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Spire Motorsports MillerTech Battery 200 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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  • In five NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series appearances at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, Spire Motorsports has earned three top-10 finishes. Austin Hill (2022) and Chase Purdy (2024) both combined for team-best sixth-place results at “The Tricky Triangle.” The Mooresville, N.C., organization fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets full time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The Nos. 07 and 7 entries will see a rotating roster of all-star caliber drivers throughout the season, while Rajah Caruth and Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Andres Perez de Lara will pilot the Nos. 71 and 77, respectively, for the full slate of races.
  • Spire Motorsports will honor teammate Tony Witt who tragically lost his life Friday, June 6. Witt served as a suspension mechanic for the team’s NASCAR Cup Series’ operation and had been with the organization since March 2022. He was journeyman competitor who made the move from Wisconsin to North Carolina in the mid 90s to work alongside fellow Wisconsin racer Robbie Reiser on his fledgling NASCAR Xfinity Series team. Since then, he made stops and won races at Darrell Waltrip Racing, Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing, among others, prior to his time with Spire. Witt leaves behind two sons, Dalton and Tyler, mother Jo Anne and brothers Todd and Jon. He was preceded in death by his late wife Paula. The team will honor Witt’s memory with a decal on all four of its NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series entries this weekend in Pocono.
  • The MillerTech Battery 200 will be televised live on FS1 Friday, June 20 beginning at 5 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 14th of 25 races on the 2025 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series calendar will be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Patrick Emerling – Driver, No. 07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

  • Patrick Emerling will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 07 GOAT Power Bikes Chevrolet Silverado in Friday’s MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.
  • Emerling is a full-time competitor on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, the world’s premier asphalt modified series. He’s racked up eight victories in addition to 49 top-five and 91 top-10 finishes in 164 starts. The 2021 championship runner-up currently sits sixth in the division’s championship point standings with a victory in February’s season opener at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway. In the tour’s most recent event last weekend at Riverhead (N.Y.) Raceway, Emerling registered his third top-five finish of the season after crossing the line in third.
  • Friday’s 200-mile event will mark the northeasterner’s fourth CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start and first behind the wheel of a Spire Motorsports Silverado. He earned a series-best 19th-place result last month at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway in the No. 75 Henderson Motorsports Silverado.
  • The Orchard Park, N.Y., native has made three starts at “The Tricky Triangle” in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, earning a venue-best 26th-place result in 2023 in his own Emerling-Gase Motorsports Chevy.
  • The 32-year-old has competed in 59 NASCAR National Touring Series events, collecting his first-career top 10 in February at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.
  • Frequently described as ‘The Harley Davidson of E-Bike Brands,’ GOAT Power Bikes leads the charge for building powerful, affordable, and reliable e-bikes that empower riders to conquer any terrain. GOAT’s base model bikes have a 48MPH top speed with a price point of under $2,800, making them the best bang for your buck for anything in its class.
  • The eight-time Whelan Modified Tour winner will be at the controls of Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-073 Friday afternoon. Chase Purdy earned a chassis-best runner-up finish at Texas Motor Speedway in 2023 when it was the property of Kyle Busch Motorsports.

Patrick Emerling Quote
While you have limited seat time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, you have prior Xfinity Series experience at Pocono. How do you anticipate the truck’s aero and braking characteristics will differ through Pocono’s three unique corners; particularly in Turn One and Turn Three?
“The truck is going to have more downforce and drag, meaning more on-throttle time and less braking compared to the Xfinity car. They will also race quite different. Every corner at Pocono is unique and you can lose a lot speed and momentum with the smallest mistakes. With my background in modified racing, the truck may potentially suit my driving style more so than the Xfinity car does.”

Atop the No. 07 Box – Crew Chief Allen Hart

  • Allen Hart calls the shots for the No. 07 team, an entry that has seen a rotating roster of drivers throughout the 2025 campaign.
  • As a race engineer at JR Motorsports, the Midland, Mich., native helped Justin Allgaier to a runner-up finish in the 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series event at Pocono Raceway. He led 13 laps and fell 0.615 seconds short of the victory to Brad Keselowski.
  • Last time out at Michigan International Speedway, the No. 07 team and driver Corey LaJoie managed a top-five result despite a shot at the win late in the going. After restarting on the front row for a trio of NASCAR Overtime attempts, aged Goodyear rubber left the driver vulnerable to his competitors on fresher tires and was forced to settle for a fifth-place finish.
  • The 43-year-old earned his first career win in a crew chief role in March’s Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. After a spin midway through the Final Stage, Kyle Larson made an impressive run through the field over the event’s final 40 circuits, chasing down the leaders with two laps remaining to make the winning move.
  • Through 13 races, No. 07 team sits ninth in the division’s owner’s championship point standings on the strength of one win, four top-five and five top-10 finishes.

Carson Hocevar – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

  • Carson Hocevar, driver of the No. 7 Delaware Life Chevrolet Silverado, will make his fourth and final CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start of the season in Friday’s MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway.
  • In his three starts behind the wheel of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Silverado in 2025, the 22-year-old has collected one win and paced the field for 131 laps. A potential top-five run at Texas Motor Speedway turned sour when he lost voltage under green-flag conditions, and a potential hometown victory at Michigan International Speedway went awry when contact with a competitor in the closing laps cut his left-rear tire.
  • The five-time CRAFTSMAN Truck Series winner owns three prior starts in the series at “The Tricky Triangle.” He registered a fifth-place result in 2022.
  • The 2024 Cup Series Rookie of the Year started 15th and finished 17th in last year’s 160-lap Pocono Cup Series race.
  • Last month, Hocevar and the No. 7 team claimed victory in the Heart of Health Care 200 at Kansas Speedway. He led 75 of the event’s 134 laps and survived last-lap contact with a competitor en route to his fifth victory in the series and first aboard a Spire Motorsports-prepared Silverado.
  • The Portage, Mich., native is a veteran of 80 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races, earning five wins, 22 top fives and 34 top 10s while leading 731 laps. He made the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoffs in all three full-time seasons, reaching the Championship 4 in 2023.
  • Delaware Life is an insurance and annuity company that empowers financial professionals with a wide array of customizable solutions. A subsidiary of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings LLC, Delaware Life focuses on delivering a seamless experience for advisors. The company understands how important it is to find the right fit for every client, every situation and every individual need. Delaware Life is passionate about equipping advisors with annuities that give their customers peace of mind and a successful future, allowing them to plan with confidence for whatever’s next.
  • Hocevar will race Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-089 Friday afternoon, the same truck he parked in Victory Lane at Kansas in its only prior appearance.

Carson Hocevar Quote
How will another double-duty weekend help you at a track as tricky as Pocono?
“Track time is going to be an advantage this weekend. Pocono can be really difficult, you have to be able to get through each corner and they’re all different. The way the car or truck gets through the tunnel turn is going to feel completely different from how it gets through Turn One or Three. Then there’s the long straightaway and the bumps, and all the unique things that can impact a race at Pocono. I think we’ll do well. We’ve been able to find things at each type of track that play in our favor and I feel like we’ll be able to build on all of those things to make the adjustments we need.”

Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Brian Pattie

  • Brian Pattie stands atop of the No. 7 pit box, an entry that has seen an abundance of all-star caliber drivers behind the wheel throughout the 2025 season.
  • Pattie will team up with Carson Hocevar for the fourth and final time in 2025 this weekend. The paiting collected a victory together last month at Kansas Speedway.
  • Kyle Busch emerged victorious in the first of two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races for the 50-year-old shot caller in 2023. The win tallied the 100th and final for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
  • In Cup Series action, the Zephyrhills, Fla., native called 28 events, collecting seven top 10s, highlighted by a runner-up finish with Juan Pablo Montoya in 2009 and a fourth-place result in 2014 with Clint Bowyer.
  • Through 13 races, the No. 7 team sits seventh in the division’s owner’s championship point standings on the strength of two wins, five top-five and six top-10 finishes.
  • The No. 7 team defended its 2024 victory in the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February with Kyle Busch behind the wheel. The Las Vegas driver spent all 135 laps in the top 15 while leading a race-high 80 laps and recording a field-leading average running position (3.2) and driver rating (124.6).
  • The 24-year industry veteran spent 14 seasons in NASCAR’s premier division. As a crew chief, he has amassed six wins in Cup Series competition, 11 in the Xfinity Series and seven in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. He stands as one of 11 crew chiefs to win races across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.

Rajah Caruth – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

  • Rajah Caruth will be behind the wheel of Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Silverado in Friday’s MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway.
  • In two prior CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at the 2.5-mile tri-oval, the newly minted 23-year-old earned a venue-best 10th-place finish in last season’s CRC Brakleen 175. He has also made one start in both the Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series at “The Tricky Triangle.”
  • Last time out at Michigan International Speedway, a flat tire on the 250-mile event’s opening lap forced the Washington, D.C., native to pit road under green-flag conditions, ultimately falling a lap down. Caruth earned the free pass at the conclusion of Stage Two, returning to lead-lap status. Soon after on a Lap-77 restart, contact with a competitor sent the No. 71 Chevrolet into the outside retaining wall, causing significant damage to the right side and rear of the Silverado. The damage was deemed too significant to continue and the ream was credited with a 31st-place finish.
  • In last month’s Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway, Caruth held off hard-charging Corey Heim and Layne Riggs to earn his second-career CRAFTSMAN Truck Series victory. After hitting pit road for the final time in the third position, the No. 71 pit crew nailed the stop, putting the driver out front to start the Final Stage. He led the final 51 laps en route to the win.
  • Through the first 13 events on the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series calendar, Caruth has earned one win, three top fives and seven top 10s, while pacing the field for 186 circuits – tripling his 57 laps led entering the year.
  • HENDRICKCARS.COM is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop more than 30,000 new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.
  • The 2024 season marked a career year for Caruth, tallying one win, a pair of Cometic Gasket Pole Awards and five top-five finishes, all of which were the first of his young career. The 12 top-10 finishes on the season tripled Caruth’s total of four in 2023, while his average starting position of 10.7 was four positions higher than 2023 and his 11.6 average finish was an impressive seven positions higher.
  • With his first career CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last season, Caruth became the third African-American driver to win a NASCAR National Touring Series race, joining 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Wendell Scott and current Cup Series star Bubba Wallace.
  • Caruth and the No. 71 team qualified for the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series playoffs in 2024, the first such appearance for the recent Winston-Salem (N.C.) State University graduate. Despite reaching the Round of 8, mechanical issues stalled his championship bid in the season’s penultimate event at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
  • The blue and white HENDRICKCARS.COM colors will wrap Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-078. The truck was the same Caruth parked in Victory Lane last month at Nashville, the second win for the chassis following Nick Sanchez’s Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway triumph in 2024.

Rajah Caruth Quotes
Coming out of an off week, how do you reset and prepare for the next two weekends at very different race tracks?
“It was nice to have a little bit of time off to reset around the family. Going into Pocono, I’m just excited to get back on track. I’ve improved a lot there since my first ARCA race in 2022. Our trucks are improving and we’re doing a great job working together as a team. The prep doesn’t change and I’m confident the HENDRICKCARS.COM Silverado our team put together will be able to compete up front.”

This year’s race at Pocono has been extended to 70 laps to 80. How does that change your mindset on how you will approach the day?
“It doesn’t change much other than you will have to be a little more mindful about your tires. They are durable, but you will be running a lot of laps on a set. You want to make sure you aren’t cording them or oversaturating the tire. Otherwise, fuel conservation will be a big focus. A lot of these Pocono races comes down to who can save the most fuel, so I will be clutching and coasting under caution and cutting the engine when I have the opportunity.”

Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Kevin “Bono” Manion

  • Veteran crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion has called nine CRAFTSMAN Truck Series events at Pocono Raceway, tallying one top five and three top 10s, highlighted by a runner-up finish with Tyler Ankrum in 2019. More recently, he led the charge for the part-time No. 7 entry that secured a venue-best sixth-place result for the team with Austin Hill in 2022.
  • The Boylston, Mass., native adds 19 Cup Series races worth of experience at the “Tricky Triangle,” including a third-place result with Martin Truex, Jr., in June 2007, one-week removed from his first NASCAR Cup Series triumph at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway.
  • Manion, a 31-year veteran of the sport, founded Spire Motorsports’ CRAFTSMAN Truck Series program alongside industry veteran Mike Greci in 2022. The team claimed their first victory in their second outing with William Byron behind the wheel at Martinsville Speedway.
  • The 53-year-old has racked up six Cup Series victories – including the 2010 Daytona 500 – 17 NASCAR Xfinity Series triumphs and 12 CRAFTSMAN Truck series wins. Manion is also one of 11 crew chiefs to have called wins across all three of NASCAR’s national touring series.
  • In 2023, Manion became one of few to call a race in all three of NASCAR’s national series in a single season, all of which came under the Spire Motorsports umbrella. He led the part-time effort on the No. 7 Silverado in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, helped in limited starts for Carson Hocevar in the Xfinity Series and took the reigns during the second half of the Cup Series season for Ty Dillon and the No. 77 team.

Andres Perez de Lara – Driver, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

  • Andres Perez de Lara will pilot the No. 77 Telcel Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in the MillerTech Battery 200 at Pocono Raceway .
  • Last time out at Michigan International Speedway, Perez de Lara picked up his second top 10 of the season as he partook in a spirited drive in the final two attempts at NASCAR Overtime. He ultimately crossed the line in the ninth position.
  • The Mexico City native will make his second career start at “The Tricky Triangle” and his first in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. In the 2023 ARCA Menards Series’ Sunset Hill Shooting Range 150, the 2024 series champion started third and took the lead on Lap 7. He led 16 until he was ultimately was passed by eventual race winner, Jesse Love, on Lap 22.
  • Telcel is Mexico’s leading telecommunications company, providing nationwide coverage, cutting-edge mobile connectivity, and high-speed internet services to millions of users. With over 30 years of experience, Telcel continues to innovate in digital communication, offering solutions that keep people connected anytime, anywhere.
  • Beyond technology, Telcel is committed to supporting excellence in sports, particularly in motorsports. As a proud and long-time sponsor of Perez de Lara, Telcel fuels the passion for speed, precision and performance, driving success both on and off the track. Telcel will be a season-long partner with Perez de Lara and the No. 77 team.
  • The 20-year-old has made 15 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts, 14 of which were behind the wheel of a Spire Motorsports Chevy Silverado. He earned his first-career top 10 in his CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut last June at World Wide Technology Raceway via a ninth-place result. His career-best seventh-place finish at Martinsville Speedway in March marked his second top 10 in the series.
  • The Sunoco Rookie of the Year Contender juggled his duties while also competing full time in the NASCAR Mexico Series. In 2023, he earned the Rookie of the Year award while finishing fourth in the division’s championship point standings and reaching the series’ version of the NASCAR playoffs.
  • Perez de Lara will pilot Spire Manufacturing chassis SMT-082 on Friday. Rajah Caruth drove the truck to a pair of top 10s during his 2024 NASCAR CRAFSMAN Truck Series playoff run.

Andres Perez de Lara Quotes
What are your thoughts on heading to Pocono for the first time in the truck?
“I am excited to head up to Pocono for the first time in a truck. This is one of the tracks I was most excited to go to this year and one I circled on my calendar that could be a good fit. The track has a great atmosphere with a lot of history and presents a lot of challenges. I ran ARCA there in 2023 and had a solid day, leading laps and spending most of the day in the top five. Pocono is unlike any track we race at. Each turn is unique and presents its own set of challenges. You have to be good everywhere to make speed. I think we will have what it takes to go out and get a good result.”

Last weekend, you were able to make your Xfinity Series debut in your hometown. How will this experience translate over to the truck series?
“Any time you can get seat time you are learning something. I had to start in the back due to some issues that came up during practice. I passed some cars at the start which gave me a ton of confidence, especially in my first start in the Xfinity car. I was running within the top 15 towards the end of the race until I got turned. That’s just road racing these days. This was definitely a boost in confidence heading into the second half of the season, especially with three road-courses coming up on the schedule.”

Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Chad Walter

  • Walter has called two CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at “The Tricky Triangle”. His best effort coming with Tyler Ankrum in 2020, when the duo collected a work-man like ninth place finish.
  • In last year’s event at Pocono Raceway, Walter and Rajah Caruth finished in the 10th position after qualifying third
  • Between NASCAR’s Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, the Albion, N.Y. native has racked up six wins, 52 top fives and 131 top 10s.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 30, 2025, when Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville Superspeedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

‘Roll On Eighteen Wheeler, Roll On’

By
Official Release
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Rick Ware Racing Transporter Driver Chris Avery Logging Mucho Miles En Route to Pocono

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 18, 2025) – After last Sunday’s inaugural Viva Mexico 250 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, NASCAR Cup Series crew members were back in their respective homes by Monday night, most in time for dinner.

Chris Avery, meanwhile, had just crossed back into the United States. Home was still another 20 hours away.

Avery drives the 18-wheeler for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) that carries the team’s No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse to all 38 races on the Cup Series schedule. He departed Mexico City a few hours after the checkered flag dropped to begin his 1,974-mile trek back to RWR’s NASCAR facility in Concord, North Carolina.

“Time-wise, this was our longest trip of the season,” Avery said. “When we go out to Sonoma, California, that’s actually our longest trip mileage-wise, but this one was more involved because of the border crossing and just traveling in another country.”

The Cup Series’ race in Mexico City was its first international points-paying event in 67 years. There was some teeth-gnashing and hand-wringing when it came to the logistics of moving NASCAR’s small city to and from Mexico City in between the June 8 race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn and this Sunday’s race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, a route which will total nearly 5,000 miles. Avery, however, already had a good idea of what to expect. He drove racing transporters internationally, specifically, all across Europe for teams competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC).

“I’ve been driving for about 25 years,” Avery said. “I’ve done a lot of work in sportscar racing, and I had the chance to travel all over the world. Matter of fact, 20 years ago, we won the 24 Hours of Le Mans.”

Avery was the transporter driver for Champion Racing, which won the 2005 24 Hours of Le Mans with drivers JJ Lehto, Marco Werner and Tom Kristensen in an Audi R8. Ironically, Champion Racing was the last customer team to win the twice-around-the-clock endurance race until this past weekend’s 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, AF Corse, stood atop the podium with its No. 83 Ferrari and drivers Robert Kubica, Yifei Ye and Philip Hanson.

“We started with right-hand drive trucks, and that was a little bit interesting and took some getting used to. Eventually, we got left-hand drive trucks and that definitely felt more natural,” Avery said.

How does one break into the world of hauling millions of dollars of racing equipment to events in the United States and abroad?

“As a kid, I watched races with my dad, and he was always a Bill Elliott fan, and a big Ford fan,” said Avery, who grew up in New Bern, North Carolina. “With that always in my head, I eventually got a job hauling showcars for a motorsports marketing agency, Cotter Promotions. Starting in 1997, I drove a big dually pickup all over the country, and one of the cars I hauled was for Cale Yarborough Motorsports. I was able to work with the team at some of the races. I worked my butt off and proved myself to them, and they invited me back to help some more and I became their hauler driver in ‘98.”

Driving a showcar hauler while operating with an always-on mentality earned Avery the nickname “Showtime.” He eventually transitioned away from Cale Yarborough Motorsports and pivoted to sportscar racing, where he did more than just drive.

“My wife and I created a trucking logistics company that specialized in motorsports,” Avery said. “For European teams coming to the U.S. to race, we operated their haulers. From the paperwork needed to get their equipment into the states to actually driving their trucks to races, we did it all.”

Avery returned to NASCAR in 2022, driving the Wood Brothers Racing transporter. He moved to Spire Motorsports in 2024 and joined RWR ahead of the 2025 season. His worldly background prepared him well for this Michigan-to-Mexico-to Pocono journey.

“The prep for Mexico started in January,” Avery said. “There were numerous – more than I can even explain – emails between NASCAR and the teams just to make sure that we had all of our paperwork and all of our manifests. And the paperwork was probably the single largest endeavor, which took months to get through, making sure everybody had passports, making sure everybody was cleared through customs, not only going into Mexico, but getting back into the United States too.

“Then, about a month out, we were looking more at the individual logistics of everything we needed to do. We put plans in place to make sure that when we got to Michigan to do our swap out, everything that needed to go on the hauler to Mexico actually made it onto the hauler, that every ‘T’ was crossed and every ‘I’ was dotted, so that we could be as efficient as possible, because there truly wasn’t any time to waste. We had to get on the road as quickly as we could out of Michigan and focus on the logistics of physically getting to Mexico.”

Avery and his hauler-driving counterparts made it to Mexico City on time, just like they manage to do week-in and week-out during the longest season in all of professional sports. With experience in their back pockets, returning to the United States was even quicker.

“As soon as we hit the U.S. border, it was standard operating procedure,” Avery said. “We have a day-and-a-half turnaround at the shop and we’ll be back on the road to Pocono on Thursday.”

The long hours, exacting details and tight timelines don’t faze Avery. After all, it is the routine of a NASCAR hauler driver.

“We’re the first ones to leave the shop. We’re the last ones to get back to the shop. Every morning when we’re at the racetrack, we’re the first one in the gate. I’m the one at the hauler every week. I make sure that the generator’s on, the coffee pot’s got fresh coffee in it, and I try to be standing at the back door to greet the guys as they show up to walk in the door every single week, every day of every weekend, that we’re out racing,” Avery said.

“Here in the Cup Series, the level of professionalism that these guys have, all of these hauler drivers, is second to none. I’ve never worked with a better, close-knit group of guys that are willing to do what they can to help you, regardless of what team you’re affiliated with.”

Cody Ware, driver of RWR’s No. 51 Parts Plus Ford Mustang, knows full well the value Avery and his brethren bring to the sport. After all, the work on the car and the preparation for the race is for naught if the car doesn’t show up on time at the racetrack.

“Without the truck driver, we can’t go racing,” Ware said. “That hauler is our home away from home. We spend three days a week in the hauler, some weeks more. Knowing that I can just sit down in the lounge, relax a little bit, and then 30 minutes before practice, grab my firesuit and shoes, because I have no doubt they’re going to be right there in my locker, like they always are, just gives you peace of mind when you have a million other things in your head about what you need to do out on the racetrack.”

Avery has already driven more than 22,000 miles this year as the season hits its halfway mark this weekend at Pocono. There are still many more miles ahead of him, with an estimated year-end tally of 68,000 miles.

“You’ve got to love racing to do this and make a career out of it,” Avery said. “I’m also lucky in that I have a very supportive wife who knows racing and understands its demands, especially as it relates to trucking. Gina keeps me grounded and organized at home so I can do my job seamlessly out here on the road.

“I love what I do and I’m going to do it until I get to the point that either I can’t or I’m not good at it.”

That’s a good thing, since it is a 586-mile drive to Pocono before the second-half of the NASCAR season gets underway, a run that will include westward trips to Sonoma, Las Vegas and Phoenix and northbound trips to Watkins Glen, New York, and Loudon, New Hampshire.

“I don’t rest until the season’s over,” said Avery, who after Pocono will return to RWR’s North Carolina base before heading further south to Atlanta for the June 28 Quaker State 400. “We do a lot in preparation to make sure that everything is ready to go, and that goes back to our preparation in January. We were doing things to this tractor and this trailer, maintenance-wise to prepare for all of these long hauls. We make no assumptions in this business. When there’s a question or a need, we address it. I’ll relax in November when I get back from Phoenix.”

Avery will arrive in Pocono early on Friday, and after getting the RWR hauler washed and its wheels polished, he will park inside the Cup Series garage that afternoon. On Saturday, Avery will welcome the crew when the garage opens at 7 a.m. EDT. On-track activity begins later that day with practice at 12:35 p.m. EDT followed by qualifying at 1:45 p.m. The Great American Getaway 400 goes green on Sunday at 2 p.m. All of the action will be broadcast live by Prime Video and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver’s seat and into full-time team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with his wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes full-time in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).

AO by TF and Spike the Dragon Conquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans

By
Official Release
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LE MANS, France., (June 17, 2025) – In a performance defined by precision, resilience, and a little fire-breathing, AO by TF reached the top step of the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The No. 199 Oreca, affectionately known as Spike the Dragon, flew to victory with drivers PJ Hyett, Louis Delétraz, and Dane Cameron. They claimed the LMP2 PRO/AM win, finishing third in the overall LMP2 class.

“I’ve been trying to win this race since the year 2000, and to finally accomplish that with our team, PJ, Dane, Louis, and Spike is very special,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “Rexy has been super successful in the last year and a half, and so for Roxy and now Spike to get their first wins is great for the AO universe. For Spike’s first win to come at Le Mans is something very memorable that everyone on our team will be able to remember forever and build upon in both IMSA and the European Le Mans Series.”

Starting third in the LMP2 class, the AO by TF crew delivered a near-flawless performance in a mostly green race, racing in a competitive field of all-pro and pro-am lineups in the prototype class.

This win caps off a remarkable journey for AO Racing and TF Sport, who first joined forces in 2024 to claim the European Le Mans Series LMP2 Championship. The title secured the team’s automatic entry into the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans, an opportunity they turned into gold.

Spike, the team’s fire-breathing, fan-favorite mascot, had come close to victory before, including a heartbreaking mechanical issue that dashed all hopes at this year’s 24 Hours of Daytona. Now, the team can celebrate a monumental first victory for the dragon, in addition to the first professional win for Hyett, the first 24-hour endurance win for Deletraz, and the first Le Mans win for Cameron. Now, in their third year of racing, the team is forever cemented into the lore of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

DRIVER QUOTES

PJ Hyett

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the greatest sportscar race in the world, if not the greatest motorsport event in the world. To be able to stand on the top step is an unbelievable dream come true, and it’s hard to describe how special of an occasion this is. I’m so happy with not just my co-drivers, but the entire team. It’s an enormous effort that goes on behind the scenes to make all of this happen. I’m so grateful for everybody with AO and TF Sport.

Dane Cameron

It was a very incredible day. I’m very proud of everyone at AO by TF, and I’m thrilled for PJ and Louis. PJ has been trying for a long time to get his first race win, what a hell of a place to do it. I know this race has been hard on Louis over the years, so it’s a super special for these two guys. We had a great day and a great car. We knew coming through European Le Mans that we were close, so we came through and knocked on the door. I’m so thrilled. It’s my favorite race, by far. Every lap here is special, and it’s unbelievable to have won the thing.

Louis Deletraz

It’s pretty amazing that we just won Le Mans. Everyone did such an amazing job, with few mistakes and a great pace. PJ built us a gap in the night, and we managed it to the end. First Le Mans win, first 24-hour win. We will sleep very well tonight.

Building the Ultimate Car Workshop: What You Actually Need to Get It Right

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SM
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Photo by Alex Suprun on Unsplash

Creating the ultimate car workshop isn’t about cramming in every flashy gadget or buying the most expensive tools. It’s about function, flow, and smart choices. Whether you’re upgrading a home garage or planning a commercial setup, the goal should always be the same: make it efficient, practical, and enjoyable to work in.

To truly elevate your car workshop, consider the transformative power of garage makeovers. By optimizing your space with smart storage solutions and efficient layouts, you can create a more organized and functional environment. This not only enhances your workflow but also maximizes the potential of your workshop. Whether you’re a professional mechanic or an enthusiastic hobbyist, a well-planned garage makeover can make all the difference in maintaining a tidy and productive space. Embrace the opportunity to customize your workshop to suit your specific needs, ensuring that every tool and piece of equipment has its rightful place.

So, what separates a basic garage from a top-tier workshop? Let’s walk through the real essentials that will transform a regular space into a purpose-built, high-performance workspace.

1. Start with a Clear Plan for the Space

Before you even touch a spanner or start moving toolboxes, take a step back. You need a clear understanding of how the space will work.

Ask yourself:

What type of vehicles will be worked on?

How many people will be using the workshop at once?

Do you need space for fabrication or detailing?

Will you be lifting vehicles?

The answers shape everything from layout and flooring to lighting and storage. It’s easy to underestimate how much space you’ll need. Be generous when mapping things out. Make sure there’s room to walk around vehicles comfortably. Leave open areas where doors need to swing, and allow proper clearance for any lifting equipment.

Sketch out zones if needed. For example:

  • A mechanical zone for lifting and major repairs
  • A clean area for diagnostics or electronics
  • A messy zone for grinding, welding or fabrication

A clear plan helps avoid clutter later, makes the workflow smoother, and keeps the whole place safer.

2. Choose a Great Specialist Workshop Furniture Supplier

This step is more important than most people realise. Specialist furniture isn’t just about having a few sturdy cabinets. A reputable supplier understands workshop conditions. They design for oil, weight, vibration, and heavy use over years, not just months.

What to look for in a supplier:

  1. Heavy-duty construction – Thin sheet metal won’t hold up long term. Look for reinforced materials that handle serious weight.
  2. Modular design – Being able to reconfigure cabinets, drawers, and benches as your workshop grows is a major advantage.
  3. Proper finishes – Industrial-grade powder coating, anti-corrosion layers, and oil-resistant surfaces are all signs of quality.
  4. Custom options – Things like integrated tool drawers, built-in power strips, and even stainless tops make a real difference.
  5. Delivery and install – You want someone who’ll actually understand the logistics of getting heavy furniture into a functioning workshop, not just dump boxes at the door.

Skimping here often leads to regret later. It’s worth the investment to get furniture that stands up to the demands of real work and makes the space more efficient from day one. Dura Workshop Furniture is a good place to start. Considered the gold standard in the industry, it sets the benchmark for strength, longevity, and smart design.

3. Invest in Quality Lighting and Power Access

Lighting is often treated as an afterthought, but it has a massive impact on productivity and comfort. A workshop filled with shadows, flickers, or dull yellow bulbs isn’t just frustrating, it’s unsafe.

You want bright, even lighting across the whole space. Overhead LED panels are ideal for general illumination, but don’t stop there. Add focused task lighting over benches, lifts, and diagnostic zones.

On the power side, think beyond the walls. Floor boxes, ceiling drops, and retractable extension reels all help bring power where it’s needed without dangerous trailing cables. Electrical layout should follow the workflow, not force you into awkward setups.

Don’t forget air too. If you’re running pneumatic tools, a properly planned airline setup is just as critical. Again, overhead reels and wall-mounted systems can keep things tidy and efficient.

4. Think Flooring That Works, Not Just Looks Good

The floor of your workshop takes a beating. Oils, dropped tools, jack wheels, heavy tyres, foot traffic, and sometimes heat or welding sparks. Basic concrete might survive, but it won’t be easy to clean and doesn’t create the best environment for long hours of work.

There are several options that are better suited:

Sealed or epoxy-coated concrete – Durable and chemical-resistant, plus easy to clean.

Rubber or PVC tiles – Softer underfoot, reduces fatigue, and helps with insulation, but may not be suitable for high-lift areas.

Polished concrete with traction finish – Clean look without being too slippery.

Choose something that fits your type of work. Make sure it’s slip-resistant, easy to maintain, and tough enough to hold up under heavy use. A good floor pays off in safety, comfort, and appearance.

5. Don’t Overfill It – Prioritise Workflow

One of the easiest mistakes to make is putting too much in. Every tool cart, extra hoist, or shelving unit eats into floor space. If the place starts feeling cramped, you lose both efficiency and motivation.

Instead, be selective:

  • Only install what you truly need and will use regularly.
  • Keep flexible zones clear for different types of jobs.
  • Create clear walkways and avoid obstacles.

A good rule of thumb: you should be able to walk a full loop around a vehicle without squeezing or sidestepping. If you can’t, it’s time to rethink the layout.

6. Key Features That Make Life Easier

Once the big items are handled, look at smaller additions that save time and effort daily. These may not seem critical upfront, but they’ll quickly become favourites once in place.

Useful additions to consider:

  • Magnetic tool boards – Keeps frequently used tools in reach
  • Built-in charging stations – For batteries, diagnostics gear or phones
  • Waste oil collection system – Clean, safe and compliant
  • Wall-mounted hose reels – Keeps air and fluids organised
  • Parts washer – Saves hours of scrubbing
  • Ventilation or extraction systems – Especially important for welding or paint

These aren’t flashy extras. They’re practical additions that keep the pace of work moving without distraction or mess.

7. Storage That Makes Sense

A well-organised workshop is a faster workshop. That means storing things where they’re actually used and labelled so anyone can find what they need. Over time, even small time savings add up.

Here’s what works well:

  • Shallow drawers – Best for hand tools. Deep drawers lead to piles.
  • Clear bins or labelled boxes – For small parts like clips, fuses, and bolts.
  • Vertical storage – Pegboards or shadow boards save bench space and keep tools visible.
  • Dedicated bays – For things like battery tools, fluids, or consumables.

Make storage part of the workflow. Don’t treat it as an afterthought. If everything has a place, nothing gets lost.

Ready to Build Something That Works?

There’s no single way to build the perfect car workshop. But there is a smart way to approach it. Start with a layout that actually supports the kind of work being done. Choose furniture and fixtures that will go the distance, not just fill space. Think ahead with power, lighting, and storage. Most importantly, keep it functional. A clean, efficient workspace helps every job go smoother.

How to Handle Subscriptions and Utilities During a Last-Minute Move in 7 Days

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

A sudden move isn’t just about boxes and movers – especially if you’re relocating from Brookline, MA, and heading far. In just one week, you need to do more than pack: shut down utilities, cancel subscriptions, gather documents, and stay sane in the process. That’s why many people turn to long distance movers in brookline ma, trusting professionals who can take the logistics off your plate and help you move without losing control.

How to Shut Off Utilities Without Penalties

Rule number one: don’t wait until the last minute. Electricity, water, gas, internet – all of these can continue charging your account until the official shut-off date, even if you’ve already left the apartment.

Contact your utility providers at least 3 to 5 business days in advance. Some companies, especially internet providers, may require you to return equipment (like a modem or router) – failure to do so often results in a fine.

If you’re moving mid-month, ask about prorated billing – this can save you up to $100-$150 by only paying for the days you actually used. Also, take photos of meters and keep the final receipts on file.

What to Do with Subscriptions: From Netflix to Amazon

One of the most common mistakes during a rushed move? Forgotten auto-payments. Think: Netflix, Amazon Prime, Spotify, Zoom, Dropbox – the list may be longer than you expect. Open your banking app and review the last 60 days of charges.

If you still need a service but you’re relocating temporarily, either pause the subscription or update your address in the settings. Some subscriptions, especially mail-related ones, allow for forwarding. USPS even offers temporary mail forwarding, which is helpful if you’re expecting important documents.

Also double-check your Amazon Subscribe & Save settings – recurring deliveries might be heading to your old address unless updated.

Don’t Forget the Paperwork

In the chaos of a move, it’s easy to forget that documents matter more than dishes. Keep with you:

  • passport
  • driver’s license
  • insurance papers
  • lease or mortgage documents
  • banking details

If you have kids, don’t forget vaccination records, school documents, and insurance info.

For transferring contracts (internet, insurance, healthcare), research providers in your new area in advance. Some allow contract transfers without cancellation, saving you up to $200 in reconnection fees.

Smart tip: scan everything – from contracts to photos of your apartment’s condition on move-out day. It can be crucial if a dispute arises.

Who Can You Trust with a Last-Minute Move?

When you only have 7 days, DIY logistics can cost you more in time and stress than they’re worth. That’s why many people rely on interstate movers who handle everything – packing, loading, transport, even post-move cleanup.

Especially if you’re planning a stress-free Boston to Chicago move or relocating across state lines, look for movers who offer:

  • Full-service packing
  • Cargo insurance
  • Debris removal after unloading

In Brookline, many residents trust experienced long distance movers in Brookline, MA who show up on time, let you reserve a date in advance, and don’t demand large upfront payments. That kind of support reduces pressure and lets you focus on what actually matters.

Final Thoughts

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to move in 7 days – but only if you treat it like a checklist, not chaos. Cancel what you don’t need, shut off utilities smartly, gather documents early, and let professionals handle the logistics.

This isn’t just a move. It’s a reset – and it doesn’t have to come with panic or lost hours. The key is to plan, delegate, and take one step at a time.

Top Used Car Breakdowns 2025: Which Cars Are Most Often Facing Problems

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

Every car owner and buyer wishes to gain a reliable vehicle. The Indy Auto Man car dealership specialists analyzed market data for the first five months of 2025 and identified the top 10 most frequent breakdowns Indiana drivers face.

Engine (ICE)

The engine leads in the breakdown rating, remaining one of the most expensive parts to repair. Its main problems are coking failures in the electronic control system and wear of the timing chain. Most often, malfunctions occur in small-capacity turbocharged engines (1.2-1.6 l TSI / TFSI) of European brands Volkswagen, AUDI, and some generations of Korean SUVs (the Hyundai Tucson, the Kia Sportage). Separately, it is worth noting the increased oil consumption of some Japanese brands (Subaru and Nissan).

Radiator (cooling and air conditioning)

Mechanical damage and corrosion are the most common causes of radiator breakdowns, often requiring car ac repair. Cars with low ground clearance and large radiators are especially at risk. This applies to crossovers of all brands.

Water pump

Seal leakage and seizure are malfunctions that are more susceptible to engines with a timing belt drive. Volkswagen Group cars (1.4/1.6 TSI, TDI), GM (1.4/1.6 Turbo), and Nissan (HR/MR series) are particularly susceptible. Many modern engines are subject to premature wear.

Power steering/EPS

Problems with the power steering are typically associated with the pump or rack. In cars with electric power steering (EPS), issues most often arise due to sensor or motor failures. At the same time, among cars with PS, older models and budget SUVs (the Nissan Pathfinder) usually break down. In the segment of vehicles with EPS, compact city cars (the VW Polo, the Hyundai Elantra, and the Kia Rio) suffer most frequently.

Cylinder head

Burnt gaskets and deformation are common concerns in cars with turbocharged engines. Typically, this refers to Volkswagen Group, BMW, and Mercedes autos, as well as Korean sports models such as the Kia Stinger and the Hyundai Sonata N-Line. High temperatures, which the engines cannot withstand, are the main cause of malfunctions.

Automatic transmission

Automatic transmissions are prone to electronic failures. This problem primarily affects premium cars with 8-9-speed automatic transmissions, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, as well as Korean and Japanese crossovers equipped with traditional 6-8-speed gearboxes, including the Kia Sorento and Toyota RAV4. Robotic DCT on some Ford and Volkswagen models is also susceptible to these malfunctions.

Continuous variable transmission (CVT)

Wear of cones and belts, as well as overheating, are the most common causes of breakdowns in Japanese brands, such as Nissan Rogue, Toyota Corolla/Rav4, Subaru Forester, and some Audi models with a chain variator. 

Stages of breakdowns

All faults can be classified based on the age of the car and divided into three stages characterized by typical problems:

  • 1-2 years. At this stage, the most common “childhood diseases” of electronics are malfunctions of the generator, automatic transmission sensors, or EPS. Factory assembly defects, such as leaking radiators and pumps, are also possible. These problems are relevant to all brands but are especially noticeable in new models and after restyling.
  • 2-4 years. At this time, problems with engine components, such as the pump and timing chains, come to the fore. There may also be issues with transmission, particularly in vehicles with complex power systems, for example, in European turbo engines or Japanese CVTs.
  • 4+ years. After reaching the age of four years, problems with the cylinder head tend to increase, especially in turbocharged engines. Manual transmissions and starters can also fail due to wear and tear of materials. These risks increase in cars with high city mileage or frequent off-road driving.

How to extend the car’s life

  • Owners of European brands, especially with turbocharged engines, need to regularly conduct in-depth engine diagnostics (check compression, oil condition, control system errors), as well as scan the automatic transmission and check the pump and radiators for leaks.
  • Owners of Japanese and Korean cars, especially with CVTs, should pay attention to noise and jolts in the gearbox. It is also necessary to check the generator.
  • American cars with manual transmission should be checked for synchronizer noise, the condition of the power steering, starter, and suspension, as well as the quality of tightening of key components. 
  • Chinese cars often suffer from paintwork defects and are susceptible to corrosion. Ideally, it is necessary to carry out anti-corrosion treatment and regularly inspect the body, as well as check all electronic systems and the tightness of the cooling and air conditioning systems.

Taking care of your car, knowing its weak points, and servicing regularly will help you detect any malfunction in time and fix it at an early stage, saving a lot of money. 

Darlington Raceway to roll out 75 Greatest Moments campaign ahead of 2025 Cook Out Southern 500

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Official Release
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Cook Out Southern 500

Darlington Raceway to roll out 75 Greatest Moments campaign ahead of 2025 Cook Out Southern 500

DARLINGTON, S.C. (June 17, 2025) – Darlington Raceway announced today that in celebration of the venue’s 75th anniversary, the track will be unveiling and highlighting the 75 greatest moments to have taken place at The Lady in Black. The campaign will be showcasing the legacy, culture, and evolution of the track “Too Tough to Tame,” while engaging fans across digital, social, and at-track experiences in the lead-up to the 2025 Cook Out Southern 500, Aug. 31.

“Standing as one of the most historic sites in our sport, it’s essential we acknowledge and commemorate the key moments that have made Darlington Raceway the landmark it is,” said Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris. “We’re excited to honor our 75th Anniversary and recognize the greatest moments as we approach our crown jewel event in the Cook Out Southern 500.”

The 75 greatest moments from NASCAR’s original superspeedway will be revealed as “eras” in chronological order as opposed to a countdown list, beginning this week with crucial moments in the track’s infancy. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite all-time moments from the track that will be spotlighted prior to the Labor Day race weekend. The rollout will occur over a 10-week period and take place across Darlington Raceway’s X, Facebook, and Instagram pages as well as at darlingtonraceway.com/75Moments.

The campaign comes off the heels of Darlington Raceway’s 75th Anniversary display unveiling at the NASCAR Hall of Fame. In honor of The Lady in Black’s rich history, the NASCAR Hall of Fame curated and developed an exhibit with four cases, 24 artifacts with photos and 25 standalone timeline photos. A total of 28 NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees are named in the exhibit script, underscoring Darlington’s importance in the landscape of stock car racing.

Darlington Raceway’s 75th Anniversary season continues at high-speed Aug. 30-31 during Labor Day Weekend. Racing begins on Saturday, Aug. 30, as the 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs get underway as the series’ top 10 drivers will vie for a win in the Sober or Slammer 200 that punches their ticket into the Round of 8. And then on Sunday, Aug. 31 the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will open their playoffs with the Cook Out Southern 500, one of NASCAR’s crown-jewel events and the culmination of Darlington Raceway’s 75th Anniversary celebration.

NASCAR fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets while supplies last at 866-459-7223 or online at darlingtonraceway.com.

About Darlington Raceway

Darlington Raceway, nicknamed The Lady in Black and the Track Too Tough To Tame, is home to the award-winning Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR and annually hosts two NASCAR Cup Series race weekends, along with the NASCAR Xfinity Series and/or NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Opening in 1950, Darlington Raceway is “A NASCAR Tradition” and NASCAR’s original superspeedway with its famed 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval, challenging the sports best in one of the most iconic NASCAR races, the Southern 500®. For more information about Darlington Raceway, visit darlingtonraceway.com. Stay connected to Darlington Raceway on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and the NASCAR Tracks App.

About NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Euro Series, NASCAR Mexico Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series).

The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X and Facebook.

Contact:

Statement From Spire Motorsports Regarding Carson Hocevar’s Livestream Comments

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 17, 2025) – After a thorough internal review of Carson Hocevar’s recent livestream remarks about Mexico City, and in close consultation with NASCAR, Spire Motorsports is issuing the following disciplinary measures:

A $50,000 fine, which will be donated in equal portions to three organizations that serve Mexican communities:

  • Cruz Roja Mexicana (Mexican Red Cross) — providing humanitarian and medical relief across Mexico.
  • Un Kilo de Ayuda — a nonprofit combating childhood malnutrition and supporting early-childhood development in rural communities.
  • Fondo Unido México (United Way Mexico) — funding local NGOs that improve education, health, and housing in 22 Mexican states.
  • Mandatory cultural-sensitivity and bias-awareness training to be completed by Carson Hocevar.

These actions are consistent with Spire Motorsports’ core value of RESPECT, which is something we proudly display on every race car, team uniform, trackside hauler, and digital channel. Respect is not a slogan. It is a daily expectation that we “walk the walk” in how we speak, compete, and serve the communities that welcome our sport.

Carson Hocevar’s recent comments made during the livestream fell short of that standard. They did not represent the views of Spire Motorsports, our partners, or NASCAR. He has acknowledged his mistake publicly, and his prompt, sincere apology demonstrated personal accountability. We now take this additional step to underscore that words carry weight, and respect must be lived out loud.

Spire Motorsports has informed NASCAR of these penalties, and NASCAR has confirmed that our team-imposed discipline satisfies the sanctioning body’s requirements. Together we remain committed to showcasing NASCAR’s global growth, celebrating the passionate Mexican fanbase we experienced firsthand last weekend, and ensuring every member of our organization treats hosts, competitors, and communities with dignity.

We look forward to turning the page by racing hard, representing our partners, and living our values on and off the track.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on May 30, 2025, when Rajah Caruth took the checkered flag in the Rackley Roofing 200 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fields the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

Meyer Shank Racing Opens Second Half of INDYCAR Season With Trip to Road America

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Official Release
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Pataskala, Ohio, (17 June 2025) – As the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule heads into the halfway point of the season this weekend, Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) is poised to have the best open-wheel season in its history, with many of the team’s records in danger at Sunday’s XPEL Grand Prix of Road America (1:30pm ET, FOX, SiriusXM Ch. 218).

MSR has earned 10 top-ten finishes through the year’s first eight races, matching the team’s previous record for a full season, accomplished by the team’s first full-time, two-car effort in 2022. The results have been a true team result as well with three drivers earning finishes of 10th or better this season, and with both Marcus Armstrong (No. 66 Spectrum Honda) and Felix Rosenqvist (No. 60 SiriusXM Honda) holding down spots in the top 10 of the championship points as the series plunges into the second half of the calendar.

The second half starts with one of the more challenging tracks on the schedule and one that has not always had the welcome mat out for MSR. The 4.048-mile Road America layout is one just two tracks on the series slate (Laguna Seca) where the Meyer Shank Racing team has never earned a top-10 result, despite the fact that its drivers have earned a pair of top-five starts.

MSR however has started on the front row at Road America in 2020 and followed that up with a third place qualifying result in 2021.

Rosenqvist brings reason for optimism to the weekend however, after a first half that has him sixth in the standings on the strength of five top-10 finishes. The Swedish driver earned his lone INDYCAR SERIES victory with a Road America win in 2020 and has scored three top tens in his six previous starts.

Armstrong has had opposite-facing luck at the interminable Wisconsin circuit, starting eighth and third in his two previous starts before finishing out of the top 20. The New Zealand-born driver has surged into the top 10 in the championship after stringing together three top-10 finishes in the last four races and is just 17 markers out of ninth.

The three-day event weekend opens with Friday’s afternoon practice, followed by a Saturday practice leading into a 2:30pm ET Saturday qualifying session that can be seen live on FS1. Sunday’s 55-lap XPEL Grand Prix of Road America starts at 1:30pm ET and will be carried live on FOX. SiriusXM Radio will also carry live coverage of all sessions on IndyCar Radio, XM Ch. 218.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Felix Rosenqvist: “I’m happy get a chance to redeem ourselves quickly after a disappointing night in St. Louis. Road America is a track that we all enjoy going to and its definitely a highlight of the year. I had my first INDYCAR win there many years ago and I’m hungry for another one. It’s been too long!”

Marcus Armstrong: “I’m a big fan of Road America. It’s a track that has been kind to me in the past and I can’t wait to return. It’s fast flowing and very similar to many of the tracks that I grew up racing at. The No. 66 team has some good momentum going after St. Louis and we cracked into the top 10 in the championship, so we’re all aiming to build on that even more this weekend.”

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: POCONO RACE PREVIEW

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Official Release
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The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: POCONO RACEWAY PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.COM

DATE: June 22, 2025 
RACE: NASCAR Cup Series 18 of 36
TRACK: Pocono Raceway, Long Pond, Pa. | 2.5-mile triangle shaped oval

CLUB MINUTES:

NEMECHEK BEST YET: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB showed improved pace compared to the performance in 2024, with John Hunter Nemechek reaping the rewards during Sunday’s race in Mexico City. After starting deep in the field in 32nd, Nemechek charged to a sixth-place finish—matching his best career result on a non-superspeedway track.

Nemechek ran quietly through the first two stages, a bold strategy call from crew chief Travis Mack changed the game. Mack kept Nemechek on track at the end of Stage 2, then brought him to pit road early in Stage 3 – just before a caution shuffled the field. That move allowed Nemechek to cycle forward while others lost track position.

Restarting seventh on Lap 69, Nemechek picked up three spots in the chaos and held strong inside the top 10. He eventually ceded one position to Michael McDowell with two laps remaining but still crossed the line in sixth – an impressive climb and his career best finish on a road course.

JONES MEXICO RECAP: In NASCAR’s first points-paying international race in Mexico City, Erik Jones started an impressive 14th after a solid lap in Saturday’s rain-shortened qualifying session. He started off strong in Sunday’s main event as he ran inside the top-10 in the opening laps. The No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota team finished sixth in the first stage to earn five stage points, and despite some trouble from a flat left front tire near the end of Stage 2, Jones rebounded to run in the top-10 during the final stage before tire wear ultimately had him finish 17th. This was his best road course finish so far this year after a 27th-place result earlier this year in March at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

FAST STOPS IN MEXICO: The LEGACY MC athletes rose to the challenge of backwards stops in Mexico City showcasing speed on pit road. The No. 42 pit crew turned in the eighth fastest average on pit road with 11.35 second average stops, and the No. 43 crew was 10th fastest with an 11.45 second average.

JJ’S POCONO SUCCESS: LEGACY MC co-owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson claims 38 career starts at the track known as “The Tricky Triangle.” Despite its nickname, Johnson has been victorious at Pocono Raceway three times in the Cup Series – June 2004, August 2004, and June 2013. He also has four poles, 11 top-fives, 20 top-10s, and 743 laps led at the 2.5-mile track.

KENSETH AT POCONO: LEGACY MC’s competition advisor Matt Kenseth also has a strong record at the 2.5-mile track in Pennsylvania. He owns 40 NASCAR Cup Series starts at the track where he won in August 2015. Kenseth has earned four top-fives, 15 top-10s, and led 100 laps over the course of his career at Pocono.

“THE KING” WINS AT POCONO: CLUB Ambassador and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty is also a winner at Pocono. He has two victories at the track from August 1974 and August 1976. As a testament to his strong runs at Pocono, Petty also owns eight top-fives, 12 top-10s and led 497 laps.

NEVER SETTLE: Join ESPN’s Marty Smith and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s co-owner Johnson for their weekly podcast, “Never Settle”. This week’s guest is LEGACY MOTOR CLUB competition advisor Matt Kenseth. The podcast airs live on SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90 at 2 p.m. ET every Wednesday and can be downloaded wherever fans source their podcasts.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN’S HISTORY AT POCONO: John Hunter Nemechek has three NASCAR Cup Series starts at the triangular-shaped, 2.5-mile track of Pocono Raceway. He earned his best finish of 19th in his first start at the track in June 2020. Nemechek has three starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he earned a best finish of seventh in June 2018.

TRUCK TRIANGLE WINNER: In the NASCAR Truck Series, Nemechek made five total starts at Pocono. His most successful trip came in June 2021 where he started seventh and led 12 laps enroute to a 1.337 second margin of victory over Kyle Busch. Nemechek has one win, three top-fives, and four top-10s in his five Trucks Series starts at Pocono.

TMACK AT POCONO: Crew chief Travis Mack has six Cup Series starts under his belt at Pocono. His best finish being a third-place finish with driver Daniel Suarez in July 2022 after the team started ninth. In addition to his starts in the Cup Series, Mack has called two Xfinity Series races at the “Tricky Triangle” with Michael Annett in 2019 and 2020. Both outings resulted in top-10 finishes. His best was the team’s fifth-place result in June 2020.

POINTS POSITION: The NASCAR Cup Series has a close battle for the NASCAR Playoffs with only 10-races to go until the regular-season finale in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Saturday, August 23. Over the past couple of weeks, the battle for the cutoff has tightened up even more. Despite some bad luck prior to Mexico that slipped Nemechek back to 25th in points after Michigan, he’s now 23rd, 74-points below the playoff cutline.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE: 

“We have some work to do from where we ran at Pocono last year, but our cars have been better this year. Hopefully, on a positive note, we can continue our speed and have a better showing at the Tricky Triangle.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE: 

“We’ve been digging into Pocono for a while. The tunnel turn is really tricky, and you have three different corners. You need to get through the bumps in Turn 2. Turn 1 is similar to the intermediate tracks that we’ve been going to, so we feel good about that, but we need to get off Turn 3 to get down the long straightaway, but trying to tie all three corners together is a little tricky.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 FAMILY DOLLAR TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JONES POCONO STATS: Sunday’s The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.COM at Pocono Raceway will mark Erik Jones’ 14th NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2.5-mile triangular track. In his 13 prior starts, he owns five top-five finishes and eight top-10s. His best finish of second came in July 2019 where he finished just 0.341 of a second behind his then-teammate Denny Hamlin. Jones has not finished worse than 14th at the track since his 31st place result in the second of the Pocono doubleheader in June 2021. Jones has an additional four starts outside of the Cup Series at Pocono – one in the Xfinity Series and three in the Craftsman Truck Series. In his lone Xfinity Series start, Jones started from the pole in June 2016 but ultimately finished second to Kyle Larson under caution. His best finish in the Trucks Series came in July 2018 after starting 31st to finish second just 1.469 seconds behind Kyle Busch.

BESHORE AT POCONO: Crew chief Ben Beshore owns five starts at Pocono on top of the pit box in the NASCAR Cup Series between 2017-2024. He earned three top-10s during this time including a runner-up result in first race of the June 2021 doubleheader with Kyle Busch. The duo proceeded to win the second race of the doubleheader the next day. He has three Xfinity Series races under his belt at Pocono as well. The best of these finishes was a 22nd-place result in June 2019 with Jeffrey Earnhardt.

BESHORE’S HOME TRACK: Just two weeks after Jones returned to his home track of Michigan International Speedway, his crew chief Beshore will visit his own this Sunday at Pocono. The 43-year-old crew chief grew up just over two hours South of Pocono in the city of York, Pennsylvania. Beshore has been a staple at Toyota in the NASCAR garage for many years as he joined Joe Gibbs Racing in 2014 and served as a crew chief for Kyle Busch in the Cup Series, and then John Hunter Nemechek and Harrison Burton in the Xfinity Series. In 2024, he moved over to LEGACY MC to crew chief the No. 42 team before moving over to the No. 43 team this season.

ERIK JONES QUOTE: 
“Pocono is honestly one of my favorite tracks on the schedule. I feel like it’s somewhere where the No. 43 team has run really strong at in this NextGen car and before. With where we’ve been running well this year, I feel like it’s really going to play into our hands to have another fast Toyota Camry XSE. I’m really just excited to get there and hopefully continue our climb through the points. We really are kind of scratching and clawing our way into the playoff picture here the past few weeks. Pocono’s really a great place to have a good run and even possibly challenge for the win. We have to have a good strategy, and I think we will. I’m looking forward to it.”

BEN BESHORE QUOTE:
“Pocono tends to drive more like an intermediate track despite its size. Fortunately, I had a good run with the No. 42 last year at Indianapolis, which is a similar type of fast, flat track with a similar package. I would say that we’ll lean on those notes a lot as we prepare to go back to Pocono. That’s another race where it can really play out by strategy, similar to Michigan. You have to work the race backwards, kind of like we do road courses, but we have to try to put ourselves in the best position at the end of the race. Even if that means sacrificing position earlier in the race to get there. We’re going to try to play the strategy right so we can get Erik out front to have a shot at the win.”

CLUB APPEARANCES:
Jones will be signing autographs and doing a Q&A session for the young NASCAR fans in the Pocono Raceway Kids Zone at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday morning prior to qualifying.

Nemechek will make a stop at the NASCAR Classics Merchandise hauler in the fan midway on race day at 11:00 a.m. to meet with the fans and sign some autographs.

TUNE IN:
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to The Tricky Triangle of Pocono (Pa.) Raceway on Sunday, June 22 for The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.COM. The race broadcast will take place on Amazon Prime, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90) at 2 p.m. EDT.

ABOUT 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.

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