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Donovan Strauss Joins Hettinger Racing’s Late Model Program

By
Official Release
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From Sim to Reality, 19-Year-Old is Climbing the Racing Ladder

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 25, 2025) – Donovan Strauss has accomplished a lot in a short period of time, yet the 19-year-old Philadelphia native is just getting started. In only four years, Strauss has advanced from sim racing and winning in the virtual world to driving pavement-pounding Late Model stock cars and chasing checkered flags in the real world.

In 2025, Strauss will campaign the full zMAX CARS Tour schedule with Hettinger Racing. The 15-race season kicks off this Saturday at New River All American Speedway in Jacksonville, North Carolina.

“The CARS Tour is the pinnacle of Late Model racing and it’s where I want to be. The racing is tough and the drivers are aggressive. If you can succeed on the CARS Tour, you’ve truly earned that success. I’m looking forward to putting in the effort and fulfilling all the potential that’s here at Hettinger Racing,” Strauss said.

For his debut with Hettinger Racing, Strauss will drive the No. 4 Liberty In a Can™ Chevrolet.

“Liberty In a Can is a THC seltzer out of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and they’ve been a partner of mine since the middle of last season. They’re thrilled about this opportunity because it allows us to grow together,” Strauss said. “Liberty In a Can is a strong supporter of the grassroots motorsports community and they’ll leverage this partnership to connect with passionate race fans across the Southeast. It’s a great way for both of us to earn some really good results.”

Strauss’ racing career began at age 14 via iRacing, a global racing simulation game. Virtual success made Strauss want to pursue tangible racing success, so he began driving Bandoleros in 2020 after a move to Marietta, Georgia. Competing in more than 25 races across Atlanta Motor Speedway, Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and Cordele (Ga.) Motor Speedway, Strauss finished second in the national standings.

After only a year in Bandoleros, Strauss quickly grabbed the next rung on the racing ladder, stepping up to Legend Cars. From 2021 through 2023, he won track titles at Atlanta, Cordele and Lanier Raceway in Braselton, Georgia, securing the INEX Pro National Championship in 2023 with an impressive 18 victories.

By 2024, the time was right to move up to full-bodied stock cars. Strauss was all in, relocating to stock-car racing’s heartland, Mooresville, North Carolina. Once again, he made the most of his time, winning the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series South Carolina Rookie-of-the-Year title thanks to a breakout victory Aug. 17 at Florence (S.C.) Motor Speedway. It was one of 12 top-five finishes in his 14 races at Florence, a schedule that was augmented by select CARS Tour events.

With 2025 bringing a full CARS Tour schedule to Strauss’ plate, he remains committed to the platform that sparked his racing career. This year will mark Strauss’ fourth consecutive season with Williams Esports, the gaming arm of Atlassian Williams Racing, the venerable F1 team founded by Sir Frank Williams. Strauss competes for the team in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series and he helped Williams Esports claim the 2024 team championship.

“Sim racing is how I got started. It’s what taught me the fundamentals of racing and how to prepare for a race. It’s a great platform that allows you to learn from the data that’s provided and then apply it to what you’re doing,” Strauss said. “That’s what everyone is doing in all forms of motorsports today and, for me, it’s just a natural part of my preparation. It’s something I can maximize, especially when it comes to competing at tracks that I haven’t been to yet.”

The CARS Tour is widely considered the nation’s premier Late Model touring series. The experience garnered on the short tracks of the CARS Tour allows drivers to make the next jump to ARCA, where they tackle superspeedways, road courses and dirt tracks in stock cars that once raced in the NASCAR Cup Series. That background serves as preparation for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which features a stock car chassis with a pickup truck body. It is NASCAR’s third-highest division, behind only the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Cup Series. Every current NASCAR Cup Series driver has matriculated through the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Hettinger Racing serves as a one-stop shop for drivers looking to compete in these stepping-stone divisions and advance to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and, ultimately, the top-tier NASCAR Cup Series.

“Our goal is to provide a consistent environment for drivers to gain experience, learn race craft, and effectively communicate to their crew about what their car is doing so they can maximize their track time,” said Chris Hettinger, a longtime and winning Late Model team owner from Dryden, Michigan, who began his racing career in the driver’s seat, earning victories in Midgets and Late Models before becoming a fulltime team owner. “Donovan has already proven to be an incredibly quick study. He’s got natural talent, and this is a place where he can really excel. We’re proud to have him as a part of our team.”

Strauss and his Hettinger Racing teammate, Aaron Donnelly, will take to New River All American Speedway on Thursday for an open test. A second test session greets CARS Tour drivers from 2-6 p.m. EST on Friday. Saturday’s docket begins with practice at 10:30 a.m. and qualifying at 4 p.m. The 125-lap feature race goes green at 8:30 p.m. with live coverage by FloRacing.

Walls of St. Petersburg Street Course Attempt to Tame Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup

By
Official Release
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (Feb, 24, 2025) – It’s been over a month since the opening two rounds of the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin at Daytona International Speedway. Rounds Three and Four may be in the same state, but the track couldn’t be more different as the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup returns to the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg following a one-year absence.

This temporary street circuit that uses part of a commuter airport runway is a favorite for many drivers. The concrete walls framing the circuit leave no room for error, although these stout convertibles can still get away with a scrape of the wall here and there when accidents do happen at St. Pete, they often claim several cars as drivers find themselves unable to avoid incidents that they had nothing to do with.

Despite the challenges the multi-surface track creates, it also contributes to some amazing racing. Mazda MX-5 Cup drivers are known for making successful passes where no one else can and St. Petersburg is a prime example of that. Be prepared to witness passing zones in places where both common sense and physics say passing should not work.

No one knows that better than two-time MX-5 Cup Champion and 2022 St. Pete race winner Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering).

“Drivers love the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg because it’s America’s Monaco,” Thomas said. “It’s a great course that really tests the skills of the drivers, plus the fans and city really get behind the race and support it which makes for a great environment to race in!”

After winning Round Two at Daytona, Thomas comes into St. Pete leading the points as he chases an unprecedented third title. He is followed by a pair of rookies, Ethan Goulart (No. 29 Saito Motorsports Group) and Ren Messinger (No. 3 McCumbee McAleer Racing), foreshadowing a tremendous Rookie of the Year fight for 2025.

There are 13 rookies entered for Rounds Three and Four, almost all of whom have never raced at a street circuit period, let alone this 1.8-mile track in the heart of St. Petersburg. That’s more than a third of this 35-car field.

In typical MX-5 Cup fashion, expect the finish to be a drag race down the Albert Whitted Airport runway. St. Pete produced a memorable finish in 2023, when Connor Zilisch exited the final corner in the lead, but Gresham Wagner drafted past Zilisch to take the win by a stunning 0.021-second.

Many MX-5 Cup top performers were caught up in a multi-car incident in Race 2 at Daytona, leaving them farther down the points order than they are used to. This includes Tyler Gonzalez (No. 57 BSI Racing) who won Race 1 at Daytona, but only took home 10 points for his DNF in Race 2. Gonzalez will be one to watch this weekend. He’s shown multiple times that he is capable of winning at St. Pete, but has had the worst luck at this circuit.

This weekend is a chance for those who didn’t get the start to the season they wanted, to show what they’re capable of and chart a course for their 2025 season.

Watch both races live on the RACER and IMSA YouTube channels. Race 1 is slated for Saturday, March 1 at 4:25pm ET and Race 2 will take place Sunday, March 2 at 3:00pm ET.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

Hennessey Creates 850 HP SUPER VENOM® Mustang Celebrating the Company’s Founding in 1991

By
Official Release
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  • SUPER VENOM® Mustang receives 850 horsepower output and 650 lb-ft torque
  • Exclusive Hennessey ‘VenomAero’ carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements boost handling for peak performance on road and track
  • Production limited to 91 units globally to commemorate the year Hennessey was founded, 1991
  • Orders are now being taken by authorized Hennessey Ford dealers including: Galpin Ford, Ken Grody Ford, 5-Star Ford, Riddick-Brown Ford, Kunes Ford, Veterans Ford of Tampa, and Sarchione Ford

SEALY, Texas, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Hennessey, the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has revealed its new SUPER VENOM® Mustang featuring a wide range of performance, aerodynamic, and styling enhancements that create the ultimate Hennessey Mustang.

The Texas-based firm increase power of the factory 5.0L V8 engine by 70 percent boosting output from 500 bhp to 850 bhp alongside 55 percent higher torque – 650 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm. The SUPER VENOM® also features all-new bespoke ‘VenomAero’ carbon fiber performance kit that enhances handling and cooling to ensure Hennessey’s Mustang is the world’s most capable high-performance muscle car.

John Hennessey, company Founder, and CEO: “Over the years we have only branded our most potent cars with our ‘Venom’ trademark: Venom Vipers, Venom GT and most recently our Venom F5. We are excited to unveil our SUPER VENOM Mustang as it offers supercar performance and can now be ordered directly from Ford dealers with a full warranty! Further, we are excited to commemorate our company’s founding in 1991 by offering only 91 units and a unique ’91 Icon’ livery.”

Performance enhancements see Hennessey add a high-flow air induction system, high-performance supercharger, upgraded fuel injectors and fuel pump, plus Hennessey’s engine management system to boost the Coyote 5.0-liter V8 engine’s power to 850 bhp. The in-house designed and developed, fully carbon fiber ‘VenomAero’ kit consists of a more aggressive front splitter, a functional front hood vent, side skirts, functional front fender louvers, a rear deck lid with an integrated duck bill, and a tall, fixed, rear track wing.

Available to order directly through authorized Ford dealers as well as via Hennessey direct, the SUPER VENOM Dark Horse is priced at $163,950 while the SUPER VENOM GT starts at $149,950. Both builds benefit from the full Ford factory warranty, plus a three year / 36,000-mile Hennessey limited warranty for absolute peace of mind.

Brian Jones, Hennessey VP of Engineering: “The Hennessey VenomAero track pack enhancements deliver improved handling and grip when driving the SUPER VENOM Mustang hard on road or track. We’ve also achieved better cooling, and added a suite of aerodynamic devices to ensure our version of the Mustang delivers at the pinnacle of performance.”

Ford’s stock Dark Horse has 500 bhp and can hit 60 mph from stationary in 3.7 seconds, in 10-speed auto form. Hennessey’s uprated SUPER VENOM Mustang achieves the same speed in just 3.2 seconds. The standard Dark Horse covers the ¼ mile in 12 seconds at 118.4 mph. Hennessey betters this benchmark too, with the auto SUPER VENOM Mustang covering the same distance in 10.9 seconds at 133 mph.

Ordering the complete package direct from an authorized Ford dealer or Hennessey, customers can opt for three bespoke liveries – available in black, silver, and red – to pair with the factory paint color. The SUPER VENOM’s ‘91 Icon Livery – a nod to the founding year of Hennessey Performance – adds visual distinctiveness, enhanced further by 20-inch lightweight performance wheels, Hennessey and SUPER VENOM badging, plus the Hennessey signature logo ghosted into the rear wing.

Nathan Malinick, Hennessey Director of Design: “We worked hard to celebrate the esteemed Mustang bloodline with the design of our SUPER VENOM. With a unique interior and track-focused enhancements outside we recognize the iconic muscle car’s sporting heritage alongside that of Hennessey Performance.”

Hennessey’s in-house design team also transformed the interior, with bespoke Hennessey leather and Alcantara seats available in blue or black custom styles. Compatible with the comfort or Recaro sports seats, the unique Hennessey designs also feature an embossed Hennessey signature logo. Elsewhere, the team retrim the center console and the dash includes a tailor-made plaque detailing each SUPER VENOM Mustang’s individual serial number.

The SUPER VENOM Mustang package is available on both the GT coupe and Dark Horse platform in either 10-speed automatic or 6-speed manual form. Both variants are backed by the Ford factory warranty and Hennessey’s comprehensive 3-year / 36,000-mile limited warranty. Production of the new model is already underway at Hennessey’s Sealy, Texas HQ. Interested parties can find out more and place orders for global shipping through authorized Ford retailers (including: Galpin Ford, Ken Grody Ford, 5-Star Ford, Riddick-Brown Ford, Kunes Ford of Delevan, Veterans Ford of Tampa, and Sarchione Ford), or with Hennessey directly at HennesseyPerformance.com, or by calling +1.979.885.1300.

HENNESSEY SUPER VENOM® SPECIFICATIONS

Power
850 bhp @ 7,250 rpm
650 lb-ft Torque @ 4,900 rpm
 
Powertrain
High-Performance Supercharger System
High-Flow Air Induction Upgrade
Upgraded Fuel Injectors
Upgraded Fuel Pump
HPE Engine Management Calibration
Carbon Fiber Engine Trim
 
VenomAero
Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
Carbon Fiber Active Hood Vent
Carbon Fiber Functional Fender Louvers
Carbon Fiber Side Skirts
Carbon Fiber Rear Deck Lid
Carbon Fiber Lip Spoiler
Carbon Fiber Goose-Neck Track Wing
 
Exterior
Carbon Fiber Driver and Passenger Side Mirror Caps
20-Inch Lightweight Performance Wheels
Raised Hennessey ‘H’ Fender Badges
Hennessey Super Venom ‘91 Icon Livery
Hennessey Signature Script Trunk Lid Badging
 
Interior
Full Hennessey Leather and Alcantara Interior Upgrade
Hennessey Signature Logo Embossed in Driver and Passenger Backrest
Tailor-Made Hennessey Dash Plaque
Hennessey All-Weather Front Floor Mats
 
Other
Professional Installation
Chassis Dyno Tuning and Road Testing
Serial-Numbered Engine Plaque
3-Year / 36,000-Mile Limited Warranty
 
PRICE
$163,950

Package prices and contents are subject to change. Contact Hennessey Performance for details.

About Hennessey Performance
Based in Sealy, Texas, Hennessey comprises Hennessey Special Vehicles (HSV), Hennessey Performance (HPE), and Tuner School. The company has re-engineered more than 15,000 vehicles for performance enthusiasts worldwide to deliver unparalleled driving thrills. Alongside modifying a diverse range of sports and muscle cars since 1991, the company also applies its high-performance expertise to trucks and SUVs.

Every Hennessey product is dyno-proven, fully track-tested, street-legal, and warrantied. Customers can choose from road-ready performance-enhanced vehicles by Hennessey from various brands, including Cadillac, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, GMC, Jeep, and Ram, all benefitting from a host of high-performance upgrades.

With its own test track, engineering curriculum for aspiring tuners, 100 team members, and capacity to simultaneously work on around 50 vehicles, Hennessey Performance is one of the world’s leading specialist vehicle engineering companies. HennesseyPerformance.com

Henderson Motorsports reveals remaining eight Truck starts in 2025

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Mike Biskupski for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Henderson Motorsports took to social media to reveal the remainder of its racing plans throughout the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

The Abingdon, Virginia-based organization will return to action at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 11th, followed by the Truck Series’ highly anticipated return to Rockingham Speedway on April 18th. During both events, the series’ Triple Truck Challenge initiative will also be held, as those competing for Truck Series points will battle for the initiative’s bonus money.

The 2025 Truck season for Henderson Motorsports continues with a pair of North Carolina events at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 17th and at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 23rd. The organization will return to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 25th before competing in the series’ second visit to Bristol Motor Speedway on September 11th. Henderson will then cap off its 2025 Truck campaign with the series’ inaugural event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course on October 3rd before returning to Talladega Superspeedway on October 17th.

The news of Henderson Motorsports’ remaining Truck Series events of the 2025 season comes more than a week after the organization endured a roller coaster weekend during the season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway.

Henderson’s drama at Daytona started on February 14th, when Parker Kligerman had initially steered the organization’s No. 75 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry to a thrilling victory. Hours later, however, NASCAR disqualified Kligerman and Henderson from the victory due to the race-winning truck measuring too low in the rear during the post-race inspection process. As a result, Kligerman was demoted to the tail end of the final running order in 36th place, while runner-up finisher Corey Heim was declared the official winner.

Not long after the penalty was announced, Henderson took to social media to declare its intention to appeal the penalties. This past Thursday, however, a three-member appeals panel upheld the penalties levied on the organization and Kligerman, with no further appeal attempts to be made since the disqualification appeal process was expedited.

While Kligerman competed at Daytona with Henderson, he was not announced as a driver for the organization’s remaining Truck events of the 2025 season. However, he is expected to compete in search of redemption.

Since fielding the No. 75 entry in the Truck Series in 2012, Henderson Motorsports achieved two victories, nine top-five and 30 top-10 results. The organization’s two victories, which occurred at Talladega Superspeedway in October 2017 and at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in July 2022, were both registered by Kligerman, the latter of whom has three career victories to date. Additional competitors who have competed in the No. 75 Henderson entry include Caleb Holman, Sam Mayer, Stefan Parsons, Connor Zilisch, and Sean Hingorani, respectively.

Henderson Motorsports’ resumption of its 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is scheduled for April 11th at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Weather Guard Truck Race. The event will be broadcast on FS1 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

5 Factors That Impact Many Car Accidents in the Atlanta Area

By
SM
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Atlanta has millions of people living in and around it. It’s a major metropolitan area. Many of them have cars and licenses to legally operate motor vehicles. 

Atlanta saw over 28K car wrecks in 2023, which shows that it’s dangerous for motorists. However, you should understand that certain factors impact these accidents. 

We’ll discuss some of them now. If you find you sometimes engage in some of the activities we’re mentioning in this article, you must change your ways to keep yourself and other drivers safe. 

Speeding

If you keep to the speed limit, you’ll never get in trouble with the cops, at least not for that reason. You also make it likelier that you can keep control of your vehicle in various road and highway situations. 

When you speed, whether that’s on one of the highways in the Atlanta area or on local roads, you make it easier to lose control of the vehicle. Maybe you tend to speed because you often leave the house at the last minute.

If that’s true, then you need to practice setting your alarm and getting on the road earlier. That way, you won’t feel you have to rush in order to get where you’re going on time. 

You also shouldn’t speed just because you want to test how fast your car can go. Just because the speedometer says that your vehicle can go up to 160 miles per hour, that doesn’t mean you should do it. 

Consuming Alcohol Before Driving

Just about every individual in the Atlanta area who becomes a licensed driver knows that you’re not supposed to drink alcohol before you drive. You probably learned about that in driving school, and likely you’re seen commercials on TV that warn against it as well.

However, if you’re drinking at a bar or a friend’s house, and you know that you’re not far from home, you might feel like you can make it back, even if you’re over the legal limit. Maybe you think that since you’re a good driver, you can just take things nice and slow, and you’ll get back home without incident.

It might work out that way, but it may not. Even if you exercise caution while driving drunk, you might still make a mistake that you wouldn’t if you hadn’t consumed any alcohol.

If you drink, then see if you can get a friend to give you a lift home. If no one can, then call for an Uber instead. You can come back and retrieve your car later. 

Driving While Fatigued

You might also cause an accident in the Atlanta area if you drive when you’re feeling fatigued. Maybe you’re putting in a lot of hours at work these days. Perhaps you have a new baby in the family, and you’re missing some sleep because they keep waking up during the night.

No matter what you have going on, you need to try to avoid driving when you’re practically asleep on your feet. Sometimes, you have no choice but to drive. If you do so when you’re feeling fatigue, though, you can at least do what you can to wake yourself up.

You can drive with the window open so that some fresh air gets into the car. You might drink a cup of coffee or chug an energy drink before you get behind the wheel.

You may also put on some up-tempo music that you know will stimulate you. If you feel like you’re in danger of falling asleep at the wheel, do whatever you can to make sure you’re fully awake and focusing on the road ahead and the other drivers and pedestrians around you. 

Road Rage Incidents

Some individuals in and around the Atlanta area cause accidents due to road rage. You have probably seen this kind of behavior before from your fellow drivers at some point.

Maybe you have a driver who’s speeding and aggressively changing lanes on the highway. If they’re behind a slower driver in the fast lane, maybe they start honking their horn or flashing their lights at them.

You never know why a person might act this way. Maybe their boss just fired them or they had an argument with a family member. Perhaps there’s something else going on that put them in a destructive mental state. 

If you feel upset about something, though, don’t ever take it out on the road with you. Take some cleansing breaths before you start the engine. 

If you need to, start meditating. You can download free meditation apps on your smartphone. By doing some deep breathing for just a few minutes each day, you should notice your blood pressure go down. You can drive defensively and not worry about causing an accident due to your aggressive driving behavior. 

Tailgating

Tailgating sometimes belongs in the aggressive driving category, but not necessarily. If you see someone doing this in Atlanta, you will know they could cause a crash at any moment.

Tailgating, if you’re unfamiliar, means you’re driving right behind someone and riding their rear bumper. Normally, you should keep at least three car lengths between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. That way, if the other driver has to stop suddenly, you can press down on the brakes in plenty of time, and you won’t hit them. 

If you tailgate, though, the driver ahead of you might brake check you. That means they will press down on the brakes suddenly. That’s ill advised, since you might hit them, but some people do this if they have someone tailgating them and they don’t like the behavior.

If you see an accident in or around the Atlanta area, it’s likely someone engaged in one of these activities, or more than one. It’s up to every driver to monitor their own behavior while they’re behind the wheel. By driving defensively and obeying traffic laws, you usually ensure that you’ll get home safely.

How Automation Is Reshaping Efficiency in the Automotive Industry

By
SM
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Advancements in technology have always impacted the automotive industry, but automation is taking efficiency to a whole new level. What once relied heavily on manual labor is now being streamlined through robotics, artificial intelligence, and smart software. Every stage of the automotive process, from manufacturing and inventory tracking to customer service and logistics, has seen noteworthy improvements with automation.

Companies that integrate automated systems are reducing costs, speeding up production, and improving overall accuracy. Automation is not just about replacing human effort; it is about creating smoother workflows, improving quality, and making businesses more adaptable. With supply chains becoming more complex, customer demands increasing, and technology advancing, automation is shaping the future of the automotive industry like never before.

Let’s discuss this further below:

Optimizing Inventory with Smart Software Solutions

Efficiently managing automotive parts is one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Whether it is a manufacturer, dealership, or repair shop, every business relies on keeping the right parts stocked without overloading storage or running into shortages. Manual inventory tracking can result in mistakes, delays, and unnecessary expenses. Without an efficient system, businesses struggle to keep up with demand and maintain seamless operations.

Many companies are now switching to parts inventory management software to handle stock levels automatically. This technology allows businesses to track, organize, and replenish inventory in real-time, reducing errors and preventing unexpected stock shortages. Automated systems can predict future demand, adjust supply orders, and integrate with logistics platforms to create a more efficient flow of materials. Instead of wasting time manually counting parts or dealing with supply chain disruptions, businesses can focus on customer service, production improvements, and long-term growth.

Transforming Manufacturing with Robotic Automation

The rise of robotics in automotive manufacturing has completely changed the way vehicles are built. Factories once depended entirely on manual labor, but now robotic arms, AI-powered assembly lines, and automated quality control systems are making production faster, safer, and more precise.

Robotic automation allows manufacturers to handle repetitive and physically demanding tasks with greater efficiency. Machines can work around the clock without fatigue, increasing production output while reducing labor costs. With robots assisting in welding, painting, and component assembly, workers can focus on technical roles, quality assurance, and system maintenance. 

Enhancing Quality Control and Precision Engineering

Producing high-quality vehicles requires extreme precision, and automation plays a crucial role in achieving consistent standards. Traditional quality control relied heavily on manual inspections, which were time-consuming and prone to human error. While skilled workers are essential in identifying defects, automated inspection systems can analyze thousands of parts per minute with unmatched accuracy.

AI-powered cameras, laser sensors, and real-time analytics identify even the smallest inconsistencies in materials, assembly, and final production. When issues are detected early, manufacturers can prevent costly recalls, reduce material waste, and maintain high-quality standards. Apart from speeding up inspections, automation improves the overall reliability and safety of vehicles before they reach consumers.

Streamlining Logistics and Supply Chain Management

The efficiency of the automotive industry relies on well-organized supply chains and smooth logistics operations. A single delay in sourcing parts can slow down production, increase costs, and frustrate customers. Many businesses face challenges in tracking shipments, managing warehouse storage, and predicting supply needs in real-time.

Automated logistics solutions use AI, GPS tracking, and predictive analytics to create a more efficient supply chain. Companies can track shipments, optimize delivery routes, and adjust schedules based on real-time demand. Smart warehouse systems also help businesses reduce storage costs and eliminate waste, ensuring that production never halts due to missing parts. This level of automation allows companies to improve efficiency, minimize disruptions, and meet deadlines with greater accuracy.

Improving Customer Service with AI and Chatbots

Automation is not just changing the way cars are made. It also improves how customers interact with automotive businesses. Dealerships, service centers, and manufacturers are using AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants to make customer service faster and more efficient. These systems handle inquiries, book service appointments, and provide answers to common questions without requiring human representatives.

Unlike traditional customer service, AI chatbots operate 24/7, allowing customers to get assistance at any time. Whether it is checking vehicle availability, scheduling a test drive, or getting maintenance reminders, automated systems simplify the process. In turn, this reduces wait times, frees up employees for more personalized interactions, and makes the entire customer experience smoother and more convenient.

Increasing Safety Through Autonomous Testing and AI

Automation is also playing a major role in vehicle safety and testing procedures. Before a new model reaches the market, it must go through extensive safety evaluations to meet strict industry standards. Traditional crash tests and road trials are still important, but AI-powered simulations and automation-driven testing environments allow for even more precise safety assessments.

Manufacturers use autonomous driving simulations to test different road conditions, weather scenarios, and emergencies. AI systems analyze data from these tests, making it easier to refine safety features before production. Automated testing speeds up the development process, helps engineers identify weaknesses faster, and ultimately results in safer vehicles for consumers.

Smart Energy Management

Automation is also helping automotive companies cut operational costs and reduce waste. Smart energy management systems track factory power usage, optimize equipment performance, and reduce unnecessary energy consumption. 

Automated energy systems help manufacturers monitor machine efficiency, control heating and cooling in factories, and manage electricity consumption more effectively. Businesses that implement these solutions can lower costs, extend equipment lifespan, and meet environmental regulations without sacrificing productivity.

Preparing for the Future of Fully Automated Vehicles

As automation continues to advance, the industry is moving closer to fully autonomous vehicles. Self-driving technology, AI-powered navigation, and advanced sensors are shaping the future of transportation. Automotive companies are investing in automation to improve traffic flow, increase vehicle efficiency, and create a safer driving experience.

The next stage of automation will focus on smart infrastructure, connected vehicle networks, and more advanced self-driving capabilities. As these innovations develop, they will reshape how people commute, how businesses handle deliveries, and how cities plan transportation systems. Companies that focus on automation now will be better positioned to lead the industry into the future.

Automation is transforming efficiency in the automotive industry by making processes faster, smarter, and more cost-effective. From AI-driven manufacturing and logistics to automated customer service and safety testing, every aspect of the industry is evolving. Businesses that invest in automation technology, predictive analytics, and AI-powered systems will have a competitive edge in a rapidly changing market. The automotive industry is driving the future of efficiency, innovation, and sustainability.

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Atlanta

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Photo by John Knittel - Power Rankings - for SpeedwayMedia.com

1. Christopher Bell: Bell took the lead on the final restart and was leading when the caution flew when Josh Berry spun on the backstretch. The win was Bell’s first at Atlanta and 10th career Cup win, earning him the top spot in the power rankings.

“There’s a lot of people who are sick and tired of NASCAR races ending under caution,” Bell said. “What I mean by ‘a lot’ is everybody except me and William Byron.”

2. Ryan Blaney: Blaney was running in a pack up front when he spun with 27 laps remaining at Atlanta. Blaney survived and stormed to the front to finish fourth.

“I got turned by Carson Hocevar,” Blaney said. “Carson said I was trying to block him. I said Carson was a ‘moron.’ Maybe I spoke too hastily and with a tinge of anger, so I’d like to retract my statement and say ‘Carson is a moron.'”

3. Bubba Wallace: Wallace finished ninth at Atlanta.

“Did I see Brett Favre at the race?” Wallace said. “I hear Favre has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, so unlike Favre towards the state of Mississippi, I am concerned about his welfare.”

4. Kyle Larson: Larson won Stage 2 at Atlanta and finished third, again falling short of his first drafting track win.

“That winless streak at drafting tracks really concerns me,” Larson said. “I’ve considered resuming SIM racing to hone my skills at drafting tracks, but I guess some things are better left alone.”

5. Tyler Reddick: Reddick finished 19th at Atlanta and is third in the points standings.

“I counted two NFL legends at Atlanta Motor Speedway,” Reddick said. “Brett Favre and Ed Reed were there. Having spent a lot of time with Michael Jordan, I feel right at home in the presence of superstar athletes. That is, if ‘right at home’ means ‘much smaller and much shorter’ than them.”

6. John Hunter Nemechek: Nemechek finished 10th at Atlanta and his two top-10 results to start the season has him in fifth in the points standings.

“I guess people will now have to take me seriously,” Nemechek said, “as a legitimate threat to not finish in the top 10 at the Circuit Of The Americas.”

7. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin finished sixth in the Ambetter Health 400.

“I’m looking for a subject for my upcoming podcast,” Hamlin said. “I think I’ll check with Ryan Blaney and Ross Chastain, and ask them ‘Whose dangerous driving made their ‘Actions Detrimental?'”

8. Alex Bowman: Bowman finished a disappointing 26th at Atlanta.

“I was knocked out of the race because Chase Briscoe ran out of talent,” Bowman said. “You could say Briscoe played ‘spoiler’ in that race. There’s ‘playing spoiler, and then there’s ‘working spoiler,’ which is what Briscoe’s team did at Daytona.”

9. Joey Logano: Logano finished 12th in the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“The Sunny D sponsorship was conspicuously absent from the race at Atlanta,” Logano said. “That means we went from two orange things circling the track at Daytona to none at Atlanta.”

10. William Byron: Byron and Austin Cindric came together with five laps to go, spinning both and sending the cars into the inside wall. Byron finished 27th.

“Once again,” Byron said, “I’ve got Liberty University sponsorship in my corner this year. And speaking of ‘in the corner’……….do I even need to finish this joke?”

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

The White Zone: NASCAR made the right call with the race-ending caution

By
Tucker White
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HAMPTON, Ga. - FEBRUARY 24: Christopher Bell (L), Carson Hocevar (C) and Kyle Larson (R) race to the finish line of the NASCAR Cup Series Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway (EchoPark Speedway) on Feb. 23, 2025, in Hampton, Georgia. Photo: John Knittel/SpeedwayMedia.com

The NASCAR Cup Series’ Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway ended under caution, on Sunday, following a last-lap wreck on the backstretch. Like many of you at home, I had the same initial reaction. “Really? A caution?!” Just a day after NASCAR let the XFINITY Series race finish under green and let the field race through, as NASCAR’s Elton Sawyer put it, “a minefield of debris.”

However, after seeing a replay of the wreck and sleeping on it for a night, NASCAR made the right call.

At the end of the day, safety must outweigh consistency. Atlanta isn’t like Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. At those tracks, you’ve got 49 to 53 seconds before the field comes back around to the scene of a wreck on the backstretch. And that’s at full speed. Divide that time in half, and the field arrives in roughly 25 seconds at a 2.5 and 2.66-mile track. Both of which are much wider and longer tracks (in terms of backstretch area).

At Atlanta, you click off laps in 30 seconds at a 1.54-mile quad oval with a more narrow backstretch. If NASCAR let the finish play out, then Christopher Bell, Carson Hocevar, Kyle Larson, and the rest of the field would have the equivalent of a lap around Bristol Motor Speedway to slow down from 180 mph to caution car speed of 45 mph, before they reach the wrecked cars of Josh Berry on the backstretch. And that’s excluding the awareness of the leaders of a wreck on the backstretch and when NASCAR race director Jusan Hamilton shouts, “Put it out. Put it out.”

Even for generational talents like Bell and Larson (too small a sample size to judge Hocevar, at this time), that’s asking a lot.

Yes, this contradicts NASCAR holding the caution at the end of the Daytona 500. Especially when Sawyer spoke to Mike Bagley and Pete Pistone on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “The Morning Drive,” two days later, when he mentioned the difference of a wreck happening at the front of the field, vs. the back of the field.

With that said, however, no two cautions or wrecks are the same. The very nature of auto racing precludes a black and white defining of what makes a caution. Much like balls and strikes in baseball, human operators make subjective calls.

In Sunday’s case, the subjective call was correct.

That’s my view, for what it’s worth.

Meyer Shank Racing Hosts SiriusXM’s Octane and Shinedown in St. Petersburg

By
Official Release
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Meyer Shank Racing Hosts SiriusXM’s Octane and Shinedown in St. Petersburg
Felix Rosenqvist’s No. 60 SiriusXM Honda to feature Octane (SiriusXM channel 37) and MSR to host members of rock band, Shinedown

St. Petersburg, Fla. (24 February 2025) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) and SiriusXM will continue its exciting partnership featuring SiriusXM channels and bringing award-winning talent to the world of INDYCAR racing. The pair – which are going into a ninth season of sponsorship together – will kick off the season with a special collaboration featuring SiriusXM’s Octane (channel 37) and multi-platinum rock band Shinedown on the No. 60 SiriusXM Honda driven by Felix Rosenqvist.

This will be the second season that MSR and SiriusXM are collaborating to bring some of music’s top artists from different genres to the track. During the 2024 season MSR featured Bon Jovi Radio (SiriusXM channel 312), Smokey’s Soul Town (SiriusXM channel 74), Eric Church’s Outsiders Radio (SiriusXM channel 740), The Tragically Hip Radio (SiriusXM channel 757) and Diplo’s Revolution (SiriusXM channel 53).

The pair will continue this exciting collaboration spotlighting top artists and their SiriusXM channels, and for the season opener, Octane—the channel for New Hard Rock —is taking center stage. The No. 60 Indy car will display the Octane channel logo alongside Shinedown, one of rock’s most powerful and record-breaking bands.

To amplify the excitement, Shinedown’s Zach Myers and Barry Kerch will be at the track on race day, immersing themselves in the INDYCAR action and supporting MSR from the pit lane.

“Our partnership with SiriusXM has been an amazing way to bring music and motorsports together, and kicking off the season with Octane and Shinedown makes it even more exciting,” said Mike Shank. “Felix’s car is going to look incredible, and having Zach and Barry at the track on Sunday just adds to the energy. We’re ready to start the season with a bang.”

The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg goes green on Sunday March 2nd, with live coverage on FOX. Race coverage will also air live on SiriusXM’s INDYCAR Nation (channel 218) and the SiriusXM app.

About Shinedown

Multi-platinum band Shinedown have cemented their status as one of the most vital and forward-thinking powerhouses in music, embodying the kind of creative dynamism that transcends boundaries with over 6.5 billion global streams, a record-breaking 22 #1 rock hits, 15 platinum and gold singles, platinum or gold certification for all of their albums, 10 million albums sold worldwide, and major media acclaim. They are known for their timely and honest messages behind their chart-topping songs that resonate with not only their global audience and the rock community, but our culture at large. History continues to be made as Shinedown is the #1 artist on Billboard’s Greatest Of All Time Mainstream Rock Artists Chart, after notching the most ever #1s (19) in the history of the Mainstream Rock Songs Chart with a string of consecutive #1 hit singles. Mediabase has also cemented Shinedown as the greatest rock band in history with an award for the most No. 1’s, Top 5’s and Top 10’s in Mediabase Active Rock Chart history. The band’s latest juggernaut track “A Symptom Of Being Human,” (off of their 7th studio album Planet Zero) amassed over 100 million total streams and has connected with listeners worldwide across all genres with its uplifting and important message. Hailed for their high-octane live shows, explosive rock ‘n’ roll spirit, thought-provoking lyrics, and melodic sensibility, Shinedown continues to engender diehard love from millions of global fans and has racked up countless sold-out tours and festival headlining slots propelled by the undeniable power of front man Brent Smith’s voice. Shinedown is Brent Smith [vocals], Zach Myers [guitar], Eric Bass [bass, production], and Barry Kerch [drums]. 2025 sees the band ready to continue their history making rise as they recently released two singles “Dance, Kid, Dance” and “Three Six Five” as a way to kick off the year as well announced a massive arena tour making stops at Madison Square Garden, Kia Forum and more.

MOTORSPORTS LEGEND TONY STEWART ADDED TO RIGHT TRAILERS NHRA TOP FUEL ALL-STAR CALLOUT FIELD IN GAINESVILLE

By
Official Release
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GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Feb. 24, 2025) – Tony Stewart will race in the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout for the first time in his NHRA career, as the motorsports legend and reigning NHRA Rookie of the Year is officially part of the eight-car bonus race that takes on Saturday, March 8 as part of the season-opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway.

Stewart will move into the eighth spot as Tony Schumacher will not be racing in Gainesville. The eight-time Top Fuel world champion and 88-time event winner is expected to announce his racing plans for 2025 in the coming weeks.

The big-money specialty race takes place with a unique callout format, offering an opportunity for eight Top Fuel stars the chance for a major double-up weekend to kick off the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season in Gainesville.

“I’m looking forward to competing in the Top Fuel Callout at Gainesville,” Stewart said. “The field is stacked with talent and we won’t know who we are up against until we get there, so that adds an exciting element to the event. Hopefully we’re able to bring home the trophy and some extra bonus money for the team for all of their hard work.”

Four-time world champ Steve Torrence secured the top spot in the one-day specialty event for a second straight year, while the official eight-car field looks like this:

Final 2025 Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout Field

  1. Steve Torrence
  2. Doug Kalitta
  3. Shawn Langdon
  4. Justin Ashley
  5. Antron Brown
  6. Brittany Force
  7. Clay Millican
  8. Tony Stewart

With the unique callout aspect of the bonus race, Torrence will get the first opportunity to select his first-round opponent. If he doesn’t select Kalitta, the 2023 champ will get the second pick, moving down the line until all first-round matchups are set. The driver who makes the quickest winning run in the first round will then select their semifinal opponent, locking in the other matchup.

Stewart, who advanced to a pair of final rounds during his first Top Fuel season, will have his first opportunity to take part in the Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout, and being in the eighth spot, he will get called out by a driver in the opening round.

Those first-round selections take place at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, March 7 in the Top Eliminator Club, with the opening round of racing slated for 1:30 p.m. on Saturday. The semifinals follow at 3 p.m. and the final round takes place at 4:30 p.m. A special Callout broadcast will air at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday on FS1.

Torrence won the inaugural Right Trailers Top Fuel All-Star Callout in 2022, with the Texan capturing the victory after weather pushed the completion of the bonus race to Indy. Local native Josh Hart provided a feel-good story in 2023 by earning the victory from the No. 8 position, while Brown’s championship run started with his memorable specialty race victory a year ago.

Brown defeated Brittany Force in the final under the lights in Gainesville in 2024, setting the stage for a run at his fourth world championship. This year is a loaded field in the bonus race, as Torrence, Kalitta, Langdon, Brown and Force have won world titles. With a big purse, a special Callout trophy and plenty of bragging rights on the line, it can also provide the perfect boost to open the season at one of the most historic races on the NHRA schedule.

In 2024, 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. It marked the first double-up victory for Kalitta Motorsports, while six-time world champ Enders won the historic race for the first time. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 9.

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.

To purchase tickets to the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway, visit www.nhra.evenue.net/. Children 12 and under are free in general admission areas with the purchase of an adult ticket. Get your tickets now for the Top Eliminator Club before they sell out. For more info on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

RIGHT TRAILERS NHRA TOP FUEL ALL-STAR CALLOUT SCHEDULE (ET):

Friday, March 7:

12:00 PM – Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout first-round selections in Top Eliminator Club (Get your TEC Tickets Today!)

Saturday, March 8

1:20 PM – Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout opening ceremonies

1:30 PM – First round for Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout

3:00 PM – Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout for round two. The winning driver who makes the quickest run in the first round will select their semifinal opponent.

4:30 PM – Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout final round

9:00 PM – Right Trailers NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout show airs on FS1

About Right Trailers – Nationwide

Right Trailers, Inc. was founded in 2004 by a college student (Michael Scott) and his dad (Hugh Scott) with a dream of providing superior customer service and product expertise on any trailer needs by a customer. Since that humble beginning, Right Trailers has grown to 6 locations in 4 states with customers in all 50 states and 6 countries. Right Trailers has been a longtime sponsor of drivers and the NHRA series, including in Top Sportsman, Top Dragster, and the Junior Drag Racing League Conference Finals, both Eastern and Western events.

For more information visit righttrailers.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.

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