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Custer Finishes 24th at Richmond Raceway on Saturday Night

By
Official Release
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RICHMOND, VA (August 16, 2025) – Cole Custer and Haas Factory Team (HFT) entered Richmond Raceway with confidence, fueled by a strong record on short tracks this season. Saturday night’s race was a challenge of tire management, long green-flag runs, and pit strategy — all of which played major roles in the outcome.

Starting 24th, Custer held position early as the opening 70-lap stage ran caution-free. Crew chief Aaron Kramer chose to split the stage with a scheduled stop for four tires and fuel around halfway. Custer dropped to 26th during the cycle and wrapped up Stage One in 27th. A fast pit stop during the stage break allowed him to restart 21st for Stage Two.

As another long run unfolded, Custer climbed to 24th in his No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford before hitting pit road on lap 125. Kramer’s decision to stretch the next run proved smart when a caution on lap 180 caught much of the field mid-cycle — with Custer running ninth. The timely yellow allowed the No. 41 to pit under caution and restart inside the top 20.

Unfortunately, a series of late-stage cautions led to multiple restarts, and Custer slipped back to finish Stage Two in 24th. The final stage saw the longest green-flag run of the night — 130 laps without interruption. During the pit cycles, Custer briefly reached as high as second, but as stops played out, he settled back and ultimately crossed the line in 24th.

Up Next
The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series head to Daytona International Speedway next weekend. Race coverage for the Xfinity Series is set for Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC for the Cup Series.

About Haas Factory Team
The Haas Factory Team is a NASCAR Cup and Xfinity program owned by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. Beginning in 2025, the team will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer take on the Xfinity Series in the No. 00 and No. 41 Ford Mustangs, respectively. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the Haas Factory Team reflects a commitment to performance and engineering excellence, carrying forward Gene Haas’s commitment to motorsports.

Team Penske Finishes Third, Fourth and Fifth to Lead Ford at Richmond; Five Top 10 Finishers Overall

By
Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Cook Out 400
Saturday, August 16, 2025

Ford Finishing Results:

3rd – Ryan Blaney
4th – Joey Logano
5th – Austin Cindric
8th – Josh Berry
9th – Brad Keselowski
11th – Zane Smith
24th – Cole Custer
25th – Todd Gilliland
27th – Noah Gragson
30th – Chris Buescher
32nd – Cody Ware
35th – Ryan Preece

RYAN BLANEY, No. 12 BodyArmor Ford Mustang Dark Horse – WHAT HAPPENED WITH THOSE FOUR LAP FRESHER TIRES ON THE LAST RUN? EVERYBODY THOUGHT YOU WOULD RUN DILLON DOWN. “Yeah, me too. Overall, honestly, it was a really good night and a really good weekend. We got better all night and led some laps. I thought we were in a great position to try to contend for it. I thought running long was the play there because he came up there and passed me. So we were like, let’s try and have a handful of fresher tires. I was trying to be really disciplined when I got back on the racetrack of like, ‘let the tires do their thing and maybe I’ll get to him at the end of this run.’ I don’t know. They just fell off a cliff really hard. It kind of surprised me a little bit, but, overall, a good night. I wish we could have been closer. It’s unfortunate that our worst run of the race was our last run, but I don’t really know what we could have done different. It was just one of those odd things, but, overall, a really good finish and a good showing. We work really hard at this place, so hopefully we learned some stuff going forward.” THREE TEAM PENSKE FORDS IN THE TOP FIVE. HOW DOES THAT FEEL? “Yeah, it’s a great night by Penske to have all of us right there. Obviously, we would have liked to have been one, two, three, but it’s a really good night. I thought we had a great shot at having a chance to win it there. Gosh, I was really good at the end of the first run of the third stage and then I kind of jumped him. I think we pitted a lap earlier than him and he got back by me at the end, and then we ran a handful of laps later trying to have a little tire advantage there at the end. I was trying to be super conservative, like mindful of letting the tires do their thing the last run and just be really straight, and I just fell off a cliff right away. It kind of surprised me. I thought I was being the most conservative I was all night and it was the worst result, but, overall, a good night. This is a place I struggle at a little bit and we work really hard to get better here, and it was a really good showing for us and a really good showing for all of Team Penske.”

AUSTIN CINDRIC, No. 2 Menards/Richmond Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “I’m happy with the effort. It’s a shame the restart in stage three went the way it did because we had a really great long run car and I just had to drive the snot out of it to move through the field. I thought we were maybe good enough to contend for a top three finish if not a win if we didn’t get so far back, but it takes all the pieces. My team ran a playoff capable race tonight and the boys are ramping up.” HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DAY WITH THE TIRES AND STRATEGY? “We had just a really fast race car, a complete car, and that’s what it takes at a racetrack like this. I always say there’s nowhere to hide and sometimes I’ve wanted to hide coming here and other times like tonight it’s a really rewarding track to get into that rhythm. Obviously, everybody at Team Penske did a great job building three fast Ford Mustangs and I wish the initial restart in stage three would have gone better for us. We kind of got stuck top of four and in the wash, but I’m proud of the guys. They kept up with the track well and I’m proud of the effort.”

JOSH BERRY, No. 21 eero Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “It was an up-and-down day. I thought we did a really good job managing everything, but we would have liked to have been a little bit better. We just struggled with the balance a little bit. It got better the second half for sure, but would have liked to have been a little bit better towards the end, but, all in all, a really good job for these 21 guys.” HOW DOES IT FEEL TO GET A TOP 10 AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR? “This is what we know we’re capable of, but we’ve had some misfortune. Maybe we had a couple races where we weren’t as fast as we wanted, but we’ve had a lot of bad luck. Tonight is what we’re capable of. We know that going into the playoffs, so it’s nice to have a solid run and, like I said, we’ll go to Daytona and get ready for the playoffs after that.”

JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “We had a really fast Shell/Pennzoil Mustang. The car had a lot of speed in it, but we just had to overcome too much. We got up into contention and then we had a flat right-rear and lost all of it again, and then steadily grind your way back into the top five. Apparently, I needed maybe 500 or 600 laps. It’s just not our weekend. We had a flat tire in practice and then another flat tire in the race and both of them were punctures. It’s not like we were being too aggressive or anything like that, it’s just running over crap on the racetrack. Not our weekend.”

Toyota GAZOO Racing – NCS Richmond Post-Race Report – 08.16.25

By
Official Release
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HAMLIN LEADS TOYOTA IN RICHMOND

RICHMOND, Va. (August 16, 2025) – Denny Hamlin led Toyota with a top-10 finish at Richmond Raceway on Saturday evening.

Toyota GAZOO Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Richmond Raceway
Race 25 of 36 – 300 miles, 400 laps

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Austin Dillon*
2nd, Alex Bowman*
3rd, Ryan Blaney*
4th, Joey Logano*
5th, Austin Cindric*
10th, DENNY HAMLIN
13th, CHASE BRISCOE
18th, TY GIBBS
21st, CHRISTOPHER BELL
26th, ERIK JONES
28th, BUBBA WALLACE
29th, COREY HEIM
31st, RILEY HERBST
34th, TYLER REDDICK
36th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

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

Finishing Position: 10th

Several issues tonight, but you were able to come back for a top-10. Can you tell us about your race?

“Yeah, just kind of a missed race. We were really bad on pit lane, I sped. Team had a lot of bad stops, and this track – you can’t give up track position, and we did. I thought we were fortunate to get back to the top-10 there. The only reason we did is we had a fast Progressive Camry.”

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 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.

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

How to Find the Right Audio System for Your Car Model

By
SM
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The right audio system can change how you enjoy your car. Good sound makes driving more fun and relaxing. But choosing the right system can be confusing. 

There are many car audio types, and not every option will fit your model. This guide will help you make the right choice.

Learn the Main Car Audio Types

A car audio system has a few main parts. The head unit is the control center. It manages music, radio, and phone features. Car audio speakers are the next part. They shape how clear and strong the sound feels inside the car. 

You may also add an amplifier to boost power or a subwoofer for deeper bass. Some drivers prefer full car audio packages that include everything. Knowing these parts helps you decide what you need before you buy car audio.

Why Compatibility is Important

Not all systems are car audio compatible with every car. Each model has different wiring and space for audio units. If the system does not match, it may not fit or work well.

OEM car audio systems usually match without problems because they are made for specific cars. Aftermarket systems may need adapters or extra work. This is why checking fit before you buy car audio is important.

Visit a Car Audio Store

A local car audio store is often the best starting point. Staff can show you car audio types and guide you based on your model. You can see the products and sometimes listen to them before you buy. 

If you prefer shopping from home, a car audio store online is another good choice. Online sites let you filter options by brand and model so you only see car audio compatible units.

Buying Car Audio Online

If you buy car audio online, choose a trusted seller. Look for clear details, warranty, and return options. A reliable car audio store online will list which models each unit fits. 

Reading reviews also helps because other drivers share their results. Some sellers also offer refurbished OEM systems. These are tested and often provide the same quality at a lower price.

Focus on Car Audio Speakers

Speakers have the biggest impact on sound. Stock speakers in many cars are basic and lose clarity at higher volume. Replacing them with good car audio speakers can change the experience. 

Make sure the speakers match the size and power rating your car supports. Some models require special sizes. A good car audio store can help you pick the right set.

Focus on Car Audio Speakers

Car Audio Installation

Installing a system matters as much as buying the right one. Bad fitting can cause weak sound or damage to wiring. Basic car audio speakers can be installed at home if you follow clear steps. 

For more complex systems with amplifiers or screens, many drivers choose professional car audio installation. Stores often provide this service when you buy the system. Professional fitting ensures the system is safe and works with your car’s features.

Benefits of Choosing the Right System

The right system gives more than better sound. It adds comfort to every drive. A good setup makes music clearer and calls easier to hear. Systems with modern features also add safety since you can use phone controls hands-free. 

Choosing a system that is car audio compatible avoids wasted money and saves time. When you buy car audio that fits, you enjoy long-term value.

Benefits of Choosing the Right System

How to Compare Options

When comparing options, think about what matters most to you. Do you want louder sound or more bass? Or do you prefer better phone integration and touch screen control? Price also matters. 

Some systems are cheap but may not last. Others cost more but come with better sound and longer life. Balance features, fit, and cost before you decide.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right audio system for your car model is not hard when you take the right steps. Start with the car audio types. Make sure the system is car audio compatible. Use a trusted car audio store or a reliable car audio store online. 

Pay attention to the quality of car audio speakers and think about car audio installation. When you buy car audio that matches your needs and car model, you enjoy clear sound and safe driving every day.

FAQs

What are the main car audio types?
They include the head unit, speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers.

How do I know if a system is car audio compatible with my car?
Check the product details or ask at a car audio store.

Is it safe to buy car audio online?
Yes, if you choose a trusted car audio store online with a warranty and returns.

Do I need professional car audio installation?
You can install basic speakers yourself. Complex systems are best installed by experts.

Why are car audio speakers important?
Speakers shape how clear and powerful the sound is inside the car.

Where should I buy car audio?
You can buy from a local car audio store or a reliable car audio store online.

Can refurbished OEM systems be a good choice?
Yes. They are tested and often work like new at a lower cost.

What are the benefits of choosing the right system?
It improves sound quality, adds comfort, and ensures long-term value for your car.

Austin Dillon wins at Richmond and advances to the playoffs

By
Angie Campbell
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Austin Dillons wins the NASCAR Cup Series race at Richmond. Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Austin Dillon raced his No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet into victory lane at Richmond Raceway when it mattered most. The win guarantees him a spot in the playoffs and the opportunity to contend for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.

It was his first victory of 2025 and his sixth career victory in the series.

“Man, it’s so sweet,” Dillon said. “My dad prayed with me before the race. He was at our hunting land doing some food plots. It’s just so special. Every one of these means so much to me. My grandfather, for all that he’s put up in believing in me, because there’s been a lot of ups and downs. It could have been easy for him to change the drivers in this No. 3 car. Today, it feels really darn good.”

Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman finished second and is currently in the final playoff transfer spot with a 60-point advantage over Chris Buescher. But that could change if there is a new winner next week as the series heads to Daytona International Speedway for the final race of the regular season.

“Yeah, certainly really stressful on a lot of fronts,” Bowman admitted as he looks ahead to next week’s race at Daytona. “I mean, I think with the way that race normally goes, it’s about a must-win at that point because I think you’re most likely going to have a new winner. We just need to go execute and try to win the race. That’s all we can really do.

“Just proud of all the guys to continue to work hard and try to overcome the situation we’re in. We’ll keep digging.”

Ryan Blaney, Joey Logano, and Austin Cindric completed the top five at Richmond. Kyle Larson, Daniel Suárez, Josh Berry, Brad Keselowski, and Denny Hamlin rounded out the top 10.

“It kind of surprised me. I thought I was being the most conservative I was all night, and it was the worst result, but, overall, a good night. This is a place I struggle at a little bit, and we work really hard to get better here, and it was a really good showing for us and a really good showing for all of Team Penske.” Blaney said.

Chase Elliott was involved in a multi-car accident that ended his race early. It also effectively paved the way for William Byron, who finished 12th, to secure the Regular-Season Championship.

“I think Kyle (Busch) just didn’t know that we were trying to squeeze by the wreck on the bottom. He was kind of angled back towards the bottom of the racetrack, and I was just coming through. It’s just unfortunate. We had a good start to the race. We kind of got on the wrong end there in the beginning and lost some track position. We got behind the No. 19 (Chase Briscoe) and got a penalty. I thought we were in a pretty good spot right there. We finally got on some better tires, and we were making our way through there well, so I was excited to see where that was going to go, but unfortunately, we didn’t get the chance.”

The race featured five caution flags for 44 laps, and 24 lead changes among 11 drivers.

After Richmond, William Byron leads the NASCAR Cup Series standings by 68 points over Chase Elliott, 73 points over Denny Hamlin, 80 points over Kyle Larson, and 83 points over Ryan Blaney.

Next Saturday, the Cup Series heads to Daytona International Speedway for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 regular-season finale. It will air on NBC at 7:30 p.m. ET with radio coverage provided by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

NASCAR Cup Series Race Number 25
Race Results for the Cook Out 400 – Saturday, August 16, 2025
Richmond Raceway – Richmond, VA – 0.75 – Mile Paved

PosstNoDriverTeamLapsS1S2S3PointsStatus
1113Austin DillonBass Pro/Winchester Chevrolet40044054Running
2948Alex BowmanAlly Chevrolet40005041Running
32012Ryan BlaneyBodyArmor Sports Drink Ford40073046Running
43822Joey LoganoShell Pennzoil Ford40000033Running
5132Austin CindricMenards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford40058041Running
6305Kyle LarsonHendrickCars.com Chevrolet400010032Running
72199Daniel SuarezQuaker State Chevrolet400102040Running
81721Josh BerryEero Ford40090031Running
966Brad KeselowskiBuildSubmarines.com Ford40080031Running
10411Denny HamlinProgressive Toyota40030035Running
112938* Zane SmithLong John Silver’s Ford40000026Running
121424William ByronLiberty University Chevrolet40009027Running
131919Chase BriscoeBass Pro Shops Toyota40000024Running
142788Shane Van Gisbergen #WeatherTech Chevrolet39900023Running
151577Carson HocevarDelaware Life Chevrolet39907026Running
16288Kyle BuschRebel Bourbon Chevrolet39900021Running
171071Michael McDowellWorkforce Chevrolet39900020Running
182354Ty GibbsSiriusXM Toyota39900019Running
19331Ross ChastainJockey Infinite Cool Underwear Chevrolet39900018Running
201610Ty DillonSea Best Chevrolet39900017Running
21820Christopher BellDEWALT Toyota39960021Running
22316AJ AllmendingerBlack’s Tire Chevrolet39900015Running
233647Ricky Stenhouse Jr.Ram Self Storage Chevrolet39900014Running
242441Cole CusterHaasTooling.com Ford39900013Running
253134* Todd GillilandLove’s Travel Stops Ford39900012Running
261843Erik JonesDollar Tree Toyota39800011Running
27224* Noah GragsonArmorGuard Ford39800010Running
28723* Bubba WallaceLeidos Toyota39821029Running
293267* Corey Heim(i)Robinhood Toyota3980000Running
301217Chris BuescherFifth Third Bank Ford3980007Running
312635* Riley Herbst #Monster Energy Toyota3980006Running
323751Cody WareArrowhead Brass Ford3970005Running
333533* Jesse Love(i)C4 Energy Chevrolet3960000Running
34245* Tyler ReddickChumba Casino Toyota39610013Running
35160Ryan PreeceKroger/Kleenex Ford3960607Running
363442John Hunter NemechekPye Barker Fire & Safety Toyota3890001Running
37257Justin HaleyGainbridge Super League Chevrolet1980001Accident
3859Chase ElliottUniFirst Chevrolet1970001Accident

BECKMAN, LANGDON & ANDERSON WIN MISSION #2FAST2TASTY CHALLENGE IN BRAINERD

By
Official Release
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Beckman, Kalitta and Anderson take No. 1 spots at Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 16, 2025) – Funny Car veteran Jack Beckman won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge over Matt Hagan on Saturday at Brainerd International Raceway, also securing the No. 1 qualifier at the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge in Brainerd, while Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Beckman and Anderson all qualified No. 1 at the 13th of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

In the final round of the specialty race, Beckman won the matchup of world champions, going 3.942-seconds at 324.59 mph in his 12,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet SS. It’s the third bonus win of the season for Beckman, who returned to the Funny Car ranks a year ago in Brainerd.

He was named John Force’s replacement driver starting at that race and Beckman has been impressive over the past year, making a pair of stellar runs on Saturday in Brainerd. Beckman took the No. 1 spot in qualifying – his fourth top spot this season – with a run of 3.879 at 330.63 to open the day and then topped Hagan to finish off a strong Saturday. The former world champion opens eliminations against Dave Richards and will attempt to win for the third time during the 2025 campaign.

“I’m over the moon with my car. Even with us struggling, we were still second in points and still won a race. It’s just that we were even better last year. When we went back to last year’s car after the Epping wreck, it seemed like it wanted something different. But now I think we’re back,” Beckman said.

“At first, I didn’t make a big deal out of this [Mission Challenge], but sometimes Saturday can be a bit anticlimactic. Typically, we’d get data for Sunday but now, I think it’s one of the smarter moves NHRA has made. It makes [Saturday] matter. Those points that go into the Countdown are huge. That’s a big carrot. I thought it was cool before I won the first one. Now that I’ve won a couple, I really love it.”

Points leader Austin Prock is qualified second on the strength of Friday’s 3.893 at 331.45 and Hunter Green jumped to third in the final session after going 3.906 at 332.67.

In Top Fuel, points leader Shawn Langdon won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for the fourth time in 2025 in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air Careers dragster, dispatching Kalitta Motorsports teammate Doug Kalitta on a massive holeshot and a run of 3.742 at 334.32.

It ties Kalitta for the most wins in the specialty race this season, giving Langdon 18 bonus points thus far for the Countdown to the Championship. Langdon was .059 on the starting line and Kalitta was uncharacteristically late, as the former world champ easily held on for the bonus race victory. Looking to win the regular season world championship, Langdon will also aim to win for the first time in his professional career at Brainerd International Raceway on Sunday.

“We were trying to move up in qualifying, so we’re trying to run a little bit better than a 3.74. I think my [stage light] was blinking pretty good, so maybe that distracted him,” Langdon said. “We wanted to have a good race. It wasn’t intentional by any means. I was just trying to stage shallow.

“Now, we’ll see what we can do tomorrow. We really appreciate everything that Mission Foods does. This is a great program, but we also have to focus on tomorrow, especially with the U.S. Nationals and the Countdown coming up.”

Despite the struggles in the final round of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, Kalitta did claim his seventh No. 1 qualifier of the season in his 12,000-horsepower Mac Tools dragster on Saturday’s earlier run of 3.655 at 339.36. It’s the 65th career No. 1 qualifier for the former world champ who opens eliminations against Terry Totten, attempting to pick up his second straight victory in 2025.

“That [3.655] run was very smooth, the car stayed right in the middle,” Kalitta said. “It seems like it drives nice every time it runs big numbers like that. My guys have put together some really consistent runs. They have the car put together the same way each time and that makes a big difference. That’s quite a ride.

“As far as driving it, I try to do the same thing every time and not mess things up too badly. I want to lick my wounds from [the Mission Challenge final] and regroup and put it behind me for tomorrow.”

Brittany Force qualified second with a 3.697 at a track-record speed of 340.82 and Jordan Vandergriff, who is racing for Shawn Reed this weekend after Reed’s crash in Seattle, is third with a career-best run of 3.705 at 334.32.

Pro Stock defending world champion Greg Anderson continued to enjoy a stellar weekend at the track where he grew up racing, winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge over KB Titan Racing teammate and taking the No. 1 qualifying position.

In the finals of the bonus race to close out Saturday, Anderson went 6.561 at 208.23 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, slipping past Glenn to win for the first time on Saturday this year. A night after winning the American Rebel Light “Battle for the Rebel Axe” bonus, Anderson also claimed the $2,000 GESi No. 1 Qualifier Award thanks to his run of 6.555 at 207.59 to start the day, just missing out on a track record.

It’s the fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season for Anderson, who opens raceday against Chris Vang. The six-time world champion last won in Brainerd in 2011 and he would love to do so again on Sunday to close out a perfect weekend.

“It’s been two perfect days and that’s all you could hope for,” Anderson said. “I’m excited for tomorrow. My race car is great and I feel like we’ve got a great chance. Competition brings out the best in everyone out here. Matt Hartford has worn me out in these [Mission] deals. I want to win anytime we go down the race track. You get here and make it through them all, and then you’ve got Dallas left. That’s always tough.

“I’ve had a great year so far, but we need to keep progressing here in Brainerd and again in Indy, and into the Countdown. In this class, you’d better keep on working and keep on improving because the competition is going to keep coming after you.”

Points leader Glenn finished second in qualifying with a run of 6.569 at 208.20 and Matt Hartford took third thanks to a pass of 6.575 at 206.42.

Eliminations for the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals begin at 10 a.m. CT on Sunday at Brainerd International Raceway.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 13th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

Top Fuel — 1. Doug Kalitta, 3.655 seconds, 339.36 mph vs. 14. Terry Totten, 12.244, 69.77; 2. Brittany Force, 3.697, 340.82 vs. 13. Will Smith, 4.144, 229.98; 3. Jordan Vandergriff, 3.705, 334.32 vs. 12. Kyle Satenstein, 3.864, 314.90; 4. Billy Torrence, 3.713, 333.74 vs. 11. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.829, 326.40; 5. Tony Stewart, 3.732, 331.61 vs. 10. Josh Hart, 3.784, 330.47; 6. Clay Millican, 3.741, 332.75 vs. 9. Justin Ashley, 3.758, 332.84; 7. Antron Brown, 3.742, 334.90 vs. 8. Shawn Langdon, 3.742, 334.82.

Funny Car — 1. Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.879, 330.63 vs. 16. Dave Richards, Ford Mustang, 5.816, 118.33; 2. Austin Prock, Camaro, 3.893, 331.45 vs. 15. Jim Campbell, Dodge Charger, 4.052, 279.50; 3. Hunter Green, Charger, 3.906, 332.67 vs. 14. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.962, 312.21; 4. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.907, 330.39 vs. 13. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.960, 317.42; 5. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.908, 331.45 vs. 12.

Paul Lee, Charger, 3.947, 325.22; 6. Alexis DeJoria, Charger, 3.913, 332.51 vs. 11. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 3.942, 302.62; 7. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.913, 329.58 vs. 10. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.935, 329.02; 8. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.930, 332.43 vs. 9. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.934, 329.42.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.555, 208.23 vs. 16. Chris Vang, Camaro, 6.661, 205.32; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.569, 208.20 vs. 15. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.640, 204.48; 3. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.575, 207.21 vs. 14. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.626, 206.13; 4. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.589, 206.80 vs. 13. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.621, 206.89; 5. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.590, 208.23 vs. 12. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.616, 206.26; 6. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.590, 207.40 vs. 11. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.615, 205.13; 7. David Cuadra, Camaro, 6.600, 207.21 vs. 10. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.611, 206.61; 8. Cody Coughlin, Camaro, 6.602, 207.94 vs. 9. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.605, 207.43.

Did Not Qualify: 17. Kenny Delco, 6.714, 203.71; 18. Joseph Wilczek, 6.962, 198.67.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Saturday’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge final results from the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Top Fuel Challenge — Shawn Langdon, 3.742 seconds, 334.32 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 3.677 seconds, 338.34 mph.

Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Funny Car Challenge — Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.942, 324.59 def. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 6.636, 101.53.

Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Pro Stock Challenge — Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.561, 208.23 def. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.612, 207.37.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Final Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge round-by-round results from the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA TOP FUEL CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Shawn Langdon, 3.999, 229.04 def. Antron Brown, 6.005, 114.60; Doug Kalitta, 3.655, 339.36 def. Justin Ashley, 5.258, 130.23;

FINAL — S. Langdon, 3.742, 334.32 def. D. Kalitta, 3.677, 338.34.

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA FUNNY CAR CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.935, 329.02 def. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 4.761, 167.20; Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.879, 330.63 def. Spencer Hyde, Ford Mustang, 9.925, 78.38; FINAL — J. Beckman, 3.942, 324.59 def. M. Hagan, 6.636, 101.53.

MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA PRO STOCK CHALLENGE:

ROUND ONE — Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.569, 208.20 def. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.624, 206.39; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.555, 207.59 def. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, Foul – Red Light; FINAL — G. Anderson, 6.561, 208.23 def. D. Glenn, 6.612, 207.37.

KALITTA EARNS NO. 1 QUALIFIER, LANGDON WINS #2FAST2TASTY IN BRAINERD

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Toyota keeps Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge streak alive

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 16, 2025) – Posting a 3.655 elapsed time in Saturday qualifying, Doug Kalitta earned the No. 1 qualifier for tomorrow’s NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The result is Kalitta’s seventh No. 1 qualifier this season and the 65th in his career. Joining Kalitta towards the top of the Top Fuel field is Billy Torrence, who earned the No. 4 seed for his first race of the 2025 season.

Kalitta’s teammate and Top Fuel points leader, Shawn Langdon, captured another win in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, defeating Kalitta in the finals Saturday afternoon. The win is Langdon’s fifth Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge triumph this season, which also continued Toyota’s streak of victories in all challenge events in either Top Fuel or Funny Car. 

In Funny Car, Ron Capps earned the No. 4 seed for tomorrow’s eliminations with J.R. Todd as the fifth seed. Capps looks to capture his eighth Brainerd International Raceway win tomorrow and increase his track-best mark, while Todd looks to go rounds and improve his points position with just two race days before the Countdown to the Championship.

Eliminations of the NHRA Nationals from Brainerd International Raceway begin tomorrow at 11 a.m. EST with live TV coverage beginning at 3 p.m. EST on FOX.

Toyota Post-Qualifying Recap
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series 
Brainerd International Raceway
NHRA Nationals
Race 13 of 20

TOYOTA TOP FUEL QUALIFYING POSITIONS

NameCarQualifying PositionFirst Round Opponent
Doug KalittaMac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster1stT. Totten
Billy TorrenceCAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster4thI. Zetterstrom
Antron BrownMatco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster7thS. Langdon
Shawn LangdonKalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster8thA. Brown
Justin AshleySCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel Dragster9thC. Millican

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR QUALIFYING POSITIONS  

NameCarQualifying PositionFirst Round Opponent
Jack Beckman*Peak Chevrolet Funny Car1st*D. Richards
Ron Capps NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car4thB. Bode
J.R. ToddDHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car5thP. Lee

*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

DOUG KALITTA, Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Kalitta Motorsports

TF Qualifying Result: 1st

How nice is it to have a car that performs at this level?

“Yeah, it’s been quite a ride! Alan (Johnson, crew chief), Mac (Savage, crew chief) and all these Mac Tools Toyota guys have our car running well. I’m just trying to do my best and on occasion, I guess I’m human. It (Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge) wasn’t what we were hoping for obviously, but real proud of my guys and will go into tomorrow and see if we can get the win.”

SHAWN LANGDON, Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Kalitta Motorsports

TF Qualifying Result: 8th

How well does another challenge win position your team?

“The No. 1 spot is a pretty good spot to be in, so good job to Doug (Kalitta) and his team for that. Brian (Husen, crew chief) and I were talking earlier, and we still wanted to try to get win the #2Fast2Tasty challenge, so that’s pretty cool. It’s a pretty neat program Mission Foods put out there for us, so we’re really appreciative of it. We want to put forth our best effort, and that’s what we did right there.The Kalitta Air Toyota Top Fuel Dragster didn’t run exactly what we were trying to run (there). I was off a little bit on the tree, but the bulb was blanking up there. We were trying to go for the No. 1 spot, really. Unfortunately, we didn’t get it, but we got the win so that’s good. We still have a shot, still got a shot at the regular-season championship going into Indianapolis (U.S. Nationals). All in all, great year, but we have to get it done tomorrow. Tomorrow’s a big day!”

RON CAPPS, NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, Ron Capps Motorsports

FC Qualifying Result: 4th

Describe your weekend so far.

“Yeah, the forecast was not looking good when we rolled in here (Brainerd), but you wouldn’t know that by looking at the fans and in ‘The Zoo.’ And then, we go out and get in four qualifying runs! As always, our NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car was great, and we ended qualifying on a good note. The track conditions are always tricky here. You have a lot of water in the air. Track reading and getting all the information we get from our Toyota engineers on the starting line was key to go up there in that last session and move up a position into fourth, and a really good tune up for tomorrow. It’s going to be overcast tomorrow, and we’ll probably see even quicker runs than we have so far this weekend. Great job by everyone and we’ll see if we can go get win number eight here at Brainerd!”

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 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina began to assemble automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. 

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

Front Row Motorsports: Richmond Raceway NCTS Race Report- Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith

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Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
Richmond Raceway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Report
eero 250
Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
Event: Race 18 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: Richmond Raceway (0.75-miles)
Length of Race: 250 laps over two hours, 13 minutes, 12 seconds

FRM Finish:

Layne Riggs (Started 3rd, Finished 3rd / Running, completed 250 of 250 laps)
Chandler Smith (Started 6th, Finished 9th / Running, completed 250 of 250 laps)

FRM Points Standings:

Layne Riggs (2nd)
Chandler Smith (3rd)

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs will kick off at Darlington Raceway on Saturday, August 30th.

Layne Riggs Key Takeaways

Stage One: 2nd / Stage Two: 10th / Race Result: 3rd

“It was a strong night for us. I didn’t think we were that great in practice, so to turn around and have a strong performance like that and even at some glimpses in the race feel like I was the best on the racetrack,” said Riggs. “We had just a good overall day and, in my opinion, that’s what champions are made of. The strategy was so crazy there that it’s really fun as a driver getting put in situations if you’re on old tires or new tires and going forward and falling back. It’s kind of crazy. The 98 spun out and somehow lined up in front of us still, which amazes me, but hat’s off to everybody at Front Row Motorsports. This Love’s Travel Stops Ford F-150 was a good truck, but not a winning truck, so we’ve got to do a little bit of work. It was a good, solid night. We finished second in regular season points. That was really our goal coming into today was to do that and get as many playoff points as we could, so we accomplished that and I’m really happy about that.”

Chandler Smith Key Takeaways

Stage One: 5th / Stage Two: 8th / Race Result: 9th

“I’m definitely proud of the effort of everybody on this No. 38 team,” said Smith. “It’s certainly not the day we wanted. Honestly, we’ve missed it since probably about Charlotte, just kind of slowly went downhill a little bit and haven’t been able to find our way back to where we were at the start of the year. We’re just trying to get our momentum back on our side going into the playoffs, going into Darlington and start off on the right foot.”

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.

BROWN, PROCK & ANDERSON CLAIM FRIDAY’S AMERICAN REBEL LIGHT “BATTLE FOR THE REBEL AXE” AT LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS

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BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 15, 2025) – Reigning Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown made the quickest run on Friday at Brainerd International Raceway, taking the provisional No. 1 position and winning the night’s special American Rebel Light Friday Night “Battle for the Rebel Axe” at the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Austin Prock (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 13th of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Brown went 3.742-seconds at 334.90 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Matco Tools dragster, holding off a strong field to claim the $4,000 bonus and sit atop the “Throne of the North” made from cases of American Rebel Light. Brown also won the Rebel Axe trophy, a cigar box electric guitar custom-built in the shape of a 12-pack of American Rebel Light.

It was an ideal start for Brown, who has six career wins across Top Fuel and Pro Stock Motorcycle at Brainerd, as the four-time champ looks to qualify No. 1 for the first time since the season-opener in Gainesville, a race he also won this year.

“It felt good. The track was a bit tricky. We didn’t get the clutch right on first run, but that run definitely made up for it,” Brown said. “We got to do what we wanted to do, which was run the race track. The car was straight, stayed nimble and felt good. It sets us up good for tomorrow.

“We’ve got a little hole to dig out of in the points to get where we want, so I’m super pumped and happy for that run. I don’t often drink beer, but when I do it will be American Rebel Light.”

Clay Millican finished Friday just off the pace, taking second with a 3.746 at 330.72 and Shawn Langdon, the current points leader, is third after a run of 3.753 at 334.82.

In Funny Car, points leader and reigning world champion Austin Prock enjoyed another big Friday night, taking the American Rebel Light “Battle for the Rebel Axe” on Friday night with a run of 3.893 at 331.45 in his 12,000-horsepower Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet SS.

Prock stood tall on the “Throne of the North,” also picking up the guitar and the $4,000 bonus, marking another impressive accomplishment during his 2025 season. The star has a chance to clinch the regular-season championship this weekend in Brainerd and Prock, who won the most recent race in Sonoma, is now on track to pick up his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season.

“You know, when American Rebel Light is part of a race, we seem to do well in this Cornwell Tools Camaro. We seem to run pretty well, so it was cool to collect the cash, and the guitar. It’s a good way to start the weekend here in Brainerd,” Prock said. “On both runs today, my steering wheel was pretty far to the left, so it had my hands full a little bit there. I wanted to be prepared for that, and definitely felt a little loose down there, but it still ran 331 mph, so it couldn’t have been slipping too badly.

“To win these races and win these championships, we’ve got to be able to go down all conditions of racetracks. So, we have a pretty good notebook right now.”

Jack Beckman, who returned to the Funny Car ranks a year ago in Brainerd, is currently second with a 3.907. Ron Capps, whose seven BIR wins leads all active drivers, is third after his run of 3.920 at 330.39.

Duluth native Greg Anderson enjoyed a strong ending to his night in Pro Stock, taking the top spot on Friday night with a run of 6.614 at 204.76 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. The standout pass handed Anderson the $2,000 bonus in the American Rebel Light “Battle for Rebel Axe” and plenty of momentum for the rest of the weekend.

Should that hold, the reigning world champion would earn his fifth No. 1 spot of the season as he seeks another victory at the track where he grew up racing.

“It felt really nice and like before the run, I told all my guys, ‘We made a nice run on the first run, and I think we can go quicker on the second’. I told them I want that guitar. I want those cases of beer. Any time that anybody puts up a special bounty like that, it means the world to a guy like me. I love that,” Anderson said. “

“They made the right calls on the car and we made a beautiful run. It felt perfectly in low gear. That’s all I could ask for. This has been a great night. Right now, I feel like I won the race. This track is different from anyplace we race, but it’s a great surface. That’s why you saw so many good runs in the second session. Guys know what they can throw at it, and it’s probably going to get quicker tomorrow.”

Points leader Dallas Glenn, who has won the past two years in Brainerd, is in second, just behind Anderson with a run of 6.616 at 204.79, while Erica Enders is third after going 6.623 at 205.82 during what she hopes is a big turnaround weekend.

Qualifying continues at 12 p.m. CT on Saturday at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 43rd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, 13th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Antron Brown, 3.742 seconds, 334.90 mph; 2. Clay Millican, 3.746, 330.96; 3. Shawn Langdon, 3.753, 334.82; 4. Doug Kalitta, 3.758, 329.75; 5. Brittany Force, 3.766, 332.10; 6. Tony Stewart, 3.799, 326.40; 7. Jordan Vandergriff, 3.800, 328.30; 8. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.877, 311.41; 9. Kyle Satenstein, 3.882, 301.20; 10. Will Smith, 4.144, 229.98; 11. Billy Torrence, 5.074, 142.78; 12. Josh Hart, 5.408, 127.49; 13. Justin Ashley, 6.589, 91.13.

Funny Car — 1. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.893, 331.45; 2. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.907, 323.66; 3. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.920, 330.39; 4. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.930, 332.43; 5. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.934, 324.75; 6. Alexis DeJoria, Dodge Charger, 3.942, 330.23; 7. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 3.942, 302.62; 8. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.944, 329.67; 9. Hunter Green, Charger, 3.946, 314.09; 10. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.947, 325.22; 11. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.960, 317.42; 12. Chad Green,

Mustang, 3.962, 312.21; 13. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.113, 245.00; 14. Jim Campbell, Charger, 5.060, 152.68; 15. Dave Richards, Mustang, 6.011, 116.41; 16. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 6.264, 109.30.

Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.614, 206.86; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.616, 206.23; 3. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.623, 206.01; 4. Cody Coughlin, Camaro, 6.624, 206.73; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.628, 207.21; 6. David Cuadra, Camaro, 6.634, 205.16; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.641, 204.94; 8. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.642, 204.98; 9. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.643, 205.13; 10. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.659, 205.72; 11.

Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.665, 205.76; 12. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.675, 206.51; 13. Chris Vang, Camaro, 6.680, 205.16; 14. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.688, 204.76; 15. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.690, 204.60; 16. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.695, 203.89.

Not Qualified: 17. Kenny Delco, 6.748, 203.71; 18. Joseph Wilczek, 7.187, 196.50.

Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Recap: Richmond Raceway

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NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE RECAP: RICHMOND RACEWAY
Event: eero 250 ( 250 laps / 187.5 miles)
Round: 18 of 25 (Regular Season Finale)
Track: Richmond Raceway
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Date & Time: Friday, August 15 | 7:30 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90

No. 41 Niece Equipment Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Gould | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

Start: 29th
Stage 1: 27th
Stage 2: 26th
Finish: 25th
Driver Points: 44th
Owner Points:

  • Key Takeaway: Matt Gould and the No. 41 team played the strategy game in Richmond, but it did not play out as well as the they hoped. Gould advanced his starting position through the opening two stages, but was trapped two laps down due to a quick pace out of the leaders. The team elected to take the free pass to give him a chance at getting back onto the lead lap late in the race, but was forced to pit under green and finished in 25th-place.
  • Matt Gould’s Post-Race Thoughts: “Obviously, this is a difficult track has a lot of tire falloff. I felt like we struggled tonight; we weren’t very good in the first stage and got behind the eight ball after we went a couple laps down. As the race went on, we made our truck better after we put some tires on and drove up to around 10th or so. Mike (Shiplett) tried to offset our strategy to get our laps back, but the last stint ran green. Then, we took the wave around and got another lap back, but I couldn’t do much on old tires. Regardless, it’s always fun to hop in the truck any time I get the opportunity to. I just can’t thank DQS Solutions & Staffing, Precision Vehicle Logistics, J.F. Electric, and everyone at Niece Motorsports enough for giving me the privilege to drive this truck. Even when we were struggling across the board, I had a lot of fun tonight.”

About Niece Equipment: For over 30 years, Niece Equipment has provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Our reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. Each of our water and fuel/lube trucks are engineered with quality and durability in mind. Our capability ranges from 2,000 gallon water trucks to 12,000 gallon water towers. The fuel/lube trucks we offer range from 600 to 4,000 gallons.

No. 42 J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Landon Polinski

Start: 20th
Stage 1: 22nd
Stage 2: 24th
Finish: 17th
Driver Points: 18th
Owner Points: 23rd

  • Key Takeaway: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team came away as the lead truck for the organization in Richmond. Mills started the race in 20th and had to fight for a shot to get back onto the lead lap following a quick opening stage. Through strategy, the team almost caught the break they were looking for and nearly got back onto the lead lap. Ultimately, Mills rebounded for a 17th-place result in the 250-lap race.
  • Matt Mills’ Post-Race Thoughts: “Honestly, once we got in stage two after the sun went down, our truck started coming to us. We just needed that at the very beginning to not lose the track position. Landon (Polinski) made some good calls in his debut, and ultimately, we got the truck where we wanted it to be. Just ran out of time there and couldn’t get the free pass to make a race out of it. But, I’m proud of the effort that we had and proud that we showed some speed at a certain point, just needed a little sooner next time. Huge thank you to J.F. Electric, DQS Solutions & Staffing, Precision Vehicle Logistics, and everyone that supports us.”

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

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

No. 44 Telcel Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Andrés Pérez de Lara | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers

Start: 22nd
Stage 1: 24th
Stage 2: 17th
Finish: 21st
Driver Points: 17th
Owner Points: 17th

  • Key Takeaway: Andrés Pérez de Lara and the No. 44 team battled through adversity in Richmond and salvaged a decent night. Pérez de Lara struggled to find pace early on, but showed speed in stage two. The team made a bold strategy call to wave around onto the lead lap, but was quickly spun around on a restart where a caution did not fly. Stuck on old tires, Pérez de Lara fell back off the lead lap, but carried forward to finish in 21st-place.
  • Andrés Pérez de Lara’s Post-Race Thoughts: “I think our result doesn’t reflect how hard we worked and how we got better throughout the night. We were very tight at the start of the race, and my crew worked on it and got it better. There was a point that things were looking way better, and I made a big mistake on a restart which really changed our night and put us on the wrong foot. I’m frustrated with that, but we’ll keep on working for Darlington and try to fire off better. Thank you to Telcel and everyone on this Niece Motorsports team for their support in me for our first race together this weekend.”

About Telcel: Telcel is Mexico’s leading telecommunications company, providing nationwide coverage, cutting-edge mobile connectivity, and high-speed internet services to millions of users. With over 30 years of experience, Telcel continues to innovate in digital communication, offering solutions that keep people connected anytime, anywhere.

No. 45 DQS Solutions & Staffing Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Bayley Currey | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

Start: 13th
Stage 1: 19th
Stage 2: 18th
Finish: 20th
Driver Points: 25th
Owner Points: 11th

  • Key Takeaway: Bayley Currey and the No. 45 team put up a valiant effort in Richmond, but unfortunately were unable to get the result needed to qualify for the Owner Playoffs. Currey qualified the highest for the team in 13th, but fell back early in the race. At the end of the first stage, the team fell off the lead lap and had to fight hard to get their position back the rest of the night. Through various strategy calls, the No. 45 nearly got back into the picture, but had to settle for a 20th-place finish.
  • Bayley Currey’s Post-Race Thoughts: “Man, I just hate that we couldn’t get the No. 45 guys into the Playoffs this year. We were just off tonight, but those guys never quit trying everything they could to keep us in the fight. Once we lost our lap and weren’t able to get it back quickly, I knew it would be a tough task. Regardless, I know what this group is capable of and we will bounce back stronger in Darlington. I’m thankful to everyone at DQS Solutions & Staffing, J.F. Electric, and Precision Vehicle Logistics for their support of us. We’re going to try everything we can to end our season on a high note in these last seven races!”

About DQS Solutions & Staffing: DQS Solutions & Staffing began as an employment agency (Detroit Quality Staffing) and has since grown into a comprehensive solutions provider. Guided by a mission to achieve excellence and adaptability, DQS partners with clients to create custom workforce, security, transportation, janitorial, quality, and many other specialty services that address unique business challenges. Recognized as Michigan’s fastest-growing company and #22 in the nation on the Inc. 5000 list, DQS drives industry growth while giving back through its nonprofit, Foundation for Pops, and partnerships like the River Rouge School District. See what solutions DQS can provide for your business needs at www.dqstaff.com.
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team that has competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) since 2016. Fielding the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45 trucks, the team has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 200+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. Founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece, the team is owned by Josh Morris of DQS Solutions and Staffing and the Fowler Family of J.F. Electric and Utilitra. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a full-service race vehicle build shop as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

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

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