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MONTA STRENGTHENS EV CHARGING PAYMENTS EXPERIENCE IN US EXPANSION

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J.P. Morgan helps activate Monta’s payment solution for U.S. businesses, enhancing EV payment security and efficiency, addressing key industry challenges

MARCH 17 2025, MIAMI: Monta, the Danish operating platform powering the electric vehicle (EV) charging ecosystem, is strengthening the payments experience for EV network operators and turnkey providers, powered by J.P. Morgan.

Through its platform, Monta is providing EV charging businesses with immediate access to revenue, secure fund management and enhanced payment security for their customers. At present, these businesses face major challenges, including; delayed revenue access – sometimes up to 60 days or more, payment security concerns, complex manual reconciliation and compliance risks – which hinders cash flow, operational efficiency and the ability to scale.

Monta’s payment solution eliminates these challenges, providing seamless payment collection, instant fund access, and transparent financial reconciliation that is fully compliant with U.S. financial regulations. Monta removes reliance on third-party fund holders, which enhances operational efficiency, payment security and protection of customer funds.

“The future of EV charging lies in seamless, secure and efficient financial solutions,” said Casper Rasmussen, CEO and Co-Founder of Monta. “Leveraging J.P. Morgan’s global payments solutions allows us to provide EV network operators and turnkey providers with the necessary tools to scale in the U.S. market, while aiming for the highest level of financial protection and operational efficiency.”

J.P. Morgan serves venture-backed and high-growth companies, founders and venture capital firms across the globe in industries like technology, fintech, disruptive commerce and internet, life sciences, climate tech and healthtech. The firm provides deep industry expertise, local support, global products and services and a robust network of investors and partners to meet clients’ commercial, investment and private banking needs.

“We are committed to driving innovation and supporting the growth of industries that are shaping the future, like Monta,” said Kim Larsson Nyheim, Relationship Executive, Nordics Innovation Economy at J.P. Morgan. “Supporting Monta on this journey positions them to build a stronger, more sustainable future for the EV industry and help accelerate the transition to clean energy. We are proud to play a role in their expansion, equipping them with a seamless, secure, and efficient financial ecosystem for the U.S.”

This payment solution exemplifies how fintechs and banks are helping reshape the EV ecosystem, offering robust, secure solutions to some of the most prevalent challenges the industry faces. These innovations not only drive toward the evolution of traditional point-of-sale systems to be more advanced and seamless solutions, but can also help to enhance payment security improve operational efficiency, reduce transaction costs, and foster greater trust and loyalty within the sector.

As the U.S. EV market accelerates, this collaboration sets a benchmark for how fintech can drive innovation, enhance payment security, and streamline financial management. With such solutions in place, the EV sector is better equipped to scale efficiently and meet the demands of the growing EV infrastructure.

This news comes shortly after Monta’s U.S. entry. In September last year, Monta opened its first U.S. office in Miami — a major milestone for the company. Monta endeavours to build off its success and experience in Europe to deliver a first-rate charging experience to EV businesses in the U.S.

About Monta: https://monta.com/en/

Monta was founded in late 2020 in Denmark. It is an operating platform that powers the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem by offering an integrated software solution to all the industry actors: hardware manufacturers, installers, operators, fleet managers, residential, workplaces, and the electricity grid.

Powered by its 750+ partners, the Monta platform has 170,000 commercial charging points under supervision. Thanks to the work of their 200+ engineers, Monta’s software is compatible with over 600 charge points models, and on a frequent basis, releases features that are setting the standard in the industry.

Client’s employees and drivers can access more than 118,000 public charging points in the US and 600,000 across Europe through the platform. Monta is present in nine European countries (Denmark, France, Sweden, Norway, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands), and operates in 32 total through its partners. Since its creation, the company has raised €130M in funding from Energize Capital, GreenPoint, Headline, byFounders, AENU, Creandum, Quantum Light, and Denmark’s state-backed Export and Investment Fund.

How Online Casinos Meet the 2025 Trends to Entertain Youngsters?

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SM
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Since 2025, the online casino sector has seen a surge of new prospects. Several significant trends in online casinos will propel several more breakthroughs, inventions, and game-changing events. The online casino malaysia are rapidly evolving to meet the changing preferences of younger audiences, Gen Z and millennials. Here’s how online casinos in 2025 will adapt to entertain the new generation of players.

Immersive Gaming with VR and AR

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) have transformed the online gambling experience, making it more interactive and realistic. Young gamers get drawn to immersive gaming and virtual reality (VR) enabled casino rooms let them enter virtual gaming worlds, communicate with dealers, and play with pals. AR-enhanced live dealer games enhance engagement by bringing casino elements into the real world. These technologies replicate the thrill of land-based casinos, making online gambling more captivating than ever.

Personalized Experiences with AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in tailoring online casino experiences for individual players. AI-powered algorithms analyze user behavior to recommend games, adjust promotions, and provide personalized bonuses. This level of customization ensures that younger players receive content that matches their interests, keeping them engaged for extended periods. AI-driven chatbots and virtual assistants also improve customer support, ensuring seamless interactions for tech-savvy users.

Social Gaming and Multiplayer Features

Unlike older generations who played casino games in isolation, younger players prefer social experiences. Online casinos now integrate multiplayer gaming, live tournaments, and interactive chat features to enhance social engagement. Leaderboards, achievements, and gamified challenges make the experience competitive and exciting. These elements, inspired by video games and esports, make online gambling more appealing to the younger demographic.

The Rise of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain

Cryptocurrency is becoming a dominant payment method in online casino malaysia, catering to young players who favor digital assets. Transactions using Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies offer faster deposits, lower fees, and enhanced privacy. Additionally, blockchain technology ensures provably fair gaming, allowing players to verify the fairness of game outcomes. This transparency builds trust among young users who value security and fairness in online gambling.

Mobile-First Approach and 5G Integration

With mobile gaming being the preferred mode of entertainment for younger generations, online casinos are optimizing their platforms for smartphones and tablets. Mobile-friendly interfaces, dedicated casino apps, and one-touch payment options make gambling more accessible on the go. The expansion of 5G technology enhances mobile gameplay, enabling smooth live dealer streaming, faster transactions, and lag-free gaming experiences.

Live Streaming and Influencer Marketing

Online casinos leverage live streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube to engage younger players. Casino influencers showcase gameplay, share strategies, and interact with audiences in real-time, making gambling more relatable and entertaining. These collaborations drive new players to casino platforms, further integrating gambling with modern digital entertainment trends.

Responsible Gaming and Ethical Practices

With increasing awareness about responsible gambling, online casinos are implementing AI-driven monitoring tools, self-exclusion options, and deposit limits to promote safe gaming. Transparency about odds, fair play certifications, and mental health support services help young players gamble while enjoying the entertainment aspects of online casinos.

Conclusion

The online casino industry in 2025 is embracing technology, personalization, and social gaming to attract younger audiences. With VR, AI, cryptocurrency, mobile-first experiences, and influencer-driven marketing, online gambling transforms into a fully immersive and interactive entertainment platform. By staying ahead of trends, online casinos ensure they remain a top choice for the digital generation.

Pair of Fourth-Place Pro-Am Finishes for GMG Racing in IMSA Carrera Cup Opener at Sebring

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Official Release
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  • Patrick Mulcahy Finishes Fourth in Series-Debut Race Last Thursday in the No. 54 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup
  • James Sofronas Fourth on Friday in the No. 14 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3
  • Kyle Washington Secures Sixth-Place Carrera Cup Masters Class Finishes at Sebring in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

SEBRING, Florida (March 18, 2025) – GMG Racing and team drivers team drivers Patrick Mulcahy and James Sofronas each recorded a Pro-Am class fourth-place finish last week in the season-opening IMSA Carrera Cup North America doubleheader at Sebring International Raceway.

Debuting series rookie Mulcahy finished fourth in his series-debut race last Thursday in his No. 54 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup while GMG Racing owner and driver James Sofronas took fourth-place honors in Friday’s second and final race. Both first-year driver Mulcahy and two-time Porsche racing champion Sofronas contest the full Carrera Cup Pro-Am season in 2025.

Meanwhile, longtime GMG Racing driver Kyle Washington scored a top finish of sixth in the Masters Class on Friday in his No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. Washington is scheduled for a calendar of select Carrera Cup Masters races this season.

“We started in fifth, knew we had a better pace than that, but qualifying didn’t really go as planned,” Mulcahy said. “I didn’t get into the flow until right after a red flag, but I knew my race pace was strong. In Thursday’s race James was on my tail for a little while, but I just focused forward the rest of the race. The biggest difference between this and Porsche Sprint Challenge is how tight the field is. Everybody’s really close in time. These cars are all about the same pace and speed so, you really have to wait for a mistake to happen. There are a ton of incredible drivers here, and everything’s tightly bunched up, so they definitely make you work for it.”

Sofronas, who won in Carrera Cup Pro-Am at Sebring last year, stepped up to take fourth place in Friday’s race, but admits his best performance is still to come this season.

“It’s obvious the competition improves every year,” Sofronas said. “I was a little busy with our company move to the Thermal Club, which occupied most of my time the last few months, and I just didn’t get a lot of chances to test. Honestly, I felt a little rusty, but I pushed myself harder on Friday as on Thursday, I lost my splitter on lap one and could never fight for a podium. For race 2, I had a better car and the GMG guys definitely worked hard to give me that. So, the pace was there, I just ran out of a little luck with some timing, but in the end, I thought we had a good pace. I can take that encouragement and bring that to Miami. However, it shows that you can’t take five months off and then show up for a race without any testing and try to do well. I need to get my butt behind the wheel a little bit more and at least I’ll be driving up in Sonoma in SRO in a couple of weeks.”

Sofronas raced alongside Mulcahy for the first time in Carrera Cup after coaching him through his first season of racing competition last year in Porsche Sprint Challenge.

“I was super impressed with Patrick’s pace,” Sofronas said. “Right out of the gate, he showed that he will be a contender this year. That makes me really proud. Kyle comes in here and always pushes hard, and is definitely showing good progress and pace. I think for us, we’ve got a little work to do, but I don’t think it’s going to take much to get us on the podium.”

Washington hit the podium in his Sebring debut last year but found the competition a little tougher last week on the 3.74-mile airport road course.

“Masters has stepped it up for sure,” Washington said. “Maybe I was lucky last year to get a podium, but I thought I did some pretty decent driving in Friday’s race, and the car from GMG Racing was amazing. Sebring is crazy! With all the bumps, I felt like I was in an off-road race, which I love, but I’m 55. I was looking for a drink and some Advil after the race.”

Both Washington and Sofronas carried special Mobil “Pegasus”-branded liveries on their Porsches in support of last Saturday’s 73rd running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring. The twin 40-minute Carrera Cup races Thursday and Friday were two of main support races for the featured Mobil 1 Twelve Hour IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race.

“GMG Racing and I have had an affiliation with Mobil 1 for almost 31 years and I’m super proud to build upon that relationship,” Sofronas said. “Mobil 1 is a standard bearer in the motorsports industry, and now we have Troy Lee Designs partnering up with us on some merchandise and some bigger opportunities. I’m very proud to have both Mobil 1 and Troy Lee running with us this year and look forward to more opportunities to come.”

Next up for GMG Racing in Porsche Carrera Cup North America competition is a support-race doubleheader for Formula One at the Miami Grand Prix, May 2 – 4.

Each round of the Porsche Carrera Cup North America season is available live, through NBC’s online streaming service Peacock as well as IMSA.TV and IMSA’s YouTube Channel. Replays of the Sebring races can be accessed on Peacock.

About GMG Racing: Founded in 2001, GMG Racing quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning facility. What began as a small 1,200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility recently relocated to The Thermal Club and with a 28,000 sq. ft. trackside motorsports facility. The staff, attention to detail and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. GMG, in its early years, was located directly across the street from Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). This close proximity allowed GMG to build a strong relationship with the legendary racing brand which has helped the company support its customers to the highest level possible. From club racing to Sebring, Daytona, Montreal, COTA and The Thermal Club, GMG can take you as far as you want to go. More information can be found at www.gmgracing.com.

Nemschoff and Miller Return to Podium in Flying Lizard Super Trofeo Season Opener

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Official Release
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PHOENIX, Ariz., (March 18, 2025) – Flying Lizard Motorsports launched its 2025 Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America campaign at Sebring International Raceway last weekend, overcoming highs and lows in the opening rounds of the season. Paul Nemschoff and Marc Miller started the season on strong footing, earning a podium finish in the weekend’s first event, gaining valuable points for the championship.

“The weekend began on a positive note, with both cars showing strong performances in qualifying,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “Unfortunately, the No. 14 car was involved in an incident that ended its weekend prematurely. On the other hand, the No. 41 car secured a second-place podium finish in Race One and delivered a solid result in Race Two. We leave the event with valuable points to start the season, and I am confident that both cars will be competitive and in contention for success at Round Two.”

In Race One, the No. 41 Lamborghini Huracán Super Trofeo EVO2 of Paul Nemschoff and Marc Miller put on a standout performance, charging from ninth on the grid to finish second, securing a podium finish in their debut weekend together. The duo showcased impressive race craft, capitalizing on clean driving and strategic execution to fight their way through the competitive field.

Unfortunately, the team’s second entry, the No. 14 Lamborghini of Slade Stewart and Andy Lee, known affectionately as Sparklefarts, faced a tougher weekend. A crash early in the event forced the car to the sidelines, preventing Stewart and Lee from completing either one of the races in the weekend.

Race Two once again highlighted the impressive performance of the Nemschoff/Miller car. Marc Miller started from the third position following a strong qualifying performance. He maintained his position and eventually moved into first place before the mid-race driver change. During his stint, Nemschoff held third for the majority of the race. However, with just 10 minutes remaining, a full-course caution was called, bunching up the field. After a competitive battle for position, the No. 41 car finished the race in seventh. With a podium finish in Race One and a solid result in Race Two, the team’s performance demonstrated the car’s potential, securing valuable points for the opening event of the season and establishing a strong foundation to build on as the season progresses.

With the season now underway, Flying Lizard Motorsports shifts its focus to the next round at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, March 9-11, where the team looks to rebound and add to its early-season success.

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Flying Lizard Motorsports is a premier motorsport team known for its unwavering commitment to excellence and success on the racing circuit. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Flying Lizard Motorsports has earned a formidable reputation as a powerhouse in the world of motorsports, boasting 24 championship titles and a legacy of podium finishes across North America and at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fueled by passion, expertise, and a relentless drive for perfection, the team continues to push boundaries and set new standards of performance in every competition it enters. Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated team of professionals, Flying Lizard Motorsports remains at the forefront of motorsport innovation, delivering thrilling racing experiences and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.

Apex Motor Club

Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.

APEX Motor Club features only the best in racing technology. The APEX phase one track is a 2.27-mile circuit with an additional 2.15-mile circuit in phase 2, beginning construction in 2023. APEX is paved using the latest techniques and premium materials, creating the smoothest and most durable racing surface, rarely found on most race tracks.

Furthermore, APEX incorporated extensive run off and installed an LED flag-lighting system to offer members a premium and safe racing atmosphere.

APEX has something for everyone from world-class racing circuits to private collection tours, as well as a clubhouse with amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant and more. The APEX experience offers everything from the APEX Academy, which not only teaches members their new track, but provides the fundamentals in performance driving techniques, to private one-on-one coaching with industry experts and racing professionals. In addition, APEX features on-site fueling and offers concierge-level service for preparing your vehicle prior to as well as during lapping and racing sessions. The APEX off-track experience is just as valuable! APEX members enjoy special invitations to a variety of unique experiences throughout the valley and country all year long.

Website: www.apexmotorclub.com.

About Lamborghini Newport Beach

Lamborghini Newport Beach is the authorized sales & service franchise for Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. serving Orange County, California.

Representing Lamborghini since 2010, Lamborghini Newport Beach is continuously one of the top US retailers year after year. With many years of combined experience, their team of professionals has all the knowledge and expertise necessary to assist you with purchasing the Lamborghini of your dreams, or properly maintaining the one in your garage. All Lamborghini Newport Beach technicians are fully factory certified, and all sales staff holds master certifications. Their newly opened state of the art facilities are now located at 44 Auto Center Drive, inside the Irvine Auto Center.

FUNNY CAR’S CHAD GREEN AIMS TO CARRY EARLY 2025 SUCCESS INTO PHOENIX AT NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS

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Official Release
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PHOENIX (March 18, 2025) – After picking up his second career Funny Car win, Chad Green is anxious to return to the track as soon as possible. He’ll get his chance at the second event of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season at this weekend’s 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park.

Green, driver of the 11,000-horsepower Bond Coat Ford Mustang, kicked off the 2025 season in the best way possible with a win at the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville. He met up with former champion Ron Capps before powering to his second career Funny Car title, putting him in a great position not only for Phoenix, but for the early part of the 2025 campaign.

“It’s so important to start of the year doing well or you’re behind the eight-ball,” Green said. “The momentum from Gainesville is huge. The first race is one of the important ones and all of these racers out here are really good. You have to take advantage of every opportunity you have and thank goodness we were able to do that to kick off the year.”

Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) all claimed wins at the NHRA Arizona Nationals in 2024, with Prock and Anderson both finishing the year as world champions. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations coverage at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 23.

As the NHRA circuit travels to Phoenix for the “Duel in the Desert” to celebrate 40 years of incredible racing, Green and the other Funny Car competitors will not only have their sights set on a coveted NHRA Wally trophy, but also the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday.

With his Gainesville win, Green will rematch with four-time champion Matt Hagan while Capps will face off with Alexis DeJoria. The winners will meet to close out qualifying and it’s another chance for Green to continue his early-season momentum and grab championship points and a bonus purse in the process.

It’s also an exciting time for Green, who introduced a second team car before the start of the year. Blake Alexander, a proven winner in the nitro ranks, will be behind the wheel of a second Funny Car for most of the year, while Chad’s son, Hunter, will make his Funny Car debut this season as well.

“We do have a second car this year. I put together this second car in the off-season,” C. Green said. “Blake (Alexander) is going to drive it most of the time and Hunter will get a chance to drive it, too. It’s really great. It’s really great for both of these teams. We’re all one team and it’s going to help us all grow together.”

Langdon, who was runner-up in Gainesville, earned the NHRA Arizona Nationals when he defeated Justin Ashley last year. To defend his Phoenix win, he’ll be up against a stacked field of competitors including the reigning and four-time champion Antron Brown, who won the opener in Gainesville. Others to watch will be former champs Doug Kalitta and Brittany Force, standouts Clay Millican and Jasmine Salians, as well as 2024 Rookie of the Year and motorsports legend Tony Stewart.

Prock’s Phoenix triumph marked his first career Funny Car win. The defending champ struggled in Gainesville, but he’ll look to get on track in Phoenix against John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman, Hagan and Capps, Green, Todd and Bob Tasca III.

Anderson earned his sixth world title at the NHRA Finals in a winner-take-all final over Glenn. Last year’s race featured that same matchup, with Anderson earning the win. Other Pro Stock stars include Aaron Stanfield and Erica Enders.

The NHRA Arizona Nationals also features thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series and the Legends Nitro Series. Fans can also expect excitement from Team “Muy Caliente” and Curt White “Iceman” in their Jet Cars.

Fans will also be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions, music and much more. Race fans at Firebird Motorsports Park can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final thrilling experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs from their favorite drivers and more.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 2 and 4:30 p.m. PT on Friday, March 21, and the final two rounds on Saturday, March 22 at 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. The finals of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge take place at the end of final qualifying in each category. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, March 23. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET. on Friday and 12 p.m. on Sunday, leading into eliminations at 6:30 p.m. ET.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Arizona Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY RACE PREVIEW

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CLUB MINUTES

JIMMIE JOHNSON HISTORY AT HOMESTEAD: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB co-owner Jimmie Johnson secured his historic seventh championship with a victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2016. This win remains his only triumph at the track and cemented his place in history, tying him with Dale Earnhardt Sr. and CLUB ambassador Richard Petty, “The King,” for the most championships.

THE SOUTHERNMOST TUNNEL: In 2020, during Johnson’s final season as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver, Homestead-Miami Speedway paid tribute to him by renaming the turn-three tunnel. Located off Palm Drive, this tunnel holds the distinction of being the southernmost tunnel in the United States and is now called “Jimmie Johnson’s Southernmost Tunnel.”

VEGAS RECAP: John Hunter Nemechek started at the rear of the field in 36th due to a throttle body change but steadily advanced through the race, overcoming handling issues and strategic pit stops to finish 20th. Despite minor damage from a multi-car incident, the No. 42 team capitalized on late-race adjustments and fresh tires to gain 16 positions from the start. Erik Jones started fifth but battled handling issues and an ill-timed pit entry early on, finishing Stage 1 in 15th. Despite a strategic two-tire call and overcoming damage from a multi-car incident, he managed to finish 27th, one lap down.

BACKSTREET’S BACK (IN MERCH!): Rev up your style with this exclusive John Hunter Nemechek x Backstreet Boys T-shirt! Featuring a bold design that merges high-speed NASCAR action with the iconic Backstreet Boys, this tee is a must-have for racing and music fans alike. With vibrant graphics showcasing Nemechek’s car and a nod to the legendary boy band, this shirt brings the best of both worlds – fast cars and timeless hits. Perfect for race day or a concert night, this limited-edition tee lets you show off your fandom in style! Click HERE to purchase.

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: Nemechek will pilot the No. 42 Pye-Barker Toyota Camry XSE at Homestead-Miami Speedway. LEGACY MC teammate Jones will be behind the wheels of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!: “Big Rick” Rozier celebrates a birthday on Tuesday, March 18th. Rozier is the fueler on the No. 42 LEGACY MC entry driven by John Hunter Nemechek.

NEVER SETTLE: This week on Never Settle, Johnson and Marty Smith talk through the on-track action at Las Vegas and the solid showing for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Never Settle drops on Wednesdays and airs on SIRIUS XM NASCAR Ch. 90 at 2 p.m. ET each week.

42 NOTES AND QUOTES:

JHN STATS: In 2023 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Nemechek made his debut with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in the No. 42 car, shortly after being announced as the team’s future driver. Across NASCAR’s three national series, Nemechek has made 14 starts—five in the NASCAR Cup Series, three in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and five in the NASCAR Truck Series. In these races, he has recorded three top-five finishes, including a runner-up result in the Truck Series race.

T-MACK STATS: Travis Mack has served as crew chief for 161 NASCAR Cup Series races, including three at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he has secured three top 15 finishes and one top 10 finish—all with Daniel Suárez. In addition to his Cup Series experience, Mack has also competed in four NASCAR Xfinity Series races, earning two top-10 finishes.

QUOTING JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK:

“Homestead is a place I look forward to going to every year. I love being able to have options of where to run on the race track, whether that is on the bottom, or in the middle or around the fence. I really enjoy being able to run the fence primarily at Homestead, but it can also reach out and bite you. I think that the No. 43 has had really good speed in qualifying the last couple of weeks so that is something that the No. 42 Pye-Barker team and myself have to look at to get better, but all in all, we’ve been able to race halfway decent. I think that there are some key learnings from Vegas in a mile and a half program that we can implement going into this weekend to try and make our cars better. Also racing under the sun definitely makes Homestead slick, I feel like temperatures are going to be a little bit cooler than they have been in the past when we’ve been down there so that could play a factor in it as well.”

QUOTING TRAVIS MACK:

“I feel that we learned a lot last weekend at Vegas – going to the first mile and a half with John Hunter [Nemechek] trying to make the car similar to, we learned a lot from his driving style vs. Erik [Jones] driving style and what [John Hunter] needs in the car. We worked to try to understand where he wants the balance. We made some wrong adjustments last week going into the race but we learned from it and got the car better for Stage 3 and this week.

We are going to try to keep all the speed in the car that we can and try to work around that and make the balance for what John Hunter needs. We worked a lot on what [John Hunter] needs in the car and maybe help the balance as well.

We think the pace is going to be up quite a bit with the cooler temperatures – every track that we’ve gone to has just been faster.”

43 NOTES AND QUOTES:

EJ STATS: Jones has eight starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway where he has earned one top five and one top 10 finish in the NASCAR Cup Series. His best result at the track was a third-place finish in 2019. Jones also has a third-place finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series which happened in 2015. In 2016, he competed for the Xfinity Series championship but finished ninth, falling just short of capturing the title.

TOP 5 STARTS: Last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Jones qualified his Dollar Tree Toyota Camry in fifth place for the second consecutive top five starting spot. This marked Jones’ first back-to-back top five starting spot since 2019.

BESHORE AT HOMESTEAD: Crew chief Ben Beshore has two starts in the Cup Series, resulting in a 2021 tenth-place finish with driver Kyle Busch. Jones and Beshore competed at Homestead in 2024 together and finished 22nd. In the Xfinity Series, Beshore has a win at the South Florida track with driver Harrison Burton which came in 2020, along with two top five and four top ten finishes. Beshore and (John Hunter) Nemechek finished third on the track in 2023.

QUOTING ERIK JONES

“Homestead is really unique especially with it being more of a of a day race than what we used to have (started in day, finished at night). Handling is really important so it’s a good test for the car. At Homestead it’s tough to stay out of trouble all day and be up front battling at the end. It will be another good test for the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota team of a unique mile and a half – it doesn’t transfer to a lot of other tracks we go to, but it does showcase the handling ability of the car. It’s such a unique surface and line – we don’t race on many traditional oval layouts anymore.”

QUOTING BEN BESHORE

“Qualifying has been going really well for us the past two races. Erik has put some really good laps together, and we now have a better notebook of what he is looking for in practice trim verses race trim. All the engineers we have hired over the off season have really helped with that, on top of the shop and the No. 43 team putting together a good car. I think it’s a combination of everything coming together, everyone’s hard work and the detail-oriented stuff that gives you a couple thousandths here and there that take you from where we were averaging in the 20’s last year to now in the top 10. Hopefully we can keep that moving for Homestead. We finished the race strong there last year, so we have a bit of a notebook as to where that balance was and a couple of things we did to get there. Also, we have notes from Vegas that we can relate to Homestead, with the track being a high (tire) falloff – it chews the tires up a little more, so you must make different decisions to be there at the end.”

CLUB APPEARANCES

On Sunday, Nemechek will engage with the fans and participate in an autograph session at the NASCAR Classics merchandise hauler located in FanZone. Nemechek will begin signing at 11:45 a.m. ET. Following the autograph session, he will stop over to the NASCAR Experience stage and answer some questions at 12:15 p.m. ET.

HOW TO WATCH

The NASCAR Cup Series takes its talents to South Beach for this weekend’s racing action at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Practice and qualifying for the event will take place on Saturday, March 22 streaming on Prime Video at 1:00 p.m. ET. The Straight Talk Wireless 400 will take place on Sunday, March 23 airing on Fox Sports 1, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90) beginning at 3 p.m. ET.

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

Spire Motorsports Straight Talk Wireless 400 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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  • In 11 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Spire Motorsports has logged one top-10 finish. Carson Hocevar, driver of the team’s No. 77 Chevrolet, earned a team-best ninth-place result in the series’ 2024 visit to Homestead. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet ZL1s in the Cup Series for Justin Haley, Michael McDowell and Hocevar, respectively.
  • The Straight Talk Wireless 400 will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, March 23, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The sixth 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. FOX’s NASCAR Raceday will take the green flag at 2 p.m. EDT.

Justin Haley – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Justin Haley will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Straight Talk 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
  • Haley has recorded four previous Cup Series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He recorded a series/venue best 23rd-place finish in October 2023 and completed 1,065 of 1,068 (99.7 percent) of the laps contested over those four starts. Last fall, Haley started 10th and finished 34th aboard Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chili’s Catch-a-Rita Chevrolet.
  • Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Ind. For more information, visit www.gainbridge.io or follow and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.
  • Last Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Haley started 33rd and despite battling radio-related communication issues early in the race, rallied to finish 14th.
  • Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 400 will mark Haley’s 150th career NASCAR Cup Series start. Over the course of the last seven seasons, the 25-year-old racer has notched one win, five top fives, 16 top 10s and led 103 laps. He made his first start in NASCAR’s premier division for Spire Motorsports at Talladega Superspeedway on his 20th birthday.
  • In NASCAR Xfinity Series competition, Haley has logged four previous starts at Homestead- Miami Speedway and earned back-to-back sixth-place finishes in 2020-2021.
  • On the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series side of the sport, the Winamac, Ind., native has two Homestead starts (2017-2018) where he finished ninth and eighth, respectively.
  • The veteran racer has collected four NASCAR Xfinity Series checkered flags and three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins, making him one of just 41 drivers in history to have earned victories across all three of NASCAR’s National Touring Series.
  • In total, Haley has made 47 Cup Series starts for Spire Motorsports, with the bulk of races coming during the 2021 season behind the wheel of the team’s No. 77 machine.

Justin Haley Quote
Your results haven’t displayed the speed your team has had the first five weeks. How do you look to turn that around at Homestead?
“We had a good day in Las Vegas and hopefully we can turn that into a solid run this weekend in Homestead. We’re bringing fast cars so we’ll work on trying to build some momentum and putting together some consistent finishes.”

Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Rodney Childers

  • Crew chief Rodney Childers has called 16 races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Childers-prepared cars have earned one pole, one win, six top-five and seven top-10 finishes while leading 221 laps at the south Florida oval.
  • The Mooresville, N.C., native’s lone win at Homestead came during the 2014 season finale where Kevin Harvick led 54 laps en route to the fifth and final victory of the potent duo’s championship-winning campaign.
  • The veteran crew chief has participated in 681 NASCAR Cup Series races where he’s earned 34 poles, 40 wins, 178 top-five and 298 top-10 finishes. He also earned 2014 championship honors with Harvick.
  • Childers’ 40 wins at NASCAR’s premier level ties him for second-most amongst all active crew chiefs in the Cup Series garage.

Michael McDowell – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Michael McDowell will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Delaware Life Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
  • The 40-year-old owns 15 Cup Series starts at Homestead, where he’s collected two top 10s highlighted by a venue-best sixth-place finish in 2021.
  • Delaware Life is an insurance and annuity company that empowers financial professionals with a wide array of customizable solutions. A subsidiary of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC (“Group 1001 Insurance”), our focus is to deliver a seamless experience for advisors. We understand how important it is to find the right fit for every client, every situation, and every individual need. We’re passionate about equipping you with annuities that give your customers peace of mind and a successful future—allowing them to plan with confidence for whatever’s next
  • The Arizona native secured the first Busch Light Pole Award in Spire Motorsports’ short team history at Las Vegas and led the field to the green flag. His 28.833 second lap marks the fastest lap in the Gen 7 era (2022-present) at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
  • Last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the No. 71 team fought a potential issue with the diffuser and underbody for the bulk of Stages 1 and 2. The team discovered the air pressure-sensitive flap on the rear diffuser had been triggered, causing a blockage to the diffuser’s central channel and hindering the car’s rear downforce. After strategy calls put the No. 71 Group1001 Chevrolet inside the top five, a yellow flag with 20 laps remaining bunched the field one final time. When the late-race restart turned physical, McDowell was shuffled outside the top 10 but hung on to finish 16th.
  • The father of five made his 300th consecutive start last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a streak that dates back to October 2016.
  • The Cup Series veteran has claimed two Xfinity Fastest Lap awards, clocking the fastest lap in the Daytona 500 and earlier this month at Phoenix Raceway. Through five weeks, McDowell stands as the only driver across the three national series to have secured multiple bonus points through the newly-unveiled program.
  • McDowell owns a 15.6 average finish through five races, a two position improvement compared to the start of 2024.

Michael McDowell Quotes
What are your thoughts heading into Homestead?
“Homestead it’s still one of those racetracks you go to where tires fall off, you slip and slide around and you work really hard as a driver all race all day long. You have a lot of options. You can run the bottom, run the top or run the top to the bottom. So, you can find where your car works best, you can find clean air, and it’s just one of those tracks that you just drive all day long and it’s a lot of fun.”

Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Travis Peterson

  • Crew chief Travis Peterson joined Spire Motorsports following the 2024 season after spending 2023-2024 alongside McDowell at Front Row Motorsports.
  • The West Bend, Wis., native called fellow Wisconsin driver, NASCAR Hall of Famer, and 2004 Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth to a sixth-place finish in the 2018 season finale at Homestead. The event marked Peterson’s crew chief debut.

Carson Hocevar – Driver, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1

  • Carson Hocevar is back behind the wheel of the No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet ZL1 for Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He’ll make his second Cup Series start at Homestead, where he finished ninth in his Cup Series debut at the 1.5-mile track last October.
  • The performance was a callback to Hocevar’s fourth and final NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win of the 2023 season. The Portage, Mich., native started second and led 11 laps to earn clinch his spot in the Championship 4 for the final race at Phoenix Raceway. In addition to his 2023 win, Hocevar has one other Truck Series start at Homestead resulting in a 12th-place effort.
  • In 11 Cup Series starts on 1.5-mile non-drafting tracks, Hocevar has earned two top-10 finishes – a 10th-place effort at Texas Motor Speedway and a ninth-place result at Homestead-Miami Speedway, both during the 2024 season.
  • Last Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Hocevar showed speed early in the event. He finished inside the top 10 in the first two stages to collect bonus points and looked to be on track for a top-10 finish before damage incurred on pit road late in the race slowed his progress. After pitting under green-flag conditions to repair damage, the No. 77 team was relegated to a 30th-place finish, two laps down.
  • Hocevar will participate in FOX Sports’ annual Drivers Only broadcast for Friday night’s NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race. The 2024 Rookie of the Year will serve as pit reporter during coverage of the Baptist Health 200 from Homestead.
  • Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all the domestic and majority of the imported manufacturers. The family-owned and -operated organization has been a regular on the Cup Series tour since 2019.

Carson Hocevar Quotes
The No. 77 has had a lot of speed to start the year. What kind of confidence does that give you this early in the season?
“It’s been great. We’ve been faster, we just haven’t finished as good as we should. Last year, I thought we were really good at running decent and finishing really well. Now, we’re running really well and we just have something happen that takes away that finish to match. Having that speed and knowing that we’re good from practice to qualifying to the race definitely builds a lot of confidence for the team. We can work on the things that have kept us from getting those finishes, so I would much rather be super fast and have issues that take us out and know we can work on it, then have to find speed and hope that we can finish a race.”

You’re participating in the Drivers Only broadcast on Friday night. What made you want to take part in the event this year?
“I love Homestead, it’s one of my favorite tracks and I’ve been really excited to get there and see what we can do in the Cup car. When FOX asked about the broadcast, I couldn’t say no. I’ve worked with them for some races in the booth and really enjoyed getting to do so and I just think it’s going to be a lot of fun to be on pit road and part of the action for this race. I think we’ll see a lot of excitement with the truck race being shorter and on a track as worn out as Homestead.”

Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Luke Lambert

  • Sunday’s race will mark Luke Lambert’s 12th Cup Series race atop the box at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Mount Airy, N.C., native has led drivers to top-10 finishes in four races and earned a runner-up finish with Ryan Newman in the 2014 season finale.
  • The Mt. Airy, N.C. native led Noah Gragson to victory at Homestead in the penultimate race of the 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The pair led 127 of 200 laps to win their eighth race of the season.
  • Last Sunday’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway was the 48th race Lambert has called for Hocevar with 40 of those coming at Spire Motorsports. Together the pair have earned two top-fives and seven top-10 finishes.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on Feb. 22, 2025, when Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor 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.

Michel Disdier to Race the No. 67 for Freedom Racing Enterprises at Homestead-Miami

By
Official Release
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Mooresville, NC (March 18, 2025) – Freedom Racing Enterprises would like to officially announce Michel Disdier as the driver of the No. 67 Chevrolet Silverado for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race, the Baptist Health 200, at Homestead Miami Speedway on Friday, March 21, 2025. The French racing car driver last competed in the truck series in 2018.

“We noted earlier this season that we would take the 67 to select races this season as we look to expand our team,” commented team owner Spencer Boyd. “When the opportunity to partner with Michel came up, we worked with him to put this effort together for Homestead. He had a good run in Las Vegas in 2018 and was building his resume for more starts when the pandemic changed his course. It’s great to see someone continue to fight for a dream and I am glad we could work together to help him on his journey.”

Michel Disdier hails from Nice, France and has three NASCAR starts to his credit including two at Daytona International Speedway. He also competed in 20 ARCA Menards Series races from 2008 to 2013.

Disdier commented on his return to the NASCAR circuit, “I’d like to thank Spencer and his team for giving us such a warm welcome, and for preparing a great truck for the Miami event. I’m sure we’ll do a great job together and create many more opportunities in the near future! We share the same passion and are hard-working people who want to make our dreams come true.”

The No. 67 will have a unique and colorful paint scheme for the race designed by French-born artist, Thierry Guetta, better known as Mr. Brainwash. The “Life is Beautiful” theme for the truck is another example of Guetta pushing the envelope of contemporary art.

Disdier continued, “I have a great passion for art which led me to meet Mr. Brainwash. It is a beautiful “ARTCAR” that mixes racing and art at new level. I’d like to thank Thierry Guetta, Thomas Kieffer from Edge Yacht International, Jonathan Boulanger from JELL conseils, and countless other people that have helped make my return to NASCAR possible.”

Catch the return of ‘The Frenchman in NASCAR” live on FOX on Friday, March 21, 2025 at 8:00PM ET as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to South Florida for the running of the Baptist Health 200.

TRD U.S.A. Launches New Toyota Camry Trans Am CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series Body

By
Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 18, 2025) – TRD U.S.A. officially today unveiled the new Toyota Camry body, which will compete in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series beginning with this weekend’s race at Road Atlanta.

For the past several months, TRD has worked closely with Five Star RaceCar Bodies – the official body manufacturer for the TA2 Series – and Trans Am officials on the design, development and production of the Toyota Camry. The culmination of their hard work will be showcased this weekend in the TA2 event at Road Atlanta, where two Toyota Camrys are set to compete. Toyota Development Driver Tyler Gonzalez will pilot the No. 10 Mobil 1 Camry for Nitro Motorsports, while Thomas Annunziata will debut a GR-livery on his No. 90 Camry for Nitro Motorsports in the first race featuring the new body style.

“We are thrilled to be able to officially unveil the Toyota Camry body for the TA2 Series,” said Jack Irving, general manager, TRD U.S.A. “This body is the result of the diligent effort of so many people at TRD, Trans Am and Five Star. For us at TRD, we continue to see the value of the TA2 Series as our development drivers are able to get quality reps on iconic road courses across the country. This new body further shows the commitment Toyota has to Trans Am, now and into the future.”

”We are elated to welcome the new Toyota Camry body to the paddock in the CUBE 3 Architecture TA2 Series,” said Trans Am President Andy Lally. “The Trans Am Series prides itself as a proving ground for the future stars of stock car racing, and we’ve been fortunate to see many Toyota Development Drivers find success in Trans Am. We’re thrilled to be able to pair their promising talents with manufacturer support in our series.”

For interested parties, Five Star have made the Toyota Camry TA2 bodies available for purchase, with TRD offering contingency opportunities. For more information on the contingency program, please reach out to trd.contingency@toyota.com.

About the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli

The Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli is the longest-running professional road racing series in North America. Founded in 1966, the Trans Am Series and has excited audiences for nearly 60 years with its combination of powerful American muscle cars and elite GT cars from around the world. With several diverse and competitive classes of racecars and both National and Western Championships, Trans Am offers something for every fan and every competitor. The series will host 15 events nationwide in 2025. For more information, visit GoTransAm.com.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 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 nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 49 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In spring 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 31 electrified options.

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

About Five Star RaceCar Bodies

Five Star RaceCar Bodies, a division of Five Star Fabricating, Inc., was formed by Carl Schultz and Fran Prestay in the late 1970s in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. Five Star RaceCar Bodies is the leading provider of Racecar & Race Truck Bodies as well as body installation tools, molded polycarbonate windows and graphic kits. For more information about Five Star RaceCar Bodies, check out their web site at www.fivestarbodies.com.

Meyer Shank Racing Gears Up for The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix

By
Official Release
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Pataskala, Ohio (18 March 2025) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) heads west for the second race of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season for the Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix this weekend, marking the first-ever points-paying INDYCAR event at the private California circuit on Sunday (3:00pm ET, FOX, SiriusXM channel 218).

MSR kicked off the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season with a strong showing in St. Petersburg, where both Felix Rosenqvist (No. 60 SiriusXM Honda) and Marcus Armstrong (No. 66 SiriusXM / Root Insurance Honda) qualified inside the top four. Now, the team is looking to carry that momentum into Thermal.

While last year’s exhibition event at the circuit didn’t count toward the season-long championship, Rosenqvist did walk away from the weekend with $250,000 in his pocket after qualifying on pole, winning the first feature race and finishing third in the final 20-lap main event. Now, with strategy, pit stops, and championship points on the line, the team is prepared for battle.

The 3.067-mile, 17-turn circuit provides a different test from St. Pete’s tight street course, with fast, flowing corners and a smooth racing surface. This year, with a full-race format, tire degradation, fuel strategy, and racecraft will be key to winning the 65-lap race on Sunday.

Meyer Shank Racing is also proud to partner with Folds of Honor for the Thermal race weekend, and plans to welcome 500 veterans, first responders and families of fallen veterans and first responders to the race. The team is honored to support the organization’s mission of providing educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders.

The Thermal Club INDYCAR Grand Prix weekend kicks off with practice on Friday, March 21, followed by qualifying on Saturday at 5:00pm ET on FS1, setting the stage for Sunday’s main event at 3:00pm ET. Fans can catch all the action live on FOX and on SiriusXM channel 218.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Felix Rosenqvist: “It’s exciting being back west for the first time of the year. We have good memories from Thermal and got to spray some champagne there last year. It will be fun to take on the challenge of a full race with pit stops and fans this time around.”

Marcus Armstrong: “I really enjoy the track – it’s the most European-like track of the season. It’s a classic road-course and I have always felt strong there and also had a good race last season. I feel like I have many good memories from that circuit in general. I’m looking forward to going to some good weather and getting to work on a track that I am very familiar with.”

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