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Race to the road: Introducing the Porsche 963 RSP

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Official Release
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One-of-one project pays homage to Count Rossi 917 in 50th anniversary year

Le Mans, June 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Porsche prepares for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a sister to the 963 Hypercar has been revealed – named the 963 RSP. An extreme one-off based on the IMSA championship and WEC championship winning machine, the car closely follows the design direction taken by a very special 917 50 years ago. Fittingly, it made its debut today on the streets near the Circuit de la Sarthe alongside the car that inspired its creation.

The work of a team from Porsche AG, Porsche Penske Motorsport and Porsche Cars North America in partnership with motorsport legend Roger Penske, whose initials form the name of the car, the 963 RSP was influenced by the trailblazing 917 and an audacious drive that took place half a century ago.

In April 1975, a 917 (chassis 30) – the most advanced endurance race car at that time – made an extraordinary journey, not on the track, but on public roads. From the factory in Zuffenhausen, it traveled to Paris – at the wheel was its enigmatic owner, who insisted on as few changes as possible to the car, which remains in France, and on the road, to this day.

“This really started out as a “what if?” – a passion project by a small team of enthusiasts at Penske and at Porsche who together imagined a version of the 963 that really resembled as closely as possible the spirit and appearance of the Count Rossi 917,” said Porsche Cars North America President and CEO Timo Resch, who conceived of the original idea. “The 917 from the story was every inch a race car – albeit one driven on the road – and we took the same approach with the 963 RSP. It uses beautiful materials of the best quality available, but is still every bit a race car underneath.”

The 963 RSP features significant changes over the car on which it is based. Unlike the competition racecars, which are wrapped in different colors, the 963 RSP is the first of its kind to be painted; a unique challenge due to the nature of the carbon fiber and Kevlar® bodywork which is ultra-thin in places to save weight. In a nod to the Count Rossi 917, the 963 RSP is finished in Martini Silver and features uniquely altered bodywork and a bespoke tan leather and Alcantara interior inspired by the trim choices made by Count Rossi 50 years ago. A dedicated mechanical and electronic setup were configured for its debut on the streets near Le Mans – including a raised ride height and softened dampers, as well as a reprogrammed control unit to allow for the headlights and taillights to operate closer to those of a road car. These changes along with modified bodywork to cover the wheel arches, the use of Michelin wet weather compound tires and even the fitment of a horn meant the car met the necessary criteria to be allowed to drive on the road and wear license plates under special permission from the French authorities and with the enthusiastic support of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), which runs the 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

“That was an experience that will stay with me for a lifetime,” said Timo Bernhard, who was at the wheel of the 963 RSP for its first miles on the road. “Driving down a public road with a 917 beside me – it felt unreal. The car behaved perfectly – it felt a little friendlier and more forgiving than the normal 963 – and felt super special and a lot more comfortable, especially as I was not needing all my safety gear.”

“We have enjoyed a terrific relationship with Porsche dating back to 1972. The Porsche 917/30, in particular, was one of the greatest eras in Team Penske history with numerous wins and championships, along with the closed-course speed record set by Mark Donohue in 1975,” said Roger Penske, Chairman of the Penske Corporation. “With such a remarkable partnership continuing to this day, we felt it was time to create the most exciting car we could imagine. Just like the 917, I wanted this car to be authentic to its origin and have as few changes to it as possible. When we got into the project, the differences in the two generations of race cars provided a great challenge. What emerged is a car that has lost none of its edge and is exciting whether on the track or on the road.”

The 963 RSP will go on public display at the Circuit de la Sarthe during the 24 Hours of Le Mans before it returns to Stuttgart to be shown at the Porsche Museum. In July the car will appear alongside the 917 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 963 project in detail:
The concept originated during a trackside meeting between Timo Resch, President and CEO of Porsche Cars North America, Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President, Porsche Motorsport, and Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Racing LMDh at Road Atlanta. Inspired by the 917, they imagined repeating the feat with a 963. This small group took the basic premise of the project to Roger Penske and Jonathan Diuguid, Managing Director of Porsche Penske Motorsport – both of whom encouraged and developed the idea further. Roger Penske was nominated as the customer for the car, with the 963 being named in his honor.

Design process – exterior:
With the concept established, the Sonderwunsch team in Zuffenhausen began translating the idea to reality in cooperation with the Sonderwunsch colleagues at Porsche Classic in Atlanta – a standalone facility opened in 2023. Drawing on the changes selected by Count Rossi in 1975, Grant Larson, Director of Special Projects at Style Porsche, and his designers envisioned a 963 that would stay as close as possible to the original car with a silver and black color pallet on the outside, and a tan leather and Alcantara mix for the interior. This extended to the decision to paint the car – as was the case with the 917 – rather than wrapping it, as is the norm with current race cars, and a significant challenge due to the Kevlar® and carbon fiber body construction. The paint to sample color – ‘Martini Silver’ – was verified from the records held by the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen, with a triple-layer lacquer applied. Minor components such as hinges and wing connectors are all finished in satin black with a unique 3D printed ‘963 RSP’ created and applied to the rear of the car.

To closer align the 963 to the form of the 917, bodywork changes were made to the 963 RSP. These include the creation of unique fender vents – where otherwise the front and rear fender vents would be open. A collaboration between Sonderwunsch and Porsche Penske Motorsport, the vents were digitally rendered first before applied to the car, with the new design allowing air within the wheel wells to escape. Additionally, the carbon fiber blanking plates that sit within the rear wing – a requirement on the race car – were able to be removed for the 963 RSP.

Added to the nose of the car – replacing the graphic that is applied to all conventional 963s – was an enamel Porsche badge, a detailed shared with the 917.

A small detail change was the addition of 1970s-era Michelin logos for the tire walls, and rain-spec 18-inch tires over forged OZ racing wheels. Finally – and in another first – mounting points for front and rear license plates were added ahead of the car being driven on public roads to mark the 50th anniversary of the first street drive of the 917.

Design process – interior:
Possibly the greatest departure from the 963 race car occurs inside the 963 RSP. Following the lead of the handcrafted and completely bespoke interior of the 917 (which remains unrestored to this day) the 963 RSP features a mix of soft tan leather and Alcantara. Whereas the race car features very few comfort features, the 963 RSP is more accommodating – with the single piece carbon seat trimmed in leather with soft cushioning placed down the center and a fixed headrest mounted on the carbon fiber bulkhead. The seats are – in common with the race version – air conditioned. The leg cushions in the footwell as well as the roof lining and pillars have been retrimmed in light Alcantara while the steering wheel – where the majority of the vehicle’s functions are located – has been finished in leather. A light-hearted addition is a detachable 3D-printed cup holder capable of securely holding a Porsche travel mug.

Next to the driver, a new trimmed panel provides a location for the car’s Peltor headset and steering wheel when not in use as well as a platform for the laptop that starts and assists in the operation of the car and Roger Penske’s custom carbon crash helmet.

While the color of design of the interior are obvious references to the 917, more subtle design elements can be found – among them bespoke end plates for the ventilation system which mimic the styling of the fan on top of the 917’s flat-12 engine.

The doors are finished in leather and Alcantara, with a small alloy plaque set into one of them denoting the chassis number and the date and location of construction.

Mechanical changes:
The ride height of the car was raised to its maximum available setting to accommodate road use, while the adjustable Multimatic DSSV dampers designed for racing prototypes are in their softest setting to create a more compliant ride.

The control unit was modified to allow the car to operate turn signals and allow the headlights to be adjusted for road. The hybrid V8 powertrain with a lithium-ion battery – capable of being run on electrical power only – remains in standard race tune in the 963 RSP, but power delivery from the MGU has been remapped to provide smooth delivery more appropriate for road use versus race competition The powertrain was also re-mapped to be capable of running on pump gas – a significant undertaking for the team.

Finishing touches:
Accompanying the 963 RSP are a custom fitted carbon crash helmet with Martini Silver accents to match the car, and a bespoke Snap On toolset with a chest bearing accents in the same color, a plaque commemorating the project and its namesake, and handles wrapped in the same leather used in the interior of the car. The drawers also feature custom foam inserts to carry tools and special equipment necessary to start, service and operate the car.

While capable of being driven on the road under special circumstances and in accordance with local requirements (the modifications to the car allowed it to use French ‘W’ or manufacturer license plates for its debut), the 963 RSP is not a homologated addition to the Porsche model line-up and is intended to remain a very special one-off.

The powertrain of the 963:
The 963 is powered by a 4.6 liter twin-turbocharged V8 making up to approximately 680 hp that has its origins in the RS Spyder race program operated by Penske which claimed all titles in the LMP2 class of the American Le Mans Series from 2006 to 2008. The engine was enlarged from 3.4 to 4.6 liters and then used in the limited-production 918 Spyder road car, which debuted in 2013. The flat crankshaft and short stroke of the engine allow for a low mounting point, helping to optimize the center of gravity of the car. While the 918 Spyder used the engine in naturally aspirated form, the 963 pairs it with two turbochargers provided by the Dutch manufacturer Van der Lee. These turbochargers generate very moderate boost pressure and are mounted on the hot side of the engine, optimizing throttle response. Overall, around 80 percent of the engine components in the 963 are shared with the 918 Spyder, which was already designed to work together with a hybrid system.

The standardized components of the electric boost system are supplied by Bosch (motor generator unit, electronics and software) and Williams Advanced Engineering (high-voltage battery). The motor generator unit (MGU), which is responsible for the power output and recuperation under braking at the rear axle, works in direct interaction with the sequential seven-speed gearbox from Xtrac. The MGU sits in the bell housing between the combustion engine and the gearbox.

The hybrid’s entire electrical system produces up to 800 volts. The uniform battery has an energy capacity of 1.35 kWh, which can be mobilized at any time under acceleration. An output of 30 to 50 kW is available in short bursts but does not change the overall output of the powertrain. When the thrust of the MGU kicks in, the power of the combustion engine, which can reach over 8,000 rpm (depending on the BoP), automatically decreases.

Custom NASCAR Jacket Patches That’ll Turn You into a Walking Pit Crew

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SM
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Photo by Jeff Cooper on Unsplash

It’s the beginning of a race weekend, and you’re there live to experience the thunder of the raceway. The engines are roaring, the air smells like rubber and popcorn, and every fan is decked out in gear representing their favorite team. You, however? You step in wearing your jacket covered with custom NASCAR jacket patches that represent everything you enjoy. Each patch tells its own story and cumulatively creates a cohesive masterpiece. Other fans recognize your patches and even take photos; you are just as much of a focal point as the race itself.

Why Custom Patches Are for You

Custom patches are a way to create one-of-a-kind clothing that represents exactly what you want in a way that no stock or screen-printed jacket ever could. Instead of ever-fading designs, you will have a durable, built-to-last patch that will last a lifetime.

With Monterey Logo Patches, you can expand your canvas and showcase your interests with high-quality logos, racing team merchandise, signatures, or specific location-based designs from Talladega or Daytona.

Stylistic Opportunities

A key benefit of patches is that you can choose your style of patch based on your preferences. You can opt for the classic NASCAR look with embroidery or choose the modern, gritty pit crew streetwear style of PVC. Here are the key differences between the different types of patches:

  • Embroidered: The most classic look with a timeless design. This type of patch is made with stitching, giving a textured surface. It is a very retro and old-school NASCAR style that is perfect for sponsors or other designs.
  • PVC: These patches are much sleeker and designed to be weather-resistant. PVC patches are made from soft, rubber-like plastic and are incredibly durable and waterproof. This type of patch is ideal for 3D molds, such as a team logo or a tire tread design.
  • Dye-Sublimated: These patches work similarly to thermal printing, as the design is printed using heat and ink to print images directly onto the fabric. This type of patch is perfect for complex or photorealistic photos or designs.
  • Chenille Patches: A vibrant and pop-out style patch whose texture is like a carpet. It is commonly found on letterman jackets and is suitable for letters, numbers, and logos.

The type of patch you choose is entirely up to you! If you want a vintage and retro look, try out embroidered or chenille designs. If you find yourself wanting detail and molds, try out Dye-Sublimated or Chenille, respectively. There is also no shame in mixing and matching to create a perfect blend of retro and modern, encapsulating all eras of NASCAR.

Photo by Denis Egorov on Unsplash

Personalization

 When it comes to patches, the customization options are endless. A customized jacket is the epitome of motorsport fan apparel. You can slap your race number on your back, your nickname across the shoulder, or your favorite sponsor down the sleeve.

Unsure of where to place your patches? Here is a quick placement guide to help you visualize your future jacket.

  • Chest (3 to 4 inches): The front and center of your look; it’s what people will see first when meeting you. This spot is ideal for sponsors, logos, nameplates, or driver numbers.
  • Sleeves (2 to 3 Inches): Sleeves are ideal for smaller patches and emblems, providing a great way to enhance the overall look of your custom jacket. This location is perfect for round patches, driver initials, and sponsor icons.
  • Back (Larger than 8 Inches): The back is the canvas for large-scale, detailed artwork, team logos, or tributes. This area has the most real estate, making it the billboard of your jacket, so choose something detailed, big, and bold.

Extra Tip: Patches can also have hook-and-loop backings (think Velcro). Utilize this to add modularization to your jacket, allowing for at-will customization.

Save on Bulk Purchases

NASCAR is a social sport where much of the fun is experienced with the company you keep. Many patch creators, specifically Monterey Logo Patches, offer bundle pricing and discounts on bulk orders for:

  • Booster Clubs
  • Racing Teams
  • Fantasy Leagues
  • Fan Group or Tailgate Crews

Show up to the big race day looking like a cohesive crew and squad with your closest friends, fans, team, club members, or fans making a big statement with your custom patchwork. With everyone looking like a cohesive unit, you’re sure to show up on the jumbotron or race day highlights.

Show Off on Social Media

You don’t just need to showcase yourself on the track; you have a vast digital landscape where you can advertise yourself and your jacket. Boost your social media presence with your custom designs and fuel the want for your artistic and creative skillset.

Fuel FOMO by advertising limited runs on your custom patch designs based on events (such as the Daytona 500) or driver teams’ current performance.

Get Started on Your Custom Jacket Today

Make your vision a reality today. Monterey Logo Patches offers free artwork proof to see how your customized NASCAR patch will look on your jacket. No strings attached! With the ability to see your vision come to life before any money or embroidery machinery becomes involved, there is no good reason not to test the waters. Make your race day apparel louder than the engines themselves; get the track ready today!

Trigon Combat Partners with NASCAR Xfinity Driver Kyle Sieg for Mexico City Race Debut

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Official Release
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Trigon Combat Expands Global Footprint with NASCAR Partnership During Mexico Road Course Weekend, June 14

Mexico City, Mexico –Thursday, June 5, 2025 – Trigon Combat, the innovative combat sports platform backed by Lights Out Production the parent company also to BKB Bare Knuckle Boxing, the largest bare knuckle fighting organization – is proud to announce its partnership with NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Kyle Sieg for the highly anticipated NASCAR Mexico road course race on Saturday, June 14th, in Mexico City.

Trigon Combat will be featured on Kyle Sieg’s car during the event, one of the most high-profile motorsports weekends in Mexico. Trigon Combat crew and fighters will be present in Mexico City throughout the weekend, creating content, interacting with fans, and appearing trackside with the Kyle Sieg race team.

This announcement follows Trigon Combat’s successful Mexico debut on May 3rd in Aguascalientes during the renowned Feria Nacional de San Marcos 2025, one of Latin America’s largest and most iconic festivals. The electrifying event featured a stacked lineup of Mexican talent including Aguascalientes’ own Javier “Yiyo the Punisher” Lomelí, Jesús “Semental” Garnica, and amateur sensation Edgar “Pato” Padilla. Joining them from Mexico City were Bogart “Beserker” Salazar and Daniel Maravilla — all led by Gil “Pitbull” Nava of Real Fighters Mexico — who will be representing Trigon Combat in Mexico City.

As a hybrid boxing series launched by BKB, Trigon Combat is a professional and amateur platform designed to identify, develop, and promote the next generation of fighters interested in transitioning into professional bare knuckle or Trigon competition. The amateur fighters compete using seven-ounce mma gloves and the professionals four-ounce mma gloves inside BKB’s patented Trigon, the world’s only triangular ring and the smallest fighting surface in combat sports, offering a fast-paced, close-quarters combat experience unlike any other.

Led by longtime combat sports veteran Nelson Lopez Jr., Trigon Combat hosts open tryouts and organized events throughout the U.S. and Mexico. It serves as the official development platform for BKB, whose recent international expansion and broadcast deals have helped elevate the sport of bare knuckle boxing to unprecedented levels.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Trigon Combat to bring our brand to one of the most passionate sports markets in the world,” said Nelson Lopez Jr., CEO of Trigon Combat. “Mexico City will be packed with motorsports fans, and having our fighters on-site, in front of the cameras and among fans, is a great way to showcase the energy and future of our sport.”

This partnership comes as NASCAR builds excitement toward its first-ever Cup Series race in Mexico City in 2025. Trigon Combat’s appearance marks a strategic first step in its broader international outreach, aligning fight sports with motorsports on a major stage.

Front Row Motorsports: Michigan International Speedway Competition Notes – Zane Smith

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Official Release
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Zane Smith and the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford Team
Michigan International Speedway Competition Notes
Firekeepers Casino 400

Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Event: Race 17 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Michigan International Speedway (2.0-miles)
#of Laps: 200
Time/TV/Radio: 2:00 PM ET on Amazon Prime/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Zane Smith Notes

Finishing 13th in last Sunday’s race at the Nashville Superspeedway, Zane Smith heads to Ford’s home track, the Michigan International Speedway, with strong momentum. In the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Smith earned his first career Truck Series win at the two-mile track in 2020. In the Cup Series, Smith has one previous start at the track, finishing seventh in the 2024 event with Spire Motorsports. Long John Silver’s will return to the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for the 200 lap, 400-mile race.

“I always look forward to racing at Michigan,” said Smith. “I scored my first career truck win there, so I have a special connection with the track. I’m happy with the speed this No. 38 team is bringing to the track. We have a couple things to clean up on pit road but overall, I think we can leave Michigan with a result we can all be proud of.”

Road Crew

Driver: Zane Smith

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty

Hometown: Plainville, Connecticut

Car Chief: Will Norris

Hometown: Bells, Tennessee

Engineer: Jacob Clamme

Hometown: Hartford City, Indiana

Engineer: Chris Yerges

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Mechanic: Steve Godfrey

Hometown: West Haven, Connecticut

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Tyler Podlaski

Hometown: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Interior Specialist: Matt Fowler

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut

Transport Co-Driver: Ernest Mullins

Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Transport Co-Driver: Rick Grissom

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Flores

Hometown: Manasquan, New Jersey

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Jackman: Ryan Selig

Hometown: Lindenhurst, Illinois

Fueler: Chris Webb

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

ABOUT LONG JOHN SILVER’S

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

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

RCR Race Preview: Michigan International Speedway

By
Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan International Speedway… In 188 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Michigan International Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has recorded three wins with drivers Dale Earnhardt (1987, 1990) and Kevin Harvick (2010), and one pole award with Jeff Burton (2006). RCR has 26 top-five finishes and 60 top-10 finishes in Cup Series competition at Michigan. Earnhardt scored the first Michigan win for the organization in dominating fashion, leading 152 of 200 laps in June 1987. His second win, in June 1990, came when he beat Ernie Irvan to the checkered flag by just .22 seconds. Harvick’s victory in August 2010 came after the No. 29 team elected to gamble late in the race, giving the California native his first win at in the Irish Hills.

Did You Know… Richard Childress made 17 starts at Michigan International Speedway during his NASCAR Cup Series driving career between 1972 and 1981. Childress earned four top-10 finishes at Michigan, with a career-best finish of sixth in June 1974.

Tickets to the 2025 Carolina Cowboys Home Stand Are Available Now… Driven by the same passion for performance that guides his race team, Richard Childress’ latest endeavor brings Professional Bull Riding to the Carolinas. The Carolina Cowboys represent the Carolinas in the PBR Team Series, an elite league featuring the world’s top bull riders competing in games throughout the country. The team is owned by Richard Childress and Jeff Broin with 2018 Daytona 500 Champion Dillon serving as General Manager. Don’t miss the Carolina Cowboys 2025 “Cowboy Days” Home Stand September 12-14 at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Tickets are on sale at PBR.com and Ticketmaster.

Watch Us on Amazon Prime… The NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, June 8, beginning at 2 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime, the third of five consecutive races this season that will air on the streaming service. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NASCAR Cup Series Practice & Qualifying at Michigan International Speedway will also be broadcast on Amazon Prime. Ride shotgun all season long with live, in-car camera feeds and scanner audio with a paid subscription to Max as part of their NASCAR driver cam experience during the race.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Dow MobilityScienceTM Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway… Austin Dillon has 21 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Michigan International Speedway, posting his best finish of fourth in August 2018. He owns two top-five finishes, five top-10 finishes and has led 39 laps in Cup Series competition at the track. Additionally at Michigan, Dillon owns one NASCAR Xfinity Series win (2018) and two pole awards (2012 and 2013) in four Series starts. He also has four starts in the NASCAR Truck Series at Michigan, earning two top-five finishes and one pole (2010) with 38 laps led. In his lone ARCA Menards Series start at Michigan, Dillon finished second (2009).

Winner, Winner… Dillon won a rain-shortened NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Michigan International Speedway in 2018, leading 18 laps enroute to victory in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/Cabella’s Chevrolet.

Dow brings a science and engineering crew who is driven by limitless curiosity to the RCR Team… Dillon and the RCR team are again supported by Dow’s materials science expertise and technologies this season. Backed by the power of data analysis and virtual modeling, Dow develops and manufactures high-performance components and materials custom-made for the No. 3 car. Dow and RCR’s partnership has expedited innovation and shortened testing time in the automotive industry by using one of the most extreme environments – the racetrack – as a real-time testbed. After 12 years of collaboration, Dow scientists and RCR engineers are continuing to work together to make the No. 3 car faster, safer, and more precise. Stay up to date with Dow’s exciting developments at www.dow.com/sports, and follow them on X (@DowSports) and LinkedIn (Dow Sports Marketing Solutions).

Dow MobilityScience™… Dow’s MobilityScience™ platform is designed to enhance the customer experience by tailoring technologies, products, and services from across Dow businesses to the transportation industry. The platform is pursuing accelerated growth by addressing Mobility mega-trends – where lighter weight, longer range, greater comfort, enhanced safety, and lower carbon footprint are the ultimate objectives. That is where Dow science, innovation, and people step in – working closely with customers to create the materials that bring the possibilities to life.

Hey Batter, Batter… Dillon and his teammate, Kyle Busch, are scheduled to visit the Detroit Tigers on Friday to participate in batting practice with the team in advance of the first of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs. Dillon played in the Little League World Series in 2002.

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to make a stop at the RCR Merchandise hauler in the fan midway at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 8, at 10:20 a.m. Local Time. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 3 Dow MobilityScienceTM Chevrolet and get new RCR gear.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on Michigan International Speedway?

“Michigan International Speedway is a big, fast, two-mile oval. It’s the fastest track on the NASCAR schedule. You’re always trying to make moves and get big runs when you can. Michigan is one of those places where you definitely feel the speed as soon as you get there. Getting to pit road can be tricky because you’re coming in so fast, and it’s key to entering and exiting without any penalties. Michigan provides long green flag runs, and it’s hard to make up a lap there. Overall, I really like racing at Michigan.”

What makes racing at Michigan International Speedway especially important for you and your team?

“When we race at Michigan International Speedway, you always want to perform well for your manufacturer. That’s a big race for all the OEMs, and we want to put Chevy out front at all costs. Michigan is also the home of Dow, which makes it even more meaningful. We want to put on a great race and create a great experience for everyone from Dow who comes out to see the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet on track.”

You’ve had some memorable races at Michigan International Speedway in the past, and have come close to winning there…

“We’ve had some good races in the past at Michigan International Speedway, and some really fast Chevrolets. You always want to perform in front of your manufacturer’s home, and for everyone at Dow. I remember having a shot to win in 2023. We were really fast and then I almost got flipped upside down by Brad Keselowski at the start/finish line and wrecked. It’s racing. It happens in this sport.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet at Michigan International Speedway… Sunday’s 400-mile race will mark Kyle Busch’s 37th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Michigan International Speedway. Busch earned his lone win at the two-mile oval in August 2011 and boasts 10 top-five finishes and 16 top-10 finishes at the track. Additionally at Michigan, the 40-year-old driver has led 303 laps, holds an average starting position of 12.3 and an average finish of 17.2.

A Winning Tradition… In August 2011, Busch passed Jimmie Johnson in Turn 1 with 12 laps to go and survived a late restart following a caution that extended the race an extra three laps to earn his lone win at the D-shaped oval. It was the first victory for Busch in 14 tries in the Cup Series at Michigan. The win was the series-leading fourth of the season at the time for Busch. Busch also owns two wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Michigan (August 2004 and June 2015), and one win in the NASCAR Truck Series (August 2015).

A Look Back… In last year’s Cup Series race at Michigan, Busch started 13th after much of practice and qualifying rained out. He worked his way forward in the race, claiming the second stage. The No. 8 team took a late-race gamble in the form of a two-tire pit stop, which culminated with Busch claiming a solid fourth-place finish when the rain-delayed race ended Monday.

Testing… Following last week’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway, Busch and the No. 8 team participated in the Goodyear tire test at Iowa Speedway.

Hey Batter, Batter… Busch and his teammate, Austin Dillon, are scheduled to visit the Detroit Tigers on Friday to participate in batting practice with the team in advance of the first of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.

Meet Busch… On Sunday, June 8 at 11:25 a.m. ET, Busch is scheduled to visit the Chevrolet display in the Michigan International Speedway midway for a question and answer session.

About BetMGM… BetMGM is a market leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, pioneering the online gaming industry. Born out of a partnership between MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) and Entain Plc (LSE: ENT), BetMGM has exclusive access to all of MGM’s U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses. Utilizing Entain’s U.S.-licensed, state-of-the-art technology, BetMGM offers sports betting and online gaming via market-leading brands including BetMGM, Borgata Casino, Party Casino and Party Poker. Founded in 2018, BetMGM is headquartered in New Jersey. For more information, visit https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

How big of a factor is the draft at Michigan International Speedway?

“Over the last couple of years with this new Next Gen car, the draft at Michigan International Speedway has become less effective in my opinion. These cars don’t quite suck up on the straightaways the way the old cars could.”

Is it refreshing to race at a place like Michigan International Speedway where you can move around the track and find a line that works?

“Michigan over the years has been pretty lane dominant, but with the addition of the traction compound through the corners, it has led itself to widening out and allowing you to try different grooves. It still isn’t as wide as it once was. Back in 2013 you could race along the wall, but it’s getting better and going in that direction.”

Looking back at this race last year, what do you remember about that fourth-place finish?

“I wish I came off pit road with about an eight-second lead. That might’ve helped a little bit. Overall, just net positive on the weekend being upfront and having a shot at the win. We ran in the top 10 all day. It was a really good call by Randall Burnett and the guys to take two tires, get us more track position and just try to hold the leaders off as best we could. Overall, it was a good day for our RCR team.”

Kaulig Racing – Weekly Preview | Michigan 2025

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Roc Solid Playset Build

As part of a continued partnership with the Roc Solid Foundation, Matt Kaulig and Kaulig Giving took part in their fifth playset build on Wednesday, June 4, in Akron, Ohio.

Kaulig and the Kaulig Companies volunteers were guided through the playset-building process by the Roc Solid Foundation. The team ended the day with a grand reveal to A’Marii, the playset recipient, and his family. At four years old with a love for dinosaurs, bikes, toys and music, A’Marii is fighting leukemia.

When a child sees their playset for the first time, the very last thing on their mind is cancer. That is the moment when the power of play defeats cancer.

Kaulig Giving believes in making a lasting impact in the community by supporting the well-being of children and their families. To date, Kaulig Giving has given to over 400 501c3 organizations. Click here for local news coverage of the event.

“It’s really special to be a part of this event and have a hands-on role. When you think about a four-year-old kid that has leukemia, they are going through some really hard times. We get to be in his backyard, building his playground and that brings him a little bit of joy. It makes him feel good and it makes you feel good. It’s not all about giving money, it’s about actually physically doing something and helping families out and our Kaulig Companies group gets to do that.” – Matt Kaulig on the Roc Solid Playset Build

Ohio Takeover

  • Last week, Ty Dillon made his way to Ohio to the home of Matt Kaulig to visit media, talk racing and help promote the Kaulig Companies Championship coming up June 18 – 22, 2025 in Akron, Ohio.
  • On Tuesday, May 27, Dillon visited the iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, went go-karting with KreuzinCleveland and threw out the first pitch at the Cleveland Guardians game vs. the LA Dodgers.
  • On Wednesday, May 28, Dillon continued to make visits in the Cleveland and Akron areas with media and Kaulig Giving community partners. Dillon made stops at Lebron James ‘I Promise School’ to meet with students and visit the school’s media lab, Denzel Ward’s football clinic as part of Ward’s ‘Make Them Know Your Name’ foundation, the Big Play Cleveland studios and local media outlets.
  • Fans can learn more about the Kaulig Companies Championship and purchase tickets by visiting: kauligchampionship.com.
  • For a video recap of Dillon’s time in Ohio, click here.

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

Ty Dillon, No. 10 Sea Best Camaro ZL1

Sea Best: Sea Best returns to the No. 10 Chevrolet this weekend at Michigan International Speedway 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.

Meet Ty Dillon:

Sunday, June 8

  • Ty Dillon will kick off race day on Sunday, June 8, at the Chevrolet Display from 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. ET.
  • Dillon will then make his way to the Chevrolet merchandise hauler from 10:45 – 11:15 a.m. ET to meet fans and sign autographs.
  • To wrap up race morning fan experiences, Dillon will take part in Family Feud on the NASCAR Experience Stage at 11:15 a.m. ET. Dillon will be partnered with a fan and play against Michael McDowell’s team.

At Michigan International Speedway:

  • Ty Dillon will make his 13th start at Michigan International Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, June 8. In his previous 12 starts at the track in the Cup Series, Dillon has a best finish of 11th in 2019.
  • In the Xfinity Series, Dillon has four starts with a best finish of sixth in 2017. Dillon has two top-10 finishes and all four finishes in the top 15.
  • With two starts in the Truck Series, Dillon has a best finish of third in 2013 and both finishes in the top six.
  • Dillon has led laps in all three series.

“Michigan is a track where I have had good success at over the years and it’s one of the fastest tracks we go to. It’s a fun, big fast race track and it’ll be an exciting race. I’m looking forward to getting there and continuing to improve our overall performance in the No. 10 Chevrolet.” – Ty Dillon on Michigan International Speedway  

16 Team Info
Crew Chief: Trent Owens
Partner: Action Industries

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Action Industries Camaro ZL1

Action Industries: Action Industries has been a proud partner of Kaulig Racing since 2022, serving as both a primary and associate sponsor on the No. 16 NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet driven by AJ Allmendinger, and an additional team associate sponsor on all Kaulig Racing’s Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series.

At Michigan International Speedway:

  • AJ Allmendinger will make his 24th start at Michigan International Speedway in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sunday, June 8. In his previous starts at the track in the NASCAR Cup Series, Allmendinger has led one lap has a best finish of 11th that he earned in both 2010 and 2011.
  • In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Allmendinger has made three starts with Kaulig Racing at Michigan International Speedway, earning one win, one top five and three top-10 finishes. Allmendinger has led 77 laps and an average finish of 6.0.

“Michigan is just a super-fast racetrack, and I’ve enjoyed running it the last couple years in the Cup car. Last year we had good speed, and I feel like our big track program is probably where we excel right now at Kaulig Racing. I’m excited to get to Michigan and see what we have and knowing it’s a place we can go and have a good run. It’s a tough racetrack just in the sense of a lot of on throttle time and track position is always critical. Hopefully we can unload pretty close, which I think we’ve done a pretty good job at most racetracks and have good qualifying effort and a really good run.” – AJ Allmendinger on Michigan International Speedway  
 
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.

PHORM ENERGY JOINS HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS IN MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP TO FUEL EVERY MISSION

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NEW ENERGY DRINK FROM ANHEUSER-BUSCH, 1ST PHORM AND DANA WHITE SPONSORS ICONIC NO. 24 CHEVROLET AND SPOTLIGHTS PIT CREW ATHLETES ACROSS MULTIPLE TEAMS

CONCORD, N.C., AND ST. LOUIS (June 5, 2025) – Newly announced Phorm Energy has joined 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports in a multi-year partnership that will help launch a new game-changing energy drink. The agreement, which begins immediately and runs through 2027, will feature dynamic marketing integrations, including primary sponsorship of the No. 24 Chevrolet team, branding with pit crew athletes and a presence inside Hendrick Motorsports’ new athletic center.

Phorm Energy is a powerful partner for those committed to unlocking their full potential. Available in four varieties – Screamin’ Freedom, Blue Blitz, Orange Fury and Grape Smash – Phorm Energy boasts natural flavors, natural caffeine from green tea, electrolytes for hydration and a blend of ingredients aimed at supporting mental focus. Built by two American manufacturers with proud St. Louis roots, this energy drink is the first innovation from the partnership of Anheuser-Busch, 1st Phorm and Dana White.

“Launching Phorm Energy is a huge moment for our team and partnering with Hendrick Motorsports is just another way we can continue to grow and deliver something truly special,” said Sal Frisella, CEO, 1st Phorm. “We have built this brand for people that embrace the grit and grind in their everyday lives, and that’s something that Hendrick Motorsports and their drivers inherently know and understand. We know we found the right partner in Hendrick Motorsports and together we have big plans.”

As part of this new partnership, Phorm Energy will become a primary sponsor of the No. 24 Chevrolet for two races during the 2026 Cup Series season and four events in 2027. The team opened 2025 with its second consecutive DAYTONA 500 victory and currently leads the regular season standings.

The Phorm Energy brand will also serve as a full-year associate sponsor of the Nos. 5, 24 and 48 Hendrick Motorsports teams in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The partnership will incorporate the organization’s elite athletes with Phorm Energy logos placed on firesuits and helmets for the Nos. 5, 24 and 48 pit crews. The three race cars will feature Phorm Energy branding around fuel ports and enhanced logo placement on fueler uniforms.

In addition, the collaboration will extend to Hendrick Motorsports’ new 35,000-square-foot athletic center and corporate meeting space, which broke ground in April and is scheduled to open before the 2026 season. Located on the team’s campus in Concord, North Carolina, the state-of-the-art facility will feature Phorm Energy products and branding, while serving as a hub for training, recovery and overall health for Hendrick Motorsports athletes and employees.

“It’s an amazing opportunity to work with a powerhouse like Anheuser-Busch, as they launch Phorm Energy and build something new,” said Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. “As a brand grounded in shared values of dedication and hard work, we’re proud that the No. 24 team and our incredible athletes get to be part of their community. We’re making a major investment in our facilities to support our teammates with the best possible resources, and it’s exciting to have Phorm Energy involved from day one. We look forward to collaborating on a distinctive and authentic program.”

ABOUT PHORM ENERGY:
Phorm Energy is made for those who do the work in their everyday lives to unlock your full potential. With a unique blend of ingredients aimed to support mental focus, Phorm Energy has natural caffeine derived from green tea extract and electrolytes that support hydration. Phorm Energy is a collaboration between Anheuser-Busch, 1st Phorm, and Dana White. For more on Phorm Energy, you can visit phormenergy.com and follow Phorm Energy on Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH:
At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are committed to earning our place in the moments that matter to our consumers and making a meaningful impact in our communities across the country. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations.

Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities, and packaging plants, and have a dedicated network of more than 65,000 hardworking Americans across the United States who bring our beer to life.

We are home to several of America’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Bud Light as well as regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From our industry-leading efforts to support American farmers and our nation’s military, veterans, and first responders to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home – that’s who we are. For more information, visit https://www.anheuser-busch.com/ or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the winningest team in NASCAR Cup Series history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (316) and laps led (more than 84,000). It has earned at least one race win in a record 41 different seasons, including an active streak of 40 in a row (1986-2025). The team fields four full-time Chevrolet entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 150 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

WORLD SUPERCROSS HITS FIVE CONTINENTS AS IT UNVEILS HISTORIC 2025 SEASON CALENDAR

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  • The FIM World Supercross Championship announces a five-round global schedule for 2025, spanning five continents.
  • The season kicks off in Malaysia before heading to Argentina, Canada, Australia and South Africa.
  • Four cities will host World Supercross racing for the very first time.

London, UK, Thursday 5th June 2025: The highly anticipated 2025 FIM World Supercross Championship calendar has been officially unveiled, featuring a five-round schedule that will deliver an unprecedented global line up, spanning five continents. With a dynamic mix of iconic cities and fresh destinations, the 2025 season reaffirms World Supercross’ mission to take world-class supercross to fans across the globe.

2025 WORLD SUPERCROSS

The action kicks off on 18th October in Kuala Lumpur, at Stadium Merdeka, marking World Supercross’ first-ever round in Malaysia. This stop, promoted by Data Sukan Sdn Bhd, will set the stage for an electrifying season opener, showcasing the growing enthusiasm for supercross in Southeast Asia and spotlighting the increasing influence of the city on the global stage.

From there, the championship heads to Buenos Aires City, Argentina, on 8th November at the Oscar & Juan Gálvez Racetrack. With Argentina’s deep motorsport heritage, the round – promoted by EDV Entertainment – is set to delight the passionate fans in a nation steeped in motorsport history.

Next, World Supercross touches down in Vancouver, Canada, returning to North America at BC Place on 15th November. Last year marked competitive supercross’ long-awaited return to the region for the first time in 20 years, and now Vancouver is set to deliver another night of high-energy atmosphere and spectacular racing.

On 29th November, the championship heads Down Under for the Australian GP at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast, Australia. This marks a return to Australia, after a successful double-header in Perth last year. With Australia’s rich history in supercross and a passionate fanbase, the racing will deliver an unforgettable experience as World Supercross continues its strong presence in the country.

The 2025 season concludes with a historic South African GP in Cape Town on 13th December at the DHL Stadium. As World Supercross’ first-ever round in Africa, this milestone round – promoted by Showtime Management – marks the championship’s expansion into a new continent, bringing elite supercross competition to one of the world’s most vibrant sporting nations. As the season’s grand finale, where the 2025 World Supercross Champions will be crowned, the South African GP promises to be a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion to an incredible season of racing.

The 2025 season, the second under SX Global management, also marks the launch of a fresh new look for World Supercross – reflecting what makes it stand out as the only Supercross championship that takes the sport around the world. At the heart of the rebrand is a curved, globe-inspired logo – a shape that reflects the international scale of the series and the millions of dirt bike fans worldwide.

The tough, edgy new “W” takes its cues from the rugged design of supercross tyres. It’s a mark built to represent the grit, energy, and momentum of the sport. Fans will see this new identity come to life throughout the season – across visuals, photography, digital platforms, and at rounds around the world.

Tom Burwell, CEO of SX Global, said: “The 2025 calendar is a defining moment for World Supercross, as we continue to push the sport to new territories and audiences. Expanding into new regions like Malaysia, Argentina and South Africa, alongside returning to key markets like Canada and Australia, highlights our vision to make supercross a truly global spectacle. Delivering elite supercross racing to five continents for the first time is a huge moment. This will be the biggest and best season yet.”

Antonio Alia Portela, FIM Motocross Commission Director, added: “SX Global is laying the foundations for a bold new era for the FIM World Supercross Championship. Having delivered an exciting championship of racing last year, they are proving their ambition this season by taking supercross further across the globe and creating a World Championship for fans in every continent to get excited about. Starting with a statement event in Kuala Lumpur before concluding in Cape Town, we are excited to see the best riders on the planet battle once again for the ultimate prize – the title of World Champion.”

Eli Tomac (450cc), Shane McElrath (250cc), and Fire Power Honda (Team) claimed victory in 2024, but with a new season comes fresh rivalries, intense battles, and the opportunity for new riders to make their mark on a global stage.

Team and rider announcements will be released throughout the year as the pace picks up to the first gate drop in Kuala Lumpur.

For presale ticket access and further details, visit: worldsupercrosschampionship.com

2025 FIM World Supercross Championship Calendar:

  • Round 01: Malaysian GP, Kuala Lumpur – Stadium Merdeka, 18th October 
  • Round 02: Buenos Aires City GP, Argentina – Oscar & Juan Gálvez Racetrack, 8th November 
  • Round 03: Canadian GP, Vancouver – BC Place, 15th November 
  • Round 04: Australian GP, Gold Coast – Cbus Super Stadium, 29th November 
  • Round 05: South African GP, Cape Town – DHL Stadium, 13th December 

About the FIM World Supercross Championship

The FIM World Supercross Championship is a global competition spearheaded by SX Global, a leader in sports marketing and entertainment. The championship, sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), has been exclusively organised and promoted
by SX Global since 2022. For more information, please visit worldsupercrosschampionship.com.

21 Team Celebrating Wood Brothers’ Win In Inaugural Michigan Cup Race

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As part of the Wood Brothers’ celebration of 75 years in the sport, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are running a paint scheme this weekend at Michigan International Speedway commemorating the Wood’s victory in the track’s inaugural NASCAR race.

On June 15, 1969, in the Motor State 500, Cale Yarborough drove the Woods’ 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II (A Cale Yarborough Special Edition produced by Ford that was painted much like the one one Mustang Dark Horse that Berry will race this weekend). That race ended with a dramatic, door-to-door shootout between Yarborough and LeeRoy Yarbrough, which ended with Cale speeding away to victory while LeeRoy hit the wall but recovered to finish fourth behind David Pearson and Richard Petty. It was the first of 11 wins at Michigan for the Woods.

The next race at Michigan, the Yankee 600 on August 17 of the same year, was plagued by rain. The race, scheduled to be 600 miles, ended a little after the halfway mark with Pearson, then driving for Holman-Moody, taking the win over Buddy Baker, Richard Petty and Yarborough.

Back at Michigan the next year, with the race shortened to 400 miles, Yarborough’s No. 21 Mercury fell two laps off the pace, but Yarborough eventually rejoined the lead lap and passed Pete Hamilton with two laps remaining to take the win.

All told, Yarborough, who had just one career Cup victory before joining the Woods, won 13 races in the No. 21 including the 1968 Daytona 500 and the Firecracker 400 at Daytona as well as the 1968 Southern 500 at Darlington. His first win with the Woods came at Atlanta in 1967, and he also won there in 1969 leading 308 of 334 laps in the first time out with a Boss 429 engine under the hood. He won at Atlanta again in 1969. Yarborough and the Woods accomplished all that despite running a limited schedule their entire time together.

Leonard Wood described Yarborough as “one of the hardest drivers there’s ever been in NASCAR.” He said the Woods hired Yarborough on the recommendation of Charlie Gray, then the coordinator of Ford’s drag racing and NASCAR racing efforts. Yarborough also had made a good impression on the Woods in his early years in the sport. “He ran really well in a Sportsman race at Daytona,” Wood said. “And he was running really well in Banjo Matthews’ Ford. He drove 110 percent all the time.”

Now it’s the Josh Berry era in the history of the Wood Brothers.

Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane crew, with a win at Las Vegas in March securing them a Playoff berth, now are looking for their second win together.

“I’m really happy with the consistent performance we’ve had,” Berry said. “Sure, there have been times we’ve missed out on the finishes we deserved or let some opportunities slip. But overall, I think we’ve done a great job qualifying well and racing strong. If we keep tightening up the little things and minimizing mistakes, the results will start coming our way more often.”

Berry said he has some added motivation heading into this weekend at Michigan.

“The Wood Brothers have a great history at Michigan, and we’re looking forward to going out there with our throwback scheme and putting together a solid weekend in Ford’s backyard,” he said.

Practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 is set for Saturday at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, followed by qualifying at 10:40. Sunday’s 200-lap, 400-mile race is scheduled to start just after 2 p.m., with Stage breaks planned for Laps 45 and 120. Amazon Prime will carry the TV coverage all weekend.

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

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

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.

About Ford Performance
Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.

About Wood Brothers Racing
Founded in 1950 by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood in Stuart, Virginia, Wood Brothers Racing holds a special place in NASCAR history as the sport’s longest-running team. Over eight decades, the team has earned 101 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with 120 poles, and remains proud of its longstanding relationship with Ford Motor Company, fielding only Ford products since its inception. Glenn’s brother, Leonard Wood, played a key role in shaping modern racing by developing the techniques behind today’s pit stops. With a rich legacy rooted in innovation and tradition, Wood Brothers Racing continues to honor its heritage while adapting for the future as it competes in NASCAR’s premier series with Josh Berry.

CORVETTE RACING AT LE MANS: Is it TF Sport’s Time?

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Championship-leading program comes in with high hopes for Le Mans victory

DETROIT (June 5, 2025) – TF Sport and members of the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R program are eager to take all the lessons and all the experience from their past 18 months together and turn it into a victory in the world’s biggest sports car race.

Two Corvettes from TF Sport are part of the LMGT3 grid for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans – starting with Sunday’s Test Day – and the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship. The pair of entries are part of a three-car Corvette contingent among the 24 cars in the class for this year’s event, which kicks off with Sunday’s annual Le Mans Test Day and includes fellow Corvette team AWA.

The TF Sport squad is going for a third class win at Le Mans while the Corvette Racing program can make it 10 victories since 2001.

The team’s trio of Daniel Juncadella, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating lead the WEC’s LMGT3 Drivers Championship standings on the strength of a victory at Qatar in their No. 33 Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Across the garage, the No. 81 Corvette lineup of Charlie Eastwood, Rui Andrade and Tom Van Rompuy are hoping to join their teammates as race winners for TF Sport in the trio’s second year together at Le Mans.

Each of the six drivers have different previous experiences at Le Mans. Eastwood and Keating are both past-winners of the race with Keating twice a winner, including in 2023 in a Corvette C8.R. Andrade is a past runner-up, Van Rompuy has two previous starts, Juncadella debuted last year and Edgar is a Le Mans rookie.

Two three-hour sessions are on the schedule for Sunday’s Test Day, which is the first time since last year’s final lap that cars will have the chance to run on the full 8.47-mile Le Mans circuit – a mix of permanent racetrack and public roads. The Test Day is valuable with only a three-hour Free Practice on Wednesday ahead of the first round of qualifying later in the day.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET / 4 p.m. CET on Saturday, June 14. MotorTrend will air the full race live in the U.S., with full live streaming coverage of all on-track sessions – including qualifying and Hyperpole – will be available through the MAX app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will provide live streaming audio coverage of all sessions as well.

TF SPORT PRE-EVENT QUOTES

DANI JUNCADELLA, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Le Mans is such an incredible place. The track itself is one that on paper you don’t think is a challenge because there are a lot of long straights and there aren’t that many corners for such a long track. You’d think it is fairly easy but it’s incredible the aura that the place has. There is something you can feel and it’s impressive. I was grateful to experience that for the first time last year.

“It’s a big thing that we have had pretty flawless races so far. The team has really taken a step forward in the right direction. It’s no secret that the driver lineup is incredibly good. Both Ben and Jonny are really, really good. Having Tyler (Neff, race engineer) with us this year brought us some fresh ideas and experience with the Corvette. The Z06 GT3.R is in its second year and we have a season of experience with it in the bag so that helps a lot in terms of reliability and many other things. It’s a great year to be part of this lineup and this team. We’re having very clean races and that also pays off with consistency for scoring results and points.”

JONNY EDGAR, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: I am looking forward to competing in my first 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a race I have watched for a long time and have always been interested to compete in so it is amazing I have finally got the opportunity to do so. If we can carry on the great work everyone has done this season then I am confident we will have a good result as we have managed to execute all three races very well so far this season. The whole team has done an amazing job.

“I cannot wait to drive the track for the first time, I am sure it will be very enjoyable in the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. It is very exciting to be racing alongside Ben and Dani at this race. Ben has had lots of success here with both Corvette and TF Sport so I am sure he will have lots of helpful advice for me, and Dani raced here last year with the Corvette so he will also be able to help me a lot as well.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “So far this season, the team has performed FLAWLESSLY! It has been very impressive and it is why we have seen the results. It’s no surprise given my past history with both TF Sport and the Corvette. There’s no reason to think we can’t keep the same incredible team performance for Le Mans.

“My first memory of Le Mans was in 2014 when I went as a spectator not knowing anything about it. I slept on the floor of the hospitality tent. I walked many miles. I felt like a little kid where everything was a new experience. To me what makes Le Mans special is that excitement and energy surrounding the event – everything from the public scrutineering to the parade to the race itself. This is a result of the history and mostly because of the fans. Le Mans is not a race. Le Mans is an event.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We haven’t had the performance or results on our side, but the thing I’m really hopeful about is that as a crew, as a team and as a Corvette program, we’re executing some really good races. When you get to Le Mans, it’s what I actually love so much about it – even over other 24-hour events – it’s not like Daytona where you have so many cautions and you can get back into the race and back onto the lead lap. In Le Mans, if you make a mistake in the first hour then you have to be very fast to make that back up. With the energy side of things, we’ll probably have 27 or 27 pit stops. Our guys have gotten super-quick at tire changes and the strategy has been very good in the last few events. When you add that up across 26 stops versus just four stops, it can make a big difference in the pitlane.

“On top of that, both Rui and Tom – especially Rui as he is doing a geo-program in ELMS and then straight into a WEC race – are driving incredibly well, love the car and are able to extract speed out of it. So from our side when you look at the lineup, we’re pretty strong in that regard. No, we didn’t have a great race there last year but as a team and a car, we’ve made massive strides in a lot of areas so hopefully that will play into our favor.”

RUI ANDRADE, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m very excited to be back at Le Mans as always. For us it’s definitely the biggest race of the year and the one everyone wants to win. Last year was difficult but we’ve made steps forward as a team, and I know my teammates and I are ready for the challenge ahead.

“I personally definitely feel stronger this year which is a good confidence boost going into Le Mans. It’s a very long race and all three drivers need to be at their very best in order for the team to perform well. So hopefully I can keep my personal momentum going so we can fight for the win.”

2025 FIA World Endurance Championship Points

LMGT3 Drivers Standings

  1. Ben Keating/Daniel Juncadella/Jonny Edgar – 44
  2. Alessio Rovera/Francois Heriau/Simon Mann – 40
  3. Arnold Robin/Finn Gehrsitz – 38
  4. Riccardo Pera/Richard Lietz/Ryan Hardwick – 31
  5. Davide Rigon/Francesco Casellacci/Thomas Flohr – 31
  6. Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 8

LMGT3 Teams Standings

  1. No. 33 TF Sport – 44
  2. No. 21 Vista AF Corse – 40
  3. No. 78 Akkodis ASP Team – 38
  4. No. 92 Manthey 1ST Phorm – 31
  5. No. 54 Vista AF Corse – 31
  6. No. 81 TF Sport – 8

CORVETTE RACING AT LE MANS: By the Numbers

  • 2: Number of victories for TF Sport at Le Mans (2020 and 2022 in GTE Am)
  • 3: Number of wins for the Corvette C5-R – 2001, 2002, 2004
  • 4: Number of wins for the Corvette C6.R – 2005, 2006, 2009, 2011
  • 4: Generations of Corvette Racing entries at Le Mans since 2000 – Corvette C5-R (2000-04), Corvette C6.R (2005-13), Corvette C7.R (2014-2019) and Corvette C8.R (2021-2023) / Corvette Z06 GT3.R (2024-current)
  • 9: Class victories for Corvette Racing at Le Mans – all since 2001
  • 11: Number of combined 24 Hours of Le Mans starts for the No. 81 Corvette trio of Charlie Eastwood (five), Rui Andrade (four) and Tom Van Rompuy (two)• 12: Number of drivers who have won races at Le Mans for Corvette Racing – Olivier Beretta, Nicky Catsburg, Ron Fellows, Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin, Ben Keating, Jan Magnussen, Tommy Milner, Johnny O’Connell, Scott Pruett, Jordan Taylor and Nico Varrone
  • 14: Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001
  • 30: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Chang International Circuit (Thailand), Daytona, Detroit, Houston, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Lusail International Circuit (Qatar), Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia), Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen
  • 33: Number of drivers to compete for Corvette Racing at Le Mans. That number grows this year with the additions of all three AWA Corvette drivers
  • 70: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The latest to join the list was Ben Green in GT World Challenge Asia for Johor Motorsports Racing at Mandalika (Indonesia)
  • 72: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year
  • 144: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 117 in IMSA, nine at Le Mans, four in the FIA WEC, 12 in GT World Challenge America and two GT World Challenge Asia
  • 115,625.48: Number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing entries in 26 previous trips to Le Mans. That represents 13,708 laps… or almost five full trips around the Earth at its equator. Corvette Racing combined to go over the 100,000-mile mark at Le Mans in the 2021 race.
  • 425,552.38: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. To put that in perspective, Corvette Racing is more than halfway to the distance traveled by Apollo 13 – the longest manned spaceflight in history: 622,268 miles. That means Corvette Racing has raced to the moon… and then some!

Corvette Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (wins in bold)

2000 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 4th in GTS

No. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTS

2001 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Scott Pruett – 1st in GTS

No. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 2nd in GTS

2002 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Oliver Gavin – 1st in GTS

No. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 2nd in GTS

2003 – No. 53 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTS

No. 50 Corvette C5-R: Oliver Gavin/Kelly Collins/Andy Pilgrim – 2nd in GTS

2004 – No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GTS

No. 64 Corvette C5-R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GTS

2005 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GT1

No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1

2006 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 7th in GT1

No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1

2007 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GT1

No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 14th in GT1

2008 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GT1

No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 3rd in GT1

2009 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 1st in GT1

No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GT1

2010 – No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 12th in GT2 (DNF)

No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Emmanuel Collard – 10th in GT2 (DNF)

2011 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Tommy Milner/Antonio Garcia – 1st in GTE Pro

No. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen/Richard Westbrook – 14th in GTE Pro (DNF)

2012 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 5th in GTE Pro

No. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 6th in GTE Pro

2013 – No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 4th in GTE Pro

No. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 7th in GTE Pro

2014 – No. 73 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 2nd in GTE Pro

No. 74 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 4th in GTE Pro

2015 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – DNS (Qualifying crash)

No. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Jordan Taylor – 1st in GTE Pro

2016 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ricky Taylor – 7th in GTE Pro

No. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Jordan Taylor – 10th in GTE Pro (DNF)

2017 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 3rd in GTE Pro

No. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM

2018 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTE Pro

No. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 15th in GTE Pro (DNF)

2019 – No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 8th in GTE Pro

No. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 16th in GTE Pro (DNF)

2021 – No. 63 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 2nd in GTE Pro

No. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 6th in GTE Pro

2022 – No. 63 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 7th in GTE Pro (DNF)

No. 64 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 6th in GTE Pro (DNF)

2023 – No. 33 Corvette C8.R: Nicky Catsburg/Ben Keating/Nico Varrone – 1st in GTE Am (Keating pole, Varrone fastest race lap)

2024 – No. 81 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Charlie Eastwood/Rui Andrade/Tom Van Rompuy – 15th in LMGT3

No. 82 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Daniel Juncadella/Sebastien Baud/Hiroshi Koizumi – 11th in LMGT3

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