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

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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.”

Sheehan Enthusiastic Ahead of Bennett Bridgehall Classic at Road Atlanta

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Official Release
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Braselton, GEORGIA – March 18, 2025 – Tom Sheehan and the Mike Cope team behind the No. 97 LTK Insulation Technologies Vixen Motorcycle Ford Mustang will no doubt be looking forward to the trip down to Georgia this week from the cooler climes of New Hampshire and not just because it’s springtime in the Peach State. In 2022 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, by the checkered flag, Ironman Sheehan had climbed 14 places from his starting point on the grid. Tom is doubly keen to get back behind the wheel at a track he drives so well.

We spoke to Tom ahead of the second round of the 2025 CUBE 3 Architecture Trans Am presented by Pirelli season as he gets ready to head down to Altana, March 21 – 23.

“It’s a great track, I’ve always loved it,” stated Tom Sheehan. “Road Atlanta has an old school feel, they don’t make the circuits like that anymore. The Mike Cope Racing team will no doubt unload some fast cars. I am privileged to part of the family. Looking forward to doing my job staying up on the wheel. It should be interesting.”

The Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta will play host to the Series and the weekend’s action at the famous 2.540-mile road course, located just north of Braselton. Known for its multiple elevation changes, Atlanta is a real driver’s track, and the current configuration has 12 Turns, including the famous esses between Turns 3 and 5. Turn 12 is a unique dive that brings drivers downhill to the front straight. The track is owned by IMSA Holdings, LLC through its subsidiary Road Atlanta, LLC, and is the home to the Petit Le Mans, as well as AMA motorcycle racing, and other events throughout the year. Michelin acquired naming rights to the facility in 2018.

Tom and the rest of the TA2 field can get their first taste of the circuit at 11:25 a.m. ET on Friday when there’s an optional testing session. The second optional session is at 4:55 p.m. ET that afternoon. Practice is at 10:35 a.m. ET on Saturday with the qualifying sessions in two groups from 4:45pm ET. that afternoon. The Bennett/Bridgehall Classic TA2 race is over 40 laps of the circuit on Sunday March 23 at 1:45pm ET.

If you’re unable to attend the racing in person there’s great coverage on the Trans Am presented by Pirelli You Tube channel.

https://youtube.com/@thetransamseries?si=Em99pQHygO8GHNJG

Follow Tom’s social media channels via his Facebook page, Damon Racing, Instagram account (@TomSheehanTA97), and X account (@TomTA2_97). For more information on LTK Insulation Technologies and the line of high-quality products go to: https://ltkinsulationtechnologies.com.

About Vixen Cycle Co.
Founded by women with a passion for motorcycles, Vixen Cycle Co is a trailblazing brand that not only caters to female riders but also empowers and equips them with a unique blend of stylish clothing and motorcycle parts. Our clothing line is a testament to meticulous design, offering a wide range of trendy and functional apparel that allows women to embrace their love for motorcycles without compromising on style. From sleek and stylish designs to powerful and efficient motorcycle parts, Vixen Cycle Co is committed to enhancing both the look and performance of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

For more information on LTK Insulation Technologies please visit the website online at https://ltkinsulationtechnologies.com/.

About LTK Insulation Technologies:
Putting LTK insulation jackets & covers to work on your project saves your firm real money and time. The LTK Insulation products are so fast and easy. Installation is as fast as identification. Our carefully designed products line allows; fast, sure fit, 100% clean, no tool installation. Product designed for; balance valves, control valves, flex hoses, in line specialties, couplings, quick connects, unions, zone pumps. Your imagination is the only limit….GOLTK!

For more information on LTK Insulation Technologies please visit the website online: https://ltkinsulationtechnologies.com

Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Preview: Homestead-Miami Speedway

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Official Release
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NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE ADVANCE: HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
Event: Baptist Health 200 (134 laps / 201 miles)
Round: 4 of 25 (Regular Season)
Track: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Location: Homestead, Florida
Date & Time: Friday, March 21 | 8:00 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX | NASCAR Racing Network (NRN) | SiriusXM Ch. 90

Team Stats & Notes

  • Niece Motorsports Homestead Stats: Niece drivers have made 20 combined NCTS starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The organization has visited victory lane once before at this track with Carson Hocevar in 2023, and has tallied four top-fives and five top-10 finishes. In last year’s race, Kaden Honeycutt was the highest-finishing team driver in 14th-place.

No. 42 J.F. Electric / Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett

  • Mills’ Homestead Stats: Matt Mills has only made one prior NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) start at Homestead-Miami Speedway which came in last year’s running of the event. In that race, Mills finished in 34th-place following a crash. Through five NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) races, Mills’ best result is a 24th-place finish in 2020.
  • Shiplett’s Homestead Stats: Mike Shiplett called his first NCTS race at Homestead last year while working with Mills. Shiplett is a past NXS winner here, having won in 2015 with Kyle Larson. In 2017, he won the pole with Tyler Reddick, and made a total of four top-fives and five top-10 finishes in NXS competition. In four Cup Series starts at this track, Shiplett’s best result is a fifth-place showing with AJ Allmendinger in 2010.
  • On the Truck: Mills’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from longtime partners J.F. Electric and Utilitra, who will serve as his anchor partners for the entire 25-race season.
  • Partner Milestone Race: Homestead-Miami will be the site of J.F. Electric’s 150th race partnering with Mills. Since 2018, the Edwardsville, Illinois-based company has served an integral part of Mills’ career by sponsoring his efforts across all three NASCAR national series.
  • Driver Milestone Race: Mills will embark on his 50th-career NCTS start once he takes the green flag on Friday night. The New Philadelphia, Ohio, native made his series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 17, 2016 when he was only 19-years-old.
  • Recapping Las Vegas: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team battled to a respectable finish in the cold Las Vegas desert. Qualifying 24th, Mills would stay put in the same position to end stage one. As the night progressed, Mills climbed to 20th in stage two after adjustments were made. In the final run to the checkered flag, he was able to gain additional track position, completing the race in 16th-place.
  • Points Rundown: With Mills’ 16th-place finish in Las Vegas last week, he was able to gain three positions in the points standings. Mills holds down the 19th position entering the fourth race of the season at Homestead-Miami, tied for 18th with Rajah Caruth and two points ahead of Frankie Muniz in 20th.
  • Quoting Mills: Is Homestead-Miami Speedway on your list of favorite tracks?

“I’ve always loved racing at Homestead. It’s a little different in the truck; you can’t be as aggressive as far as running the fence, but I know that Niece Motorsports has had some good results here before. We had a fast truck last year, just needed some help on track position. It’s still one of my favorite racetracks and I’m really looking forward to going back there.”

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

No. 44 Niece Equipment Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers

  • Chastain Returns: NASCAR Cup Series veteran Ross Chastain makes his first NCTS start of the season this week at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Chastain will compete in five races for Niece Motorsports this year, including starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 23), Michigan International Speedway (June 7), Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (July 25), and Watkins Glen International (August 8). Chastain is the winningest driver in team history with five victories to his credit.
  • Chastain’s Homestead Stats: Chastain has competed in seven NCTS races at Homestead-Miami, totaling two top-fives and five top-10 finishes (best of third in 2020). He’s also made seven NXS starts here with one top-five (third in 2020) and two top-10s. Though he is still searching for his first win at the track, the Alva, Florida native finished in the runner-up position during the Cup Series event held in 2022.
  • Rogers’ Homestead Stats: Wally Rogers has made eight NCTS starts at Homestead, highlighted by one top-five (fifth with Matt Crafton in 2004) and two top-10 finishes. Rogers won a pole here in the 2003 NXS race with Greg Biffle, and has one top-10 finish (sixth with Randy LaJoie in 2002). He has also made four Cup Series starts at the 1.5-mile track.
  • On the Truck: Chastain’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Niece Equipment and NieceMotorsportsShop.com. The Niece Motorsports ’10 Seasons’ icon adorns the hood on the new paint scheme.
  • Recapping Las Vegas: Bayley Currey and the No. 44 team showed speed early on in Las Vegas, but were hindered by damage sustained in a stack-up on a restart. Currey qualified the highest out of the team in 19th, and finished inside the top-15 in both stages. Following the incident, the pit crew made their best efforts in repairing the damage to the front end of his Silverado, rallying back to 18th.
  • Owner Points Rundown: Following Currey’s 18th-place result in Las Vegas, the No. 44 team currently is the organization’s best entry in the owner points standings in 15th-place. Thorsport Racing’s No. 13 team is five points ahead in 14th, with the No. 45 team slated two points behind in 16th.
  • Quoting Chastain: Do you anticipate having more grip this weekend with the race being moved to March as opposed to last year’s race in October?

“I think the date change should help us, but at Homestead-Miami, grip always comes at a premium. It’s part of the reason why this track is so much fun for us to race on. We have so many different lane options which promotes some great racing. It’s going to be a great weekend driving for Al Niece in our first truck start of the year together. I had a blast running my five races for him last year, and I think the trucks have gotten better over the offseason. Our team has been pretty strong here in the past, so I think our Niece Equipment Chevy should have a lot of pace in it come Friday night.”

About Niece Equipment: For over 30 years, Niece Equipment has provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Our reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. Each of our water and fuel/lube trucks are engineered with quality and durability in mind. Our capability ranges from 2,000 gallon water trucks to 12,000 gallon water towers. The fuel/lube trucks we offer range from 600 to 4,000 gallons.

No. 45 AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Kaden Honeycutt | Crew Chief: Phil Gould

  • Honeycutt’s Homestead Stats: Kaden Honeycutt has competed in two Homestead races before, first in 2022 as well as last year’s running. Last October, Honeycutt finished 14th after finishing second in stage one.
  • Gould’s Homestead Stats: Phil Gould is a past race-winning crew chief at Homestead, having won in 2023 with Carson Hocevar. In five NCTS starts, Gould has navigated his drivers to two top-fives and three top-10 finishes. Gould has one top-10 NXS finish (10th in 2014 with Brian Scott) in six starts.
  • On the Truck: Honeycutt’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from AutoVentive and Precision Vehicle Logistics, who will serve as his anchor partners for the majority of the season.
  • Recapping Las Vegas: Kaden Honeycutt and the No. 45 team had several thrilling moments to add to the highlight reel in Las Vegas. Starting in 22nd, Honeycutt moved up to 14th in stage one. The team was resilient in stage two, capturing two points by finishing ninth. However, on the pit stop, a penalty forced the No. 45 to start at the tail end of the line. Without much hesitation, Honeycutt vaulted back into the top-10 quickly, and avoided near disaster with a brilliant save in turn four. After overcoming these issues, the team would end the night in 12th.
  • Points Rundown: Honeycutt’s 12th-place finish netted one spot in the points standings, moving him up to 14th-place. Teammate, Bayley Currey, holds 13th heading into Homestead-Miami by two points, with Matt Crafton currently trailing by three points in 15th.
  • Quoting Honeycutt: What were you able to learn about the restarts here in last year’s race?

“You just have to pay attention where runs are coming and how to manage our position to move forward. Starts and restarts are so crucial here because of the lack of grip we have. If we can move forward or even maintain on every restart, we should have a good night with our AutoVentive / Precision Chevy.”

About AutoVentive: AutoVentive is an industry-leading Software as a Service (SaaS) applications developer providing customized solutions to the automotive logistics industry. The company is part of Liberty Hill Equity Partners, LLC, a Cincinnati-based private equity firm.

About Precision Vehicle Logistics: Precision Vehicle Logistics is a customer-focused group of professionals committed to service excellence in finished vehicle logistics. Precision offers a unique combination of talented experience, industry-leading software and systems, and a network of partners and resources to deliver customized solutions to the world’s leading automakers.

About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is a professional auto racing team founded by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, the team celebrates its 10th consecutive season competing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) where it fields the Nos. 41, 42, 44 and 45. Since its founding in 2016, Niece Motorsports has garnered nine wins, 50+ top-fives, 100+ top-10s, 190+ top-15 finishes and made five playoff appearances. At its 80,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Salisbury, NC, Niece Motorsports is a trusted build shop for the Chevrolet Silverados of multiple NCTS teams as well as a customizable fabrication shop for any manufacturing needs.

Follow the Team: To keep up to date with the latest team news, visit niecemotorsports.com or connect on Facebook and Instagram (@NieceMotorsports) as well as X (@NieceMotorsport).

Jeremy Clements Racing is coming in Red Hot at Martinsville with Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet on board

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Official Release
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Spartanburg, SC – Jeremy Clements Racing is thrilled to announce the continuation of their long-running partnership with Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet when they return to Martinsville Speedway. Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet will serve as the primary partner for JCR in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Corps Marine 250 at the famous ½ mile Paper Clip-shaped oval. Featuring a one-of-a-kind paint scheme celebrating the iconic Martinsville Speedway hot dog. Alongside Whitaker Chevrolet, JCR has also firmed up four outstanding associate partners for the first short-track event of the season, including Alliance Driveaway Solutions, Fox Sports Spartanburg, The Racing Warehouse, and Harrison’s. Watch all the action on The CW at 5:00 EST on Saturday, March 29th.

“We are thrilled to partner with Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet for Martinsville,” said Clements. “Ryan (Whitaker) always tries to bring something unique to our fans, and this paint scheme is definitely one-of-a-kind. The hot dog here is legendary, and we’re proud to pay tribute to that tradition while also displaying the support of Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet.” Clements went on to say.

Matman Designs, Spartan Waste, Dialed In, ELITE Towing & Recovery LLC, Dynamic Paintware, Mechanix Wear, Wix Filters, Carolina Driveline, and ZMAX will join Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet as weekly associate sponsors.

RACE PREVIEW
Track: Martinsville Speedway
Date: Saturday, March 29th, 2025
Broadcast Information: TV: 5:00 pm EST on CW & MRN

FAST FACTS
Best Start 10th – 10/2022
Best Finish 9th – 10/2021
10th career start at Martinsville Speedway

JCR TEAM
Team: No. 51
Crew Chief: Kase Kallenbach
Manufacturer: Chevrolet

SOCIALS
X: @JClement51 @JCR_Clements51
Facebook: Jeremy Clements Racing
Instagram: @jclements51 @jeremyclementsracing

ABOUT KEVIN WHITAKER CHEVROLET

Chevrolet has an all-American image that is helped them earn their way to the top of the totem pole of vehicle manufacturers. Fostering a diverse vehicle lineup including compact cars, mid-size cars, sports cars, trucks, and SUVs, Chevrolet is a name drivers trust when they have set high expectations in their vehicle.

Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet carries an extensive selection of new and pre-owned cars, trucks, vans, crossovers, and SUVs in Greenville, SC. No matter what vehicle you might have in mind, they have the perfect fit for you. If you are looking to lease your next vehicle, at Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet in Greenville, SC, they have competitive lease specials on new Chevrolet vehicles. Their staff will make sure that your car-buying experience is pleasant and hassle-free. Kevin Whitaker Chevrolet in Greenville, SC also has an extensive collection of quality pre-owned and certified vehicles at affordable prices. Browse their online showroom at www.kevinwhitaker.net.

Front Row Motorsports: Homestead-Miami Speedway NCTS Race Advance- Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith

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Official Release
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Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
Homestead-Miami Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance

Baptist Health 200

Date: Friday, March 21, 2025
Event: Race 4 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.5-miles)
#of Laps: 134
Time/TV/Radio: 8:00 PM ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Layne Riggs Notes

Layne Riggs will make his second Homestead-Miami Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start this Friday night. The Love’s RV Stop colors will also return with Riggs and the No. 34 team for the 134-lap race.

Following a hard earned fifth-place finish at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Riggs now sits 11th in the Truck Series Driver Championship points standings and is just three points from the 10th position. In his previous start and debut at the 1.5-mile speedway, Riggs finished 22nd and was on his way to a second-place finish before running out of fuel on the last lap.

“I’m looking forward to this weekend in Homestead,” said Riggs. “Our mile-and-a-half program has really come together this year and we left Vegas with not only a top-five, but with a good baseline to continue our mile-and-a-half success. We’re heading into this weekend looking to close in on the top-10 points positions and hopefully the win. The speed is there, we just need to execute.”
Road Crew

Driver: Layne Riggs

Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello

Truck Chief: Alex Lacognata

Engineer: Jonathan Coates

Mechanic: Clark Houston

Mechanic: Brandon Selph

Tire / Interior Specialist: Robert Benzenhafer

Spotter: Josh Williams

Transporter Driver: Joe Haresky

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Blake Hickman

Rear Tire Changer: Steven Chereek

Tire Carrier: Alvin Wilson

Jackman: Landon Honeycutt

Fueler: Dan Mrak

Chandler Smith’s Notes

Chandler Smith takes his race craft to South Beach and the Homestead-Miami Speedway this Friday night for the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at the 1.5-mile track. Long John Silver’s will return to Smith’s No. 38 Ford F-150 for the 134-lap event.

Cashing in an eighth-place finish at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Smith sits fourth in the Truck Series Driver Championship points standings and is just eight points behind points leader Ty Majeski. Through the first three races of the season, Smith has earned three top-10 finishes and has finished no worse than eighth.

In his previous NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start at the Homestead-Miami Speedway, Smith has one top-10 finish, finishing 10th in 2022 with Kyle Busch Motorsports. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Smith has three starts at the track, earning one top-10 finish in 2022 and the pole position in 2024.

“Homestead is such a fun track,” said Smith. “I absolutely love ripping the fence and pushing the limits of my vehicle. We left Vegas a little disappointed, but we also left with a good baseline for out 1.5-mile program and some solid momentum heading into this weekend. I think we can leave Homestead with a lot of points and even a checkered flag.”

Road Crew

Driver: Chandler Smith
Crew Chief: Jon Leonard
Truck Chief: Ron Schutte
Engineer: Caleb Williams
Mechanic: Bradley Zilich
Mechanic: Alex Campbell
Tire / Interior Specialist: Kyle Clark
Spotter: Ryan Blanchard
Transport Driver: Mark Hadley

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Garrett Wager
Rear Tire Changer: Jacob Ray
Tire Carrier: Paul Steele
Jackman: Ryan Selig
Fueler: Chris Webb

ABOUT LOVE’S RV STOP

Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with nearly 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with 651 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture.

AOUT LONG JOHN SILVER’S

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

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

2025 Xfinity Series’ Dash 4 Cash program commences at Homestead

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Dash 4 Cash program returns this upcoming weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. In addition to its return, the program’s schedule for this season will feature the return of an iconic racing venue being accompanied by three familiar circuits as the program itself will also commence nearly a month in advance compared to the previous four seasons.

The 2025 Dash 4 Cash program launched its 17th consecutive season this past weekend by hosting its qualifying event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, which was the fifth event on the schedule, for the first time ever on March 15. At the conclusion of the Vegas event, the top-four Xfinity regulars to finish the highest in the final running order were awarded spots for the program’s first round scheduled for this upcoming Saturday, March 22, at Homestead. Justin Allgaier, the reigning Xfinity Series champion and a five-time Dash 4 Cash winner, headlines the first group of four competitors to contend for the program’s first round of bonus money as he is coming off his first victory of the year at Vegas. His opponents include Jesse Love, Austin Hill and Sam Mayer, the latter of whom is a two-time Dash 4 Cash winner.

At the conclusion of next weekend’s first Dash 4 Cash event on the schedule at Homestead, the program will continue the following weekend at Martinsville Speedway on March 29 before taking a one-week break despite the series’ racing a week later at Darlington Raceway on April 5. The third Dash 4 Cash event of the year will then occur at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 12 before concluding at the series’ return to Rockingham Speedway on April 19.

The upcoming season will mark the first time Homestead hosts a Dash 4 Cash event since 2020 and the first time for Bristol since 2019 while Martinsville will host the program for a fifth consecutive season. Lastly, Rockingham will host the program for the first time as the series returns to the Rock in Rockingham, North Carolina, for the first time since February 2004.

The highest-finishing Xfinity Dash 4 Cash contender in each event will receive the cash-winning prize of $100,000, with opportunities for the prize to increase should a competitor achieve the bonus more than once. In addition, the Xfinity Dash 4 Cash winner at Homestead along with the next three highest-finishing Xfinity regulars will automatically be awarded spots for the next event at Martinsville and the process will carry forth through Bristol and Rockingham.

Having initially debuted with a $25,000 bonus during its first two years of existence in 2009 and 2010, the 2025 season is scheduled to mark the 15th consecutive year where the Dash 4 Cash bonus purse is set at $100,000. It will also enable Xfinity regulars to perform well and gain a competitive on-track edge early into this season while also placing a spotlight towards their series to attain the financial award that awaits the top performers who outperform the overall competition.

This past season, where all four Dash 4 Cash events occurred in April, Aric Almirola, a veteran racer and former Cup Series competitor, claimed the first ever $100,000 bonus for himself after he won the initiative’s first-scheduled event at Martinsville. Almirola’s victory occurred in an event where he led a race-high 148 of 251 over-scheduled laps and fended off Sam Mayer during an overtime shootout to post his fifth Xfinity career victory while driving the No. 20 Toyota entry for Joe Gibbs Racing. Mayer would then claim the second bonus a week later at Texas Motor Speedway in an event where he edged Ryan Sieg by 0.002 seconds to triumph for the first time of the season and for the fifth time of his Xfinity career.

Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images.

Despite falling short of winning in the Xfinity circuit for the first time in his career, Sieg would redeem himself by claiming the third bonus at Talladega Superspeedway despite finishing 17th, but managing to finish ahead of his initiative rivals Mayer, Justin Allgaier and AJ Allmendinger. Anthony Alfredo would cap off the initiative’s 2024 campaign by claiming the fourth and final bonus at Dover Motor Speedway despite finishing in 16th place, but by finishing ahead of his initiative rivals Sieg, Riley Herbst and rookie Jesse Love.

Thus far in 2025, Alfredo, Sieg and Mayer are all racing as full-time Xfinity competitors with Young’s Motorsports, RSS Racing and Haas Factory Team, respectively, as each return for additional opportunities for bonus money. Meanwhile, Almirola, who is campaigning in a nine-race stint in Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 19 Toyota entry, is not scheduled to contend for the bonus this upcoming weekend at Homestead as Justin Bonsignore will pilot the No. 19 entry.

As an added twist, Cup Series competitors will be allowed to compete in any of the Dash 4 Cash events, but they will be barred from being eligible for the program’s bonus since the events are only registered for those competing for Xfinity points.

The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Dash 4 Cash program commences this upcoming Saturday, March 22, at Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Hard Rock Bet 300. The event’s commencement time is scheduled to occur at 4 p.m. ET on the CW Network.

Ford Performance NASCAR – Homestead-Miami Advance

By
Official Release
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HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

Friday, March 21 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 8 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, March 22 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 4 p.m. ET (CW)
Sunday, March 23 — NASCAR Cup Series, 3 p.m. ET (FS1)

Another NASCAR tripleheader is on tap for this weekend as Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts all three national series for the only time in 2025. Ford is tied for the most Cup Series wins at the facility with eight, which includes a five-race winning streak from 2004-08. Overall, the manufacturer has won 22 races in all three series combined (8 NXS and 6 NCTS).

BERRY NETS FIRST CUP WIN

Josh Berry became the 20th driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race with Wood Brothers Racing after taking the checkered flag first at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Berry led the final 16 laps in claiming his first series victory and became the ninth first-time winner in team history, joining founder Glen Wood, 1960; Tiny Lund, 1963; Kyle Petty, 1986; Dale Jarrett, 1991; Elliott Sadler, 2001; Trevor Bayne, 2011; Ryan Blaney, 2017; and Harrison Burton, 2024. In addition, Berry became the 90th different driver to win a Cup Series race with Ford Performance and the first since Burton’s Daytona win last year.

A WIN TO REMEMBER

Joey Logano has only one NASCAR Cup Series win at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 16 career starts, but it’s one he likely won’t ever forget. That’s because it resulted in him winning the first of his three championships when he captured the Ford Ecoboost 400 in 2018. Logano led a race-high 80 laps, then powered ahead of Martin Truex Jr. following a late restart with 14 laps remaining to pull away for the win.

ONE MORE SPOT

Ryan Blaney comes into this weekend’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway looking to erase the sting of last year when Tyler Reddick came out of nowhere to nip him at the line in a photo finish. That represented the second straight time Blaney finished second at the 1.5-mile track and created a must-win scenario the following week at Martinsville Speedway, which he successfully executed and advanced to the Championship 4.

KESELOWSKI UP FRONT

One driver to keep an eye on when it comes to qualifying at Homestead-Miami Speedway is Brad Keselowski, who will be making his 18th career NASCAR Cup Series start at the South Florida track. The Michigan native has been automatic when it comes to starting in the top 10 at the 1.5-mile facility, posting 13 top-10 starts in the last 14 events. His 9.4 average starting position is the best at any track in which he has started at least 10 times.

RYAN BLANEY ON FINISHING SECOND THE LAST TWO CUP RACES AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY: “Last year, that was driver error of not doing my job on the last lap and you just try to look back on those things as far as that scenario of what would I do different, but as far as our approach of the car and things like that, I think we’ve done a really good job the last two years. It’s just a matter of trying to keep putting yourself in position to win that race. I’d like to win there. That’s a tough place to win at and we’ve had a good shot the last two years. We just need to put it together.”

FIVE-YEAR WIN STREAK HIGHLIGHTS ROUSH HISTORY AT HMS

Car owner Jack Roush has had his share of success on intermediate speedways, but his streak of winning seven times in nine years at Homestead-Miami is arguably one of the best. Kurt Busch won the organization’s first Cup race at the track in 2002 before Greg Biffle won three straight from 2004-06. That was part of a five-year streak that saw Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards go to victory lane in ’07 and ’08, respectively. Edwards eventually capped the run by winning for a second time in 2010. Since then, Roush has celebrated NASCAR Xfinity Series championships at the track, twice with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2011 and 2012, and once with Chris Buescher in 2015.

CUSTER ANOTHER HOMESTEAD WINNER

Homestead-Miami Speedway is sure to bring back good memories for Cole Custer, who earned his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory at Homestead in 2017. Custer, who narrowly missed advancing to the Championship 4 one week earlier, dominated the finale as he led 182-of-200 laps. This will mark his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at the track and he’s still looking for his first top 20 finish. Custer had four top-10 runs in six career NXS events and had an average finish of 6.2.

MAYER AND HOMESTEAD

Haas Factory Team driver Sam Mayer will be making his first start at Homestead-Miami Speedway with his new team, but he’s already produced a solid body of work at the facility. One of his seven career series wins came at HMS in 2023 and in three career starts, he has finished fifth, first and ninth. That works out to an average finish of 5.0. The 2025 season has gotten off to a good start for Mayer, who has four top-10 runs in the first five races and stands third in the overall point standings.

BURTON AND HOMESTEAD

Harrison Burton and his AM Racing team have registered three top-10 finishes in their first five events together, including an eighth-place run last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Burton, who has one of his four career series wins at Homestead-Miami Speedway (2020), comes into this weekend’s event 13th in points. He has four career NXS starts at the track and has finished 10th or better three times. This will mark his first series appearance since 2021.

MAJESKI AND CRAFTON CONSISTENT AT HOMESTEAD

Defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion and current points leader Ty Majeski has made four starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway and has four top-10 finishes, including a victory in 2022. Majeski, who has an average finishing position of 5.5 at the track, capitalized on fuel issues from some of his competitors last season to finish second. Three-time champion Matt Crafton has also had his share of success at HMS, posting a win and 14 top-10 finishes in 23 starts. He has finished ninth or better in nine of the last 10 events at the track and has a career finishing average of 10.1.

FORD’S NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

2002 – Kurt Busch

2004 – Greg Biffle

2005 – Greg Biffle

2006 – Greg Biffle

2007 – Matt Kenseth

2008 – Carl Edwards

2010 – Carl Edwards

2018 – Joey Logano

FORD’S NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS

AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

1995 – Dale Jarrett

1998 – Jeff Burton

2003 – Kasey Kahne

2006 – Matt Kenseth

2008 – Carl Edwards

2013 – Brad Keselowski

2017 – Cole Custer

2020 – Chase Briscoe (2)

FORD’S NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

1996 – Dave Rezendes

1997 – Kenny Irwin Jr.

1998 – Rick Crawford

1999 – Mike Wallace

2006 – Mark Martin

2017 – Chase Briscoe

Haas Factory Team, Cole Custer Announce Two Race Partnership with Autodesk for Homestead-Miami and Sonoma

By
Official Release
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[KANNAPOLIS, NC] – Haas Factory Team announced Tuesday that Autodesk will serve as the primary sponsor for its No. 41 Ford Mustang and driver Cole Custer for two NASCAR Cup Series races this season.

Autodesk’s 2025 debut will be this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and they will also adorn the hood at Sonoma Raceway (July 13). The company previously sponsored Custer from 2020 to 2022 in the NASCAR Cup Series, and in 2024 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

For four decades, Autodesk has worked together with its customers to transform how things are design and made. Autodesk solutions span many industries empowering innovators everywhere. Autodesk’s vision is that a car’s performance should inspire the method of its manufacture, a city’s infrastructure can predict the unpredictable, and better worlds can be built through the power of storytelling. Autodesk Fusion is the product of Autodesk’s commitment to empowering the manufacturing industry with innovative solutions that drive efficiency, sustainability, and excellence.

About Haas Factory Team:
The Haas Factory Team is a NASCAR Cup and Xfinity program owned by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. Starting in 2025, the team will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the NASCAR Cup Series, while Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer take on the Xfinity Series in the No. 00 and No. 41 Ford Mustangs, respectively. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the Haas Factory Team reflects a commitment to performance and engineering excellence, carrying forward Gene Haas’s commitment to motorsports.

About Autodesk:
Autodesk is a leader in software solutions for the architecture, engineering, and construction, design and manufacturing, and media and entertainment industries. Autodesk’s comprehensive portfolio of products empowers innovators to design and create a better world. Autodesk’s software enables professionals to visualize, simulate, and analyze their ideas, driving efficiency, creativity, and sustainability.

About Autodesk Fusion:
Autodesk Fusion is a cloud-based 3D CAD, CAM, CAE, PCB and PDM tool for product development. Autodesk Fusion combines industrial and mechanical design, simulation, collaboration, and machining in a single package. Fusion helps users to seamlessly connect the entire product development process in one cloud-based platform, enabling teams to work together more efficiently and bring products to market faster.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB INTEGRATES NIX BIOSENSORS’ PERSONALIZED HYDRATION TECHNOLOGY FOR OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE

By
Official Release
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In a sport where every second counts, the partnership will optimize performance for drivers and pit crew athletes, by providing real-time hydration monitoring

STATESVILLE, N.C. (March 18, 2025) – Nix Biosensors, the leading provider of cutting-edge hydration monitoring technology is proud to announce its partnership with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB as the Official Hydration Biosensor Supplier. This collaboration will provide both drivers and pit crew athletes with advanced hydration insights, optimizing endurance, reaction time, and overall performance in one of the most physically demanding sports.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, home to legendary NASCAR champions Jimmie Johnson and Richard Petty as well as rising stars like Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek, understands that success on race day is a team effort. While drivers battle heat and fatigue inside the car, pit crews execute precision work in just seconds, where every movement is critical. Dehydration can lead to slower reaction times, diminished strength, and impaired decision-making—factors that can make or break a race.

Through this partnership, Nix Biosensors will equip LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s pit crew and drivers with its cutting-edge, non-invasive hydration biosensor. The wearable sensor analyzes sweat in real-time, offering instant feedback on hydration levels, allowing the team to proactively manage fluid intake and maintain peak performance.

“Pit crews are elite athletes,” said Meridith Cass, Founder & CEO of Nix Biosensors. “They train rigorously, execute under immense pressure and in extreme environmental conditions, and their ability to perform at the highest level directly impacts race results. Even a one-second delay in a pit stop can mean the difference between winning and losing. With our hydration biosensor, we’re giving the team the data they need to stay sharp, strong, fast, and safe.”

Pit crews endure extreme physical exertion—lifting heavy tires, operating impact wrenches, and rapidly executing split-second maneuvers—all while wearing fireproof suits in ambient temperatures that often exceed 90°F. Research has shown that an athlete at just 2% dehydration can lose up to 10% of their performance. Maintaining proper hydration can improve muscle function, reduce fatigue, and sharpen cognitive performance, all of which are vital for pit crews striving to shave even fractions of a second off a stop.

“Hydration plays a massive role in keeping our team at peak performance,” said Chris Hall, Director of Pit Crew Operations. “Whether it’s Jimmie Johnson behind the wheel or our pit crew jumping over the wall, we need everyone operating at their absolute best. By working with Nix Biosensors, we can take a scientific approach to hydration, helping our entire team push the limits and gain a competitive edge.”

This partnership underscores LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s commitment to innovation and athletic performance across the entire team—on the track and on pit road.

For more information about Nix Biosensors and its revolutionary hydration technology, visit www.nixbiosensors.com.

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.

Two New M1 Racecars Entries Join TA2 Field

By
Official Release
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Guthrie’s Garage Outfits No. 2 Camaro for Veteran Title Contender Mike Skeen; Troy Benner Autosport To Run No. 00 Camaro for Pro-Am Driver Jared Odrick

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (March 17, 2025) – A pair of new M1 Racecars entries have joined the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series field for the remainder of the 2025 season beginning with this weekend’s Mission Foods Road Atlanta SpeedTour at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Veteran road racer and 2020 TA2 Series champion Mike Skeen, who drove to a runner-up finish from his record-setting pole qualifying position in the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro for TeamSLR during last month’s season-opening weekend at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway, will continue his quest for a second series title in the No. 2 Guthrie’s Garage Chevrolet Camaro for team owner Jim Guthrie.

Meanwhile, Jared Odrick, whose first full season of TA2 competition in 2024 resulted in a fourth-place finish in the final Pro-Am Challenge-class standings, moves to M1 Racecars equipment for the remainder of the season in the No. 00 Black Underwear Chevrolet Camaro campaigned by Troy Benner Autosport. Odrick opened this season with a third-place Pro-Am Challenge finish in the Feb. 22 race at Sebring.

“Obviously, I hate to see Jim (Guthrie) injuring his shoulder to where he can’t run himself – that’s kind of a bummer – but it’s neat to partner together and try to go win a championship with Mike Skeen driving. That’ll be fun, and our guys are excited about it,” said Scott Lagasse Jr., co-owner of TeamSLR and chassis manufacturer M1 Racecars. “And Jared, he’s such a likable, good person, and you can’t help but appreciate that elite level of a professional athlete and the work ethic that goes along with it. He’s going to be a lot of fun to work with over the coming years.”

Skeen, the 38-year-old from Durham, North Carolina, drove for TeamSLR for just the second time at last month’s Sebring event but is thoroughly familiar with M1 Racecars equipment. He competed in the chassis during his tour of duty with Peterson Racing in 2022 and 2023, making 12 starts driving a part-time TA2 schedule. He scored back-to-back victories for Peterson in the 2022 races at Road Atlanta and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California, among his five podium finishes in 2022 and 2023. He’s an 11-time TA2 winner in 36 career starts dating back to 2011.

“I am really appreciative of Jim Guthrie stepping up to put me in his car for this year,” said Skeen, who swept the 2020 season-ending weekend doubleheader at Road Atlanta for his fifth and sixth victories of that championship campaign. “Being able to put this program together in partnership with TeamSLR will make it really productive for everyone. I can’t wait to get to Road Atlanta, where I’ve had a really good record of success in the past. I’d love to reward Guthrie’s Garage with a win right off the bat.”

Odrick, the 37-year-old from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, who played seven seasons with the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars from 2010 through 2016, took delivery of his M1 Racecars equipment after the Sebring season opener and put it right to work during the March 8-9 SCCA Hoosier Super Tour weekend doubleheader at Road Atlanta, scoring GT2-class victories from the pole in both races.

“From a purely car standpoint, one of the things that has stood out to me about the M1 is its ability to put the power down in a balanced manner,” Odrick said. “From an overall standpoint, it’ll be nice to work with TeamSLR in gaining information that will be pertinent to my development and the development of the car. It’s part of what you’re offered when you purchase one of their cars, and I’m looking forward to developing as a driver. As I’ve gotten to know Scotty, what I really appreciate is that he’s not here to purely stroke your ego but to challenge you, so that’s what I’m looking forward to probably the most.”

The two entries bring to five the total number of M1 Racecars that will be part of the 36-car TA2 field at Road Atlanta. TeamSLR’s Tristan McKee, Barry Boes and Rob Clifton will be behind the wheel of the Nos. 28, 27 and 8 Chevrolet Camaros, respectively. Taking the weekend off in their 2025 part-time TA2 schedule in M1 Racecars equipment are Peterson Racing’s Austin Green, who opened the season with a third-place finish at Sebring, and team owner Doug Peterson.

“Overall, we’re pretty proud of who we have in the M1 cars right now, a lot of guys at a lot of different levels and a lot of different places on the learning curve,” Lagasse said. “It’s a lot of fun for us because it’s a really solid, meshed group. I see a lot of good competitive rivalry, but a lot of friendships there to help each other in that process.”

This weekend’s Mission Foods Road Atlanta SpeedTour kicks off with a pair of TA2 test sessions Friday, followed by practice and qualifying Saturday, and Sunday’s 40-lap, 75-minute race set for 1:45 p.m. EDT with live video streaming coverage provided by new series broadcast partner Speed Sport 1, as well as the Trans Am channel on YouTube.

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

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