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2024 NASCAR Cup Series season review: the highs and lows

By
SM Staff
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Let’s review the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season and highlight the most memorable moments. This journey will take us through the highs and the lows of the 2024 season, which includes 18 different race winners but only one champion. We will analyze some of the biggest wins, unexpected upsets, the final season for a 19-year career champion, and some heartbreaking losses.

The Championship Chase: A Look Back

The 2018, 2022, and 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Joey Logano, captured four victories in 2024, including three in the Cup Series Playoffs. The driver of the No. 22 Team Penske Ford didn’t capture his first win of the 2024 season until May, when he won the non-points race in the 40th annual running of the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway on Sunday, May 19.

Logano erased his difficult start to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season by capping off a dominant run with a big victory.  He captured the pole, which was determined through a combined session of on-track qualifying and the NASCAR Pit Crew Challenge, and he led all but one of 200 scheduled laps in the event.

“Very proud of the whole team,” Logano said. “This qualifying session is the most fun session of the year. It really takes every crew member all the way through. Everybody’s got to do their part to make it happen and that’s why it means a lot to get an All-Star pole. Obviously, a great starting spot. Get a little momentum booster for our team.”

“How about that, Wilkesboro?! That was awesome!” Logano said. “What an incredible Shell/Pennzoil Mustang. It was so fast. Man, we came here and tested. We ran over 800 laps at the tire test. Paul really put me to work, really figured out what it was going to take to win the race. The boys executed a fantastic stop. Fantastic weekend, great execution. It’s been a while since we’ve won a race. I wish this one counted for points, but a million bucks will work as well…Man, it feels good. Feels great.”

With an average-finishing result of 17.9 and eight results outside the top 20 through 18-scheduled events, Logano turned his luck into good fortunes after surviving through a record-setting five overtime attempts while going 110 laps on low fuel to capture a thrilling victory in the fourth annual running of the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on Sunday, June 30.  He started 26 and led the final nine of 331 over-scheduled laps to capture his first Cup Series victory of the 2024 season.  This key moment guaranteed him a spot in the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs.

“It’s been a stressful few weeks trying to get into the Playoffs,” Logano said. “Being able to win here is huge for our season. It felt great to get that [win]. Boy, that feels good. I’m out of breath. We had it won off of [Turn] 4 and the caution came out. I was like, ‘Oh my god,’ but you can’t pit, like you kind of got to go for it. Boy, it was close, but we got to give a lot of credit to Roush Yates not only building horsepower, but build a fuel mileage that won today. When I went into [Turn] 3 and saw that [fuel] light [blinking], I was like, ‘Oh no, I’m gonna run out off of [Turn] 4.’ It just stumbled and spit and sputtered across the [finish] line. Trying to make the Playoff’s not easy these days with these Next Gen cars and everyone’s so equally matched. I made a lot of mistakes, even some tonight. It’s nice to be able to overcome. It’s a much-needed win, for sure.”

Logano started the 2024 Playoffs on a high note by winning the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in overtime on Sunday, September 8 for his second win in 2024.  He led nine of the 266 over-scheduled laps in an event where he qualified in seventh place and survived a war of attrition amongst his fellow Playoff and non-Playoff contenders. 

“[It was an] Incredible execution from the team,” Logano said. “When it’s Playoff time, it’s out time. That’s what I said. We got to always level up when it comes to Playoff time and [the team] gave me a great AutoTrader Mustang. [The car] was fast all day. We got stuck in the back a little bit. It was hard to get track position back.

“We had a good restart and got towards the front. [I] Had my teammate [Ryan] Blaney behind me. It really helped out in that last lap to be able to make sure [a] Penske car won and ultimately, move on to the next round. Good day for all the Penske cars. Pretty good day today. There’s a lot of memories right here on this start/finish line for me racing Legends cars as a kid, so this is a really cool feeling to be out here in a Cup car again.”

Logano became the first Playoff competitor to clinch a Championship 4 berth after utilizing a late strategic pit call to win the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, October 20th.  He started 10th and led the final six of the 267-scheduled laps for his 35th career win in the Cup Series and his third win in 2024.

Ironically, the 2024 season marks the fourth season where Logano has won the Playoff’s Round of 8 opener, with his previous three victories all occurring in even years (2018, 2020 & 2022).

This key moment comes after Logano only became eligible for the Round of 8 after the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, driven by Alex Bowman, was disqualified in the Round of 12 elimination race when his car did not meet minimum weight post-race. Logano advanced to the Playoffs as a result of the disqualification. He was previously 4 points short of transferring to the Round of 8.

“What [an] incredible turn of events here the last week,” Logano, who led the final six laps, said on NBC. “What a very fast Pennzoil Mustang. We’re going to the Championship 4 again! I don’t know what the deal’s [winning here at Vegas] with the even-year thing, but maybe it’s real. Thanks to the fans out here. Thanks to Roush Yates Engines for making great fuel mileage. Great calls by [crew chief] Paul [Wolfe], Nick Hensley, our gas man, making sure [the car]’s full, giving me the good info I need to save fuel and keep the lead that we needed to. Boy, we’re going racing again. What an incredible situation. I’m blessed.”

Logano elevated his driver status to another level and in an elite category of three-time champions in NASCAR’s premier series by claiming a dominant victory in the 2024 finale at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, November 10.  He started second and led twice for 107 of 312 scheduled laps.

Despite teammate Ryan Blaney inching up on him through every turn and straightaway while cutting away his advantage, Logano had enough horsepower to fend off Blaney to win the 2024 finale and claim his third Cup Series championship in seven seasons in the process.

“I love the Playoffs,” Logano said. “I love it, man. What a race. What a Team Penske battle there at the end. [I] Had a good restart and was able to get in front of [Blaney]. He had a lot of long-run speed there. That was all I had there to hold him off. Man, three [championships]. That’s really special to get to [three titles]. What a team to fight through today. We threw a little bit of adversity throughout the race. [Crew chief] Paul Wolfe, I mean, what a crew chief do I have. I got the best team. I don’t know if I’m the best driver, but I got the best team. Together, we’re very well-rounded and can show up when it matters the most. We get a mentally tough team that can make things happen when it matters.”

Logano ended the season with four wins (Ally 400 at Nashville, Quaker State 400 at Atlanta, South Point 400 at Las Vegas, NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix), one non-points win (NASCAR All-Star Race), 13 top-10s, seven top-5s, three poles, and led 414 laps.

Blaney, Byron, and Reddick short of the championship

Ryan Blaney made his second consecutive appearance in the Championship 4 but fell just one spot short of becoming the first repeat champion since Jimmie Johnson won five consecutive titles from 2006 through 2010.  Blaney capped off the season with three victories, 18 top-10s, 12 top-5s, one pole, and led 567 laps.

“Yeah, [I’m] just worn out,” Blaney said. “[I] Just couldn’t quite get there. I tried really hard to do so. Just [the last] restart didn’t really work out. [Logano] just got too far away from me and it took me a while to pass a couple guys. [I] Just could never get by Joey and just ran out of time, but congrats to him. Congrats to the No. 22 team and Pennzoil and Ford. They put together a great Playoffs and we’re happy.

“If we’re going to race somebody, I’m happy it was [Logano] for the championship and happy to be one, two for [owner] Roger [Penske]. Three in a row for Roger. Super amazing. On my side, I hate it for Menards,…everybody who really puts a lot of effort into our program. Just super fast. Just didn’t quite have enough there at the end. At least, a Penske car won it, but yeah, heck of a battle. [I] Hope the fans enjoyed it and yeah, hopefully, we come back even stronger next year.”

Making his second consecutive Championship 4 appearance, William Byron capped off his seventh full-time Cup Series campaign with three wins, 21 top-10s, 13 top-5s, one pole, led 357 laps, won the 2024 Daytona 500, and finished third in the final standings.

“We just needed a little bit more,” Byron said. “I felt like we gave it all we had and that’s something to be proud of. We just didn’t have enough to go fight with the Penske guys. [Crew chief] Rudy [Fugle] made a great call. I was really proud of that. That was cool to give us a shot at the front row and ultimately, it netted out better. Just not quite enough, but so proud of this team. It’s been a great year. To make the Championship 4 and win the [Daytona] 500 is awesome. I know what we need to work on and we’ll go at it next year.”

Tyler Reddick made his first Championship 4 appearance. He notched three victories, 21 top-10s, 12 top-5s, three poles, led 597 laps, won the 2024 Cup Series Regular Season, and finished fourth place in the final standings.

“I think we definitely got our [Tame the] Beast Camry better throughout the day,” Reddick added. “[Blaney, Byron, and Logano] were able to pull away over time. It was a good year for us and everyone at 23XI [Racing]. To get to the Championship 4 and have a shot at [the title] was nice. We got to get a little bit better here at Phoenix. Obviously, we’re definitely motivated to do that knowing [the] championship’s sited here. Good year for us. Proud of the effort. It’s a lot to do. All the preparation, all the work that goes into this. It takes everybody. We were close. We were just not quite good enough, unfortunately.”

Larson, Elliott, and Bell had a Great Season

Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, and Christopher Bell were eliminated from the Playoffs at Martinsville Speedway.

Bell and William Byron were battling for the final playoff spot as Bell drove into the final corner, riding against the outside wall. NASCAR officials reviewed the move and determined that Bell had committed a safety violation, which resulted in a penalty.

Despite Bell’s move being similar to the move Ross Chastain made up against the Turns 3 and 4 outside wall to gain spots and make the Championship 4 round in 2022, NASCAR had banned the wall-ride maneuver from competitors before the start of the 2023 season. After a lengthy NASCAR review, Bell was demoted from 18th to 22nd in the final running order, which left him four points out of the Championship 4 field, and Byron advanced.

“I don’t know what to say,” Bell said, “I understand that the rule was made to prevent people from riding the wall, but my move was completely different than what Ross’s [Chastain] was. He explained, adding, “I got loose getting into the corner, and slid right into the fence. I don’t know what else to say.”

But overall, Bell had a great season, with three wins, 23 top-10s, 15 top-5s, three poles, and 1145 laps led.

Larson had a dominating season and captured six wins but came up short in the Playoffs. Larson had 18 top-10s, 15 top-5s, five poles, and led 1700 laps. He won the Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, AdventHealth 400, Kansas Speedway, Toyota/Save Mart 350, Sonoma Raceway, Brickyard 400, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Bass Pro Shops Night Race, Bristol Motor Speedway, and the Bank of America Roval 400, Charlotte Motor Speedway Roval.

“I’m proud of the effort from this No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevy team. This whole Round of Eight has been a fight, really. From the first stage at Las Vegas (Motor Speedway) on, it’s been a fight. I feel like we made the right pit call to give ourselves the best opportunity. I’m proud of my team; the car, the pit crew, everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. We just didn’t have enough.”

Despite having a great season, Elliott also came up short of making the Playoffs with a second-place finish at Martinsville. Elliott finished the season with one win, 19 top-10s, 11 top-5s, and led 431 laps.

Illustrious 19-year career

Martin Truex Jr. finished 17th in his 693rd and final start as a full-time Cup Series driver. The 2017 Cup Series champion’s No. 19 Bass Pro Shops/Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry XSE entry had a special red throwback scheme that mirrored the scheme Truex had when he made his Cup Series debut at Atlanta Motor Speedway in October 2004. He captured his 25th and final pole position with a lap of 134.741 mph in 26.718 seconds during qualifying at Phoenix.

Truex led 555 laps, only the sixth driver in history to accomplish this feat. He also notched a total of five top-five results and 11 top-10 results with an average finish of 17.4, which was enough for him to settle in 10th place in the final championship standings in 2024.

Truex Jr. was left with mixed reactions in his final event as a full-time competitor in NASCAR’s premier series. Amid the disappointment, Truex, who received a standing ovation during the pre-race drivers meeting before the finale, was praised and greeted on pit road by NBA legend/23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan and four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon.

“It means a lot,” Truex added. “To have the respect of guys like that and what they mean to the sport and absolute legends. It makes me feel good that I’ve earned that respect over the years. It means a lot.”

Truex capped off an illustrious 19-year career in NASCAR’s premier series, where he achieved the 2017 championship, 34 race victories, 25 poles, 147 top-five results, 291 top-10 results, 12,747 laps led, 11 Playoff appearances, and an average-finishing result of 15.3 through 693 starts. Truex made his mark throughout his Cup Series career with organizations such as Dale Earnhardt Inc., Chip Ganassi Racing, Michael Waltrip Racing, Furniture Row Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing.

In addition to winning the 2017 Cup Series championship, Truex, a two-time champion in the Xfinity Series, departs from full-time Cup competition with notable accomplishments that include capturing two Coca-Cola 600s, the 2016 Southern 500, and the 2023 Busch Light Clash victory. Named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers in 2023, Truex is among 40 drivers to win across NASCAR’s top three national touring series.

Rookie-of-the-Year

Carson Hocevar claimed the 2024 Sunoco Rookie-of-the-Year title in his first Cup Series season and finished in 21st place in the Cup Series driver standings while driving the Spire Motorsports No. 77 Chevrolet. He had six top-10s, one top-5, and led 16 laps during the 2024 season.

“So to be the highest finishing Spire car ever for their tenure — I think their highest ever is 26th — that’s what I’m probably most proud of is 21st is really good, I thought. Twentieth was about where I really wanted to be. To be really close there is really important. But Rookie of the Year is obviously the only thing you can’t win (later), and I missed out on it my truck year and obviously didn’t run Xfinity, so ideally it’s the last time I can really do it unless I somehow end up back in Xfinity. But yeah, happy to at least have a Rookie of the Year something in my NASCAR tenure.” Hocevar said.

Chase Elliott won the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award for the seventh year in a row. The National Motorsports Press Association announced the 2024 Most Popular Driver Awards at the NASCAR Awards Banquet at the Charlotte Convention Center, that is based on a fan vote.

“Thank you to the fans,” Elliott said during the awards banquet. “The fans have meant so much to myself, my career, my family and beyond. When I look at that award, regardless whether I won it tonight or not, I’m grateful for the fans across the country and around the world for what they do for me, but I’ve always looked at it as a little bit of just an opportunity to honor and appreciate the legacy that my family has really set up for me. I think at the end of the day, I’ve always just tried to carry myself and represent that as they would want me to and try to make them proud.”

Only Elliott or Earnhardt drivers have received the NASCAR Cup Series Most Popular Driver Award since 1991.

Finishing Strong, Moves, and New Beginnings

Chris Buescher finished ninth at Phoenix and emerged as the highest non-Playoff contender in the standings, in 17th place. Driving the No. 17 RFK Racing Ford Mustang, he captured his sixth Cup Series win in September at Watkins Glen International. He finished the season with 15 top-10s, six top-5s, and led 208 laps.

Michael McDowell finished 31st in his final event with Front Row Motorsports. In 2025, he will join Spire Motorsports to drive the No. 71 Chevrolet.

Harrison Burton will join AM Racing next season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He will return to the Xfinity series after three seasons in the Cup Series with Wood Brothers Racing. He captured his first premier series victory at Daytona International Speedway and his first playoff berth.

“I’m excited to join AM Racing and help build it into the race-winning race team I believe it can and will be,” said Burton. “I think this will be a great opportunity for me to take the things I’ve learned in the Cup Series, bring those to the Xfinity Series, and be the best driver I can be.

Riley Herbst will join 23XI Racing for his first Cup campaign in 2025. Herbst, a 25-year-old racer from Las Vegas, Nevada, will drive the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE entry sponsored by longtime partner Monster Energy. He will compete alongside Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Toyota, and Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota.

“It’s an honor to join 23XI and Toyota for the opportunity to race in the Cup Series each week,” Herbst said. “Racing full-time in the Cup Series has been my goal since I started in NASCAR, and I’m excited to start my Cup career with such an accomplished and driven team. What 23XI has accomplished in a short time is impressive, and I look forward to building on their success as the organization grows. It’s also great to continue representing Monster and I’m excited about adding to their legacy in NASCAR.”

Looking Forward to 2025

Kyle Busch concluded a Cup Series season winless for the first time in his Cup Series career. He has captured at least one win per season in the sport’s top level in 19 consecutive seasons, an all-time series record that ended in 2024.

The 2015 and 2019 Cup Series champion finished the 2024 season with ten top-10s, five top-5s, one pole, and led 229 laps in the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.

“Certainly frustrating,” Busch said during Championship Weekend at Phoenix Raceway. “Just not at all what we had hoped it to be after some success last year, especially early in the year, and having those three wins, and then struggling a little bit on and off, but then this year, just seemingly not being able to get the monkey off our back.”

NASCAR will return for the 2025 season with an exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. ET.

RAFA Racing Merging With Smooge Racing in Advance of 2025 Season

By
Official Release
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  • The Pair of Championship-Winning Sports Car Racing Organizations To Race Under the RAFA Racing Tent Beginning in 2025
  • The Long Standing Relationship With Toyota Gazoo Racing North America Will Remain a Key Part of the Team’s Plans, Ranging Across Multiple Race Series

HOUSTON, Texas (December 10, 2024) – Two outstanding sports car racing teams have merged beginning with the 2025 season, combining the championship-winning results of Kevin Conway’s program at Smooge Racing with the up-and-coming drivers and marketing machine of RAFA Racing for a full-fledged IMSA and SRO America effort.

The combined effort will race under the RAFA Racing Team banner in both paddocks. Standing for “Race As Family Always,” the RAFA Racing Team made its debut in 2023 with a runner-up finish in the McLaren Trophy Europe Series, and expanded that footprint to include a championship-winning effort in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and in the SRO GT4 European Series during 2024.

Conway-led race teams have been crowned SRO GT4 America team and driver champions utilizing the Toyota GR Supra GT4 platform, and multi-time race winners in Lamborghini Super Trofeo. The new-look RAFA Racing Team will continue to support the existing Toyota Gazoo Racing and Lamborghini Squadra Corsa relationships established by Conway’s team in 2025.

With driver line-ups to be confirmed in the coming weeks, RAFA Racing will appear in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge, IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge and SRO GT4 America utilizing the Toyota GR Supra GT4 EVO2 along with an LMP3 car in the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge. Likewise, the team will have a multi-car presence in the IMSA-sanctioned Lamborghini Super Trofeo paddock for 2025. An outside partnership will also include RAFA Racing branding and drivers in the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup.

“This was not necessarily an opportunity we were searching for, but merging our efforts with Kevin’s makes perfect sense for the RAFA Racing team, our program, and our future goals,” RAFA Racing founder Rafael Martinez said. “We’ve worked with some fantastic teams over the past couple of years, but this relationship and the existing partnerships with Toyota Gazoo Racing North America and Lamborghini Squadra Corsa are something special. It’s a logical step in our mission, and a great way to make our debut at this level here in the States.”

The RAFA Racing team is just a part of the RAFA Family of businesses. The RAFA umbrella encompasses a variety of automotive and motorsports-related businesses, including RAFA Media (The Race, Driver DataBase, WTF1, WTF Talent, Grid Finder, Traxion GG), 8TWELVE Wheels, 812 Brands, and RAFA Racing Club, amongst others. Each business, including the RAFA Racing Team, has a mission to bring motorsports to the masses.

That includes the racing program, where three-time Call of Duty World Champion and X Games medalist Ian “Crimsix” Porter captured the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America championship in his rookie season after a move from sim racing, and French driver Caroline Candas earned the Mobil 1 Female Driver Development and Porsche Junior titles in the same class for RAFA Racing. Each utilized a RAFA Racing Team partnership to advance their careers in ways that likely would not have happened otherwise.

“I’m looking forward to pairing our efforts with the larger group at RAFA Racing,” Conway said. “The off-track activities that RAFA Racing is already involved in will not only augment our existing relationships but give them a chance to grow. It’s going to be a busy upcoming season, but we’re ready to make a difference immediately both on and off the race track.”

The new-look RAFA Racing Team will make its IMSA debut during the Roar Before the 24 at Daytona with the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, followed by the Michelin Pilot Challenge four-hour race the next week in advance of the Rolex 24 At Daytona.

About RAFA Racing Club:

RAFA Racing, utilizing the motto “Race As Family Always,” is a motorsports club and race team founded by and made for high-performance auto drivers, supporters, and fans of all types. Started by Rafael Martinez, the Club aims to create a space for high-performance car enthusiasts to enjoy like-minded individuals, network and share ideas on and off the track, and bond as one team with a common interest. The RAFA Racing Team made its debut in 2023 with a runner-up finish in the McLaren Trophy Europe Series, and expanded that footprint to include a championship-winning effort in Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and podium finishes in SRO GT4 Europe in 2024. The Club’s off-track presence can be felt on social media and beyond, including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook and at RafaRacing.Club.

GOVX and NASCAR Announce Official Partnership

By
Official Release
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As part of the multi-year agreement, GOVX will serve as the Presenting Sponsor of the NASCAR Miltix program

Daytona Beach, Fla. (Dec. 10, 2024) — NASCAR and GOVX, the online shopping platform exclusively for current and former military, first responders, emergency medical professionals, educators, and other government service personnel, announced today an official multi-year partnership that strengthens NASCAR’s longstanding commitment to the military and first responder communities.

Through this new partnership, GOVX will serve as the Presenting Sponsor and Official Verification Partner of the NASCAR Miltix program, offering discounted race tickets of 15% off or more to NASCAR-owned tracks nationwide. Eligible service members will be able to access this benefit through both NASCAR.com and GOVX.com.

First responders and other Americans of service will also be eligible to receive the ticket discount offering through the partnership. With an existing membership of over 9.5M, GOVX will help to amplify NASCAR’s commitment to this deserving community.

“Since the inception of our sport, honoring members of the military has been a big piece of the fabric that makes up NASCAR and, in partnership with GOVX, the Miltix program is one of many ways we’re able to do that,” said Michelle Byron, NASCAR Executive Vice President, Chief Partnership and Licensing Officer. “There is nothing better than the at-track NASCAR experience, and thanks to GOVX and the Miltix program, it’s even easier for current and former members of the military to access that experience.”

The Official Partnership will also be supported through robust promotion on GOVX.com, GOVX signage at NASCAR tracks throughout the race season, commercial inventory within NASCAR TV broadcasts, and through NASCAR.com and other digital media placements.

“Over the decades, NASCAR has shown an unwavering appreciation and dedication to our nation’s heroes, both on the track and off,” said Alan Cole, GOVX CEO. “The opportunity to partner with such a prestigious organization is a privilege, and we look forward to bringing the pulse of America’s racing spirit to the GOVX community.”

NASCAR has a long-tenured and deep-seated appreciation for the military through initiatives such as the annual NASCAR Salutes and Troops to the Track programs, a partnership with Honor and Remember and supporting the mission of Sound Off, a nonprofit organization founded to help reduce veteran suicide through free and anonymous mental health support for veterans and service members.

ABOUT NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 14 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

ABOUT GOVX
GOVX is dedicated to serving those who serve our country and communities – military service members, first responders, law enforcement officers, emergency medical professionals, educators, and other government service personnel. With a customizable suite of solutions, GOVX provides leading brands who share in our mission with a unique opportunity to support this deserving audience. Through our flagship ecommerce site, GOVX.com, brands can authentically reach a growing community of 9.5M+ members with their own storefront. More than 1K trusted brands currently have a storefront on GOVX.com, offering unbeatable deals to those who serve. With our verification app, GOVX ID, brands can easily enable service member discounts within the checkout flow of their own sites. More than 3K brands currently utilize our GOVX ID technology to honor service members. By leveraging GOVX marketing services solutions, brands can effectively amplify their products or services within our engaged and exclusive community and reinforce their support for Americans who make a difference. In addition to providing unmatched value to those who serve, GOVX also donates a portion of every order to nonprofits who serve the military and first responder community. To-date we have donated more than $1.5M through our GOVX Gives Back initiative. For more information, visit https://www.govx.com.

Bittersweet end to Formula 2 season for Crawford

By
Official Release
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Photos via © Dutch Photo Agency

Texan second in Qatar Sprint Race but eliminated in both Middle East Feature rounds

ABU DAHBI, United Arab Emirates (9 Dec. 2024) – 19 year old Texan Jak Crawford’s second FIA Formula 2 Championship season came to a bittersweet conclusion this weekend, with a pair of strong runs in Sprint Races negated by early disappointment in both Feature events in back-to-back rounds in the Middle East.

The young American finished second in last weekend’s Sprint Race in the inaugural F2 event at the Qatar Grand Prix at the Lusail International Circuit, gaining two positions on the final lap.

The Qatar event was Crawford’s second-consecutive runner-up finish in Sprint Races, and third of the season as the Formula 1 hopeful was engaged in a terrific battle for position for most of the event before coming on strong at the finish.

“It was quite a crazy one,” Crawford said. “There was a lot of action. It was tricky to pass as well, but eventually, I got the job done.”

The following day, though, he was eliminated by contact after 13 laps in the Feature race. The contact cost critical points and momentum against Crawford’s pursuit of third in the 2024 championship after having qualified sixth for the Sunday Feature.

“We weren’t really the fastest, at Qatar, we missed a bit of pace, but we were definitely in the top five all weekend,” said Crawford. “We had a slow stop, and we lost a lot of positions with the safety car, then I made a mistake on my side trying to go for a move that didn’t work out, and I had to retire with damage.”

Returning to race action just one week later at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, Crawford’s push for points was frustrated by a suboptimal run in the all-important qualifying session. Crawford was fastest early in the 30-minute session, but ended up 16th – putting him near the back of the grid for both weekend races as a grid penalty compounded the challenge.

“We just missed the right tire window on my car, and we didn’t find the optimum grip of the tires,” Crawford said.

Starting 20th, Crawford was 13th and maintained that position for 15 laps, managing his tires, before he was able to put on a late-race charge that put him in a points-paying eighth-place. His closing laps featured a hard charge to the finish that included taking 12th on the 18th of 23 laps, then improving four positions on the final lap through passes and penalties to score points in the final Sprint of the year as he gained more positions than any other driver.

“It was quite chaotic, and I was just trying to work my way though the chaos,” he said. “I found myself in 14th after Lap 1, and there were a couple of penalties and a couple of people dropping off with tire deg, and I found myself in eighth at the end.”

The final Feature race of the weekend didn’t help Crawfords points position as a technical issue with the brakes saw his race ending just a few laps after the start.

Starting 14th for Sunday’s feature, Crawford was quick off the line before encountering problems.

“I had a good start, but I got hit from behind in the first corner, which spun me into someone else,” he explained. “At that point, I was at the back, but I still had the possibility for a decent race. Then I had a brake failure. They turned off completely, and that was quite a scary moment. It was an unfortunate way to end the year, for sure.”

Crawford ended the 14-event campaign fifth in the points, with 21 top-10 finishes. He ended up with six podium finishes, highlighted by a Feature Race victory at Barcelona. His racecraft also impressed, as he was the top overaker of the year.

“It was definitely a tough season,” Crawford said. “We had some bad moments, but there were also some very good moments with some good results. I’m very, very happy at the end. It’s just unfortunate what happened in the last two Features.”

Looking ahead to the 2025 Formula 2 campaign, which will mark Crawford’s first time returning to the same race team, Crawford is hopeful that the team will up its game in qualifying and that he can fight for the title as he anticipates even more Formula 1 engagement in his role with Aramco Aston Martin.

Ahead of that, Crawford, who continues to field interest from teams for a future in F1, will be getting additional time at Yas Marina’s circuit this week.

“On Tuesday, I’m in the Young Driver’s Test with the Aston Martin Formula 1 car, then I had three days of Formula 2 testing right after that, so there will be many days of driving at Abu Dhabi!”

Crawford then hopes to spend a few days in the U.S. for Christmas, before it’s off to a well-deserved vacation prior to returning to DAMS Lucas Oil Racing for the 2025 Formula 2 champaign.

Steps to Ensure Uninterrupted Communication During Business Trips

By
SM
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Developing connections, completing transactions, and growing company networks all depend on business travel. However, keeping constant contact is one of the most difficult tasks encountered throughout such journeys.

Whether remote, conducting meetings, or making a presentation in a foreign country, the bottom line for anything is effective communication. Here are some key steps you must take to ensure you do not experience a moment of disrupted communication while on business.

1. Using eSIM for International Travel

eSIM technology would be the easiest way for frequent business travelers to keep in touch, because this embedded SIM technology gets rid of physical SIM cards. Mobile plans are activated directly on your phone, so if you are visiting Italy, for example, you could just get a sim for Italy to get a plan going immediately, without the hassle of visiting a store or changing SIM cards.

With eSIM, you can easily switch between networks, manage multiple phone numbers or plans, and avoid the high costs associated with international roaming charges.

Whether you’re traveling to Italy for a business meeting or working remotely while exploring Europe, esim for italy ensures that your phone stays connected, so you never miss an important call or email. It also allows for greater flexibility and convenience, as you can seamlessly switch to local carriers without the need for physical SIM cards. Stay connected and in control of your communication needs no matter where you are.

2. Choose the Right Communication Tools

Choosing the appropriate tools is essential for maintaining regular communication while on work trips. Applications that facilitate file sharing, instant messaging, and audio and video calls should be available to you. Consider these well-liked communication tools:

  • Video conferencing: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are excellent options for virtual meetings.
  • Messaging: Slack, WhatsApp, and Microsoft Teams allow for quick messages and file sharing.
  • Email: Ensure your email app is synced across all devices and has offline capabilities.

Make sure to test these tools before your trip to ensure they function properly in your destination’s region.

3. Invest in International Roaming or Local SIM Cards

Having a reliable mobile connection is critical for staying in touch while traveling. Here are two options to ensure you’re connected:

  • International Roaming: Check with your current mobile carrier to see if they offer international roaming plans. Many providers offer global coverage with daily or monthly rates.
  • Local SIM Cards: Buying a local SIM card upon arrival is often more affordable. Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the network in the destination country. This method offers flexibility and avoids high roaming charges.

Alternatively, consider eSIM technology, which allows you to add international data plans to your phone without changing your SIM card.

4. Ensure Reliable Wi-Fi Access

Wi-Fi is the backbone of business communication while traveling. Without it, you risk missing meetings, emails, or critical updates. To ensure reliable internet access:

  • Check with your accommodation: Confirm with hotels, conference centers, or other venues about the availability and quality of Wi-Fi.
  • Portable Wi-Fi Devices: Rent or purchase a portable Wi-Fi hotspot to ensure internet access wherever you go. This can be particularly useful in countries with limited public Wi-Fi.
  • Local Internet Cafés: If Wi-Fi is unavailable or unreliable, identify nearby cafés or co-working spaces that offer Internet access.

5. Prepare for Time Zone Differences

Business trips often involve cross-country or international travel, meaning you’ll have to manage time zone differences. To minimize communication disruptions:

  • Use a World Clock: Add multiple time zones to your smartphone’s clock, or use World Clock apps to stay aware of local times in the countries you’re communicating with.
  • Schedule Meetings Smartly: Be mindful of different time zones when scheduling meetings. Aim for mutually convenient times for both you and your contacts to avoid confusion or missed connections.
  • Plan Ahead: When setting meetings, offer a buffer for time zone miscalculations, as well as opportunities for follow-up if something goes wrong.

6. Pre-Schedule Important Communications

Planning is key to maintaining communication efficiency during your business trip. Consider the following:

  • Email Drafting: If you know you’ll be traveling during busy hours, pre-schedule important emails or messages. Many email services, like Gmail, allow you to schedule emails to be sent at a later time.
  • Meeting Preparation: Schedule critical meetings in advance and confirm the time and platform details to ensure everyone is prepared. Automated reminders can help ensure everyone attends at the right time.

7. Have Backup Communication Options

Things may not always go as planned, so it’s best to have backup communication options in case of technical failures. Some suggestions include:

  • Offline Options: Use apps like Google Docs, Dropbox, or OneDrive to access files offline. This way, if Wi-Fi is unavailable, you can still work on documents or presentations.
  • Backup Phones: Consider carrying a second phone or a backup charger, especially when traveling in remote areas.
  • Alternative Platforms: If one communication tool fails, have backup options available, such as another video conferencing platform or a different messaging app.

8. Stay Organized with a Travel and Communication Plan

Create a comprehensive travel and communication plan before departure. This plan should include:

  • Communication Hierarchy: Define who to contact for urgent matters (e.g., assistants, co-workers, or managers).
  • Contact Information: Ensure you have key contacts’ international phone numbers and email addresses saved in advance.
  • Important Documents: Keep backup copies of your travel documents, visas, and itineraries, accessible from your mobile device.

Having a clear strategy will reduce confusion, enhance your productivity, and allow you to focus on the objectives of your business trip.

9. Ensure Security and Privacy

When using mobile devices, laptops, or public Wi-Fi, security should be a top priority. Always use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when accessing the internet to safeguard sensitive business communications and data. In addition, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for email, messaging, and any other platforms you use for business communication.

10. Leverage Cloud-Based Solutions for File Sharing

The most important files and information need to be accessible while abroad. Cloud-based solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Microsoft OneDrive allow access to files and real-time collaboration, ensuring that they can be shared and accessed easily with others, regardless of geographical location.

FAQs 

1. How can I ensure I have reliable communication tools during my business trip?

Ensure that audio, video calls, and messaging tools are selected to be sure that communication will occur reliably. Test these apps in the destination country to ensure they can be used.

2. Is it better to use international roaming or a local SIM card while traveling for business?

It depends on your needs. Roaming plans are very convenient, but they can be costly. A local SIM is typically a good bet it will probably be cheaper and maybe have more stable service, especially when it’s needed for longer periods. As an alternative, you might have access to Italy and possibly to many destination countries’ eSIMs which could allow you to add data plans for international roaming.

3. How can I manage time zone differences effectively when scheduling meetings?

Use a World Clock to track multiple time zones without confusion. Schedule meetings at good times for you and those you are contacting, with confirmation of meeting times as far in advance as practical. Automated reminders can also work to ensure everyone is ready and on time for the scheduled meeting.

Conclusion

Proper planning is the key to ensuring uninterrupted communication during a business trip, and it must also rely on good tools and resources. Choosing the right tools to communicate, making sure of reliable connectivity, and being prepared for the difference in time zones, will make it possible to communicate at all times with the team, clients, or partners. This will help your business trip go smoothly, allowing you to focus on your goals instead of communication issues.

The Behind-the-Scenes Efforts That Drive NASCAR Success

By
SM
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What does it take to put on a NASCAR race? Beyond the roaring engines and nail-biting finishes, there’s a symphony of unseen work ensuring that every lap is a spectacle of speed, precision, and strategy. From the pit crews to the infrastructure that powers the event, the behind-the-scenes efforts are as vital as the drivers themselves.

NASCAR events are a masterclass in coordination, with countless moving parts working in harmony to deliver the adrenaline-pumping experience that fans love. Let’s explore the intricate web of logistics, technology, and teamwork that supports one of the world’s most electrifying motorsports.

The Art of Teamwork

Pit stops are where races can be won or lost, and the pit crew’s role is nothing short of heroic. These highly skilled teams work under intense pressure to refuel cars, replace tires, and make adjustments in mere seconds. Their speed and precision are the result of rigorous training and constant refinement of techniques, ensuring that drivers can get back on track with minimal delay.

But their contributions don’t end there. Crew members also analyze data and strategize in real-time, using technology to monitor tire wear, fuel levels, and performance metrics. This synergy between human skill and technological innovation is a cornerstone of NASCAR success.

Powering the Event

Every NASCAR race depends on a robust logistical framework to keep operations running smoothly. From track lighting and scoreboards to maintenance machinery, all these critical systems require reliable power sources. This is where services like off-road diesel delivery come into play. This ensures that the essential equipment supporting the event, such as generators and track maintenance vehicles, stays fueled and operational throughout race day.

With the high demands of a NASCAR event, the timely and efficient delivery of fuel is non-negotiable. Reliable solutions not only keep the race on track but also support a flawless experience for fans, vendors, and teams alike. This logistical backbone is a testament to the behind-the-scenes efforts that make NASCAR events possible.

Advanced Technology

In NASCAR, speed alone isn’t enough; strategy is everything. Teams leverage cutting-edge technology to fine-tune their approach, from advanced simulations that predict race outcomes to telemetry systems that provide real-time insights into car performance.

Safety is another area where technology shines. Innovations in vehicle design, track infrastructure, and protective gear have made NASCAR safer for drivers and fans alike. For instance, barriers made from impact-absorbing materials and car features like the HANS (Head and Neck Support) device have drastically reduced injuries in high-speed crashes.

The People Behind the Race

Beyond the crews and drivers, an entire community works tirelessly to bring NASCAR events to life. Officials ensure fair competition, volunteers assist with crowd management, and local businesses contribute to the race-day experience. Every person, from ticket takers to emergency responders, plays a role in the event’s success.

The Bigger Picture: NASCAR’s Impact

While the excitement of the race is front and center, NASCAR’s impact extends beyond the track. The sport drives significant economic activity, supporting local economies through tourism, sponsorships, and employment. Additionally, NASCAR has become a platform for innovation, with advancements in automotive technology often making their way into consumer vehicles.

Final Thoughts

NASCAR is much more than the high-octane battles we see on the track; it’s a showcase of speed, strategy, and unparalleled support. From the pit crew’s split-second decisions to the logistics that power entire events, every element works together to create a seamless experience for fans.

The next time you watch a NASCAR race, take a moment to appreciate the hidden efforts that keep the engines roaring and the action alive. Behind every thrilling lap is a story of teamwork, innovation, and dedication that defines the spirit of NASCAR.

Rick Ware Named to West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2025

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Official Release
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Induction Set for March 13 in Las Vegas as Part of NASCAR Race Weekend and Includes AJ Allmendinger, Chuck Gurney, Davey Hamilton, Jeff Jefferson, Justin Marks and Boris Said

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 9, 2024) – A diverse motorsports career that began more than 40 years ago and continues to this day has earned racing team owner and Los Angeles native Rick Ware a place in the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Induction is set for March 13 in Las Vegas in conjunction with the NASCAR race weekend March 14-16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Joining Ware among the Class of 2025 are AJ Allmendinger (Los Gatos, California), Chuck Gurney (Oakland, California), Davey Hamilton (Nampa, Idaho), Jeff Jefferson (Naches, Washington), Justin Marks (Menlo Park, California) and Boris Said (Carlsbad, California).

“It’s truly an honor to be a part of the West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame Class of 2025,” said Ware, owner of Rick Ware Racing (RWR). “I’m a proud Californian and growing up on the West Coast put me right in the heart of racing and hot-rod culture. For me, there was no better place to be, and to join such an esteemed group of racers who came from the same region of the country as me is an incredible, full-circle moment.

“I’ve been to some of the most iconic venues in North American motorsports, first as a fan with my dad, then as a driver, and then as a team owner. Riverside, Long Beach, Pomona, Irwindale, Del Mar, Ontario, Laguna Seca, Ascot… I look back and realize just how blessed I’ve been. And then to make a career out of motorsports and to be recognized for all the time, energy and effort we put into everything we do at RWR, really means a lot. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the Hall’s nominating committee.”

Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for nearly five decades. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt.

Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Ware’s home track, Riverside International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries forced Ware out of the driver’s seat and into fulltime team ownership.

In 1995, RWR was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship.

RWR is coming off one of its best seasons in 2024 where its NHRA Top Fuel driver Clay Millican won the prestigious U.S. Nationals and rider Kody Klopp won the AMA American Flat Track 450cc class championship.

Millican’s victory was RWR’s fourth NHRA Top Fuel win since entering NHRA in 2023. Klopp’s title secured RWR’s third championship. RWR rider Shane McElrath won the 2022 FIM World Supercross 250cc class title. RWR’s first championship came in sports cars, specifically the Asian Le Mans Series, where co-drivers Cody Ware and Gustas Grinbergas won the 2019-2020 LMP2 class title.

“We do this because we love it,” Ware said. “Racing is hard, really hard. So, you’ve got to have a passion for it. The hard times make you appreciate success so much more, and our success comes from our people. We have excellent people at RWR and I’m proud of their skills and their spirit. This honor is directly attributable to them, and I’m very thankful.”

The West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame was conceived in 2001 as a means of recognizing significant contributors and contributions to the sport. It was founded to preserve the history and heritage of the sizeable role West Coast stock car and motorsports figures have played in the ever advancing world of professional racing.

To obtain media credentials for coverage of the 24th West Coast Stock Car/Motorsports Hall of Fame dinner and awards, please contact Owen A. Kearns at 661-342-2983.

Richard Childress Racing Announces NASCAR Xfinity Series Crew Chief Lineups and Promotions Ahead of 2025 Season

By
Official Release
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Andy Street Promoted to NASCAR Cup Series, While Chad Haney and Danny Stockman to Lead RCR’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Teams

WELCOME, NC (December 9, 2024) – Richard Childress Racing announced this week several competition leadership changes within its NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series programs designed to strengthen the organization and overall performance leading into the 2025 season.

Andy Street has been promoted to crew chief for a third NASCAR Cup Series team at RCR that will run in multiple races with multiple drivers in 2025. The Kernersville, North Carolina native will also serve as crew chief for a limited number of Xfinity Series races. In addition to crew chief duties, Street will provide competition direction and assistance to RCR’s alliance partners as NASCAR Xfinity Series engineering manager.

Street, whose career at RCR began in 2003, spent the last three seasons as crew chief of the No. 21 Chevrolet with driver Austin Hill in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Together, the duo advanced to the NASCAR Playoffs three consecutive seasons, including a Final Four berth in 2024. All told, Street earned 10 race wins with Hill and was the winningest crew chief at RCR the past three seasons.

Chad Haney has been named crew chief of the No. 21 Chevrolet with driver Austin Hill in the Xfinity Series. Haney brings to the role more than 30 years of professional motorsports experience as a car chief and mechanic at the highest levels of the sport, including stints as car chief in the NASCAR Cup Series for drivers such as Aric Almirola, Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon and Kevin Harvick.

Danny Stockman will continue to work with Jesse Love as crew chief of the No. 2 Chevrolet in the Xfinity Series, building on a successful first year together in which the rookie driver earned one race win, seven top-five finishes and 18 top-10 finishes enroute to advancing to the NASCAR Playoffs and clinching Rookie of the Year honors.

“Andy Street brings a wealth of knowledge to our NASCAR Cup Series program as we continue to evaluate ways to build a deeper bench and promote from within,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “This move gives Andy the chance to gain NextGen experience and have a bigger opportunity on the Cup side while still contributing to our Xfinity Series program and working with our alliance partners. Chad Haney is already well situated for his new position as crew chief of the No.21 Chevrolet given his most recent experience as head mechanic liaison between RCR and our alliances. He’s very detailed and has built trust and camaraderie with the team. I know he will work well with Danny Stockman, who is a great mentor for young drivers and has built a strong program with Jesse Love. Danny Lawrence will continue to provide leadership to the Xfinity program and help build RCR for the future.”

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

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

DAMS Lucas Oil completes 2025 Formula 2 line up with Kush Maini

By
Official Release
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DAMS Lucas Oil is delighted to announce that Alpine Academy member Kush Maini will compete for the team in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 season.

The Indian driver has raced in F2 for the previous two seasons, taking one victory and five further podiums throughout his time in the championship, securing P13 in the recently concluded 2024 campaign.

In a strong junior career so far, Maini impressed by taking wins in British Formula 3 becoming Vice-Champion in 2020. He then moved on to compete in F3 Asian Championship before heading into FIA Formula 3, scoring a podium at the Hungaroring. The 24-year-old has also raced in Formula Renault Eurocup and World Endurance Championship.

DAMS Lucas Oil has now confirmed its full line up for the 2025 Formula 2 season with Maini alongside Jak Crawford, and both drivers will participate in this week’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi. The experienced pair will get their 2025 competitive campaign underway in Melbourne on March 14-16 and the full calendar can be found here.

Kush Maini

“I’m thrilled to be joining a team with such a strong pedigree and history in Formula 2 like DAMS Lucas Oil. I feel like my story in this championship isn’t completed yet, and I know that this is the right crew to help me further my career. I’ve taken pole positions and won races, so now it’s all about consistently delivering over the course of a campaign. I can’t wait to get started this week with post-season testing alongside Jak, and to form an experienced team as we look to battle for the championship in 2025.”

“We’re pleased to confirm Kush for next year as he’s a talented driver who has shown excellent raw speed throughout his time in the series. We know that together with our experienced team we can find the correct balance and ensure Kush has a consistent level of performance. We believe with Jak and Kush that we have a very strong partnership, which can help us to consistently fight at the front of the grid in 2025.”

About DAMS
DAMS is a professional racing team founded in 1988 by Jean-Paul Driot, currently competing in FIA Formula 2, F1’s main feeder series. Ahead of the 2022 season, ex-F1 driver Charles Pic took control of the team. So far, 33 DAMS drivers have reached F1, with many more going on to become professional racing drivers. In its history, DAMS has won 15 drivers’ titles, 16 teams’ championships and has scored over 170 race victories.

Four First-Time Run Group Winners Crowned at the Mission Foods HSR Sebring Classic 12 Hour

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Official Release
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  • Convincing Victories, a Record-Stopping Upset and Late Drama Cap Another Competitive Mission Foods HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour at Sebring International Raceway on Sunday
  • Chevron B19, Acura ARX-05 DPi and a Pair of GT Porsches First Quartet of First-Time Mission Foods HSR Classic Sebring 12 Hour Winners in Six Years at Sebring International Raceway

SEBRING, Florida (December 8, 2024) – A quartet of first-time Mission Foods HSR Sebring Classic 12 Hour, Pistons & Props, Presented by the Alan Jay Automotive Network, race winners emerged for the first time in six years Sunday at Sebring International Raceway. The four overall Run Group winners came out on top after nine hours of non-stop competition Saturday and three more Sunday afternoon for a symbolic 12 hours of racing paying tribute to the legendary 12 Hours of Sebring sports car race, which will be run for the 73rd time next March.

Competitors in Run Groups A, B, C and D took to the legendary Sebring airport circuit for four race segments over the course of the last two days. The teams covering the most combined distance in their four segments were crowned Mission Foods HSR Sebring Classic 12 Hour Champions, and this year’s race produced the typical mix of convincing victories, a record-stopping upset and a dramatic finish at the very end.

The strongest runs came in the combined Group A and Group B races that saw competitors share the track while competing for overall and Group honors. In both divisions, the eventual race winners took the Group leads at the start and never lost them over the course of the two days.

With the help of his countryman and multiple Mission Foods HSR Classic race winner Nigel Greensall, Englishman John Emberson brought his UK-based car and team to North America for the first time last month to compete in both the HSR Classic Daytona 24 and this weekend’s HSR Classic 12.

Emberson, Greensall and the Foxcraft Racing 1970 No. 15 Chevron B19 ran with the support of the Atlanta-based Vintage Racing Company team in Run Group A. The No. 15 squad overcame a broken half shaft on the Chevron early in the race weekend to take control of the Group A race from the start.

The solid performance included the No. 15 team and drivers taking the overall Group A/B win in segment two after scoring division honors and P2 overall in Saturday afternoon’s opening round. The Chevron team even won the fourth and final A/B segment on Sunday, but by then the focus was firmly on sealing the Group A victory. The Chevron ultimately took the checkered flag in first place a full lap clear of its nearest A division competitor.

In Run Group B, veteran HSR competitors Kenneth McKinnon and Predator Racing broke through for their first Mission Foods HSR Classic victory after a second-place finish last year at Sebring and a third-place showing in 2022. McKinnon co-drove the Predator Racing 1972 No. 01 Porsche 911 RSR to the victory with longtime teammate Mike Bruns and Predator coach and co-driver Charles Espenlaub.

The No. 01 took an overall and Group B win in Saturday’s opening race segment and backed it up with another overall win in the third round. McKinnon and company secured the Group B win by more than a lap and led the No. 15 Chevron to the line by over a minute to top the combined A/B standings as well.

The record-stopping upset was delivered by Bob Neapole and Guy Cosmo who broke through for their first Mission Foods HSR Classic victory with a controlled and perfectly executed performance in Run Group C. Co-driving the RBN Motorsports with Cosmo-Sport 2020 No. 60 Acura ARX-05 prepared by Hudson Historics, Neapole and Cosmo didn’t put a wheel wrong throughout Saturday and Sunday.

Taking the Group C lead after Saturday’s second segment, the No. 60 Acura squad went on to seal the victory Sunday over their friends and on-track rivals Pierce Marshall and Eric Foss in the 2017 No. 02 Matador Motorsports Cadillac DPi.

Marshall and his team were racing to be the first to score a Mission Foods HSR Classic in season triple win sweep after victories earlier this year in the HSR Classic 6 Hour at The Glen and last month’s HSR Classic Daytona 24 Hour. The No. 02 Cadillac team pulled out the stops to shave a full 30 seconds off of the Acura’s lead in the final Group C segment but the Acura team took the checkered flag with a margin of victory just under a minute.

The late drama – and related heartbreak and elation – came in Run Group D that offered a GT car showdown that was the closest battle in the HSR Classic Sebring 12. The British duo of Mike Jordan and his son Andrew Jordan went into the fourth and final segment with a scant 10-second lead in their Jordan Racing Team 2011 No. 77 Porsche 997.2 GT3 Cup.

The Jordans withstood the pressure from more than one close competitor, but maintained the overall lead the No. 77 held throughout the race for the majority of the fourth segment until a cut right rear tire less than 15 minutes to the finish took the team out of winning contention.

The 2015 No. 002 Fortress Stabilization Porsche 991 GT3 Cup team of Ed Wheatley and Jimmy Llibre beat the JRT team by less than a second in Saturday night’s third segment and were quick to pounce when the No. 77 had its tire trouble. Llibre took the lead and the fourth round win by more than a minute to join Wheatley for a deserving overall Group D victory more than two minutes clear of the second-place finisher.

The overall Run Group winners were presented with all-new and custom-made Wall Clocks from B.R.M. Chronographes. Displaying the same dial design as B.R.M.’s unique time pieces, the oversized clocks have been a big hit this year with the race winners at The Glen, Daytona and now Sebring.

Other Sunday highlights included the late morning departure of the featured vintage aircraft that once again were a cornerstone of the HSR Classic Sebring 12, Pistons and Props. On Saturday, the pilots presented their annual Pilots Choice Award for best car and team while HSR competitors in turn selected the Best Plane of this year’s event.

The pilots chose Olthoff Racing and the team’s Superformance GT40 that driver Dan Long and Team Principal Dennis Olthoff co-drove in Group A in the HSR Classic Sebring 12. The plane of choice by the HSR four-wheel contingent was the battle-scarred USAF 1968 Cessna 02A, owned and flown to Sebring by Sam Lauff. Nicknamed “Oscar Deuce,” the twin-tail and push-pull tandem-engine aircraft saw action in Vietnam and carries bullet hole patches still visible on wing components. A military version of the civilian Cessna 337, this feisty fighter included explosion-proof fuel tanks, bulletproof seats, a full complement of military radios, rockets, bombs and mini guns.

About HSR: An International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) property, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) was formed in the mid-1970s with an event at Road Atlanta. There was one goal then and it remains true today: to celebrate the racing cars from the past. As a “time machine” of sights and sounds, HSR provides a venue for competitors and spectators alike to share in the wonderful history and excitement created by the cars that competed at race tracks around the world. HSR currently sanctions eight vintage and historic racing events at some of the world’s most renowned race tracks, including Road Atlanta, Sebring International Raceway, Daytona International Speedway and more. The complete schedule and full event information can be found on HSR’s website at www.HSRRace.com. Look for the HSR Channel on YouTube and follow HSR on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/HSRrace/ and on Twitter X @HSR_race and Instagram @HistoricSportscarRacing.

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