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CHEVROLET NCS AT MICHIGAN: Daniel Suarez Media Availability Quotes

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Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES
JUNE 7, 2025

 Daniel Suarez, driver of the No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series’ practice and qualifying session at Michigan International Speedway.

I actually bought translation headphones so I can understand next week, but how much of that have you really been helping everyone in real life figure out what’s going on next week?

“In real life, none, really. Only my group of people, you know, my mechanics and stuff.

It’s going to be fun. I give a lot of credit to NASCAR for bringing these kind of ideas, you know, to do. When they came to me and they said – hey, are you up to this idea of teaching a few guys Spanish classes, terms and things like that. At first, I thought — man, I don’t know if this is going to work out. Like, I don’t think this is going to be funny. And honestly, it turned out amazing. I give a lot of credit to NASCAR for trying all these different things. I think people are liking it. Drivers are embracing it. And, obviously, I’m having fun with it. I’m the one teaching the language, so for the first time, I feel like I’m in my zone, so that’s good.”

Obviously, there’s familiarity with the racetrack in New Mexico City, but with the ties with Max, have you talked to him or has he talked to you about that track? I know it’s totally different cars, but I didn’t know if there was any communication in regards to Mexico…

“You know, we have talked about it in the past. He talked to me about how low downforce it is. Obviously, those cars have very low downforce, so how much low downforce they make in Mexico City because of the altitude.

Actually, in Mexico City, they bring the same package as Monaco, which is kind of crazy to me. So we had some of those conversations in the past. And, you know, this is the part that is actually very interesting, is that a lot of people think that I’ve been racing that layout for a very long time. And actually, I’ve never been on that layout in my life. I have won at that race track, but in the overall configuration, never on the road course configuration. I know maybe 50%, maybe 40-50%, of the layout. But the stadium I’ve never been to in my life. Corner four, I’ve never been on.

I think it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a challenge for everyone. And also, you know, something else that I saw is that in Formula 1, through the esses, they go wide open when they’re low on fuel in the soft tire. We’re going in second gear, so it’s quite different. I don’t know if I can get a lot of advice from Max or someone that has run Formula 1 cars there before.”

Obviously the forecast can change, but it looks like rain throughout the next week at Mexico. With all the other challenges, what might that course be like with rain? “Yeah, a few people from Mexico City, they sent me a picture. I would like to show it to you guys because I think it’s very funny. There was a lot of rain, and there is a part of the city that is actually underwater. They have like a big (inaudible) of myself, and I’m underwater. That was very funny.

(showing photo) This is under the tunnel part in Mexico because they had a lot of rain last week. It’s fine now. That was during the rain. But there is a guy there with a little boat, and my face and my car is there. I thought it was very funny.

But anyway, yeah, the forecast can change. Listen, if it rains, obviously it’s a road course, so we’re going to be fine. It’s just one more equation into the race. Regardless of what happens, I think it’s going to be good. We’ll find out, but we’ll be ready. There have been races there in the past with rain, so it should be fine. But hopefully it doesn’t. Hopefully we’re racing in the dry. If it rains, hopefully it’s not a lot. I think the last time I saw the forecast, it was like 50% or something like that. There is a chance that it can go either way.”

(No mic…_)

“Honestly, I have never been in Mexico City where there is that kind of rain. I’m sure it has happened, but I have never seen it. So we’ll see, but I hope not. They knew NASCAR was coming, so they said – hey, let’s throw some rain in there (laughs)”.

What is going to be your number one recommendation for food next week in Mexico?

“You know, actually, what I would like to do for you guys, I would like to put together a list of five places… five good local places for you guys to try. Tacos, I don’t know if you guys are into seafood or not, but there is an area that they do amazing seafood from the coast of Acapulco.

Actually, as soon as I land, I’m going to go there on Tuesday. As soon as I land there, I already talked to Julia, we’re going to go straight to this seafood place. This seafood place there has been around for like 60 years, and they are like the distributors of seafood in a big part of the city. It’s amazing. I’m going to put a list for you guys together, and I will share it with you guys somehow. There is a couple of good taco places around. I’m going to take my team on Thursday night to one of the taco places. So, yeah, there is a few places out there.”

There is a lot of diversity in the Cup Series schedule over the next six weeks – two road courses, a street course, a monster mile, and a hybrid superspeedway. Do you think that those are opportunities for you to not only get a win, but execute yourself as a contender for a championship?

“Yeah, yeah. I think, to be quite honest with you right now, my main focus is in the next two weeks. Like right now, I’m trying not to think about Mexico too much because we’re here in Michigan. We’re far away. But my main focus is in the next two weeks. I know that we race Pocono after Mexico, and after that, I don’t even know what is next. I’ve been so focused in the next few weeks.

So, yeah, we have to just try to think one week at a time. There is definitely a lot of opportunities coming up. We have to take one step at a time and try to execute. I think that as a group at Trackhouse, we’ve been finding more speed lately. That has been shown with the No. 1 car winning in Charlotte. A couple months ago, we were not where we are right now. So definitely, we’re heading in the right direction.”

Next week in Mexico, they’ll have a podium for all the top-three finishers. Obviously that’s something that’s not typically done at Cup and Xfinity. What’s your thoughts about that? If you’re not the winner and if you finish second or third, would that be comfortable to be up there in a situation like that to be so close to winning and not? What would that be like because it’s not the culture in the Cup and Xfinity series?

“Yeah, that’s a very good question. Honestly, when they told me about it a while back, like six months ago at the time they were already considering it, they were not doing it. I thought — man, it could be a good idea. If you think about it, we are pretty much the only sport that does it like this. The Olympics… everything has a podium. Sometimes the culture can be extremely different and I don’t hate it. I just don’t hate it because people are used to doing things a certain way. The promoters, they know what they’re doing. They know what their audience likes. So I don’t hate it, especially because the way that it’s going to be in the middle of the stadium. I think that area is super beautiful. There’s going to be 30,000 people watching the podium.. 15,000 on each side. I think that’s going to be huge. Definitely something different for us. We are going to feel a little bit different. But at the same time, it’s not the first time we’ve done it. Actually, we did it in L.A., at the Coliseum. Just something different. I don’t see it as a negative. I see it as something that we have to adapt to a culture that is different to ours.”

(No mic…)

“It all depends how the race goes. It depends how I use my car. If my car was the fastest the entire weekend and I finished second, I’m going to be very pissed off. But if my car was average and I managed and we executed an amazing race and we finished second, it all depends. It all depends.

But overall, listen, I’m super excited, regardless of what happens on Sunday. I’m super excited for the event. I’m super excited to live the moment because the first time is going to only happen once.

I’m really trying to be as present as possible; enjoy the moment and try to execute the best possible weekend that we can. We know that we are capable of winning the race, but that’s not the goal. The goal is the execution of the entire weekend, and hopefully the win is the result of the execution part.”

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.

Toyota NCS Michigan Quotes – Erik Jones – 06.07.25

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Official Release
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Toyota GAZOO Racing – Erik Jones
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 7, 2025) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB driver Erik Jones was made available to the media on Saturday prior to this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway.

ERIK JONES, No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

Tell us a little bit about your foundation event and what it meant to you to be able to host that here in Michigan.

“Yeah, we’ve been doing a clay shoot the last few years in Charlotte and thought it was time to maybe move and do something different, and brought it up here to Dryden, Michigan, which many of you probably don’t know. It’s a little bit north of here and there’s a nice little huntsman club up there that has a clay course and does a bunch of other stuff. We had our event there yesterday and had great good turnout – had about 70, 80 people and raised some good money. Don’t have a final number from it, yet but yeah, it was a lot of fun. Super cool to have it all in Michigan. A lot of different crowd than what we had in Charlotte – a lot of people I’ve known for a long time, so that was neat to have an event for them up here. I’m just happy with the turnout had had good time.”

What is it about Michigan International Speedway that fits you well and do you feel like the expectations are higher this weekend for you and the team?

“Yeah, I mean the second part, I think expectations definitely higher. I think last year, we didn’t really know, we were not in a not in a great spot. We were just trying to have a good day. This year, I feel like top-10, well at least for me, not sure how everyone else feels but top-10s (are) definitely the expectation for me. Points-wise here, I don’t know, this car is way different here than the old car. We were kind of hit-or-miss in the last generation of car here. We had some good days, had some bad days. This car, I feel like every time, we’ve been pretty good. I feel like it’s more of a drafting type of race. There’s some handling that comes into play and you do need to have your car driving well, and it has to have some speed. But the way you kind of set up your passes and make your runs, you have to be pretty careful and make some good choices on restarts – put yourself kind of in a good position, have a good strategy. I feel like the last couple years, we’ve done really well playing strategy and getting ourselves up front towards the end (of the race). So, I feel like the racing is way different in this generation. Like I said, it’s more of a (pause), it’s not a speedway race, but it’s much closer to the speedway race than it used to be.”

Is there something you’re attributing the recent good finishes to?

“I don’t know that it’s one thing. I think we struggled a little bit at the start of the year, we had some days that should have been better early on in the year and we just didn’t put it all together between either mistakes I made, mistakes the pit crew, made (a) bad call, had something maybe not go right, got caught in a wreck and we saw the No. 42 (John Hunter Nemechek) have some speed too there, so we knew it was in the car. Then, we kind of had some glimmers of hope. We put together a really good race at Texas and then going back a few weeks ago, starting to put some better races together. So Nashville was really the first one that (pause), everybody just did a good job. I feel like I didn’t make mistakes, it felt like the pit crew did a good job. I think they were eighth overall on the day, so their best day by a long shot. We qualified good enough to be up front. So, everything was finally maximized and took advantage of the car we had. I think this mile-and-a-half stuff is where, at least for now, kind of our bread and butter is that. We have to execute on that. We can’t let those days slip by that we can get these good points days. I think it’ll be the same tomorrow. Just got to put it all together.”

Does LEGACY MOTOR CLUB have a game plan on where you want to be now and in a year or so?

“I think we’ve had a timeline the last couple of years and where we want to be as a team. I think that’s probably changed a little bit with last year and the struggles we had, but this year, we’re more on track to be where we want to be. Obviously, the end goal for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is to be a championship team, right? There’s no other goal than that and obviously, there’s a lot of teams with that goal. But, becoming independent and not having the alliance, that was kind of a step number one, to say ‘look, we want to do this on our own and build this into a top tier program.’ So, it’s a long way to get there, and we have a lot of work to do to get there. We probably should win a race first, but you know the goals are there, and that’s a few years down the road, but I feel like where our performance is at this moment, winning a race in the next 365 days is probably goal number one.”

What was going through your mind in the incident with the No. 20 car last weekend?

“Obviously, I got to the bottom and he (Christopher Bell) got into me once, and I’m like, ‘okay.’ I kind of just assumed now he knows I’m down here, so he’ll just give me the room. And then, he hit us again, so okay, and now I’m just going to stay in here, I’m just not going to lift. After that, I mean, I was like, ‘well, if you just come down again, you’re going to spin out.’ I haven’t talked to (Christopher) Bell. He’s made it known through the grapevine that he felt that it wasn’t my fault, so I didn’t I really want to bring it back up again with him, because like, I don’t really want to wreck you, and I don’t think he wanted to be wrecked either, so it was just one of those racing situations. Yeah, know it was a weird deal, right? He was three-wide and it looked like the No. 22 (Joey Logano) kind of pushed him down the first time and then, I think he probably just got to the where he was caught off guard, getting shoved down and then stuck in the middle and was trying to figure out where to go and ran out of race track. It’s pretty narrow, right? Nashville is not super wide, it’s not like here (Michigan), but yeah, it’s kind of unfortunate. Obviously, he’s a Toyota car, so I don’t really want to wreck anybody, but especially another Toyota, but you know, just one of those weird racing situations it felt like.”

What are your overall expectations going into the Mexico City event next weekend?

“Yeah, it’s going to be interesting. I mean, it’s going to definitely be a lot of work to just get down there. We’ve raced out of the country before in Canada years ago with the Trucks and it was okay. It wasn’t a bad experience in any way, it’s pretty easy. It’s a little bit different now here with the travel, but the track I think is good. It’s pretty unique. There’s some really high speed stuff, some really slow stuff in that stadium section is like 30 mph. So, there’s going to probably be some chaos down there. Overall, it’s hard to put judgment on it because I haven’t done it, so I don’t want to say good or bad. We’re racing (at) a new venue, out of the country. I think the crowd is going to be huge from talking to a handful of people. I don’t know, it’s a little bit hard. Just get there, do it once and see how it goes. To be honest, the travel’s a little overwhelming. I’m not a guy that is super excited about that part of it, but the race, I am looking forward to.”

What makes you so I guess consistent at Pocono Raceway?

“Yeah, I don’t know. Pocono has always been one of my favorite tracks. I went there when I was really young in ARCA. You could race there at 16 (years old), and I did that. I’ve just been going there a long time, have a lot of experience number one, but number two, it’s just a place I was super comfortable at right off the bat. I felt like I understood early kind of how to make speed there. I feel like everybody approaches that track a little bit differently and how they want their car to drive and how they want to make speed there and you know, I kind of have the way that I like to do it and felt like it’s worked for me kind of in everything, Xfinity and Trucks, Cup, ARCA, all of it. I think that’s helped a lot. I feel like this strategy has always worked super well there for me where we end up front. Yeah I think some guys probably aren’t overly comfortable going there with the track and how it drives, but it’s a place that I’ve just always (pause), I think you have those few tracks that you go to that you really like and for me, there’s a few of them and Pocono is on that list for sure.”

Do you really think LEGACY MOTOR CLUB needs to be winning races before potential team expansion would take place?

“At the end of the day, it isn’t my race team. I just drive. But yeah, I would love to see the Cup program be successful and up and going first, 100%. But, that’s my focus, right? I’m the driver of the Cup car and want to see that do well, and I want to run well, so you know, I don’t want to speak to his plans and honestly, I don’t know what Jimmie (Johnson)’s plans are on some of that stuff either. I think he’s done (pause), in the last eight months, we’ve done a great job on the Cup side of things getting to where we want to be. In this moment, we still have work to do going forward to continue this progress and even to stay where we’re currently at. I would definitely love the focus to be on the Cup car, but again, I don’t own the team, and I don’t make those decisions.”

About Toyota

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

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

CHEVROLET NCS AT MICHIGAN: Carson Hocevar Media Availability Quotes

By
Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES
JUNE 7, 2025

 Carson Hocevar, driver of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series’ practice and qualifying session at his home track of Michigan International Speedway.

Ricky (Stenhouse Jr.) talked on SiriusXM this week saying that you’ve reached out and you guys are in a good spot now. What was that conversation like? What did you feel like you needed to reach out about and where do things stand between you guys now?

“Yeah, I mean it was productive. You know, me and him both have the reputation, I guess, of being aggressive at times and everything. So at that one point, we both reminded each other that even with those reputations, we’ve raced each other very well together, right? It clashes together. So, yeah, I mean we’ve had no issues before, as he had said, and I feel like we’ve had a decent relationship leading up to this.

So, yeah, I thought it was productive and, based off his comments, I felt like it was received productive.”

When you look at the banking of this track and the track surface specifically, what makes this track so unique?

“Yeah, I mean the straightaways are just so long; the corners are so long, or, you know, sweeping. This track in general is just very large. The whole thing feels banked the same all the way around. You just carry so much speed, especially here in a minute. We’re going to go really easy wide open in the Trucks and potentially easy wide open in Cup qualifying, especially how cold it is here. So, yeah, it’s obviously very unique, but I think it’ll eventually start aging even more that you can carry a lot of speed with not a lot grip.”

Carson, are you the new ‘Intimidator’ and do you feel comfortable with that characterization?

“I mean, if I win seven championships… But, you know, if you’re going to get compared to one guy, that’s the guy, endorsements from Dale Jr. and everybody. But I don’t think I’m ‘new’ anything, you know, I think I’m ‘new’ me. Everything about me is real… like I’m not trying to play a part, try to fit a role or trying to pretend to be anybody. But, you know, it’s for everybody else to decide on what they get and perceive of me. I know who I am and, you know, ultimately, I want to be known as me and sometimes that leads to comparisons.”

Coming at the heels of the last three or four races and your 10th place finish last year at MIS, it seems like you’re on a roll. Do you really feel like you’re in a really good place right now as you march toward the playoffs?

“Yeah, our cars are just continuing to get faster obviously. It’s been a lot of fun for me to see how quick Spire can grow and how quick we can get going. It’s just a lot of fun that it’s just continuous progression, right? If it’s one step backwards, we just take two steps forward, and that’s been fun that we can have quick turnarounds and quick improvements. You see little teams, they’ll circle their few tracks a year that they can run good at, and, you know, we’re circling the few tracks that we need to completely wholesale. We don’t really have that too big of a weak spot in our game right now that, you know, we can show up any given week and run really good. We just want to figure out how to be great at all these places.”

In your mind, what’s the line between aggressive, clean driving and reckless driving?

“Yeah, I mean, obviously, I think the line is when it’s, you know, blatantly intentional versus just racing. Obviously, we make a thousand decisions a race, right? And sometimes the only decisions you see, especially when you’re not leading, in front or on TV, the only decisions you see is the bad ones because that causes a yellow and that raises a lot of tension. So, I think every racecar driver kind of realizes that at times. Intensity will just pick up, especially with how hard it is to pass or whatever. The intensity just starts picking up at certain tracks. I think everybody can see the line, especially depending on how the race goes. That kind of dictates how aggressive everybody’s being, and that’s sometimes when you start seeing mistakes or, you know, too much aggression.”

When you did drop back to 30th in points after Darlington, did you and Luke (Lambert) kind of sit down and say — okay, what do we have to do to forge our way forward?

“I mean, yes, but it wasn’t like we were 30th in points because we were slow. It was 30th in points because we had some fuel pumps, some blown tires, some motors, some other parts we couldn’t handle. So it was just more of like realizing — hey, we’re 30th in points… not off speed, but just off a lot of freak things or mechanical issues that we’ll fix. We have too good of parts, too good of motors, too good of people to not put it all together, and when it gets put all together, we’ll be right where we want to be. Weeks and speed like we’ve been having is exactly what we expected, or thought, or why we didn’t put our head down and reinvent the wheel when we didn’t need to.”

Do you guys have a strategy of getting into the playoffs on points if you don’t win?

“I mean, yes. Ultimately, you’re just trying to just finish as well as you can. We’ve gotten stage points a lot this year and that has really made the difference. I think without stage points, we’d be like 30th in points. But with stage points, we’re 17th right now. So yeah, honestly, we just got to keep doing what we’re doing and we’ll be in a decent spot or hopefully in a good spot. It’s not going to be a walk-off, you know, I think it’s going to be close all the way down the line just where we’re at in points, especially if somebody wins. But I think we’re up for the challenge.”

Even though you say there’s all these thousands of decisions that are made in a race that happen so quickly, the focus gets to be put on certain ones. This past week, was it an exhausting week or a distracting week in having to deal with one decision that was made in a split second?

“It sometimes can be. I think Jeff Dickerson has a really good line… number one is that if you’re explaining, you’re losing, right? And number two, he had always used the line of, if we’re sitting here explaining a situation or sitting there talking about it, we’re not getting faster. And I use that in this scenario, right? This the focus now. It’s not focus of, man, how do we beat the No. 12 car that’s won two championships, right? It’s, okay, how do we have this conversation with our team, this driver that we hit, all that stuff.

So, you know, that’s the difference… you just don’t want to have those conversations because you’re not getting faster with those conversations. Like, that’s what slows us down. It’s not everything else. That’s now what we’re focused on instead of just focused on just like — okay, how do we get 2.8 seconds faster in a whole race to win a race? So I think that was the biggest thing.”

Looking ahead to next week, how are you getting adjusted or what’s your plan to try to get adjusted to the higher elevations in Mexico City and prepare for that as an athlete?

“I don’t know. You know, I haven’t done a whole lot, so I’m hoping I’m okay when I get there. (laughs).

I think we get there Thursday. We’re actually running more road course prep than altitude prep. Aaron Zeigler has some radicals or whatever… some cars that we’ll drive on the road course and just get accustomed to that. I asked him, I was like — hey, I know you have these cars at this road course club. I was like, I’ve been just running nonstop on this F1 game, but I got to drive something real on a road course.”

How much do you consume all the stuff that’s being said about you when you’re at the center of attention like you were this week, whether it’s social media, fan sentiment, Sirius or anything like that? Are you paying attention? Are you looking at what’s being said?

“Yeah, I mean, slightly. I forgot that we didn’t win the race. I forgot who won for a minute.

But no, I mean, number one, it’s cool to just be talked about. Obviously, you want to be talked about maybe in a different light. But I mean, at least they’re talking, right? And I think that’s big for me. And, you know, you consume it… you see it all. You know, as Jeff Dickerson had mentioned before, he’s like, we’re trying to like round the edges. And then you have your like heroes texting you, just don’t change, right? He’s like, hold on, hold on… we need at least something a little different.

But yes, I mean, ultimately, it’s fun to obviously be in the news. I mean, it’s what I’ve dreamt of my whole life, which is just at least being a topic of conversation. Yes, I mean, it’s cool from that aspect. But you know, obviously, you want to be it when you just dominate a Cup race, and they can’t stop talking about. That’s probably ultimately the next goal. But, you know, it’s definitely fun to at least see it all or just see my face everywhere.

What’s it like to be back home coming off a second-place finish?

“Yeah, I mean if you’re going to have momentum going into any place or a good finish going into any place, going home is obviously the spot — home for Zeigler Auto Group, home for me. You know, for whatever reason, I think your crew guys or whatever works a little harder when they know it’s the home race. You feel like you just walk in with a little bit extra confidence. So when you’re already feeling good about it, I feel like that that’s just an extra boost.”

After your conversation with Ricky (Stenhouse Jr.), do you expect payback? And I guess in the same vein, when it comes to payback in NASCAR, if you had to pick, do you prefer the fists or the bumper?

“Number one, no.

And number two, I mean, they both hurt in some aspect.. one physically and one financially. So, I mean ultimately, it’s fun for fans.”

Is that a tough call to make, to call a competitor that you’ve maybe roughed up a little bit? What’s that like, emotionally, going into that kind of call?

“I mean, no, it’s not, at least it wasn’t when me and him talked. He owns a sprint car team, so he’s one of the first drivers I’ll go talk to just because I want to ask him about his sprint car team. So, you know, we’ve had that relationship, right? So, I mean, it’s not too hard to call. You just pick up the phone and call.

I don’t get nervous a whole lot or awkward… sometimes I am awkward, but I don’t get nervous or anything before those calls, especially when I feel like it’s warranted. You see these guys 38 weekends, so it’s either you call them or you see them here. It’s probably just easier if you just move that timeline up. That’s really the biggest thing.”

As a Michigan native, where would a win here, whether it be a Truck race or a Cup race, where would that rank among your career achievements of all the to win?

“Yeah, I mean, this is number one or would be number one if we can win here. We have two opportunities to do that, which would be — I don’t think I’d ever top this one, but if I was able to complete both. But just being able to win one of these would be super, super cool and mean a lot.

You know, somebody asked me earlier how much it would mean. I was like, man, I don’t know how to describe it in words, but I promise you when we win, you’ll see how much it means and hopefully we get a chance to show that.”

Nashville last weekend was your was your first top-10 on the non-superspeedway this season. You guys have had the speed all year but not the finishes. What does a weekend like last weekend do where you guys had the speed, put it all together and got the finish? What does that do for just confidence, morale, chemistry heading into the coming weekend?

“Yeah, I mean, ultimately, it’s points that we don’t feel like it was taken away finally. You know, a result that wasn’t taken away. It’s great to just finally at least have something to look at on Monday or Tuesday just for our guys alone. Our pit crew guys did a great job on a green-flag stop.

I feel like, a lot of times, we’ve been doing the right things and not getting the reward to at least just be happy or at least somewhat be like, okay, we did it, you know? So I think it’s just big from a confidence standpoint into this last little bit of a push to just be like — okay, like we finally reaped the reward of performing at a high caliber and a high level that we feel like we all can. So I think that’s just the biggest thing, it’s finally just like a sigh of relief for everybody.”

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.

LANGDON, DEJORIA, GLENN AND DAVIS GET FRIDAY’S NO. 1 PROVISIONAL SPOTS AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

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Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 6, 2025) – Top Fuel’s Shawn Langdon led the way during a rain-shortened Friday at Bristol Dragway, taking the provisional No. 1 qualifier at the 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.

Alexis DeJoria (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Brayden Davis (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the eighth of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. The second session in Top Fuel was canceled due to rain, while Funny Car ran all but one pair (Austin Prock and Jack Beckman) during the second session.

Langdon went 3.800-seconds at 328.54 mph in his 12,000-horsepower Kalitta Air Careers dragster during Top Fuel’s lone qualifying session. If it holds, it would give the former world champion his first No. 1 qualifier of the season and 22nd in his career, also snapping Kalitta Motorsports teammate Doug Kalitta’s streak of four straight No. 1 qualifiers. Though they made just one run, Langdon was pleased with the way the team rebounded after a rare first-round loss in Epping last weekend.

“I feel great about that,” Langdon said. “That’s what we were shooting for and that coincides with what the crew chief (Brian Husen) was shooting for. This car got away from us the last few races so we re-addressed a few areas. We found a couple little issues. We came here and set it up like a 3.80 run and it ran 3.80. I’d call that dead-on.

“Not everything goes to plan all the time. In a perfect situation that’s what it was going to do. That run was super safe. They also did a good job on the track here in Bristol. Afterwards it looked like a pretty effortless run.”

Josh Hart went 3.860 at 324.67 to sit in the second spot, while Justin Ashley is third after going 3.886 at 323.35.

Alexis DeJoria made a strong move in Funny Car before the rain came, recording a 3.948 at 328.14 in her 12,000-horsepower Bandero Premium Tequila Toyota GR Supra. At a track that’s always been good to the Funny Car veteran, DeJoria is in line for her first No. 1 qualifier since 2021, which would be another welcome sign for the veteran.

The team has come together quickly since joining JCM Racing this season and this was the latest example. DeJoria has enjoyed plenty of success in Bristol, including a win in 2021, and she would love for that to continue this weekend.

“After Q1 I was surprised that we were going to get another run. We ran a 3.94 and that was a great run. That was exactly what we planned on. We had one pair left and it started raining so here we are,” DeJoria said. “This is my favorite race track not just because of my past success. The acoustics here, nothing compares to it. The scenery and the fans. It’s all so great. Today, we dealt with a lot of humidity and heat. We didn’t want to put too much into it and lose a run. They did as much as they could while stating on the safer side.”

Ron Capps is currently second with a pass of 3.960 at 324.51 and Beckman’s 3.971 at 323.74 has him third.

In Pro Stock, Dallas Glenn impressed in the second session, going to the No. 1 position for what he hopes is the second time this season with a run of 6.645 at 205.60 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro. It would also be the seventh career top qualifier for Glenn, who has already won three races this season.

Last weekend in Epping marked the first time he didn’t go to the final round this season, but Glenn has quickly bounced back in Bristol. He’s second in points behind KB Titan Racing teammate Greg Anderson and is looking for another big weekend in Thunder Valley.

“In Epping on the Friday run, we hurt my main engine and got behind the rest of the weekend and that cost me a little bit,” Glenn said. “We went back to the shop and the engine guys hustled this week and fixed up the old bullet. We came here and didn’t put down a good run [in Q1] and on the second one we threw kitchen sink at it and it stuck.

“From week-to-week, there is not a lot of time to sulk from your wounds after losing early. You swallow really quick, put your head down and get back to work.”

Greg Anderson went to second with a run of 6.655 and Aaron Stanfield is right behind in third after going 6.666 at 204.32.

Making just his second career race start in Pro Stock Motorcycle, Brayden Davis made a strong impression riding the Powertrain/RevZilla/Vance & Hines Suzuki for the first time, going to the top with a run of 6.870 at 197.22. Davis made his PSM debut in Gainesville, but this weekend marks his debut with the Vance & Hines team and he’s had an immediate impact.

Riding the motorcycle points leader Gaige Herrera took to the winner’s circle in Chicago, Davis made two strong passes and is now in line to get his first career No. 1 qualifier and possibly become the fifth different winner at Bristol Dragway in five years.

“It was definitely unbelievable to be with a powerhouse team like Vance & Hines and get the No. 1 spot,” Davis said. “I ran 6.89 and 6.87 and that proves the bike is deadly consistent. Andrew [Hines, crew chief] is helping me as a rider.

“This isn’t a bad start but I’ve now got a target on my back but it’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I’ve always been the kind of person where pressure doesn’t get to me and I’ve raced in some pretty bizarre situations.”

Teammate Richard Gadson is currently second with a 6.879 at 195.93 and Angie Smith is third thanks to a run of 6.907 at 196.53.

Qualifying continues at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday at the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

BRISTOL, Tenn. — Friday’s results after the first two of four rounds of qualifying for the 24rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway, eighth of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Saturday for Sunday’s final eliminations.

Top Fuel — 1. Shawn Langdon, 3.800 seconds, 328.54 mph; 2. Josh Hart, 3.860, 324.67; 3. Justin Ashley, 3.886, 323.35; 4. Clay Millican, 3.889, 300.33; 5. Brittany Force, 3.899, 288.95; 6. Doug Kalitta, 3.909, 289.01; 7. Dan Mercier, 4.004, 305.08; 8. Shawn Reed, 5.645, 118.42; 9. Tony Stewart, 5.775, 121.40; 10. Cody Krohn, 5.947, 107.57; 11. Steve Torrence, 6.908, 85.19; 12. Cameron Ferre, 8.295, 80.35; 13. Ida Zetterstrom, 16.323, 49.83. Not Qualified: 14. Antron Brown, DQ.

Funny Car — 1. Alexis DeJoria, Dodge Charger, 3.948, 328.14; 2. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.960, 324.51; 3. Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.971, 323.74; 4. Austin Prock, Camaro, 3.995, 320.28; 5. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 4.018, 319.98; 6. Julie Nataas, GR Supra, 4.037, 317.05; 7. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 4.038, 284.51; 8. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 4.042, 312.50; 9. Matt Hagan, Charger, 4.060, 319.75; 10. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 4.060, 313.73; 11. Dave Richards, Mustang, 4.078, 315.78; 12. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.118, 310.41; 13. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.126, 294.56; 14. Buddy Hull, Charger, 5.230, 143.75; 15. Spencer Hyde, Mustang, 5.239, 144.97; 16. Hunter Green, Charger, 5.570, 127.57.

Pro Stock — 1. Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.645, 205.60; 2. Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.655, 205.82; 3. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.666, 206.32; 4. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.670, 205.88; 5. Matt Latino, Camaro, 6.677, 203.37; 6. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.677, 205.16; 7. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.683, 204.60; 8. Cody Coughlin, Camaro, 6.684, 205.32; 9. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.686, 205.88; 10. David Cuadra, Camaro, 6.687, 205.63; 11. Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.690, 205.13; 12. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.708, 203.37; 13. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.709, 205.16; 14. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.710, 206.01; 15. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.713, 204.73; 16. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.714, 205.29. Not Qualified: 17. Deric Kramer, 6.717, 205.26; 18. Chris McGaha, 6.731, 205.60; 19. Brandon Miller, 6.780, 203.09.

Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Brayden Davis, Suzuki, 6.870, 197.22; 2. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.879, 197.83; 3. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.907, 196.53; 4. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.915, 196.27; 5. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.921, 198.38; 6. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.956, 193.96; 7. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.963, 194.52; 8. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.967, 192.60; 9. John Hall, Beull, 6.993, 195.59; 10. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 7.030, 190.11; 11. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 7.031, 190.27; 12. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 7.088, 191.89; 13. Charles Poskey, Suzuki, 9.423, 95.56.

The FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan Outlook

By
SM Staff
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Tyler Reddick takes the checkered flag to win the NASCAR Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on August 19, 2024 in Brooklyn, Michigan. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Tyler Reddick won by a tenth of a second over William Byron after two overtime attempts to win the rain-postponed FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway on Monday, August 19, 2024. The race featured seven cautions for 41 laps, 26 lead changes, and 24 of the 36 starters finished on the lead lap.

Track & Race Information for the Cracker Barrel 400 (Race #14 of 36)

Track Size: 2 miles
Banking/Turns: 18 degrees
Banking/Frontstretch: 5 degrees
Banking/Backstretch: 2 degrees
Frontstretch Length: 3,600 feet
Backstretch Length: 2,242 feet
Race Purse: $11,055,250
Race Length: 200 laps / 400 miles

Time

Sunday, June 8 at 2 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

Stages

Stage 1 Length: 45 laps
Stage 2 Length: 75 laps (Ends on Lap 120)
Final Stage Length: 80 laps (Ends on Lap 200)

Who and what should you look out for at Michigan International Speedway?

Joey Logano leads all active NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) drivers in poles at Michigan with four and is also the youngest pole winner (August 16, 2013 – 23 years, 2 months, 23 days).

Active Michigan Pole WinnersPolesSeasons
Joey Logano42019, 2016 sweep, 2013
Brad Keselowski22019, 2017
Christopher Bell12023
Bubba Wallace12022
Denny Hamlin12018
Kyle Larson12017

Joey Logano and Kyle Larson lead all active NCS drivers in wins at Michigan with three wins each.

Active Michigan Race WinnersWinsSeasons
Joey Logano32019, 2016, 2013
Kyle Larson32017 sweep, 2016
Denny Hamlin22011, 2010
Tyler Reddick12024
Chris Buescher12023
Ryan Blaney12021
Kyle Busch12011
  • Ty Gibbs has one top five, two top 10s, and leads all active drivers in the NCS in average finishing position at Michigan with an 8.0 in three starts.
  • Chase Elliott has three top fives, 10 top 10s, and an average finish of 10.500.
  • Brad Keselowski has two poles, nine top fives, 15 top 10s, and an average finish of 12.037. He leads all active drivers in the NCS in starts without a win at Michigan.
  • Denny Hamlin has two poles, two wins, 12 top fives, 19 top 10s, and an average finish of 12.206. He leads all active NCS drivers in top-five finishes at Michigan with 12.
  • Kyle Larson has one pole, three wins, seven top fives, nine top 10s, and an average finish of 12.375.
  • Joey Logano has four poles, three wins, eight top fives, 18 top 10s, and an average finish of 13.036. He is the most recent winner from the pole at Michigan, which was in June of 2019.
  • Coming off his win at Nashville, where he led five times for a race-high 139 of the 300 laps, Ryan Blaney has one win, five top fives, eight top 10s, and an average finish of 14.375 at Michigan.

Top 10 in average finishing position at Michigan (Active Drivers)

RankActive DriversAverage FinishRaces
1Ty Gibbs83
2Chase Elliott10.514
3Brad Keselowski12.03727
4Denny Hamlin12.20634
5Kyle Larson12.37516
6Joey Logano13.03628
7Ryan Blaney14.37516
8William Byron15.210
9Erik Jones15.2512
10Kyle Busch17.16736

New In 2025: Dozens of free entertainment options set for Dover Motor Speedway during July 18-20 NASCAR weekend

By
Official Release
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  • Can’t-miss activities and new attractions continue to complement the NASCAR race weekend.
  • Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to order NASCAR tickets, camping and parking.

DOVER, Del. (June 6, 2025) – Dover Motor Speedway’s Fan Zone, long cited as NASCAR’s best, will again include dozens of free entertainment offerings and unexpected surprises this summer as the World’s Fastest One-Mile Oval hosts three NASCAR events July 18-20, including the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 20.

Whether you’re a diehard NASCAR fan or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone this summer at The Monster Mile.

Fans can find a full schedule of announced Fan Zone attractions and shows as it’s updated at https://www.dovermotorspeedway.com/fans/fan-zone/. The Fan Zone opens at the following times each day:

  • Friday, July 18: Noon
  • Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20: 9 a.m.

NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • THE AMAZING TYLER: As seen on “America’s Got Talent” and shows across the country for the last nine years, this unique, high-energy performance includes wheelbarrows, bikes and ladders balanced on the performer’s face, combined with music and dancing.
  • CAST IN BRONZE: Nationally recognized carillon performer featuring 35 bells, weighing four tons. This spectacular musical show performed at Mass of Pope John Paul II in New York in 1995 and Walt Disney World from 1998-2003, as well as numerous national TV and radio shows, including NBC’s “Today.”
  • DIALED ACTION: An extreme sports attraction, with more than 10,000 BMX and motorcycle performances across the country. Scheduled for multiple high-flying performances across the weekend.
  • SKY HIGH BALLOON GUY: Balloon twisting, stilt walking, and face painting unlike anything you’ve ever seen! Keep an eye in the heavens for this unique performer.
  • THE BUBBLE FACTORY: The amazing art of bubbles are brought to life with a blend of humor and showmanship. Bubbles ranging in size from a minivan to a pea will delight audiences of all ages with multiple shows throughout the weekend.
  • KATIE BLAZE: Experience amazing fire performances and shows that will wow fans of all ages.
  • AMIRRORCAN MEN: These three performers shimmer and shine like Old Glory itself as they march, stroll, meet & greet, and capture photos with fans while creating memorable moments that sparkle in dazzling red, white and blue suits.
  • MONSTER TRUCK RIDES: Monster Truck thrill rides will again be available for a small fee near the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza.
  • ROCK IT ROBOT: A high-tech body puppet, Rock It is 9-foot gentle giant with his own built-in music for dancing and entertaining as he interacts with guests around the Fan Zone.
  • MONSTER MONUMENT INTERVIEWS: See some of your favorite NASCAR drivers and personalities for appearances at the famous 46-foot Monster Monument at Victory Plaza on Sunday, July 20. Schedule of guests and times to be announced on DoverMotorSpeedway.com.
  • UPTOWN STRING BAND: The pride of Bucks County (Pa.), this Philadelphia-area Mummers group features unique sounds and elaborate costumes which punctuate their performances.
  • NASCAR KIDS ZONE, PRESENTED BY DRINK BLOCKS: Activities for racing fans of all ages abound in this traveling interactive display, which includes fun, games and activities, as well as information on your favorite drivers and the science behind all the technology a NASCAR team utilizes each week.
  • AXE THROWING: Test your aim with six available lanes of throwing action, free and fun all weekend.
  • DEL RODS CAR CLUB SHOWS: Take a step back in time. A huge display of vintage, restored, and awesome muscle cars will be on display in the Fan Zone with July 19-20 shows.
  • THE LITTLE FARM PETTING ZOO: All your farm favorites are ready to meet the whole family. Attraction includes pony rides, goats, donkeys and other creatures and allows everyone to get up close with a variety of barnyard friends, along with free face painting for the kids!

The centerpiece of the Fan Zone remains the previously announced Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, area, a 1-acre showcase celebrating a “Monster Mile Summer” with attractions including:

  • 600 tons of sand and a boardwalk
  • 25-foot lighthouse
  • The World’s Largest Rubber Duck
  • WHITE LIGHTNING Bar + Arcade, presented by BetRivers
  • Delicious boardwalk food and refreshing beverages and cocktails
  • Live appearances & performances all weekend long on the Miles Beach Stage
  • Huge, 22-ton sand sculpture display
  • Miles Beach Patrol
  • Free caricaturist
  • Numerous selfie photo opportunities with Miles the Monster in beach-themed designs
  • Dunk Tank, benefitting Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway Chapter

Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, hours:

  • Thursday, July 17: 3-9 p.m.
  • Friday, July 18: Noon to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, July 19: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monster Mile Bash, presented by THOR, begins at 6 p.m.)
  • Sunday, July 20: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Other previously announced Fan Zone events and attractions include, in alphabetical order:

  • Historical Highlights display in The Grove
  • Homestead Bluegrass Band concert (Miles Beach Stage)
  • Joe Gibbs Game Plan For Life activation including guest appearances
  • Mariachi Arrieros Band concert (Miles Beach Stage)
  • Mike Hines & The Look concert (Saturday, July 19, 6 p.m., Miles Beach stage as part of the Monster Mile Bash, presented by THOR)
  • Monster Mile After Dark Tours, benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities Dover chapter
  • Monster Mile Bash, presented by THOR (Saturday, July 19)
  • The Red Hot Ramblers concert (Miles Beach Stage)
  • Saturday Night Fireworks, presented by Visit Central Delaware(9 p.m.)
  • Spazmatics concert (Sunday, July 20)
  • Track Treasures Trailer, benefiting Speedway Children’s Charities Dover chapter
  • Trinidad North Steel Drum Band concert (Miles Beach Stage)

The weekend’s racing centerpiece, the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race is race No. 4 in NASCAR on TNT’s debut five-race in-season tournament, which runs five consecutive weeks from June 28 (Atlanta) through July 27 (Indianapolis).

2025 marks 56 consecutive years that Dover Motor Speedway has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series event. The Monster Mile is one of only 10 tracks in the country to host 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series races.

NASCAR TICKETS:

Dover Motor Speedway’s full 2025 race schedule includes:

  • Friday, July 18: General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series race (5 p.m., FS1)
  • Saturday, July 19: BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race (4:30 p.m., The CW, Performance Racing Network)
  • Sunday, July 20: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (2 p.m., TNT, Performance Racing Network)

Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to buy tickets or register for the Speedway’s email list to receive updates and announcements.

FOLLOW US:
Keep track of all of Dover Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok (@MonsterMile). Keep up with all the latest information on DoverMotorSpeedway.com and our mobile app.

Jimmie Johnson to Drive Bill Muncey’s Atlas Van Lines “Blue Blaster”

By
Official Release
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PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Osborne

Seven-time NASCAR Champion’s Lifelong Dream Unlocks a 40-year Mystery

Seattle — Hall of Fame driver Jimmie Johnson usually travels at 250-300 feet per second, but the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion from El Cajon, Calif., will fulfill a childhood dream and complete a 46-year journey of just 14 feet when he enters the cockpit of the fabled Atlas® Van Lines “Blue Blaster” of Unlimited hydroplane legend Bill Muncey at the Seafair Weekend Festival, August 1st.

Johnson’s journey began in San Diego in September 1979, while celebrating his fourth birthday at the Unlimited hydroplane races on Mission Bay. His favorite boat, the two-time national champion and three-time Gold Cup-winning Blue Blaster, owned by the legendary hometown driver Bill Muncey, broke down mid-race near the Fiesta Island beach.

Twists and Turns
Following Muncey’s death aboard the Blue Blaster two years later at the 1981 UIM World Championships in Acapulco, the boat was cosmetically, but not operationally, restored and presented to the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Washington D.C. as an early example of a marine surface effects vehicle.

His widow, Fran, continued the Atlas Van Lines team with a new boat and driver, Chip Hanauer. They would combine to win the APBA Gold Cup for the next seven consecutive (1982-88) years. Today, all four — Johnson, Hanauer and Bill and Fran Muncey — are inductees in the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America (MSHFA) in Daytona Beach.

The Restoration
When the Blue Blaster rotated out of the Smithsonian collection, it headed to the Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum in suburban Seattle, where museum director David Williams and their amazing volunteer crew, led by the late Don Mock, undertook a fully operational restoration.

When the stunning restoration was complete, the Muncey family returned to Lake Washington to rechristen the boat with Hanauer driving.

The 40-year Mystery is Solved
A few years later, Hanauer, Williams, and Mock learned from a Johnson crewmember that the driver was a Unlimited hydroplane fan. He provided Johnson’s contacts.

When Hanauer reached out and described the opportunity to possibly drive the Blue Blaster, Johnson got very excited.

Johnson explained that growing up in San Diego, his birthday was the week of the big boat races. The Blue Blaster was his favorite boat! His dad, Gary, would take him to the pits early in the week and they would watch the races from the beach on Fiesta Island.

Jimmie recalled that one year (1979), the Blue Blaster had broken down in the race and was drifting near the beach. Fans were wading out to the boat. His dad, Gary, carried Jimmie out and, with a nod from Bill Muncey, sat his son on the deck of the boat.

When Hanauer described the call, Mock recalled a photo from that San Diego race with Muncey on the bow and a little kid in a yellow hat near the back. He quickly located the photo. Bingo! For 40 years, no one knew that little kid was Jimmie Johnson!

Johnson was unaware of the photo, but at the Museum’s request had his mom confirm that indeed that was young Jimmie on the boat.

The Invitation
As part of Johnson’s 2024 induction into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, the Muncey family and Hanauer told the story of the little boy in the photo and extended a formal invitation on behalf of the Hydroplane Museum for Jimmie to drive the Blue Blaster.

Earlier this year, Johnson cleared his calendar to accept the invitation, and plans are now in place for him to drive the Blue Blaster on Seattle’s Lake Washington on Friday, August 1st as part of the Seafair Festival. On that morning, almost 46 years to the day from when he sat on its rear deck, he’ll travel the roughly 14 feet to its cockpit.

Williams and the Hydroplane Museum team will join the Muncey family, and MSHFA president George Levy to welcome Johnson. Hanauer, a Seattle native and 11-time winner of the APBA Gold Cup and seven-time series champion will serve as Johnson’s Blue Blaster driving coach.

About The Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum
The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum is the nation’s only public museum dedicated solely to powerboat racing. The museum features an incredible collection of vintage hydroplanes spanning seven decades, including boats that have won 17 American Power Boat Association Gold Cups. The Atlas Van Lines “Blue Blaster” hydroplane is powered by a 2,500 horsepower, supercharged,1650 cubic inch Rolls-Royce Merlin V-12 engine originally built to power British Spitfire fighter planes in World War II. The museum team has recently completed the engine installation and test-firing in preparation for Johnson’s drive.

About The MSHFA
Founded in 1986, the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity, is the premier Hall of Fame and Museum honoring all the top forms of professional motorsports in the United States. Located in Daytona Beach, Florida, the MSHFA attracts more than 120,000 visitors each year. Hanauer’s 1982-83 Atlas Van Lines, currently on loan from the Hydroplane Museum, is a highly popular attraction.

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

Get Your Dream Beach Wedding with Wedding Planners

By
SM
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Photo by Harshil Gudka on Unsplash

Imagine this: the soft sound of waves in the background, the warmth of the sun on your skin, and lush foliage capped off with a beautiful golden sunset. Moments like this are carefully planned, and you’ll need the right team to bring it all together. When it comes to beach weddings Florida, making your day perfect for you and your spouse is essential. By utilizing wedding planners like Dream Weddings, you can ensure that your special day is tailored perfectly to you and your loved ones.

Wedding planners specialize in planning, managing, and coordinating unforgettable weddings that create memories that will last a lifetime. With top-notch help, the process will be made easy so you can focus on what matters while they handle all the messy fuss.

Why Choose Florida?

Let’s talk location. Florida is teeming with beautiful vistas, bustling locales, and endless coastlines, making it one of the most popular wedding destinations in the United States. The weather remains warm year-round, with coasts facing both east and west, offering the opportunity for picturesque sunrise or calming sunset photos on your special day. Whether you want a quiet ceremony on a secluded shore or a massive celebration on the beachfront, Florida undoubtedly has the perfect location for you.

What is Provided?

The services that wedding planners provide are a streamlined and efficient means to set up your wedding as quickly and efficiently as possible. Here are the services wedding planners provide:

  • Planning: Location, time of day, and weather estimates, the planner will provide the best options for your wants and dreams.
  • Management: Any reputable planner (such as Dream Weddings) will handle the venue management, along with photography, music playlists, and day-of coordination.
  • Setup: During the big day, the staff will handle everything necessary. Chairs, décor, floral arrangements, and deconstruction afterward. Full-service wedding planning is comprehensive, ensuring the best possible experience for you and your guests.

Where is best?

Weddings already come with enough obstacles to overcome, but beach weddings add an extra layer of difficulty. Expert planners will understand how to overcome barriers such as tide schedules, guest comfort, rapidly changing weather, permits, and sand decorations.

Knowing the ins and outs of each potential beach location provides an extra layer of security. That is why it is essential to work with people who understand beach weddings in Florida and have experience with them.

Photo by Gabriel Baranski on Unsplash

Your Day, Your Way

Every wedding is unique, and each comes with its own set of challenges, which is why beach wedding planners are in high demand. These planners ensure your vision comes to life and remains within your budget while staying true to your wildest dreams.

Start Planning Today!

If you’re considering a beach wedding, look no further than Florida. As previously mentioned, it hosts a large swath of potential locales that are sure to match your ideal vision. With an all-inclusive wedding preparation package that you can depend on from expert planners like Dream Weddings, you’ll be free to focus on the more important things, such as family, friends, each other, and honeymoon. Contact a planner now and start booking today!

SIX-TIME PRO STOCK CHAMP ERICA ENDERS HOPES TO BOUNCE BACK AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

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Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 6, 2025) – After a tough start to the 2025 season, six-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders hopes to continue her momentum from last week’s race in Epping at this weekend’s 24th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway.

Enders is not only a six-time Pro Stock world champion, but she is also the winningest female across all of motorsports, with 49 wins to her lengthy list of accomplishments. However, she hasn’t visited the winner’s circle since the 2024 season opener in Gainesville. After finishing runner-up last weekend in Epping to her longtime rival and reigning world champ Greg Anderson, Enders is confident the Elite Motorsports camp has turned a performance corner with her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Scag Power Equipment car.

“We worked nonstop,” Enders said. “We made some substantial changes and spent a lot of time on the dyno. We applied everything we learned at the shop to the track during some testing at Tulsa. Pro Stock is not for the weak. It’s competitive problem-solving and we take a lot of pride in how well we work together, accomplishing things legitimately. We may be down now but they will not keep us down forever.”

This weekend’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals marks the eighth event of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Scenic Bristol Dragway is always a highlight for drivers and fans, and that holds true for Enders as well.

“I feel good going into Bristol. I feel like we have a direction to head in and a small pep in our step,” said Enders, who has three wins Bristol wins to her credit. “Bristol has always been good to me and is one of my favorite tracks to race. I’m definitely looking forward to the weekend.”

In 2024, Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Jeg Coughlin (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Bristol. Clay Millican, Prock, Erica Enders and Matt Smith each won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, while semifinalists from the NHRA New England Nationals will rematch in Bristol in 2025. The race will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 8.

Following her runner-up finish in at the NHRA New England Nationals, Enders will also be slotted into this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Enders will rematch with her Elite Motorsports teammate Aaron Stanfield, while points leader Anderson will meet up with Matt Hartford.

Enders made significant progress in Epping, moving up to ninth in points, and has another opportunity to make a big leap with plenty of season left.

“Confidence takes time to build, whether it is in yourself, your team or your equipment,” Enders said. “It’s kind of like trust, easy to lose, hard to gain. Don’t get me wrong, we have definitely turned a corner, but we also still have a ton of catching up to do. I promise there is no other group that I’d rather go to battle with than my guys at Elite.

“I look around and realize how lucky I am, to have a group like I have. From their work ethic to the content of their character, to their never quit mentality. We have been through so much together as a big family. This year has been tough on us personally and professionally, but the cream will always rise to the top.”

In the Pro Stock Motorcycle ranks, Herrera will be aiming to be the first rider to win twice at Bristol. Other Bristol winners including former champion Angelle Sampey, Jery Savoie and Steve Johnson. However, Herrera competitor and six-time champion Matt Smith will have his sights set for his chance at history at Bristol Dragway.

Racing legend Tony Stewart has taken control in the Top Fuel ranks, advancing to the past five final rounds to move into the points lead. Other top names include Epping winner Brittany Force, Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon and Antron Brown.

Reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock earned his first Bristol win last weekend of J.R. Todd. Todd is the most recent winner on tour, thanks to his Epping win over rookie Spencer Hyde. Prock currently leads the points after earning two wins earlier this year, with his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman in second. Others to note will be Phoenix winner Paul Lee, as well as former champs Matt Hagan and Ron Capps.

The event will also feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans will also be treated to a special autograph session and fanfest at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

All weekend, fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and more. Bristol race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3 and 5:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 6, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 7 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 8. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday and 8 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

A Detailed Overview of Lacrosse Betting

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

The world of lacrosse betting is expanding at a dizzying rate, and you’ve stumbled onto it at the perfect moment.

Bet on lacrosse games from the NCAA, the Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and more with 888 starz‘s cutting-edge platform. 

Unique betting options are created by lacrosse’s rapid speed, high-scoring nature, and strategic depth, which are not seen in more traditional sports. This expanding market offers a new chance to put your research to the test, whether you’re a novice bettor looking to branch out or an experienced one looking to diversify.

One of the most rapidly expanding betting categories is unveiled in this article, along with its intricacies, strategic methods, and forward velocity.

Understanding Lacrosse Fundamentals for Betting

While lacrosse may appear disorganized at first glance, the sport’s rules and structure reveal a treasure trove of betting opportunities.

You need to know the ins and outs of field lacrosse and box lacrosse, particularly about the tempo, scoring frequency, and player responsibilities, if you want to wager well.

Box lacrosse, played indoors with six players per side, results in quicker possessions and more scoring chances than field lacrosse, which is played outdoors with ten players per side and emphasizes strategy and endurance.

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is the world’s premier indoor league, the PLL has fast-paced professional action, and the NCAA features the best collegiate players. 

The main objective of the game of lacrosse is to score points by shooting a ball into the goal with a stick. Time is of the essence when dealing with penalties, shot clocks, and quick transitions. 

Accurately predicting results and finding value in live betting markets are both facilitated by familiarity with these rules.

Available Lacrosse Betting Markets

As a bettor, your success is dependent on your ability to decipher the narrative told by each lacrosse matchup.

Simply put, a money line bet requires you to pick the victorious team. You can’t rely on rankings alone; you also need to consider things like team strength, recent form, and line up changes if you want to do it right. 

You can back favourites or underdogs with greater odds by placing a spread bet based on goal differentials, which typically range from -1.5 to -3.5. There is a significant difference in tempo between field and box lacrosse, and totals markets are based on combined goals.  

Expectations can be drastically changed when facing teams with high possession rates or tight defences. You can tell whether a market is worth investing in by comparing different team types and matches, such as aggressive offences and disciplined zones.

Moneyline, Spread, and Totals

Betting on lacrosse becomes exciting when you realize that each market represents the team’s dynamics and the scoring flow.

If you want to win moneyline bets, you need to look at more than simply rankings; you need to assess depth, form, and playing style as well. Underdogs or dominating teams can be backed using spread bets, which typically range from 1.5 to 3.5 goals, allowing you to target value.

While betting on lacrosse totals, it’s important to keep in mind that field lacrosse is often more tactical, while box lacrosse is known for its fast-paced, high-scoring action. Matchups are significant to consider because of the dramatic difference between quick offences and disciplined defences. You can anticipate not only the results, but also the trajectory of the game by reading those contrasts. That’s the secret to making better, more precise decisions.

Quarter/Half Betting and Live Wagering

You may focus on the brief periods when team energy, adjustments, and matchups are most essential when you wager by the quarter or half. If you keep tabs on how teams usually begin or end games, you can find value quickly. Turning points are typically indicated by changes in possession or face-off dominance in live wagering before the odds are adjusted.  

Fast, transition-heavy teams may surge in bursts, while methodical teams handle tempo differently, so it’s important to pay close attention to speed. When the score doesn’t represent who’s truly dominating the field, it’s crucial to recognize these patterns and place smarter live bets.

Player Proposition and Special Bets

You may wager on individual genius rather than just team success in lacrosse with player props and special markets.

It is essential to analyse individual form and matchups because you can aim bets on a player’s total goals, assists, or combination points. In order to incentivize more strategic thinking, several sportsbooks provide team-based specials, such as the total number of face-off victories or saves made by the goaltender. Futures are also available on the tournament or season’s leading scorers or most valuable players. 

A player’s strengths lie in specific matchups or in their ability to thrive in a high-tempo attack; seeing these tendencies early on is important to your success. To get a strategic advantage in prop markets, pay attention to those details, since they often conceal value that casual bettors miss.

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