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Toyota GAZOO Racing Weekly Preview 2.26.25

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Official Release
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This Week in Motorsports: February 24 – March 2, 2025

  • NCS/NXS: Circuit of the Americas – March 1-2

PLANO, Texas (Feb. 26, 2025) – NASCAR enters its first road course weekend of the 2025 season as the Cup and Xfinity Series head to the Lone Star State and Circuit of the Americas (COTA). This will be the fifth time NASCAR races on the Texas road course, and this year both series will run the shorter, 2.3-mile course compared to the 3.41 miles the sport previously ran the last four years.

NASCAR National Series – NCS/NXS

Five Toyotas in top-13 in points to start 2025 … Toyota GAZOO Racing has had a solid start to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season as five of its nine full-time drivers currently sit inside the top-13 of the series points standings, including Tyler Reddick (third), Bubba Wallace (fifth), John Hunter Nemechek (seventh), Christopher Bell (12th) and Denny Hamlin (13th). Bell is coming off a dramatic win at Atlanta last weekend and Nemechek is one of just two drivers who hold top-10 finishes in both races so far in 2025.

Bell continues top-10 runs … With his victory Sunday in Atlanta, Bell has now secured 13 top-10 finishes in the last 17 Cup Series races, dating back to Indianapolis last July. The Oklahoma native led the Cup Series in top-five (tied at 15) and top-10 (23) finishes last season and has already added his first of such finishes this season. Bell also returns to a favorable COTA circuit this weekend, where he has top-five finishes in half of his starts, including a second-place result last season.

Reddick looks to continue COTA success … COTA is a track that ideally suits Reddick and his driving style. The 23XI Racing driver has had tremendous success at the Texas road course in its four Cup Series races, finishing inside the top-10 in each race, including his win in 2023 – his first triumph with 23XI Racing. Additionally, Reddick has started inside the top-five in all four COTA races, including on the pole position in 2021.

Heim begins part-time Xfinity Series schedule … As a part of last weekend’s announcement, Corey Heim will run select races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season with Sam Hunt Racing that includes this weekend at COTA. The Georgia native makes his Xfinity Series debut at COTA, but was the victor in the Truck Series race a season ago. This weekend marks Heim’s 18th career Xfinity Series start, where he has three top-fives and five top-10s so far.

Herbst returns to a GR Supra … Riley Herbst will be driving the No. 19 GR Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) this weekend, taking on double duty this weekend along with his full-time ride with 23XI Racing in the Cup Series. This will be Herbst’s first Xfinity Series start with Toyota since 2020, as he ran one full-time and two part-time seasons with JGR from 2018-2020. Saturday will also be Herbst’s fifth career Xfinity Series start at COTA, with a career-best finish of 10th in 2023.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for nearly 70 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

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

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

Rebel Bourbon Rolls Out Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon

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Official Release
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One-of-a-kind bourbon release takes the Rebel sponsorship of Richard Childress Racing to a new level

ST. LOUIS (Feb. 26, 2025) – Bardstown, Kentucky-based Rebel Bourbon – the Official Bourbon of Richard Childress Racing – announced the limited-edition release of Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel Bourbon. Every barrel was selected by two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Kyle “Rowdy” Busch and bottled at 108 proof (54% ABV) in honor of Rebel’s sponsorship of RCR.

The new limited-edition release is handcrafted according to Rebel’s original time-honored wheated recipe since 1849 and aged for a full four years to provide robust flavor and a velvety smooth finish with a hint of spice. An allocation of 5,000 cases (6-in) of Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel is available nationwide at a suggested minimum retail price of $39.99 per 750mL bottle.

“We wanted to do something we’ve never done before, in the spirit of living against the grain and doing things your own way, and KB 108 is the perfect answer,” said Philip Lux, Rebel Bourbon brand manager. “Kyle selected every barrel for this one-of-a-kind release with the guidance of Master Distiller John Rempe. Each barrel was hand-bottled, giving each bottle a bit of rebellious character and a flavor profile to match! This special release is made to be enjoyed by collectors and fans of Rebel, Kyle and RCR alike.”

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.

“This sponsorship really is about living life with a rebellious spirit, and I had fun picking barrels on my own terms for this special limited-edition release,” said Busch. “I’m proud to have my name on every bottle and excited for fans nationwide to experience something new from Rebel Bourbon and RCR.”

Rebel Bourbon has plans for more excitement and fan fun ahead in 2025, and the release of Kyle Busch 108 Single Barrel takes the sponsorship’s momentum to a new level. Rebel is a multi-race sponsor of the No. 8 Chevrolet and Busch with an all-new paint scheme born from American white oak Rebel Bourbon barrels and designed to honor the brand’s craftsmanship. Busch takes the wheel of the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet in select NASCAR Cup Series races including the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix March 2 in Austin, Texas. To learn more about Rebel-RCR news and events in race markets, follow Rebel on Facebook and Instagram, and RCR on Facebook and Instagram, and visit RebelBourbon.com and rcrracing.com. Use the product locator to find Rebel Bourbon products in specific locations.

Rebel Bourbon and Richard Childress Racing remind everyone 21 and older to drink responsibly – and never drink and drive.

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.

About Richard Childress Racing:

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2025 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

Forte Racing VPRC Program Carries Momentum into Circuit of the Americas Race

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Official Release
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Bronze Cup Success at Daytona Sets the Stage for COTA Weekend

Monrovia, California (Wednesday, February 26, 2025) — After a strong showing at the ROAR Before the 24, Forte Racing heads to Circuit of the Americas (COTA) for the next round of the IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Brian Thienes is bringing confidence and valuable experience to the Texas track after securing a combined two Bronze Cup podium finishes at Daytona.

Thienes’ teammate, Jon Hirshberg, also scored two Bronze Cup podium finishes at Daytona, but due to a scheduling conflict, he will not be racing at COTA.

Building on Daytona’s Success

In the season-opening weekend, returning veteran Brian Thienes delivered consistent performances, finishing 5th overall (2nd in Bronze Cup) on Saturday and 4th overall (1st in Bronze Cup) on Sunday.

“We had good results. The team gave me a great car,” Thienes said after Race 2. “I ran in second for a while, and then on the restart, I got up to first. That was my first time leading in an IMSA race. Hats off to Peter Jacobs; he always knows what to do. He puts a good horse underneath my saddle. I’m looking forward to the next race weekend where we hope to improve on our results.”

Jon Hirshberg, in just his third VPRC event weekend, impressed in his first races at the iconic Daytona International Speedway, navigating challenging conditions with determination and skill, while still learning the intricacies of multi-class racing.

“The race of my life!” Hirshberg said after Race 2. “Standing on the Bronze Cup podium was an unforgettable moment. Great job by the team with the car setup. I want to extend my thanks to Patrick Liddy, Peter Jacobs, and Garrison Masters for making the adjustments I needed to feel comfortable in the car. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience being in the rain in the straight and in the bus stop. Not being able to see while going a hundred and some miles per hour was a challenge. I learned a ton. It was a super exciting race, and I can’t wait to get back out there.”

“The drivers across the multiple different classes were incredibly professional,” Hirshberg added. “It was awesome to be out there sharing the track with them and navigating the pace differences. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”

Team engineer Peter Jacobs praised Hirshberg’s quick adaptation and steady improvement. “I think Jon did a good job, especially considering his lack of experience in the car. His fast lap was pretty close to that of the top Bronze Cup finishers, and he was running very consistent laps toward the end of the race. Once he’s got some more seat time, he’ll be a contender in the Bronze Cup.”

Looking Ahead to COTA

With momentum on their side, Forte Racing is ready to tackle the twists and elevation changes of Circuit of the Americas. Thienes’ experience has the team looking for another promising result this weekend.

Thienes heads to COTA leading the Bronze Cup Championship by 40 points. He currently sits in fifth place overall, just 10 points behind fourth place and 20 points back from third place. Having finished the 2024 season third overall, Thienes is looking to close the gap and move up in the overall standings with some strong finishes on Saturday.

“COTA is such a dynamic track, and we’re feeling good coming off Daytona,” said team principal Shane Seneviratne. “Brian and Jon both showed incredible resilience and speed in the opening rounds at Daytona. We’ve reviewed the data, and the crew is working hard to dial in the setup for Brian’s car. We’re excited to see what we can do in Austin.”

The VPRC field takes to the track this week, with practice sessions beginning Friday, followed by two races on Saturday. Saturday’s Race 1 will air on Peacock from 9:35 AM to 10:35 AM ET, with Race 2 airing also on Peacock from 5:55 PM to 6:45 PM ET. Tune in and support Forte Racing’s Brian Thienes.

ABOUT FORTE RACING

Founded in 2023, Forte Racing is a motorsports team based in Los Angeles and Charlotte, supported by Lamborghini Squadra Corse. Under the watchful eye of Shane Seneviratne, the team competes in various racing series, including the IMSA WeatherTech GTD Championship, the IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge, and Lamborghini Super Trofeo and, in 2025, plans to expand by adding a single-car entry in the inaugural McLaren Trophy America Championship. Operating under the US RaceTronics banner, the team has quickly built a strong reputation with multiple podium finishes, race wins, and several North American and World Championships. For more information about the team, its drivers, and race operations, visit www.forteracing.com.

JR Motorsports – NXS Circuit of the Americas Preview

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Official Release
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JR Motorsports Xfinity Team Preview
TRACK – Circuit of the Americas Road Course (2.4-mile road course)
NXS RACE – Focused Health 250 (65 laps / 156 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 2:30 p.m. (ET)

Carson Kvapil
No. 1 – Bass Pro Shops / Clarience Technologies Chevrolet
Kvapil 2025 NXS Stats
Starts: 2
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 1
Laps Led: 0
Avg. Finish: 13.5
Points: 9th

  • Carson Kvapil will make his first start at Circuit of the Americas in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this Saturday.
  • Kvapil has one start on the previous layout of the Texas road course in the Trans Am 2 series. He qualified on the pole and finished one spot outside the top five in sixth.
  • Crew chief Andrew Overstreet also has one start at COTA, leading the No. 1 team to a top-10 finish in 2023.

Carson Kvapil

“We did not have the race we wanted last weekend, so this team is looking for redemption at COTA. I have run well there in the past with the TA2 series and I know this No. 1 Bass Pro Shops/Clarience Technologies team is working hard to unload a fast car this weekend. Hopefully we can apply what we have been working on and everything will fall into place to have us running up front when it counts. I want to bring home a great finish for Johnny Morris and everyone at Bass Pro Shops and Clarience Technologies.”

Justin Allgaier
No. 7 Brandt Professional Agriculture / Rev1 Energy Chevrolet
Allgaier 2025 NXS Stats
Starts: 2
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 1
Laps Led: 11
Avg. Finish: 10
Points: 4th

  • Justin Allgaier makes his fifth career start at COTA in the NXS on Saturday afternoon.
  • In four previous starts at the Austin road course, Allgaier has earned two top fives, with a best finish of third coming in the inaugural event in 2021.
  • Allgaier is a three-time winner on road courses in the NXS, with two of the wins coming behind the wheel of a JRM Chevrolet in 2018 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course and Road America. Allgaier’s first victory on a road course in the NXS came during in the 2012 season at Montreal.
  • This weekend Allgaier’s BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet will be sharing their colors with REV1 Energy, the global leader in integrated commissioning and electrical services.

Justin Allgaier

“COTA has always been a fun road course to race on, but this weekend brings a whole new set of challenges with this reconfigured layout. We’ve always had strong Chevrolets on the road courses and I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) will give me another strong BRANDT Professional Agriculture / REV 1 Energy Chevrolet when we hit the track for practice and qualifying on Friday. Hopefully we can keep all four fenders on the car all weekend long and be there when it counts on Saturday.”

Sammy Smith
No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet
Smith 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 2
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 1
Laps Led: 1
Avg. Finish: 14
Points: 11th

  • Saturday afternoon marks Sammy Smith’s third start at COTA in the NXS.
  • In his two previous starts at the Texas road course, Smith has earned a best finish of fourth, coming in 2023.
  • Over the past three seasons, Smith has competed on a road course in the NXS 14 times, tallying three top fives and five top 10s.
  • According to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics, Smith is second in best average running position at COTA, averaging just over a 10th place running position throughout the course of a race at the 2.4-mile road course.

Sammy Smith

“I’m ready to get to COTA this weekend to continue the momentum from Atlanta and redeem ourselves from this race last year when we had a fast No. 8 Chevrolet but unfortunately got caught up in a late-race incident. This JR Motorsports crew has kept their heads down and focused on getting results so I know we’ll have a really competitive No. 8 Pilot Chevrolet to start off our first road course of the season.”

Ross Chastain
No. 9 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet
Chastain NXS Career Stats
Starts: 208
Wins: 2
Top 5s: 24
Top 10s: 53
Laps Led: 680
Avg. Finish: 16.6
Points: N/A

  • Ross Chastain makes his third career NXS start at COTA this weekend, as well as his first start for JRM.
  • Saturday afternoon’s race marks Chastain’s first of five races behind the wheel of the No. 9 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet for JRM this year.
  • The Chevrolet driver earned a best finish of 17th at the Texas road course in the 2022 NXS race.
  • Chastain has one NASCAR Cup Series win at COTA. In March 2022, he led 31 laps and captured the win in a thrilling finish. In addition to piloting the No. 9 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet in the NXS, he will also compete in Sunday’s 95-lap Cup Series race.

Ross Chastain

“I’m excited to get to COTA with Acceptance Insurance on the car and for the other four Xfinity Series races we have coming up. Trackhouse Racing, Justin Marks, Acceptance Insurance and JR Motorsports have helped provide me with an opportunity to get more seat time in the Xfinity Series which I’m really looking forward to. JRM has always been strong and I can’t wait to see what we can do.”

Connor Zilisch
No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet
Zilisch 2025 NXS Stats
Starts: 2
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Laps Led: 1
Avg. Finish: 30.5
Points: 32nd

  • Connor Zilisch will compete at COTA for the first time in his NXS career on Saturday. The driver of the WeatherTech Chevrolet will be making just his second NXS road course start as well.
  • Zilisch made his first NASCAR national series start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at COTA in March 2024. He won the pole position on the way to scoring a fourth-place finish.
  • Zilisch made his NXS debut (and first road course start) in September 2024 with JRM at Watkins Glen International. In a remarkable accomplishment, Zilisch won the pole, led the most laps (45) and won the race.
  • NASCAR weekend at COTA will be a busy one for Zilisch. The 18-year old Mooresville, N.C., native will be making his Cup Series debut with Trackhouse Racing March 2 in the Echo Park Automotive Grand Prix at the Austin, TX, road course, marking the first time the JRM driver will be doing double duty.

Connor Zilisch

“I think we’re going to be one of the best cars on road courses all year long just because of my background and my confidence on these kind of tracks. Going into this weekend at COTA I feel confident that we’re going to be able to run really well. I’m excited to feel it out and just get a feel for what the WeatherTech Chevrolet is like there.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Circuit of the Americas: JR Motorsports has competed at COTA a combined 18 times in the NXS. In those starts at the 2.5-mile road course, the organization has recorded four top fives and eight top 10s. The average finish is 15.6.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier and Sammy Smith will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / HMS-Byron/Bowman souvenir rig on Saturday, March 1 from 10:45 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. ET.

Front Row Motorsports: Circuit of the Americas Competition Notes (Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Team)

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Official Release
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Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Team
Circuit of the Americas Competition Notes

EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
Event: Race 4 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Circuit of the Americas (2.4-miles)
#of Laps: 95
Time/TV/Radio: 3:30 PM ET on FOX/PRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Todd Gilliland Notes

The Circuit of the Americas (COTA) race is up next on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Todd Gilliland heads to the Austin, Texas track carrying momentum from his top-15 performance at the Atlanta Motor Speedway this past Sunday. Love’s Travel Stops will return with Gilliland and the No. 34 team for the 95 lap / 228-mile event.

Gilliland and his teammates will be greeted by a new configuration of the track when they land. Over the offseason, it was announced that the Cup Series will utilize the venue’s shorter track layout, the “National” Course as opposed to the “Full” Course, which had been used in previous years. The new layout will consist of 20 turns with a total track length of 2.4-miles. Additionally, 27 laps will be added making the total number of laps to race now 95.

In three Cup Series starts at COTA, Gilliland has notched two top-20 finishes and earned a career best finish of 10th in 2023. In the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, Gilliland has one start at COTA, capturing the checkered flag in the sole start in 2021 in the Front Row Motorsports No. 38 Ford F-150.

“COTA is definitely my favorite track on the schedule,” said Gilliland. “I enjoy exploring the city of Austin and the atmosphere at the track is unlike any other. It’s going to be interesting to see how the track flows with the new configuration, making practice more crucial. I’m excited, though. Hopefully we can keep the top-15 momentum rolling and even get the win.”

Road Crew

Driver: Todd Gilliland
Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Chris Lawson
Hometown: Medway, Ohio

Car Chief: Joe Marra
Hometown: Somers, New York

Engineer: Marc Rullo
Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey

Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Brit Andersen
Hometown: Branford, Connecticut

Underneath Mechanic: Michael Brookes
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Interior Mechanic: Chance Burke
Hometown: Siler City, North Carolina

Tire Specialist: Billy John
Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Tim Meyer
Hometown: Beatrice, Nebraska

Transporter Co-Driver: Christian Boller
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Joe Haresky
Hometown: Victorville, California

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy
Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Rear Tire Changer: Justin Fox
Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Jordan Goodine
Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Jackman: Courtney Edmonds
Hometown: Burlington, North Carolina

Fueler: Zeke Nance
Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia

ABOUT LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS

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 more than 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with 640 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.

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 @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Jeremy Clements to make 500th Xfinity start at COTA

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

In his 20th season with at least one start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series division, Jeremy Clements is scheduled to achieve a milestone start. By taking the green flag in this weekend’s event at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), the driver of the No. 51 Jeremy Clements Racing (JCR) Chevrolet Camaro entry will make his 500th career start in the Xfinity division.

Clements’ milestone start will also come with a new look sporting his entry after JCR announced a new partnership with Henderson Jet Services, a company that is based in Georgetown, Texas, and will serve as the driver’s primary sponsor for the upcoming 20-turn road-course event in Austin, Texas. Meanwhile, Alliance Driveaway Solutions and Harrison’s will be serving as his associate sponsors for the event.

“First, I am very grateful for Henderson Jet Services coming on board for COTA,” Clements said. “We had few races left to fill out the season and with the help of Steve (Carnes) we were able to get a deal done.”

A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Clements’ Xfinity Series debut occurred at Pikes Peak International Raceway in Fountain, Colorado, in July 2003. Driving the No. 71 Kenneth Appling Racing Chevrolet entry, he started 35th and finished 31st after he was eliminated from an early incident. Four years later, Clements, who had recovered from being hospitalized following an accident at 311 Speedway in North Carolina, returned to the series as he competed in the final five-scheduled events with McGill Motorsports. Within the five-race span, he notched a season-best 23rd-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October 2007.

During the 2008 and 2009 seasons, Clements made a total of 14 starts in the Xfinity circuit between JD Motorsports and his family-owned Jeremy Clements Motorsports (JCM) organization. His best on-track result between the two seasons was a 12th-place finish at Auto Club Speedway in October 2009. Mired within his Xfinity starts, he also qualified Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 18 entry twice: once at Kentucky Speedway in 2008 and again at Iowa Speedway in 2009, both in place of Kyle Busch. Clements would return to JD Motorsports for 16 Xfinity events in 2010, where he achieved his first top-10 career result by finishing 10th at World Wide Technology Raceway in October. He also accumulated a total of six top-20 results.

Beginning in 2011, Clements campaigned as a full-time Xfinity competitor for JCM. In his first two full-time campaigns, the South Carolina native recorded a pair of 10th-place finishes at Dover Motor Speedway and at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, respectively, in 2012. He also recorded a combined 21 top-20 results, 696 points in 2011 and a 14th-place result in the final driver’s standings in 2012. After finishing in 33rd place during the 2013 opener at Daytona International Speedway, he was suspended indefinitely for violating NASCAR’s Code of Conduct policy as he used a racial slur. After being replaced by Ryan Sieg for two events, Clements returned for the remainder of the season, where he notched a pair of top-10 runs, including a season-best ninth-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway, and ended up in 16th place in the standings. By then, he surpassed 100 career starts in the Xfinity Series.

Between 2014 to 2016, Clements accumulated a total of six top-10 results, 50 top-20 results and 19 laps led. Mired within the results, he notched his first top-five finish after he settled in fourth place at Talladega in April 2016. He also surpassed 200 Xfinity starts as he finished 15th, 14th and 15th, respectively, in the final standings. At the conclusion of the 2015 season, he boosted his season’s average-finishing result above the top-20 cutline to 19.8.

Then in 2017, Clements achieved a breakthrough moment in his NASCAR career. After finishing as high as seventh through the first 22 events on the schedule, he rallied from being involved in an incident with Matt Tifft, where he spun both himself and the latter on the final turn prior to the penultimate lap, to assume the lead on the final lap and muscle away to his first Xfinity Series career victory in his 256th series start at Road America. Clements’ first victory allowed him and his No. 51 Jeremy Clements Racing (JCR) Chevrolet team to secure a spot into the Playoffs, where he would end up in a career-best 12th place in the final standings after he was eliminated from title contention following the first Playoff round.

From 2018 to 2021, Clements went winless, but he racked up two top-five results, 19 top-10 results, 23 laps led and average-finishing results within the top-18 mark. Between the four-year span, he finished as high as third place at Pocono Raceway in July 2020. Previously, he finished in fourth place at Bristol Motor Speedway in August 2019. He would also make the 2021 Playoffs, where he finished 12th in the standings after being eliminated following the Playoff’s Round of 12, and surpass 300 Xfinity starts. In addition, he accumulated a career-high eight top-10 results and notched a career-best average-finishing result of 16.4 during the 2021 campaign.

Clements commenced the 2022 Xfinity season by reaching 400 Xfinity starts following the first two-scheduled events. He would proceed by finishing in the top 10 four times, including a strong fourth-place result at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in July, over his next 20 starts. Then at Daytona in August, Clements survived a crash-filled event and an overtime shootout to score his second Xfinity career victory and race his way into the season’s Playoffs. Ultimately, Clements would settle in a career-best 12th place in the final standings after he was eliminated from title contention following the Round of 12 for a third time.

Over the previous two Xfinity seasons (2023-24), Clements recorded a single top-10 result, which was a sixth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February 2024. Despite leading a career-high 24 laps in 2024, he finished no higher than 19th place in the 2023 final standings and recorded respective average-finishing results of 21.2 and 23.2. Currently, Clements is coming off respective finishes of ninth and 11th through the first two-scheduled events of the 2025 season. With an early average-finishing result of 10.0, he is ranked in seventh place in the standings and trails the points lead by 29 points as he strives to maintain his early momentum and return to the Playoffs for the first time in three seasons.

Overall, Clements has achieved two victories, six top-five results, 39 top-10 results, 114 laps led and an average-finishing result of 21.0 through 499 current starts in the Xfinity Series division.

“Wow, it’s hard to believe I will be making my 500th Xfinity start!” Clements added. “I am incredibly grateful to all the sponsors, crew, friends, and family who have helped me get to this point in my career. We’ve accomplished so much with limited resources over these 20-plus years, experiencing both ups and downs for sure, but I’m so fortunate to do this for a living! Again, Thank You All for your support—here’s to 500 more!”

Jeremy Clements is scheduled to make his 500th Xfinity Series career start at Circuit of the Americas for the Focused Health 250. The event is scheduled to occur on Saturday, March 1, with a starting broadcast time of 2:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network.

Circuit of the Americas – NASCAR Schedule & Highlights

By
Angie Campbell
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Credit: AUSTIN, TEXAS - MARCH 24: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 The Beast Unleashed Toyota, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of The Americas on March 24, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series travel to the Circuit of the Americas for a full weekend of racing action. The Craftsman Truck Series takes a break but returns to competition at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Friday, March 14.

This race will mark the first time NASCAR will compete on the shorter 2.40-mile layout at COTA.

NASCAR Cup Series Winners

The first NASCAR national series race held at the Circuit of The Americas was a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race on May 22, 2021 was won by Todd Gilliland.

There have been four Cup Series races at COTA. Hendrick Motorsports has won twice (Chase Elliott, 2021 and William Byron, 2024). Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain won the event in 2022 and 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick won in 2023.

NASCAR Xfinity Series Winners

There have also been four Xfinity Series races at COTA. Kyle Busch won in 2021 while AJ Allmendinger won the following two races (2022, 2023).  Kyle Larson won in 2024.

All of the winners, except Allmendinger, who started 4th in 2022, also won the pole award.

Friday, Feb. 28

5 p.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – CW App
Timed: 50 minutes

6 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying – CW App
Impound/2 Groups/Multi-Vehicle

Saturday, March 1

11 a.m.: Cup Series Practice – Prime
Timed/2 Groups/2 rounds/20 minutes each

12:30 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – Prime
Impound/2 Groups/Multi-Vehicle
Post Cup Series Qualifying: Press Pass

2:30 p.m.: NASCAR Xfinity Focused Health 250
Stages: 20/40/65 Laps = 156 Miles
Purse: $1,651,939
CW/PRN/SiriusXM
Post Xfinity Series Race: Press Pass

Sunday, March 2 Schedule

3:30 p.m.:NASCAR Cup Seroes EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix
Stages: 20/45/95 Laps = 228 Miles
Purse: $11,055,250
FOX/Max/PRN/SiriusXM
Post Cup Series Race: Press Pass

NASCAR Driver Appearance Schedule – COTA Weekend

Denny Hamlin, Michael McDowell, Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst will make appearances during Sunday’s Trackside Live at the EchoPark Automotive Experience Stage in the Fan Zone.

Fans can also purchase an Ultimate Fan Pass or Track Pass for access to Q&A sessions with Chase Elliott, Chase Briscoe and Justin Haley, NASCAR Cup Series driver introductions and the Corey Kent pre-race concert.

Visit NASCARatCOTA.com/Events/EchoPark-Automotive-Grand-Prix/Appearances for scheduled driver appearances and updates.

Matt DiBenedetto to make 100th Xfinity start at COTA

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

A significant milestone start is in the making for Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the No. 99 Chevrolet entry for Viking Motorsports in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. By taking the green flag in this weekend’s event at Circuit of the Americas, DiBenedetto will make his 100th career start in the Xfinity division.

A native of Grass Valley, California, DiBenedetto made his Xfinity debut at Memphis Motorsports Park in October 2009. Driving the No. 20 Toyota entry for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), DiBenedetto started fourth and finished 14th. He would return the following season to pilot JGR’s No. 20 Toyota entry for a total of six races. During the six-race schedule, DiBenedetto recorded a season-best ninth-place finish at Iowa Speedway in July. He also finished in 10th place at Nashville Superspeedway a month earlier.

After spending the 2011 season driving for X Team Racing in the ARCA Menards Series East division, DiBenedetto returned to the Xfinity Series and competed as a “start-and-park” competitor, where he retired early, for The Motorsports Group in 2012. In seven events as a “start-and-park” competitor, he recorded a season-best 40th-place result at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in August. The Californian then made a total of six starts between The Motorsports Group and Vision Racing in 2013, in which he settled in a season-best 33rd place at Atlanta Motor Speedway in August.

The 2014 season would mark the year where DiBenedetto competed in the most Xfinity events in a season as he competed in all but four of the 33-race schedule. Despite not qualifying for the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway with Vision Racing, DiBenedetto, who made all of his Xfinity starts with The Motorsports Group in 2014, notched four top-20 results and a season-best 11th-place finish at Road America in June. Amid his results, DiBenedetto relieved Jeffrey Earnhardt during a first caution period to drive for JD Motorsports at Daytona in 2014. At the conclusion of the year, he settled in 21st place in the final running order and recorded an average-finishing result of 31.3.

Two years later, DiBenedetto, who was competing in the Cup Series division with BK Racing, returned to the Xfinity division for 19 events. After commencing his Xfinity schedule by finishing in 40th place at Auto Club Speedway in March, he notched a season-best 11th-place run at Kansas Speedway in October 2016. During his 19-race span, he made a single start for MBM Motorsports at Texas Motor Speedway in April while the remainder of his starts occurred between TriStar Motorsports’ Nos. 10 and 14 Toyota entries.

Another three years later, DiBenedetto reunited with JGR for a one-race Xfinity deal at Road America in August. During the event, he started on the front row and led a race-high 18 laps. Racing in the runner-up spot behind teammate Christopher Bell on the final lap, DiBenedetto got loose, which caused his No. 18 JGR Toyota entry to race off of the course. As a result, DiBenedetto spun backwards towards the tire wall and got his car stuck in the gravel trap, which plummeted him to 27th place in the final running order.

Five years later, DiBenedetto joined RSS Racing with Viking Motorsports, where he competed as a full-time competitor between both organizations, beginning at Richmond Raceway. By then, the Californian lost a full-time Cup Series ride with Wood Brothers Racing in 2022 and his Truck Series ride at Rackley W.A.R. in 2024. Making a total of 28 starts throughout the 33-race schedule, DiBenedetto recorded three top-10 results and 11 top-20 results. He also earned two seventh-place finishes at Talladega Superspeedway and at Iowa Speedway.

In January 2025, DiBenedetto was announced to return to Viking Motorsports as a full-time Xfinity competitor, where he would pilot the No. 99 entry as the organization changed manufacturers from Ford to Chevrolet. After finishing 11th and 12th, respectively, through the first two-scheduled events of this season, DiBenedetto is currently ranked in 10th place in the driver’s standings and he trails the points lead by 33 points.

Through 99 previous starts in the Xfinity Series, DiBenedetto has accumulated five top-10 results, 19 laps led and an average-finishing result of 30.1 as he strives to achieve both his first race victory and Playoff appearance in the series this season.

Matt DiBenedetto is scheduled to make his 100th Xfinity Series career start at Circuit of the Americas for the Focused Health 250. The event is scheduled to occur on Saturday, March 1, with a starting broadcast time of 2:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network.

Swish Motorsports Heads To COTA Looking To Build On Strong Season Debut

By
Official Release
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No. 12 BMW M4 GT4 GSX set to continue IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge season

Culpeper, Virginia — Swish Motorsports is headed to the Lone Star State for the second round of the 2025 IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, looking to build on the team’s impressive season debut.

The Swish Motorsports No. 12 BMW M4 GT4 sits fifth in GSX class points following a pair of strong runs at Daytona International Speedway last month. Driver Patrick Wilmot finished third and sixth in GSX in the two races that made up the season-opening event.

Wilmot, who made his Swish Motorsports debut at Daytona, will once again be at the wheel of the powder blue and white No. 12 BMW M4 for both races COTA. Race one and two on COTA’s 20-turn, 2.3-mile National course is on  Saturday, March 1 at 9:35am and 5:55pm ET.

“Our team worked all off-season with an eye on competing for GSX class wins,” said Swish Motorsports owner and CEO Michael Dayton. “Adding Patrick has made us even stronger. We’re headed to COTA confident we will run up front in a deep GSX field and fight for the top spot on the podium.”

The successful opening weekend performance has helped boost Swish Motorsports’ profile. The team recently welcomed a new sponsor for COTA–Cannonball Storage. The East Coast’s premier classic and exotic car preservation specialist, Philadelphia-based Cannonball Storage, joins Runway Travel, M3 Home Repair, Rapid Track Service, 129 Touge, Kingpin Racing, and Mills, Dayton & Co. as Swish Motorsports partners.

The IMSA VP Racing Sportscar Challenge events are part of a weekend of racing at COTA that includes NASCAR’s Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series. Both IMSA races will stream live on Peacock Premium and IMSA’s official YouTube channel.

About Swish Motorsports

Swish Motorsports was founded in 2023 by Michael Dayton and is based in Culpeper, Virginia. Dayton, a former NCAA college basketball player (hence the name Swish), spent nearly two decades as a driver and crew member for several BMW race teams before starting Swish Motorsports. The 2025 season is the team’s second in the VP Racing Sportscar Challenge series competing in the Grand Sport X (GSX) class. Connect with Swish Motorsports at www.swishmotorsports.com, @swishmotorsports on Instagram and on Facebook. Interested in partnering with Swish Motorsports? Let’s talk! Contact Michael at swishmotorsports@gmail.com.

Guide to Mazda SD Cards: Upgrade Your Navigation Experience

By
SM
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Why You Need a Mazda SD Card

If you’re a Mazda owner who loves road trips, seamless navigation, and up-to-date maps, then a Mazda SD card is a must-have accessory for your car. Modern Mazda vehicles come equipped with advanced infotainment systems, and having a compatible SD card ensures your navigation is precise and efficient. With an SD card designed specifically for Mazda, you can enjoy a smoother driving experience without relying on smartphone-based navigation apps.

What is a Mazda SD Card?

A Mazda SD card is a specially designed storage device that contains essential navigation data, including maps, traffic updates, and route information. Unlike generic SD cards, these are programmed to work with Mazda’s infotainment systems, ensuring that you get the most accurate and detailed map coverage possible.

By installing an official Mazda navigation SD card, you gain access to real-time GPS tracking, points of interest (POI), and updates that enhance your driving convenience. Whether you’re commuting in the city or exploring new destinations, an updated navigation system makes all the difference.

Benefits of Using a Genuine Mazda SD Card

1. Accurate and Up-to-Date Maps

Mazda SD cards provide detailed and frequently updated maps, helping you navigate unfamiliar roads with confidence. Unlike outdated in-car navigation systems, an updated SD card ensures you always have the latest route information at your fingertips.

2. Seamless Integration with Mazda Infotainment

A genuine Mazda SD card is designed to work flawlessly with your vehicle’s built-in infotainment system. You won’t have to deal with software incompatibilities, glitches, or system errors—just smooth and intuitive navigation.

3. Enhanced Driving Safety

With a Mazda navigation SD card, you can focus on the road instead of fiddling with your phone. The system provides real-time turn-by-turn directions, speed limit warnings, and traffic updates, minimizing distractions and keeping you safe.

4. Cost-Effective Alternative to Subscription Services

Unlike some navigation apps that require monthly or annual subscriptions, a Mazda SD card is a one-time purchase that keeps your navigation system functional without recurring costs.

How to Choose the Right Mazda SD Card

When selecting a Mazda navigation SD card, consider the following:

  • Vehicle Compatibility: Ensure the SD card is compatible with your specific Mazda model and infotainment system.
  • Region Coverage: Choose an SD card with maps that cover your preferred driving regions.
  • Update Frequency: Opt for an SD card that offers regular updates to keep your navigation system current.
  • Authenticity: Purchase from a trusted source like Navi-World to ensure you’re getting a genuine product.

Installing a Mazda Navigation SD Card

Installing a Mazda SD card is a straightforward process:

  1. Turn Off Your Vehicle: Before inserting the SD card, ensure your car is turned off.
  2. Locate the SD Card Slot: Depending on your Mazda model, the SD card slot is usually found near the infotainment system or center console.
  3. Insert the SD Card: Carefully insert the Mazda SD card into the designated slot.
  4. Turn On the Vehicle: Start your car and allow the infotainment system to recognize the SD card.
  5. Enjoy Your Navigation System: Once installed, your Mazda’s navigation system should be fully functional and ready to use.

Where to Buy a Mazda SD Card

For the best selection of genuine Mazda SD cards, visit Navi-World. As a trusted provider of high-quality navigation products, Navi-World offers a wide range of SD cards tailored for different Mazda models.

Check out their collection here: Mazda Navigation SD Cards

Conclusion

A Mazda SD card is an essential investment for any Mazda owner who values precision, convenience, and safety while driving. With up-to-date maps, seamless system integration, and reliable navigation, your road trips and daily commutes become stress-free.

Make the smart choice and upgrade your Mazda’s navigation system today with a genuine SD card from Navi-World.

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