Home Blog Page 625

Beard Motorsports: Anthony Alfredo Jack Links 500 at Talladega Advance

By
Official Release
-

ANTHONY ALFREDO
Jack Links 500 at Talladega Superspeedway
No. 62 Fortify Building Solutions Chevrolet Camaro

Event Overview

● Event: Jack Links 500 (Round 10 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, April 27
● Location: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
● Layout: 2.6 mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 188 laps/500 miles
● State Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 60 laps / Final Stage: 68 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● The Season Continues. Beard Motorsports will make its 31st official start in NASCAR Cup Series competition this weekend in the Jack Links 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. The family-owned team has been a consistent presence at the superspeedway races since making its debut in NASCAR Cup Series competition at the 2017 Daytona 500 at Talladega’s sister track, the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The 2025 NASCAR season marks the team’s ninth competing in the Cup Series. In its previous 30 Cup Series events over those nine seasons, the team has competed in 13 apiece at Daytona and Talladega. Beard Motorsports, based in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, attempted to qualify for the 2025 Daytona 500 but fell just short of making the starting field for the seventh time the No. 62 Chevrolet was collected in a last-lap accident during the second of the two Duel qualifying races used to determine the starting lineup for the Great American Race.

● Alfredo Returns. Anthony Alfredo, the 26-year-old from Ridgefield, Connecticut, returns to the cockpit of the No. 62 Chevrolet for his sixth event with the team. Best among his previous five was a year ago this month when, in just his second start for Beard, he posted the team’s best-ever finish on the mammoth, 2.66-mile Talladega oval. It was also Alfredo’s best Cup Series finish in 41 career starts. His debut with the team came in the 2024 Daytona 500, when the NASCAR NEXT alumnus got off to an impressive start as he laid down the fastest lap among the six “open” (non-chartered) teams in Wednesday-night’s single-car qualifying session, securing a spot on the Daytona 500 grid regardless of his finishing position during Thursday night’s twin Duel qualifying races. From his 39th starting position, Alfredo drove to a 27th-place finish in the Daytona 500. Alfredo returned to Talladega in the Beard Chevrolet last October to post a 24th-place finish.

●Talladega by the Numbers. Sunday’s race marks Alfredo’s fifth Cup Series start at Talladega. Prior to his two runs at the track in the Beard Chevrolet last year, Alfredo posted finishes there of 12th and 10th in the April and October 2021 races, respectively, driving for Front Row Motorsports. His previous 41 Cup Series starts include the full 2021 season driving for Front Row Motorsports. He’s made 128 career starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, including fulltime seasons in 2022, 2023 and 2024, with five top-fives and 22 top-10s and one pole position. Seven of his Xfinity Series starts have come at Talladega, best of which was his third-place finish in April 2024. Alfredo’s NASCAR career began with a 13-race Craftsman Truck Series campaign in 2019, which included a 15th-place finish in that year’s October race at Talladega.

● Beard at Talladega. Sunday’s race marks the 14th at Talladega for the Beard Chevrolet. Prior to Alfredo’s sixth-place finish at the track last spring, its best result came in the April 2019 race when veteran driver Brendan Gaughan wheeled it to an eighth-place finish, leading five laps along the way.

● The Start of a Beautiful Friendship. Beard Motorsports’ partnership with Fortify Building Solutions began last October at Talladega and Sunday’s Jack Links 500 will be the third straight race for the partnership. A part of the Cornerstone Building Brands family, Fortify Building Solutions offers North America’s most extensive selection of high-quality metal roofing, wall panels, and building solutions. The brand serves local builders, contractors and homeowners through more than 20 retail storefronts across the country, supporting professionals and homeowners with hometown service, backed by a nationwide manufacturing and distribution network. Fortify Building Solutions will use the Jack Link’s 500 NASCAR Cup Series race to highlight Hypersteel™ cold-formed buildings. This product line of simple metal buildings offers the quickest design and production turnaround in their building solutions lineup.

● Fueled by Family. The No. 62 Beard Motorsports entry is a labor of love for the Beard family and it has been since the car made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2017. The late Mark Beard Sr. had a long-standing love affair with racecars and the business of motorsports. That passion manifested itself into Beard Motorsports. Competing in the NASCAR Cup Series for the ninth season, Beard Motorsports is owned by Linda Beard and managed by daughter Amie Beard-Deja and son Mark Beard Jr. The No. 62 NASCAR Cup Series team is just one of the family-owned entities. Beard Oil Distributing is the foundation of the Beard family-owned business portfolio and is recognized as a women-owned certified organization through the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).

● Powered for Greatness. As it has been since 2017, the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team has been powered by an ECR-built engine and the team has leveraged the power of those engines to post solid finishes. During its previous eight seasons of racing, Beard Motorsports has participated in 30 Cup Series events, scoring two top-five finishes and seven top-10s.

● Next Up. Beard Motorsports announced last week the addition of a pair of NASCAR Cup Series races on its2025 schedule that will feature 20-year-old NASCAR Xfinity Series regular Jesse Love behind the wheel of its No. 62 Chevrolet for the first time – the May 4 Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, and the iconic Brickyard 400 July 27 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The two races mark the team’s first appearances at Texas and Indianapolis since its Cup Series debut in 2017.

Anthony Alfredo, Driver of the No. 62 Fortify Building Solutions Chevrolet Camaro:

“You and the No. 62 team put up a valiant effort in Daytona during the qualifying race attempting to make the starting field for the Daytona 500 but ultimately came up short. How disappointing was it to miss out on the Great American Race?

“It was heartbreaking to not make the Daytona 500 this year, especially with Fortify Building Solutions and Hypersteel supporting us. It wasn’t from a lack of effort or a lack of speed. It was just what can happen when it comes to superspeedway racing and the strategy that it comes down to with that type of racing. Unfortunately, by circumstances out of our control, we had a huge disadvantage by being in the second qualifying race because we didn’t have much to work with when it came to our manufacturer teammates. Most of the Chevrolet teams got taken out by an accident and the rest of them were in the first qualifying race. Even with all of that, we positioned ourselves well by driving up inside the top-five. We went through the green-flag pit stop well, executed on that front, and at the end of the race it was a manufacturer battle and we were outnumbered. We honestly did everything right that was in our control, so I’m proud of that and I think as a team we can build off of that going into Talladega.”

Explain what the process is like racing at the superspeedway tracks.

“Superspeedway racing is high-speed chess. That’s why I love it, but that’s also why it’s difficult. It’s fun because of the strategy and knowing when to be aggressive and when to be patient. Obviously, it can be very difficult to control the outcome of your race because so much can happen that’s out of your control – more so at those races than any other. It’s not solely just about having raw speed. It’s also about having teammates, having help and a little bit of luck.”

You’ve raced at both Talladega and Daytona a number of times. While the tracks are similar in style, they can produce very different types of races. What is so different about the two tracks?

“Talladega is different from Daytona for a few reasons. I think the first and most obvious thing is the characteristics of the track. Talladega is wider. It’s a little bit longer and provides a little more room for three- and four-wide racing. What also comes with that is that it’s a little bit less of a handling track than what Daytona is. Daytona gets hot and slick where, at Talladega, handling is not as important. I think, with this NextGen car, you have to have good drive quality to be able to get over the bumps, to be able to push and be pushed aggressively. It’s a little bit less chaotic in the draft because there is a little more room. You can run three-wide around there pretty comfortably, whereas at Daytona it’s pretty tight. It’s not uncommon to even see four-wide at Talladega. I think that’s just the plain difference. As far as the strategy and the job behind the wheel, though, it kind of remains the same because superspeedway races ultimately come down to that manufacturer battle, teammates and, really, fuel mileage. That’s been everything the last few years.”

Even after all of that, where does Talladega rank among your favorite tracks?

“It is definitely one of my favorites. I have a really good track record there with top-five finishes in Xfinity and multiple Cup Series top-10 finishes. Last year, we finished sixth there with the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevy. There are a lot of positives to build on and I have a lot of confidence heading into Talladega. I feel like I know what I need to do behind the wheel to execute, or at least to position myself. From there, it’s a matter of seeing what happens. Sometimes all you can do is put yourself in position and hope that it works out. We’ve learned some things now the last few races at Talladega and Daytona as far as what we can do as a team at Beard Motorsports. And with the cars we’ve been bringing, I think we all expect to be competitive and have a shot.”

How much does your performance at Talladega last spring boost your confidence going into the weekend?

“It’s a big confidence boost because last year there were a lot of unknowns for the team, and me. I was a new driver to them. We had gone to Daytona, so that got the ball rolling but, going to a new track together, I was still learning the NextGen car on a superspeedway-style track and I think there was just a lot of learning going on, and it still went exceptionally well. So I think this time we have a higher expectation. We certainly had that going into Daytona, it just didn’t work out there. But going into Talladega, we still have the same goal and it’s to go there and put ourselves in position to win the race.”

No. 62 Beard Motorsports Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Anthony Alfredo

Hometown: Ridgefield, Connecticut

Crew Chief: Darren Shaw

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Travis Owens

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Spotter: Rick Carelli

Hometown: Arvada, Colorado

President: Linda Beard

Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Caison Dillon

Hometown: Welcome, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Matthew Ketchie

Hometown: Mt. Ulla, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Tanner Wells

Hometown: Goldsboro, North Carolina

Jack Man: Brandon Derby

Hometown: Pennsylvania

Fuel Man: Doug Warrick

Hometown: Hamilton, New Jersey

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Jack Gagnon

Hometown: Quebec, Canada

Front End Mechanic: Mark Sanders

Hometown: Springfield, Ohio

Tire Technician: Mike Harrold

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jason Watkins

Hometown: Ridgeway, Virginia

Interior Specialist: Nic Hill

Hometown: Fort Myers, Florida

Transporter Driver: Roger Lankford

Hometown: Lexington, North Carolina

How Personal Injury Lawyers Support Families Through Recovery

By
SM
-
Photo by AllaSerebrina at https://depositphotos.com/

​In Biloxi and across Harrison County, personal injuries from accidents are a significant concern. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic crashes remain a primary public safety issue, with car, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, and motorcycle accidents occurring frequently. These incidents often result in property damage, injuries, and fatalities, underscoring the importance of understanding one’s legal rights following an accident. Legal help for personal injury cases in Biloxi can be a crucial resource for families navigating the aftermath of such incidents. 

Experienced attorneys assist in gathering necessary documentation, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing clients in court if needed. Their support can alleviate the burden on families, allowing them to focus on recovery while ensuring that their rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.

In the aftermath of a car accident, families often face overwhelming challenges, from medical expenses to emotional distress. A dedicated personal injury lawyer can be instrumental in navigating these difficulties, offering both legal expertise and compassionate support. For those in California, a Beverly Hills motor vehicle accident law firm provides specialized services to help victims and their families recover. By focusing on the unique needs of each case, these firms ensure that clients receive the compensation they deserve, allowing them to focus on healing and rebuilding their lives. This personalized approach is crucial in helping families move forward after such traumatic events.

What Can Personal Injury Lawyers Do for You

Personal injury lawyers handle cases involving injuries caused by accidents or negligence. They have extensive knowledge of legal processes and know how complicated insurance claims are. They use this knowledge to help families obtain the compensation they are owed. Such money may be used for medical bills, lost income, and other expenses. These attorneys offer reliable guidance and advocate for families during their most trying times.

Providing Emotional Support and Guidance

Personal injury lawyers are not merely legal representatives. They also offer emotional and moral support to distressed families. Having dealt with similar cases provides the empathy a client may need. They provide assurance and clarity by listening to concerns and answering questions. This guidance makes families feel more in charge and less alone. The road to recovery can be significantly easier with someone to lean on.

Legal procedures can be intimidating for those unfamiliar with the system. A personal injury attorney handles all this by completing the paperwork, negotiating on their behalf, and going to court if necessary. They communicate concisely with families to keep them informed about case progress and potential outcomes. Such experience provides families with peace of mind as they begin to navigate their recovery without the burden of legal matters hanging over them.

Increasing a Family’s Compensation

A personal injury lawyer aims to secure the maximum possible compensation for families. They take their time, carefully reviewing every instance, collecting evidence, and speaking with specialists to build a strong personal injury case. To advocate effectively, many attorneys utilize a legal policy limits search to uncover the full extent of available insurance coverage. They negotiate with insurance companies to ensure families receive the highest possible settlements. Ready to litigate if necessary, they fight for fair compensation. This financial support can ease the pressure of medical bills and create a sense of security during recovery or rehabilitation.

Making Access to Medical Aid Easier

Sometimes, victims need special medical attention to recover from injuries. A personal injury attorney can refer families to reputable healthcare facilities and medical service providers that will help them secure the necessary treatment. They can also assist with arranging treatment plans and organizing appointments, helping make recovery smoother. Such efforts make lawyers part of the healing process for injured individuals and their families.

Handling Financial Strain

Many individuals lose money after accidents because they cannot return to work, and even paying their bills becomes challenging. Personal injury attorneys support families through these tough times by securing compensation for lost wages and future earnings. They do this by assessing the long-term consequences of injuries and ensuring settlements reflect the real financial needs of such families. With this support, families can focus on recovery without worrying about making survival arrangements.

Equipping People with Information

Education is one of the best tools during the recovery process. Personal injury attorneys promote family empowerment by informing them of their legal rights as individuals and explaining the types of legal recourse available to them. They unravel legal language and explain processes using succinct definitions. This information enables families to make informed decisions about their cases. Being informed and prepared can help boost confidence and resilience during difficult times.

Conclusion

Personal injury attorneys help families cope with the consequences of accidents. Lawyers help families focus on rebuilding their lives by providing legal expertise and emotional support. They support recovery by getting their clients the highest possible compensation and access to medical treatment. Their dedication and commitment to justice positively impact victims and their families. Personal injury lawyers are loyal allies, helping affected families look forward to a better tomorrow.

Water and Dust-resistant Fitness Phones: OPPO A5 Pro

By
SM
-

The OPPO A5 Pro is built to withstand the toughest conditions and is the ultimate rugged smartphone for extreme sports enthusiasts. With IP66/IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, it withstands rain, mud, and sand. Its military-grade shock resistance ensures durability against drops and impacts. The massive 5800mAh battery keeps you powered through long adventures, and AI-powered camera tools like AI Eraser 2.0 help athletes capture and analyze high-quality footage. Whether you’re into parkour, rock climbing, trail running, or adventure sports, the A5 Pro is designed to endure the action while keeping you connected. Tough, long-lasting, and smart—this is the fitness phone built for the wild.

Why Extreme Athletes Need the OPPO A5 Pro

For adrenaline junkies, a regular smartphone just won’t cut it. Cracked screens from hard falls, water damage from sudden rain, and dust clogging ports can ruin your device and your adventure. The OPPO A5 Pro is engineered to conquer these challenges, making it the ultimate companion for extreme sports.

With IP66/IP68/IP69 certification, it shrugs off water, mud, and dust, whether you’re trail running in a storm or rock climbing in the desert. Its military-grade shock resistance protection means accidental drops will not stop the action. Plus, the 5800mAh battery ensures you stay powered through marathon training sessions or multi-day expeditions.

But it’s not just tough—it’s smart. The AI-powered camera captures crisp action shots, while AI Eraser 2.0 helps athletes analyze performance by cleaning up footage. No more worrying about a fragile phone—focus on the thrill while the A5 Pro handles the rest.

Key Features for Extreme Sports Enthusiasts

Unmatched Durability: IP66/IP68/IP69 & Military-Grade Protection

The OPPO A5 Pro is built to survive the elements. With IP66, IP68, and IP69 certifications, it withstands powerful water jets (IP69), complete dust immersion (IP6X), and prolonged underwater exposure (IP68). Whether you’re caught in a downpour during trail running or battling desert sands while mountain biking, your phone stays protected. Add military-grade shock resistance (MIL-STD-810H tested), and it becomes virtually indestructible against drops from heights—perfect for parkour fails or rock-climbing slips.

Long-Lasting 5800mAh Battery for All-Day Adventures

Extreme athletes need power that lasts. The 5800mAh battery keeps the A5 Pro running through marathon training, multi-day hikes, or back-to-back matches. Ultra Power Saving Mode extends usage when you are off-grid, while 33W SUPERVOOC fast charging quickly refuels during breaks. No more rationing battery life—train longer, push harder.

AI-Powered Camera for Capturing & Analyzing Action Shots

Every move matters. The A5 Pro’s AI-enhanced camera delivers crisp, shake-free footage even during high-speed action. AI Eraser 2.0 removes photobombers or clutter from training videos, so you can focus on technique. Whether reviewing parkour lines or studying match tactics, your analysis stays distraction-free.

Real-World Use Cases for Athletes

The OPPO A5 Pro isn’t just tough, it’s a game-changer for athletes who push limits. Here’s how it performs in real action:

Parkour & Rock Climbing – Built for Impact

Free runners and climbers need a phone that can take a beating—literally. The A5 Pro’s military-grade shock resistance protects it from hard landings, while its IP69 Rating ensures water and dust resistance, meaning spills, rain, or even gritty environments won’t stop it. Record your rooftop jumps or cliff ascents without worrying about damage.

Trail Running & Mountain Biking – Weatherproof Endurance

Sweat, mud, and sudden storms? No problem. The A5 Pro’s IP68-rated sealing keeps it safe from sweat and rain, while the 5800mAh battery ensures GPS tracking lasts for ultra-marathons or all-day rides. No more cutting adventures short—your phone keeps up.

Tactical Training & Match Reviews – Smarter Performance Analysis

For competitive athletes, reviewing footage is crucial. The AI Eraser 2.0 instantly removes background distractions from training videos, so you can focus on form and strategy. Whether breaking down a soccer play or perfecting a martial arts move, the A5 Pro helps you train smarter.

Why OPPO A5 Pro is the Ideal Fitness Phone

The OPPO A5 Pro combines military-grade toughness, all-day 5800mAh battery life, and AI-powered intelligence in one ultimate fitness phone. Surviving drops, water, and dust, it keeps up with parkour, rock climbing, and trail running while capturing crystal-clear action footage. With AI Eraser 2.0, athletes can refine techniques by cleaning up training videos, making it the perfect training partner.

FORMER CHAMP MATT HAGAN PREPARES FOR SECOND FOUR-WIDE OF 2025 AT AMERICAN REBEL LIGHT NHRA 4-WIDE NATIONALS IN CHARLOTTE

By
Official Release
-

CONCORD, N.C. (April 22, 2025) – Racing less than three hours from his home in Christiansburg, Va., four-time Funny Car champion Matt Hagan heads to zMAX Dragway with hopes of earning another win at the Bellagio of Dragstrips during this weekend’s American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals.

Hagan will be flying the colors of American Rebel Beer this weekend in his 12,000-horsepower Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car, adding even bigger stakes to the event for the popular veteran.

With four wins from Charlotte to his credit, including last year’s American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals when he picked up his milestone 50th career victory, Hagan is looking for his first win of the year as the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season continues at the wildest spectacle in motorsports.

“It will be a huge week for American Rebel,” said Hagan, who has 52 career Funny Car wins. “There will be a lot going on and I’m really excited about it. We’ll make it a good one knowing they’ll be out there with us. I’m ready to get going.”

The Charlotte race marks the second consecutive four-wide race for the NHRA Mission Food Drag Racing Series. Teams competed in Las Vegas and will soon arrive in Charlotte for another action-packed weekend of 48,000-horsepower machines reaching speeds over 330 mph.

Last season at the spring race in Charlotte, Hagan was joined in the winner’s circle by Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle). The 2025 race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 27. It is the fifth of 20 events during the 2025 season and it is loaded with special events to honor the 1,000th Top Fuel race, including a special trophy presented to the winner by NHRA legend Don Garlits on Sunday.

Hagan advanced to the final quad of eliminations in Las Vegas, where reigning Funny Car world champion Austin Prock earned his first title of the season. His final appearance will slot him into this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge, which brings competitive racing to the Saturday qualifying schedule.

Hagan will take on Phoenix winner Paul Lee, Daniel Wilkerson and former champ J.R. Todd. The other quad will be made up of Prock, former champion Cruz Pedregon, Dave Richards and Vegas Mission Challenge winner Spencer Hyde.

“Anytime you can go from one four-wide event to the next, it keeps you in a routine and gives you rhythm,” said Hagan. “Even though we advanced to the finals in Las Vegas, we had a parts breakage and ended up finishing last in the quad. I still feel really good about things. I felt like we had a good car all weekend in Vegas and had a good shot at winning the race. We were knocking on the door of where we needed to be, so we just have to keep the momentum moving forward.”

The Top Fuel ranks will celebrate the 1,000th Top Fuel race this weekend in Charlotte, some 62 years after the first Top Fuel race took place at the 1963 NHRA Winternationals, which was won by NHRA legend Don Garlits. NHRA will host milestone race winners including Garlits, race 100 winner Kelly Brown, race 200 winner Darrell Gwynn, as well as active racers including former champions Doug Kalitta and Brittany Force as well as reigning champion Antron Brown and more.

On the track, coming off his Vegas win, Tony Stewart will try to keep rolling and win a second straight race taking on the likes of points leader Shawn Langdon and Clay Millican.

Greg Anderson continues to dominate in Pro Stock, winning twice in 2025 and breaking records. Others to watch include KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn, who has also been to four straight finals in 2025, Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Matt Hartford.

Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera ruled 2024 and he won in Gainesville as the class returns for the first time since then with a talented pool of riders like Matt Smith, Richard Gadson, Jianna Evaristo, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant.

The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Series, Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock, Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the season-opener in the Holley EFI Factory X category. The first Summit Racing Equipment Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout of 2025 will also take place in Charlotte.

Fans will be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits. The stage hosts Nitro School, meet and greets, autograph sessions and much more. Race fans in Charlotte can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. Fans are also invited to congratulate the event winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday.

As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their cars, get autographs and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, April 25 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, April 26 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 27. Television coverage includes qualifying on FS1 at 11 a.m. ET on Sunday and then eliminations action at 6 p.m. ET to follow.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 800-455-3267. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

The Road to 1,000 Top Fuel races:

1: 1963 NHRA Winternationals – Don Garlits, winner

100: 1979 NHRA Mile-High Nationals – Kelly Brown, winner

200: 1987 Dallas NHRA Nationals – Darrell Gwynn, winner

300: 1993 Columbus NHRA Springnationals – Doug Herbert, winner

400: 1998 NHRA Mile-High Nationals – Cory McClenathan, winner

500: 2002 Dallas NHRA FallNationals – Doug Kalitta, winner

600: 2007 Atlanta NHRA Southern Nationals – Brandon Bernstein, winner

700: 2011 NHRA Mile-High Nationals – Spencer Massey, winner

800: 2015 NHRA Carolina Nationals – Antron Brown, winner

900: 2019 Las Vegas NHRA Nationals – Brittany Force, winner

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.

Front Row Motorsports: Talladega Superspeedway Competition Notes- Todd Gilliland

By
Official Release
-

Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Team
Talladega Superspeedway Competition Notes
Jack Link’s 500

Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Event: Race 11 of 38
Series: Talladega Superspeedway (2.66-miles)
#of Laps: 188
Time/TV/Radio: 3:00 PM ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Todd Gilliland Notes

Todd Gilliland heads to the Talladega Superspeedway this weekend after the NASCAR Cup Series Easter break. Gilliland will look to defend the No. 34’s 2024 Talladega pole dominance in Saturday’s qualifying session.

The 2.66-mile Talladega, Alabama track is one of Gilliland’s favorites on the Cup Series circuit, having earned three top-10 finishes in six Cup Series starts. Gilliland has one win at the track, capturing the checkered flag in 2019 in an ARCA Series event.

Gilliland and the No. 34 team will have Love’s Travel Stops and their truck care partner, Fleetguard, on the car this weekend. A global leading filtration brand within the Atmus Filtration Technologies portfolio, Fleetguard offers a full suite of filtration products for nearly all makes of vehicles and equipment across the truck, bus, agriculture, construction, mining, marine and power generation vehicle, and equipment markets.

Fleetguard heavy-duty filters give customers the ultimate protection for all their equipment. With availability in more than 45,000 independent aftermarket retail outlets globally, including approximately 5,800 locations in North America, Fleetguard products are available where customers need them and are backed by the competitive Fleetguard warranty.

“Talladega is a fun track, but it also provides its own set of challenges,” said Gilliland. “There is very little room for error, and if even the smallest of mistakes can take you out of the race. FRM has a good qualifying record here, so I expect to start up front. Hopefully, we can stay up there and bring home a trophy.”

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 Driver: Christian Boller
Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

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 @teamfrm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Front Row Motorsports: Talladega Superspeedway Competition Notes – Zane Smith

By
Official Release
-

Zane Smith and the No. 38 TitleMax Ford Team
Talladega Superspeedway Competition Notes

Jack Link’s 500
Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Event: Race 11 of 38
Series: Talladega Superspeedway (2.66-miles)
#of Laps: 188
Time/TV/Radio: 3:00 PM ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Zane Smith Notes

Zane Smith is back in action this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series makes its first trip of the 2025 season to the Talladega Superspeedway. Following the 500-lap event at the Bristol Motor Speedway two weeks ago, Smith sits 24th in the Cup Series Driver Championship points standings.

TitleMax returns this weekend in the brand’s third of four primary races with Smith and the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. TitleMax helps thousands of people get the funds they need with a title loan or personal loan. Offering competitive rates, while providing a superior level of customer service. For more information about TitleMax, please visit www.TitleMax.com.

“The off week was nice, but I’m ready to get back to racing,” said Smith. “Talladega provides a great opportunity to capture my first win in the Cup Series. FRM and the Ford’s always run well at the superspeedways, so I expect to qualify and compete upfront. Hopefully, we can stay out of the chaos and get the job done.”

Road Crew

Driver: Zane Smith
Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty
Hometown: Plainville, Connecticut

Car Chief: Will Norris
Hometown: Bells, Tennessee

Engineer: Jacob Clamme
Hometown: Hartford City, Indiana

Engineer: Chris Yerges
Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Mechanic: Steve Godfrey
Hometown: West Haven, Connecticut

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Tyler Podlaski
Hometown: Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard
Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut

Transport Co-Driver: Ernest Mullins
Hometown: Fayetteville, North Carolina

Transport Co-Driver: Rick Grissom
Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Flores
Hometown: Manasquan, New Jersey

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon
Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum
Hometown: Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Jackman: Ryan Selig
Hometown: Lindenhurst, Illinois

Fueler: Chris Webb
Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

ABOUT TITLEMAX

As part of the Community Choice Financial Family of Brands, TitleMax is one of the nation’s largest title lending companies. TitleMax helps thousands of people get the funds they need with a title loan or personal loan. Offering competitive rates, while providing a superior level of customer service.

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.

Spire Motorsports Jack Link’s 500 Race Advance

By
Official Release
-
  • In 22 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, Spire Motorsports has logged one top-five, two top-10 and seven top-15 finishes. Corey LaJoie earned a team-best fourth-place result in the Cup Series’ October 2023 visit to the 2.66-mile superspeedway. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet ZL1s in the Cup Series for Justin Haley, Michael McDowell and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
  • The Jack Link’s 500 from Talladega Superspeedway will be televised live on FOX Sunday, April 27, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 10th of 36 points-paying races on the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NASCAR Raceday will take the green flag on FS1 at 1:30 p.m. EDT and transition to FOX at 2 p.m.

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

  • Justin Haley will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
  • Haley made his first start in NASCAR’s premier division for Spire Motorsports at Talladega Superspeedway on April 28, 2019 – his 20th birthday. Sunday will mark Haley’s 154th career NASCAR Cup Series start. Over the course of the last seven seasons, the 25-year-old racer has notched one win, five top fives, 17 top 10s and 103 laps led.
  • Last time out at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, the Winamac, Ind., native qualified 10th and showed speed from the drop of the green flag, powering to the second position by Lap 45. Haley maintained top-five track position throughout the first two stages and managed his equipment the remainder of the afternoon to finish 13th.
  • Founded in 2018, Gainbridge® is an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone, no matter their budget or financial knowledge. Its platform provides access to financial products that are simple, intuitive, and backed by smart technology with no complexity or hidden fees. Gainbridge® is headquartered in Zionsville, Ind. For more information, visit www.gainbridge.io or follow and connect with us on X and LinkedIn.
  • Haley has recorded 10 previous Cup Series starts at Talladega, owning a career-best sixth-place finish in October 2023. In total, he’s collected two top-10 finishes, paced the field for 13 circuits and has finished within the top 20 in all but three of his 10 appearances.
  • In Xfinity Series competition, Haley claimed two victories at the 2.66-mile Alabama oval, including his first victory in the series in June 2020. He went on to sweep the series’ events at the track by taking the checkered flag later that October. In total, Haley has logged five Talladega starts including one pole, two top fives and five top 10s while recording an average starting position of 5.4 and a 4.6 average finish.
  • Haley also visited Talladega victory lane in May 2017 with the ARCA Menards Series. He held off several competitors during a one-lap overtime shootout to claim his second victory in the series, and first on asphalt.
  • Haley secured his first Cup Series win in the 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, another superspeedway. He picked up both his and the team’s first win – an upset of practically unprecedented proportions – behind the wheel of the No. 77 Chevrolet.
  • The veteran racer has collected four NASCAR Xfinity Series checkered flags and three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series wins, making him one of just 41 drivers in history to have earned victories across all three of NASCAR’s National Touring Series.
  • In total, Haley has made 50 Cup Series starts for Spire Motorsports, with the bulk of races coming during the 2021 season behind the wheel of the team’s No. 77 machine. In his second appearance amidst his return to Spire Motorsports at Talladega last October, Haley earned a seventh-place result, his first top 10 with the team since the 2021 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.

Justin Haley Quote
You’ve seen plenty of success at Talladega. What do you need to get the job done this weekend?
“We need to qualify fast, stay up front and hope for the best. But, you can’t be too far up front because you have to save fuel. It’s honestly more mind games than it’s ever been. There is a balance of frustration and challenges. Winning it would be rewarding because you did everything right. That’s the goal.”

Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Rodney Childers

  • Crew Chief Rodney Childers has called 36 races at Talladega Superspeedway. Childers-prepared cars have led 198 laps and earned four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes at the track.
  • The Mooresville, N.C., native has called 684 NASCAR Cup Series races where he’s earned 34 pole awards, 40 wins, 178 top-five and 298 top-10 finishes. He also clinched 2014 championship honors with Harvick.
  • Childers’ 40 wins at NASCAR’s premier level are second-most amongst all crew chiefs in the Cup Series garage.

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

  • Michael McDowell will be behind the wheel of Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 GUNK Chevrolet ZL1 for Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
  • McDowell owns three top-five and four top-10 finishes at Talladega, highlighted by a pair of third-place results in May 2021 and October 2022.
  • During the 2024 campaign, the 40-year-old earned two of his five pole awards on the season in the pair of Talladega events and led a combined 78 laps. Unfortunately, he was involved in late-race incidents in both races, removing him from contention.
  • The No. 71 Chevrolet will host a bright orange-and-blue GUNK livery for this weekend’s contest at Talladega. The Engine Degreaser will serve as the primary partner with their tagline “We Like It Dirty” featured on the TV panel.
  • GUNK products are the toughest cleaners and degreasers. For more than 60 years of American heritage, Gunk has taken on the grease and grime of the garage to earn the trust of trade professionals, weekend wrenchers, and auto enthusiasts alike. GUNK is dedicated to developing performance-driven products and innovative solutions that help customers take on the toughest cleaning challenges.
  • The 2021 Daytona 500 Champion owns three top-five and eight top-10 finishes, including his victory in the 63rd edition of the “Great American Race,” at Daytona.
  • McDowell has claimed two Xfinity Fastest Lap awards, clocking the fastest lap in the Daytona 500 and again last month at Phoenix Raceway. McDowell and A.J. Allmendinger stand as the only drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series to have secured multiple bonus points through the recently-unveiled program.
  • The Arizona native secured Spire Motorsports’ first Busch Light Pole Award last month at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His 28.833 second lap marks the fastest lap in the Gen 7 era (2022-present) at the 1.5-mile Nevada oval.

Michael McDowell Quotes
What have you learned about the challenges of winning at a superspeedway in your last handful of starts?
“You only get one move and you’re only one bad block away. We were fast, and last year I could obviously see the checkered flag, but I didn’t get there. We have a lot of confidence going into Talladega. I’ve been in position to win those races, and I’ve finished second, third and fourth, but we have been close to seeing that that checkered flag. I enjoy the challenge of going there and putting yourself in position to fight for the win on the last lap. Hopefully we’ll have another opportunity to do it again. You always learn what you could have done differently, how you would approach that differently and whether you think you’re right or wrong. It doesn’t matter, we didn’t win. If you didn’t win, you didn’t do it right. You always go back and analyze how you would do it differently, how you could make better choices and what led to those choices. We feel confident going back there and look forward to having a shot at it.”

Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Travis Peterson

  • As a race engineer at JR Motorsports, Travis Peterson helped Regan Smith to Talladega Victory Lane in the 2013 NASCAR Xfinity Series event. Smith survived late-race carnage to preserve the lead in a three-wide finish, narrowly edging Joey Logano and Kasey Kahne.
  • The West Bend, Wis., native earned his first Cup Series victory at the track in May 2015 as a race engineer at Hendrick Motorsports, working alongside crew chief Greg Ives and driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr., on the No. 88 team. After qualifying fourth, Earnhardt, Jr., led 67 laps en route to his antepenultimate Cup Series win.
  • The 33-year-old helped McDowell to pole awards in both 2024 Talladega events.

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

  • Carson Hocevar will make his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500. The Portage, Mich., native’s venue-best finish came last October in a 14th-place effort.
  • Chili’s Grill & Bar is back on the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet ZL1 for their second of three consecutive appearances. Hocevar piloted the western-themed Ride The ‘Dente machine two weeks ago at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. After qualifying ninth for the 500-lap event, he picked up bonus points in the first two stages and was on track for a top-five finish before a slow pit stop late in the Final Stage put him a lap down to the leaders. The race concluded with a long green-flag run, resulting in an 11th-place finish for the No. 77 team.
  • With nine Cup Series starts on drafting-style tracks, the 2024 Cup Series Rookie of the Year owns one top-five, one top-10 and six top-20 finishes.
  • Hocevar owns three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at Talladega with a best-finish of 11th earned in October 2023. In total, he has nine Truck Series starts on drafting-style tracks highlighted by two top-10 finishes at Daytona International Speedway in 2021 and 2023.
  • Chili’s is a leader in the casual dining industry and the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT). Chili’s is known for its big mouth burgers, Chicken Crispers®, full-on sizzling fajitas and hand-shaken margaritas. Chili’s takes its food seriously – but not themselves – because dining out should feel like a celebration even if there is nothing to celebrate. Chili’s passion is making everyone feel special, and every day, ChiliHeads make it their job to spread #ChilisLove across almost 1,600 restaurants in 27 countries and two territories. Chili’s hosts local Give Back Events to support kids, education and hunger and has raised more than $100 million benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through generous Guest donations. Find more information about Chili’s at chilis.com, follow on Twitter or Instagram, like them on Facebook or join Chili’s on TikTok.

Carson Hocevar Quotes
The last time the Cup Series visited a drafting track, you left Atlanta with a runner-up finish and a change of view on your approach to superspeedways. Explain what changed between the first race at Daytona and the second at Atlanta, and how that applies at Talladega.
“I’ve just never been a fan of superspeedways and drafting. That type of racing isn’t something I enjoyed, up until this year. Even at Daytona, my approach was stay out of trouble and hope to be there at the end when everyone else starts wrecking. That didn’t really work out for us and we ended up not finishing the race. Then at Atlanta, I decided I was just going to race as hard as I could and get as many points as I could. I don’t know if that will always work. These tracks are so different and Talladega is different from Daytona. It really just comes down to what the racing is like that day and how well your car is handling in the draft. I’d love to say we’re going to get stage points and battle for a win, and I hope that is the case. This type of racing is just so unpredictable and you never know what you’re going to get until you’re there.”

Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Luke Lambert

  • Crew chief Luke Lambert has called 23 Cup Series races at Talladega resulting in four top-fives and eight top-10 finishes. In total, Lambert has led his drivers to 18 top-10 finishes on drafting-style tracks.
  • In April 2023, the Mount Airy, N.C., native led Noah Gragson to a NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Talladega in April 2023. The result marked Lambert’s lone victory and third top 10 in three races atop the box at the 2.66-mile superspeedway in Xfinity Series competition.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on March 21, 2025, when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Baptist Health 200 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

In 2025, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team will also field the Nos. 07, 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the No. 77 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series in select events.

Front Row Motorsports: Talladega Superspeedway Competition Notes – Noah Gragson

By
Official Release
-

Noah Gragson and the No. 4 Rural King Ford Team
Talladega Superspeedway Competition Notes
Jack Link’s 500

Date: Sunday, April 27, 2025
Event: Race 11 of 38
Series: Talladega Superspeedway (2.66-miles)
#of Laps: 188
Time/TV/Radio: 3:00 PM ET on FOX/MRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Noah Gragson Notes

After a short break in the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Noah Gragson and the No. 4 team head to “Sweet Home Alabama” for 188 laps at the Talladega Superspeedway. The 2.66-mile Talladega, Alabama track is a favorite for Gragson, having earned his career best Cup Series finish (3rd) in the 2024 Fall event with Stewart-Haas Racing. Gragson has a storied history at the superspeedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In eight starts, Gragson has one win, three top-five, and six top-10 finishes.

Rural King, America’s Farm and Home Store, will return to Gragson’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. This marks the Mattoon, Illinois-based retailer’s second race with Front Row Motorsports, bringing its well-known commitment to rural values, hardworking communities, and American heritage to race fans across the country. Gragson will make an appearance at the Rural King in Jasper, Alabama on Saturday, April 26th from 2:30 pm – 3:00 pm CDT.

“As an organization, we’re upbeat heading into the superspeedways,” said Gragson. “The Fords have shown real strength there, and we’ve had solid speed, like we showed in Atlanta before getting caught up in that wreck. Coming off the break, the team’s recharged and ready to get after it this weekend.”

Road Crew

Driver: Noah Gragson
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Joey Forgette
Hometown: Iron Mountain, Michigan

Engineer: Dillon Silverman
Hometown: Chico, California

Engineer: Scott Bingham
Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Mechanic: Chris Trickett
Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Tony Infinger
Hometown: Fort Valley, Georgia

Tire Specialist: Chris Aunspaw
Hometown: Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller
Hometown: Monroe, New York

Spotter: Nick Del Campo
Hometown: Blauvelt, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Nate “Cookie” Eller
Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy
Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Thomas Hatcher
Hometown: Middleburg, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Adam Riley
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Tire Carrier: Jarren Davis
Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Jackman: Nate McBride
Hometown: Vidalia, Georgia

Fueler: Ray Hernandez
Hometown: Orlando, Florida

ABOUT RURAL KING

Rural King, also known as RK Holdings, LLP, planted its roots as America’s Farm and Home Store in Mattoon, Illinois in 1960. Since that time, Rural King has grown to more than 140 stores in fourteen states. Specifically, we provide a broad range of essential goods, food, feed, seed and other farm and home necessities to the communities we serve throughout Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. We welcome and encourage everyone to enjoy our long-standing tradition of offering free popcorn and coffee every time you visit our stores.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
-

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY PRE-RACE ADVANCE

RACE: Jack Link’s 500 | Race 10 of 36
DATE: April 27, 2025
TRACK: Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, Ala. | 2.66-mile Superspeedway

CLUB MINUTES

OFF WEEK: During the NASCAR Cup Series off week, the teams took some much-needed time to reset before a 28-week straight stretch of races. Erik Jones went home to Michigan and spent time with his family and friends. Teammate John Hunter Nemechek and his family stayed local and had some quality family time as well, which included celebrating his wife Taylor’s birthday.

NEVER SETTLE: Join ESPN’s Marty Smith and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s co-owner Jimmie Johnson for their weekly podcast, Never Settle. The podcast airs live on SIRIUS XM NASCAR Radio Ch. 90 at 2 p.m. ET every Wednesday and can be downloaded wherever fans source their podcasts. This week’s guest is Nick Weaver, entrepreneur and co-founder of Blue Delta Jeans.

LEGACY WINS AT ‘DEGA: CLUB Ambassador Richard Petty, “The King” has two wins at Talladega Superspeedway – both coming in 1974. CLUB co-owner Johnson won two times at Talladega, and the most thrilling was a four-by-four wide finish in the 2011 Aaron’s 499. In a race that featured 88 lead changes, Johnson won on the last lap by .002 over Clint Bowyer while being pushed by his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Dale Earnhardt, Jr. This finish is still tied for the second-closest finish in NASCAR history.

DALE INMAN, HALL OF FAME: Infamous eight-time championship-winning crew chief Dale Inman, will be inducted into the 61st annual North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC. This year the Hall will induct University of North Carolina and Dallas Cowboy great Greg Ellis, athletic administrator Nora Lynn Finch, North Carolina State track and cross-country coach Rollie Geiger, legendary high school football coach David Gentry, NASCAR crew chief Inman, Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones, basketball star Wendy Palmer, college football legend Jimmy Raye and the founder of the Durham Bulls Miles Wolff. Posthumously, the Hall will induct NASCAR driver Bobby Isaac and Clemson University/ NFL great Chester McGlockton. The 2025 class will bring the total number of those enshrined in the Hall to 422.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 JACK LINK’S TOYOTA CAMRY XSE

WELCOME JACK LINK’S: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB recently announced that Jack Link’s®, the global leader in meat snacks and vendor partner of Dollar Tree will serve as the primary partner on John Hunter Nemechek’s No. 42 Jack Link’s Toyota Camry XSE for the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 27.

NEMECHEK AT DEGA: During his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2020, John Hunter Nemechek showed a knack for the high banks of Talladega Superspeedway, scoring a pair of eighth-place finishes in both races. Nemechek has four NCS starts at the 2.66-mile superspeedway with an average finish of 20th. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Nemechek has made four starts, qualifying inside the top 15 each time and earning two top 10 finishes. In the NASCAR Truck Series, he has seven starts, claimed one pole position, led 31 laps, and notched one top five and two top 10 finishes. During the 2024 Spring event at Talladega, Nemechek led 20 laps in his Toyota Camry XSE but got caught up in an accident, finishing 33rd. This season during the two speedway races, he kicked things off with a career-high fifth-place result in the DAYTONA 500 and followed that up with a 10th place finish in Atlanta.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY T-MACK: During the off week, the crew chief of the No. 42 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entry, Travis Mack, celebrated his 42nd birthday. Happy Birthday, T-Mack!

T-MACK AT DEGA: Mack has made nine Cup Series starts as a crew chief, earning three top-10 finishes, including a best result of eighth place with Daniel Suárez in 2022. In the Xfinity Series, he has three starts as a crew chief, highlighted by a pole position with Michael Annett in 2019 while at JR Motorsports.

QUOTING JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK:
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on a superspeedway this weekend at Talladega. We’ve had a strong start to the season with back-to-back top-10 finishes, and we’ve got a pretty cool Jack Link’s scheme on the car. It’d be fitting to get my first Cup win in the Jack Link’s 500.”

QUOTING TRAVIS MACK:
“It’s important to LEGACY MC to unload in Talladega and outqualify our positions from the Daytona 500. Our cars performed well in the race, but we lacked some speed in qualifying. To improve means we improved our car’s speed in just a couple of months’ time. I am always excited about our chances of going to a superspeedway race with John Hunter. He is a smart SS racer and will definitely be in contention at the end of the race.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 TRISTATE VACUUM & RENTAL TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
WELCOME TRISTATE VACUUM & RENTAL: The No. 43 will dawn the red, grey, and white colors of TriState Vacuum & Rental, a subsidiary company of partner Massey Motor Freight.

JONES AT DEGA: Throughout his career, Jones has had 16 NASCAR Cup Series starts at the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway, earning three top five and eight top 10 finishes. He’s been especially consistent recently, finishing in the top 10 in seven of his last 10 races while leading a total of 75 laps. In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Jones has three starts at Talladega, never qualifying outside the top 10 and securing a top five finish in 2017, where he led five laps. In the Truck Series, the 2015 champion made two starts, boasting an average starting position of 4.5 and an average finish of 5.0, and has led seven laps and recorded one top five and one top 10 finish.

BESHORE AT DEGA: Ben Beshore has called the shots as crew chief at Talladega Superspeedway six times. Of those six starts in the top Series, he has one top five, which was a third place finish in 2022 with Kyle Busch behind the wheel at Joe Gibbs Racing. In addition, he has four NXS starts with a best finish of 26th to his record.

RIDE ALONG: This weekend, fans can go onboard the No. 43 TriState Vacuum & Rental Toyota Camry driven by Jones as he carries cameras sponsored by Toyota, giving the fan multiple viewpoints as the 28-year-old driver takes to the high banks of Talladega.

QUOTING ERIK JONES:
“I always look forward to getting to Talladega, for me it’s somewhere I have been really close to winning a handful of races, but I just haven’t been able to close the deal. I am looking forward to getting back there again, representing TriState Vacuum & Rental, hopefully running up front and having an opportunity to win. I felt like our Daytona week was really good and I feel like LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s speedway cars are good, and we have done some things to even improve since then. So, looking forward to just to seeing what our speed is like and having an opportunity to go there and run well with a shot to win.”

QUOTING BEN BESHORE:
“Qualifying isn’t a huge deal at Talladega — it’s really more about making sure the car drives well and races strong. If we have to give up a little in qualifying to gain that in the race, it’s worth it. We’re focused on drivability and the ability to move through the pack and change lanes in the big pack. We’ve been making some incremental changes to help improve our performance [at Talladega].”

CLUB APPEARANCES
NASCAR KIDS CLUB HANGOUT: On Saturday at 11:30 a.m. local time, Nemechek will visit the NASCAR Kids Club and have a question-and-answer session with NFL Star and NASCAR Growth & Engagement Advisor, Alvin Kamara.

TALLADEGA GARAGE EXPERIENCE: On race day morning at 10:15 a.m., Nemechek will stop by the Talladega Garage Experience Stage located in the infield for a Q&A session.

TUNE IN:
The NASCAR Cup Series returns to action this week at Talladega Superspeedway with the Jack Link’s 500 on Sunday, April 27. The race broadcast will take place on FOX, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90) at 3:00 p.m. ET.

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

SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT EXTENDS TITLE SPONSORSHIP OF NHRA JR. DRAG RACING LEAGUE

By
Official Release
-

INDIANAPOLIS (April 22, 2025) – NHRA and Summit Racing Equipment teamed up to announce a long-term extension of the title rights sponsorship for the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, a popular racing league for kids ages 5-17.

As a longtime partner of the NHRA, Summit Racing Equipment will continue to be the title sponsor and supporter of the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League. As the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League enters its 33rd season this year, young drivers from across the country will once again compete in thrilling eight-car shootouts that will be held at seven NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series national events.

“Summit Racing Equipment is thrilled to remain the title sponsor of the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League. This continues to be an important partnership for our company and this league is such a terrific and vital program for young racers,” said Jim Greenleaf, Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports & Events Manager. “There are so many great opportunities for all these talented young competitors to shine and it’s exciting to see such tremendous growth in these areas. We’re looking forward to a great 2025 and beyond as these young drivers look to live out their dreams.”

The eight-car shootouts debuted three years ago and will take place at NHRA national events across all seven divisions, beginning with the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals on April 25-27 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. The final round takes place on Sunday and will be included on the television broadcast on FS1, with racers running alongside the stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

“The NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League plays a key role in our sport, and we’re excited that Summit Racing Equipment continues to provide outstanding support for young drag racers,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. “Summit Racing Equipment is passionate about giving young racers a platform to showcase their love for NHRA drag racing and with opportunities to compete in major events across the country, we can’t wait to see these talented young drivers showcase their skills.”

The special eight-car shootouts for NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League will also take place at Pacific Raceway in Seattle on July 18-20, Brainerd International Raceway on Aug. 14-17, Maple Grove Raceway on Sept. 11-14, World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis on Sept. 26-28, Texas Motorplex in Dallas on Oct. 9-12 and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip on Nov. 13-16.

Other annual highlights are the conference finals events. Texas Motorplex will host the Right Trailers NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League Western Conference Finals for the second time on June 13-15, while Bristol Dragway continues as the site of the Eastern Conference Finals on July 17-19. Each event’s schedule includes a full slate of racing activities, culminating in the crowning of eight individual champions.

The division championship competition continues to grow at a strong rate as well, with all seven divisions hosting a Summit Jr. Drag Racing League Division Finals. Division 2 and Division 6 finals in the category will take place in conjunction with the Summit E.T. Finals. All seven divisions will host a season championship points series throughout their season and complete schedules are available at jrdragster.nhra.com.

NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League competitor’s race cars, called Jr. Dragsters, are half-scale versions of the iconic Top Fuel dragsters. They go as fast as 85 mph and as quick as 7.90 seconds in the eighth-mile using a five-horsepower, single-cylinder engine, though younger age groups are restricted to slower times and speeds.

Since its start in 1992, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League has provided a place for young racers to compete and been the start for many top NHRA professional drivers. The list includes world champions like Pro Stock’s Erica Enders and Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon, who won a JDRL national championship in 1997, as well standouts such as Top Fuel’s Leah Pruett, Jasmine Salinas and Justin Ashley; Funny Car driver J.R. Todd; Pro Stock competitors Deric Kramer and Chris McGaha; Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Gaige Herrera and many more.

For more information on the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, please visit http://jrdragster.nhra.com/.

2025 NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League National Shootout Schedule

  • April 25-27 (Division 2): American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte, NC.
  • July 18-20 (Division 6): Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways in Seattle, Wash.
  • August 14-17(Division 5): Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway in Brainerd, MN. NHRA
  • September 11-14 (Division 1): NHRA Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, PA.
  • September 26-28 (Division 3): NHRA Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis, MO.
  • October 9-12 (Division 4): Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex in Dallas, TX.
  • November 13-16 (Division 7): In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, CA.

About Summit Racing Equipment

Summit Racing Equipment has been the World’s Speed Shop® for 56 years! Summit Racing offers a huge selection of in-stock parts for drag racing like drivetrain and suspension components, safety gear, wheels and tires, and brakes. It also carries tools and shop equipment, plus storage upgrades for your trailer and performance upgrades for your tow vehicle. Summit Racing offers fast ground service shipping to most areas of the country and same-day shipping on in-stock items. Summit Racing has the industry’s top-rated customer service and a full-time technical department to answer your questions. With headquarters in Tallmadge, Ohio, Summit operates distribution and retail stores in Tallmadge, Sparks, NV, McDonough, GA, and Arlington, TX.

Summit Racing Equipment
www.summitracing.com
1-800-230-3030

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, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle 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 110 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.

1...624625626...6,750Page 625 of 6,750