Home Blog Page 574

Martinsville is a Racecar Wrestling Match

By
Official Release
-

As a Former High School Wrestler, Cody Ware is Ready for the Cook Out 400

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 25, 2025) – Wrestling a racecar for 400 laps around Martinsville (Va.) Speedway necessitates a strong upper-body and powerful legs, connected with a tight core. The flat, paperclip-shaped .526-mile oval makes for a physical race where drivers have to pull their steering wheel hard to the left 800 times while stabbing their brake pedal at the end of each, 800-foot-long straightaway. Whether one’s car is lightning quick or could use a jolt of lightning, Martinsville pushes the boundaries of human performance as much as a car’s mechanical limits.

The wrestling analogy is an apt one for Cody Ware. The driver of the No. 51 Arby’s Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) wrestled in high school. In fact, he did it just 45 minutes south of Martinsville in the Greensboro, North Carolina, suburb of Jamestown. At Ragsdale High School, Ware made the varsity wrestling team as a freshman. He stayed there through his junior year before his burgeoning racing career meant a pivot to homeschooling. Ware earned his high school diploma in 2013 while racing Late Model stock cars and making a handful of starts on the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour.

“I started wrestling in middle school, probably around 2008, and then transitioned into high school wrestling. I made the varsity wrestling team my freshman year, which I was pretty proud of,” Ware said.

“Wrestling at Ragsdale was a big deal, so to be a freshman on the varsity team was a real honor. I had to beat out one of the seniors to make the cut. It always stuck with me that while making varsity was big, staying on the varsity team was just as big, if not bigger. Nothing was guaranteed. You had to go out and earn your place every match, every year.

“It’s what really got me started as an athlete. Being really tall, I needed to develop my core strength and overall fitness. I had a larger stature and I needed to make the most of it.”

Standing at 6 feet, 4 inches, Ware’s athleticism continues to serve him well as a fulltime competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series. Sunday’s Cook Out 400 at Martinsville is more than just a friendly reminder that performance applies to both car and driver.

“There’s a lot of strength needed for driving a racecar, especially when it comes to braking,” Ware said. “It takes a lot of brake pressure to extract 700-800 pounds of braking force into the corner. And at Martinsville, we’re doing that 800 times over the course of 400 laps. It’s about being on your game from start to finish, where you’re as good on lap 400 as you were on lap one.

“The wrestling analogy is a good one for Martinsville. There’s a lot of tight racing and you’re throwing your car around. It can be chaos inside the car trying to do everything you need to make a good lap.”

Ware saw that chaos as a young fan in the stands. Martinsville was his hometown track, along with Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. The now 29-year-old Ware was a regular visitor to both as a pre-teen and teenager, and the Triad area where he grew up – Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point – was home to many NASCAR entities.

“We had a ton of racing in the Triad when I grew up,” Ware said. “You had mega race teams that were there back in the 2000s, like Bill Davis Racing and the No. 45 team with Adam Petty. Bobby Labonte had his shop there. Clyde Vickers’ CV Products and his son, Brian, were from Thomasville. And, of course, there’s Bowman Gray, the longest running weekly racetrack in America. There’s just a lot of history, a lot of good racing, and a lot of good racers from that area. It was cool to grow up among it all.

“And people there take a lot of pride in it. It seems that Greensboro is always the No. 1 or No. 2 media market to watch NASCAR racing. People there are tuned in, they’re connected, and I think they wear it as a badge of honor.”

Badges of honor from Martinsville come in the form of busted front grills, bashed in back bumpers and Goodyear-made donut rings on the sides of racecars. While it’s all a part of racing in such cramped confines, mitigating those badges is important to ensuring one’s racecar is there at the finish. This puts a premium on qualifying, where with more cars behind you instead of in front of you, the greater your opportunities are to have a relatively clean race.

“At Martinsville, the biggest thing is going to be qualifying and track position, and I’m going to lean on Corey LaJoie to help me on that front,” said Ware, referencing his RWR teammate who is running a limited NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2025. “Corey’s got a lot of seat time at Martinsville. I’ll be picking his brain more than normal to try to figure out what tweaks I can make to my driving style and how I can give good feedback to the crew so I get what I need out of the car.

“Tires equalize pretty quickly at Martinsville, and 40-50 laps into a run, everyone’s pretty much running the same time, whether it’s first or 36th. Whatever you can do to start strong and either maintain track position or improve on restarts, that’s where most of your progress is going to be made throughout the day.”

Practice for the Cook Out 400 begins at 2 p.m. EDT on Saturday with qualifying following immediately afterward. The race goes green at 3 p.m. on Sunday with live coverage provided by FS1 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).

What Do Tire Speed Ratings Really Mean?

By
SM
-

Choosing the right tires is more than just picking the right size or brand. Tire speed ratings, marked by a letter, indicate the maximum speed a tire can handle. But there’s more to these ratings than just speed. They impact your vehicle’s performance, safety, and overall driving experience. Knowing what each speed rating means and how it applies to your vehicle ensures you make an informed decision for your next set of tires. This guide will explain the importance of speed rating tires, how to read them, and how to choose the best rating for your driving needs.

What Is a Tire Speed Rating?

A tire speed rating is a letter code that specifies the maximum speed a tire can safely sustain for an extended period. This rating combines with the load index to ensure your tires suit your vehicle’s performance characteristics. Automakers determine the recommended tire speed rating for each vehicle based on engineering specifications and the vehicle’s intended use. For instance, a sports car may require a high-speed rated tire to match its capabilities, whereas everyday sedans can operate safely with lower-rated tires. Understanding these ratings helps you select tires that maintain safety, optimize performance, and suit your driving needs.

Why Tire Speed Ratings Matter for Drivers

Safety and Handling Performance

Tire speed ratings are crucial for maintaining vehicle safety. Tires with higher speed ratings typically offer better handling and stability. This is because they are constructed with higher-quality materials and more advanced design techniques. When driving at high speeds or on twisty roads, the increased stability and improved handling reduce the risk of accidents. Moreover, these tires can dissipate heat more effectively, reducing the likelihood of a blowout or tire failure.

Impact on Tire Lifespan and Efficiency

While high-speed-rated tires enhance performance, they may also influence tire lifespan and fuel efficiency. High-speed tires often have softer rubber compounds for better grip, which can wear out faster under normal driving conditions. Conversely, lower speed-rated tires, made for everyday use, tend to be more durable and offer greater longevity. Additionally, the rolling resistance in higher-rated tires may be higher, slightly reducing fuel efficiency. Balancing performance demands and daily usability is key to choosing the right tire with appropriate speed ratings.

How to Read Tire Speed Ratings

Reading tire speed ratings is straightforward once you know what to look for. The speed rating is typically the last letter in the tire size code printed on the tire sidewall.

Speed Rating Letters and Their Maximum Speeds

Here’s a quick guide to the most common tire speed rating letters and their associated maximum speeds: – L: 75 mph – M: 81 mph – N: 87 mph – P: 93 mph – Q: 99 mph – R: 106 mph – S: 112 mph – T: 118 mph – U: 124 mph – H: 130 mph – V: 149 mph – W: 168 mph – Y: 186 mph – Z: 149 mph+ (for tires exceeding 149 mph)

Speed Rating Letters and Their Maximum Speed

Common Ratings and What They’re Used For

  • L, M, N, P: Generally for off-road and light trucks.
  • Q, R, S, T: Suitable for family sedans, vans, and light trucks.
  • H: Commonly found on sport sedans and coupes.
  • V: Performance tire for higher speed applications.
  • W, Y: High-performance sports cars.
  • Z: Ultra-high performance, used for exotic cars capable of 149 mph+.

Tire Speed Rating vs Load Index: Know the Difference

While speed ratings indicate the maximum speed a tire can handle, the load index shows the maximum weight a tire can support. Both ratings are essential for maintaining vehicle performance and safety. The load index is a numerical value that, when multiplied by four, should meet or exceed the vehicle’s maximum load-bearing capacity. Ensuring both proper load index and speed rating prevents overloading or overstressing tires, which could lead to tire failure. Always consult your vehicle’s manual to find the manufacturer-recommended ratings for optimal performance.

Can You Use a Tire With a Different Speed Rating?

When It’s Safe to Change Ratings

Changing your tire’s speed rating is not recommended but can be acceptable under certain conditions. For temporary use or fitting winter tires, dropping a speed rating one level below the manufacturer’s specification might be permissible. For example, if your vehicle typically uses an H-rated tire, temporarily using a T-rated tire for winter should be safe if driving conditions are acknowledged.

Risks of Downgrading Speed Ratings

Using tires with ratings lower than recommended for extended periods can significantly impact your vehicle’s handling, safety, and balance. Lower-rated tires may not provide the necessary grip at higher speeds or under stress, increasing the danger of accidents. Additionally, lower-rated tires may not effectively support your vehicle’s performance capabilities, leading to poor handling and increased wear. Always aim to match or exceed the prescribed speed rating to keep your vehicle operating safely and efficiently.

How to Choose the Right Tire Speed Rating

Consider Your Driving Habits

Your driving style greatly influences the tire speed rating you should choose. For spirited driving or frequent highway travel, a higher speed rating ensures stability and safety at higher speeds. If you primarily drive in urban settings with lower speed limits, a lower speed rating can suffice while potentially offering a longer tire lifespan.

Match Ratings with Vehicle Type and Use

It’s essential to match the tire speed rating to your vehicle’s type and intended use. For instance, family sedans or vans operate well with moderate speed ratings like T or H. Higher-performance vehicles should use V or W-rated tires to ensure optimal performance and safety. Always refer to your vehicle’s specifications to check the recommended ratings.

Real-World Examples: Touring, Sport, and SUV Tires

  • Touring Tires: Often rated T or H; designed for balanced performance and comfort, perfect for daily drivers.
  • Sport Tires: Typically V, W, or Y-rated; built for handling and high-speed stability, suitable for sports cars.
  • SUV Tires: Generally come in S or T ratings; robust construction for longer wear and ability to support heavier loads while providing a good balance between performance and durability.

Conclusion

Understanding tire speed ratings is vital for making an informed decision about your vehicle’s tires. These ratings not only guide you about the maximum safe speed but also affect handling performance, safety, and tire lifespan. By considering your driving habits and vehicle specifications, you can select the right tire speed rating that enhances your driving experience and ensures safety on the road. Always consult your vehicle’s manual or a professional to find the optimal tire speed rating for your needs. Ensuring that your tires match your driving requirements can lead to better performance, safety, and efficiency.

Black’s Tire Joins Kaulig Racing and AJ Allmendinger for Short Track Racing at Martinsville

By
Official Release
-

Allmendinger to Drive the No. 16 Black’s Tire Service Chevy at Martinsville Speedway

 Lexington, N.C. (March 24, 2025) – Kaulig Racing and Black’s Tire Service (BTS) announce an expansion of their partnership for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway this Sunday. AJ Allmendinger will drive the No. 16 Black’s Tire Service Chevy for the NASCAR Cup Series race.

Black’s Tire, which celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2024, has more than 70 locations in both North and South Carolina and remains a local, family owned and operated tire seller and wholesaler. With many of those locations in NASCAR’s backyard, BTS is partnering with Martinsville Speedway to promote the Sunday race event. BTS looks forward to having many of their Partner Dealers and Black’s Tire family in attendance for this weekend’s event.

“On behalf of the over a thousand team members at Black’s Tire & Auto Service and BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, we are honored to continue our relationship with AJ Allmendinger, Chris Rice and the Kaulig Racing family,” said President of Black’s Tire, Ricky Benton II. “BTS partners with other family, independent tire dealers to help each other in the tire business. BTS Tire and Wheel supplies wholesale tires, tire supplies, and equipment across NC, SC, VA and eastern GA. We’re excited that we have the ability to feature a few of our local BTS Partner Dealers on the car this weekend.”

Allmendinger, who previously represented BTS at Darlington in 2023, will hit the track with a ‘let’s go together’ mentality, while sporting the blue and yellow BTS colors. The BTS Family has embraced this saying as their theme for 2025 as it ensures that everyone feels like family when they walk through the doors of any BTS location.

“Black’s Tire has been a long-time partner for Kaulig Racing and we’re fortunate that we have the opportunity to expand on that relationship for short track racing this weekend,” said Chris Rice, Kaulig Racing team president. “We’re excited to continue working with them and represent their family brand in multiple events this spring.”

Earlier this year, the team announced BTS will serve as the primary partner for Christian Eckes on the No. 16 Chevy in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington and Rockingham. As the presenting partner of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Rockingham, BTS will hold a special family and customer hospitality event prior to the event.

“We’re excited to work with our long-time friends at Kaulig Racing,” said Ricky Benton Sr., Black’s Tire Owner and Chairman of the Board said. “Being a part of their team, seeing the Black’s Tire Service Chevy on track, all while celebrating our family-owned and operated business is special.”

Allmendinger will be on track this weekend in the No. 16 Black’s Tire Service Chevy. Coverage for the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway will be on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR: Channel 90.

About Black’s Tire

Black’s Tire Service (BTS) was founded as Black’s Service Station by W. Crowell Black in Whiteville, N.C. in 1929 and celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2024. With more than 70 locations in both North and South Carolina, Black’s remains a local, family owned- and -operated tire sales and service and vehicle repair business. In addition to the retail and commercial locations, Black’s also operates 10 warehouse/distribution centers, BTS Tire & Wheel Distributors, a commercial sales division, and a tire-retreading business, Carolina Retreads. Today, the Black’s Tire family includes more than 1,000 team members. To learn more about Black’s Tire or to find a location, visit www.blackstire.com. Follow Black’s Tire on social media: Twitter at @BlacksTire, Instagram at @BlacksTire and Facebook at facebook.com/blackstire.

About Kaulig Racing

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

Amthor International Returns to Sponsor Spencer Boyd

By
Official Release
-

Mooresville, NC (March 24, 2025) – Spencer Boyd announced today that Gretna, VA based Amthor International will return for a second season as primary sponsor for the No. 76 Freedom Warranty entry at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Martinsville Speedway. Amthor International is America’s premier custom tanker truck manufacturer.

“We’ve done a lot in our year together,” reflected Spencer Boyd speaking of the relationship with Amthor International. “Our focus has been about raising awareness for Amthor’s new facility being built in Gretna (Virginia) and the great employment opportunities available. We also had that Batman-inspired paint scheme for the race last season that was on display at the trunk or treat event they held. The team at Amthor is like family and I’m honored they have welcomed me into it.”

Boyd also attended the WWETT Show as part of Amthor International’s involvement, which brought the wastewater and environmental services community together in Indianapolis this past February.

“I’m a huge sports fan and the involvement with Spencer and his team is like nothing I could have imagined,” commented Executive Vice President, Brian Amthor. “They represent our brand so well as they are hard-working individuals, and they have a keen business sense. I look forward to this season with the Freedom Racing Enterprises team with nothing but excitement.”

Amthor International is a fourth-generation family-owned business that crafts aluminum, stainless steel, & steel tanks for propane, DEF, potable water and wastewater, vacuum tank and much more.

Boyd continued, “With Martinsville being one of the oldest paved tracks in stock car racing and the grandfather clock trophy, I’ve always felt the importance to our sport in racing there. We’ve put a great amount of effort into getting the right mechanical components assembled on our race trucks to perform as well as our team can at the Paperclip.”

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race at Martinsville, “The Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge 200” is set for Friday, March 28, 2025 at 7:30pm ET. Catch the action in person with tickets still available or on TV live on FS1.

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS TO SHOWCASE NASCAR ROCKINGHAM WEEKEND ABOARD MICHAEL MCDOWELL’S NO. 71 CHEVROLET

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 24, 2025) – In support of NASCAR’s celebrated return to Rockingham Speedway, Spire Motorsports will showcase a “Race the Rock” paint scheme aboard Michael McDowell’s No. 71 Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series 400-lap contest at Martinsville Speedway.

For the first time in over a decade, NASCAR will return to the south-central North Carolina Piedmont for the highly anticipated return of major league stock car racing to Rockingham Speedway.

Track Enterprises, the official promoter of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250 presented by Black’s Tire NASCAR Xfinity Series race and the Black’s Tire 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race, announced an agreement with Rockingham Speedway ownership last August to bring NASCAR back to the venerable Richmond County speedway Easter Weekend.

In addition to the Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series events, the ARCA Menards East Series will mix it up for 125 laps prior to Saturday’s headliner at the legendary one-mile oval.

“Track Enterprises is thrilled to partner with Spire Motorsports and Michael McDowell to showcase NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway,” said Bob Sargent, President of Track Enterprises. “NASCAR has a very rich history at both tracks and Martinsville is just a couple-hour drive from Rockingham. We thought it made great sense to take advantage of a NASCAR Cup Series race in such close proximity to Rockingham. We want fans to know that we’ll have an exciting weekend of racing in store and that tickets are still available, but they are going fast and we expect a great crowd both days.”

Rockingham Speedway, formerly named North Carolina Motor Speedway, was a staple on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule for nearly 40 years and includes a veritable who’s who of NASCAR on its list of previous winners.

The Xfinity Series was a regular player at the historic venue from 1982-2004 and features a cast of winners who went on to be some of the sport’s most respected names including David Pearson, Sam Ard, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Harry Gant, Mark Martin, Terry Labonte and Jamie McMurray.

Martin was an indomitable force at Rockingham in Xfinity Series competition throughout his career having collected 11 wins in 25 starts, including four straight during the 1996 and 1997 seasons. McMurray matched Martin’s four-peat by recording victories in the track’s most recent Xfinity Series races, over a decade ago.

The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series raced at Rockingham twice from 2012-2013 with Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson collecting the victories. Matt Crafton, a 25-year CRAFTSMAN Truck Series veteran, is the only current series regular to have competed at the high-banked, D-shaped oval when the division last raced there 12 years ago.

Separate from Larson, current NASCAR Cup Series competitors Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Erik Jones, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace were all part of the field when the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series last tested its mettle at Rockingham.

Although the 18-year Cup Series veteran has never raced at Rockingham Speedway, McDowell has plenty of fond memories of the track.

“Rockingham is a historic and iconic racetrack,” said McDowell. “Even though I haven’t raced at it, I did a lot of testing there. When you’re a rookie in the Cup Series in 2008, you did a lot of testing, and Rockingham was one of those places. So, I have a lot of laps there – not racing – but a lot of laps. Rockingham is a great racetrack, iconic and historic, and it shows NASCAR’s continued effort to get back to its roots.”

McDowell compared “The Rock” to the recent buzz surrounding the NASCAR Cup Series recent return to North Wilkesboro Speedway for the division’s annual All-Star Race.

“If you look at the revival of North Wilkesboro with the new asphalt but still a legendary and historic feel, Rockingham is no different.” McDowell continued. “It’s going to be a great Easter weekend, April 18-19, and tickets are still available. I’m going to be there with my family. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I know the racing will not disappoint.”

Fans can log on to racetherock.com for continuing details, schedule updates or to purchase tickets for NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway. Tickets are also available for purchase in person at Rockingham City Hall Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m., and on Fridays from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Both single day and weekend ticket packages are available.

Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race from Martinsville Speedway will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, March 30 beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The seventh of 36 points-paying races on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About Rockingham Speedway …

Located in Richmond County, N.C., Rockingham Speedway opened as a flat, one-mile oval on Oct. 31, 1965. It was reconfigured to a one-mile (1.017 miles) high-banked, D-shaped oval in 1969.

In 2018, a new ownership group took over the facility and renamed it Rockingham Speedway & Entertainment Complex. On Nov. 18, 2021, N.C., Governor Roy Cooper signed the 2021-2022 North Carolina state budget allocating $9 million to support reinvestment in the facility. The state funds, along with ownership investment, allowed for redevelopment of the racetrack including the racing surface and extensive repairs. Today, the facility hosts a wide variety of events including karting, road racing, endurance racing, concerts and more. In 2025, Rockingham Speedway will welcome the return of NASCAR for the first time since 2013.

About Track Enterprises …

Track Enterprises has been promoting motorsports events since 1985. Based in Macon, Ill., a dedicated staff, led by longtime promoter Bob Sargent, organize and promote upwards of 80 races a year across the eastern half of the United States. Track Enterprises was responsible for the highly-acclaimed return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series to the Milwaukee Mile in 2023.

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 March 21, 2025, when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team will also field 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.

Austin Hill inks five-race Cup deal with Richard Childress Racing in 2025

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Austin Hill will be campaigning in five NASCAR Cup Series events with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) throughout the 2025 season.

Hill, a 30-year-old racer from Winston, Georgia, will be piloting RCR’s No. 33 Chevrolet entry for a second consecutive part-time campaign in NASCAR’s premier series. His 2025 Cup schedule is slated to commence at Darlington Raceway on April 6. He will then return to compete at the Chicago Street Course on July 6, Daytona International Speedway on August 23, Bristol Motor Speedway on September 13 and at Talladega Superspeedway on October 19.

As part of his part-time Cup effort, United Rentals will be sponsoring his entry while Andy Street, who was Hill’s Xfinity Series crew chief from 2022 to 2024, will be serving as the crew chief for his inaugural presence as a Cup crew chief.

The news comes as Hill is currently campaigning in his fourth consecutive Xfinity Series season with RCR. Currently, Hill has notched a single victory, which occurred at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his home track, in February. He has also recorded four top-10 results through the first six-scheduled events and is ranked in fourth place in the 2025 driver’s standings as he continues his yearlong pursuit to return to the Championship 4 round and contend for his first series’ title.

“I’m excited to compete in the No. 33 United Rentals Chevrolet again this year,” Hill said in a released statement. “United Rentals has been a longtime supporter of my career and to continue that relationship once again at the top level of our sport is special. I’ve enjoyed my starts in the Cup Series so far and the goal is to keep learning every time I climb into the car. We have been strategic with adding new tracks to the lineup each season, which allows me to gain valuable experience. Racing for Richard at any level is an honor, but especially in the Cup Series. The focus remains on winning the Xfinity Series championship in November, but any laps in the Cup car are important for the future.”

Hill, a multi-race winner and regular-season champion in both the Craftsman Truck and Xfinity Series divisions, made his inaugural start in NASCAR’s premier series at Michigan International Speedway in August 2022. Driving RCR’s No. 33 Chevrolet entry, the Georgian started 31st and finished 18th. The following season, he competed in five Cup events with Beard Motorsports, a part-time organization that is aligned with RCR before he returned for four events at RCR in 2024.

In 10 current starts in the Cup Series division, Hill has recorded an average-finishing result of 27.5 and two top-20 results. His current best result is 14th, which occurred at Daytona in August 2023, and he led his first lap at Texas Motor Speedway in April 2024.

Austin Hill’s part-time NASCAR Cup Series campaign with RCR is scheduled to commence at Darlington Raceway for the Goodyear 400 on April 6. The event’s broadcast time is slated to occur at 3 p.m. ET on FS1.

CHP Reports: What the Term Means, and Why They Matter

By
SM
-
Photo by Taras Makarenko at pexels.com

If you’re driving in California, maybe you’re using one of the many highways that wind their way through the state. California covers a lot of territory, and the highways there see millions of drivers yearly. Often, you can stay safe on these highways if you exercise caution and drive defensively, but an accident can still occur when you least expect it.

If that happens, you’ll need to get a CHP report. A CHP report can impact a personal injury case, but only if you use it correctly. 

In this article, we will discuss CHP reports. We’ll cover what the term means, what you can expect to find in a CHP report, and how you can use one in your personal injury lawsuit if you pursue one.

What Does This Term Mean?

The term “CHP report,” means California Highway Patrol report. The California Highway Patrol employs hundreds of officers who patrol California’s highways.

You might see them sitting in speed traps along the highway, waiting for a speeder to come flying past. If you’re that speeder, you will probably have an up close and personal chat with one of these officers, and you doubtless won’t like it very much.

As for California Highway Patrol reports, every time there’s a car accident on the highway, the responding officer must fill one out. That’s part of their job. They need to fill out one of these reports because the drivers involved will need the information that they can find there.

What Does a CHP Report Include?

If you get in a car accident while on a California highway, you will want to use your smartphone to call 911. If you don’t have a phone with you, or you sustained some serious injuries, and you can’t call, then hopefully the other driver can do it for you. If neither of you can call, then someone in another car might do it.

When the responding officers come, they will ask you what happened. You can talk to them there on the scene, unless the accident rendered you unconscious or otherwise injured you badly. If that happens, then you can go to the hospital. You can speak to the responding officers for the sake of the report later.

The CHP report will feature your name, and that of the other driver as well. It will feature your driver’s license number and theirs. It will have both of your license plate numbers as well.

It will mention what insurance company you both have, assuming you each have an active vehicle insurance policy. It will also include a breakdown of what the officer saw when they arrived on the scene. 

That might include the position of the vehicles and a brief description of the damage to each one. The report will likely mention any notable injuries, though it probably won’t go into too much detail on those. Presumably, the responding officer doesn’t have the medical training to give a full and thorough description of what broken bones or other damage each participant suffered.

The report might also include information like the time of day the accident occurred, the weather conditions, or anything else the responding officer deems relevant. In this respect, no two reports will look identical, since each one will describe the scene as it looks when the officer arrives.

How Can You Use One in Your Personal Injury Lawsuit?

Let’s say that you’re in a car accident on one of California’s highways. You feel certain that the other driver caused the crash. When a highway patrol car shows up, you explain to the officer what happened.

They should give you a copy of the car accident report afterward. It will feature all of the information that we just described.

You can take that report with you, and you should have it handy when you contact your insurance company. You will presumably want to do that as soon as you can. You will need to start the claim process to repair the damage to your car. 

California has at-fault car accident status. That means, if you get in an accident there, the insurance of the person who caused the wreck should pay for the damage. That includes the cost of repairing the car, but it should also cover things like lost wages if you have to miss work or medical bills if you need to see a doctor afterward.

However, in the situation we described, maybe the other driver or their insurance company will not admit that they caused the crash. Instead, they insist that you caused it.

If that happens, then you will probably need to sue the other driver, their insurance company, or both. Only by doing so can you hope to recoup the money that you’re spending out-of-pocket on things like doctor bills and replacement parts for your damaged car. 

Once you hire a skilled personal injury lawyer, then you can use the CHP report as a piece of valuable evidence during the trial. The information that this document contains can potentially help you prove the other driver’s guilt.

For instance, maybe what the responding police officer wrote about the position of both vehicles when they arrived at the scene contradicts what the other driver says happened. Maybe they described a rainy day that caused them to lose control of their vehicle on a slick road. The report from the California Highway Patrol says that it didn’t rain that day, though.

The report will often have the information you need to pick apart the other driver’s story, or that of their insurance company. If you and your lawyer can use that information successfully, it puts pressure on the other driver.

They might realize they’re losing credibility with the jury and offer you a settlement amount. If the number works for you, then you can take it and try to get on with your life. You can always counter with a higher number as well. 

MIKE STAVRINOS GETS MONUMENTAL CONGRUITY NHRA PRO MOD WIN IN PHOENIX AT RACE POWERED BY LAT RACING OILS

By
Official Release
-

PHOENIX (March 22, 2025) – Pro Mod driver Mike Stavrinos claimed double Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series trophies at Firebird Motorsports Park this weekend when he won the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals a day after winning the postponed Gainesville.

It was the second of 10 races during the 2025 season and this weekend’s Phoenix race was powered by LAT Racing Oils.

It was a perfect weekend for Stavrinos at Firebird Motorsports Park when he scooped up two NHRA race wins in two days, with both coming against Rickie Smith. In the final round of the NHRA Arizona Nationals. Stavrinos powered his AAP Camaro to a 5.725-second pass at 248.43 mph to win over the multi-time world champion, capping off an incredible weekend for the young talent.

“This is something I wanted to do with my whole life, and we did it twice in one weekend,” Stavrinos said. “This isn’t even real to me. I really do owe it all to my crew. Without those guys, this wouldn’t happen. I’m just out here having fun.”

Stavrinos also won the Total Seal Pro Mod Showdown, which awarded $10,000 to the driver who put together the best E.T. average over the weekend’s four qualifying rounds.

Stavrinos started his race day as the No. 1 qualifier and defeated Dymtry Samorukov, Kevin Rivenbark and reigning Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series champion Jordan Lazic before meeting Smith in the final round.

Smith took down Jason Scruggs, Billy Banaka and Chip King before falling to Stavrinos in the championship round.

The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series returns to action next month at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway on April 25-27 in Charlotte.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The race is the second of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

PRO MODIFIED:

  1. Mike Stavrinos; 2. Rickie Smith; 3. Jordan Lazic; 4. Chip King; 5. Kevin Rivenbark; 6. Billy Banaka; 7. JR Gray; 8. Khalid alBalooshi; 9. Justin Bond; 10. Derek Menholt; 11. Sidnei Frigo; 12. Ken Quartuccio; 13. Jason Scruggs; 14. Mike Janis; 15. Mike Castellana; 16. Dmitry Samorukov.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Sunday’s final results from the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The race is the second of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

Pro Modified — Mike Stavrinos, Chevy Camaro, 5.725, 248.43 def. Rickie Smith, Ford Mustang, 5.787, 250.09.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final round-by-round results from the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

PRO MODIFIED:

ROUND ONE — Billy Banaka, Chevy Camaro, 5.783, 247.29 def. Mike Castellana, Camaro, 11.369, 75.47; JR Gray, Camaro, 5.757, 253.85 def. Justin Bond, Camaro, 5.808, 245.36; Rickie Smith, Ford Mustang, 6.187, 233.92 def. Jason Scruggs, Camaro, 9.966, 86.81; Mike Stavrinos, Camaro, No Time Recorded def. Dmitry Samorukov, Chevy Corvette, Foul – Red Light; Jordan Lazic, Camaro, 5.758, 253.14 def. Derek Menholt, Camaro, 5.810, 249.35; Chip King, Dodge Charger, Broke def. Ken Quartuccio, Camaro, Foul – Red Light; Kevin Rivenbark, Mustang, 6.302, 227.96 def. Sidnei Frigo, Camaro, 6.986, 172.54; Khalid alBalooshi, Camaro, 5.796, 250.00 def. Mike Janis, Mustang, 11.182, 91.52;

QUARTERFINALS — Lazic, 5.771, 250.32 def. alBalooshi, 16.210, 47.94; Stavrinos, 5.732, 248.34 def. Rivenbark, 5.782, 248.89; Smith, 5.806, 250.46 def. Banaka, 5.790, 247.11; King, 5.843, 241.37 def. Gray, Foul – Red Light;

SEMIFINALS — Smith, 5.832, 247.43 def. King, 5.966, 217.32; Stavrinos, 5.737, 248.66 def. Lazic, 5.744, 251.20;

FINAL — Stavrinos, 5.725, 248.43 def. Smith, 5.787, 250.09.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Point standings (top 10) following the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 10 events in the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series.

Pro Modified

  1. Mike Stavrinos, 234; 2. Rickie Smith, 183; 3. JR Gray, 129; 4. Jason Scruggs, 118; 5. Justin Bond, 90; 6. Billy Banaka, 87; 7. (tie) Jordan Lazic, 84; Derek Menholt, 84; Kevin Rivenbark, 84; 10. Chip King, 82.

LANGDON, LEE & ANDERSON ROLL TO WINS IN FRONT OF CAPACITY CROWD AT 40TH ANNUAL NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS

By
Official Release
-
  • Langdon wins second straight in Phoenix
  • Lee grabs first career FC victory
  • Anderson wins wild PS final

PHOENIX (March 23, 2025) – Top Fuel’s Shawn Langdon won for a second straight year at Firebird Motorsports Park on Sunday, powering past Kalitta Motorsports teammate Doug Kalitta in the final round in front of a sellout crowd at the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals.

Paul Lee (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) also won the second of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. It was the second straight sellout this weekend in Phoenix, as fans packed Firebird Motorsports Park.

Langdon put together the quickest run of eliminations in the championship round, going 3.724-seconds at 330.39 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Kalitta Air Careers dragster to get past Kalitta’s 3.770 at 325.53. It was the second straight final round for Langdon to open 2025, as he defeated Scott Palmer, Justin Ashley and Brittany Force earlier in the day before picking up his 20th career win and first this season.

He’s now made the final round in Phoenix three straight years and enjoyed another stellar weekend at the facility, winning the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday and following it up with Sunday’s victory, also putting him in the points lead.

“Running [Alan Johnson, crew chief] and Doug in the final, we know what they’re capable of, and the run they made in the semi’s [3.76], and the one we made go only going 3.83, we knew we had to step up, so we kind of threw the kitchen sink at it,” Langdon said. ““(Crew chief) Brian Husen has turned this whole team into a bunch of superstars. All the guys have done such a fantastic job and have made no mistakes.

“Brian said, ‘I’m trying to get this thing build low 3.70s and, I was like, ‘OK, I’ll try to be .050-something Tree and it should be a good race, and it was. It’s kind of neat when everything plan comes together, right?”

Kalitta reached the final round for the 120th time in his standout career, as the No. 1 qualifier defeated Travis Shumake and Jasmine Salinas to reach the championship round.

In Funny Car, Paul Lee became the 96th different Funny Car winner in NHRA history on Sunday with his first career victory, defeating reigning world champion Austin Prock with a run of 4.030 at 313.22 in his 11,000-horsepower McLeod/FTI Performance Dodge Charger SRT. It was a remarkable performance from Lee, who defeated a slew of standouts to earn his first career win in the category.

After qualifying fifth, Lee took down Gainesville winner Chad Green, Blake Alexander and Bob Tasca, running an impressive 3.964 at 319.82 to reach the final round. Prock drove into smoke, while Lee made a clean run en route to the victory. It led to a memorable celebration, as Lee continues to make massive strides in the loaded Funny Car ranks.

“Twenty-one years ago was the last time I won a Wally in Englishtown, N.J., at my home track in Top Alcohol Funny Car and I’ve dreaming of someday standing here with a nitro Funny Car Wally,” Lee said. “I love driving a nitro Funny Cars. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was 13 years old. A lot of people don’t realize this is a lifetime of work, it’s not just overnight.

“It’s a special day. We lost Eric Medlin on this day [in 2007], and we have a team prayer every Sunday, and John [Medlen, Eric’s father] leads us and today, he asked for Eric to watch out for us. You know something, our whole pit was calm all day, we just had a feeling that Eric was watching over us. I know it’s a funny feeling. It was just we were calm all day. Nobody was excited. Everybody did their job. It was a long time coming, but it’s well worth it.”

Prock advanced to the final round for the first time this season and the 21st in his career after defeating Buddy Hull, Matt Hagan and John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman.

In one of the wildest Pro Stock final rounds in recent memory, Greg Anderson picked up his second straight Phoenix win when Dallas Glenn went red in the final round. Anderson, the reigning world champ, barely moved off the starting line as his car had its own trouble, lost power and didn’t even make it to half-track.

But it was still a victory for Anderson in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro, as the all-time wins leader in Pro Stock earned his 107th career victory and fourth overall at Firebird Motorsports Park. To reach the final round for the second straight race, Anderson got past Fernando Cuadra Jr., Eric Latino and Aaron Stanfield, setting up the third straight Anderson-Glenn showdown dating back to last year’s NHRA Finals.

This one was easily the strangest, but Anderson will gladly take the win and the points lead after defeating his KB Titan Racing teammate.

“I’m still trying to figure out how the heck I won,” Anderson said. “When you go into a final against Dallas, you know he’s going to be double .00 (reaction time) and you’re just on edge trying to leave the starting line. I saw some sort of flash of light, and I let the clutch out and red-light, but obviously that flash of light was Dallas’s red light coming on first, so he red-lighted before I did under the first or worst.

“My car made it about a foot and it shut right off and now I‘m going to have to sit in front of the grandstands and want to sink underneath the seat, because I just red lighted, and you just threw the race away and I wondered why Dallas didn’t go by me? I reached up and I’m trying to restart the car, and it won’t start. Something went wrong. I don’t know if the ignition blew out on it or what happened, but I red-lighted and somehow Dallas did something worse than I did. So crazy final round, but, like they say, a win is a win.”

Glenn, who won the opener in Gainesville, defeated David Cuadra, Greg Stanfield and No. 1 qualifier Matt Hartford to reach the final round for the 29th time in his career.

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action March 27-30 with the 65th annual Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The race is the second of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

  1. Shawn Langdon; 2. Doug Kalitta; 3. Jasmine Salinas; 4. Brittany Force; 5. Antron Brown; 6. Justin Ashley; 7. Tony Stewart; 8. Josh Hart; 9. Clay Millican; 10. Ida Zetterstrom; 11. Travis Shumake; 12. Scott Palmer; 13. Steven Chrisman; 14. Shawn Reed.

FUNNY CAR:

  1. Paul Lee; 2. Austin Prock; 3. Jack Beckman; 4. Bob Tasca III; 5. Matt Hagan; 6. Blake Alexander; 7. J.R. Todd; 8. Cruz Pedregon; 9. Ron Capps; 10. Jon Capps; 11. Daniel Wilkerson; 12. Alexis DeJoria; 13. Bobby Bode; 14. Chad Green; 15. Dave Richards; 16. Buddy Hull.

PRO STOCK:

  1. Greg Anderson; 2. Dallas Glenn; 3. Matt Hartford; 4. Aaron Stanfield; 5. Eric Latino; 6. Cory Reed; 7. Mason McGaha; 8. Greg Stanfield; 9. Cristian Cuadra; 10. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 11. David Cuadra; 12. Brandon Foster; 13. Erica Enders; 14. Jeg Coughlin; 15. Deric Kramer; 16. Fernando Cuadra Jr..

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Sunday’s final results from the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park. The race is the second of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Shawn Langdon, 3.724 seconds, 330.39 mph def. Doug Kalitta, 3.770 seconds, 325.53 mph.

Funny Car — Paul Lee, Dodge Charger, 4.030, 313.22 def. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 4.507, 240.68.

Pro Stock — Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, Broke def. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Competition Eliminator — Jeff Taylor, Spitzer, 6.912, 159.83 def. Paul Mitsos, Chevy Camaro, 21.356, 35.22.

Super Stock — Ryan McClanahan, Chevy Cobalt, 8.284, 161.32 def. Leo Glasbrenner, Chevy Camaro, 9.413, 142.49.

Stock Eliminator — Justin Lamb, Chevy Camaro, 9.618, 135.21 def. Jody Lang, Chevy Malibu Wgn, 12.019, 107.05.

Super Comp — Chad Webber, Dragster, 8.944, 180.91 def. Steve Williams, Dragster, 8.927, 182.62.

Super Gas — Roger Kato, Chevy Camaro, 9.932, 171.60 def. Jerry Denton, Chevy Corvette, 9.826, 157.85.

Top Dragster — Mike Fuqua, Dragster, 7.237, 184.77 def. Mallory Reis, Dragster, 6.495, 203.95.

Pro Modified — Mike Stavrinos, Chevy Camaro, 5.725, 248.43 def. Rickie Smith, Ford Mustang, 5.787, 250.09.

Legends Nitro Funny Car presented by Extreme Steel — Ryan Horan, Chevy Camaro, 4.706, 240.55 def. Bobby Cottrell, Camaro, 4.826, 235.39.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Final round-by-round results from the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Tony Stewart, 4.940, 189.84 def. Shawn Reed, 7.961, 64.16; Justin Ashley, 3.805, 327.19 def. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.818, 324.51; Brittany Force, 3.779, 320.89 def. Steven Chrisman, 4.089, 254.90; Doug Kalitta, 3.762, 325.92 def. Travis Shumake, 3.829, 330.88; Shawn Langdon, 3.783, 323.66 def. Scott Palmer, 3.918, 296.57; Antron Brown, 3.770, 329.34 def. Josh Hart, 3.810, 322.27; Jasmine Salinas, 3.779, 328.70 def. Clay Millican, 3.815, 319.98;

QUARTERFINALS — Langdon, 3.841, 311.49 def. Ashley, 4.124, 246.08; Force, 3.793, 328.38 def. Stewart, 5.328, 135.00; Salinas, 3.821, 322.88 def. Brown, 3.870, 314.24; Kalitta, 3.821, 322.27 was unopposed;

SEMIFINALS — Kalitta, 3.767, 317.94 def. Salinas, 3.809, 320.66; Langdon, 3.833, 325.37 def. Force, Broke;

FINAL — Langdon, 3.724, 330.39 def. Kalitta, 3.770, 325.53.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.949, 326.16 def. Jon Capps, Dodge Charger, 4.570, 221.96; Jack Beckman, Chevy Camaro, 3.910, 327.66 def. Dave Richards, Mustang, 7.303, 94.31; Austin Prock, Camaro, 3.936, 324.75 def. Buddy Hull, Charger, 14.943, 58.78; Blake Alexander, Charger, 4.003, 306.67 def. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 4.165, 230.61; Paul Lee, Charger, 4.445, 196.22 def. Chad Green, Mustang, 7.219, 92.78; Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.977, 322.34 def. Alexis DeJoria, Charger, Foul – Red Light; Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.987, 324.44 def. Bobby Bode, Mustang, 4.768, 190.62; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 7.556, 87.55 def. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, Foul – Red Light;

QUARTERFINALS — Prock, 4.010, 311.92 def. Hagan, 4.005, 316.38; Beckman, 3.973, 319.14 def. Pedregon, 10.113, 80.73; Tasca III, 3.979, 325.22 def. Todd, 5.294, 161.63; Lee, 3.964, 319.82 def. Alexander, 4.151, 276.58;

SEMIFINALS — Lee, 4.411, 207.62 def. Tasca III, 5.219, 156.41; Prock, 3.966, 321.19 def. Beckman, 3.979, 321.42;

FINAL — Lee, 4.030, 313.22 def. Prock, 4.507, 240.68.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — Mason McGaha, Chevy Camaro, 6.907, 207.69 def. Deric Kramer, Camaro, 9.620, 109.58; Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.598, 209.20 def. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.824, 209.39; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.596, 209.33 def. Cristian Cuadra, Ford Mustang, Foul – Red Light; Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.546, 209.62 def. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 7.075, 205.60; Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.560, 208.71 def. Brandon Foster, Camaro, 6.619, 207.50; Greg Anderson, Camaro, 6.555, 209.49 def. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 10.798, 85.46; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.560, 210.57 def. David Cuadra, Camaro, 6.602, 208.71; Greg Stanfield, Camaro, 6.582, 208.75 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.587, 209.79;

QUARTERFINALS — Hartford, 6.588, 208.46 def. M. McGaha, 6.837, 204.48; Glenn, 6.590, 209.95 def. G. Stanfield, 18.127, 58.53; Anderson, 6.616, 209.17 def. E. Latino, 6.594, 209.17; A. Stanfield, 6.589, 208.49 def. Reed, 6.603, 209.10;

SEMIFINALS — Anderson, 6.586, 209.79 def. A. Stanfield, 16.603, 50.14; Glenn, 6.591, 209.79 def. Hartford, 6.586, 208.49;

FINAL — Anderson, Broke def. Glenn, Foul – Red Light.

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Point standings (top 10) following the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park, the second of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel

  1. Shawn Langdon, 219; 2. Antron Brown, 179; 3. Doug Kalitta, 161; 4. Jasmine Salinas, 145; 5. Brittany Force, 118; 6. Tony Stewart, 107; 7. Clay Millican, 89; 8. Justin Ashley, 85; 9. Steve Torrence, 75; 10. Shawn Reed, 66.

Funny Car

  1. Paul Lee, 151; 2. Jack Beckman, 149; 3. Bob Tasca III, 143; 4. Chad Green, 139; 5. Ron Capps, 132; 6. Austin Prock, 127; 7. Matt Hagan, 124; 8. Alexis DeJoria, 107; 9. (tie) Bobby Bode, 87; Cruz Pedregon, 87.

Pro Stock

  1. Greg Anderson, 228; 2. Dallas Glenn, 221; 3. Cory Reed, 129; 4. Matt Hartford, 117; 5. Eric Latino, 109; 6. Mason McGaha, 105; 7. Aaron Stanfield, 104; 8. Jeg Coughlin, 103; 9. Troy Coughlin Jr., 89; 10. Greg Stanfield, 86.

CHEVROLET IN NHRA: Phoenix Race Report Notes & Quotes

By
Official Release
-

CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2025 NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS
FIREBIRD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
CHANDLER, ARIZONA
TEAM CHEVY RACE RECAP | NOTES & QUOTES
MARCH 23, 2025

AUSTIN PROCK RACES TO HIS 21ST CAREER FINAL ROUND IN FUNNY CAR WITH JOHN FORCE RACING AND CHEVROLET
Greg Anderson Captured His 107th Career Pro Stock Win at Chevrolet’s 403rd In The Category Since 1970

Notes:

  • Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car, raced to his 21st career final round in Funny Car, facing defeat on his 4.507-seconds E.T., 240.68 mph run to Paul Lee. Prock’s runner-up finish is his ninth in the category.
  • John Force Racing Funny Car teammates Prock and Jack Beckman, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet, faced off in the semifinals with Prock the victory in a tight drag race to the line. Prock ran a quick 3.966 seconds E.T. at 321.19 mph to Beckman’s 3.979 seconds E.T. at 321.24 mph.
  • Brittany Force, driving the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, raced to the Arizona Nationals semifinals, fell to Doug Kalitta after forcing an early end to her day by shutting her off on the line with mechanical issues.
  • Qualifying Saturday evening for the John Force Racing team saw both Force (Top Fuel) and Prock (Funny Car) both qualify No. 2 in their respective categories, with Beckman (Funny Car) qualifying No. 3.
  • Greg Anderson, driving the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet SS Pro Stock machine, captured Chevrolet’s 403rd win in the category in what was a memorable final race versus his KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn. Glenn, double stepping with a red light on the start, with Anderson taking the win after his car faced issues on the start simultaneously. Anderson’s win is his 107th career victory in Pro Stock.
  • Matt Hartford, driving for KB Titan Racing, raced to the Pro Stock No. 1 qualifier in his Total Seal Piston Rings Chevy SS Pro Stock with his run of 6.509 seconds E.T. at 208.20 mph.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

AUSTIN PROCK, DRIVER OF THE CORNWELL TOOLS CHEVROLET SS FUNNY CAR FOR JOHN FORCE RACING:

On racing his teammate Jack Beckman in the semifinals…

“These John Force Racing hot rods are bad to the bone right now. These are the two best cars in the category and that was one hell of a show for the race fans. Excited to go to the final round. Today, we’re racing in memory of Bernie Fedderly this weekend and today’s the anniversary of Eric Medlen’s passing. There’s a lot on the line today, and that 300th is definitely up there.”

JACK BECKMAN, DRIVER OF THE PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET SS FUNNY CAR FOR JOHN FORCE RACING:

“We just got beat by the better driver and the better team on that run. Not going to hold our heads down; that PEAK Chevy was fantastic. Like Austin (Prock) said, this one’s for Bernie Fedderly and Austin’s got a shot of getting win No. 300 for John Force Funny Car drivers and I will be standing on the starting line. If NHRA would let me push on his Funny Car, I would.”

JOHN “JC” COLLINS, CO-CREW CHIEF FOR BRITTANY FORCE AT JOHN FORCE RACING:

On shutting off early on the start line…

“Just looked like something failed in the valve cover on the burnout. It was leaking a little bit of oil, and we didn’t want to take a chance running the car.”

GREG ANDERSON, DRIVER OF THE HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET SS PRO STOCK FOR KB TITAN RACING:

“You know they say there’s no such thing as an ugly win. That was an ugly win. But you know what? A win is a win is a win. I’ve never won that way in my life, but you know what? I’ll take it. Dallas (Glenn) is one hell of a tough competitor. We’ve got one hell of a race team in the KB Titan Racing team. The way they all jumped in on my car in the second round when it wouldn’t start. We basically had a throttle hung almost wide open and they got ‘er done. We got her staged and got her done. Very proud of the guys. It’s a big day for Hendrick Cars. Kyle Larson won today, so I felt like if I didn’t get the job done, I’d drop the ball, but I didn’t drop the ball, so Mr. (Hendrick) is having a big night tonight.”

Can you clarify if the car died, or did you cut it off (on the final run)?

“The car actually died. It made it one foot and shut right off. I was dead in the water. Absolutely my lucky day without a doubt. Thanking my lucky stars.”

UP NEXT:

The third round of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season takes place March 28-30 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. The Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals air live on Sunday, March 30 at 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Coverage airs throughout the weekend with NHRA on FOX and NHRA.tv, streaming available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

About General Motors

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

1...573574575...6,659Page 574 of 6,659