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Wood Brothers Racing – Race Week Briefing: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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Event: Dollar Tree 301
Date/Time: Sunday, August 23, 2026, 3 p.m. ET
Location: New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Loudon, New Hampshire
Layout: 1.058-Mile Oval
TV/Radio: USA, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will carry the momentum of three consecutive top-10 finishes into this weekend’s Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where Berry and the Wood Brothers Racing team earned a runner-up finish one year ago.

The No. 21 team’s recent stretch includes top-10 finishes at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Iowa Speedway and Richmond Raceway, with the latter two coming on shorter tracks that share some characteristics with the one-mile New Hampshire oval.

Crew chief Miles Stanley told a Sirius radio audience this week that he and the team have put considerable effort into refining their setup package for tracks like Iowa, Richmond and New Hampshire.

Stanley said the foundation for the team’s recent success can be traced back to last year’s race at New Hampshire, where the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse showed speed throughout the weekend. Berry qualified third, scored points in both stages and overcame mid-race adversity to finish second.

“We had a little different package there and learned a few things,” he said, adding that the team further refined that setup during a test session at another similar track, North Wilkesboro. “Now we just need to get one spot better than we did last year.”

Stanley also credited the team’s over-the-wall pit crew for its performance in recent months, noting that the group has continued to build consistency while delivering quick stops.

“They are finding consistency and rhythm, and they got to show it off at Richmond,” he said.

And while Berry is set to depart the team at the conclusion of the season, Stanley said the group remains fully focused on finishing the year strong together.

“The team is behind Josh 100 percent still,” he said. “Nothing’s really changed.”

Practice for the Dollar Tree 301 is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, followed by qualifying at 11:35 a.m. ET Both sessions will be televised on truTV.

Sunday’s 301-lap, 318.46-mile race is scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 3 p.m. ET, with stage breaks planned for Laps 70 and 185.

USA Sports will carry the television broadcast.

Josh Berry

Age: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Miles Stanley

IG: @joshberry88

X: @joshberry

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

Coca-Cola, Daniel Suárez Partner for Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona in High Stakes, Regular Season Finale

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (August 19, 2026) – Coca-Cola and Spire Motorsports will partner to highlight Daniel Suárez’s longstanding association with the Coca-Cola Racing Family during the Aug. 29 NASCAR Cup Series’ Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (DIS).

The 160-lap event, held under the lights at the legendary 2.5-mile Daytona Beach tri-oval, marks the last race for NASCAR’s regular season and delivers a high-stakes 400-mile contest where drivers will compete in the regular season finale to secure a spot in “The Chase” – NASCAR’s 10–race playoff format to determine the division’s 2026 champion.

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in the Coke Zero Sugar 400, July 7, 2019, in its first full season of competition.

“For the past 10 years, Daniel has been an outstanding ambassador for Coca-Cola both on and off the track,” said Don Rouse, Vice President, Sports & Entertainment Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. “From winning the Coca-Cola 600 earlier this season to the impact he’s making through Daniel’s Amigos, he continues to bring fans together and represent our brands in meaningful ways. We’re proud to see him carry the Coke Zero Sugar colors into one of NASCAR’s biggest races and look forward to cheering on the No. 7 team at Daytona.”

The race will also shine a light on Suárez’s long-standing partnership with the Coca-Cola Racing Family, which began in 2016 and has flourished into much more than a sponsorship. The relationship has allowed Suárez to connect with fans and support programs that reflect his passion for racing and communities who have supported him along the way.

One of those initiatives – Daniel’s Amigos – is an interactive engagement program Suárez launched to rally Hispanic race fans around NASCAR. From race-weekend meetups to cultural celebrations and unique fan experiences, Daniel’s Amigos gives fans from all walks of life a chance to connect with one another while sharing their passion for racing.

“Since joining the Coca-Cola Racing Family in 2016, this partnership has become a very special part of my journey,” said Suárez. “Coca-Cola has believed in me from the beginning. Having the opportunity to represent the most recognized brand in the world, especially at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, is something I never take for granted, and that support extends far beyond the racetrack. Through initiatives like Daniel’s Amigos, Coca-Cola has helped me create meaningful experiences that bring fans together, celebrate our culture, and strengthen the connection between our sport and the communities we serve.

“Daniel’s Amigos is something that comes from my heart because I wanted to create a place where fans feel connected to NASCAR, to my story, and to each other. Seeing the response from our latest Daniel’s Amigos event at K1 Speed in San Diego was amazing. The energy, the families, and the fans who came out show how impactful this program has become. I’m proud to represent my community, my fans, and Coca-Cola.”

Suárez will make his 18th career start at DIS and his 10th appearance in the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The Monterrey, Mexico, native earned a runner-up finish last August and logged one top-five and two top-10 finishes at the “World Center of Racing.”

The 2026 Coca-Cola 600 winner currently sits 13th in the NASCAR Cup Series point standings with 12 races remaining to determine this year’s champion. He’s notched one win, two top fives, six top 10s and only finished outside the top 20 five times. Meanwhile, he’s recorded a 13.2 average start and a 15.1 average finish.

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 from Daytona International Speedway will be televised live on NBC Sports, Saturday, Aug. 29, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 26th of 36 points-paying races on the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series calendar will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About The Coca-Cola Company …
The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca-Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and Santa Clara. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports fields full-time entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.

The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss, earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado its first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent victory came May 24, 2026, when Daniel Suárez won the NASCAR Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

In 2026, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series and the Nos. 7 and 77 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Mooresville, N.C., organization also fields the No. 77 410 sprint car in Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing competition.

Austin Dillon RCR Race Preview: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway… In 140 NASCAR Cup Series starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has recorded four victories. Clint Bowyer earned the organization’s most recent win at the 1.058-mile oval in 2010 after capturing his first career Cup Series victory there in 2007. Kevin Harvick drove from the pole to Victory Lane in 2006, pacing the field for a race-high 196 laps. Robby Gordon gave RCR its first New Hampshire win in the 2001 season finale, which also marked the first Cup Series victory of his career. Overall, the Welcome, N.C.-based organization has compiled 16 top-five finishes, 43 top-10s and two pole awards at the asphalt oval.

The people who helped build RCR’s past are now helping lead its future… Chad Haney and Andy Street are great examples of what long-term commitment and talent development at Richard Childress Racing can produce. Both were part of Clint Bowyer’s No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet team that bested Tony Stewart in a fuel-mileage showdown to win at New Hampshire in 2010. Nearly 16 years later, both have risen through the RCR ranks to become successful crew chiefs. Their journeys reflect RCR’s ability to develop talent and give dedicated employees opportunities to grow into leadership roles.

Supporting Our Veterans… As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Richard Childress Racing continues to honor those who have helped support our country through military service. In conjunction with Veterans Bridge Home, RCR invites veterans from the community to campus on a monthly basis for fellowship, coffee, and programing that includes guest speakers and access to organizations and resources that can help veterans and their families. All Veterans Coffee events are free to attend and open to all veterans. Media are invited to join Richard Childress Racing for our next Veterans Coffee Event at the RCR Events Center in Welcome, North Carolina on Wednesday, September 9 at 9 a.m. ET.

Watch Us on USA Network… The NASCAR Cup Series’ Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, August 23, beginning at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday’s practice and qualifying session will be broadcast on truTV live beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet at New Hampshire Motor Speedway… Austin Dillon’s 16 NASCAR Cup Series starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway have been highlighted by two top-10 finishes, including an eighth-place result in July 2015 and a ninth-place finish in 2023. In his most recent appearance at the track in September 2025, Dillon raced the No. 3 Chevrolet to a 13th-place finish after starting 28th.

Beyond The Cup Series… Dillon has earned four top-five and five top-10 finishes in six NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He is a former New Hampshire Motor Speedway winner in the NASCAR Truck Series, winning the race from the pole position in 2015.

A Milestone Win… Notably, Dillon’s 2015 NASCAR Truck Series win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway from the pole position marked the Truck Series’ milestone 500th race. A fitting win for Dillon, who competed fulltime in the Series in 2010 and 2011, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2010 before capturing the Series Championship in 2011.

BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Teams Up with Dillon… Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team will be supported by BREZTRI AEROSPHERE, an AstraZeneca product, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. This partnership is about more than just racing. You can learn more about the Dillons and their family’s personal connection to the brand at BREZTRI.com. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

Beyond the Track… Beyond the driver’s seat, Dillon serves as the general manager of the Carolina Cowboys, a professional bull riding team in the PBR Teams league. Dillon is instrumental in all aspects of the team, from rider contracts to setting the operational budget, and has utilized various aspects of his racing background to help form the identity and structure of his bull riding team. Learn more about the team on their official YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@CarolinaCowboysPBR. Don’t miss the Carolina Cowboys 2026 “Cowboy Days” home stand September 18-20 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tickets are on sale at PBR.com and Ticketmaster.com.

Meet Dillon… On Sunday, August 23 at 11:45 a.m. Local Time, Dillon is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler alongside RCR teammate Austin Hill in Fan Midway at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. For fans unable to travel to the race, visit the official RCR Team Store to purchase Austin Dillon merch: https://store.rcrracing.com.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts leading into New Hampshire Motor Speedway?

“I’m looking forward to New Hampshire Motor Speedway. I think our short track program has been a little bit better this year so it should be a good race for the BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® team. The place is rough. You’ve really got to make your car work over the bumps. It’s a flat track. There are hard braking zones and deep entry into the corners. It’s a fun track to go race at.”

Does the track feel like it changes from year-to-year at all, with the harsh winters up in New England wearing on the track?

“I don’t know. I think New Hampshire has just always been New Hampshire. It’s a rough track. There’s a lot of character to it in Turns 3 and 4, and big bumps that you have to go across in Turns 1 and 2. It’s a paperclip. It’s just a slick, old racetrack. It’s really cool. It’s lost a lot of grip over the years, but it seems like the tires really adhere to it for a couple of laps.”

If you were coming to New Hampshire Motor Speedway this August as a race fan and not a driver, what are the top-three things you would want to experience and why?

“New Hampshire is beautiful, especially in the fall. The leaves are changing colors, and it’s just a beautiful time of year to experience the outdoors, and nature. The race is obviously fun. It’s like a short track and an intermediate track all at the same time. It’s a flat, weird track, and you just need to come experience it in person.”

Austin Hill RCR Race Preview: New Hampshire Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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Austin Hill and the No. 33 zone Sweet Coffee x Cumberland Farms Chevrolet at New Hampshire Motor Speedway… Austin Hill will make his first NASCAR Cup Series start at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Sunday. Despite competing in his inaugural premier series event at “The Magic Mile,” Hill has driven in three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races, earning one top-five and two top-10 finishes (best result of third in 2023). In addition, the 32-year-old has participated in two NASCAR Truck Series and two NASCAR Pro Series East events (two top-10 results) at the 1.058-mile facility.

Zoning in on zone… zone™, the latest innovation from ITG Brands, is the next generation of nicotine pouches that delivers a superior tobacco-free experience and outperforms competitive products where it matters most. Available in 6mg and 9mg strengths, zone pouches are made with top shelf ingredients and high-quality materials to provide immediate nicotine intensity, longer-lasting flavor, and extra soft comfort. zone’s pouches are carefully crafted and designed to meet the needs of 21+ adult nicotine consumers, providing the best experience from the first pouch to the last.

Coinciding with this weekend’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, zone will introduce its new Sweet Coffee flavor, available exclusively at Cumberland Farms in 6mg and 9mg. To commemorate the launch and the new profile’s rich coffee flavor layered with caramel, vanilla, and mocha, Austin Hill’s No. 33 zone Chevrolet will debut a limited-edition, zone Sweet Coffee car design.

Meet Hill at The Farms… Hill is scheduled to make an appearance at Cumberland Farms (1727 Dover Rd., Epsom, New Hampshire 03234) on Saturday, August 22 at 2 p.m. Local Time, to celebrate zone’s latest flavor profile. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 33 zone x Cumberland Farms Chevrolet and see the No. 33 show car before Sunday’s race.

Meet Hill at the Magic Mile… On Sunday, August 23 at 11:45 a.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler with teammate Austin Dillon in the Fan Zone at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Receive an autograph from the racer and purchase new gear prior to the green flag.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

Describe racing at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

“New Hampshire is a very unique track with long straightaways and long, flat corners. Depending on how our zone Sweet Coffee x Cumberland Farms Chevrolet is driving, there are a lot of things that you can do as a driver to run different lanes and make speed – whether it’s running the apron or running the second or third lane. A lot of it will depend on how your car is driving though. If your car is on the tight side, you will probably try to hit the apron to de-wedge your car and cross the area differently. If your car is on the free side, you will probably stay off the apron to keep your momentum up.”

What handling characteristics do you need to make lap time at New Hampshire Motor Speedway?

“Even though the track doesn’t look like it would have a ton of tire fall off, I’ve noticed in the O’Reilly (Auto Parts Series) car that you can burn up your rear tires there, so you do need the car to have good drive off and be able to leave the corner with throttle down. In my opinion to be fast, you need to get in the corner really hard, with what we call entry value, to drive in really deep, carry a lot of roll speed to the center, and then get the car pointed to have a straight exit. That is what’s going to produce lap time.”

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at New Hampshire Motor Speedway… In 140 NASCAR Cup Series starts at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has recorded four victories. Clint Bowyer earned the organization’s most recent win at the 1.058-mile oval in 2010 after capturing his first career Cup Series victory there in 2007. Kevin Harvick drove from the pole to Victory Lane in 2006, pacing the field for a race-high 196 laps. Robby Gordon gave RCR its first New Hampshire win in the 2001 season finale, which also marked the first Cup Series victory of his career. Overall, the Welcome, N.C.-based organization has compiled 16 top-five finishes, 43 top-10s and two pole awards at the asphalt oval.

The people who helped build RCR’s past are now helping lead its future… Chad Haney and Andy Street are great examples of what long-term commitment and talent development at Richard Childress Racing can produce. Both were part of Clint Bowyer’s No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet team that bested Tony Stewart in a fuel-mileage showdown to win at New Hampshire in 2010. Nearly 16 years later, both have risen through the RCR ranks to become successful crew chiefs. Their journeys reflect RCR’s ability to develop talent and give dedicated employees opportunities to grow into leadership roles.

Supporting Our Veterans… As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Richard Childress Racing continues to honor those who have helped support our country through military service. In conjunction with Veterans Bridge Home, RCR invites veterans from the community to campus on a monthly basis for fellowship, coffee, and programing that includes guest speakers and access to organizations and resources that can help veterans and their families. All Veterans Coffee events are free to attend and open to all veterans. Media are invited to join Richard Childress Racing for our next Veterans Coffee Event at the RCR Events Center in Welcome, North Carolina on Wednesday, September 9 at 9 a.m. ET.

Watch Us on USA Network… The NASCAR Cup Series’ Dollar Tree 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, August 23, beginning at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday’s practice and qualifying session will be broadcast on truTV live beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

How Small Talk in the Dental Chair Became an Art Form

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

Conversation inside a dental chair presents an unusual challenge that few other professional settings share. One participant can speak freely while the other, mouth open and instruments present, can only listen, nod, or offer the occasional muffled response.

Conversation Under Unusual Constraints

Most conversational skills assume an even exchange, with both parties speaking and listening in roughly equal measure. Dental conversation flips this dynamic entirely, requiring one person to carry nearly the entire verbal exchange while remaining genuinely attentive to a patient who can barely respond. This asymmetry demands a distinct kind of conversational skill, one built around reading subtle cues rather than relying on verbal feedback as usual.

Reading Silence as Information

Without the ability to respond verbally, patients communicate through other means entirely: a slight tension in the shoulders, a flicker of the eyes, a change in breathing. Skilled conversational pacing depends heavily on picking up these nonverbal cues that professionals rely on and adjusting accordingly, slowing down, changing topics, or offering reassurance based on cues that would be easy to miss without years of practice paying close attention to this kind of subtle feedback.

Distraction as a Genuine Skill

Well-executed small talk during a procedure often serves a practical purpose beyond simple politeness, gently redirecting a patient’s attention away from any discomfort or anxiety they might otherwise fixate on. This is not accidental chatter; it reflects a deliberate, practiced skill, choosing topics and timing carefully enough to ease tension without ever feeling forced or distracting from necessary clinical focus.

The Balance Between Warmth and Precision

Maintaining genuine warmth while simultaneously performing precise, technical work requires a particular kind of divided attention. A dentist South Yarra whose patients often describe as easy to talk with has typically mastered this balance through repeated practice, managing careful clinical work and genuine, reassuring conversation simultaneously without either aspect suffering as a result.

Why This Skill Rarely Gets Recognition

This particular conversational skill receives little formal recognition, since it develops gradually through experience rather than any single training exercise. Yet its impact on patient comfort is significant, transforming what could otherwise feel like a clinical, impersonal procedure into something considerably warmer and more human. This quiet skill, refined appointment after appointment, deserves more credit than it typically receives.

An Underappreciated Craft

What looks like simple friendliness during a routine appointment actually reflects a genuinely sophisticated conversational skill, built through years of reading nonverbal cues, managing anxiety, and maintaining warmth under unusual constraints. The next time small talk during a dental visit feels effortless and natural, it is worth recognizing the considerable skill quietly at work behind that apparent ease.

Skill Learned Through Trial and Error

Nobody arrives at this level of conversational fluency immediately. Early in a career, conversations often feel stilted or overly formal, filling silence out of obligation rather than genuine connection. Over time, through countless repeated interactions with different personalities and different levels of anxiety, this skill sharpens considerably, until choosing the right topic at the right moment becomes an almost automatic, well-practiced instinct rather than something requiring conscious thought.

The Notification That Can Change an Entire Drive

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

The phone buzzes while you’re driving, and almost automatically, you wonder who it is. Maybe you’re expecting an important message, or maybe curiosity simply wins. The screen gets a quick glance that feels harmless because you’ll only look away from the road for a second.

But traffic doesn’t freeze while you’re checking that notification. The car ahead can brake, a light can change, a pedestrian can step into the street, or another driver can move into your lane. By the time your eyes return to the road, the situation may be completely different.

That’s what makes distracted driving so dangerous. The distraction itself can feel tiny, but the vehicle keeps covering ground the entire time, turning a moment of divided attention into a potentially serious problem.

Your Phone Isn’t the Only Thing Competing for Attention

Phones get plenty of attention in conversations about distraction, but they’re only one part of the problem. Anything that takes a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind away from driving can interfere with the ability to notice and respond to what’s happening outside the vehicle.

Navigation is a good example. Looking down to find the next turn can become a visual distraction, while typing an address also takes a hand away from driving. Eating, reaching for a drink, adjusting music, grooming, or searching for something inside the car can create similar problems.

Passengers can be distracting without touching anything. A heated conversation or a child needing attention in the back seat can pull a driver’s mind away from traffic. The driver may still be looking forward, but looking at the road isn’t quite the same as concentrating on it.

A Few Seconds Can Cover a Lot of Pavement

A quick glance away doesn’t feel long when you’re sitting at a desk. Behind the wheel, those same seconds matter because the vehicle never stops moving. At highway speeds, a car can travel hundreds of feet during a distraction that feels surprisingly brief to the person driving.

The bigger problem is that the road can change during that distance. Traffic may slow suddenly, a vehicle might merge, or a light could turn red. A driver who isn’t paying attention loses some of the time that would normally be available to recognize the change and react safely.

That lost reaction time can be difficult to recover. Looking up and realizing traffic has stopped doesn’t instantly stop the car. The driver still needs to process what’s happening, react, and give the vehicle enough distance to slow. Sometimes those missing seconds leave too little road.

A Phone Can Tell Part of the Story

After a crash, determining whether distraction played a role may involve more than asking the driver what happened. Depending on the circumstances and what evidence is legally available, phone-related records may help establish whether there was activity around the time of the collision.

Other technology can provide context too. Dashcam footage or nearby surveillance cameras may capture a vehicle drifting, failing to slow, or behaving unusually before impact. Certain vehicle data can potentially provide information about speed, braking, or other actions immediately before a crash.

Witnesses can fill in details technology missed. Someone nearby might have seen a driver looking down or holding a phone shortly before the collision. No single clue automatically proves distraction. But when phone information, video, vehicle data, witness accounts, and physical evidence point in the same direction, the picture can become clearer.

Make the Decision Before You Start Driving

The easiest notification to ignore is the one you never hear. Silencing alerts or using a driving mode can remove the little buzz that creates the temptation to look. Putting the phone somewhere out of reach adds another useful barrier between curiosity and an unnecessary glance.

Navigation deserves the same preparation. Entering the destination and reviewing the route before pulling away means less fiddling with the screen once the car is moving. If something needs to be changed, stopping somewhere safe is better than trying to type while driving.

Other distractions can be handled ahead of time too. Adjust the temperature, choose the music, secure loose items, and deal with anything that can reasonably wait. Driving will never be completely distraction-free, but removing predictable distractions beforehand leaves more attention available for the unpredictable things happening outside.

Conclusion

Most driving distractions don’t begin with a dramatic decision. They start with something ordinary: a text arrives, the navigation needs adjusting, a drink spills, or someone in the car asks a question. The problem is that ordinary distractions happen while the vehicle is still moving through an unpredictable environment.

Once attention leaves the road, even briefly, the driver gives up valuable reaction time. Sometimes nothing happens during those seconds. Other times, traffic changes at exactly the wrong moment, and the driver looks up with far less distance available than expected.

That makes prevention surprisingly practical. Silence the phone, set the route, handle the controls, and get comfortable before putting the car in motion. A few small decisions made while parked can remove some of the biggest temptations once the drive begins.

TOP FUEL’S DOUG KALITTA AGAIN RED-HOT HEADING TO NHRA BRAINERD NATIONALS

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Official Release
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BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 18, 2026) – For the second straight year, things are coming together at the perfect time for Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta heading into this weekend’s NHRA Brainerd Nationals at famed Brainerd International Raceway.

The two-time and reigning world champion is nearly replicating last year’s ideal recipe of getting hot late in the regular season, which proved ideal for his title run in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

He won last year in Brainerd in his 12,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster, giving Kalitta two straight victories. The standout followed with four straight final round appearances in the playoffs, rolling to another championship in commanding fashion.

This year, Kalitta enters Brainerd with back-to-back victories and is looking for three in a row to match what teammate and points leader Shawn Langdon did earlier in the season. Kalitta has now pulled to within five points of Langdon and another impressive showing in Brainerd could open up the chance to win the regular-season championship as well.

“Brainerd’s always been good track for us over the years,” said Kalitta, who has three career wins at BIR. “The Mac Tools guys had a few weeks off, so I know they’re raring to go. We’re all looking forward to getting there, getting this thing in the show and seeing what we can do. The car’s running great,and it’s a lot of fun right now. We’re hoping to have a great event up there at Brainerd this weekend. It’s always a great place to go – I look forward to it every year. Hopefully, it’ll be a great weekend for us.”

Last season, Kalitta (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) all won in Brainerd. The race will again be broadcast on FS1 with elimination coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 23. It is the 13th of 20 races during NHRA’s 75th anniversary season, putting Brainerd at a key point of the season.

It serves as the penultimate race of the regular season and you can sense the intensity in the air at the festive facility. This year will be no different, starting immediately with Friday’s “Battle for the Axe” presented by Visit Brainerd and Baxter during the second qualifying session. A special cash bonus and an epic chainsaw-carved axe from I Saw It In MN will go to the low qualifier of the session in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock, setting the stage for a spectacular weekend in Brainerd.

Kalitta and his team, led by crew chief Alan Johnson, have shown impressive improvement all year, qualifying first in Sonoma and third in Seattle. There’s a loaded field in Top Fuel, including Langdon, Leah Pruett, Tony Stewart, four-time champ Antron Brown, rookie sensation Maddi Gordon, Josh Hart and Justin Ashley, but the continuous improvement is all part of Johnson’s plan.

The team seems to find another gear this time of year and Kalitta is simply thankful to be part of it as he gears up to race for a third world title in four years.

“Connie (Kalitta, team owner) has had my back for years. It’s just incredible to have someone like him supporting you,” Kalitta said. “It’s been a dream come true for me. You definitely have to cherish things because they don’t come easy. It’s just an incredible team effort. Alan has this car dialed in and we’re fortunate to have him on this team. This is really the time of the year he really focuses on making it happen. It’s going to be exciting and I’m looking forward to hopefully continuing what we’re doing as a team. We’re clicking right now, but it’s not going to be easy by any means.”

Two-time reigning world champion Austin Prock earned his first Brainerd win last year over J.R. Todd. This year Prock has one win, while Todd is the most recent winner following his Seattle victory. Three-time champ and Brainerd honoree Capps leads the points thanks to three wins 2026, while past champ Jack Beckman, Funny Car newcomer Jordan Vandergriff and four-time world champ Matt Hagan are also close behind.

Last year, six-time Pro Stock world champ Greg Anderson won in Brainerd over KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn, giving the Minnesota native his fourth win at BIR. Anderson currently leads the points, thanks to his wins in Pomona, Maryland and Seattle. Glenn, who won the title in 2025, is second, with three wins as well.

The NHRA Brainerd Nationals will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series and the return of the Right Trailers Outlaw Street category.

Brainerd race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate event winners.

As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:30 and 6:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 21 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 22 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 23. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 11:00 p.m. ET on Friday and 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, and eliminations at 8:30 p.m. ET Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Brainerd Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, fans can call 866-444-4455.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With more than 100 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

The Types of NASCAR Bets You Can Make

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SM
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Do you love watching the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing? It’s an intense and exciting sport to watch. You get to experience high-speed races where powerful, unique cars whizz around the oval track, with only one car placing first at the end.

Since NASCAR started in 1948, it has been common for fans of the sport to place wagers on who they think will win. It makes the entire experience that much more exciting, after all, as you don’t only care about the outcome because of your car and racer preference, but also because you could win or lose some cash. Are you interested in the types of bets you can make on the best NASCAR race? Here are some of the most popular to consider to get your heart rate beating that much faster.

The Outright Winner

Betting on the outright winner is the most straightforward kind of NASCAR bet. This essentially means placing a wager on exactly who you think will come first. You will only win if that car ends up in first place, not if they come second or any other place.

If you like simple yet engaging types of bets, you should also visit Lonkero Casino online. While it’s not a sportsbook for betting on matches, it does offer a wide variety of casino games, such as slots and live poker, to keep you engaged. So, if there is no race coming up, you can still enjoy a serious thrill. There’s so much to do on there, and it offers a reputable, immersive experience that all gamers can enjoy.

The Stage Winner

Bets get slightly more complicated when you start looking at stages. NASCAR races are split into stages, and the cars that come first in each stage don’t necessarily win overall at the end. So, you can place a bet on who will come first at specific stages.

The Podium Bet

A podium bet allows you to place a wager on a car you think will come first, second, or third in the race. Due to this, it’s often considered a gentler way of betting. If the car you have bet on doesn’t end up ahead of everyone else, you still have a chance of winning some money.

The Group Matchup

This is another fun way to bet on NASCAR. For the group matchup, you select a smaller group of cars, such as three or four, to go up against each other. You essentially pick who you think will win within that smaller group.

Live In-Play Betting

If you prefer dynamic, in the moment betting, then live in-play betting might be the right kind of bet for you. With this, you can place bets once a race has already begun. During the race, the odds will change in real time, so you can place bets as you go, perhaps taking advantage of better odds due to something that has happened live on the TV in front of you.

Choosing a License Plate Frame That Lasts

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SM
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A license plate holder spends years in one of the most exposed areas of a car. Rain, road dirt, vibration, summer heat, winter frost, and repeated washing all affect its condition. A frame that looks fine when new can quickly become loose or brittle if its materials and mounting system are not designed for regular road use.

What Makes a Plate Frame Durable?

Appearance is easy to judge, but durability depends on details that are less obvious. Material strength, mounting points, rigidity, and plate fit determine how the holder behaves after thousands of kilometers.

Well-designed durable license plate frames should keep the plate stable without developing excessive movement or rattling. Alite approaches this problem through several mounting concepts, including conventional alternatives, magnetic systems, adhesive solutions, and mechanical frameless holders.

A plate should fit securely without unnecessary pressure. Too much free movement can create vibration and noise, while poor alignment places additional stress on attachment points.

Different Ways to Build a Lasting Mount

Durability does not always require a thick plastic border. Modern plate mounting systems can remove the conventional frame completely and secure the number plate in other ways.

Alite Maglock, for example, uses a magnetic mounting concept. The system provides a clean attachment point while allowing the plate to be removed without repeatedly working with conventional screws.

Alite Nanotape takes a different route. It uses automotive mounting tape to create a low-profile, frameless installation. With fewer visible components around the plate, the finished setup remains simple and closely integrated with the bumper.

Alite Easyсlick offers another approach by combining a frameless appearance with mechanical attachment. These different systems show that long-term stability can come from the mounting design itself rather than simply making a traditional plastic frame thicker.

Conditions That Test a Plate Holder

Exterior accessories experience conditions that interior parts never face. At highway speeds, the plate area is exposed to continuous airflow and vibration. In winter, moisture, dirt, and road salt collect around the mounting points. Direct sunlight can heat dark components considerably during summer.

A reliable mounting solution should account for:

  • vibration during everyday driving;
  • exposure to water and road dirt;
  • changing seasonal temperatures;
  • repeated vehicle washing;
  • secure contact with the plate and vehicle.

The mounting method should also suit the way the car is used. A daily-driven vehicle may prioritize a secure, low-maintenance installation, while an owner who regularly removes the plate may prefer a system designed for easier detachment.

Good Installation Extends Service Life

Even strong materials cannot compensate for poor installation. The mounting surface should be prepared correctly, attachment points need to be aligned, and the plate should sit evenly without unnecessary tension.

This is especially important with different mounting technologies. Magnetic systems depend on correct positioning, adhesive mounts require a properly prepared surface, and mechanical holders need accurate attachment. Following the intended installation method helps each system perform as designed.

A quick inspection from time to time is also useful. Checking the plate after winter, long trips, or frequent car washes can reveal movement or wear before it becomes a larger problem.

Choosing a lasting license plate holder is therefore about more than finding the strongest-looking frame. Material, mounting technology, vehicle compatibility, and installation all contribute to durability. Whether the solution uses magnets, automotive tape, or mechanical attachment, a well-designed system should keep the plate secure while remaining a discreet part of the car.

Electric vs. Hydraulic Press Brake: Which Is Better for Your Sheet Metal Shop?

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SM
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It is extremely crucial for a sheet metal shop to select the right press brake. The right machine makes better products, saves time, and saves money. There are two basic models: electric press brakes and hydraulic press brakes. The two machines are used for bending metal sheets, but they do so in different ways. Both come with their own advantages.

This guide explains the difference in very simple language. It will help you understand the advantages of electric press brake and choose the best machine for your needs. 

What Is an Electric Press Brake?

Electric Press Brakes are machines that bend metal sheets powered by an electric motor. They do not include hydraulic oil. Because the movement of the machine is controlled by the motor, the machine moves smoothly and quickly.

This machine is used by many factories as it provides accurate results. No oil can drip on the floor, which also adds to its cleanliness.

The most important benefits of electric press brake machines are that they are electricity-saving, require less maintenance, and are very accurate in making bends.

What Is a Hydraulic Press Brake?

A hydraulic press brake is a press brake that works with the help of hydraulic oil and a cylinder, which is a kind of hydraulic press. Under the action of the pressure, the metal plate is formed into the desired shape.

This kind of machine has been in use in factories for many years. It has high strength and can be used to bend thick metal plates.

Hydraulic press brakes are still being employed in many heavy industry applications, as they are suitable for large and heavy jobs.

The Main Difference Between Both Machines

The most important difference is in the manner in which they generate force.

The electric press brake is one that uses an electric motor.

A hydraulic press brake is a press brake that is operated by oil pressure.

This basic difference affects the speed of the machine, the amount of energy it consumes, and the maintenance requirements.

Speed Difference

When producing a large number of metal parts on a daily basis, speed is essential.

An electric press brake is faster due to its quick start and stop time of the electric motor. It can complete an arc and then go to the next arc without pause.

Another option is a hydraulic press brake, which is also quick but requires time to build up oil pressure for each press. Therefore, it can be slower for extended runs of a product.

With a lot of small parts made daily, an electric machine can help you complete more tasks in the shop.

Accuracy Difference

All metal components must be the appropriate shape. Minor errors mean a loss of material and cost.

The electric press brake provides extremely precise bends. The movement is powered by the motor so that this same bend can be performed numerous times.

A hydraulic press brake is also accurate, but slight oil pressure and/or temperature changes can impact the result with extended working hours.

An electric machine is usually the preferred machine for products that require perfect measurements.

Energy Use Difference

Frequent power bills can be expensive in the factory.

An electric press brake is only powered when it is moving. Once stopped, does not expend much energy.

A hydraulic press brake maintains the hydraulic system and consumes more electricity during the day.

With a lot of hours worked in your shop, an electric machine can help save on electricity costs.

Maintenance Difference

While all machines require maintenance, some require more than others.

An electric press brake is easy to maintain. It is less complex than a hydraulic press brake because it has fewer moving parts. No hydraulic oil to change, no oil filters to change.

Regular maintenance is required for a hydraulic press brake. Inspection of oil, filter replacement, hose inspection, and identification of leaks are required.

The fewer maintenance issues there are, the less downtime there will be, and the less money will be spent on repair.

Noise Difference

A peaceful work environment is good for employees.

It is quieter with an electric press brake due to the quiet motor.

A hydraulic press brake produces more noise, as the hydraulic pump is operating.

If you wish to have a less noisy workshop, an electric machine would be more viable.

Thick Metal Difference

It is vital to the bending process to know what kind of metal you are working with.

A hydraulic press brake can be used to process thick steel plates and heavy materials. Has the ability to build very high pressure for hard work.

Thin and medium-thickness metal sheets are very suitable for use in an electric press brake. It provides clean and accurate bends but may not be the most suited for very heavy work.

Consider materials prior to selecting a machine.

Cost Difference

Another key factor is the purchase price.

In the initial stages, an electric press brake tends to be more expensive. But it can save money in the future as it consumes less electricity and requires less maintenance.

The hydraulic press brake is generally cheaper initially to purchase, but may incur more maintenance and energy costs over time.

Many business owners do not consider just the initial price but the overall cost.

Best Uses for an Electric Press Brake

For businesses that produce a lot of small or medium-sized pieces, an electric press brake might be the best option.

Frequently employed in:

Electronics

Kitchen equipment

Office furniture

Light metal products

Precision parts

The processing of these industries requires bending quickly and accurately every day.

Best Uses for a Hydraulic Press Brake

A hydraulic press brake is suited for heavy-duty applications.

It’s typically used in:

Construction equipment

Large steel parts

Agricultural machines

Heavy industrial products

Thick metal fabrication

These jobs require a greater bend than light machines can offer.

How to Choose the Right Machine

There are a few simple questions to ask yourself before purchasing a press brake.

Which of the following metals do you bend most frequently?

Use small or large sheets?

How many components do I produce per day?

Should people cut down on their electricity usage?

What is my maintenance capability?

What is my budget?

Your answers will help you determine which machine you will want for your shop.

Choose a Trusted Manufacturer

Just as crucial as the type of machine is the quality of the machine.

A trusted China CNC Sheet Metal Machinery Manufacturer can supply high-quality machines, state-of-the-art CNC systems, customer service, and quality spare parts. Another advantage of purchasing from an experienced manufacturer is that your machine shall function properly for many years.

Final Thoughts

Press Brakes can be used for sheet metal, either electric or hydraulic. This will depend on the work that your shop performs.

If speed is a priority, electricity costs are a problem, maintenance is an issue, or very accurate bends are required, then an electric press brake may be an ideal choice. If you have heavy and thick metal sheets that require more power and you bend them regularly, then a hydraulic press brake is the right option.

Once you have learned these simple differences, you will be able to select the appropriate machine, enhance your production, and help your sheet metal shop thrive.

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