alternate and primary tires during his first two stints, while Rahal used new alternate and primary tires.

Rahal and Palou entered the pits together for their second stops in a dramatic moment at the end of Lap 41. Rahal’s crew switched to scuffed alternate tires, while Palou’s team mounted new primary tires.

Better grip from the softer alternate tire helped Rahal keep the lead over Palou after that stop. But the better durability of the primary tire – plus considerably more Push to Pass overtake assist available to use – helped Palou reel in Rahal.

Palou’s patience ran out on Lap 58. He tried to pass Rahal in Turns 1 and 2, but Rahal parried the move. But Palou dove inside Rahal in Turn 7 on the same lap and never trailed thereafter.

Once in the lead, Palou pulled away at an astonishing rate. His lead grew to 4.1075 seconds just four laps after he got out front, and it appeared he could canter to the checkered flag.

But the first full course yellow flag in 408 laps of competition dating back to the season opener March 2 bunched the field on Lap 70 when the No. 4 AJ FOYT RACING Chevrolet driven by David Malukas stopped in the grass in Turn 10.

On the restart on Lap 72, Palou held off O’Ward entering Turn 1 and again pulled away. Palou’s gap was 2.4781 seconds by Lap 76, and he was never threatened the rest of the way.

Practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge starts at noon ET Tuesday.

Workplace Injuries and Employee Rights: What Every Professional Should Know

By
SM
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Photo by AndreyPopov at https://depositphotos.com/

Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, affecting employees both physically and financially. Whether it’s a slip-and-fall accident in an office or a severe machinery-related injury in a factory, these incidents can disrupt a worker’s life and career. Recognizing common causes of workplace injuries can help employers and employees take preventive measures to create a safer work environment. Additionally, understanding how workplace accidents occur allows businesses to implement better safety protocols to minimize risks. Employees should also be proactive in reporting unsafe conditions to management to prevent injuries before they happen.

Certain professions carry higher risks due to the nature of the work involved. Construction workers, healthcare professionals, and warehouse employees face daily hazards that increase the likelihood of workplace injuries. Understanding the risks specific to each industry allows workers to advocate for better safety measures and ensures employers uphold their responsibilities in maintaining a secure workplace. Even office workers, who may not perceive their work environment as hazardous, can experience repetitive strain injuries or ergonomic issues that impact their long-term well-being. Identifying these potential dangers early can make a significant difference in preventing chronic conditions and ensuring a healthier workforce.

Employer Responsibilities and Safety Regulations

According to Donaldson & Weston, employers have a legal obligation to provide a safe working environment. Federal and state laws mandate workplace safety measures, requiring companies to follow industry-specific guidelines. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces these regulations, ensuring employers take necessary precautions to protect their workers. Adherence to these standards is not only a legal requirement but also a critical factor in maintaining a productive workforce and reducing unnecessary workplace disruptions. A strong commitment to safety can enhance employee morale and demonstrate corporate responsibility.

Failing to comply with safety standards can result in severe consequences, including legal penalties and increased injury claims. Employers must conduct regular safety training, provide protective equipment, and promptly address hazards. When businesses prioritize employee well-being, they foster a culture of safety that benefits both workers and the organization as a whole. Companies that proactively engage in risk assessments and safety audits demonstrate a commitment to their employees’ welfare, which in turn builds trust and loyalty among the workforce. A well-trained workforce is less likely to experience workplace accidents, further reducing liability and financial losses associated with injuries.

Workers’ Compensation and Employee Protections

When an employee suffers an injury at work, they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits help cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. Workers’ compensation laws vary by state, but most provide financial relief for injured employees while protecting employers from direct lawsuits. Access to these benefits ensures that workers can focus on recovery without the added stress of financial hardship, allowing them to return to work when they are physically ready. Employers should clearly communicate the process for filing claims so employees can access the support they need without unnecessary delays.

However, not all claims are straightforward. Some workers face challenges in receiving fair compensation due to employer disputes or insurance company denials. Employees must be aware of their rights and seek legal guidance when necessary to ensure they receive the benefits they deserve. Understanding the claims process can significantly impact an injured worker’s recovery and financial stability. Proper documentation of the injury, medical records, and eyewitness accounts can strengthen a claim, making it more difficult for employers or insurers to reject it unfairly. Seeking guidance from a legal professional early in the process can be crucial in avoiding complications that might result in lost compensation.

Common Challenges in Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation claims can be complex, especially when employers or insurers attempt to minimize payouts. Some employees experience delays or outright denials due to insufficient medical documentation or claims of pre-existing conditions. These obstacles can create financial strain, making it difficult for workers to afford medical care and meet their daily expenses. Employees should be proactive in obtaining medical evaluations and keeping detailed records to counteract any potential resistance from insurers. Understanding the types of injuries covered and how to properly document them is essential for receiving appropriate compensation.

Legal representation can be crucial in these situations. An attorney specializing in workers’ compensation can help injured workers gather necessary evidence, appeal denied claims, and negotiate settlements. Employees should document their injuries thoroughly and seek immediate medical attention to strengthen their cases if a dispute arises. Additionally, workers should be aware of deadlines for filing claims, as missing a critical timeline can jeopardize their chances of receiving compensation. Seeking advice early in the process can prevent unnecessary complications and increase the likelihood of a successful claim. Workers should also be mindful of returning to work too soon, as doing so can impact the outcome of their case and their long-term recovery.

The Role of Workplace Culture in Injury Prevention

A positive workplace culture prioritizes safety and encourages employees to report hazards without fear of retaliation. When workers feel comfortable discussing safety concerns, employers can address issues proactively, reducing the risk of accidents. Open communication between management and staff plays a critical role in fostering a safe and supportive work environment. Companies that encourage transparency and employee feedback tend to have lower injury rates and higher morale among workers. Investing in mental health and wellness programs can also contribute to a culture where employees feel valued and protected.

Companies that invest in safety training, ergonomic assessments, and mental health support create a workplace where employees thrive. When workers feel valued and protected, they are more likely to remain productive and engaged. A strong safety culture benefits businesses by reducing turnover, lowering insurance costs, and improving overall employee morale. Encouraging collaboration between management and employees on safety initiatives can create innovative solutions that further enhance workplace security. By making workplace safety an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time effort, companies can create lasting improvements that protect workers for years to come.

Conclusion: Advocating for a Safer Work Environment

Workplace injuries can have lasting consequences, affecting an employee’s physical health, financial stability, and career progression. Understanding employer responsibilities, workers’ compensation rights, and common challenges can help employees make informed decisions when dealing with workplace accidents. Additionally, workers should educate themselves on their legal rights and the resources available to them, ensuring they can take the necessary action if an injury occurs. By fostering awareness, businesses and employees alike can work together to reduce the risks associated with workplace hazards.

A proactive approach to workplace safety benefits everyone. By advocating for stronger protections, participating in safety programs, and seeking legal assistance when necessary, employees can contribute to a safer and more secure working environment. Awareness and action are key in ensuring that workers’ rights remain protected while fostering a workplace that prioritizes health and well-being. When both employers and employees commit to creating a safer work environment, everyone benefits from a more secure and productive workplace. The long-term benefits of a safer workplace extend beyond individual employees, creating stronger organizations and healthier communities overall.

The Economic Impact of Personal Injury: How Medical Costs, Lost Wages, and Legal Battles Shape Financial Futures

By
SM
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When a person suffers a personal injury, one of the first and most immediate financial concerns is the medical expenses. From emergency room visits to ongoing rehabilitation, the costs associated with treatment can quickly escalate. Even with health insurance, victims may still be required to pay high deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses. For severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, the medical costs may extend over a lifetime. Long-term treatments, surgeries, and even home care for those with permanent disabilities add up, leaving victims with significant debt that may take years to resolve.

In addition to direct medical costs, there can also be indirect financial effects related to recovery. For example, the need for specialized medical equipment or home modifications to accommodate an injury can place further strain on a person’s finances. This cumulative effect of medical expenses is a key reason why many personal injury victims turn to legal channels to recover compensation. Without adequate compensation, victims may find themselves in a perpetual cycle of debt, affecting their financial stability for years to come.

Lost Wages and the Impact on Income

According to one law firm, another significant financial setback for personal injury victims is the loss of income. Depending on the severity of the injury, victims may be unable to return to work, or they may only be able to work part-time or in a limited capacity. For those with jobs that require physical labor or specific skills, such as construction or manual labor, the recovery process may hinder their ability to perform their work duties, leading to prolonged periods of unemployment.

In some cases, personal injury victims may also face a permanent reduction in their earning capacity. If the injury results in long-term disability, the victim may never be able to return to their previous job or line of work. This loss of income can significantly alter a person’s financial future, particularly if they are the primary breadwinner in their household. In many cases, the lost wages are just as significant as the medical bills, further emphasizing the need for proper compensation.

The process of seeking compensation for personal injuries is often marked by legal battles. The financial strain caused by medical expenses and lost wages can be compounded by the cost of hiring an attorney and dealing with the legal system. While it’s important to seek proper legal representation to ensure a fair settlement, legal fees and court costs can be expensive. However, many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive a payment if the case results in a successful settlement or judgment.

Navigating through the legal process can be time-consuming, and the financial uncertainty can add stress to an already difficult situation. As victims pursue their claims, the waiting period before receiving compensation can cause further economic strain. This highlights the importance of having a legal team that understands the complexities of personal injury law and can advocate effectively to ensure victims receive adequate compensation to cover their immediate and long-term expenses.

The Long-Term Financial Consequences

The financial impact of a personal injury extends beyond the immediate costs of medical treatment and lost wages. Even after the legal battle is won, victims may find that the economic consequences persist for years. In some cases, personal injuries can lead to permanent disabilities, requiring ongoing care, therapy, or assistance with daily activities. These costs can continue indefinitely, placing a long-term financial burden on the victim and their family.

Furthermore, individuals who have suffered a significant injury may need to adjust their lifestyle. They may need to move to a more accessible home or invest in special equipment or modifications. These long-term financial adjustments are often not fully covered in a single legal settlement, which makes it crucial for victims to pursue comprehensive compensation that addresses the full extent of their future needs. Without proper compensation, these ongoing costs can be financially devastating.

The Impact of Personal Injury on Mental and Emotional Well-being

In addition to the physical and financial toll, personal injury victims also experience emotional and psychological challenges. The stress of dealing with injury-related pain, financial instability, and a lengthy legal battle can contribute to mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The psychological strain of dealing with an injury can hinder a victim’s ability to focus on their recovery and contribute to a sense of hopelessness or frustration.

The emotional costs of a personal injury are often overlooked in financial settlements, but they can be just as impactful. Victims may experience a loss of confidence or independence, which can alter their quality of life. Psychological therapy or counseling is often necessary for victims to heal emotionally and regain control over their lives. Financial compensation that includes consideration for emotional suffering can be a crucial part of the recovery process.

Conclusion: The Path to Financial Recovery and Stability

Personal injury claims are vital in helping victims recover financially and emotionally after an accident. While medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of legal battles present significant challenges, proper compensation can alleviate the burden. However, securing a fair settlement often requires time, persistence, and expert legal assistance. It is essential for victims to understand their rights and the potential for long-term financial impact. By pursuing a comprehensive legal strategy, victims can ensure that they receive compensation that reflects not only their immediate costs but also the lasting effects of the injury.

Ultimately, while the road to recovery may be long and fraught with challenges, securing financial compensation plays a key role in helping victims regain control over their lives. Through legal expertise, proper financial management, and emotional support, individuals who suffer personal injuries can navigate their path toward rebuilding their financial stability and improving their overall well-being. Proper recovery goes beyond just paying bills—it’s about restoring balance to a life that may have been altered permanently.

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