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CHEVROLET NCS AT COTA: Connor Zilisch Media Availability Quotes

By
Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2025

 Connor Zilisch, driver of the No. 87 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet and the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media onsite at Circuit of The Americas to preview his doubleheader race weekend and his first career NASCAR Cup Series start in Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix.

Media Availability Quotes:

Connor, you made your first NASCAR National Series start here at COTA in the Truck Series, where you won the pole and ultimately posted a top-five. Now you’re back, this time in the Xfinity Series, and we know you’ve had success on road courses after winning your debut in the series up at Watkins Glen. So, can you kind of talk to us about your feelings or perhaps excitement heading into this weekend?

“Yeah, it’s going to be a really cool weekend for me, getting to make my Cup Series debut with Red Bull back in NASCAR. Yeah, I’m really excited to see what, you know, Sunday is all about and learn from all the guys who are so seasoned and professional. There’s a lot of cool guys that I’m getting to race against and learn from this weekend. So, excited for that and excited to hopefully, you know, have a really good run in the Xfinity car and maybe lock ourselves into the playoffs in our Weather Tech Chevrolet.”

How much are you looking to gain respect from the veterans out there and show them that — hey, you know, I’m an accomplished racer. I can walk the track and you don’t have to worry about beating someone out there?

“Yeah, it’s really important to gain respect from those guys, you know, as early as possible. You don’t want to go out and make a fool of yourself because once you lose respect of all the veterans, it’s really tough to get it back. So, you definitely want to race them the right way at first and, you know, show them that you’re going to race them with respect. I think if you do that, they’ll give it back to you.

So, that’s definitely the plan. I’ll try and stick by it as best I can. But it can be tough for us sometimes, you know, with pressure and just everything involved. It’s a lot tougher than people realize, but obviously the goal is to show those guys that I’m here to show them respect and, you know, not step outside my boundaries.”

It doesn’t seem like you’re too nervous.. maybe you’re hiding it well. But is it part of that that you didn’t grow up with this being the goal? Like, does it help that it wasn’t some lifelong quest and you’re finally here and what you’re feeling is in the moment? Is that playing into that at all.. why are you approaching this in sort of like a more excited, it’s as cool as just riding down the highway?

“I wouldn’t say that’s necessarily why, but the biggest thing for me is to just not let any moment be too big. You know, it’s important to kind of just treat every race the same, whether it’s, you know, a Cup Series race or whether it’s a local late model race, right? You want to prepare. Maybe you’re going to do more to prepare yourself for a race like this and do more to make sure that you’re ready to show up and race on Sunday. But I feel like, for me, I try and just treat every race the same. It’s easy to get in your own head when you’re thinking — oh my gosh, this is such a big stage, this is crazy.

You know, it’s better to just kind of treat it like another race, and I think that’s what works best for me. I think it’s different for everybody, but it’s easy for me to get in my own head if I try to tell myself — oh my gosh, this moment’s so big. I’ll tend to make more mistakes if I do that.”

So how do you shove it out? Like, when that stuff starts to creep in, how are you like — nah, I’m not going to go there?

“Man, it’s so internally, you know, it’s something that you just kind of have to do yourself, right? You can’t let outside noise affect the way you prepare; the way you compete and the way you think. It’s just kind of got to be the way you are, right? You got to show up to the track and understand that there’s going to be a lot of noise around you, and there’s going to be a lot of lights, and you know, it’s going to be a big stage. But you kind of just got to let it, you know, not get to you and not affect you. Just treat it like any other race.”

You’ve had a lot thrown at you over the last year. Now, you’re 18 years old and about to make your Cup Series debut. So how do you handle all of this, I guess, I don’t know if it’s PR pressure or career pressure or racing pressure, but how do you handle all that and sit here so cool, calm and collective like — I’m just ready to go to another race because this isn’t just another race, this is the Cup Series..

“Yeah, no, I mean, it is crazy, right? There’s been obviously moments where I’ve kind of let the best, you know, let me get the best of myself and think — oh my gosh, this is pretty crazy. But, you know, if you get too excited in the moment and you hype yourself up too much, that’s when nerves start to become a thing, and I’m really bad with nerves. Like, when I’m nervous and, you know, I’m amped up, I just don’t perform. I struggle. So the best thing for me to do is just, you know, act like this is just any other race. And I think one thing that helps me is I feel like I’ve competed in a lot of big races already. I’ve had a lot of big moments. You know, I remember for my Truck Series debut, it was tough for me, right? I had all the nerves get to me and made way too many mistakes. And then I went to the Xfinity debut and just kind of went out there and, you know, did what I do to do, and it worked out well for me. So I’m kind of coming into this weekend with the same attitude and, you know, just going to go out there and run the best race that I know I can run, and whatever result comes is what happens.”

Has anyone helped you with that?

“Yeah, Josh Wise would have to be my biggest mentor. You know, I go to him for anything.. whether it be, you know, relationship advice or how to drive through a corner, right? It’s good to have someone like that at my age, who I can go to and can always give me a non-biased answer no matter what it’s about. So I definitely am fortunate to have not only Josh, but a lot of people in my corner who are willing to give me those, you know, non-biased answers, whether it’s what I want to hear or what it’s not what I want to hear.”

What are your expectations going into Sunday?

“Yeah, it’s hard to set expectations when you haven’t done it before, right? The car is new. I’m racing against probably 25 drivers I’ve never raced against before. Yeah, there’s a lot of variables that I just don’t know. So for me, setting expectations is really tough, right? I don’t want to set a goal of, you know, I want to go out and finish top-five, and then I get a speeding penalty or, you know, my pit crew has a loose tire and I finish 15th because of something out of my doing, right? Because then I’ll be upset, you know, that I didn’t meet my goal.

But for me, my expectation is I expect to be, you know, reasonably fast. I expect there to be — I don’t want to say that I’m going to be really fast, but I do expect to not be way off on speed. But the biggest thing is going to be execution on Sunday and making the most of the race and not making mistakes. You know, if the pit road speed is 50, expect me to be doing 48, right? I’m not going to be pushing the limit. You know, I just want to take it easy and make sure I run all the laps and don’t get a penalty. That’s going to be the biggest thing when it comes to the race. But I feel like when it comes to speed, I feel confident in myself that I’ll be able to run fast enough laps to be at the front.”

How important is your mentality for the Xfinity Series race, knowing you’ve had DNF’s the last two weeks?

“Yeah, it’s really important. It’s been a tough year so far and it’s important to get the momentum kind of swinging back in the right direction, and there’s no better place to do it than a road course for me. So, yeah, it’s crucial this weekend to have a mistake-free weekend; execute all day and hopefully have at least a good enough run to get us moving in the right direction in the point standings. And if we could lock ourselves in, even better.

But, yeah, it’s been a frustrating year to this point. But at the end of the day, it’s a 33-weekend schedule, so I’m not really worried yet. But, you know, a few more of those DNFs and you start to worry.”

How much have you prepared for this weekend?

“Yeah, that’s something that — you know, this answer might be surprising, but I try not to overdo it, right? I don’t want to confuse myself. I don’t want to overthink it. I don’t want to, you know, go in and study so much that I drown myself in this. You know, I feel like I have a good baseline off of what I learned in the Truck race last year here. The Cup car in the sim.. I’ve done quite a bit. You know, I’ve probably done 10 hours.. eight to 10 hours in the last three weeks of that. So, you know, I feel like I’m prepared. And I’ve gone back and watched the race. I’ve watched some in-car footage, and, you know, done the basic stuff. But for me, I don’t want to drown myself in past races because, you know, maybe something’s different this year, right? Maybe we show up and the asphalt is crazy more grippy. I don’t want to overconsume myself with information and overload myself, and then, you know, show up for practice and it’s way different and I’m freaking myself out. So, I kind of give myself a guideline of, you know, a checklist for practice. A checklist for the race.. things that I want to achieve and things I want to do. But I don’t overload myself with information prior to the event because you never know what could change.”

I’m just wondering, if you find yourself late in the stages near the front, do you think the veteran drivers around you are looking for ways to exploit, say, your inexperience, or just the fact that, you know, you may not have been able to move forward and they’ll be looking for ways to get in your head?

“Yeah, I mean, when it comes to the race, I definitely think they’re going to try and exploit my inexperience, you know, no doubt. But I do think that that’s going to be part of being a rookie, right? They are going to expect me to make mistakes. So, they’re going to try and force the mistakes, and that’s one thing that I’ve definitely focused on is not allowing that to happen, right? Don’t let people force mistakes and don’t let them make me do things I don’t want to do. You know, if I go out and do what I know to do and treat it like there’s a short track racer behind me that I’ve raced at Hickory Motor Speedway and, you know, not Kyle Busch or Kyle Larson, then it’ll probably help me. So, yeah, just like I said, I’m going to try and treat this like any other race. And, you know, I feel like I’ve not been exploited on these road courses to this point. It’s different on ovals, but, you know, I feel like I have a good feeling of what I need to do come Sunday.”

Is it overstating to say that whoever is figuring out 6A, 6B, or whatever they’re calling it, is going to be in the driver’s seat for this race? I mean, is it just that important, those two turns, or is it just another part of the course that they’re going to figure out?

“Yeah, I mean, it’s definitely going to be important. The guy who wins the race has got to be good everywhere. I don’t think it’s going to be the case of they’re going to be really good in 6A, 6B and give it up the rest of the track. I feel like it’s going to be just like any other road course we go to. You know, you’re going to have to figure it out quickly, and you’re going to have to be good everywhere to win especially come Sunday. It’s tough to win these races and you’ve got to be really fast everywhere. And I think it’s going to be important to understand how restarts will work there. 6A is really wide on entry, so, you know, expect a lot of chaos there. And the exit’s really tight, as well. So, I’m curious to see what the race is like. I’m glad I get Saturday to kind of get a feel for it and understand what that is like. But, yeah, come Sunday, I mean, it’s going to be whoever’s the best and makes the least amount of mistakes.”

About General Motors

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

Chip Ganassi: The charter system ‘makes these teams be a viable business’

By
Tucker White
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SEBRING, Fla. - FEBRUARY 19: Alex Palou (L) of Chip Ganassi Racing and Scott McLaughlin (R) of Team Penske chat during IndyCar testing at Sebring Raceway on Feb. 19, 2025, in Sebring, Florida. Photo: Chris Owens/Penske Entertainment

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The green flag drops on a new season of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Sunday. With a new season comes changes, in the form of a new series president, a new U.S. broadcast partner and a charter system.

To one of IndyCar’s longtime stalwarts, Chip Ganassi, the charter system “makes these teams be a viable business.”

“If you have strong teams, you’re going to have a strong series,” he said. “It just trickles down from there. You’ll have strong races and you’ll be on solid footing on a worldwide basis.”

In many ways, IndyCar’s charter system the league announced a few weeks after the end of the 2024 season mirrors the charter system used in the NASCAR Cup Series. It guarantees a starting spot for 25 of the 27 entries in each NTT INDYCAR Series race (the last two spots available for “open teams”). This doesn’t apply to the Indianapolis 500, despite some owners wishes to include it.

The reasons for implementing it mirror those on the NASCAR side: It gives teams a means to sell the entire operation rather than bits and pieces, as Michael Waltrip Racing did a decade ago. It also makes attracting sponsors much easier when you’re guaranteed entry to all but one event on the calendar.

“I think it’s a great thing,” Ganassi said. “I’ve said before, I thought — maybe that’s something that doesn’t translate down to fans per se. I don’t know that it’s a fan-centric decision by the series, but it’s something that the team owners badly need, to have a solid — again, this goes back to my earlier comments about being a viable business.”

While it may conjure up bad memories of the infamous 25-8 rule that led to the IRL-CART split in the mid-1990s, it’s highly unlikely to happen again. There’s not a second series in the equation, and the aforementioned Indy 500 is excluded from a guaranteed starting spot.

“The charter agreement, to me, is the single-most important piece for the future of the series,” Michael Shank, team owner of Meyer Shank Racing, told Forbes. “I’m grateful that we all came together on this and thank the Roger Penske group for working with the team owners for getting it done.”

RCR Race Preview: Circuit of The Americas

By
Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Circuit of The Americas… Richard Childress Racing has eight NASCAR Cup Series starts at Circuit of The Americas, earning two top-five and five top-10 finishes. Kyle Busch holds the organization’s best result of second (2023). Additionally, RCR has one pole position at the Austin, Texas road course, with Tyler Reddick earning the honor during the track’s inaugural Cup Series race in 2021. This weekend’s event will be the first time NASCAR will utilize the “National Course” layout, which features a 2.3-mile course length and 20 turns.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Circuit of The Americas… Richard Childress Racing has seven starts in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition at Circuit of The Americas, owning a pair of second-place finishes by Austin Hill (2022, 2024). The Welcome, North Carolina-based team has also collected three additional top-10 results.

Did You Know? 2025 marks the second consecutive season that Richard Childress Racing has won the first two races of the Xfinity Series season. RCR is the first organization to win the opening pair with two different drivers.

Chasing 100… Richard Childress Racing’s Xfinity Series program currently sits at 99 wins and will become only the third team in series history to reach the 100 win milestone with their next victory.

Catch Saturday’s Action… The Focused Health 250 at Circuit of The Americas will be televised live on Saturday, March 1 at 2:30 p.m. ET on The CW. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Friday afternoon’s practice and qualifying sessions will be shown for free on The CW App.

Follow Sunday’s Action… The EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas will be televised on Sunday, March 2 at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX. The live radio broadcast can be heard on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Saturday morning’s practice and qualifying sessions will air live on Prime Video.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet at Circuit of The Americas… Austin Dillon has made four NASCAR Cup Series starts at Circuit of The Americas, posting a best finish of 10th in 2022. Last season at the Austin, Texas road course, the North Carolina native showed speed, gained stage points, and had a strong race before a late-race incident.

BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Teams Up with Dillon… Dillon and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing team will be supported by BREZTRI AEROSPHERE®, an AstraZeneca product, at Circuit of The Americas. This partnership is about more than just racing. You can learn more about Dillon and his family’s personal connection to the brand at Breztri.com. AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases, and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide.

Winchester Safes, Based in Texas… With a long-standing commitment to protecting legacies, Winchester Safes is honored to stand alongside Winchester Ammunition in supporting timeless racing tradition and its fan base. Winchester Safes, the most trusted name in safe innovation and reliability, operates with a remarkable unit capacity of over 1 million safes per year and is strategically located in Texas to offer a significant cost advantage to any shipping point across the United States.

Meet Dillon… Before the green flag on Sunday, March 2, fans will have the opportunity to meet Dillon in the Fan Zone at Circuit of The Americas. At 11:00 a.m. CT, the veteran racer is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:

What are your thoughts on the Circuit of The Americas?

“COTA is an exciting and technically challenging track to race on. This year with the track configuration changing a little bit, it’s going to create excitement. I feel like the keys to the race will be having good pit stops and keeping our No. 3 BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet clean. We’ll have to get through the chaos that Turn 1 has caused in the past.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet at Circuit of The Americas… Sunday’s 95-lap race at Circuit of The Americas will mark Kyle Busch’s fifth career NASCAR Cup Series start at the Austin, Texas road course. Busch has one top-five and three top-10s in his previous starts in the premier series. Additionally, the veteran racer has led 12 laps, posted an average starting position of 11 and an average finishing position of 12.3, and completed 100 percent (266 of 266) of the laps competed.

Road Course Prowess… Busch has 58 career road course starts at NASCAR’s highest level and has racked up four wins (two at Sonoma Raceway and two at Watkins Glen International), 20 top-five and 31 top-10 finishes. The Las Vegas, Nevada native has additionally earned two poles and has led a total of 430 laps.

Previous Winner… In his lone NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Circuit of The Americas, Busch started from the pole and led 35 of 46 laps, en route to securing the victory.

Introducing KB 108… Earlier this week, Rebel Bourbon announced the limited-edition release of Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon. Every barrel was selected by the two-time Cup Series Champion and bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV) in honor of Rebel’s partnership with RCR. Every bottle’s front label includes prominent placement of the unique barrel number selected by Busch, plus the bourbon’s proof and “aged since” date details. The distinctive label also includes Busch’s signature, number, and the RCR logo.

About Luxco… Founded in St. Louis in 1958 by the Lux Family, Luxco is a leading producer, supplier, importer and bottler of beverage alcohol products. Our mission is to meet the needs and exceed the expectations of consumers, associates and business partners. Merged with MGP Ingredients, Inc. in 2021 (Nasdaq: MGPI), Luxco operates as MGP’s Brands Division and manages all MGP/Luxco brands. This extensive and award-winning spirits portfolio includes well-known brands from four distilleries: Bardstown, Kentucky-based Lux Row Distillers, home of Ezra Brooks, Rebel, Blood Oath, David Nicholson and Daviess County; Lebanon, Kentucky-based Limestone Branch Distillery, maker of Yellowstone Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Minor Case Straight Rye Whiskey and Bowling & Burch Gin; Jalisco, Mexico-based Destiladora Gonzalez Lux, producer of 100% agave tequilas, El Mayor, Exotico and Dos Primos; and Ross & Squibb Distillery in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, where Remus Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rossville Union Straight Rye Whiskey are produced. The innovative and high-quality brand portfolio also includes Penelope Bourbon, Everclear Grain Alcohol, Pearl Vodka, Saint Brendan’s Irish Cream, The Quiet Man Irish Whiskey, Green Hat Gin and other well-recognized brands. For more information about the company and its brands, visit luxco.com.

Meet the Driver… On Sunday, March 2 at 11:30 a.m. CT, Busch is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler, located in the Fan Zone at Circuit of the Americas. Immediately following at 12:05 p.m. local time, the Las Vegas native will make an appearance at the Rebel Bourbon display in the Fan Zone.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

You’re going to Circuit of The Americas with a reduced track length. What do you think the changes will do to the racing action?

“I don’t know, I think you will lose a couple passing zones. You lose Turn 11, all the way up at the top. You lose coming down into Turn 12 after the long straightaway. I don’t think going into Turn 6 is going to be a passing zone. It’s really tight. I mean, sure – guys are going to try and throw it in and pass there, but it’s a 90 degree corner. It’s going to be slower and sharper than the frontstretch at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL, when you come down into the turn on the front straightaway. As you come back onto the back straightaway, the corner is kind of a flowy corner, so I don’t think you’ll get much two-wide racing through there. Trying to setup something on that little short shoot before Turn 12 is going to be tricky to say the least, because you want to be on the inside for that corner but the next two corners you’re going to want to be on the outside. So I don’t know, I feel like we lost two and didn’t gain any. We’ll see how that transpires and what it looks like. But being a shorter course and not having that long straightaway in Turn 12, you’re going to get less separation from all those other cars around you. It’s going to be more Martinsville-esque with cars staying closer together and probably a little bit more pushing and shoving. I’m sure that’s what the fans will certainly enjoy.”

You have three top-10s at Circuit of The Americas, including a runner-up finish two years ago. But the good storyline could be the celebration in Victory Lane because you have Rebel Bourbon on your Chevrolet this weekend.

“Oh absolutely. You guys haven’t seen that car on track yet, but it’s pretty awesome. They incorporated the ‘Rowdy black’ into it, and also the bourbon barrel. It looks similar to the helmet I have. I’m really impressed with the team at Rebel Bourbon. All of our partners do a great job with their promotions and the things they do behind the scenes. We’ve been really excited to have as many partners as we do have at RCR and having all of our races sold really means a lot. Appreciate Rebel coming back and actually picking up another race this year – along with zone, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Lucas Oil. All of the partners that make our season as strong as we can be. Definitely want to get the Rebel Bourbon team a win.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Circuit of The Americas… Jesse Love has one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Circuit of The Americas, coming behind the wheel of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet last season. In 2024, the 20-year-old started from the 14th position, showed speed throughout the entire race, and finished in sixth-place. Love also competed in three endurance racing events at the Austin, Texas circuit in 2023.

Did You Know? With his pole position last week at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Love is now the fifth driver in series history to win three poles in his first three starts at a track. The last driver to accomplish this feat was Austin Dillon at Kentucky Speedway – with crew chief Danny Stockman calling the shots.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Meet Love… On Saturday, March 1 at 10:25 a.m. CT, Love and his teammate Austin Hill will sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Circuit of The Americas. Swing by to get new No. 2 gear and meet the young gun.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

What are your thoughts returning to Circuit of The Americas?

“I enjoy road course racing, and I think I’m pretty good at it. I enjoy racing at COTA and it’s probably my best road course, but the new configuration is going to be a learning process for every driver in the field. I have a decent amount of laps there compared to other road courses we’ll go to this season though. With those laps under my belt, I know the intricacies of the place, so I know what needs to be done behind the wheel instead of guessing. Leading into this weekend, I’ve watched a lot of film and worked with Josh Wise and Scott Speed. I feel like it’s an easy way to set yourself apart when you know more than the guy next to you. It matters more on a road course compared to an oval.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet at Circuit of The Americas… Austin Hill has three career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Circuit of The Americas, posting a best finish of second twice (2022, 2024). Last season, Hill started from the 11th position and was in contention for the race win before late-race contact with another competitor resulted in a second-place effort. The Winston, Georgia native also has one NASCAR Truck Series start at the Austin, Texas facility, earning a ninth-place finish in 2021.

Did You Know? Both of Hill’s runner-up finishes on road courses came in his three Xfinity Series starts at Circuit of The Americas. The 30-year-old is the only driver in Saturday’s field that finished inside the top-five last season.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5… Hill now has five Xfinity Series victories at his hometrack of Atlanta Motor Speedway, as the racer captured his fifth win in the last six races at the Hampton, Georgia facility. The series veteran qualified in the second position, led a total of 146 of 163 laps (the most he’s ever led in a single race), and spent 155 laps inside the top-two and all laps inside the top-four.

Record Books… With his victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hill is the all-time series leader of laps led on drafting tracks (734) and tied for the all-time series lead with eight drafting track wins (tied with NASCAR Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt and Tony Stewart).

About Global Industrial… For over 75 years Global Industrial has been the source for industrial equipment and supplies for businesses of all sizes and the public sector. They have been – and continue to be – a leader, and an authority, for supplying industrial-strength equipment that delivers uncompromising quality at an exceptional value with experts who understand the unique needs of our customers.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, March 1 at 10:25 a.m. CT, Hill and his teammate Jesse Love will sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Fan Zone at Circuit of The Americas. Stop by to pick up new No. 21 gear before the green flag waves.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

The course length and layout has changed for this year’s race at Circuit of The Americas. Have you done any simulation and what do you expect from the racing action on Saturday?

“I’ve done a little simulation. The track scan actually just got done not too long ago. I know this track change was something NASCAR asked the drivers about, and they received a lot of feedback in response. I’m not sure where I stand on it just yet, but at the end of the day, this is the hand that we were dealt, and we are going to do our best to figure it out as fast as possible. I think we should have a shot at the race win once again, but the course update is going to change the dynamic for sure. In the past, I thought our car performed very well past Turn 6, through Turn 7, and all the way to Turn 11. Now all of those corners are gone, so we will have to wait and see. We don’t have a ton of practice, so whoever can adapt and learn on the fly is going to succeed. After Friday’s practice and qualifying, we will be studying SMT data and learning all we can before the race on Saturday.”

How would you assess Richard Childress Racing’s Xfinity Series road course program?

“We, as a company, have gotten better at road courses each and every year. In my eyes, we are normally a top-five competitor. I think there are areas that we can still work on with the race car to get it exactly where I want it, but I also think there are things that I can do better as a driver going into these weekends. There are still areas that I need to perfect and work on. With that being said, I do feel that I’ve gotten better behind the wheel each and every year as well. Our No. 21 team has been really close the last several years to winning a road course event, especially at COTA. Last year, we took the white flag with the lead, went down throughout the backside of the racetrack, and ended up getting together with SVG. We at least had a shot at winning the race. I’ve also finished second at COTA to AJ (Allmendinger). One of the things on my list to get done this season is to check the box of winning at a road course in the Xfinity Series. I was able to get it done in the Truck Series, but the Xfinity Series one has alluded me so far.”

AMARILLO DRAGWAY JOINS NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK IN SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION

By
Official Release
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AMARILLO DRAGWAY JOINS NHRA MEMBER TRACK NETWORK IN SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION

AMARILLO, Texas (Feb. 28, 2025) – NHRA officials are pleased to announce Amarillo Dragway has joined the NHRA Member Track Network as part of the NHRA’s South Central Division (Division 4).

Boasting a rich history in the drag racing community, Amarillo Dragway’s decision to become an NHRA Member Track reinforces its commitment to providing a safe, competitive and exciting environment for racers of all levels.

The addition of Amarillo Dragway also marks the ninth track to join the NHRA Member Track Network since the end of last season, adding to the more than 100 NHRA member tracks.

“We’re thrilled to join the NHRA South Central Division and become part of the NHRA family,” Amarillo Dragway Track Manager Jeff Fiedler said. “This partnership will allow us to provide our racers with even more opportunities to compete and grow in the sport of drag racing. We’re looking forward to a successful season and the benefits that this collaboration will bring to our racers and fans.”

Amarillo Dragway will be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA-sanctioned racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events like the NHRA Summit King of the Track and more.

As part of the NHRA Member Track Network, Amarillo Dragway will also have access to NHRA’s extensive support programs, insurance benefits and national marketing platforms. With this new partnership, the facility will play a key role in promoting grassroots NHRA drag racing and fostering a strong community of racers and fans in the area.

“We are excited to welcome Amarillo Dragway back to the NHRA South Central family,” NHRA South Central Division Director Jonathan Johnson said. “Amarillo Dragway was the host of the NHRA World Finals from 1974-1977. They are a great addition to our current track network. We look forward to working with their team to continue fostering the growth of drag racing in the area.”

For more information on upcoming events and programs at Amarillo Dragway, visit https://www.facebook.com/AmarilloDragway/ or www.nhradiv4.com. For more information on NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, visit www.NHRA.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.

Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Docuseries Premieres March 25 on Prime Video

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Official Release
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First to the Finish follows the journey of drivers Heather Hadley and Sally Mott and team owner Shea Holbrook through the exhilarating 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship Season

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2025) — The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin will be the focus of a new docuseries on Prime Video debuting March 25. The premiere date and first trailer were revealed during a private screening Thursday evening in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the series is holding Rounds Three and Four alongside the IndyCar season opener. Titled ‘First to the Finish,’ the series premieres exclusively on Prime Video in North America.

First to the Finish follows the trials and tribulations of drivers Heather Hadley and Sally Mott as they navigate the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season and the non-stop schedule of BSI Racing team owner Shea Holbrook.

With experience creating sports-focused documentaries like Welcome to Wrexham and Cheer, Boardwalk Pictures, the show’s producers, have a keen eye for the struggles and sacrifices athletes make to be the best.

“The Mazda MX-5 Cup gave us a rich backdrop for storytelling,” said Sarina Roma, EVP of Originals at Boardwalk Pictures and executive producer. “We had incredible access to passionate characters competing in a high risk, high reward environment who put their actual lives on the line in pursuit of the checkered flag.”

First to the Finish will feature a behind the scenes look at the stories of Heather, Sally and Shea within Mazda MX-5 Cup. The series will cover the key players’ preparation for each race, the incomparable thrills of racing, as well as in-depth interviews with drivers, pit crews, coaches, owners and family members.

“The Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship is widely regarded as some of the best automotive racing on the planet and predominantly features younger drivers looking to prove themselves.” said Mazda North American Operations, Chief Marketing Officer and executive producer, Brad Audet. “Mazda believes in the power of human potential and supports those who choose to pursue what makes them happy rather than just simply move through life. This series demonstrates the potential these young drivers have and what it looks like when it’s transformed into action.”

The series is executive produced by Andrew Fried, Caitlin McGinty, Dane Lillegard, and Sarina Roma from Boardwalk Pictures, Brad Audet from Mazda North American Operations, and Chet Fenster from GroupM Motion Entertainment. First to the Finish is directed by award-winning director Annetta Marion.

AM Racing | Harrison Burton Circuit of the Americas Xfinity Race Preview

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Official Release
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AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Circuit of the Americas | Focused Health 250

Fast Facts

No. 25 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Harrison Burton
Primary Partner(s): DEX Imaging
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Danny Efland
Spotter: Kevin Hamlin
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. 079
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines

Notes of Interest:

● Junior Journey: AM Racing will embark on its junior year journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 with driver Harrison Burton for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s running of the Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA).

The Statesville, N.C.-based team hopes to expand its footprint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by running two cars throughout the season with its No. 76 AM Racing entry.

● Future Focused: In September, AM Racing announced that NASCAR Cup Series winner Harrison Burton would join the family-owned operation to pilot the team’s No. 25 Ford Mustang, beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opener from Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on February 15, 2025.

Burton, a native of Huntersville, N.C., has been a staple in the NASCAR Cup Series for the past three seasons but will embrace a return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and continue his relationship as a driver of the Ford blue oval.

Burton, 24, arrives on the scene at AM Racing after a 108-race stint driving for the historic Wood Brothers Racing team.

● Best with DEX: DEX (DEX Imaging) will continue its long-standing partnership with Harrison Burton and join AM Racing for several races this season, including Saturday afternoon’s Focused Health 250 at Circuit of the Americas.

DEX Imaging is the largest independent dealer of document imaging technology in the United States. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions in the industry, such as Konica Minolta, Canon, Sharp, Ricoh, Xerox, and Kyocera, with annual revenue exceeding $500 Million.

What makes DEX unique is its people, whose combined knowledge of cutting-edge business technologies and depth of service experience are unmatched. DEX Imaging’s success is directly tied to its mission: to help customers of all sizes drive down document-related expenses while improving productivity.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series Circuit of the Americas Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Focused Health 250 will mark Burton’s second Xfinity Series start at the newly reconfigured 2.3-mile road course.

In his lone Xfinity Series start at the Austin, Texas-based race track, Burton delivered a sixth-place finish after starting 10th in the 2021 running of the Pit Boss 250.

Additionally, the Huntersville, N.C. native does have three Cup Series starts at COTA, delivering a track-best of 17th after starting 19th in the 2022 edition of the EchoPark Automotive Texas Grand Prix driving for Wood Brothers Racing.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering COTA, Burton has 77 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts to his credit with four wins, 26 top-five and 51 top-10 finishes, and a championship best result of eighth, twice in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Burton’s four wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series occurred during the 2020 season. Burton, the son of former NASCAR driver and current television analyst Jeff Burton, captured the checkered flag at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway, Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, respectively.

In addition to the 77 Xfinity Series starts, he has achieved 109 NASCAR Cup Series starts, 40 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts and 52 career starts across the ARCA Menards Series platforms.

● Keep it Rolling: The new combination of Harrison Burton and AM Racing has given the organization the best start to its Xfinity Series program in the team’s young history.

After two races, the team stands sixth in both the driver and owner championship standings and maintains an average finish of eighth with 100 percent of the laps completed.

The team’s finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway marked just the second time in their history that they recorded back-to-back top-10 finishes in NASCAR Xfinity Series competition, since the 2023 season when Brett Moffitt scored top-10 results consecutively at New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Pocono (Pa.) Raceway respectively.

Heading to COTA, Burton is five points behind cousin Jeb Burton for fifth in the Xfinity Series championship standings and 23 markers behind championship leader Austin Hill.

● Atlanta Motor Speedway | Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 Race Recap: The start of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season continued last weekend with the first of two races at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.

Without the benefit of practice, Burton qualified his No. 25 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang solidly into the field in the 19th position.

From the drop of the green flag, Burton quickly maneuvered his blue oval forward through the field and contended for crucial stage points in Stage 1. He finished ninth and collected two stage points along the way.

Despite an ill-handling race car, Burton refused to be denied his second top-10 finish of the season. At times, he was jammed in traffic, but he avoided another last-lap accident to finish 10th.

The finish made Burton and the AM Racing team the only team to finish inside the top-10 together in the opening two races of the season.

● Thanks For Your Support: With the start of the 2025 season underway, AM Racing and Harrison Burton would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: AIRBOX Air Purifier, Castle Products, Dead On Tools, Eagle Rentals, Flying Circle, Mechanix Wear, Morton Buildings, No Days Off Premium Water, Racing Radios, Volt Batteries and WIX Filters.

● From the Pit Box: Veteran race engineer and former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Danny Efland is Harrison Burton’s crew chief.

On Saturday afternoon, he will be crew chief for his seventh career NASCAR Xfinity Series race, his first race at Circuit of the Americas.

In his previous six Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one pole (Daytona International Speedway | February 2016), one top-five and three top-10 finishes.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Harrison Burton, please visit theharrisonburton.com, like his Facebook page (Official Harrison Burton), or follow him on Instagram (@harrisonburton12) and X | Twitter (@hburtonracing).

Harrison Burton Quoteboard:

On Circuit of the Americas: “I am looking forward to Circuit of the Americas this weekend. It is a newly reconfigured course, but I think it should be a track layout that we should be able to capitalize on with our No. 25 DEX Imaging Ford Mustang.

“We’ve had a good start to the season, and as a team, we want nothing more than to continue that ahead of the upcoming west coast swing.”

On Top-10 Finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway: “I am really proud of everyone on this AM Racing team. Getting another top-10 finish came from a lot of hard work. Our car was fast, but it was so hard to get it back when we lost the track position.

“We never gave up, though, and we were able to bring back another top-10 finish. Hopefully, our strong start to the season continues at Circuit of the Americas this weekend.”

On 2025 Season Outlook: “I believe we can turn some heads in 2025. I think our goals and expectations are not only obtainable, but we can execute them well and put this AM Racing team into the Playoffs in 2025.

“We have a lot of people and partners who believe in what we are doing this season, and I’d love nothing more than to deliver AM Racing their first career Xfinity Series win, join the Playoffs and hunt for a championship.

“I believe it’s going to be a fun year.”

Race Information:

The Focused Health 250 (65 laps | 156 miles) is the third of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Practice will occur on Fri., February 28, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag the next afternoon, Sat., March 1, shortly after 1:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. All times are local (CT).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

In its ninth year of competition, the family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events.

Selling Your Car Online? Do This Before Putting It On The Market

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SM
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Selling your car online is the quickest and most effective way to reach potential buyers, but to get the best price and ensure a smooth transaction, you need to consider some additional steps before listing. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential tips, including simple upgrades to help you present your vehicle in the best possible light and attract serious buyers.

Selling your car online

Online sales offer the benefit of reaching a wide audience. You have the flexibility to set your price and manage the entire sale process on your terms. However, as a private seller, your car will likely need to be priced lower than a dealer’s offer due to the perceived risk involved for buyers. 

If your listing isn’t getting much attention, it’s important to compare your car to others with similar specs, mileage, and price to ensure it remains competitive. 

Selling your car to a dealership

On the flip side, selling your car to a dealership is typically quicker and less hassle. 

Dealerships handle all the paperwork, and the sale is usually completed within a day, which is ideal if you’re looking to upgrade or sell quickly. 

However, you may not get as much for your car as you would when selling privately, as dealerships typically offer lower prices to account for their overhead and profit margins.

Must do’s before listing your car online

Take High-Quality Photos

High-quality photos are everything when selling your car online. It ultimately makes a good first impression. 

Capture your car from multiple angles, ensuring you show the exterior, interior, engine bay, and boot. 

If buyers don’t see certain areas, like the engine bay, they might assume you’re hiding something, which can raise doubts—it’s always better to be honest and upfront.

It’s important to present your car clean and tidy; a dirty vehicle with a cluttered interior can give the impression that you’ve neglected it. By taking clear, well-lit photos, you put yourself in good stead for a lucrative sale. 

Avoid crappy buzzwords

Avoid overused and vague buzzwords like “never let me down” or “runs great”. These terms don’t offer real insight into the car’s condition and can come across as unprofessional. 

Instead, focus on providing specific details about the work that has been done on the vehicle, any upgrades or repairs, and any existing faults. Clear, factual descriptions of the car’s condition will attract serious buyers who appreciate transparency and are more likely to engage with your listing.

Be realistic about it’s worth

Pricing your car realistically is one of the most important factors in getting it sold. Often, the reason a car doesn’t sell is because the price is too high. 

A good rule of thumb is to price your car slightly below the average asking price to make it more appealing, especially if you need to sell quickly. 

Be honest with yourself about what you need to get for the car—if the price isn’t right for your budget or if you’re holding out for a certain amount, it may be worth waiting until you can adjust your expectations.

Get it Valeted

Before listing your car for sale, get it valeted if you can. A clean and well-presented car creates a positive first impression and can significantly increase its appeal to potential buyers. 

A thorough valet will remove dirt, stains, and unpleasant odours from both the interior and exterior. When buyers see a spotless car, they’re more likely to see value in it and will feel more confident in making an offer.

Buy some affordable car accessories to finish it off

Adding a few affordable car accessories can help enhance the appeal of your vehicle and make it stand out from the competition. 

Simple upgrades like a fresh set of floor mats can go a long way. Vauxhall car mats, VW car mats, BMW car mats, you name it, they all exist. Just make sure you do a bit of background research on the brand to make sure you’re getting good-quality stuff. 

These accessories don’t have to be expensive, but they can elevate the car’s appearance and create the impression that the car has been cared for. Even just an air freshener can do wonders. 

Get Your MOT Done (if it’s coming up)

Having a valid MOT on your car is a significant selling point, especially if the MOT is due soon. 

If your car’s MOT is close to expiring, it’s worth getting it renewed before putting your car on the market. A fresh MOT can make your car much more attractive to potential buyers, giving them one less thing to worry about.

If you have a fresh MOT done already, list it! It’s a massive point to make in your listing. 

To Conclude

Keep in mind that the car market tends to slow down during the winter and around Christmas, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t sell immediately. However, by following the previously mentioned to-do list—taking high-quality photos, pricing realistically, and presenting your car in its best condition—you’ll be in a strong position when the market picks back up. 

A well-prepared listing can make all the difference, no matter the time of year. For more tips on selling your car, click here. 

FANFEST AT BURNYZZ SPEED SHOP TO HELP KICK OFF AMALIE MOTOR OIL NHRA GATORNATIONALS

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Official Release
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 27, 2025) – As part of the 2025 NHRA Foods Drag Racing Series season kick-off at the 56th annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, NHRA fans will once again be treated to the third annual Gatornationals Kickoff Party and Fanfest at Burnyzz Speed Shop in Ocala on Wednesday March 5 from 6-9 p.m.

The free event offers an epic fanfest to head into one of the biggest events of the year in Gainesville. Featuring a massive car show, live music, food trucks and a driver autograph session from 7-8:30 p.m. that will include NHRA legends and current standouts, the fanfest at the state-of-the-art facility owned by Brittanie Hart and her husband, Top Fuel driver Josh Hart, promises something special to help kick off the 2025 season.

Fans will also get an up-close look at the “Golden Gator” trophy that will be awarded to the winners of Gatornationals.

“This year we have well over 40 drivers signed up to be here, autographing hero cards and items that fans may bring,” said Brittanie Hart co-owner of Burnyzz Speed Shop. “We’re super excited. This is our first year that we’ve had a sponsor for the event. Citizens First Bank reached out, and they just thought that it was such a great event, so they wanted to be a part of it. We have a different charity this year.

“We try to choose a different one each year that we put on this event. So, all funds we raise will be donated to EARS, a local endangered animal sanctuary. We’ll have the live band, about eight food trucks, balloon animals, face painting and tons of cool cars. There will be handmade trophies for the car show. It should be a lot of fun.”

The autograph session will feature more than 30 NHRA drivers, as fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers before the 2025 season kicks off. Drivers include past Gainesville winners Josh Hart, Brittany Force and Jack Beckman, as well as reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock. Also on the roster is NHRA legend and Florida native Don “Big Daddy” Garlits, as well as NHRA drivers Justin Ashley, Jasmine Salinas, Shawn Reed, Cruz Pedregon, Paul Lee, Daniel Wilkerson, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Camrie Caruso, Aaron Stanfield and many more.

In 2024, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), J.R. Todd (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won the Gatornationals to open the year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. Fans will also get to see the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout on Saturday, as eight star drivers take part in the bonus race that promises big money and bragging rights. Antron Brown is the defending winner of the specialty race.

The Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals will see the season debut in the highly competitive Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series and the Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown class, as well as a full slate of sportsman classes in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which features some of the sport’s top drivers.

Race fans at Gainesville Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk, which benefits the Darrell Gwynn Foundation in Gainesville. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners of the season-opener.

The Nitro Alley Stage is a huge attraction all weekend and is the main entertainment hub in the pits when the Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competitors are not on the track, hosting Nitro School, NHRA Insider Live, meet and greets and much more. Before the first round of eliminations on Sunday, fans can enjoy a C-17 flyover from the Mississippi Air National Guard’s 172nd Airlift Wing.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying features two rounds at 2 and 4:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 7, and the final two qualifying rounds on Saturday, March 8 at 12:30 and 3:10 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 9.

The first round of the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout takes place on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. ET and the semifinals are at 2:20 p.m. The finals are slated for 3:30 p.m. A special Callout broadcast will air at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday on FS1.

To purchase tickets to the 2025 Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. General parking is free and limited preferred parking is available for purchase. Get your tickets now for the Top Eliminator Club because these will sell out. For more info on NHRA, including the full weekend schedule in Gainesville, 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.

CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES: Team Chevy St. Petersburg Media Advance

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Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
FIRESTONE GRAND PRIX OF ST. PETERSBURG
STREETS OF ST. PETERSBURG
ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 2, 2025

CHEVROLET ENTERS THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ SEASON-OPENING ST. PETERSBURG RACE PREPARED TO DEFEND ITS NINTH SERIES MANUFACTURER TITLE

Chevrolet Has Captured Nine Wins at St. Petersburg Since 2012, and Looks To Kick Off the Season In Winning Fashion

  • The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opening event takes place on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Team Chevy enters the event looking for their 10th victory as they kick off the drive for a 10th manufacturer title.
  • Chevrolet holds nine victories in the 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era (since 2012) in St. Petersburg along with nine earned NTT P1 Pole Awards.
  • Team Chevy has raced to the podium at St. Petersburg 22 times in the V6 era, with 684 laps led on the 1.8-mile, 14-turn downtown street circuit.
  • Team Penske and Will Power hold the most earned NTT P1 Pole Awards of any Chevrolet driver on the Streets of St. Pete, capturing pole position seven out of 13 events since 2012.
  • Overall, Team Chevy has amassed 122 wins and 135 earned NTT P1 Pole Awards in the V6 era of the Series since 2012, in addition to seven wins and five earned poles in nine races with hybrid technology that was introduced mid-season 2024.

DETROIT (February 27, 2025) – The 2025 season-opening NTT INDYCAR SERIES sees Team Chevy take on the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Fla. After closing out 2024 by capturing a ninth Series Manufactures title, Team Chevy looks to start strong in St. Pete, a track the Bowtie brand has won nine times in 13 events since 2012.

The 1.8-mile, 14-turn street circuit that utilizes the nearby Alfred Whitted Airport tarmac, provides challenges for the field that include a long frontstretch into a tight right-hander, followed by a quick left turn. Last conquering the street circuit for Chevrolet, Pato O’Ward, driving the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, captured the victory after Josef Newgarden, driving the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet, led the field to the green in pole position.

“After a successful 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, we’re certainly looking forward to 2025 with anticipation in the opportunity to compete for a 10th manufacturers title, potentially a fourth-in-a-row,” said Chevrolet INDYCAR Program Manager Rob Buckner. “Heading into the new year, we’re carrying talent, positivity, and momentum, and look forward to a new year with new drivers, welcoming PREMA Racing, and working with our engineers and teams towards a successful 2025. We’re looking forward to getting the season started on track in St. Petersburg.”

St. Petersburg will also provide another street course test of the hybrid technology in competition, first introduced at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last season, and running for the first time on the Streets of St. Petersburg in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Last year, Chevrolet tackled the challenge, racing to victory seven times in nine hybrid technology events.

In 2024, Chevrolet captured 11 victories, including the prestigious 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 by Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden, as well as eight earned NTT P1 Pole Awards and led 1,536 laps of a total turned of 2,551 by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES field. Team Chevy also swept the front row for May’s Indianapolis 500, and the podium in three events last season, including Road America, Iowa 1, and Milwaukee 1.

The season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg kicks off with first practice on Friday, February 28 at 3 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday sees second practice at 10 a.m. ET on FS2, with qualifying airing at 2:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Sunday’s race day opens then with warm-up on FS2 at 9 a.m. ET. The 100-lap, 180-mile main event takes the green flag live with new NTT INDYCAR SERIES partner FOX on Sunday, March 2, live at 12 p.m. ET. All practice and qualifying sessions broadcast with INDYCAR Radio and SiriusXM Channel 218.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

David Malukas, No. 4 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“St. Pete is a great city to start off the season. The weather is amazing and the views are unbeatable. The fan show up is also always fantastic. It would be hard to beat for a season opener! For a street course, it isn’t that bumpy so you get the thrill of close wall to wall action that a street course gives you without the unpleasant bumps! From the fans to the track layout, it is already one of my favorite race tracks on the calendar and better yet, it is the first race back. So, the nerves and energy are at their highest! A successful weekend would be staying out of trouble and getting a good result in the end. Want to make sure to start the season off in the right direction!”

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“I’m very excited to be back with Chevrolet for my third full season with AJ Foyt Racing. After testing in Sebring, I believe Chevrolet has made some awesome improvements and I can’t wait to utilize them at our first round in St. Pete.”

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m pumped to be back in St. Pete for the season opener. This place always brings a great atmosphere and is a perfect spot to kick off the season. Coming back as the defending race winner is awesome, but it just makes us even hungrier to start the season strong and put the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet up front again. We’re looking forward to kicking off the weekend with our car launch before getting back behind the wheel and give it everything we’ve got.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It’s been a busy offseason putting in the work to make sure we come into St. Pete ready to deliver. From all the simulator work to time in the gym and meetings with the crew, we’ve focused on every detail to maximize our performance this season. The car launch will be a cool moment for the team to kick off the weekend before we go racing for the first time, and I just can’t wait to get out there and compete again.”

Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“We’ve been working hard all offseason to be ready for the green flag in St. Petersburg and now it’s finally here. I’m looking forward to kicking off my first race with Arrow McLaren and starting the season strong. We had a quality test at Sebring last week, so I think that’ll help us roll off the truck well into the first session on Friday. I’m looking forward to unveiling our new livery with our partners ahead of the race and kicking off the season the right way.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“It is finally here! After what seemed like a never-ending offseason, it is so nice to finally be able to go racing this weekend. I cannot wait to get to the track and get to work with everyone at ECR and welcome our new partners Java House and Splenda to the track for the first time. The team has had some very strong pace there in the past so we will be looking to capitalize on that and start the season off on a strong note.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I can’t wait to get back on track in St. Pete! It has been a long offseason with limited time in the car, so getting behind the wheel of the No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet will feel incredible. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish. ECR has gone through a lot of changes over the winter, and it’s been great to be part of that evolution. We all believe 2025 will be a step forward from 2024 and St. Pete is where we kick off that upward trajectory for the team!”

Conor Daly, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Obviously, it’s really nice to start the season here in St. Petersburg. One of the marquee events, I think, on our schedule. Such a great city, such a great event. I’ve enjoyed some good races here before, and to be back full-time in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, especially to be with Chevrolet and Juncos Hollinger Racing. After the success we had last year, it’ll feel good to get to start fresh like everyone else and try to assert the season strong.”

Sting Ray Robb, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“I’m really excited for St. Pete. It’s the first time going to be on a street course in quite some time but we had a really good test at Sebring. I was really, really happy with the team so far. It’s been a good integration back into a new team, another Chevy team which is nice. I felt like there was a lot to be gained from that test but still some very familiar things that were at play. No mechanical issues which was awesome. Very, very smooth running throughout that test. I’m excited to see what St. Pete’s like in that scenario if we are still able to challenge forward, but I have good high hopes.”

Robert Shwartzman, No. 83 PREMA Racing Chevrolet:

“It’s finally the first race of the season, and it’s definitely very exciting. We’re going into the unknown. It will be my first time in St Pete, experiencing this track, and it will be new for the team, which is racing for the first time in the series. Everything is going to be kind of a surprise for us, but I’m going to Florida in a happy mood to really enjoy my time there. I don’t want to put any hard expectations. I hope to complete as many laps as possible and gain as much information as possible to be in a good spot in the end. That would be a positive starting point for the rest of the season.”

Callum Ilott, No. 90 PREMA Racing Chevrolet:

“Heading into St. Pete, our first racing weekend as a team together with our competitors. Looking at the tests we had so far, we have been doing everything we can to be prepared for this race. It’s really exciting. I think Sebring was really positive along with the other tests at Thermal or Laguna Seca. I’m happy with how we are shaped up going into it. Hopefully, it’s going to be all swimmingly and good and we are prepared to improve whatever the starting point is. It’s going to be nice and warm down in Florida and It’s a privilege to be heading there with PREMA for the first event.”

Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet:

“The Thirsty Threes have been ready for St. Pete for so long it feels great that it is finally here. We had a ton of momentum at the end of 2024 and it’s time to see how much we can carry over to this year. I can’t think of a better place to get our season started and the DEX Imaging Chevy has been quick there the last few years. Obviously, the move to FOX has created a different level of excitement heading into the start of the season that will only help this sport continue to grow.”

2025 Chevrolet by the Numbers:

9: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

7: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration since mid-2024.

216: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.

122: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.

135: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 140 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.

5: Earned pole in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

9: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.

7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.

13: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

6: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.

35: Number of times Chevrolet has swept the podium in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era. In total, a manufacturer has swept the podium 56 times since 2012.

29: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.

9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.

46: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.

*Will Power’s career total of 70 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.

About General Motors

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

RFK Racing Announces Strategic Corporate Restructuring

By
Official Release
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Veteran Sports Marketing Pro Dawn Turner Named SVP of Brand Strategy, Marketing and Communications

Concord, NC (February 27, 2025) – Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) today announced a strategic corporate restructuring designed to fuel long-term growth. Effective mid-March, RFK will implement key organizational changes within Marketing, Communications and Partner Services.

As part of the restructuring, RFK is adding seasoned integrated marketing and communications executive Dawn Turner as Senior Vice President of Brand Strategy, Marketing and Communications. Turner brings a wealth of experience from Tepper Sports & Entertainment (TSE), the parent company of the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Football Club (MLS), and Bank of America Stadium. Her career also includes stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA), American Airlines, Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and the Pro Bowlers Association (PBA), equipping her with a deep understanding of brand-building, fan and partner engagement across major sports and industries.

“We’re excited to have Dawn on our team,” said RFK President, Steve Newmark. “Her proven track record of enhancing brand identity, fan engagement, and integrated marketing across major sports teams and entertainment properties will be invaluable in strengthening RFK. We’re thrilled to be able to bring in someone with Dawn’s talent, character and experience to help us continue to evolve our sports marketing platform.”

Kevin Woods, with over 20 years of combined experience at the company, will transition from his current position leading the RFK marketing department and will continue to work with RFK as a consultant going forward. In this role, he will continue to support the team’s overall marketing efforts, with a focus on the social/digital and PR/communications areas. From 2001 to 2006, Woods served as the team’s senior account manager, coordinating and executing all facets of communications and marketing strategies for the No. 6 race team and Hall of Famers Mark Martin and Jack Roush. After two years with other organizations, Woods returned to RFK in 2009, where he led the award-winning marketing and communications team to achieve new heights.

“Kevin has been an integral part of RFK for over two decades, shaping our marketing and communications efforts through some of the most pivotal moments in our history,” said Newmark. “His leadership, creativity and deep understanding of the team will continue to be a valuable asset as he transitions to a consulting role. We’re grateful for Kevin’s passion and dedication, and his contributions in helping RFK grow to where it is today.”

Bolstering the goal of servicing its partners and strengthening the overall marketing team, two internal promotions have also been announced. Amanda Palmer has been elevated to Vice President of Marketing Operations and Josh Neely to Vice President of Partner Services.

Palmer joined RFK in 2014 and has handled widespread responsibilities within the team’s retail, licensing and hospitality operations. As Senior Director of Marketing Operations since 2021, she has led all aspects of daily operations of RFK’s hospitality planning and execution, while also supporting partner activation initiatives.

Neely joined RFK in 2020, serving as Senior Director of Partnership Services. He has overseen the design, implementation and execution of sponsor activation programs to ensure that all sponsor objectives are met. Neely is a seasoned veteran in NASCAR who has helped lead and manage integrated marketing strategies in the motorsports industry since 2007.

“Amanda and Josh have been vital to RFK Racing’s success, each playing a key role in elevating our marketing operations and partner relationships,” added Newmark. “These well-deserved promotions reflect their exceptional work and commitment to our growth, and I’m confident they will continue to help drive RFK forward in their new roles.”

Looking ahead, RFK remains focused on servicing its partners, strengthening the organization and winning races.

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

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