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Podium finish for ABEL Motorsports at Milwaukee

By
Official Release
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Jacob Abel earns his 10th podium of the year to clinch second in the championship, while Wisconsin native Yuven Sundaramoorthy delivers a hard-fought seventh top 10 finish

MILWAUKEE, Wis. (August 31, 2024) – ABEL Motorsports delivered two outstanding finishes in Saturday’s closely contested INDY NXT by Firestone Milwaukee 100 at the famed Milwaukee Mile, as Jacob Abel captured his third second-place finish of the season while Yuven Sundaramoorthy brought his car home in seventh position in his first race carrying the OPTIMA Batteries colors.

Both cars survived multiple wheel-to-wheel knocks through the race, with Sundaramoorthy surviving more than his share but keeping the pedal to the metal as he earned a solid finish in front of his hometown crowd. For Abel (Louisville, Ky.), the finish cemented his second-place finish in the INDY NXT series championship title chase.

The pair were at the top of the charts in on-track passes – Abel with 11 and Sundaramoorthy with 10.

Even before the on-track activities began, Sundaramoorthy, from nearby Oconomowoc, Wis. had established himself as the hometown hero. The Wisconsin graduate sported a racing helmet design that replicated the Badgers football helmet, carried the colors of Wisconsin-based global battery giant OPTIMA, and attended the Badgers season opener Friday night, enjoying pre-game festivities from the field. But once inside that helmet, Sundaramoorthy was determined to give the local fans someone to cheer for.

The pair of drivers had a single 45-minute practice session to reacquaint themselves on the Mile’s tricky setup, with less than 10 degrees of banking and wide straightaways. With the team fine tuning throughout, the session ended with Abel third and Sundaramoorthy sixth. In qualifying early Saturday afternoon, Sundaramoorthy put together a solid two-lap run to put the No. 22 OPTIMA Batteries/ABEL Motorsports Dallara into the ninth starting position with a two-lap average of 148.651 mph. Abel, the next to last car to qualify (with the qualifying order based on points), posted an average speed of 150.824 mph to start the No. 51 ABEL Construction Dallara on the outside of row one.

When the green flag fell, Abel had to check up next to the late-starting pole sitter, allowing two cars to surge from behind on the outside and one on the inside. The inside car took Abel high, sending him into the two cars on the outside. Fighting for control, Abel was fully sideways before righting the car and re-entering the fray – albeit in sixth position, as Sundaramoorthy held his ground in ninth.

Abel made a move for fifth position early while Sundaramoorthy grabbed eighth but as the race settled in the field spread out, with neither driver able to gain ground until a caution flag on lap 29 brought the field back together.

On the restart, Abel slid to the inside and made the pass for fourth stick, then made the same move on lap 38 to take third. On lap 45, Sundaramoorthy, in a three-car dog fight, made a pass for seventh and set his sights ahead.

With his rear tires beginning to fade, Sundaramoorthy fell to seventh, but he was able to maintain control as James Roe, on the inside, slid up into him on lap 60, putting him back to eighth. On lap 65, he pulled alongside Roe, who again took him high as the pair banged wheels – with Sundaramoorthy doing a masterful job to keep the car under control and in the race.

Abel continued to take the measure of Salvador de Alba ahead and with three laps to go, made the outside move in Turn 4 for second position. At the checkered flag, had earned his 10th podium of the season, with Sundaramoorthy taking a hard fought and somewhat battered seventh.

“Louis Foster (pole sitter) went a lot later than I was expecting and he was kind of slowing down before that a little bit,” said Abel. “I had to check up so I didn’t get ahead of him, and obviously lost a lot of ground there. I honestly don’t even know what happened after that – there were a few hits and I saved it, but mostly I was really frustrated because we lost six positions. It’s especially frustrating because we had a really strong race car. We moved forward really well, especially in the beginning, and I was just balancing saving the Firestone tires versus trying to get more track position. I think we did a good job with that; we just ran out a little bit at the end. But I think we made some of the most ground up out of anyone so we’re definitely proud of that.”

“I honestly think it’s the hardest oval we go to all year,” said Sundaramoorthy. “But I’m super happy to be back in Milwaukee – I think this is amazing for the sport and I love the Wisconsin crowd. It was a tough race but I’ll take the top 10 finish. I think we could have gotten a podium if we’d managed to move up more quickly but just kind of got stuck and that was where it ended. But the track raced really well and I was really happy about that. Obviously, I wish I could have gotten a better result for the hometown fans but I’m happy that we’re back in Milwaukee and really happy with the way this week has gone.”

ABEL Motorsports thanks partners ABEL Construction Company, Advance Ready Mix, Boyd Cat®, OPTIMA Batteries, S Team Motorsports, Quest Global and OMP for their continued support.

The season finale for ABEL Motorsports and the INDY NXT by Firestone will be the Music City Grand Prix, Sunday, September 15 at 11:50 a.m. ET. The race will be streamed live in the U.S. on Peacock, while international viewers can watch via INDYCARLIVE, with INDYCAR Radio available at indycar.com and on Sirius XM.

About ABEL Motorsports: Team principal Bill Abel began racing motocross in 1972, earning numerous championship titles as he continued the family racing tradition. In 2015, ABEL Motorsports was launched, starting in the USF2000 series and building up the junior open wheel ladder. The team captured the inaugural Formula Regional Americas Championship with driver Kyle Kirkwood in 2018.

ABEL Motorsports currently competes in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, the official development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, led by third-generation driver Jacob Abel. The team made its INDYCAR debut in 2023 with driver RC Enerson in the Indianapolis 500. For more information visit the official team website at abelmotorsports.com.

About Abel Construction Company: ABEL Construction is one of the largest general contractors in Kentucky, holding licenses in thirteen states. The company has offices in Lexington, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana, with the corporate office in Louisville. Their expertise spans many areas, including general contracting, construction management, design-build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and facilities maintenance.

Abel Construction has helped build some of the region’s most recognizable landmarks. Their projects cover diverse sectors, including automotive, healthcare, post-secondary education, commercial, food/beverage, tech, and industrial/manufacturing. They prioritize client satisfaction, focusing on efficient project delivery regardless of size or cost. The company’s skilled professionals utilize cutting-edge technology and software to ensure successful outcomes. abelconstruct.com/.

ABEL Motorsports social media
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Daniel Quimby Sweeps Races 1 and 2 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

By
Official Release
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Photo by Gavin Baker Photography

Daniel Quimby Wins F4 U.S. Race 1 at CTMP

BOWMANVILLE, Ontario, Canada (August 31, 2024) – Daniel Quimby won the first race of the weekend for Formula 4 United States Championship presented by Mosport Karting Centre (F4 U.S.) at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) on Saturday morning. After rain showers soaked the track early this morning, Quimby (No. 24 Cruise America / MIR Raceline / FIJI Airways / GalvanizeIns Ligier JS F422) overcame challenging track conditions to earn his third win of the 2024 season.

Notes of Interest:

  • Today’s race marked the first time in seven years that F4 U.S. has raced on Canadian soil. During the last F4 U.S. weekend at CTMP, now-INDYCAR driver Kyle Kirkwood swept all three events.
  • Daniel Quimby earned his third win and sixth podium of the season with today’s finish at CTMP.
  • Nicolas Stati’s second-place result marks his eighth podium of the season—he’s finished on the podium in all but one race this season.
  • After winning the series’ most recent race at New Jersey Motorsports Park, Connor Roberts returned to the podium with a third-place result.
  • Three teams were represented on this morning’s podium with Nova Scotia-based Atlantic Racing Team claiming the win, Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport finishing second and Team Roberts Racing taking third.
  • With a drying circuit, drivers and teams were given the choice to select between treaded Hankook wets or racing slicks before heading out on track as the first race group of the day. Three formation laps allowed drivers to observe track conditions before the green flag waved. Quimby got a solid start to pull ahead of second-place qualifier Nicolas Stati (No. 15 AGI Sport Ligier JS F422) before they reached Turn 1. Fourth-place qualifier Alex Crosbie (No. 41 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) suffered a mechanical issue during the formation laps, allowing Barrett Wolfe (No. 13 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) and Lincoln Day (No. 54 MLT Motorsports Ligier JS F422) to both climb in the running order when the green flag waved. However, a spin and continue by Day relegated him in the field, as Wolfe moved into fourth. Minutes later, the safety car was deployed for a full-course caution when Wolfe made light contact with the Turn 10 tire barrier. Unable to restart the race before time ran out, Quimby led the field across the finish line with Stati behind him in second and Connor Roberts (No. 46 ApexSpeed.com / Entropy Cellars Ligier JS F422) in third.

“It was a tricky race this morning,” said Quimby after the race. “Track conditions were tough. It was pretty damp, and it can be hard to pick up where the grip is around the track. It was a quick race, but hopefully we’ll get a good run in this afternoon. I’d like to thank Motorhome Republic, Fiji Airways, Atlantic, MIR, my team—Lucas, Trevor—my dad, and everyone that’s supporting me out here.”

F4 U.S. will be back on track later today when the lights go out for Race 2 at 3:45 p.m. ET. Live timing and scoring for all of this weekend’s sessions will be available on the Race Monitor App, with additional news and updates posted on the series’ social channels: Facebook, Instagram and X.

Daniel Quimby Wins Thrilling Race 2 at CTMP

BOWMANVILLE, Ontario, Canada (August 31, 2024) – Daniel Quimby took the victory in a thrilling Race 2 for Formula 4 United States Championship presented by Mosport Karting Centre (F4 U.S.) at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) on Saturday afternoon. Overtaking the leader just minutes into the race, Quimby (No. 24 Cruise America / MIR Raceline / FIJI Airways / GalvanizeIns Ligier JS F422) opened over a 13-second lead enroute to the checkered flag in a race that stayed green from flag to flag.

Notes of Interest:

  • Daniel Quimby earned his fourth win of the year, and second of the weekend, while leading the field to the checkered flag in Race 2 at CTMP.
  • Connor Roberts continued his streak of three-straight podiums, finishing second in Race 2 at CTMP.
  • Alex Crosbie started the race in last, but drove through the field to capture his fifth podium of the season with a third-place result.
  • Atlantic Racing Team claimed their second win of the day; the Halifax, Nova Scotia-based team is the only F4 U.S. team based in Canada.
  • With three drivers competing in the 2024 F4 U.S. Championship season, Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport has been represented on all 10 podiums this year.
  • Setting the fast lap in Race 1 this morning, Nicolas Stati (No. 15 AGI Sport Ligier JS F422) led the field down the starting grid with Quimby lined up to the outside. Jumping out front as soon as the green flag waved, Stati took command of the race. However, with Quimby and Connor Roberts (No. 46 ApexSpeed.com / Entropy Cellars Ligier JS F422) tight on his gearbox, the three raced around the circuit with less than three-tenths separating them as they completed the first lap. While they battled up front, Alex Crosbie (No. 41 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F422) was on the move at the back of the field, moving up to fourth from his sixth-place starting position within the first two laps of the race. As they completed the fourth lap, Stati made a mistake racing through Turn 10, which allowed Quimby to make a move around the outside and overtake the lead. With Quimby crossing the line just 0.295-seconds ahead of Stati, Stati soon had his mirrors full of Roberts’ machine, with Roberts completing the pass for second the very next lap.

Opening up a 2.273-second gap before they made it back to the start/finish line, Quimby never looked back as he ultimately opened more than a 13-second lead. Meanwhile, Roberts started to fall into his rhythm in the runner-up position. Behind him, Crosbie was chasing down Stati with the intention of overtaking third. Completing the pass just after the race’s halfway point, Crosbie turned his focus to Roberts, but was unable to complete the pass before the checkered flag waved.

As they crossed the finish line, Quimby led, with Roberts in second and Crosbie in third.

“It was a tough race,” said Quimby after climbing from the car. “We got to cut a couple more laps than this morning, which was nice. The car was good; obviously, we had new tires that race. I was trying to save my tires at the beginning, so I sat behind him for a little bit. I think I managed my tires a bit better than I think he did. Once I passed him, I was able to control the race from there and got to save a bit of tire for tomorrow.”

F4 U.S. wraps up their weekend in the Great White North with Race 3 at CTMP scheduled for 9:00 a.m. ET. Live timing and scoring for all of this weekend’s sessions will be available on the Race Monitor App, with additional news and updates posted on the series’ social channels: Facebook, Instagram and X.

Patrick Woods-Toth Clinches FR Americas Championship with Win in Race 2 at CTMP

By
Official Release
-
Photo by Gavin Baker Photography.

BOWMANVILLE, Ontario, Canada (August 31, 2024) – Patrick Woods-Toth clinched the 2024 title for Formula Regional Americas Championship presented by Mosport Karting Centre (FR Americas). Driving to victory lane in Race 2 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) on Saturday, Woods-Toth once again led from lights to checkers in an all-green race.

Notes of Interest:

  • With just another 75 points available between today’s Race 2 and the final checkered flag of the season, Patrick Woods-Toth needed to leave Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with at least a 50-point lead. After today’s win, the 20-year-old has clinched the 2024 FR Americas championship, making him the first driver in five years to win back-to-back championships in Formula 4 United States Championship (F4 U.S.) and FR Americas.
  • Three drivers have now won back-to-back titles in F4 U.S. and FR Americas – INDYCAR driver Kyle Kirkwood, sportscar racer Dakota Dickerson and Patrick Woods-Toth.
  • Titus Sherlock recorded his seventh podium of the season with his runner-up finish.
  • Jett Bowling stood on the podium for the sixth time this year after finishing third in today’s race.
  • James Lawley recorded a career-best finish in his home country of Canada after finishing fourth in Round 16 on Saturday.
  • With his sixth-place result, Ricco Shlaimoun recorded his career-best finish. Previously, his best finish was seventh, recorded twice at New Jersey Motorsports Park.
  • Another Canadian, Kevin Janzen, tied his career-best finish with his seventh-place result. Previously, Janzen finished seventh in Round 2 at NOLA Motorsports Park during the 2023 season.
  • For the seventh time this season, Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport swept the podium with all three drivers competing for the Dallas-based organization.
  • After setting the fastest lap in yesterday’s race, Woods-Toth (No. 27 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) led the field down the starting grid and got a clean jump when the lights went out to take control of the race. Titus Sherlock (No. 31 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) had lined up in second and fell in behind Woods-Toth, with Jett Bowling (No. 02 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3) settling into third, just a few car lengths behind. Behind them, Halifax, Nova Scotia-native James Lawley (No. 77 Kartbahn Racing Ligier JS F3) had climbed to fourth after the fourth- and fifth-place qualifiers Landan Matriano Lim (No. 73 739Racing Ligier JS F3) and Hayden Bowlsbey (No. 22 Save22 Ligier JS F3) were sidelined by mechanical issues. Also climbing in the running order were Ricco Shlaimoun (No. 25 Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport Ligier JS F3), Nicole Havrda (No. 6 Valley Kitchens Ltd / Colonial Countertops Ltd Ligier JS F3) and Kevin Janzen (No. 24 US Power Group / Data Center Solutions Ligier JS F3). Havrda pulled ahead on the initial start to overtake fifth, while Shlaimoun and Janzen engaged in a tight battle just behind her. Janzen initially held the position throughout the first half of the race, but as the clock ticked down, Shlaimoun pulled ahead to overtake sixth and claim his career-best finish.

When they took the checkered flag, Woods-Toth led the field across the finish line, with Sherlock in second and Bowling in third.

“What an amazing feeling, especially here at home with all my family, my friends, all the fans,” said Woods-Toth following the race. “There couldn’t be a better place to finish this off. What a season it’s been; I’m so glad we’ve come away with the championship. We wouldn’t be here without Orlando—Carlo is our number one supporter—so thank you to them, as well as Ron Fellows and his family. Then, of course, I have to thank my Crosslink Kiwi Motorsport team—my mechanic, Glen and my engineer, Steven. We’ve had a great year so far!”

FR Americas wraps up Labor Day weekend at CTMP tomorrow, with Race 3 scheduled for 10:40 a.m. ET. Live timing and scoring for all of this weekend’s sessions will be available on the Race Monitor App, with additional news and updates posted on the series’ social channels: Facebook, Instagram and X.

DAMS LUCAS OIL SCORE POINTS IN BOTH RACES AT MONZA

By
Barry Albert
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DAMS Lucas Oil showed solid pace as Jak Crawford picked up points in both races in Round 11 of the 2024 FIA Formula 2 Championship at Monza.

Crawford battled into the top-10 from 13th on the grid during an exhilarating Sprint Race, making numerous overtakes to secure sixth, while Juan Manuel Correa finished in 17th.

In Sunday’s Feature Race, Crawford navigated his way through a chaotic start to gain seven places on the opening tour, pitting on Lap 8, just before a Safety Car. The intervention allowed drivers from behind to jump the Aston Martin Driver Development Programme member, although he showed great determination to make his way back through the field to finish ninth.

In the #8 car, Correa was third of the alternate strategy runners, fighting hard with those around him, but retired on Lap 17 with a technical issue.

#7 Jack Crawford

“I’m pleased to score points in both races across the weekend and happy we could turn it around after a tricky Friday. The race pace was strong again, especially on Saturday, allowing me to battle my way up to P6. On Sunday, we got unlucky pitting a lap before the Safety Car, meaning we lost a handful of places, but P9 was still a respectable result.”

Results
Qualifying: 14th
Sprint Race: 6th (+3 points)
Feature Race: 9th (+2 points)

#8 Juan Manuel Correa

“It was a tough weekend from the outset as we’ve been managing a straight-line speed issue. Due to this, the pace wasn’t there and alongside damage suffered in the Feature Race it led to the retirement. I’m hopeful that we can fix this problem before Baku and enjoy a more successful round there.”

Results
Qualifying: 18th
Sprint Race: 17th
Feature Race: DNF

Charles Pic

“I’m happy that we achieved points finishes in both races with Jak, but we know that there are still improvements to be made. Qualifying was tricky, however, Jak showed strong race pace to be in the top-10, and without a poorly timed Safety Car today it could’ve produced an even better finish. With JM, we were managing a straight-line speed issue throughout the round, which affected his performance and with the front-wing damage picked up on Sunday it was safer to retire the car. We’ll analyse and look to come back even stronger for Baku in two weeks time.”

Drivers’ Championship

  1. Isack Hadjar 165
  2. Gabriel Bortoleto 154.5
  3. Zane Maloney 135

-5. Jak Crawford 105
-17. Juan Manuel Correa 31

    Teams’ Championship

    1. Invicta Racing 228.5
    2. Campos Racing 208
    3. MP Motorsport 179.5
    4. Rodin Motorsport 164

    -7. DAMS Lucas Oil 136

    About DAMS
    DAMS is a professional racing team founded in 1988 by Jean-Paul Driot, currently competing in FIA Formula 2, F1’s main feeder series. Ahead of the 2022 season, ex-F1 driver Charles Pic took control of the team. So far, 33 DAMS drivers have reached F1, with many more going on to become professional racing drivers. In its history, DAMS has won 15 drivers’ titles, 16 teams’ championships and has scored over 170 race victories.

    Christopher Bell claims hard-fought victory in Xfinity Series race at Darlington

    By
    Angie Campbell
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    Christopher Bell won Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 in an overtime finish at Darlington Raceway.

    He was dominant during the race, starting on the pole and leading 108 laps of 150, but Bell was passed by his Joe Gibbs racing teammate, Sheldon Creed, who led 30 laps. But, with only three laps remaining, a caution came out when AJ Allmendinger hit the outside wall on Lap 143.

    Bell was first off pit road and maintained the lead to score his 19th Xfinity Series victory as Creed finished third due to a slow pit stop.

    “That was wild, for sure,” Bell said. “I thought I was headed nose-first into the inside wall… It’s a tough race track, and off of (Turn) 2, whether you’re on the bottom of the top, it flushes you to the wall, and then you kind of get a little bit of a wiggle coming down.

    “Once again, I feel terrible for Sheldon, to essentially win the race on the long run there and then lose it on pit road. It’s a big bummer … It seemed like our car was really good on the short runs. Obviously, the 18, Sheldon, was really good on the long runs.

    “Unfortunately for him, the race played out differently, and fortunately for us, we got another shot at it.”

    Creed was understandably disappointed.

    “I lost one the same way a few years ago here,” he said. “This has been a really good place for me. I’ve always loved racing here. Man, I don’t know if we could be any better than that.

    “I felt like I put in one of my best performances today, man, it’s a bummer. I’m so proud of everyone at Joe Gibbs Racing on this 18 team. I took a chance on myself and brought all the money we could. I’m literally not even making a dollar this year.”

    Cole Custer finished in second place, Chase Elliott was third and Sammy Smith rounded out the top 5. Jesse Love, Shane van Gisbergen, Chandler Smith, Austin Hill and Justin Allgaier finished in the top 10.

    The Xfinity Series heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway next Saturday for the Focused Health 250 at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network with radio coverage provided by PRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

    Mixed Results for Silver Hare Racing at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park

    By
    Official Release
    -

    Solid Sixth-Place Finish for Jake Drew; Rear-End Issue Ends Boris Said Jr.’s Day

    Overview:
    Date: Aug. 31, 2024
    Event: CTMP SpeedTour (Round 10 of 12)
    Series: Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli
    Division: Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series
    Location: Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario
    Layout: 2.459-mile, 10-turn road course
    Format: 41 laps or 75 minutes
    Weather: Sunny, mid-70s
    TA2 Winner: Rafa Matos

    Silver Hare Racing:

    ● Jake Drew – Started 8th, Finished 6th (Running, completed 41/41 laps)
    ● Boris Said Jr. – Started 10th, Finished 12th (Rear end, completed 18/41 laps)

    Noteworthy:

    ● Drew’s sixth-place finish was his seventh top-six in nine races this season.

    Jake Drew, Driver, No. 7 Silver Hare Racing/Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro:

    “This track tested all of us, for sure. We all worked really, really hard to find some speed. We came out of the gates really good on Thursday and just kind of seemed to lose touch with some of the cars out there on Friday. Looking at the times we were running during the race, it looked like the speed was there by the end of it. But starting where we did and not many opportunities to pass, it made it difficult to fight our way up there. Nonetheless, it was a good race. It seemed like fourth through about seventh or eighth we were all stacked right on top of each other the whole time. I want to thank Laura and Maurice (Hull) and the whole Silver Hare team, Nik Middleton at Cube 3 Architecture, and Ken Thwaits with Franklin Road Apparel for making everything happen, and of course my family and friends and this whole crew for all the hard work and support and everything else that goes with living this dream. Now we get a little break, get a little reset, and we’ll have two more chances.”

    Boris Said Jr., Driver, No. 75 HendrickCars.com/Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro:

    “I really like this racetrack. I was really looking forward to coming here and it was a blast to get to learn it in practice and qualifying. Obviously disappointed the rear-end issue ended our day so early in the race. But it is what it is. The team worked really hard to give us a solid HendrickCars.com Chevrolet that would work for us on the long run. But things happen and we’ll learn from it and move on to the next one.”

    Laura Hull, Co-Owner, Team Manager, Silver Hare Racing:

    “First, I want to thank all the fans here at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. I can’t believe all the people from Canada who came out to watch us race. The fans are friendly and I’ve got to say everybody’s been extraordinarily nice. We really appreciate that. It was a little frustrating. There are some teams that showed some incredible speed, and we did all we could to bring good, clean, fair cars to run. We may have missed the setup a little bit. We were plagued by rear-end issues in Boris Said Jr.’s car but he gave it every effort that he could. Jake Drew drove probably one of the best races he has all season. Toward the end, his car was coming in and he was running some of the fastest laps of the race. We’re very proud of him.”

    Next Up:

    Next up for the 2024 Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series competitors is the VIR SpeedTour, round 11 of 12 on the season set for Oct. 3-5 at High Point, North Carolina-based Silver Hare Racing’s home track, Virginia International Raceway in Alton. The three-day weekend kicks off with a pair of TA2 test sessions Thursday (Oct. 3) at 12:20 and 4:20 p.m., EDT. Official TA2 practice is set for 11 a.m. Friday (Oct. 4), followed by TA2 qualifying at 4:30 p.m. Race time Saturday (Oct. 5) for the 31-lap, 75-minute race around the 3.27-mile, 17-turn circuit is 12:35 p.m. Series partner MAVTV will provide live television coverage augmented via live video stream on the Trans Am channel on YouTube.

    About Silver Hare Racing:

    Silver Hare Racing is a fulltime competitor in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series. The multicar team has won the TA2 Masters class championship three times (2018, 2019 and 2020) with driver and team co-owner Maurice Hull. Under the leadership of Hull’s wife, co-owner and team manager Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing provides a variety of services that includes private testing and arrive-and-drive programs. The team offers six professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing and operates from a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. For more information, call 336-870-5151, or visit SilverHareRacing.com.

    ASHLEY, TODD, GLENN & HALL WIN FINAL MISSION #2FAST2TASTY CHALLENGE OF SEASON IN INDY

    By
    Official Release
    -

    Ashley, Prock, Enders and Herrera claim season-long titles in bonus race

    INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 31, 2024) – Justin Ashley picked up his fourth victory in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, defeating Ida Zetterstrom in the Top Fuel final of the bonus race as part of this weekend’s 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

    J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and John Hall (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also won the final Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

    In the final round against Zetterstrom, Ashley went 4.085-seconds at 260.01 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment/Toyota dragster, also clinching the overall season title in the bonus race for a second straight year. Ashley has enjoyed a stellar 10 wins in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge over the past two seasons, earning 13 bonus points for the Countdown to the Championship playoffs this year.

    “We feel good. We take the Mission Foods Challenge very seriously,” Ashley said. “It’s important for a number of reasons. Obviously, we want to run well because it’s a part of qualifying and help position ourselves well for raceday, but it’s also points that are going to be added on before the Countdown starts, which is super important to us.

    “Anything that we could win, we want to see win lights whether it’s the Mission Challenge or even in qualifying then of course on raceday. I’m super happy for the team, happy for the guys and everybody at Scag Power Equipment. We’ll enjoy it, but then we have to shift our focus to tomorrow.”

    Funny Car’s J.R. Todd made the first step in what he hopes is a huge weekend, getting his third Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win of the year after defeating Chad Green in the final round with a run of 3.953 at 325.22 in his 11,000-horsepower DHL Toyota GR Supra. Todd is also in the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout on Sunday, giving the former world champion a rare opportunity to win three times in one weekend.

    “We have to thank Mission Foods for allowing us to have the opportunity to race for those bonus points – they’ll come in handy when the Countdown comes around,” Todd said. “We’re already spotting (Austin) Prock over a full round with all the points that he’s racked up, so it’s nice to add to our reset, whatever that may be after Monday. Hopefully, we can put ourselves in a good position to maybe finish second in the regular season going into the Countdown and see where we stack up.”

    Prock was the dominant overall champion of the bonus race thanks to an incredible seven victories this year. In the two-year existence of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, it’s the most wins anyone has picked up in a single season, giving Prock a whopping 23 bonus points for the playoffs.

    In Pro Stock, Dallas Glenn claimed his second Mission #2Fast2Tasty victory of the year, going 6.621 at 206.83 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro, defeating a red-lighting Mason McGaha in the final round of the bonus race. Glenn has enjoyed a strong season in the bonus race and the points leader in the category will also take 12 bonus points into the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

    “This feels good. I don’t have the greatest track record in these bonus races, so it was good to seal another #2Fast2Tasty win,” Glenn said. “I think we have good momentum going into raceday even though we have another day of qualifying ahead of us. It’s going to be pretty interesting.

    “We’re figuring stuff out, we’re getting better, I’m getting the car figured out better and trying to cut better lights. I had a great light against Aaron first round, and If I was .017 on the tree I would have lost. We’re coming into a stride right at the right time.”

    Erica Enders won the overall Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge championship in the category on the strength of three wins and two runner-up finishes in the bonus race. She’ll take 13 bonus points into the Countdown to the Championship.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle’s John Hall earned his first-ever win in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, getting the victory when teammate Matt Smith went red in the final round of the bonus race. Hall, a former U.S. Nationals winner, has come on strong at the right time on his Denso Auto Parts Buell, making a pair of impressive runs on Saturday.

    “Today was a great day. I honestly didn’t know what to expect because we didn’t get to make a run on Friday night,” Hall said. “Normally, missing the first run wouldn’t be a big deal but when you have to go right into the Mission Challenge, you don’t know what the bike will run or what kind of a light you’ll have. I did just fine in the first run with a .011 light and I’m not sure what happened in the second, but I have to thank Matt for going red because I was way off.”

    Gaige Herrera claimed the overall title in the category, slipping past Matt Smith on a tiebreaker. Both standouts finished with 12 bonus points for the playoffs, but Herrera won the tiebreaker by virtue of his three overall Challenge wins to Smith’s two.

    Final qualifying begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

    INDIANAPOLIS — Saturday’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge final results from the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

    Top Fuel Challenge — Justin Ashley, 4.085 seconds, 260.01 mph def. Ida Zetterstrom, 4.541 seconds, 171.55 mph.

    Funny Car Challenge — J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.953, 325.22 def. Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 4.151, 301.87.

    Pro Stock Challenge — Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.621, 206.83 def. Mason McGaha, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle Challenge — John Hall, Buell, 6.846, 198.09 def. Matt Smith, Buell, Foul – Red Light.

    INDIANAPOLIS — Final Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge round-by-round results from the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

    MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA TOP FUEL CHALLENGE:

    ROUND ONE — Ida Zetterstrom, 3.776, 327.51 def. Shawn Langdon, 3.849, 284.87; Justin Ashley, 3.738, 332.84 def. Josh Hart, 4.482, 174.48;

    FINAL — J. Ashley, 4.085, 260.01 def. I. Zetterstrom, 4.541, 171.55.

    MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA FUNNY CAR CHALLENGE:

    ROUND ONE — Chad Green, Ford Mustang, 4.090, 283.85 def. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 4.262, 212.36; J.R. Todd, Toyota GR Supra, 3.918, 323.12 def. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.918, 329.50;

    FINAL — J. Todd, 3.953, 325.22 def. C. Green, 4.151, 301.87.

    MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA PRO STOCK CHALLENGE:

    ROUND ONE — Mason McGaha, Chevy Camaro, 6.616, 206.39 def. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.616, 205.51; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.609, 206.92 def. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.601, 206.23;

    FINAL — D. Glenn, 6.621, 206.83 def. M. McGaha, Foul – Red Light.

    MISSION #2FAST2TASTY NHRA PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE:

    ROUND ONE — John Hall, 6.830, 198.76 def. Hector Arana Jr, Foul – Red Light; Matt Smith, Buell, 6.836, 199.35 def. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.856, 199.29;

    FINAL — J. Hall, 6.846, 198.09 def. M. Smith, Foul – Red Light.

    PROCK, FORCE, ANDERSON & HALL LEAD THE WAY AT TOYOTA NHRA U.S. NATIONALS

    By
    Official Release
    -

    INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 31, 2024) – Funny Car’s Austin Prock moved into the No. 1 position on Saturday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, taking over the provisional top spot at the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

    Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and John Hall (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

    Prock made the quickest run in both qualifying sessions, including a weekend-best run of 3.855-seconds at 328.38 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS. If that holds, Prock, who is looking to win for the first time at the U.S. Nationals, would pick up his 10th No. 1 qualifier of the season in the first 14 races of the 2024 season.

    “It’s been an outstanding weekend so far,” Prock said. “Everybody has just been having fun in this Cornwell Tools pit this weekend and I feel like we have a good attitude about the U.S. Nationals and going into the playoffs. It’s been an exciting weekend so far, and to lock up that Mission #2Fast2Tasty Championship says a lot about this race team and how consistent this racecar is with the job that they’re doing.

    “Through life you have your ups and downs, but after (Brainerd), I feel like I have a brand new attitude and new mindset that can’t be shook. I’ve been annihilating the Christmas Tree this weekend which makes me feel really good and the hard work that I’ve been putting in is paying off. It’s a great start to the weekend. I’m just so proud of my family and this whole Cornwell Tools team and all of John Force Racing. We’ve been outstanding all weekend, all three racecars are just flying and it’s a great time to be doing it.”

    Bob Tasca took over the second spot with a 3.871 at 336.23 and Jack Beckman is in third after going 3.877 at 329.10.

    Selections were also made for the opening round of the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout. Top seed Tasca selected Cruz Pedregon, while Ron Capps picked Paul Lee and Matt Hagan chose Alexis DeJoria, setting J.R. Todd and Chad Green as the final first-round matchup.

    After a strong start to her weekend, Top Fuel’s Brittany Force enjoyed another standout day, improving on Friday’s time and staying as the provisional No. 1 qualifier with a run of 3.693 at 333.08 in her 11,000-horsepower Chevrolet Accessories dragster. Needing a big weekend after coming into Indy 10th in points, Force has done that so far, accumulating some much-needed qualifying bonus points in the process. She remains in prime position to pick up her second top qualifier of the season and the 48th in her career.

    “There is a lot on the line this weekend, so to be able to improve and step up – our No. 1 spot was taken from us in Q2, and we knew we had to step it up. That was already David Grubnic’s plan, so to go from a .74 to a .69 was pretty awesome for this team,” Force said. “We’re very proud of that and very happy. We’re moving ahead, and we’re going to try to grasp as many points as we can get.

    “The momentum is building for the entire team. We’re excited to be here, it’s the biggest race of the season. We’re sitting 10th and there is so much coming this weekend, so much pressure, but having three good runs down the racetrack really amps us up that much more. We’re excited to be here, but we’re waiting to get to Monday.”

    Tony Stewart made a strong improvement as well, racing to the second spot with a pass of 3.707 at 331.04, while T.J. Zizzo is third with a 3.716 at 332.67.

    Greg Anderson believed there was more in his car and that proved to be true on Saturday at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, making a major improvement with a run of 6.588 at 206.20 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. He stays in the No. 1 spot for a second straight day and there was plenty for the five-time champion to like. Anderson, who has won the U.S. Nationals seven times, made the quickest run during both sessions on Saturday, putting him on a strong path to collect his fifth No. 1 qualifier of the season.

    “I knew if we didn’t do something like that, we wouldn’t be No. 1,” Anderson said. “The guys did a fantastic job. My car was No. 1 to 60-foot, I didn’t quite expect that, and that’s what got us the provisional pole. Everything has to go perfect for you to get a No. 1 spot and win rounds anymore. We did a great job but we’re only halfway through the weekend, still have another whole day of qualifying left and it looks like tomorrow is going to be a tick better again.

    “The pole is not safe. You’ll have to find a way to do a better job again. They’re all nipping at my heels, without a doubt, and anybody can get that pole. There are a lot of people capable of taking it, so we’ll have to give it all we’ve got and try to be perfect. We’re three for three so far, it’ll be quite a feather in the cap if we can go five for five in qualifying and bring momentum into Monday.”

    Erica Enders remained in second, improving to a 6.592 at 207.11, while Jerry Tucker nearly dipped into the 6.50s as well, moving to third with a 6.600 at 207.59.

    In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Matt Smith Racing continued to have a strong weekend at Indy, with John Hall making a big move to the No. 1 position with a run of 6.830 at 198.76 on his Denso Auto Parts Buell. Hall made the best run of both sessions on Saturday, putting him in a great position to earn his first career No. 1 qualifier. Hall is a previous U.S. Nationals winner and knows full well what success at this race means.

    “In this weather, I think a 6.83 is pretty good,” Hall said. “Normally, the Friday run would have been the best, but it was hot yesterday, so we had an opportunity to pick up today. I was in a similar spot in 2013 but this time I have more confidence than ever and that’s the No. 1 thing you can have. This is the biggest race of the year and the one you really want. We want to win all of them, but this is the one that sticks with you for life. I was fortunate to win once but I’d love to have two.”

    Matt Smith is currently second after going 6.836 at 199.35, while points leader Gaige Herrera moved up to third thanks to a 6.850 at 196.64.

    Final qualifying begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

    INDIANAPOLIS — Saturday’s results after the first three of five rounds of qualifying for the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, 14th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Qualifying will continue Sunday for Monday’s final eliminations.

    Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.693 seconds, 333.08 mph; 2. Tony Stewart, 3.707, 331.04; 3. T.J. Zizzo, 3.716, 332.67; 4. Antron Brown, 3.723, 331.94; 5. Tripp Tatum, 3.729, 328.54; 6. Steve Torrence, 3.736, 332.84; 7. Justin Ashley, 3.738, 332.84; 8. Tony Schumacher, 3.739, 326.32; 9. Shawn Reed, 3.755, 325.53; 10. Dan Mercier, 3.763, 319.75; 11. Billy Torrence, 3.764, 332.34; 12. Josh Hart, 3.772, 326.63; 13. Clay Millican, 3.774, 331.12; 14. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.776, 327.51; 15. Doug Foley, 3.776, 313.80; 16. Jasmine Salinas, 3.814, 317.64. Not Qualified: 17. Doug Kalitta, 3.823, 317.34; 18. Shawn Langdon, 3.849, 284.87; 19. Krista Baldwin, 3.863, 285.29; 20. Lex Joon, 3.927, 313.95.

    Funny Car — 1. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.855, 328.38; 2. Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.871, 336.23; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.877, 329.10; 4. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.890, 327.82; 5. Cruz Pedregon, Dodge Charger, 3.901, 325.53; 6. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.901, 313.37; 7. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 3.911, 323.50; 8. Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.918, 329.50; 9. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.918, 323.12; 10. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.931, 315.49; 11. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.986, 292.58; 12. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.987, 324.75; 13. Chad Green, Mustang, 4.025, 300.00; 14. Dale Creasy Jr., Charger, 4.055, 315.27; 15. Chris King, Charger, 4.079, 302.21; 16. Buddy Hull, Charger, 4.093, 313.51. Not Qualified: 17. Dave Richards, 4.105, 297.94; 18. Justin Schriefer, 6.801, 99.59.

    Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.588, 206.20; 2. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.592, 207.11; 3. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.600, 207.59; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.601, 206.23; 5. David Cuadra, Camaro, 6.607, 207.24; 6. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.609, 206.92; 7. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.616, 206.39; 8. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.616, 205.51; 9. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.619, 207.56; 10. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.623, 205.94; 11. Sienna Wildgust, Camaro, 6.625, 205.88; 12. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.627, 205.91; 13. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.628, 205.72; 14. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.630, 205.76; 15. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.639, 207.40; 16. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 6.640, 205.13. Not Qualified: 17. Eric Latino, 6.652, 206.04; 18. Derrick Reese, 6.668, 206.54; 19. Larry Morgan, 6.670, 206.67; 20. Chris McGaha, 6.671, 206.32; 21. Kenny Delco, 6.705, 205.76.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. John Hall, Beull, 6.830, 198.76; 2. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.836, 199.35; 3. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.850, 196.64; 4. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.856, 199.29; 5. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.859, 197.94; 6. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.878, 196.62; 7. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.887, 195.45; 8. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.912, 195.90; 9. Kelly Clontz, Suzuki, 6.935, 194.60; 10. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.944, 195.34; 11. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.963, 192.36; 12. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.998, 193.54; 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 7.008, 191.59; 14. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 7.012, 191.73; 15. Ron Tornow, Victory, 7.058, 190.46; 16. Wesley Wells, Suzuki, 7.479, 178.90.

    Toyota Racing – NXS Darlington Post-Race Report – 08.31.24

    By
    Official Release
    -

    BELL SCORES XFINITY SERIES WIN AT DARLINGTON
    Leads Race-High 108 Laps En Route to Second NXS Win this Season

    DARLINGTON, S.C. (August 31, 2024) – Christopher Bell won Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) race from the pole at Darlington Raceway after leading a race-high 108 laps (of 150) in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 20 GR Supra. Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Sheldon Creed passed Bell late in the race and was leading before a caution came out with three laps to go. Bell won the race off pit road, battling competitors in the overtime finish to earn his 19th Xfinity Series victory and the second this season. Creed led 30 laps in Saturday’s race at Darlington to earn his 11th top-five of the year.

    Chandler Smith also finished in the top-10 for Toyota with a ninth-place result in the JGR No. 81 GR Supra.

    Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
    NASCAR Xfinity Series
    Darlington Raceway
    Race 23 of 33 – 200.802 Miles, 147 Laps

    TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
    1st, CHRISTOPHER BELL
    2nd, Cole Custer*
    3rd, SHELDON CREED
    4th, Chase Elliott*
    5th, Sammy Smith*
    8th, CHANDLER SMITH
    11th, JOE GRAF JR.
    25th, COREY HEIM
    *non-Toyota driver

    TOYOTA QUOTES

    CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Sport Clips Haircuts Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

    Finishing Position: 1st

    How did you keep your car in line after the contact with Cole Custer?

    “I don’t know. I need to see a replay of it. That was wild for sure. Darlington is just such a tough race track and off of (turn) two whether you’re on the bottom or the top, it like flushes you toward the wall and you kind of get a wiggle coming down. Once again, I feel terrible for Sheldon (Creed) to essentially win the race. He passed me on the long run there and then then to lose the lead on pit road is a big bummer. Really, really happy to win in this Sport Clips Supra. Tyler Allen (crew chief), what can I say, man. He’s been killing it this year and I’m just lucky I get to drive for him.”

    How rewarding is the win today knowing all you had to overcome today?

    “Yeah, I don’t know. It seemed like our car was really good on the short run. Obviously, the 18 (Sheldon Creed) was really good on the long run. Unfortunately, for him, the race played out differently and fortunately for us we got another shot at it.”

    How important was that final pit stop?

    “Those guys won us the race and without them I’m not going to win the race so thank you to the pit crew as well.”

    Did your pit crew win this race for the 20 team today?

    “Yeah, this one is on the pit crew. Those guys did amazing all day long. Just kept us in the game and then obviously kept us in position with the lead there on that last pit stop. You win some, you lose some and I’m glad we won it that way.”

    How technical of a race was it today?

    “It’s Darlington. You’ve got to really drift the car around this place. I might have been drifting a bit too much today, but this thing was really good on the short run and a little bit loose on the long run. That’s what it’s all about. It was a lot of fun.”

    What’s the biggest thing you learn from a run like today for tomorrow’s Southern 500?

    “Take care of the car and be there at the end, that’s for sure. You’re never out of it until the checkered flag falls.”

    SHELDON CREED, No. 18 Friends of Jaclyn Foundation Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

    Finishing Position: 3rd

    You’re shaking your head. You can’t believe it, can you?

    “No. I lost one the same way a few years ago here. Just this has always been a really good place for me. I’ve always loved racing here. Just, man, I don’t know what to do to be any better than that. I felt like I put in one of my best performances today. I love my pit crew, and they do a great job for us. I can’t blame that on them, we just got beat on pit road today so bummer.”

    About Toyota

    Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

    Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.

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

    Cole Custer Finishes 2nd to Pace Ford at Darlington (NXS Post Race Quotes)

    By
    Official Release
    -

    Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
    NASCAR Xfinity Series
    Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 | Darlington Raceway
    Saturday, August 31, 2024

    FORD FINISHING RESULTS (UNOFFICIAL)
    2nd – Cole Custer
    15th – Noah Gragson
    18th – Ryan Sieg
    19th – Matt DiBenedetto
    22nd – Kyle Sieg
    33rd – Chad Finchum
    34th – Blaine Perkins
    35th – Riley Herbst
    38th – Joey Logano

    COLE CUSTER, No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Finished 2nd)

    DESCRIBE THAT OVERTIME RESTART BETWEEN YOU AND CHRISTOPHER BELL: “We were both going for it. We were just trying to carry as much throttle as possible, and Christopher had the momentum there. I need to see a replay of the exit of Turn 2. It just got tight. I don’t know if he came down or if I came up, but that was just hard racing. I am so proud of our team. We were in trouble after qualifying 21st, so for us to get this Haas Automation Ford Mustang in second place and really have a car so good throughout the day means a lot to what this team can do.”

    YOU GUYS GOT TOGETHER THERE: “Yeah, it was just really tight racing. It is always fun to race with Christopher. We were both just trying to stay in the throttle off of Turn 2. I couldn’t tell if he came down or I came up a little bit. it was a hard decision to make because he was coming down and I didn’t know if I should lift or stay in it and let him wreck himself. I think if I had stayed in it, I would have wrecked myself. It was a great race by everyone on our team. To come from 21st to second is a huge accomplishment. I can’t thank everyone enough, especially the pit crew. The pit crew did a great job.”

    HOW DO YOU CHARACTERIZE YOUR DAY IN TERMS OF HOW YOU WERE ABLE TO COME UP THROUGH THE FIELD AND MAKE A GO OF IT? “It is a testament to what this team is. We really put a good day together. We were really confused and in trouble after qualifying but we looked at all the notes and figured out how to make it better and we did a great job coming back.”

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