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GREG VAN ALST RAISES DIABETES AWARENESS IN DARLINGTON THROWBACK

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Official Release
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MOORESVILLE, NC, April 2, 2025 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Greg Van Alst today announced he is raising awareness of diabetes with his throwback paint scheme for this weekend’s Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.

Van Alst’s No. 35 CB Fabricating Chevrolet Camaro will sport a red and white color scheme and font in a nod to Ryan Reed’s Lilly Diabetes car.

Reed is the first-known driver in NASCAR to be publicly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Reed partnered with Lilly Diabetes from 2013 until 2018 in what was then called the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The partnership brought diabetes to the forefront, allowing Reed to serve as an ambassador for the condition.

Reed was diagnosed in 2011 and initially told his racing career was over. But he refused to let Type 1 Diabetes control his life.

“It was an incredibly difficult diagnosis. I was originally told I would never drive a race car again,” said Reed. “Finding the right medical team was key for me to fight my way back to racing! Training and preparation became a much bigger part of my routine. Using a continuous glucose monitor is a key component to each and every race.”

Van Alst is no stranger to the preparation and monitoring required of a driver with Type 1 Diabetes. He was diagnosed in 2021. Like Reed, Van Alst refused to give up racing because of his diagnosis.

“I really have to be conscious of what I eat around race time. A lot of drivers get nervous before a race and can’t eat,” offered Van Alst. “Many times I have had to force myself to eat right before a race,” said Van Alst. “I also have two water bottles in the car at each race. One for water. One with a sugar drink to bring my sugar levels up if they drop.

“My wife monitors my glucose levels from home and messages the crew chief with updates so he can let me know if I need to bring up my sugar levels.”

Van Alst’s younger brother and his primary sponsor’s (Chris Barkdull of CB Fabricating) son were diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes as kids. So, he felt it was important to raise awareness about diabetes and the struggles those with Type 1 Diabetes face.

“Being a couple of years into my diabetes journey, I wanted to do something that would help share my story,” added Van Alst. “What a better way than to throw back to a driver who was a huge advocate of the diabetes community while he was racing.”

“This throwback is so important to me for many reasons,” said Reed. “Of course it’s very flattering for myself, but even more importantly it continues to draw attention to the entire diabetes community. Folks with diabetes wake up every day and fight silent battles. I hope this gives them a little encouragement to keep fighting the good fight.”

For the third time this season, CB Fabricating will join Van Alst as the primary partner on the team’s No. 35 Chevrolet.

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly.

“This is Chris’s (Barkdull) first participation in NASCAR Throwback Weekend, and bringing further awareness to Type 1 Diabetes is incredibly important to all of us,” said Van Alst.

“This initiative hits close to home for our team, and having the opportunity to highlight such a meaningful cause on a national stage is something we don’t take for granted. We’re proud to have Chris and his support behind this effort.”

For those looking to learn more and support Type 1 Diabetes research and treatment, Reed suggests Breakthrough T1D, Beyond Type 1 and American Diabetes Association.

For more information on Greg Van Alst, visit https://www.gregvanalst.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/vanalstmotorsports/) and X (https://twitter.com/GregVanAlst35).

The Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help A Hero 200 (147 laps | 200.8 miles) is the eighth of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Twenty-five-minute group practices will take place on Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 11:05 a.m. The field will take the green flag later in the day, shortly after 3:30 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

JR Motorsports — NXS Darlington Raceway Preview

By
Official Release
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JR Motorsports Xfinity Team Preview
TRACK – Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile oval)
NXS RACE – Sport Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200 (147 laps / 200.8 miles)
TUNE IN – CW, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 3:30 p.m. (ET)

Carson Kvapil

No. 1 – Bass Pro Shops / Clarience Technologies Chevrolet

Kvapil 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 7

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 9

Avg. Finish: 17.6

Points: 9th

Carson Kvapil will make his third start at “The Lady in Black” in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this weekend.

In nine starts on tracks 1-2 miles in length, the 21-year-old Mooresville native has two top-fives and three top-10s.

After Martinsville, Kvapil jumped four positions in the points standings where he now sits in ninth nine points out from eighth.

Kvapil will pay homage to Jamie McMurray’s iconic 2010 Bass Pro Shops No. 1 Chevrolet that he ran in the NASCAR Cup Series and took to Victory Lane in the Daytona 500, the Brickyard 400 and in the fall race at Charlotte Motor Soeedway.

Carson Kvapil

“Darlington is a challenging track, but this team has learned a lot since our last race there so I believe we can have a solid run there this weekend. I am really looking forward to running this throwback and I know Jamie McMurray had a lot of success with it so hopefully we can channel some of that on Saturday. I know this No. 1 team is going to give me a fast car, so our plan is to stay out of the mess and be there at the end to get a great finish for Bass Pro Shops. I can’t thank Johnny Morris and everyone at Bass Pro Shops and Clarience Technologies enough for their support because I wouldn’t be here without them.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Heritage Chevrolet

Allgaier 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 7

Wins: 2

Top 5s: 5

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 269

Avg. Finish: 8.4

Points: 1st

Justin Allgaier is a three-time winner at “The Track Too Tough to Tame,” the most of any track the Illinois native has competed on in the NXS.

All three of Allgaier’s wins have come in the spring event at Darlington, including in this race last season.

Overall, in 19 career NXS starts at “The Lady in Black,” Allgaier has amassed eight top-fives and 15 top-10s to accompany the three victories.

This weekend marks the third consecutive year that Allgaier’s No. 7 Chevrolet will be paying homage to the heritage of BRANDT Professional Agriculture. Over the previous two years behind the wheel of BRANDT Heritage Chevrolets, Allgaier has finished first (last year) and second, with the runner-up result coming in this event in 2023.

Justin Allgaier

“Darlington has been a really strong track for us and for JR Motorsports as a whole over the last number of years. I can’t wait to get there this weekend with this BRANDT Heritage Chevrolet and see what we can do. We have had great cars all season long and I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) will give me another one on Saturday that will have us fighting for the win when it counts.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 TMC Transportation Chevrolet

Smith 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 7

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 23

Avg. Finish: 14

Points: 13th

Sammy Smith has four NXS starts at Darlington with one top-five and one top-10 finish.

In 36 starts on tracks 1-2 miles in length in the NXS, Smith has accumulated one win, six top-fives and 18 top-10 finishes.

According to NASCAR’s Loop Details Statistics, Smith has run 88.5 percent of the 1,219 laps thus far in 2025 in the top 15.

Smith’s No. 8 TMC Chevrolet carries a throwback scheme to Tony Stewart’s 2003 3 Doors Down Chevrolet that was owned by JRM team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. In place of the band members’ photos will be four TMC employees who are being honored for their dedicated years of service at TMC Transportation.

Sammy Smith

“I’m looking forward to Darlington this weekend to represent TMC with this fun throwback scheme to Tony Stewart and honoring a few of TMC’s great employees. This No. 8 JR Motorsports team has brought fast Chevrolets to the track this season so I’m excited to see what we can do.”

Ross Chastain

No. 9 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet

Chastain 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 1

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 1

Laps Led: 2

Avg. Finish: 8

Points: N/A

Ross Chastain makes his 11th career start at Darlington this weekend, his second NXS start of the season.

Saturday afternoon’s race marks Chastain’s second of five races behind the wheel of the No. 9 Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet for JRM this year. Last month at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, Chastain qualified second and finished eighth in the No. 9 entry.

In the NXS at Darlington, Chastain has one pole position, September 2018, and a best finish of second in September 2020.

Chastain has one Truck Series win at Darlington. In May 2024, he led three laps and captured the win in a thrilling finish.

Ross Chastain

“I love anytime I can get behind the wheel of something. Last time at COTA, I didn’t do my job because I sped on pit road and that put us behind. I had such a great Acceptance Insurance Chevrolet at COTA and made it hard on myself and the team with that driver error. Darlington is one of my favorite tracks that we go to all year and I would love nothing more than to go to Victory Lane. I did it last year in the Truck Series and it would be awesome to do it in the Xfinity Series too.”

Connor Zilisch

No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet

Zilisch 2025 NXS Stats

Starts: 7

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 2

Laps Led: 159

Avg. Finish: 18.1

Points: 7th

Connor Zilisch will be making his first Darlington start in the NXS on Saturday afternoon at the historic South Carolina speedway. The driver of the No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet has six starts on intermediate tracks over the past two seasons. His best finish is fourth-place (at both Kansas Speedway and Phoenix Raceway in 2024) with three top-10 finishes in those races.

Zilisch enters Darlington seventh in the NXS driver standings, 100 points behind leader and JRM teammate Justin Allgaier. He sits just 25 outside the top-five and has gained 25 positions in the driver standings over the past five races.

The driver of the WeatherTech Chevrolet enters Darlington after a strong performance at Martinsville Speedway. Zilisch won the pole at Martinsville, his second pole of the 2025 season and third in 11 career NXS races, and led the most laps before a late-race incident brought an end to his solid day.

The No. 88 WeatherTech Chevrolet will sport a throwback paint scheme this weekend to honor NASCAR Hall of Famer Buddy Baker. The paint scheme honors Baker’s 1987 Crisco livery in which he scored 10 top-10 finishes in 20 races, highlighted by a second-place finish in the 1987 July race at Daytona International Speedway.

Connor Zilisch

“Darlington has been around forever and I’m excited to get my first race there. We have such a cool throwback paint scheme on our WeatherTech Chevrolet to honor Buddy Baker’s Crisco car. It means a lot to bring some history back to this race and run a throwback car to honor a guy like Buddy Baker, who has such a rich history in NASCAR. Darlington is tough but I’m excited to go there. I’ve run a few laps in the SIM, but definitely it’s one of the tougher tracks we go to. JR Motorsports always has good cars at Darlington so we should have a good shot.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Darlington Raceway: JR Motorsports has competed at Darlington Raceway a combined 77 times in the NXS since 2006. In those starts at the 1.366-mile oval, the organization has recorded seven wins, 24 top-fives and 47 top-10s. The average finish is 12.1.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier and Connor Zilisch will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / HMS-Byron/Bowman souvenir rig on Saturday, April 5 from 12:50 p.m. to 1:20 p.m. ET.

Adam Adelson Acquires Wright Motorsports, Paving the Way for New Era of Growth

By
Official Release
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BATAVIA, OH (April 2, 2025) – Wright Motorsports is proud to announce a major transition in leadership as longtime Porsche racer Adam Adelson has officially purchased the team from founder John Wright. The sale was finalized in December 2024, and Adelson, already deeply ingrained in the paddock, is focused on driving the next chapter of growth while preserving the values and legacy that have made Wright Motorsports one of the most respected names in North American sports car racing.

While the change in ownership marks a significant milestone, the core identity of Wright Motorsports remains intact. The team will continue to operate with the same personnel, culture, and focus on excellence. John Wright will stay involved in the championship-winning team, offering his invaluable experience and guidance as Adelson and now Chief Operating Officer Bob Viglione lead the team forward.

“John built one of the most respected teams in the paddock, and my goal is to build on that foundation, not change it,” said Adelson. “With this transition, we’re focused on expanding our customer programs in 2026 and beyond, while ensuring that the quality and family-like culture that defines Wright continues.”

Known for consistency and excellence, Wright Motorsports has been a staple in the sports car racing paddock for more than two decades. Under John Wright’s leadership, the team has gone on to win various championships as well as marquee races like the Rolex 24 At Daytona and the Twelve Hours of Sebring.

“When Adam first came to me and said he wanted to start a race team, it was perfect timing,” said Wright. “We were already close to a transition—whether I sold the team or pursued a different ownership model. Adam’s vision, his passion for racing, and his ability to grow the team in ways I always hoped made the decision easy. He and Bob work incredibly well together. It felt like the right time and the right people to carry it forward.”

Reflecting on all of those who contributed to the team’s success, Wright also emphasized the contributions of the people who built and grew the team alongside him.

“From the very beginning, it was the people,” Wright added. “My wife, Kara, is an amazing mother to our incredible three daughters, and she also kept the office running in so many ways while raising our kids. The support of my family set the foundation of this team. Bob started as a data and electronics engineer and became invaluable as he grew into a key leadership role that allowed me to focus elsewhere. The mechanics, the engineers, the event staff, the media team; every single person that was a part of our journey is a part of the backbone of our team. That encompasses every single driver that has been in the Wright Motorsports fraternity, including the customer racing programs that became family. Without them and their love and passion for what they do on and off track, I couldn’t have been as successful as I was. Drivers like Pat Long and Jan Heylen poured so much of themselves into the team over the years, and that meant something. We also had amazing sponsors and partners like Porsche Motorsport North America, IMSA, SRO, and others that were crucial to our growth, relationships, and track performance. That’s what makes this place special.”

A mechanical engineer by training, Adelson originally began racing to deepen his understanding of vehicle dynamics and bridge the gap between engineering and the driver’s seat. That journey evolved into a professional racing career, and now, a team ownership role that fulfills a lifelong ambition.

“I’ve always dreamed of designing and building cars focused on the driving experience,” he continued. “Racing has long served as a proving ground for the future of automotive innovation, and I believe Wright Motorsports has the potential to be a leader in that space again. Long-term, we want this to be a place where we not only race and win, but where we design, develop, and build performance vehicles that push boundaries. We’re already investing in our race engineering department and laying the groundwork for that future.”

While the team’s racing efforts remain its top priority, Adelson envisions a future where Wright Motorsports expands into areas like street car development, custom race car design, and technical innovation while staying rooted in the sport that built its legacy.

“Wright will always be a racing team first,” Adelson said. “Our immediate focus is building race-winning Porsche programs in IMSA, SRO, Carrera Cup, and more, while continuing to cultivate drivers and grow our customer ladder. But with the core group of engineers and talent we have, and the ones we plan to bring in, we’re also creating space for exciting engineering work that can shape what the next generation of performance cars looks like.”

Bob Viglione, who has been a staple at Wright for 14 years, will continue to lead the team’s technical and operational efforts, stepping up from Team Manager to Chief Operating Officer.

“This is a new chapter, but not a new identity,” said Viglione. “John may be stepping back as a team owner, but his influence is still felt every day. His voice is in the back of my head on just about every decision. Adam brings a new energy and long-term vision, and while he won’t be in the trenches day-to-day, he’s pushing us to grow in smart, sustainable ways.”

That includes a renewed focus on expanding the team’s customer racing programs across multiple platforms.

“We’re not just going to field cars to field cars,” Viglione added. “Adam’s made it clear that any program we take on has to be championship-worthy. Our goal is to rebuild a full-season presence in series like Carrera Cup and SRO America and to keep cultivating talented drivers through our development ladder. There’s big potential here, and it’s exciting to be part of it.”

As for Wright, he reflects proudly on the team’s accomplishments and looks ahead with optimism as the next generation carries the torch.

“During the 2021 race season, we secured ten championship titles in IMSA Weather Tech, Michelin Pilot Challenge, and SRO America,” he said. “That will always be a highlight I’m incredibly proud of. We always wanted to take Wright Motorsports to Europe. We came close a few times, but the timing wasn’t right. Adam’s going to do it. And one day, I hope to see a Wright car at Le Mans. If that happens, I’ll feel like it’s all come full circle. I’m very comfortable releasing control of the team to Adam, who is already so engaged. He’s passionate about making Wright Motorsports succeed.”

The team is already looking to the future, actively speaking with potential customers and partners as they look to grow their footprint and performance across multiple series. With a proven foundation and new leadership in place, Wright Motorsports is poised to evolve, growing its capabilities while staying true to the values that have defined its success.

Wright Motorsports

Wright Motorsports is a championship-winning Porsche customer racing team based in Batavia, Ohio, with a proven legacy in North American sports car racing. Over the last two decades, the team has become synonymous with professionalism, precision, and performance, competing in top-tier series including the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, SRO Fanatec GT World Challenge America, Porsche Carrera Cup North America, and more. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Wright Motorsports offers full-service race programs, driver development, and technical expertise to amateur and professional drivers alike. The team continues to grow its presence across North America and beyond while laying the foundation for future innovation in motorsport engineering and vehicle development.

Adult Driver Education: How to Get Your License and Drive with Confidence

By
SM
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Photo by romanlisovy at https://depositphotos.com/

Learning to drive as an adult can be an exciting yet intimidating experience. Whether you’re starting from scratch or returning to driving after a long hiatus, taking an adult driver education course can help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to drive safely and confidently. In many cases, adult drivers may face unique challenges, but with the right guidance and practice, anyone can become a skilled and responsible driver.

This article will explore how to navigate the process of getting your license as an adult, the benefits of enrolling in an adult driver education course, and key tips to ensure you drive with confidence.

Why Adult Driver Education is Important

For many adults, the decision to get a driver’s license is an important step toward gaining independence, improving career opportunities, and enhancing quality of life. Whether you’re new to driving or need to refresh your skills, an adult driver education course is essential for several reasons:

  • Personalized Instruction: Unlike traditional driving courses for teens, adult driver education is tailored to the individual’s learning pace and needs. This allows for a more comfortable and effective learning experience.
  • State Compliance: Some states require adult learners to complete driver education before obtaining a license, ensuring they understand the rules of the road and have the skills necessary to drive safely.
  • Building Confidence: Driving can be a daunting task, especially for those who are nervous or have had past experiences that created fear. An adult education course can help build confidence through structured lessons and practice.
  • Understanding Modern Vehicles: Modern cars come equipped with advanced features, such as GPS systems, backup cameras, and lane-keeping assist. A driver education course helps you become familiar with these technologies and how to use them effectively.

Getting Started with an Adult Driver Education Course

The first step to becoming a confident and licensed driver is enrolling in an adult driver education course. These courses are designed to teach you everything from basic vehicle operation to more advanced driving techniques.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

  1. Research Available Courses: Begin by researching adult driver education programs in your area. Many states have approved driving schools that offer in-person or online courses, and some even provide specialized training for adults. When selecting a course, consider factors such as flexibility, course duration, and student reviews.
  2. Check Your State’s Requirements: While not all states require adults to take a driver education course, it’s essential to check the local requirements. Some states may require only that adults pass a driving test, while others may mandate completion of a course before issuing a license. Be sure to understand the specific steps required in your state to avoid any surprises during the process.
  3. Enroll in the Course: Once you’ve chosen the right adult driver education course, it’s time to enroll. Many courses are flexible and allow you to schedule sessions that fit your availability. Whether you prefer classroom instruction or online learning, you’ll find options that meet your needs.
  4. Complete the Classroom Instruction: The classroom portion of the course typically covers the theoretical aspects of driving, including road signs, traffic laws, and safe driving practices. Some courses may include interactive elements, videos, and quizzes to help reinforce your knowledge.
  5. Behind-the-Wheel Training: In addition to classroom instruction, most adult driver education courses also require behind-the-wheel training. This practical instruction allows you to apply what you’ve learned in real-world driving situations. An experienced instructor will guide you through basic maneuvers, parking, navigating intersections, and handling various road conditions.
  6. Schedule Your Driving Test: After completing the course and logging the required behind-the-wheel hours, you’ll be ready to take the driving test. This test is typically administered by your state’s department of motor vehicles (DMV) and evaluates your ability to operate a vehicle and obey traffic laws. If you pass the test, you’ll be issued a driver’s license.

Tips for Driving with Confidence

While completing the adult driver education course is a vital part of the process, building confidence behind the wheel requires additional practice and patience. Here are some key tips to help you feel more confident when you’re out on the road:

  1. Start Slowly: If you’re nervous about driving, start in less busy areas, such as parking lots or quiet streets. This gives you a chance to get comfortable with the car’s controls and the basics of maneuvering without the pressure of heavy traffic.
  2. Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. Try to drive regularly, even if it’s just for short trips. Consistent practice is the key to mastering your driving skills and reducing anxiety, especially when taking automatic driving lessons in Sevenoaks.
  3. Stay Calm in Traffic: For many new drivers, traffic can be intimidating. If you find yourself in heavy traffic, remember to stay calm and focus on your surroundings. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, use your mirrors frequently, and avoid distractions.
  4. Take Advantage of Technology: Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of safety features, such as lane-departure warnings, backup cameras, and parking sensors. Use these technologies to help you feel more confident while driving. If your car has advanced features, make sure you’re familiar with how to use them before hitting the road.
  5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: If you’re feeling unsure about a particular driving skill or maneuver, don’t hesitate to ask your instructor or an experienced driver for help. They can offer valuable insights and advice that will help you feel more comfortable on the road.

Continuing Education After Your Course

After you’ve completed your adult driver education course and passed your driving test, your journey as a driver is just beginning. To maintain and improve your skills, consider participating in additional driving courses or defensive driving classes. These courses can help you stay up to date on the latest driving laws and techniques and enhance your overall driving skills.

Additionally, many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete defensive driving or other advanced driving courses, so continuing your education can save you money on insurance premiums.

Conclusion

Getting your driver’s license as an adult doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By enrolling in an adult driver education course, you can gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence you need to drive safely and independently. Remember to take things at your own pace, practice regularly, and stay calm behind the wheel. With the right approach and plenty of practice, you’ll be on the road to driving with confidence in no time.

3 Emergency Situations Every Driver Has to Be Able to Deal With

By
SM
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Photo by RDNE Stock project at pexels.com

Whether you’re a new driver eager to get out on the open road, or a seasoned veteran who thinks they’ve seen it all, every driver needs to be prepared for emergency situations. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are over 6 million car accidents in the United States each year, resulting in around 2.5 million injuries. Being able to handle emergencies can mean the difference between life and death. Here are 3 emergency situations that every driver should know how to deal with.

Flat Tire

Getting a flat tire is one of the most common roadside emergencies. According to data from the American Automobile Association, they receive over 4 million calls per year to assist drivers with flat tires. 

When you feel your vehicle start to wobble or pull to one side, slowly come to a stop on the shoulder of the road. Turn on your hazard lights and carefully exit the vehicle to inspect the tires. Identify which one is flat by looking for one that is completely flat or has a large nail or other puncture stuck in the tread. If you have a spare tire and a jack, you can change the tire yourself. First, loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. Once the flat tire is raised off the ground, finish removing the lug nuts and change out the flat for the spare. Re-tighten the lug nuts securely before lowering the car. If you don’t have the equipment to change a flat yourself, call for roadside assistance.

Engine Trouble

Another common emergency is engine trouble. This could present as the engine stalling, shaking, smoking, or making strange noises. According to many different studies, around 12% of all car breakdowns are engine-related. 

If you experience any sign of engine trouble, safely pull over as soon as you can. Turn on your hazard lights. If you see smoke coming from under the hood, popping the hood could allow oxygen to fuel the fire. Only open the hood once smoke has dissipated. Be prepared to move away from the vehicle quickly if needed. Do not try to restart the engine. Call for a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a mechanic.

Getting into an Accident

Despite your best efforts, sometimes accidents happen. Aaron Tillman, owner of Tillmann Law LLC, a well-known car accident lawyer in Portland, suggests that if you are involved in a minor collision, move to a safe location and turn on your hazard lights. Check on any passengers in your vehicle and the other vehicle to see if medical attention is needed. 

Additionally, you must call the police to file a car accident report. Exchange driver’s license and insurance information with the other driver. Get contact information of any witnesses. Take photos of damage and the accident scene. If the accident is more serious with injuries or significant damage, call 911. Do not exit your vehicle if it is not safe to do so. Follow any instructions from emergency responders. Attorney Tillman, also recommends getting the contact details of a good car accident lawyer that could help you with your legal claim.

Being prepared with knowledge and equipment for emergency situations can help every driver stay safe on the road. Don’t let inexperience or overconfidence get in the way of driving defensively and reacting quickly. With some preparation and practice, you’ll be ready to handle whatever the road throws your way.

NASCAR penalty report from Martinsville; Sammy Smith issued fine and points reduction for Xfinity final-lap incident

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

NASCAR revealed the penalty report following this past weekend’s triple-header events involving the Craftsman Truck, Xfinity and Cup Series divisions at Martinsville Speedway between March 28-30.

In the Xfinity Series division, Sammy Smith, driver of the No. 8 JR Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro entry, received a fine and was issued a points deduction. The penalty resulted from Smith igniting a final-lap accident amid an overtime shootout in Saturday’s Xfinity event at the Paperclip-shaped venue in Ridgeway, Virginia.

During the final lap of the overtime shootout, Smith, who was reeling in race leader Taylor Gray, gassed up his entry, and ran into Gray’s rear bumper. The contact caused Gray to slip up the track and spin towards the outside wall in Turns 3 and 4. As Smith tried to proceed with the lead, he then made contact with teammate Justin Allgaier. This allowed Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill to sneak by both entering the frontstretch. Hill proceeded to win both the event and the second Dash 4 Cash bonus of $100,000 of the 2025 campaign. Smith, however, wrecked along with several competitors and crossed the finish line in 10th place.

Gray confronted Smith in the aftermath of the carnage and the drivers exchanged harsh words. They ere subsequently separated by NASCAR officials. While Gray minced his words over the incident, Smith did not. Smith had planned his move due to an earlier on-track altercation with Gray.

As a result of Smith’s on-track actions during the final lap, NASCAR fined Smith $25,000 and he was docked 50 driver points. With the points deduction, Smith drops from sixth to 13th in the 2025 Xfinity driver standings. He now trails the top-12 Playoff cutline by a single point.

Both Gray and Jeb Burton received $5,000 fines each for confronting other competitors in the infield care center following the event. Gray was initially in position to notch his first Xfinity career victory before his run-in with Smith. He finished in 29th place on the track and is currently in 12th place in the standings. Burton, who confronted Kaulig Racing’s rookie competitor, Daniel Dye, over an earlier run-in, settled in 11th place and is in 10th place in the standings.

Mired beneath a trio of competitors penalized during Saturday’s Xfinity event, the No. 00 Haas Factory Team (HFT) Ford Mustang team was found to have violated Sections 8.8.10.4a of the NASCAR Rule Book. The section pertains to a team found to have at least one lug nut not properly installed on their respective entry, which was the case for the No. 00 HFT team during the post-race inspection process.

As a result of the lug nut penalty, the No. 00 HFT team received a $5,000 fine. During Saturday’s Xfinity event, the No. 00 HFT Ford entry, piloted by Sheldon Creed, finished in second place behind race winner Hill.

In the Cup Series, Aslan Pugh and Jonpatrick Kealy, the jackman and tire changer, respectively, for Trackhouse Racing, received a two-race suspension. The suspension was due to a right-rear wheel that rolled out of rookie Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 88 Trackhouse Chevrolet entry during Sunday’s event at Martinsville. The incident occurred with 126 laps remaining as van Gisbergen spun in between Turns 3 and 4 as a result of the wheel being loose before it completely rolled off the car as the driver drove away from his carnage scene. Ultimately, van Gisbergen finished in 34th place and is currently in 34th place in the Cup driver standings.

Photo by Mike Biskupski for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In the Craftsman Truck Series division, the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado RST team was fined $2,500 due to a lug nut violation. A single lug nut was found not to be properly installed on the entry. Rajah Caruth, who drives the No. 71 Chevrolet entry, finished in eighth place during Friday’s event at Martinsville and he is ranked in 15th place in the standings.

The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams and competitors have this upcoming weekend off from competition. They will return to action at Bristol Motor Speedway on April 11. Meanwhile, the Xfinity Series returns to action at Darlington Raceway this Saturday, April 5, at 3:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network. The Cup Series will follow suit at Darlington on Sunday, April 6, at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Hauger Leads Nashville Open Test in First Oval Laps

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LEBANON, Tenn. (Tuesday, April 1, 2025) – No previous oval experience, no problem for Dennis Hauger.

Andretti Global rookie Hauger led the INDY NXT by Firestone Open Test on April 1 at Nashville Superspeedway on his first-ever day of driving on an oval, turning a top lap of 187.564 mph in the No. 28 Rental Group car. Hauger, from Norway, leads the standings in the INDYCAR development series after winning the season opener March 2 on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida.

“First test on an oval, and it was a really cool experience,” Hauger said. “I had a lot of fun out there. Good day at the office, and I’m looking forward to coming back here later in the season.”

Series veteran Myles Rowe was second fastest on the 1.33-mile concrete oval, which will host the 2025 series finale Music City Grand Prix on Sunday, Aug. 31. Rowe’s best lap was 187.491 in the No. 99 Abel Motorsports/Force Indy car.

Rookie Lochie Hughes helped Andretti Global produce a 1-3 finish on the speed charts, as he was third at 186.651 in the No. 26 McGinley Clinic/USF Pro Championship entry.

Veteran Salvador de Alba kept the good times rolling for Andretti Global, fourth at 186.602 in the No. 27 Group Indi car. Fellow veteran Caio Collet rounded out the top five at 186.054 in the No. 76 HMD Motorsports machine. Collet was the only one of the top five to turn his fastest lap during the morning session.

A total of 19 drivers turned 2,953 laps without incident today. Series veteran Jonathan Browne was the busiest driver, recording 194 laps in the No. 9 Chip Ganassi Racing car.

The next INDY NXT by Firestone event is the Grand Prix of Alabama on Sunday, May 4 at Barber Motorsports Park (11:30 a.m. ET, FS1, INDYCAR Radio Network).

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: DARLINGTON RACEWAY RACE PREVIEW

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EVENT: Goodyear 400
DATE: April 6, 2025
RACE: Goodyear 400 | Race 8 of 36
TRACK: Darlington Raceway, Darlington S.C. | 1.366-mile Speedway
CLUB MINUTES
THE LADY AND THE KING’S HAT: “The Kings Hat” at Darlington Raceway is located in the Fan Zone in the Midway. Fans are encouraged to pay homage to the Petty family by taking photos with the landmark at each track.

LEGACIES ARE MADE AT DARLINGTON: LEGACY MC co-owner Jimmie Johnson and competition advisor Matt Kenseth have both found success at Darlington Raceway. Johnson, in 24 starts, swept both races in 2004, leading a combined 193 laps. He returned to victory lane in 2012 after leading 134 laps from the second starting position, securing Hendrick Motorsports’ 250th NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) win. The seven-time champion boasts three Darlington victories, including two prestigious Southern 500 wins, along with nine top five and 13 top 10 finishes, leading a total of 563 laps. Kenseth, meanwhile, claimed victory in the 2013 spring race and holds a record of three top five and 13 top 10 finishes, leading 193 laps over 28 starts.

PETTY AT DARLINGTON: The Petty family raced at the Darlington Raceway since the inaugural Southern 500 in 1950. Lee Petty qualified 35th for the 400-lap marathon and entered the top 10. Of the 75 cars that qualified for the race, only 28 made it to the finish line, living up to the nickname “Too Tough to Tame.” Lee Petty crossed the line in 6th position at the first running of one of NASCAR’s most historic tracks. Richard Petty has tangled with the “Lady in Black” 65 times throughout his career and has amassed over 23,000 miles of on-track experience. “The King” conquered Darlington Raceway three times; the wins came in the spring of 1966 and during both contests during the 1967 season. Petty led 2,391 laps while earning 25 top five and 34 top 10 finishes at Darlington Raceway.

HOW OLD WERE THE DRIVERS IN 1998? How old were the LEGACY MC drivers when the throwback schemes that you will see on the track this weekend hit the track at Darlington’s race on March 22, 1998? Nemechek was under 1 year old coming in at just 284 days old (born June 11, 1997). Jones wasn’t much older, coming in at 661 days or 1 year 9 months, and 27 days old. (May 30, 1996).

NEVER SETTLE: This week on Never Settle, the podcast with Johnson and Marty Smith, the duo sits down with Lyn St. James. St. James is a former racecar driver who competed in the IndyCar series. She is one of nine women who have qualified for the Indianapolis 500 and became the first woman to win the Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year award. The new episode drops on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ET on SIRIUS XM and then is available for download wherever you source your podcasts.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
DARLINGTON NOTES AND QUOTES:
THROWBACK TO DAD: This weekend, John Hunter will throwback to his father, Joe who ran various colorful schemes during the 1998 season. The BellSouth scheme was something that certainly popped at each track and was iconic to the era.

JOE NEMECHEK HISTORY: “Front Row Joe” Nemechek earned the nickname from then teammate, Wally Dallenbach for his knack of qualifying on the front row of the starting grid. In his 674 NCS starts, Joe earned 10 pole starts. He has four victories in the NCS with his first coming at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in 1999.

LEAD LAP STREAK: After seven races of 2025, Nemechek’s streak for finishing on the lead lap has come to an end when he finished 25th, one lap down this past weekend at Martinsville. Six races is the longest streak for Nemechek in his early NCS career.

NEMECHEK AT DARLINGTON: Nemechek returns to the Lady in Black for his 15th career start in NASCAR’s top-three touring series, marking his sixth Cup Series race at Darlington. Over 14 previous starts, he has earned one victory in the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and five top-five finishes across the Truck and Xfinity Series.

T-MACK AT DARLINGTON: Crew chief Travis Mack has eight NCS starts and four NXS starts under his belt at the track Too Tough to Tame. Of those starts, he has two total top-10 finishes, one in each of the series.

QUOTING JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK:

“The throwback scheme looks great, black base, bright green neon colors, thank you to Dollar Tree for bringing the idea to us and being able to execute that. As a kid growing up and being able to watch my Dad race – it’s really neat to be able to throwback to an old BellSouth scheme. [Joe] was able to get his first win in the 42 in a BellSouth scheme which is super neat and hopefully, we can continue that tradition. As a kid growing up, it was one of my favorite schemes growing up and still one of my favorite schemes to this day.”

QUOTING TRAVIS MACK:

“The Spring race is a little quicker, Darlington is a tough place, trying to make it to the end and not having any issues. We’re trying to build off Homestead, I felt our car was really good at Homestead. We qualified in the top 10 (seventh), so we’re going to build off that setup and work towards Darlington a little bit. We’ve been pretty good in practice and qualifying, so now we need to carry that over into the race – the start of the race and get that balance correct. The start of the race is going to be key for here.”

“This race is one my favorites. I think our scheme looks awesome – the black and neon green, our LEGACY MC cars are going to stand out this weekend.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 ADVENTHEALTH TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
DARLINGTON NOTES AND QUOTES:
“CHECK IT 4 ANDRETTI”: This year for the throwback scheme, partner AdventHealth decided to honor the 1998 No. 43 paint scheme driven by the late John Andretti. The rear bumper of the No. 43 will have a special message this week for Andretti which simply states, “Check It 4 Andretti”. The Check It 4 Andretti Charitable Foundation, Inc.’s mission is to save lives by increasing awareness of the importance of screenings in hopes of the prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, and by providing funding to high-risk, low-income patients who are uninsured, underinsured, or too young for insurance to cover the cost of screening. For more information: www.checkit4andretti.org/

1998 NO. 43 STATS: Andretti, who drove the familiar STP entry for Petty Enterprises and crew chief Robbie Loomis, had 33 Cup Series starts in 1998. On track he accumulated three top five and 10 top 10 finishes, leading 137 laps that season.

JONES BOY AT DARLINGTON: With two victories in the crown jewel Southern 500 in 2019 and 2022, Jones has enjoyed remarkable success at the South Carolina track. Since joining the Cup Series full-time in 2016, he has secured two wins, three top five finishes, and three top 10 finishes at Darlington.

BESHORE AT DARLINGTON: Beshore has an impressive record when it comes to calling races at Darlington Raceway. With 10 trips to a 1.5-mile oval, across the NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series, Beshore has amassed seven total top 10 finishes. In 2023, Beshore teamed up with Nemechek, the duo swept the pole positions at Darlington and brought home two-five finishes as a result. Beshore has coached his NXS drivers to 183-laps led around the place they call Too Tough to Tame.

ANDRETTI NASCAR HISTORY: Andretti won two times in his NASCAR Cup Series career, one of which was at Martinsville for Petty Enterprises. At Darlington he raced 19 times, with one top five and four top 10 finishes and had one pole position.

QUOTING ERIK JONES:

“I always look forward to Darlington, I look forward more to the fall race because we always run well there. The spring and fall races are so different. Darlington is similar to Homestead where there is a lot of tire fall of, and you have to set yourself up for the long run. You still get to race the track and that is how I grew up racing.”

QUOTING BEN BESHORE:

“Going to Darlington with Erik is always fun. He has a knack for the track and it’s such a tough event. Every morning when you walk into the shop, you walk past that Southern 500 trophy he won in 2022, so it’s a constant reminder of how bad we want to be back in contention for wins.”

CLUB APPEARANCES

PARADE: Prior to racing on Sunday afternoon, LEGACY MC teammates Jones and Nemechek, along with other NASCAR stars and legends, will participate in the Darlington Raceway Throwback Parade. The parade takes place on Saturday, April 5 following the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at approximately 6:30 p.m. The parade will begin at the South of Pearl restaurant in downtown Darlington and will end in the NASCAR Xfinity Series garage.

SIGNING FOR THE FANS: This weekend, Nemechek will stop out at the NASCAR Classics merchandise rig and sign autographs for the NASCAR fans on race day morning at 11:00 a.m.

HOW TO WATCH

The Goodyear 400 will take place on Sunday, April 6 at 3 pm ET. The racing action is set to broadcast on Fox Sports 1, MRN Radio, SIRIUS XM NASCAR Ch. 90, and through the NASCAR Driver Cam on MAX.

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.

Spire Motorsports Goodyear 400 Race Advance

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Official Release
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  • In 22 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Spire Motorsports has logged one top-10 and two top-15 finishes. Corey LaJoie earned a team-best ninth-place result in last August’s Southern 500. 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 Goodyear 400 will be televised live on FS1 Sunday, April 6, beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The eighth 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. FOX’s NASCAR Raceday will take the green flag at 2 p.m. EDT.

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

  • Justin Haley will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Gainbridge Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
  • Last Sunday at Martinsville (Va.) Raceway, Haley started 30th and drove inside the top 15 to start the second stage. The No. 7 team hit pit road on Lap 266 to short-pit the field and gain track position in the long run, but a caution flag 10 laps later interrupted the pit cycle and trapped the Gainbridge Chevy two laps down. The team was credited with a 29th-place finish.
  • Haley has recorded eight previous Cup Series starts at Darlington where he earned a career-best finish of third in May 2022. He owns three top 10s at the 1.366-mile track including an eighth-place result last May.
  • In Xfinity Series competition, Haley has logged five Darlington starts resulting in one pole, one top-five and two top-10 finishes with 11 laps led. The 25-year-old has a 4.6 place average start and 10.4 finish.
  • 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.
  • Sunday will mark Haley’s 152nd 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 led 103 laps. He made his first start in NASCAR’s premier division for Spire Motorsports at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on his 20th birthday.
  • 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 48 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.

Justin Haley Quote
What are your expectations for this weekend at Darlington?
“Darlington is one of my favorite tracks. I’m excited to get there this weekend and continue to make gains with the No. 7 team. We’ve shown a lot of speed and I think that will show again this weekend.”

Atop the No. 7 Box – Crew Chief Rodney Childers

  • Crew Chief Rodney Childers has called 24 races at Darlington Raceway. Childers-prepared cars have led 764 laps and earned three wins, 12 top-five and 14 top-10 finishes.
  • In their inaugural season as a team, Childers and driver Kevin Harvick dominated the 2014 Southern 500 at “The Lady in Black,” starting from the pole position and leading 238 of the event’s 374 laps en route to victory. The win marked the second of five trips to victory lane in the No. 4 crew’s championship season.
  • The 48-year-old earned a pair of victories at Darlington during the 2020 season. When NASCAR returned to action following a six-week hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Childers and Harvick led 159 laps to claim victory in May. They returned four months later to earn their second Southern 500 crown.
  • The Mooresville, N.C., native has called 683 NASCAR Cup Series races where he’s earned 34 poles, 40 wins, 178 top-five and 299 top-10 finishes. He also earned 2014 championship honors with Kevin Harvick.
  • Childers’ 40 wins at NASCAR’s premier level ties him for second-most amongst all active crew chiefs in the Cup Series garage.

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

  • Michael McDowell will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Delaware Life Chevrolet ZL1 in Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
  • McDowell has secured three top-10 finishes in 19 career starts at “The Lady in Black,” all of which have come in the six events with NASCAR’s seventh generation Cup Series car.
  • Last May, the father of five and crew chief Travis Peterson topped the charts in practice prior to the 2024 Goodyear 400. The pairing secured their second top 10 in as many weeks with a 10th-place finish.
  • Delaware Life is an insurance and annuity company that empowers financial professionals with a wide array of customizable solutions. A subsidiary of Group 1001 Insurance Holdings, LLC (“Group 1001 Insurance”), our focus is to deliver a seamless experience for advisors. We understand how important it is to find the right fit for every client, every situation, and every individual need. We’re passionate about equipping you with annuities that give your customers peace of mind and a successful future—allowing them to plan with confidence for whatever’s next.
  • Last week at Martinsville Speedway, the 40-year-old drove the No. 71 RaceTheRock.com Chevrolet to a venue-best 12th-place result in 25 attempts at the Virginia half-mile.
  • McDowell has claimed two Xfinity Fastest Lap awards, clocking the fastest lap in the Daytona 500 and earlier this month at Phoenix Raceway. Through seven weeks, McDowell stands as the only driver in the NASCAR Cup Series to have secured multiple bonus points through the newly-unveiled program. The NASCAR Xfinity Series’ Justin Allgaier has also scored two of the awards this season.
  • 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 are your thoughts about heading into Darlington?
“Darlington has been a good track for us. It’s so tough; it is everything that we promote it to be as far as the level of difficulty. You’re right up against the limit, right up against the wall and tires still fall off, even in this NextGen era. It’s one of those races where you earn your money, and the driver has a lot of value for taking care of the tires in the long run, managing pace, and all those things. I enjoy Darlington. It’s one of the races that I need to add to my Crown Jewel collections because I got the 500 and the Brickyard. The Southern 500 is the one you need, right? 
I know it’s not the Southern 500 this weekend, but a Darlington win would be enough to cover it. If I can check the box, I would love to.”

Atop the No. 71 Box – Crew Chief Travis Peterson

  • Crew chief Travis Peterson joined Spire Motorsports following the 2024 season after spending 2023-2024 alongside McDowell at Front Row Motorsports.
  • As a race engineer at JR Motorsports, the West Bend, Wis., native helped Chase Elliott to Xfinity Series victory lane at “The Lady in Black” in 2014. After lining up sixth for a green-white-checkered restart, Elliott made the race winning move on Elliott Sadler entering Turn 3 on the final lap. The win came one week removed from his first series victory at Texas Motor Speedway and seven months prior to clinching the 2024 division championship crown.
  • The 33-year-old secured a top 10 finish in last May’s Goodyear 400 with Michael McDowell.

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

  • Carson Hocevar will make his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at Darlington Raceway in Sunday’s Goodyear 400. The driver of the No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet ZL1 boasts a venue-best finish of 17th in his first Darlington appearance in September 2023.
  • In the September 2024 race at Darlington, Hocevar became the youngest driver to start on the front row at the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval with a second-place qualifying effort. Despite spending a majority of the evening within the top 10, a Lap 335 incident dealt significant damage to the No. 77 Chevrolet, forcing the team to retire from the event.
  • The 22-year-old driver finished 19th in last Sunday’s 400-lap race at Martinsville Speedway. The result breaks a streak of bad luck and marked Hocevar’s best finish since he crossed the line in 13th at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas on March 2.
  • In four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks Series starts at “The Lady in Black”, Hocevar has collected three top fives including a runner-up finish in May 2022.
  • The Portage, Mich., native contested Spire Motorsports’ first Xfinity Series start at Darlington in May 2023. Hocevar secured his first top 10 in the series with a sixth-place result.
  • Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all the domestic and majority of the imported manufacturers. The family-owned and -operated organization has been a regular on the Cup Series tour since 2019.

Carson Hocevar Quotes
You had a great run at Darlington last September. How does that translate to the Spring race?
“I would say the day race is probably more difficult. It’s a shorter race and you don’t have a drastic change in the track from day to night. You can’t bank on those extra laps or the track getting tighter and allowing you to get caught up on the handling. Everyone wants to win the Southern 500, but a win at Darlington in either scenario is really special. We’ve improved a lot as team since that last race at Darlington where we qualified well, and I think we have a good chance to show speed in practice, qualify decent and have another good points day.”

Atop the No. 77 Box – Crew Chief Luke Lambert

  • Crew Chief Luke Lambert has called 16 Cup Series races at Darlington dating back to the 2013 season. He led Ryan Newman to four top-10s, while collecting a ninth-place result with Chris Buescher in both 2021 events.
  • The Mount Airy, N.C., native led Noah Gragson to victory at Darlington in the September 2022 NASCAR Xfinity Series race after a runner-up finish that May. The win marked their first of four-consecutive triumphs in the series.
  • Last Sunday’s race at Martinsville marked 50 races together for the Lambert-Hocevar duo. They have united to earn two-top five and six top-10 finishes, highlighted by a runner-up result earlier this season at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

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.

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes – Gilliland Enjoying Leadership Role at Front Row Motorsports

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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Darlington Midweek Media Availability
Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Todd Gilliland, driver of the No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Mustang Dark Horse, is coming off a 10th-place finish last Sunday at Martinsville Speedway. He answered questions from the media about last weekend and what lies ahead for Sunday’s race at Darlington Raceway.

TODD GILLILAND, No. 34 Front Row Motorsports Ford Mustang Dark Horse – HOW HAS IT BEEN HAVING ZANE AND NOAH AS TEAMMATES AND HOW HAVE THEY HELPED YOU? “It’s been a great time. That was the part I was sure of, that we were gonna have fun. Whether you’re running good or bad those guys are a lot of fun to hang out with. I’ve hung out with them for years now off the racetrack. I would say I’ve raced more with Noah along the way. We were teammates back in the Truck Series before, so I had more of an idea with him and Zane with his personality and to hang out with him it’s the same thing. He’s a lot of fun. He’s much different than Noah. Both of them have great personalities, but very different. I think the thing I’ve been most impressed with is all three of our abilities to focus and lock in when it’s time to do so. We had our competition meeting this morning and every Tuesday, and I think that’s the most important part when we can all focus and get to the bottom of racing ideas. The fun aspect is definitely gonna happen with all three of us together at any time.”

WE SAW A LOT OF TIRE FALL OFF LAST YEAR AT BRISTOL. WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS? “I don’t really know. I think it’ll still take a couple times to really trust what I think we’re gonna see going to Bristol. My gut tells me what we’ll see is more like the fall of last year when it was kind of back to normal. It was kind of the same tire all along and we kind of had this one outlier, so I would say percentagewise it’s probably more likely to be a lower fall off race where the track moves around and kind of opens up every lane a little bit more.”

WHAT’S IT BEEN LIKE WORKING WITH CHRIS LAWSON THIS YEAR? “I think that last part you mentioned is a big part of it – at the Cup level. It’s been a long time since I’ve worked with him in the past. We kind of gone through spells. He was my late model crew chief from the time I was 13 years old all the way through the K&N Series with I was 17 years old. Then we had a couple years off and then he started the Truck Series program here at Front Row Motorsports with me again for two years, and then we were separated again for another three or four years. It’s great to have him back. It’s just really comforting and an exciting thing. In my opinion, I know that there’s never gonna be someone that works harder, puts more of their heart and soul into it, so, for me, that’s all you can ask for out of a team. I think we’ve got everyone banding together really well. You mentioned the rut, we’ve had a couple really bad runs coming into Martinsville. To be honest, Vegas, like I said, our car was really fast, but I just made a really dumb mistake and wrecked it, and then at Homestead we just ran really bad all day, so it was really nice to rebound. I think even though it’s early in the year, it’s really nice to see us trying to turn the page and get back up to a good note pretty quickly.”

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED IN THE XFINITY RACE LAST SATURDAY? “I think from my side of it, it was a tough one to watch. I think that’s for most people in the industry. It was not the prettiest sight. As a whole sport, I don’t think that’s what any of us want it built on. I think all of the answers are above my head, to be honest with you. I don’t know what the right thing to do is. For me at least, I’ve definitely made some dumb moves in my time. From the driver’s seat, all you can do is ask, ‘Why did I do that? What was my decision-making process that went so wrong?’ I think the biggest thing is just looking yourself in the mirror and figuring out at the least how to make yourself better. From the officiating side, I don’t really know what the right thing is. There’s a lot of people that are very opinionated on it, but I think the biggest thing is that’s not what anyone in the sport probably wanted to see.”

WHAT KIND OF SETUP ADJUSTMENTS HAVE YOU AND YOUR TEAM FOCUSED ON FOR DARLINGTON? “We’ve been working on that a lot today. We debriefed Martinsville and then immediately went into Darlington and thinking about what we had last year. I feel like Darlington was probably one of our better racetracks last year. We ran pretty well and I feel like long runs were really our specialty. It’s hard because you need a balance of short run and long run, especially at Darlington. You’re gonna see tons of green flag pit stops most likely, just lots of pit stops in general even if they’re under caution. It’s all a balance of having to fire off well, having long run speed. The balance that you need to make speed on new tires versus if you build really loose as the tires wear out you’re gonna be hanging on at the end of the run. There is tons of stuff to balance there. It’s more of an intermediate type racetrack, so you still need all the downforce and all the horsepower you can get as well. Darlington is a very tough place because it takes all aspects of the race car to be good to definitely run up front.”

AS A DRIVER WHO HAS EXPERIENCE, HOW DID YOU LEARN WHEN TO FIGHT BACK AND WHEN IT WAS OK TO LET SOMEBODY GO IN A SITUATION WITHOUT BEING VIEWED AS A PUSHOVER? “That’s a great question. I 100 percent think it’s ongoing and learning for me at least and probably everybody to be honest. I would say just to not wreck race cars and everything, that’s the smartest move is to just move on from it, but I just don’t think that’s the human side of it. That’s not the mental side of it. We see it in everything. If you have a little brother, he pushes you and then you push him back. Then he pushes you harder and eventually somebody goes too far and somebody ends up crying or something like that when you’re dealing with your family. To that extent on the racetrack, you don’t want to see guys getting hurt. You don’t want to see them being put in bad situations, so I don’t know. I think it’s always gonna be ongoing and, to me, there are so many ways to make racing hard on somebody else by not just wrecking them and, honestly, I feel like the 54 definitely feels like the 8 won and there are ways to maybe just take little bites out of it. You don’t need to just go wreck the guy. I think it’s almost more beneficial to use it to your advantage over a long period of time, but I feel like guys definitely have more of a reputation. If you get into them, they’re gonna get you back hard. Or, other guys where you might get one or two chances and not viewed as a pushover necessarily, but I think there are definitely different guys with different reputations of ways to get back.”

IS THERE A SITUATION THAT COMES TO MIND WHERE YOU WOULD HAVE BEEN JUSTIFIED TO MAKE IT HARD ON SOMEBODY, BUT YOU WERE KINDER AND GENTLER AND THAT PAID OFF IN THE LONG RUN? “I’m sure there is probably. I’ve been definitely really mad at guys in the past, and I think for me, at least, that’s always been my approach. If someone is mad at me, you try and give it back as much as you can. It’s all give and take in the long run and when they see someone wreck someone else, it’s a massive take. That’s never something you want to be on the bad side of but you have to just keep giving it back. For me, I’ve always been better off racing guys super hard that I feel like don’t deserve to be raced easy and to let go, and then eventually time heals everything and you eventually feel like you’re back even with guys and can start fresh. For me, it’s more of racing guys hard, not letting people go and stuff like that than just blatantly wrecking people. I feel like that hurts reputations over the long run.”

DO YOU LIKE TO TALK SOMEBODY IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE AN ISSUE WITH ANOTHER DRIVER OR WAIT UNTIL MONDAY? “The way I look at it is I always try and wait until Monday. It’s kind of the theory of is it better to rip off a band-aid or slowly rip your arm hairs off with it. I don’t know. For me, I like to let guys cool off a little bit. Nobody in the race car is probably in their clearest head space when you get out or right when an incident happens. That’s when we see guys make bad decisions on the racetrack and then maybe not so much out of their race car, but still probably a most heated time. We see guys all the time get out and say, ‘I haven’t seen exactly what happened,’ so I think over that time period you could probably have a really good idea of exactly what happened, for better or worse on both sides, and then at least probably talk things through a little bit more civil and see where you stand easier a little bit later on.”

WHY DO YOU THINK THE YOUNG DRIVERS ARE LEARNING TO RACE SO AGGRESSIVELY BECAUSE THE KEY TO FIXING IT IS WHERE IT’S COMING UP. DO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT? “Yeah, I do. That’s the million dollar question right now. How do you fix it? I think the biggest thing for me is probably respect of your equipment as well as other people’s. I do think that’s why my dad’s generation or Tommy Baldwin, all those guys, when I had my first late model we had only one car. That’s what a lot of race teams are and if we wrecked it, you’d have to work really hard. It’s expensive and you could possibly have to miss races. I think as you move up into the series all of that kind of gets lost a little bit more and more because all these top teams have enough cars. You’re not gonna miss a race and a lot of the times by the time I get to the shop on Mondays and Tuesdays the car is already torn apart and it looks like it’s all fine and it’s gonna be moved on, it’s not gonna put us behind that much. To me, I think it’s a respect thing. Even going to Darlington, I’ll hit the wall probably 10 times and then afterwards I’m like, ‘That just isn’t very smart.’ Taking care of my equipment and all that stuff going forward, so I don’t know. It’s easy to lose track of that and respect of your equipment, but, to me, that’s the biggest thing is you’ve got to appreciate what you’re driving and know there’s more to it in the long run.”

WOULD IT BE BETTER TO HAVE DRIVERS SELF POLICE OR SHOULD THERE BE PENALITIES FOR THOSE INFRACTIONS THAT REALLY STAND OUT? WOULD THAT WORK? “Penalties, especially in this instance from the Xfinity race, there are some very blatant incidents. I feel like that kind of gets into a gray area even in the Cup race and Xfinity races, especially at a place like Martinsville. Guys jam into line and you’re being very aggressive getting down and then your the guy behind that’s right on this guy’s bumper. You’re getting hit from behind and then it ends up causing what looks like a bigger wreck. In my mind, there’s still a big difference between what you can visually see. There are some very blatant ones and then more so racing incidents, but I think the self policing thing is interesting. I don’t want to get punched in the face, obviously, but I think that would definitely stop a lot of stuff. I don’t want to even see people fighting, to be honest. It’s just not really my thing, but when I get into guys the first thing I don’t want is to get into anything like that. It definitely deters you from doing some dumb stuff.”

DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE LEADER AT FRONT ROW NOW THAT MICHAEL HAS MOVED ON AND YOU HAVE THE MOST EXPERIENCE WITH THAT ORGANIZATION? I don’t really feel like anymore pressure or anything like that. I feel like the biggest thing I was focused on at the beginning was making sure that Zane and Noah knew their way around – everything. I kind of feel like I know how things work and all that stuff. Obviously, Zane has been here in a different role and won a lot of races with Front Row Motorsports on the truck side. More so, Noah is definitely a little bit different than how his old team was, so I wanted to make sure those guys were all ready for it coming over here. The biggest thing now is that I feel like all of our opinions are very trusted. I respect my teammates a lot and their experience and what they’re feeling, especially with all of us being the same age and getting along so well, I feel like we talk so much and bounce ideas off each other that a lot of times we really come to the same agreement in the end. I feel like that’s super collective on any feedback and all that stuff we give to the team.”

HAS ANYTHING SURPRISED YOU WORKING WITH THOSE TWO? “I think, like you said, how different all three of us are is very interesting – of how we explain stuff. I think that’s one thing going through our meetings. I’m listening to when Zane or Noah are explaining something, and then we talk about it and I’m like, ‘OK, that’s what I was feeling too,’ but we describe things very differently as different people. I think on the racetrack nothing has surprised me a ton. I’ve raced against them for a long time. I think all three of us are very aggressive at times and probably have other strengths as well. I think it’s been fun and everything has been great. I think nothing has surprised me in a bad way – only positive surprises in the way that we’re all able to work together and get focused on what we need to.”

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