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Front Row Motorsports: Bristol Motor Speedway Competition Notes – Zane Smith

Zane Smith and the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford Team
Bristol Motor Speedway Competition Notes
Bristol Motor Speedway Night Race

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Event: Race 31 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-miles)
#of Laps: 500
Time/TV/Radio: 7:30 PM ET on USA/PRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Zane Smith Notes

Zane Smith and the No. 38 team are headed to Bristol, Tennessee for the second race of the 2025 season at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Smith has built an impressive resume around him in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series at the 0.533-mile track, earning two top-five and three top-10 finishes in five starts. Saturday night’s 500 lap race will be Smith’s fourth Cup Series start at Bristol, where he looks to beat his career best finish of 16th at the track.

Long John Silver’s will return to the No. 38 car this weekend, partnering with Smith for the 500-lap event. Long John Silver’s will bring its signature, fan-favorite blue and yellow “Fish Yeah” scheme to Smith’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Fans can find a Long John Silver’s location near them by visiting ljsilvers.com.

“The season is winding down, but there’s still a lot left to race for,” said Smith. “Heading back to Bristol, the team and I are confident that we’re better prepared this time around. The past couple of weeks have been up and down, but we want to finish the season strong and build a solid foundation for next year.”

Road Crew

Driver: Zane Smith

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty

Hometown: Plainville, Connecticut

Car Chief: Will Norris

Hometown: Bells, Tennessee

Engineer: Jacob Clamme

Hometown: Hartford City, Indiana

Engineer: Chris Yerges

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Mechanic: Steve Godfrey

Hometown: West Haven, Connecticut

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Tyler Podlaski

Hometown: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Interior Specialist: Matt Fowler

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut

Transport Co-Driver: Ernest Mullins

Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Transport Co-Driver: Rick Grissom

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Flores

Hometown: Manasquan, New Jersey

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Jackman: Ryan Selig

Hometown: Lindenhurst, Illinois

Fueler: Chris Webb

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

ABOUT LONG JOHN SILVER’S

Long John Silver’s was founded in 1969 and is on a mission to create treasured moments through high-quality food and bell-ringing service. With restaurants from sea to mouth-watering sea, Long John Silver’s continues building on a belief that the unique seafood experience from the coasts should be accessible to all. Learn more at ljsilvers.com or join the conversation via social media on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Front Row Motorsports: Bristol Motor Speedway Competition Notes- Todd Gilliland

Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Team
Bristol Motor Speedway Competition Notes
Bristol Motor Speedway Night Race

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Event: Race 31 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-miles)
#of Laps: 500
Time/TV/Radio: 7:30 PM ET on USA/PRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Todd Gilliland Notes

Todd Gilliland returns to the Bristol Motor Speedway for the track’s famed Saturday night race. This will be Gilliland’s sixth NASCAR Cup Series start at the 0.5-mile Tennessee short track. The 25-year-old driver has an impressive CRAFTSMAN Truck Series record at the track, earning one top-five and three top-10 finishes in four starts.

Love’s Travel Stops returns to Gilliland’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend. Fans are encouraged to download the Love’s Connect App to unlock exclusive benefits and savings. This Summer, users can save 10¢ per gallon on gas and up to 25¢ per gallon on auto diesel, along with access to great mobile-only deals. Fans can download the app from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Love’s Travel Stops is proud to continue its support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through special in-store promotions that directly benefit local children and families. Guests can make a difference by purchasing select items, including Love’s-branded bagged candy, with 1% of proceeds going to CMN Hospitals, as well as Olipop 12 oz. (2 for $5), Reese’s King Size (2 for $4), and Cheez-It 3 oz. (2 for $2.25). Every dollar raised at Love’s stays local, helping children’s hospitals provide life-changing care, treatments, and programs like child life services, pet therapy, and healing gardens. Through customer donations at the pin pad, annual balloon campaign, and promotions like these, Love’s, its team members, and its guests play a vital role in ensuring kids receive the care they need today and have the opportunity to grow to their full potential tomorrow.

Gilliland and the No. 34 team will have PEAK Performance on their Ford to promote PEAK’s exclusive line of PEAK products available at over 600 Love’s Travel Stops across the country. PEAK is a leader in automotive and heavy-duty products ranging from PEAK Global Antifreeze, Final Charge, PEAK Windshield Wash, and BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid. All products can be found at Love’s Travel Stops.

“With just a few races left in the season, it’s easy to get lazy, but the team and I are working hard to finish out the season strong,” said Gilliland. “What’s great about this sport is that every weekend provides another opportunity for a good run, and heading back to Bristol, we’re confident we can have one. I have always enjoyed night racing, but Bristol does it best. I’m excited for this weekend.”

Road Crew

Driver: Todd Gilliland

Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Chris Lawson

Hometown: Medway, Ohio

Car Chief: Joe Marra

Hometown: Somers, New York

Engineer: Marc Rullo

Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey

Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Brit Andersen

Hometown: Branford, Connecticut

Underneath Mechanic: Michael Brookes

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Interior Mechanic: Chance Burke

Hometown: Siler City, North Carolina

Tire Specialist: Billy John

Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Tim Meyer

Hometown: Beatrice, Nebraska

Transporter Driver: Randy Bernier

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Rear Tire Changer: Justin Fox

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Paul Steele

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Jackman: Landon Honeycutt

Hometown: Mount Pleasant, North Carolina

Fueler: Zeke Nance

Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia

ABOUT LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS

Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with more than 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with 640 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Front Row Motorsports: Bristol Motor Speedway NCTS Race Advance- Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith

Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance
UNOH 200

Date: Thursday, September 11, 2025
Event: Race 20 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: Bristol Motor Speedway (0.5-mile)
#of Laps: 200
Time/TV/Radio: 8:00 PM ET on FS1/SiriusXM channel 90

Layne Riggs Notes

Layne Riggs returns to Bristol, Tennessee Thursday night for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series’ second trip to the Bristol Motor Speedway this season. In his three previous Truck Series starts at the “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile”, Riggs has three top-10 finishes, finishing 10th in Spring 2024, first in Fall 2024, and most recently, sixth in Spring 2025. Following the opening race of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs at the Darlington Raceway, Riggs sits second in points and holds a 38-point cushion above the Playoff cutline.

Love’s RV STOP returns to Riggs’ Ford F-150 this weekend. Fans are encouraged to download the Love’s Connect App to unlock exclusive benefits and savings. This Summer, users can save 10¢ per gallon on gas and up to 25¢ per gallon on auto diesel, along with access to great mobile-only deals. Fans can download the app from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

Riggs and the No. 34 team will have PEAK Performance on their Ford F-150 to promote PEAK’s exclusive line of PEAK products available at over 600 Love’s Travel Stops across the country. PEAK is a leader in automotive and heavy-duty products ranging from PEAK Global Antifreeze, Final Charge, PEAK Windshield Wash, and BlueDEF Diesel Exhaust Fluid. All products can be found at Love’s Travel Stops.

Love’s Travel Stops is proud to continue its support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals through special in-store promotions that directly benefit local children and families. Guests can make a difference by purchasing select items, including Love’s-branded bagged candy, with 1% of proceeds going to CMN Hospitals, as well as Olipop 12 oz. (2 for $5), Reese’s King Size (2 for $4), and Cheez-It 3 oz. (2 for $2.25). Every dollar raised at Love’s stays local, helping children’s hospitals provide life-changing care, treatments, and programs like child life services, pet therapy, and healing gardens. Through customer donations at the pin pad, annual balloon campaign, and promotions like these, Love’s, its team members, and its guests play a vital role in ensuring kids receive the care they need today and have the opportunity to grow to their full potential tomorrow.

“I definitely still have a chip on my shoulder from Darlington,” said Riggs. “The best thing I can do now is learn from it, move forward, and focus on a track where I know I can win. I’ve always liked Bristol — it’s a place I feel comfortable, and night racing there is always special. While I have a solid points gap above the cutline, you can never be too safe. My goal is to leave Bristol with as many points as possible — and hopefully a checkered flag.”
Road Crew

Driver: Layne Riggs

Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello

Truck Chief: Alex Lacognata

Engineer: Jonathan Coates

Mechanic: Clark Houston

Mechanic: Brandon Selph

Tire / Interior Specialist: Robert Benzenhafer

Spotter: Josh Williams

Transporter Driver: Joe Haresky

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Blake Hickman

Rear Tire Changer: Steven Chereek

Tire Carrier: Alvin Wilson

Jackman: Landon Honeycutt

Fueler: Patrick Gaddy

Chandler Smith Notes

Chandler Smith and the No. 38 team head back to Bristol Motor Speedway this Thursday night, looking to sweep the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at the iconic half-mile in 2025, having won the Spring race. Statistically, “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” has been a strong venue for the 22-year-old, where he has earned two wins, four top-five finishes, and five top-10s in just five Truck Series starts. Smith has also been impressive in the Xfinity Series at Bristol, scoring top-five finishes in both of his starts. Following the Truck Series race at Darlington two weeks ago, Smith currently sits two points below the Playoff cutline.

QuickTie will join Smith for the 200-lap event. QuickTie manufactures and distributes the QuickTie™ System (a proprietary, patented hold-down system for high wind and seismic construction) and a full line of framing hardware including u-hangers, hurricane clips, straps, structural wood screws, truss connectors and foundation connectors.

“Darlington put us just below the cutline, but only by a few points,” said Smith. “Heading into Bristol, our team feels confident we can race our way back above the cutline — and maybe even sweep Bristol with another win.”

Road Crew

Driver: Chandler Smith

Crew Chief: Jon Leonard

Truck Chief: Ron Schutte

Engineer: Caleb Williams

Mechanic: Levy Bixler

Tire / Interior Specialist: Kyle Clark

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Transport Driver: Mark Hadley

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Garrett Wager

Rear Tire Changer: Jacob Ray

Tire Carrier: Paul Steele

Jackman: Ryan Selig

Fueler: Chris Webb

ABOUT LOVE’S RV STOP

Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with nearly 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with 651 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture.

ABOUT QUICKTIE

Quick Tie Products, Inc., (“QuickTie”) manufactures and distributes the QuickTie™ System (a proprietary, patented hold-down system for high wind and seismic construction) and a full line of framing hardware including u-hangers, hurricane clips, straps, structural wood screws, truss connectors and foundation connectors.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

NASCAR at Bristol Weekend Schedule and Highlights

Kyle Larson, driver of the #5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on September 21, 2024 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

This weekend, all three national series travel to Bristol Motor Speedway for a full weekend of racing. The ARCA Menards Series and the Craftsman Truck Series will get the action started on Thursday.

The Xfinity Series will headline the racing action Friday as the Cup Series closes out the weekend with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race.

Cup Series Playoff Notes

At the conclusion of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol, four drivers will be eliminated from championship contention. Denny Hamlin and Chase Briscoe are safe via wins. Kyle Larson (+60), Bubba Wallace (+50), Ryan Blaney (+42), William Byron (+39), Tyler Reddick (+37), Christopher Bell (+32), Chase Elliott (+28), Joey Logano (+21), Ross Chastain (+19), and Austin Cindric (+11) complete the top 12 drivers via points.

Austin Dillon (11), Shane van Gisbergen (-15), Alex Bowman (-35) and Josh Berry (-45) are in the bottom four.

Xfinity Series Playoff Notes

The Food City 300 is the first race in the Xfinity Series Round of 12. It will be followed by the Kansas Lottery 300 and the Blue Cross NC 250 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Drivers competing for the Xfinity Series championship include Connor Zilisch (+59), Justin Allgaier (+30), Sam Mayer (+11), Jesse Love (+8), Brandon Jones (+8), Sammy Smith (+4), Nick Sanchez (+1), Taylor Gray(0), Carson Kvapil (0), Sheldon Creed (-2), Harrison Burton (-3) and Austin Hill (-5).

Truck Series Playoff Notes

This weekend’s UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics race at Bristol is the second race in the Truck Series Round of 10. The EJP 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 20th will determine who will advance to the Round of 8.

Corey Heim is safe after the win at Darlington Raceway. The remaining drivers vying for the championship include Layne Riggs (+38), Daniel Hemric (+33), Grant Enfinger (+30), Tyler Ankrum (+22), Ty Majeski (+16), Rajah Caruth (+4), Jake Garcia (+2), Chandler Smith (-2), and Kaden Honeycutt (-7).

Thursday, Sept. 11

1 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Practice – 45 minutes
2 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series Qualifying – Impound 20 minutes
5:30 p.m.: ARCA Bush’s Beans 200
200 Laps = 106.6 Miles – FS1

3:05 p.m.: Truck Series Practice
2 Groups, 25 minutes each – FS2
4:10 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying – FS2
Impound/All Entries: Single Vehicle/2 Laps

8 p.m.: Truck Series UNOH 250 presented by Ohio Logistics
Stages 65/130/250 Laps = 133.25 Miles
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $782,900
Post Truck Series race: NASCAR Press Pass

Friday, Sept. 12

2 p.m.: Xfinity Series Practice
2 Groups, 25 minutes each – CW App
3:05 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying – CW App
Impound/All Entries/Single Vehicle/2 Laps

4:30 p.m.: Cup Series Practice
2 Groups, 25 minutes each
truTV/PRN/SiriusXM

5:40 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying
Impound/All Entries/Single Vehicle/2 Laps
truTV/PRN/SiriusXM
Post Cup Series Qualifying: NASCAR Press Pass

7:30 p.m.: Xfinity Food City 300
Stages 85/170/300 Laps = 159.9 Miles
300 CW/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $1,651,939
Post Xfinity Series race: NASCAR Press Pass

Saturday, Sept. 13

7:30 p.m.: Cup Series Bass Pro Shops Night Race
Stages 125/250/500 Laps = 266.5 Miles
USA/HBO Max/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $10,447,135
Post Cup Series race: NASCAR Press Pass

All times are Eastern.

Front Row Motorsports: Bristol Motor Speedway Competition Notes – Noah Gragson

Noah Gragson and the No. 4 Rush Truck Centers Ford Team
Bristol Motor Speedway Competition Notes
Bristol Motor Speedway Night Race

Date: Saturday, September 13, 2025
Event: Race 31 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-miles)
#of Laps: 500
Time/TV/Radio: 7:30 PM ET on USA/PRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Noah Gragson Notes

Bristol Motor Speedway’s iconic Saturday night race is next up on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. The 0.5-mile Tennessee short track is a site of many memories for Noah Gragson, having earned two wins, two top-five, and four top-10 finishes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In his three Cup Series starts at the track, Gragson has a career best finish of 12th (Fall 2024).

Rush Truck Centers, the premier solutions provider for the commercial vehicle industry, will again join Gragson and the No. 4 team for the 500 lap, 266-mile race. With more than 150 Rush Truck Centers dealerships located across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada, visit rushtruckcenters.com to find a location near you.

“The spring race at Bristol was a challenge with how much the warmer weather changed the track, but the Night Race is a whole different story,” said Gragson. “Under the lights, the place just comes alive—the atmosphere and the fans give you an energy you don’t get anywhere else. We had a solid run here last year, finishing 12th, and I’m excited to get back and see if we can take it up a notch this time around.”

Road Crew

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Joey Forgette

Hometown: Iron Mountain, Michigan

Engineer: Dillon Silverman

Hometown: Chico, California

Engineer: Scott Bingham

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Tony Infinger

Hometown: Fort Valley, Georgia

Tire Specialist: Chris Aunspaw

Hometown: Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Spotter: Nick Del Campo

Hometown: Blauvelt, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Nate “Cookie” Eller

Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Thomas Hatcher

Hometown: Middleburg, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Adam Riley

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Tire Carrier: Jarren Davis

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Jackman: Nate McBride

Hometown: Vidalia, Georgia

Fueler: Ray Hernandez

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

ABOUT RUSH TRUCK CENTERS

More than a dealer network, Rush Truck Centers is the premier solutions provider for the commercial vehicle industry. With more than 150 Rush Truck Centers dealerships across the U.S. and Ontario, Canada, no one can match our network reach and scale. We provide our customers an integrated, one-stop approach to the service and sales of new and used trucks and commercial vehicles, aftermarket parts, service and collision repair capabilities, alternative fuel systems, vehicle technology solutions, and a range of financial services including financing, insurance, and leasing and rental options. Since 1965, we’ve earned our reputation for excellence, fairness, positive attitude and solutions that exceed customer expectations. That’s why we can say with confidence; when it comes to trucking, no one offers you more. Visit rushtruckcenters.com or follow us on social media: X @rushtruckcenters, Instagram @rush_truck_centers and facebook.com/rushtruckcenters.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and Craftsman Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 Craftsman Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 34 and No. 38 Craftsman Truck Series teams from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Weekly Preview 09.10.25

This Week in Motorsports: Sept. 8-14, 2025

NCS/NXS/NCTS/ARCA: Bristol Motor Speedway – Sept. 11-13
NHRA: Maple Grove Raceway – Sept. 12-14

PLANO, Texas (Sept. 10, 2025) – NASCAR heads back to Bristol Motor Speedway for the second time this season in a jam-packed weekend that features its three national series and the ARCA Menards Series. The weekend kicks off Thursday afternoon with a combo race for the ARCA national and East series. The Truck Series has its second race of the Round of 10 Thursday evening, while the Xfinity Series begins its Playoffs Friday night. The Cup Series wraps up the weekend with its Round of 16 cutoff race on Saturday night. Meanwhile, NHRA begins its Countdown to the Championship at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pennsylvania.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NXS/NCTS

Toyota drivers remain in strong position entering cutoff race … After last weekend in St. Louis, Toyota drivers remain above the cutline entering the final race of the Cup Series Round of 16 this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin have both advanced with wins at Darlington and Gateway the last two weekends, while Bubba Wallace sits fourth (+50 points to the cutline), Tyler Reddick (+37 points to the cutline) ranks seventh, and Christopher Bell (+32 points to the cutline) is in the eighth position in the points standings entering this weekend.

Hamlin one shy of milestone victory … After taking the checkered flag last weekend at Gateway, which was Toyota’s 200th Cup Series win and his fifth win of the 2025 season, Hamlin now sits one victory away from additional milestones. Another trip to victory lane would be the 60th of Hamlin’s successful Cup Series career, which would tie him for 10th all-time on the Cup Series wins list with Kevin Harvick. It would also give the Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) driver 57 career victories with Toyota, which would make him the manufacturer’s all-time winningest Cup Series driver. Luckily for Hamlin, Bristol Motor Speedway has historically been one of his most successful tracks, where he’s captured four victories, along with 13 top-fives, 20 top-10s and four pole positions.

Heim returns to No. 67 Camry XSE … Corey Heim will pilot the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing, pulling double duty this weekend at Bristol, along with competing in the Truck Series. The Toyota Development Driver will make his Cup debut at the 0.533-mile concrete oval, where he has found success in his Truck Series career, capturing victory in 2023 and finishing no worse than 10th in five previous starts.

Jones, Gray begin championship push … Friday night begins the Xfinity Series Playoffs where JGR’s Brandon Jones and Taylor Gray will represent Team Toyota for the series championship fight. Jones punched his ticket to the Playoffs after a win at Darlington Raceway in April, while Gray earned his way in on points. Jones begins the postseason eight points above the cutline and Gray is tied for the cutoff spot entering Friday night.

Earnhardt back in the No. 24 GR Supra … Jeffrey Earnhardt returns to Sam Hunt Racing and the No. 24 Toyota GR Supra this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway. Earnhardt will make his third start this season with the team after also running at Talladega Superspeedway and Nashville Superspeedway earlier this year. The North Carolina native has made 11 previous Xfinity Series starts at Bristol, with a career-best finish of 12th on two separate occasions.

Heim, Honeycutt resume Playoff push … Thursday night’s Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway is the second race of the opening round of the Playoffs, where Heim and Kaden Honeycutt resume their battle for the series title. Heim clinched a spot into the next round by winning at Darlington Raceway two weeks ago, while Honeycutt is seven points below the cutline entering the weekend.

Heim looks to continue win streak … After his victory at Darlington, Heim enters Bristol with three consecutive Truck Series wins and victories in four of the last five races. It’s been a historic season for the Georgia native with eight wins in 19 starts, along with 13 top-fives, 15 top-10s, nearly 1,200 laps led and completing all but four laps so far this year.

Butcher makes Truck Series debut … Canadian Super Late Model driver Cole Butcher will pilot the No. 62 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for Halmar-Friesen Racing this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, making his Truck Series debut. Butcher is a very successful racer, winning multiple championships in the Pro Stock Tour, as well as a winner on the ASA STARS National Tour.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series National/East

Crews running double duty … Toyota Development Driver Brent Crews is set to have a busy Thursday at Bristol Motor Speedway, as he’ll compete in the ARCA Menards Series combo race in the afternoon for Joe Gibbs Racing in the No. 18 Toyota Camry, followed by the Truck Series race Thursday night behind the wheel of the No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro for TRICON Garage. This will mark the ninth ARCA national series and fifth East series race starts for Crews, where he has four combined wins – Phoenix Raceway, Rockingham Speedway, Indianapolis Raceway Park and the Illinois State Fairgrounds. In Trucks, Crews will make his sixth start of the season, looking to improve upon a season-best finish of eighth at Lime Rock Park in June.

NHRA – Top Fuel/Funny Car

Toyota drivers begin championship push … Seven Toyota NHRA racers begin their quest for a championship this weekend as the NHRA postseason opens at Maple Grove Raceway. In Top Fuel, Shawn Langdon (2013 champion) begins the Countdown to the Championship as the No. 2 seed, with Doug Kalitta (2023 champion) in third, Justin Ashley in fourth, defending and four-time world champion Antron Brown in sixth, and fellow four-time world champion Steve Torrence in ninth. In Funny Car, multi-time champion Ron Capps starts as the No. 4 seed, while 2018 champion J.R. Todd is sixth.

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 32 electrified options.

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

What to Do if You Get Pulled Over: A Step-by-Step Guide

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

The rules of the road are similar to any other complex social system. You typically start with some memorized facts, but you also need to learn by experience. But some events happen so infrequently, like being pulled over by police, that you’ll typically be left panicked and confused if you haven’t put some extra work into preparation. So, what exactly should you do if you’re pulled over for a traffic violation?

Stay Calm

There are a lot of reasons to learn what to do if you’re pulled over. But one of the most important stems from the fact that preparedness helps to fight off fear and panic. The police are typically watching out for any kind of unstable behavior when they pull people over. The panic of someone uncertain what to do, from the eyes of an officer, might not appear all that different from the panic of someone trying to hide intoxication or similar elements.

The first thing to do when you’re pulled over is to take a deep breath, calm yourself, and remember that you almost certainly don’t have anything serious to worry about. If your fight or flight reflex is activated, you’re going to have a much higher chance of escalating any potential issues than you are of escaping them. So focus on the reality of the situation – mundanity. Being pulled over for a traffic violation is red tape, bureaucracy, and paperwork rather than anything truly scary. 

Maintain Civility and Work with the Standard Chain of Events

Being pulled over is new to you, but it’s business as usual for the officer. Imagine if you were just trying to do your job and the person you were working with was skittish, constantly demanding explanations, and argumentative. You wouldn’t be very inclined to treat that person nicely, and the same goes for the police. Keep things professional, but not cold, as the chain of events plays out.

When the officer approaches, you should fully lower your window to make communication easier. Don’t step out of your vehicle unless requested to do so. Again, this is to remove concern over confrontation. You should stop your engine for the same reason. You don’t want to imply that you might drive away or start a conflict. Basically, it comes down to the fight or flight reflex. Don’t imply that you’re going to fight, don’t imply the possibility of flight – just breathe and remain calm. 

Find Out Why You Were Pulled Over

The officer will typically tell you why you were pulled over right from the start. However, this might be phrased in a way to see if you’ll implicate yourself. For example, it’s common for police to ask if you know why you were pulled over.

You might have an impulse to just guess a likely answer. If you’re pulled over, it’s probably going to be for speeding. However, you don’t want to answer speeding if queried on the reason for the encounter. If you did answer speeding, it may well come off as an admission of such rather than a guess. So, unless you are certain of the reason you were pulled over, it’s best to simply say you don’t know and ask for clarification from the officer. 

Dealing With Rights and Requests

Under the Fifth Amendment, you have the right to remain silent, and the  Fourth Amendment gives you the right to refuse consent for a search without warrants or probable cause. That said, actually refusing on those grounds should be avoided when possible. 

Pulling people over for a minor violation is just a part of the police officer’s day. He wants to have the encounter finished as much as you do. Cameras and additional observation often mean that they have to go through the motions even if they personally don’t think there’s any reason to. If you do want to hold up your rights to refusal, make sure you do so in a respectful way that makes it clear you’re not looking for a fight.

The Aftermath

When the officer says you’re free to go, be careful about merging back into traffic. If you need to take a moment to collect yourself and calm your nerves, then do so rather than risking a traffic violation right in front of the police officer.  You have several legal options if you have been issued a citation for a traffic violation. You could pay the ticket, although beyond the fine, you may incur increases to your insurance premium and points on your license. You may also consider consulting with an attorney if you believe there are mistakes on your ticket, or if you are interested in pursuing a reduction or dismissal.

Dangerous Times of Day: When Traffic Accidents Peak

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It’s no secret that driving can be very dangerous. Even though the number of fatalities related to automobile accidents has been going down in recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that there were over 39,000 traffic deaths in the United States in 2024. That number is slightly lower than 2023’s numbers, but it still means that American highways aren’t always safe. That being said, are there certain times of the day when driving is more dangerous? Let’s take a look.

Coming Home After Work 

On average, fatal and non-fatal traffic accidents are most likely to occur in the late afternoon and early evening. In fact, a study of car accidents in Oklahoma City found the highest number of accidents occurred between 4:00 and 5:00 pm. This is when “rush hour” traffic is at its highest. It’s when most people are coming home from work, and many of them are tired, stressed out, and eager to get home and relax. They may be less attentive to their surroundings, and that can spell disaster when you consider the amount of traffic on the road.

Spring and Summer Driving

As for fatal car accidents, those seem to be more likely between the hours of 8 PM and 12 PM during the spring and summer months. Part of this is due to the large number of people coming home from work, but the accidents that occur later in the night can be attributed to decreased visibility and driver exhaustion. There are almost always more vehicles on the road during the warmer months, and drivers may be more confident in their driving ability when there’s no ice and snow on the ground. That leads to more reckless driving and more accidents, especially late at night.

The Most Dangerous Day of the Week

Saturday seems to be the most dangerous day of the week to drive. More people are out enjoying the weekend at all hours of the day, many of them may still be tired from working full-time jobs, and some of them may be under the influence of alcohol and other substances. While you shouldn’t be afraid to go out and enjoy a Saturday afternoon off from work, you do need to be more careful if you get behind the wheel, especially if you drive at night.

Driving Defensively and Staying Safe

Evenings and late nights are statistically the most dangerous times to drive, especially during the spring and summer, but traffic accidents can happen at any time. That doesn’t mean that you should be afraid to drive at all. You can keep yourself safe while on the road by driving defensively, keeping a safe distance from vehicles in front of you, and driving at manageable speeds at all times.

Why New Cars Are Safer, but Accidents Are Still Happening

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If you have shopped for a new vehicle lately, you have probably noticed how much safety technology is packed into even the most basic models. Automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, and even blind-spot monitoring are no longer luxuries; they are actually standard features. When you look at statistics, these systems save lives. They are designed to reduce the chance of human error, and they work.

In California, there were nearly 4,500 traffic fatalities in 2022. If cars are safer than ever, why are traffic accidents still a leading cause of injury and death in the United States? The answer lies in a four-word problem that technology has not been able to solve: the increase in distracted driving.

Increase in Safer Vehicles on the Roads

Studies by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have consistently shown that features like automatic emergency braking and collision-avoidance systems reduce crash risk. Rear-end collisions, for example, drop significantly when vehicles have automatic emergency braking. Seatbelts and airbags are proven lifesavers, and modern vehicles are designed to have more damage in all the right places during impact. On paper, the data suggests we should be seeing far fewer accidents.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, while these systems reduce some kinds of collisions, they can’t do much if the driver is looking down at a phone instead of the road. In short, cars are smarter, but the people driving them are not necessarily driving smarter.

Distracted Driving: The Modern Epidemic

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous trends out on the streets and highways, and it’s getting worse, not better. 

According to the National Safety Council, 3,275 people died in the U.S. in 2023 because of distracted driving. That comes out to nine people every single day, and that number doesn’t even include the hundreds of thousands of injuries caused by drivers who were texting, scrolling, or fiddling with touchscreens instead of watching traffic.

Though younger drivers are certainly at high risk, this is not just a teen problem. Studies show distracted driving happens throughout all age groups because phones and in-car technology have become as tempting as candy on the dashboard. Checking texts, setting navigation while in motion, or toggling through playlists are all dangerous and, in some cases, deadly.

The Irony of Technology

It is a cruel irony that the same technology that makes vehicles safer is also making them more distracting. Nearly every new car today comes with a touchscreen infotainment system. Interacting with those screens can pull a driver’s eyes off the road for up to five, ten, or even fifteen seconds. At 55 miles per hour, that is the length of a football field being traveled blind. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation has repeatedly warned that hands-free systems and voice commands don’t eliminate distraction; they only shift it from physical to cognitive, according to the NHTSA in 2024.

What it boils down to is the fact that drivers often overestimate their ability to multitask. Every second a driver is not fully focused, the risk of collision increases tremendously.

Safety Isn’t Enough Without Behavior Change

When it comes down to it, carmakers have delivered remarkable safety innovations, but human behavior is neutralizing those gains. Until distracted driving becomes as socially unacceptable as drunk driving, fatalities will keep piling up. The cars can’t save us from ourselves.

The solution will not come from gadgets alone. It will require tougher enforcement of distracted-driving laws, cultural shifts in how we view phone use on the road, and maybe even a push for automakers to rethink whether bigger, brighter infotainment systems are worth the tradeoff.

Vehicles may be safer, but the people behind the wheel still hold the power. The question is whether we will choose to use it responsibly.

Why Vehicle Wrapping is a Cost-Effective Advertising Solution in Las Vegas

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Las Vegas, NV, is one of the most competitive business hubs in the United States, where companies constantly seek innovative ways to reach potential customers. Among the various marketing strategies, vehicle wrapping has emerged as a highly effective, affordable, and visually impactful method of promoting brands. Unlike traditional advertising channels that require recurring payments, vehicle wrapping provides long-lasting exposure at a fraction of the cost. By investing in a professional vehicle wrapping service in Las Vegas, NV, businesses can turn their cars, trucks, or vans into moving billboards that attract thousands of impressions daily. In this blog, we will explore why vehicle wrapping stands out as a cost-effective marketing solution and why it is particularly effective in a vibrant city like Las Vegas.

The Power of High-Impact Visual Marketing

In a city as visually stimulating as Las Vegas, standing out is both challenging and essential. From towering billboards to flashy LED displays, businesses are constantly vying for attention. Vehicle wrapping provides an innovative edge by transforming ordinary vehicles into bold, mobile advertisements that capture eyeballs wherever they go. A full or partial wrap with vibrant designs, company logos, and persuasive calls-to-action creates an unforgettable visual identity that resonates with local consumers.

Unlike static billboards or digital ads, vehicle wraps naturally integrate into the daily flow of traffic, making them less intrusive and more engaging. As people commute, shop, or attend events, they are exposed to your brand repeatedly, strengthening brand recognition over time. A professionally designed vehicle wrapping service in Las Vegas, NV, ensures your vehicle doesn’t just blend in but makes a powerful statement that reflects your business’s quality and professionalism.

This approach also leverages the psychology of mobile advertising: moving objects naturally attract more attention than static ones. In a city with constant tourist traffic and a booming local population, vehicle wraps can generate thousands of organic impressions every single day without additional ad spend.

Cost Efficiency Compared to Traditional Advertising

One of the biggest advantages of investing in a vehicle wrapping service in Las Vegas, NV, is its affordability relative to other advertising methods. Traditional marketing strategies like TV commercials, radio spots, or billboard placements require recurring payments and often come with limited exposure times. For instance, a prime billboard on the Las Vegas Strip can cost thousands of dollars per month, yet your brand is locked to a single location with no guarantee of reaching your desired audience.

In contrast, vehicle wraps are a one-time investment that continues to deliver returns for years. Once installed, there are no recurring fees, no bidding wars for ad placements, and no need to worry about viewership decline. A high-quality wrap can last anywhere from three to seven years, making it an incredibly cost-effective marketing tool for small and medium-sized businesses.

Additionally, vehicle wraps allow businesses to bypass many of the unpredictable costs associated with digital advertising, such as fluctuating pay-per-click rates or constantly changing algorithms. Instead of chasing impressions online, companies can create a guaranteed physical presence that travels with their team across the city, increasing reach and reinforcing brand visibility wherever business takes them.

Localized Targeting for Maximum Exposure

Las Vegas is a city with a unique consumer landscape. It attracts millions of tourists each year while maintaining a thriving local community, making it essential for businesses to connect with diverse audiences. Vehicle wrapping provides a natural solution by placing your brand directly in front of people who are most likely to engage with your products or services.

For example, delivery vans, service vehicles, or company cars traveling through high-traffic areas like the Las Vegas Strip, Summerlin, or Henderson neighborhoods receive maximum exposure in regions where potential customers live, work, and shop. Unlike digital ads that may miss local demographics, vehicle wrapping focuses attention precisely where your audience is.

Furthermore, vehicle wrapping aligns perfectly with businesses that depend on mobility, such as real estate agencies, restaurants offering delivery, home service providers, and event companies. Each time your branded vehicle parks at a client’s location or drives through a busy intersection, it strengthens your presence in the community. A trusted vehicle wrapping service in Las Vegas, NV, can design and position your message strategically to ensure that you gain the highest level of local engagement.

Boosting Brand Authority and Trust

In competitive markets like Las Vegas, branding goes beyond logos and slogans—it’s about establishing authority and trust. A professionally wrapped vehicle sends a powerful message about your business: you are established, reputable, and invested in your image. When potential customers see your well-designed wrap, they are more likely to view your business as credible and reliable.

This visual branding also creates consistency across your marketing channels. When combined with other strategies such as social media campaigns or local sponsorships, vehicle wraps act as a physical extension of your digital brand identity. For service-based companies, a wrapped fleet of vehicles demonstrates professionalism and reliability, often influencing purchase decisions subconsciously.

Moreover, businesses that utilize vehicle wraps often report increased inbound inquiries, as potential customers are more likely to reach out when they see a polished, trustworthy representation of the brand in their community. Investing in a quality vehicle wrapping service in Las Vegas, NV, ensures that your designs are sharp, durable, and aligned with your broader marketing objectives.

Longevity and Return on Investment

For any marketing strategy to be considered cost-effective, it must offer a strong return on investment (ROI), and vehicle wrapping excels in this area. High-quality wraps are designed using durable materials that withstand harsh weather conditions, including the intense Nevada sun. This means businesses can expect their wraps to remain vibrant and intact for years, maximizing visibility without requiring additional investment.

When calculating ROI, it’s important to consider cost per impression. With traditional advertising, every view comes at a price, and once the campaign ends, so does its visibility. Vehicle wrapping, however, continues to work around the clock. Whether your vehicle is parked in a busy shopping center, cruising down the Strip, or driving through residential neighborhoods, it’s constantly generating impressions without adding to your marketing expenses.

Additionally, because vehicle wraps are mobile, they often outperform static billboards in terms of exposure. A single wrapped vehicle can easily reach tens of thousands of people each month, making it one of the most efficient advertising solutions for small and large businesses alike. Partnering with an experienced vehicle wrapping service in Las Vegas, NV, ensures your investment is maximized through expert design, installation, and maintenance, guaranteeing years of reliable brand visibility.

Conclusion

Vehicle wrapping offers an unparalleled advertising solution by combining visual impact, affordability, localized targeting, and long-lasting returns. Unlike traditional advertising, which often drains budgets without guaranteeing results, vehicle wraps deliver continuous exposure and brand recognition at a fraction of the cost.

A professional vehicle wrapping service in Las Vegas, NV, can transform your fleet into powerful marketing tools that work for you 24/7. Whether your goal is to attract local customers, impress tourists, or simply strengthen your brand’s presence, vehicle wrapping provides a proven pathway to success. For businesses looking to maximize their marketing budget while maintaining a high level of visibility, vehicle wrapping stands out as one of the smartest investments available in today’s advertising landscape.