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Tom Sheehan’s Podium Finish Overturned in Dramatic TA2 Road America Weekend

By
Official Release
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Elkhart Lake, WI – July 3, 2025 – In a heart-wrenching turn of events at the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series race at Road America on June 29, 2025, Tom Sheehan, driver of the No. 97 Vixen Cycle Co./LTK/Cope Ford Mustang, was stripped of a hard-fought podium finish due to a technical infraction. After a typically steely display in Round 7, Sheehan’s third-place class finish was disqualified after his car failed post-race inspection for not meeting the ride height requirement.

The Bow, New Hampshire pilot used all his skill and experience to avoid the numerous casualties that plagued the race. Starting from 20th overall and sixth in his class with a qualifying time of 2:14.234, Tom navigated the challenging 4.048-mile Road America circuit with precision. As Tom focused on competitive pace, he methodically worked his way through the field to cross the finish line in 10th overall and third in class.

However, the race was marked by drama, particularly after a restart that saw four cars, including Pro Am driver Keith Prociuk, eliminated in a chaotic incident triggered when Rafa Matos appeared to lose his brakes. Sheehan’s ability to avoid the melee and strategic driving allowed him to capitalize on the misfortunes of others, securing what appeared to be a well-deserved podium in the Pro Am class.

The post-race technical inspections revealed that Sheehan’s No. 97 Ford Mustang did not comply with the Series’ ride height regulations. The disqualification was a bitter blow for Sheehan and his team, who had executed a near-flawless race strategy.

“Tom drove an incredible race, battling from the back to a podium position in class,” said a spokesperson for Vixen Cycle Co./LTK. “While the disqualification is disappointing, it doesn’t diminish the skill and heart Tom showed on the track. We’re proud of his performance and are already looking forward to Watkins Glen.”

Tom, a veteran of the Trans Am Series, remains undeterred. Known for his resilience and passion for racing, he is already preparing for the next challenge.

The CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series heads to Watkins Glen International for the Watkins Glen SpeedTour, scheduled for July 11-13, 2025. Sheehan and his team are determined to rebound and deliver another strong performance at the iconic New York circuit.

The No. 97 Vixen Cycle Co./LTK/Cope Ford Mustang team extends its gratitude to its sponsors, crew, and fans for their unwavering support. Sheehan’s drive and dedication continue to inspire, and the team is eager to return to the track to compete for the top spots.

Fans can follow his journey and cheer on the No. 97 and for more information about Tom Sheehan and his racing endeavors, visit Damon Racing on Facebook. For details on the Trans Am Series, go to www.gotransam.com.

Follow Tom’s social media channels via his Facebook page, Damon Racing, Instagram account (@TomSheehanTA97), and X account (@TomTA2_97).

About Vixen Cycle Co.

Founded by women with a passion for motorcycles, Vixen Cycle Co is a trailblazing brand that not only caters to female riders but also empowers and equips them with a unique blend of stylish clothing and motorcycle parts. Our clothing line is a testament to meticulous design, offering a wide range of trendy and functional apparel that allows women to embrace their love for motorcycles without compromising on style. From sleek and stylish designs to powerful and efficient motorcycle parts, Vixen Cycle Co is committed to enhancing both the look and performance of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

About LTK Insulation Technologies:

Putting LTK insulation jackets & covers to work on your project saves your firm real money and time. The LTK Insulation products are so fast and easy. Installation is as fast as identification. Our carefully designed products line allows; fast, sure fit, 100% clean, no tool installation. Product designed for; balance valves, control valves, flex hoses, in line specialties, couplings, quick connects, unions, zone pumps. Your imagination is the only limit….GOLTK!

Bad Credit Car Dealers: Where to Find the Best Dealership for Your Situation

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

A few years ago, I found myself in a tough spot. My credit score had taken a hit after a job loss and a few missed payments. Nothing crazy, just life happening. However, my old vehicle eventually gave up on me. You know that feeling when your check engine light comes on and you hope it goes away? Yeah, but it didn’t. And suddenly I was without a car, with a credit score in the 500s and no idea how to fix either.

Have you ever walked into a dealership and felt judged? Like, the second you mention your credit situation, the whole vibe changes? I have. It sucks. But here’s the good news: You can find bad credit car dealers who will work with you, not against you. You need to know what to look for and what to avoid. Let’s go through how to find the right dealership for your situation without getting taken for a ride.

What do you need to look for in a bad credit car dealer

Not all dealerships that say “we finance everyone” are scams, but some certainly act like it. Here’s what to look for:

They report to major credit bureaus

If your goal is not just to get a car but to rebuild your credit, make sure the dealer reports your payments to the credit agencies. Or, all of your on-time payments will not help your credit score at all.

Transparent loan terms

Watch out for fuzzy math. A good dealer will show you:

  • The total cost of the car
  • The interest rate (APR)
  • The length of the loan
  • The total amount you’ll pay over time

If they gloss over the numbers, that’s a red flag.

Reviews and reputation

Before you walk into any dealership, Google them. Look for:

  • Reviews from real people with similar credit situations
  • Complaints about hidden fees or shady contracts
  • Signs they actually care about helping customers long term

Watch Out for These Red Flags

Okay, this part’s important. Just because someone says “We approve everyone” doesn’t mean they’re doing you any favors. Here’s what to avoid:

Huge down payments

When they are requesting an overpayment of $5,000 on a $10,000 car, then something is not right.

Super high-interest rates (over 25%)

Yes, you’ll pay more with bad credit, but there’s a difference between

higher and predatory.

“Yo-yo” financing

This is when they “approve” you, let you take the car, then call a few days later to say the deal fell through and you need to sign a new contract with worse terms. Don’t fall for it.

No warranty or return policy

Especially when it comes to used cars, you will want to have some form of security, in case the car breaks down a week after you buy it.

Tricks that Will Simplify the Process

Check your credit report before you go. There are times when you make errors, which can reduce your score; however, once these are corrected, it can put you in a favorable loan category.

Select a budget and don’t change it. You are not purchasing a car; you are enrolling in years of finance.

Try pre-approval. Some online lenders specialize in bad credit auto loans and can provide you with a quote that you can present to the dealership.

Take income and address proofs. Dealers are interested in knowing that you can repay them.

Final Thoughts

Selecting a good dealership with your low credit is not a compromise. It’s about being smart, posing the right questions, and knowing your worth. Although you may not have the best credit score, you should still maintain standards.

Therefore, there is no rush. Ask around. Check the small print. And never be hurried into a transaction that you do not feel in your heart. You’ve got this.

NASCAR at Chicago Weekend Schedule and Highlights

By
Angie Campbell
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Chicago Street Course 2024 by Kapil Chaudhari for SpeedwayMedia.com

The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series travel to Chicago this weekend for some street racing while the Craftsman Truck Series enjoys a few weeks off from competition.

This weekend marks the third NASCAR Cup Series race at the Chicago Street Course, following events in 2023 and 2024.

All times are Eastern.

Saturday, July 5

Xfinity Series

10:30 a.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – CW App
Timed: All Entries, 50 Minutes

11:30 a.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying – CW App
Impound: Groups 1 & 2, Multi-Vehicle

4:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series The Loop 110 Chicago Street Race
CW/MRN/SiriusXM
Stages 15/30/50 Laps = 110 Miles
Post Xfinity Series race: NASCAR Press Pass

Cup Series

1 p.m.: Cup Series Practice – truTV/MRN/SiriusXM
Timed: Group 1 – 25 Minutes, 5 Minute Break, Group 2 – 25 Minutes

2 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – truTV/MRN/SiriusXM
Impound: Groups 1 & 2, Multi-Vehicle
Post Cup Series Qualifying – NASCAR Press Pass

Sunday, July 6

Cup Series

2 p.m.: Grant Park 165 Chicago Street Race
TNT Sports/MRN/SiriusXM
Stages 20/45/75 Laps = 165 Miles
Post Cup Series race: NASCAR Press Pass

2 p.m.: Grant Park 165 Chicago
Stages 20/45/75 Laps = 165 Miles
Post Cup Series race: NASCAR Press Pass

Cup Series Notes:

This weekend marks the third NASCAR Cup Series race on the Chicago Street Course, following events in 2023 and 2024.

Both of the previous Chicago Street Course winners took the lead for the final time with eight laps to go.

Interestingly, both past winners, Shane van Gisbergen in 2023 and Alex Bowman in 2024, scored their first victory of the season on the streets of Chicago.

Even more intriguing, Shane van Gisbergen won on the Chicago Street Course in 2023 and finished last in 2024, while Alex Bowman finished last in 2023 and won in 2024.

Even more intriguing, Shane van Gisbergen won on the Chicago Street Course in 2023 and finished last in 2024 while Alex Bowman finished last in 2023 and won in 2024.

Xfinity Series Notes:

This weekend will be the third consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Chicago Street Course. It is also the third road course of 2025.

In the two previous Chicago races, the winner led the final eight laps en route to the checkered flag.

There are nine races left in the Xfinity Series regular season and five Playoff available spots.

In addition to competing in the Cup Series at Chicago, Shane van Gisbergen will drive the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series race.  

Rate Gears Up for Hyak Motorsports at Grant Park 165 with Ricky Stenhouse Jr Behind the Wheel

By
Official Release
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A partnership built for performance: Rate backs Ricky Stenhouse Jr and Hyak Motorsports in a race fueled by speed, smart risk-taking, and a passion for winning

CHICAGO, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rate, a leading fintech company, is hitting the track this weekend with Hyak Motorsports, sponsoring driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr at the Grant Park 165. As part of the growing Rate Racing initiative, the event marks another high-speed moment where Rate’s passion for excellence meets hometown pride.

“I’m excited to light up the streets of Chicago and represent Rate in front of their hometown crowd,” said Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

The Grant Park 165 is a key milestone in Rate’s broader push to connect with customers through partnerships that mirror its core values: speed, precision, and high performance. The Hyak Motorsports collaboration builds on that foundation, blending the excitement of racing with the company’s relentless drive to innovate and compete at the highest level.

“At Rate, we partner with people who play to win. They move fast, take smart risks, and stay locked in on performance,” said Victor Ciardelli, CEO of Rate. “That’s exactly what Ricky Stenhouse Jr and Hyak Motorsports bring to the track. This partnership is built on a shared mindset, whether it’s winning a race or helping someone win a home.”

All Eyes on Chicago This Weekend

This weekend’s Chicago Street Race, running July 5–6, brings together top-tier talent, high-performance engineering, and brand-backed momentum. As part of Hyak Motorsports’ race advance, fans can expect a dynamic showing from the team, fueled in part by Rate’s sponsorship and the driving force of Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

With deep experience and leadership from Hyak Motorsports VP of Sales & Marketing Todd Carte, the team is primed for a standout appearance on one of the most iconic road courses in the country. The partnership with Rate not only brings added visibility but also reinforces Hyak’s ongoing mission to build strategic alliances that elevate motorsport culture and fan engagement.

More information on Hyak Motorsports can be found at www.hyakmotorsports.com.

Event Overview
Event: Grant Park 165
Time/Date: 2 PM ET on Sunday, July 6
Location: Chicago Street Course
Layout: 2.2-mile, 12-turn street course
Format: 165 miles / 75 laps | Stages: 20 / 45 / 75
TV/Radio: TNT / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

About Rate

Rate Companies is a leader in mortgage lending and digital financial services. Headquartered in Chicago, Rate has over 850 branches across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Since its launch in 2000, Rate has helped more than 2 million homeowners with home purchase loans, refinances, and home equity loans. The company has cemented itself as an industry leader by introducing innovative technology, offering low rates, and delivering unparalleled customer service. Recent honors and awards include: a Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 by Fortune; Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 for First-Time Homebuyers by Forbes; a Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 for FHA Loans, Home Equity Loans, and Lower Credit Scores by NerdWallet; Best Mortgage Lender of 2025 for Digital Experience and Down Payment Assistance by Motley Fool; Chicago Agent Magazine’s Lender of the Year for seven consecutive years. Visit rate.com for more information.

About Hyak

Hyak Motorsports is a race-winning NASCAR team co-owned by Gordon Smith, Ernie Cope, Mark Hughes, and Brad Daugherty as of Nov. 18, 2023. The Harrisburg, North Carolina-based organization won the 2023 Daytona 500 with driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr and has accumulated two other wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. For more information, please visit the newly rebranded team at HyakMotorsports.com and on social at Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.

Chevrolet in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course Advance

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES
Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Lexington, Ohio
Race Advance
July 4-6

Detroit (July 3, 2025) – The tenth round of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio, marks the beginning of a jam-packed July, featuring a four-weekend stretch that includes five races.

Chevrolet-powered drivers have had recent success at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, winning three of the last four races, including Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, winning the first NTT INDYCAR SERIES race where drivers were able to utilize the hybrid power unit. The 26-year-old Mexican was joined on the podium by fellow Team Chevy driver Scott McLaughlin, the winner of the 2022 race with Team Penske.

The Team Chevy drivers and teams will face a few challenging wrinkles at the annual Fourth of July trip to the center of the Buckeye State. First, after a complete resurfacing before the 2024 race, the 2.258-mile, 13-turn Mid-Ohio road course underwent its first significant change in 1989, with notable modifications at the end of the long back straight. Utilizing the existing apex curbing, the right-hand Turn 4 saw the banking lowered from 4 degrees to 2 degrees, and the large gravel trap known as ‘China Beach’ was regraded to flatten out a downhill grade.

Next, there are significant investments in drainage to improve raceability in the rain, as well as over 5,000 feet of new barrier and fencing to enhance safety. Lastly, after several years as an 80-lap event, the Mid-Ohio round returns to its original 90-lap distance, the race distance before 2020.

Chevrolet at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

  • Chevrolet-powered drivers have made 240 starts across 26 races (25 seasons) at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, with 153 of those starts coming in the 14 races since the introduction of the twin-turbo, 2.2L V6 engine in 2012.
  • O’Ward started on the outside of the front row in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet to score Team Chevy’s 12th win at the Lexington, Ohio road course, tying them for the top spot.
  • Six teams have accounted for a manufacturer’s best 13 pole positions, including Team Penske’s seven poles from Will Power (4), Josef Newgarden (1), Simon Pagenaud (1) and Danny Sullivan (1).
  • Chevrolet-powered drivers have led a total of 1034 laps of the 2.258-mile, 13-Turn Mid-Ohio road course, with Will Power (178), Emerson Fittipaldi (168), Josef Newgarden (159) and Michael Andretti (152) all leading over 100 laps with Bowtie power.

Tune-In Alert

Friday

· NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 4:30pm (ET)/3:30pm (CT)/2:30pm (MT)/1:30pm (PT) – FS2/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Saturday

· NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 10:30am (ET)/9:30am (CT)/8:30am (MT)/7:30am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

· NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 2:30pm (ET)/1:30pm (CT)/12:30pm (MT)/11:30am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Sunday

· NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 9:30am (ET)/8:30am (CT)/7:30am (MT)/6:30am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

· Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (90 laps) – 1:30pm (ET)/12:30pm (CT)/11:30am (MT)/10:30am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

A.J. FOYT RACING

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

You are on a roll with strong qualifying runs and a great recovery at Road America. Do you think that marks a turning point for you and the team?

“I feel like we’ve had a turning point since the month of May. Having the entire month together with the team helped build our relationships with each other and the car. We’ve been having some good speed building with each race and we are excited to see what comes next.”

You have finished ninth, sixth and 12th in three starts at Mid-Ohio. What do you like about the Mid-Ohio track?

“Mid-Ohio is one of my favorite tracks to drive around. If I were to pick a track to just do laps on, Mid-Ohio would be up there. I’ve managed to understand the track well and get a good rhythm of speed.”

What do you find challenging at that track?

“Mid-Ohio is all the about the flow from turns 4 to 9. One mistake throughout those corners, and you’ll be off line throughout the rest losing lots of time. It’s a track where being consistent is very important.”

You have five races in four weeks. Is it tougher on the driver or the crew and why?

“Definitely tougher on the crew. We get to have a few days between each race to rest and recover while the crew needs to transport the car to and from and rebuild the car for the next race. Their jobs never stop and deserve lots of praise for what they do.”

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

You are on a roll with top five runs in the like the last four races and you’ve moved to third in the Indycar.com Power Rankings. What are your thoughts on that, and what will it take to keep that hot streak going?

“Obviously, very, very proud to be, you know, p3 in the power rankings, and to be finishing the top five this much. And honestly, I think we’ve had really good cars, we’ve done a really good job with engineering and strategy and pit stops. Plus staying clean and having good races. I think if we continue that, we will be able to continue fighting for podiums and wins.”

What do you like about Mid-Ohio?

“Overall , it’s just a very fun track, a very technical track, and I’m very excited to be going back there with last year’s success when we finished 10th and got the Biggest Mover award because we started 21st.”

You have two top 10s in six starts at Mid-Ohio. What do you find challenging about that track?

“It’s challenging because it’s really hard to pass there. So qualifying is important. It’s a rather technical track, but everybody’s run it so much that everybody’s also really good. So being perfect is going to be important.”

Since you, you mentioned that passing is hard, how did you go from 17th to ninth?

“I passed a bunch of people, and we had a good pit strategy. That was what made that race, but we were one of the only people passing. I’d say the best places to pass are probably into the keyhole, which is, I believe, turn two, and then down the back straight into four, which has now been repaved. So, you don’t really know how that’s going to play out.”

You have five races in four weeks. Is it tougher on the driver or the crew? And why?

“Probably tougher on the crew, because they’ve got to be at the track early and stay late working on the car versus the drivers. We get a little bit more downtime on the race weekends, and we get to go home between races. I’ll be staying out between the races this year, so, I’ll be on the same schedule as the crew, which I’m looking forward to. I think that’ll be a lot of fun.”

What are you doing right now (at time of interview on Tuesday)?

“I think I broke a valve on my Corvette, so I’m over doing valve covers and ignition coils. I’m over here working on cars before I leave. What else is new? Hey A.J. would be proud.”

ARROW MCLAREN

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

“I’m excited to head back to Mid-Ohio to defend my win from last year. This is a great racetrack and I know we’re capable of coming away with another victory here this weekend. We didn’t have the weekend we wanted in Road America, so this is the place to get back on the right footing and fight near the top.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“We had our best result of the season at Road America, and it’s definitely something to build on. I feel like we’re starting to hit our stride, so that makes me even more excited to get on track this weekend at Mid-Ohio. We’re starting to get to tracks where I raced with Arrow McLaren last year, so I feel like our best is ahead of us.”

Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“We’re entering a busy and important stretch of the season with a lot of races in a row, but we’ve got to focus on one race at a time. That starts with Mid-Ohio this weekend. We’ve been fast on road courses all season and I don’t see why that would change here, especially a place this team has won in the past. I’m ready to get this stretch going.”

ED CARPENTER RACING

Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet:

“I can’t wait to get the summer stretch started here this weekend in Mid-Ohio! It is a track that I have always enjoyed and I look forward to continuing to develop our road course package there this weekend.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 ECR Splenda Chevrolet:

“I am looking forward to Mid-Ohio! It was my strongest weekend last year and was my best finish in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES at that point. We should have a good weekend, we are becoming stronger and stronger the more races we do this year. I am excited to see what we can do this weekend!”

TEAM PENSKE

Josef Newgarden, No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet:

“The Mid-Ohio weekend around the Fourth of July is one of the coolest race weekends on the INDYCAR SERIES schedule. It is really a perfect example of how to celebrate the holiday with fans camping all over the grounds with red, white and blue everywhere. You can smell the cookouts each afternoon. And Mid-Ohio is a classic American road course that puts on an entertaining race. Chevrolet belongs in Victory Lane there on the Fourth of July weekend, and the PPG Chevrolet team is prepared to do just that.”

Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Odyssey Battery Team Penske Chevrolet:

“This weekend’s race at Mid-Ohio is a big one for me and the ‘Thirsty Threes.’ We’re bringing a new-look Odyssey Battery Chevy to the track; primarily black instead of the white one we won with in 2022. It looks amazing and will look good in Victory Lane again. We need that, for sure. Once we get that first win of the season I think we will go on a roll, both the 3 car team and my teammates. But it’s also my first Fourth of July as an American citizen. One of the things I love about this country is how our independence and our military are honored and respected through holidays like the Fourth. Mid-Ohio is a great track for this holiday weekend.”

Will Power, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet:

“Really getting into the meat of the season this weekend at Mid-Ohio. July is going to be a massively busy month for everyone. Obviously, we want to have multiple wins by this point in the season, but we’ve had super quick Verizon Chevys for most of the year. But in INDYCAR you need more than just speed; you need the proper strategy and a fair amount of good fortune to make that strategy work. We just have not been on the good side of that so far this season, but it can turn in an instant.”

Chevrolet at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Chevrolet wins at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: 12

2024 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren
2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske
2021 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske (pictured above)
2020 Race #1 – Will Power – Team Penske
2017 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske
2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske
2014 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing
1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske
1992 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske
1991 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing
1990 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing
1988 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing

Chevrolet poles at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: 13

2022 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren
2021 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske
2020 Race #1 – Will Power – Team Penske
2019 – Will Power – Team Penske
2017 – Will Power – Team Penske
2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske
2015 – Scott Dixon – Chip Ganassi Racing
2014 – Sebastien Bourdais – KV Racing Technology
2013 – Ryan Hunter-Reay – Andretti Global
2012 – Will Power – Team Penske
1991 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing
1990 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing
1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske

Chevrolet podiums at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: 33

Chevrolet podiums at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course by driver: Will Power (7), Emerson Fittipaldi (4), Michael Andretti (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Al Unser Jr. (3), Mario Andretti (2), Scott McLaughlin (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Sebastien Bourdais (1), Rick Mears (1), Pato O’Ward (1), Bob Rahal (1), Danny Sullivan (1) and Paul Tracy (1).

Chevrolet podiums at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course by team: Team Penske (19), Newman Haas Racing (6), Galles Racing (4), Arrow McLaren (1), Chip Ganassi Racing (1), KV Racing Technology (1) and Patrick Racing (1)

Chevrolet laps led at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course: 1034

Chevrolet laps led at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course by driver: Will Power (178), Emerson Fittipaldi (168), Michael Andretti (152), Scott Dixon (67), Pato O’Ward (52), Scott McLaughlin (49), Mario Andretti (44), Sebastien Bourdais (38), Ryan Hunter-Reay (30), Juan Montoya (30), Simon Pagenaud (23), Paul Tracy (23), Al Unser Jr. (11), Helio Castroneves (6), James Hinchcliffe (2), and Danny Sullivan (2)

Chevrolet laps led at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course by team: Team Penske (573), Newman Haas Racing (196), Chip Ganassi Racing (67), Patrick Racing (63), Arrow McLaren (52), KV Racing Technology (38), Andretti Global (32), Galles Racing (11), and Ed Carpenter Racing (2)

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Manufacturer history at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course

Wins (with competition)

12 – Chevrolet (2024, 2022, 2021, 2020 Race #1, 2017, 2016, 2014, 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989)

12 – Honda (2023, 2020 Race #2, 2019, 2018, 2015, 2013, 2012, 2001, 2000, 1999 1997, 1996)

6 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1986, 1984, 1983, 1980)

2 – Ford (2002, 1998)

1 – Ilmor (1994)

1 – Mercedes (1995)

1 – Porsche (1989)

Poles (with competition)

13 – Chevrolet (2022, 2021, 2020 Race #1, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 1991, 1990, 1988)

9 – Honda (2024, 2023 2020 Race #2, 2018, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1996)

6 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1980)

5 – Ford (2002, 1997, 1995, 1993, 1992)

1 – Ilmor (1994)

1 – Porsche (1989)

About General Motors

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

Kaulig Racing – Weekly Preview | Chicago Street Course

By
Official Release
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Victory Junction

  • Kaulig Racing drivers, team members and pit crews spent time at Victory Junction this week, where they performed pit stops and interacted with campers at the NASCARnival event.
  • For more information on donations or volunteer opportunities at Victory Junction, visit https://victoryjunction.org/.

At Chicago Street Course:

  • AJ Allmendinger will serve as a guest analyst alongside Jamie McMurray and Parker Kilgerman in The CW booth for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday, July 5th. Allmendinger will begin coverage with the pre-race show at 3:30 p.m. ET.
  • Kaulig Racing won the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at the Chicago Street Course with Shane van Gisbergen. Van Gisbergen won the pole award and led 14 laps en route to victory.
  • The team earned a runner-up finish in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Chicago in 2023 with Justin Haley. Haley led 23 laps before ultimately being passed by eventual winner Shane van Gisbergen.

Brackets Busted! 16 Drivers. 4 Races. $1 Million still on the Line.

  • The first-ever NASCAR In-Season Challenge kicked off last weekend at EchoPark Speedway with both AJ Allmendinger and Ty Dillon advancing to the second round.
  • The In-Season Challenge includes five rounds at five tracks.

Round 1: EchoPark Speedway
Round 2: Chicago Street Course
Round 3: Sonoma Raceway
Round 4: Dover Motor Speedway

  • Championship Round: Indianapolis Motor Speedway – The winner walks away with $1 Million!
  • For Challenge Round 2, in a bracket format, the remaining 16 drivers compete head-to-head with the highest finisher advancing to Challenge Round 3 at Sonoma Raceway.
  • For Kaulig Racing, AJ Allmendinger will face Ty Gibbs, and Ty Dillon will go against Brad Keselowski.

10 Team Info
Crew Chief: Andrew Dickeson
Partner: Sea Best

Ty Dillon, No. 10 Sea Best Camaro ZL1
Sea Best: Sea Best will serve as the primary partner of the No. 10 Chevrolet this weekend for the Chicago Street Course with Ty Dillon and Kaulig Racing. Sea Best proudly serves as the flagship brand of Beaver Street Fisheries, a family-owned and operated company based in Jacksonville, Florida. As one of the nation’s largest importers, manufacturers, and distributors of seafood and meat, the Sea Best brand is synonymous with premium-quality seafood. Its product lineup includes a wide range of frozen fish fillets—such as ahi tuna, mahi-mahi, cod, and catfish—along with shrimp, scallops, and lobster.

At Chicago Street Course:

  • Ty Dillon will make his second start on the Chicago Street Course on Sunday for the Grant Park 165.
  • In his previous start on the course, Dillon was having a strong run in the rain until a broken suspension relegated the team to a 35th-place finish.
  • After knocking out the No. 1 seed — Denny Hamlin — in the first round of the In-Season Challenge, Dillon now goes up against the No. 17 seed of Brad Keselowski in Challenge Round 2. The driver who finishes the highest in Sunday’s race on the Chicago Street Course will advance to Challenge Round 3 at Sonoma Raceway on Sunday, July 13.

 
“I’m excited for this weekend in Chicago. I only have the one start there from the first year in the rain and was actually running pretty good until we broke some left-rear suspension. Last year, I wasn’t racing in the Cup Series but spotted for Austin (Dillon) in turn two, so I have a different, unique perspective. I’m excited to go back. I’ve been working really hard in the simulator. We have Will Brown, who came over from the Australian Supercars Series, and just trying to learn as much as I can from him. I still have a lot I can improve on, but it’s been fun. I love being challenged and the journey of getting better. My goal this weekend, from the first lap of practice until the end of the race, is to just to progressively get better. I think if we can do that, we’ll have a good weekend.” – Ty Dillon on Chicago Street Course  

13 Team Info
Crew Chief: Mike Cook
Partner: MobileX

Will Brown, No. 13 MobileX Camaro ZL1
MobileX: For his first outing with Kaulig Racing, Brown and the No. 13 Chevrolet will be heavily supported by long-time partners of the Aussie. MobileX, the most customizable wireless service designed to save customers money, available at Walmart, will serve as the primary partner along with financial services leader, Shaw and Partners Financial Services. Additional partners featured on the No. 13 car include QuadLock, KMC Wheels, Direct Plasterboard Outlet (DPO), Complete Parts & Equipment Solutions, Southern Cross Truck Rentals (SCTR), Wurth, Supercars Championship Repco, Xpress Fleet (XF) and LeafFilter Gutter Protection.

At Chicago Street Course:

Will Brown will make his second-career NASCAR Cup Series start this weekend.
The reigning Supercars champion has made one other NASCAR Cup Series start, which came at Sonoma Raceway in 2024.
“It’s awesome to be coming back over stateside and to be competing with Kaulig Racing. Chicago is probably the one place I’ve always wanted to go after watching Shane [van Gisbergen] compete there. This type of course is similar to what I’m used to in Australia; we do about five street courses per year. It’s still very easy to make a mistake around those circuits, but I definitely feel comfortable on a track like that. With this course, there’s not a lot of room for error as far as braking with the lack of run-off areas that I’m used to, so it will be interesting seeing how the first lap or two will actually be. Having Shaw and Partners Financial Services and MobileX, two massive supporters and partners of mine, come back on board has been great, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them.” – Will Brown on Chicago Street Course  

16 Team Info
Crew Chief: Trent Owens
Partner: Celsius

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Celsius Camaro ZL1
Celsius: The No. 16 Chevy will feature the Celsius on-board camera during Grant Park 165 race weekend. Celsius is known for their better-for-you lineup of energy and hydration products, all zero sugar and created with essential vitamins. As the Official Energy Drink of Kaulig Racing, Celsius fuels Allmendinger and the No. 16 team every race weekend to keep them performing at their best.

Meet AJ Allmendinger:

Friday, July 4th

AJ Allmendinger will be at Jewel Osco, located at 17117 S. Harlem Ave Tinley Park, IL 60477, on Friday, July 4th, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. CT to meet fans, sample Celsius, and sign autographs.

At Chicago Street Course:

AJ Allmendinger will serve as a guest analyst alongside Jamie McMurray and Parker Kligerman in The CW booth for the NASCAR Xfinity Race on Saturday, July 5th. Allmendinger will begin coverage with the pre-race show at 3:30 p.m. ET.
After advancing from the first round of the In-Season Challenge, Allmendinger will go head-to-head with Ty Gibbs during the Challenge Round 2 – Grant Park 165. The highest finisher of the two will advance to Challenge Round 3 – Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.

“I love racing on the streets of Chicago, and I always think it’s a fun event overall. Racing on a street course is unique; it’s challenging in so many different ways. The weather has always been a factor there and that throws another kind of obstacle to figure out. The two years we’ve been there have been difficult in the way the race has played out. I need to be better with some of the mistakes I have made on track and we’re working hard to get a better result. Our focus this year is getting out there and having a good practice. That will set the tone for the weekend and that’s probably where we’ve lacked most in the past. I’m doing all my homework to try to be better for practice and moving on to put together a good race. We’ve had opportunities to have really good finishes, and it just hasn’t played out. We’re working to learn from those mistakes and be better this weekend.” – AJ Allmendinger on Chicago Street Course  

10 Team Info
Crew Chief: Kevin Walter
Partner: Bettenhausen Automotive

Daniel Dye, No. 10 Bettenhausen Automotive Chevrolet
Bettenhausen Automotive: Daniel Dye will pilot the No. 10 Bettenhausen Automotive Chevrolet for his first outing at the Chicago Street Course. Bettenhausen Automotive is a family-owned dealership in the Chicago suburbs with over 60 years of history and a no-hassle, one-price sales approach. They offer a wide selection of new and used vehicles backed by top-rated service and strong customer reviews.

At Chicago Street Course:

Daniel Dye will make his first start at both the Chicago Street Course and a street circuit this weekend.
Following his eighth-place finish at EchoPark Speedway, Dye has earned six top 10s in the 2025 season.
 
“Chicago will be a really unique challenge that I’m excited to take on. I’ve never raced on a street course, so that will be a really cool experience. I’ve spent a lot of time getting laps virtually on both iRacing and the Chevy simulator, so hopefully that all pays off. I’m excited to have another returning partner of mine on our No. 10 Chevrolet. Bettenhause Automotive has supported me since my first season in the truck series, and I’m proud to have them back for what’s sure to be an exciting weekend.” – Daniel Dye on Chicago Street Course  

11 Team Info
Crew Chief: Eddie Pardue
Partner: Alloy Employer Services

Josh Williams, No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet
Alloy Employer Services: Based in Columbus, Ohio, Alloy Employer Services helps a range of clients, from small businesses to large employers. Industries served include healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, maintenance, hospitality, and construction. Alloy’s Midwest roots have led to national reach, serving clients with workers nationwide because of a love to design, build and innovate in our industry. Alloy Employer Services is a Fortune-HR, LLC company.

At Chicago Street Course:

Josh Williams has raced at the Chicago Street Course two times, with his best finish coming in last year’s edition. Williams climbed 18 positions in the 50-lap race en route to a 12th-place finish.
Williams made the second-most green flag passes in the field in that race, surging past 37 other drivers at speed.
Williams’ best-career finish on a road course came with Kaulig Racing at Portland International Raceway in 2024 (seventh).
 
“I have really enjoyed racing in Chicago the last couple years. We had a really good race last time, and I think we could have another good run this year. Road racing has always been something I’ve been pretty solid at, and even though we haven’t had the results I think we’re capable of on road courses yet this year, there’s no better time to change that up than now.” – Josh Williams on Chicago Street Course  

16 Team Info
Crew Chief: Alex Yontz
Partner: Benesch

Christian Eckes, No. 16 Benesch Chevrolet
Benesch: Benesch and Kaulig Racing will team up for the third-consecutive year at the Chicago Street Course, this time onboard Christian Eckes’ No. 16 Chevrolet. Benesch, an AmLaw 200 law firm with more than 450 attorneys and offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, New York, San Francisco, Shanghai and Wilmington, continues to be recognized by the legal industry.

Meet Christian Eckes:

Friday, July 4

Christian Eckes will be at Jewel Osco, located at 17117 S. Harlem Ave Tinley Park, IL 60477, on Friday, July 4th, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. CT to meet fans, sample Celsius, and sign autographs.

At Chicago Street Course:

Christian Eckes will make his first start at both the Chicago Street Course and a street circuit this weekend.
Eckes has earned two top-five finishes at both road course events in the 2025 season.
His best finish of the year came at his home track, Pocono Raceway, where he finished third.
 
“I’m looking forward to going to Chicago for the first time and racing on my first true street course. It will be different from the typical road courses we race on with it being more narrow and less run-off room for braking, so I think that will be my biggest challenge. We’ve had some success on the first couple of road courses this year, so that gives us some confidence heading into the weekend. If we can take care of our equipment and be there at the end, it should be another good day for this No. 16 group.” – Christian Eckes on Chicago Street Course  

Meet the Kaulig Racing Drivers

Friday, July 4

AJ Allmendinger and Christian Eckes will be at Jewel Osco, located at 17117 S. Harlem Ave Tinley Park, IL 60477, on Friday, July 4th, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. CT to meet fans, sample Celsius, and sign autographs.
 
About Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 27 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes – Buescher Preparing for Second Round of In-Season Challenge

By
Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Chicago Street Race Media Availability
Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Chris Buescher, driver of the No. 17 RFK Ford Mustang Dark Horse, has advanced to the second round of the In-Season Challenge and will face fellow Ford driver Zane Smith of Front Row Motorsports. Buescher spoke about the matchup and returning to Chicago for the third straight season as part of a NASCAR media call Wednesday afternoon.

CHRIS BUESCHER, No. 17 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse – WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS WEEKEND AND HOW YOUR TEAM WILL APPROACH THESE NEXT FEW RACES AS THE REGULAR SEASON WINDS DOWN? “We literally just came across the street from the simulator for Chicago, so obviously that’s in full swing at this moment and has been for several weeks now. We always put in a little bit more time for road courses, just to be familiar with the racetrack again. We’ll definitely be out there on the track walk with I’m sure a lot of you all as we try and see which barriers got placed in slightly different areas or whatever has changed for brake markers, road surface, whatever it may be. There’s a lot of prep to do yet once we do get to town, but looking back on Atlanta and how that all transpired, it was our most competitive Atlanta that we’ve had since reconfiguration on the 17 side. I know Brad has had some really strong runs there through the last several years, but it was a really good race for us. It was nice to run up front and be in the hunt and, ultimately, there at the end wasn’t able to keep quite the pace we needed to fight for the win. It was just a wild day for sure. It worked out for us. We ended up with a decent day. We were up front for the majority of it and felt like there was some good racing. It was more enjoyable from behind the wheel than what we’ve had in the last couple, so there are a lot of positives to come off of the Atlanta weekend and now we’re obviously staring down the barrel of two road courses coming up now.”

YOU ARE THE HIGHEST SEED IN THE BRACKET COMING OUT OF ATLANTA. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT WHERE THIS IS GOING? “You know what, I’ve got some opinions on it at this point now, I guess. Some of them are strong and some not so much. Ultimately, I think the brackets and the in-season tournament was more about the fans and giving them something to really dive off into and try and put in discovery and plan and pick out that perfect bracket starting in Atlanta was kind of rude for all of our fans in that sense. You know what, for the teams and drivers there’s real money in this thing, so we’re not blind to it, but it’s also not changing our approach to our race weekends. It’s not changing what happens in a race for us, so I don’t believe that is going to affect what you see from us. I think that ultimately at the end of the day the bigger picture is winning races, which brings on playoff implications and all of that leads to much bigger consequences for our organization. That is definitely the focus. Now, I think that you had cars that stayed in the race trying to hope that somebody else would fall out and maybe they could win over their bracket or their matchup. It’s a lot easier to do when it’s just one car. I’ve been on the flip side of those days and we hung around the great fog or mist out of Texas for three days with damage and stayed around for three extra days to go out there and gain one point after running damaged and laps down all day long. It was just a miserable experience, so that’s not always the most fun thing to do, but I think it did knowing that you’re only trying to beat out one other car and especially being at Atlanta, a place where the attrition level can be so wildly high. I think it kept everybody working hard throughout the night to try and get their stuff right and being able to get back in the hunt.”

STEVE NEWMARK IS MOVING OUT OF THE SPORT. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS OF HIM MOVING ON? “Steve and I got to Roush right about the same time, so I talk about my entire career has essentially been here, and that’s been with Steve at the head of the company. Obviously, I’m happy for him and what he’s going off to do and the decisions that he’s made and proud to have that friendship through the years and the working relationships and the fun we’ve had, the races we’ve been able to win here as well, and, like you said, we’ve got some time and as an organization we’re in a really good spot with all of our teams, our sponsors, our people, to where it’s not gonna put undue stress on us midseason. It kind of gives you that opportunity to find whoever maybe taking that role over. I don’t have any insight at this point into what that looks like beyond the next couple of months, but I’m really happy for Steve and appreciate the opportunity to work with him through all these years and have that friendship. He’s not going too far away. He might not be in the sport, but he’ll just be a short drive up the road from where we’re at now, so I’d imagine we won’t be strangers at the end of the day.”

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE NEWS? “Steve talked to me and we had a conversation. He was just proactive in saying, he said, ‘I don’t want you blindsided by this. I want this to be as professional as possible. I don’t want you to hear it from anybody else.’ So, he reached out and we got to talk for a good period of time and kind of went through where his mind is at and what’s led him to his decision. A couple of questions from me about what it means for us going forward and does he feel like there’s anything that we need to be on the lookout for and, ultimately, he just assured me that we are in a great place as an organization. This timing is not going to put any kind of draw on the company as we go through that transition and obviously he’s sticking around to help make that an easier transition as well.”

IS THERE ANY CONCERN ON YOUR PART ABOUT UNCERTAINTY WITHIN THE COMPANY ABOUT THIS CHANGE? “I think that there’s always that risk, but I think that he’s staying around. I think that we will have any of those unknowns answered or put into place by the time we get to that point of the year where people start to get antsy about what next season brings. I do think that the timing in talking with Steve and understanding where our entire group is at, I’m confident and believe in what he said and believe in what everybody within these walls has talked about that this is part of life, part of business, whatever it may be. I adamantly hate change. I tell people this all the time and maybe to a detriment to myself, so on that side of it I certainly hate the idea of the movement there and what that may bring. Ultimately, I do believe that we’re in a good spot to the point where I think that we can, I won’t say control what everyone is feeling, but I think it should put everyone else at ease knowing that we feel like we’re in a good spot and that we can make this transition pretty easy.”

LOOKING AT CHICAGO, HOW MUCH DO YOU LOOK AT COTA AND MEXICO TO SEE WHO IS GOOD OR THE FACT IT’S A STREET COURSE DOES THAT NOT MEAN MUCH? “You know what, road racing is road racing in general, but street racing is its own animal. There are things that you can certainly take about it. I’m hoping you’re not asking me for betting advice right now (laughing). I got the refresher. I know you did, but I think that the street course does present its own challenges in that sense, that you have to be a little bit more disciplined there. There are drivers that are very fast and maybe a little bit out of control in a lot of road courses. Most all road courses give you the ability to be a little out of control at times and not pay a penalty, so you have to be right on your marks here and that is a massive challenge of it. I think that’s why we saw SVG come in the first race and take everybody to school. Nobody had that experience to figure it out and then Mexico City happens, so I’m not sure what to make of it. Ultimately, there’s a lot of things that tell me we’re gonna be very competitive as we come into the Chicago Street Course and a lot of things that will line up based on just general road racing.”

THREE MORE ROAD COURSES COMING UP. DO YOU LIKE THEY’RE THIS CLOSE TOGETHER OR WOULD YOU LIKE THEM MORE SPREAD OUT? “I don’t have an answer for you just yet. In my mind, part of says, ‘You know what, find a rhythm and get to work.’ That’s where my head is at right now. I think if you get to the end of it, you might say, ‘Man, that was a lot,’ and would have liked to spread that out through different times of the season, but right now I’m on board and I want to see if this is one of those things we talk about momentum in our sport all the time and while it’s made up in some people’s minds, it works more times than not and, to me, it means that if you can get momentum on your side for these road courses that we’re getting off too early, then I think it can carry over into Sonoma and the Glen as well. So, I’m curious to see how it all plays out. We’ll kind of get some feedback from the industry and from our fans and see where their mind was at at the end of it, but I’m on board right now.”

DOES INDIANAPOLIS GET YOU EXCITED AND WHAT IS THE KEY TO RUNNING WELL THERE? “I’m really excited about Indy, first of all. I’m really optimistic knowing the speed of our race cars here at RFK at places like Michigan or Pocono or even Kansas. We’ve been really fast at these higher speed racetracks and, to me, that translates really well to Indy and we were really good there last year. We had our own issues that held us back from a strong day, but we were really fast in that time, and I think we can be really, really good this go-around. I’m really excited about that race simply because I think that it’s an opportunity for us to go win, just like any other race, but it’s also one of our crown jewels as well. We’ve got to be ready for it. We know it’s gonna be a big weekend. It’s a racetrack that’s gonna be track position sensitive, and I know we all hate having that conversation, but it is what it is, so we need to go there, we need to unload with speed. We have I guess we call this a full practice now, but we have 45 or 50 minutes of practice being a premier event, so we’ll have time to work on it and if we can qualify strong and up front, then that will show we have the speed and that will definitely translate over into the race.”

WHAT DOES YOUR TEAM HAVE TO DO OVER THE NEXT MONTH TO SOLIDIFY MAKING THE PLAYOFFS? “Win. It’s a must-win. I don’t think you can look at it and say it’s not. I think we need to go to the racetrack and we need to take chances and be fast. All of that brings points with it and if that’s what we have to fall back to, then I hope we fall back and say that it was enough and we were proud that we were fast enough to earn those points in these stretches. I know over the last five weeks I saw a stat where our team has put more points on the board than anybody else in the garage, so that’s not because we’re points racing. That’s because we are bringing fast Mustangs to the racetrack. We’re executing at a high level across the board and we’re working on just getting these small details, fine-tuning this last little bit to where we can be in contention to win or put a trophy up on the shelf and that ultimately is the lock in. I’m really proud of the speed that we have right now, but I believe it’s going to take grabbing a checkered flag to get us into the playoffs at this point. We’ve been on this bubble a couple times through the years and we’ve felt safe at times even, but it wasn’t. We’ve got a lot of opportunities for different winners over the next several races, whether that is Daytona or road courses. It’s time to win races. I think we’re gonna consider ourselves in a must-win, and I think it’s important too because a lot of cars know that they are in a must-win no matter what, that are gonna be taking those same chances and opportunities and risks.”

AM Racing | Harrison Burton Chicago Street Course Xfinity Race Preview

By
Official Release
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AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Chicago Street Course | The Loop 110

Fast Facts

No. 25 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Harrison Burton
Primary Partner(s): Dead On Tools
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Danny Efland
Spotter: Kevin Hamlin
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. 079
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines
2025 Driver Points Position: 13th | 2025 Owner Points Position: 15th

Notes of Interest:

● Junior Journey: AM Racing will embark on its junior year journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 with driver Harrison Burton for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s running of The Loop 110 at the Chicago Street Course.

● Future Focused: In September 2024, AM Racing announced that NASCAR Cup Series winner Harrison Burton would join the family-owned operation to pilot the team’s No. 25 Ford Mustang, beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opener from Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on February 15, 2025.

Burton, a native of Huntersville, N.C., has been a staple in the NASCAR Cup Series for the past three seasons but will embrace a return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and continue his relationship as a driver of the Ford blue oval.

Burton, 24, arrives on the scene at AM Racing after a 108-race stint driving for the historic Wood Brothers Racing team.

● Dead On Focused: In January, AM Racing announced a new partnership for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, which continues with the Andy’s Frozen Custard 300. As part of the agreement, Dead On Tools will serve as the primary partner for the team’s rebranded No. 25 Ford Mustang.

Dead On Tools: A collision of serious tool using professionals and a lifestyle lived out loud. Dead On Tools sets the highest standard for precision tools and work gear products in the industry today, representing innovation and quality that was born from actual users in the trade.

Dead On Tools is headquartered in the Midwest and distributes professional tools and work gear products throughout North America.

Stay tuned to both the AM Racing and Harrison Burton social platforms for opportunities to win Dead On Tools swag and more!

● Critical Summer Stretch: The Chicago Street Course continues a pivotal nine-week stretch that will help shape the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff picture ahead of the postseason opener at Bristol Motor Speedway in September.

The series is set to tackle a diverse slate of tracks in the coming weeks, each bringing its own unique demands. It all begins this weekend with the return to the tight, technical streets of downtown Chicago for the highly anticipated Chicago Street Course event. From there, the road course rhythm continues with a cross-country trip to the rolling hills of Northern California and the challenging layout of Sonoma Raceway.

From there, teams will take on the high-banked concrete of Dover Motor Speedway, then head to the iconic yard of bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, followed by Iowa Speedway, before wrapping up the stretch on August 9 at Watkins Glen International — a renowned road course in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series The Chicago Street Course Stats: Saturday afternoon’s The Loop 110 will mark Harrison Burton’s first NASCAR Xfinity Series start on the 2.140-mile Chicago Street Course.

While new to the layout in Xfinity competition, Burton brings some familiarity from his two NASCAR Cup Series starts in the Windy City.

Driving for Wood Brothers Racing, he recorded a best finish of 25th after starting 31st in the 2024 Grant Park 125.

His average finish at the street circuit in Cup competition stands at 27.5.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Chicago, Burton has 92 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts to his credit with four wins, 27 top-five and 55 top-10 finishes, and a championship-best result of eighth, twice in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Burton’s four wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series occurred during the 2020 season. Burton, the son of former NASCAR driver and current television analyst Jeff Burton, captured the checkered flag at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway, Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, respectively.

Burton maintains a solid Xfinity Series average finishing position of 12.4 in four years of competition.

In addition to the 91 Xfinity Series starts, he has achieved 109 NASCAR Cup Series starts, 40 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts and 52 career starts across the ARCA Menards Series platforms.

● EchoPark Speedway | Focused Health 250 Race Recap: Returning to EchoPark (Ga.) Speedway for the second time in the 2025 season, Harrison Burton and AM Racing aimed to notch their eighth top-10 finish of the year under the lights.

With no practice session on the schedule, Burton came out swinging in qualifying, posting the ninth-fastest lap in his No. 25 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang. At the drop of the green flag, he hovered around the top-10, though persistent grip issues made it difficult to gain ground.

Strategic calls from crew chief Danny Efland helped elevate Burton into the top five during Stage 2.

However, the team’s momentum was interrupted when Burton was spun by another competitor while battling through traffic. Fortunately, the contact resulted in only minor damage.

Despite an impressive charge from the rear of the field, the earlier damage impacted the car’s handling in the closing laps, ultimately leaving the team with a respectable 13th-place finish at the checkered flag.

● Thanks For Your Support: With 51 percent of the 2025 Xfinity season complete, AM Racing and Harrison Burton would like to thank their partners for their continued support: AIRBOX Air Purifier, Blue Wolf Cleaner & Degreasers, Dead On Tools, DEX Imaging, Eagle Rentals, Flying Circle, Mechanix Wear, Morton Buildings, Racing Radios, Volt Batteries and WIX Filters.

● From the Pit Box: Veteran race engineer and former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Danny Efland is Harrison Burton’s crew chief.

He will be the crew chief for his 22nd career NASCAR Xfinity Series race, his first at the Chicago, Ill. Chicago Street Course, on Saturday afternoon.

In his previous 21 Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one pole (Daytona International Speedway | February 2016), two top-five and eight top-10 finishes.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Harrison Burton, please visit theharrisonburton.com, like his Facebook page (Official Harrison Burton), or follow him on Instagram (@harrisonburton12) and X | Twitter (@hburtonracing).

Harrison Burton Quoteboard:

On The Chicago Street Course: “This weekend will be my first time in an Xfinity Series car at the Chicago Street Course, but I’m going into it with a positive mindset and the goal of maintaining a solid pace on Saturday afternoon.”

On Keys to Success at The Chicago Street Course: “Track position will mean everything this weekend.

“The Chicago Street Course has proven to be a challenging place to pass, so we need to qualify our No. 25 Dead On Tools Ford Mustang as close to the front as possible.

“We’ve got to stay out of trouble and execute throughout the race to hopefully put ourselves in position to contend for our eighth top-10 finish of the season.”

On Goals for The Chicago Street Course: “We need stage points, and we’re going to do everything in our power to get them. We’ve been able to score stage points on the road courses this year, but with the Playoffs not that far away, it’s important to keep racking them up.

“At the same time, we’ve got to stay out of trouble late in the race to make sure we come away with a strong finish.”

On EchoPark Speedway Finish: “I’m proud of our AM Racing team. Even without the benefit of qualifying, we were able to start the race inside the top-10 and even though we had to wrestle with the handling a little bit, I really thought we were in a position to finish inside the top-five, until we got spun and suffered some damage.

“Still, we rebounded to finish 13th, and while it could’ve been a lot worse, it was definitely a race of missed opportunity for us.”

On 2025 Season Outlook: “I still genuinely believe we can continue to turn some heads in 2025. Now that we’re past the halfway point, our goals haven’t changed, they’re still within reach. This AM Racing team has what it takes to fight our way above the Playoff cutline and stay there.

“We’ve got a great group of people and partners who continue to believe in what we’re building. Nothing would mean more to me than delivering AM Racing its first Xfinity Series win, locking into the Playoffs, and making a serious run at the championship.”

Race Information:

The Loop 110 (50 laps | 110 miles) is the 18th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. A 50-minute practice will take place on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, launching at 10:35 a.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag shortly after 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

In its ninth year of competition, the family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events.

McIntosh Drives From Deep in Field To Become First Two-Time BC39 Winner

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Wednesday, July 2, 2025) – Cannon McIntosh took a long, tough route Wednesday night to become the first two-time winner of the BC39 Presented by Avanti Windows & Doors at The Dirt Track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

McIntosh, from Bixby, Oklahoma, repeated as the winner of the 39-lap USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget Championship race after starting 19th in the No. 71K Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports machine in the 24-car field. He earned $20,039 for the win in the race honoring late USAC champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 starter Bryan Clauson.

“I’m speechless right now – this is amazing,” McIntosh said. “To do it in honor of Bryan Clauson here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway twice now, it’s just an honor. It’s all for him, and I’m sure he’s looking down, smiling and seeing another good race here.”

The Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian team swept the top three spots in the finishing order, as Gavin Miller placed second in the team’s No. 97 car and Jacob Denney third in the No. 67 entry.

McIntosh’s journey to victory lane for the second straight year at the 1/5th-mile dirt oval inside Turn 3 at IMS was as improbable as it was dramatic. He ended up upside-down in a wild crash during a qualifying race earlier in the evening and had to drive his way into the field by winning the Elliott’s Custom Trailers & Carts semi race.

That placed McIntosh 19th in the starting lineup. He wasn’t a factor in the first half of the race, which was dominated by pole sitter Justin Grant, who won the 30-lap feature Tuesday night.

But McIntosh began to charge through traffic and climbed to third by Lap 30 behind Grant and Denney. Grant had led every lap to that point, expanding his gap to nearly a second midway through the race, but was being challenged by Denney as McIntosh drew closer.

Grant and Denney jousted in a spirited side-by-side duel for the lead from Laps 30 to 35, with Grant holding off Denney’s repeated low slides for the top spot on both ends of the clay oval.

On Lap 36, Grant was running in the high groove exiting Turn 4 and Denney low when the two drivers banged wheels heading for the flag stand. On the next lap, Grant dove low exiting Turn 2 trying to pass Denney for the lead, but Grant’s right front wheel hit Denney’s left rear, momentarily launching Grant airborne and blunting his momentum.

That incident triggered a caution and flattened Grant’s front left tire and bent his side nerf bar into his left rear tire, effectively ending his chances to sweep the event in the No. 87 CB Industries car. Meanwhile, McIntosh squeezed past Grant and took second place.

With two laps to go, Denney and McIntosh made hard contact while battling for the lead exiting Turn 2, with Denney taking the lead. Miller was closely pursuing, ready to pounce. Just two turns later, McIntosh slid under Denney in Turn 4 for the lead with the white flag in the air while Miller and Denney made contact, all but ending their chances to win.

That bobble by his rivals let McIntosh pull away on the final lap for the victory.

“A lot of guys moved up to the top there, and it was hard to make moves,” McIntosh said. “When you throw a slide job, you lose so much momentum. So, to try and get your momentum back without getting slid was tough.

“Luckily, I was the guy coming from behind and putting those guys in bad positions and was able to get to the next guy before they could get back to me. Just kept making moves.”

Bryton Buoy led all 20 laps to win the Stoops Junior Sprint Invitational feature for young drivers. Levi Ballard, who won the first feature Tuesday night, rallied to close the gap over the final five laps but fell just short in second. Owen Larson, son of reigning Brickyard 400 presented by PPG winner Kyle Larson, finished fifth.

USAC action will return to The Dirt Track at IMS on Thursday, July 24 for the AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship feature as part of the NOS Energy Drink Indiana Sprint Week Presented by Honest Abe Roofing series. The first USAC Sprint Car race at IMS takes place the night before Brickyard Weekend for the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series starts on the 2.5-mile IMS oval.

Visit www.ims.com for information about the Indiana Sprint Week race at IMS.

The Essential Guide to Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop for Your Vehicle

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

A reliable car is more than just a convenience — for many people, it’s a lifeline to work, family, and everyday activities. So when something goes wrong, choosing the right place to fix it becomes critical. Yet with so many auto repair shops out there, knowing where to go can feel overwhelming. Should you trust the mechanic down the street? Or drive across town for a specialty shop? Making the right choice means protecting your investment, your safety, and your peace of mind.

Why the Right Shop Matters

Vehicles are complicated machines, blending electronics, mechanics, and safety systems into one finely tuned package. Even a minor issue can spiral into a major headache if handled poorly. The best auto repair shops don’t just fix your problem — they protect your car’s value, performance, and lifespan.

A trustworthy repair shop also builds confidence. You don’t want to second-guess if your brakes were properly repaired or if your oil change was done right. When you find the right shop, you build a relationship that pays off every time your car needs attention.

What to Look For

One of the most important factors is experience. Mechanics with solid backgrounds in diagnostics, repairs, and modern vehicle technology are more likely to spot hidden problems before they become dangerous or expensive.

Finding quality headlight restoration services takes careful research and attention to a provider’s track record. Well-restored headlights improve visibility and enhance overall vehicle safety.

Certifications can also give you peace of mind. Look for technicians who have updated their skills through ongoing training or recognized programs. These certifications show a commitment to staying current in a constantly changing field.

Transparency matters, too. The best auto repair shops will explain what’s wrong, why it matters, and how much it will cost to fix it — before they start turning a wrench. Clear, honest communication is the backbone of trust. If a shop seems unwilling to answer your questions or makes you feel rushed, that’s a red flag.

Warranties and guarantees are another smart checkpoint. A reputable shop will stand behind its work, giving you coverage in case something goes wrong down the line.

Signs of a Good Auto Repair Shop

  • Clean, organized facility
  • Technicians who answer questions respectfully
  • Modern diagnostic equipment, including up-to-date auto repair software
  • Clear labor rates posted
  • Positive reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations

The best auto repair shops often feel welcoming, not intimidating. You should never be afraid to ask about a repair or to get a second opinion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is choosing a repair shop solely based on price. Cheaper isn’t always better. Lowball estimates can sometimes mean low-quality parts or rushed work that leaves you back in the shop sooner than you’d like.

Another pitfall is ignoring the importance of communication. If you feel like you’re getting half-answers or a dismissive attitude, trust your gut and look elsewhere.

Finally, don’t skip doing your homework. It’s tempting to rush a repair when your car breaks down, but take the time to read reviews, check certifications, and get a sense of how the shop treats its customers.

Building a Relationship with Your Mechanic

Think of your chosen repair shop as a long-term partner. Building trust takes time, but pays off every mile you drive. Good mechanics learn your vehicle’s quirks, track its maintenance history, and spot early warning signs. That knowledge can save you money and headaches over the years.

When you bring your car in for something small, like an oil change, treat it as a chance to test the shop’s professionalism. Notice how they handle questions and whether they recommend unnecessary repairs. A quality shop will never push you to spend more than you truly need.

How Location Plays a Role

It’s tempting to pick the closest shop for convenience, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Some auto repair shops specialize in certain makes or models, while others have broad experience with everything from compact sedans to heavy-duty trucks.

If you drive a newer car with complex electronics, you might benefit from a shop with specialized diagnostic tools. For older vehicles, a general mechanic with decades of hands-on experience may be a perfect fit. Matching the shop to your car is just as important as matching price to budget.

The Value of Preventive Maintenance

A quality repair shop will help you think beyond emergency repairs. They’ll talk to you about preventive maintenance — things like brake checks, tire rotations, and fluid changes — that can help your car run longer and more safely.

By working with mechanics thornbury, you’ll feel more confident following a preventive schedule instead of gambling with breakdowns. That alone makes your investment in the right shop worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Choosing among the many auto repair shops available might feel intimidating at first, but a little research goes a long way. Look for experienced, transparent, and communicative professionals who see you as more than a transaction.

Your car deserves more than a quick patch-up. With the right shop, you gain a partner who helps you protect your investment, drive with confidence, and stay safe on the road. In the end, peace of mind is worth every bit of effort you put into making the best choice.

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