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Ben Rhodes “rodeos” through regular-season battle; eyes Truck title defense in 2024

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Adam Lovelace for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Following a rodeo-style regular-season stretch mired with a rough start but late surge that enabled him to make the Playoffs on points, Ben Rhodes has an opportunity to defend his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship in 2024.

Rhodes, the reigning two-time Truck Series champion from Louisville, Kentucky, stumbled out of the gate by notching only a single top-10 result through the first eight events of the regular-season stretch. Mired within the eight-race stretch were five finishes of 16th or worse.

Then in May, Rhodes notched his first top-five result of the 2024 season by finishing third at Darlington Raceway. Two races later, he collected a second top-five result by finishing fifth at Charlotte Motor Speedway before notching back-to-back seventh-place results at World Wide Technology Raceway and Nashville Superspeedway, respectively. Despite finishing 18th and 21st during his next two starts, Rhodes rallied by being competitive during the regular-season finale at Richmond Raceway this past weekend and taking the checkered flag in seventh place, which officially locked him into the Playoffs by 34 points.

By making the 2024 Playoffs, Rhodes secured himself into the Truck Series’ seven-race postseason battle for the title for the seventh time in his career and fifth in a row in recent seasons.

Stats-wise, Rhodes has the second-lowest recorded number of top-five results at two through 16 races and is tied with Playoff newcomer Daniel Dye for the lowest top-10 results (six) and average-finishing result at 14.9. Nonetheless, Rhodes, who is well-known for capitalizing in late stages that enabled him to make the Championship 4 round by a mere margin over the final two seasons and outlasted four overtime attempts to win his second title a year ago, has another opportunity to pull any hidden tricks beneath his sleeves for seven races to defend his title.

For this season, Rhodes is set to commence the 2024 Playoffs in ninth place in the Playoff standings with 2,002 points. Should he win this year’s title, he would join an elite group of competitors that feature teammate Matt Crafton and Jack Sprague as having the second-most titles in the Truck circuit at three and leaving him one away from tying Ron Hornaday Jr. for the most at four.

Even after notching his top-10 run at Richmond combined with his recent string of consistent results, Rhodes remains optimistic that he and his No. 99 ThorSport Racing Ford F-150 team can transfer their way through every round of the Playoffs and bid for another championship to deliver back to ThorSport’s headquarters in Sandusky, Ohio.

“[Richmond] certainly met [our expectations],” Rhodes said on FS1. “We fought inside the top five all night long and then, some of these restarts, we get shuffled back, we work our way back forward. I’m happy with the improvements of our team. It’s not our first rodeo, so we’re going to make another run at the championship.”

Ben Rhodes’ quest to win his third NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title in 2024 and third in recent seasons commences at the Milwaukee Mile with the LiUNA! 175. The event is scheduled to occur this Sunday, August 25, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1.

Heim “ready” to extend regular-season momentum towards 2024 Truck Playoffs

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

With a career-high five victories accumulated through 16-scheduled events, Corey Heim enters the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs as a key favorite to contend for his first series’ championship a year after having it slip out of his grasp in the closing laps.

The 21-year-old Heim from Marietta, Georgia, wasted no time igniting an eight-race hot streak of finishing no worse than 10th place on the track that started by finishing in the runner-up spot at Daytona International Speedway after he dodged a final lap multi-truck wreck. Then after finishing third, third and sixth, respectively, during his next four starts, Heim made it his time at Circuit of the Americas in March by leading a race-high 31 of 46 laps and having enough fuel to survive an overtime attempt by grabbing his first Truck victory of 2024.

Three races later, Heim doubled down by winning at Kansas Speedway in May before he dominated en route to another victory at North Wilkesboro Speedway another two races later, during which he led the most laps for both victories. Then after having a runner-up finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway stripped due to three loose lug nuts, Heim responded back by winning at World Wide Technology Raceway for a second time and cashing in on a $50,000 bonus from the Triple Truck Challenge. The Georgian would then tally his current win totals of this season to five with a dominant run at Pocono Raceway, where he led all but 15 of 70 laps.

Despite falling short of winning his second consecutive regular-season title to Christian Eckes, where he also finished 17th and 16th, respectively, during his latest two series’ starts, Heim will commence the 2024 Truck Series Playoffs with the top seed at 2,041 points and with a three-point advantage over Eckes this upcoming Sunday at the Milwaukee Mile. He strives to redeem himself with his first overall championship in the Truck circuit after ending up in fourth place in the 2023 final standings due to being involved in two late-race incidents during the 2023 finale at Phoenix Raceway.

Currently, Heim’s five victories are the most he has ever garnered in a Truck season. In addition, he holds the second-highest average-finishing result of 8.2 a year after concluding the 2023 season with a season-best average-finishing result of 6.8. With 10 top-five results and 12 top-10 results recorded through 16-scheduled events, he only needs two additional top-five results and seven additional top-10 to tie both stats from his previous season. At six stage victories, he is two away from tying Eckes for the most.

Amid the frustration of finishing within the top-20 mark during his latest two series’ starts, Heim, who has made select starts between the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series divisions throughout the 2024 campaign, is primed to make it his time to emerge as the next NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion that would enable his career to grow with bigger opportunities within his horizon.

“I feel like these last two races have been a little bit of a slump for us,” Heim said after the regular-season finale at Richmond on FS1. “We’ve had fifth- to sixth-place speed, but our standards are to go and try to win every race. I feel like we’re going to be really good. We got a lot of Playoff points, more than last year. I’m ready.”

Corey Heim’s 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs commences at the Milwaukee Mile with the LiUNA! 175. The event is scheduled to occur this Sunday, August 25, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1.

Taylor Gray poised for first Truck championship battle amid strong regular-season stretch

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Adam Lovelace for SpeedwayMedia.com.

From doing a full barrel roll while airborne at Daytona International Speedway to qualifying for his first career appearance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs, Taylor Gray aims to shift his mentality and set aside the adversity and steady climb he endured to make the postseason to emerge as a potential finalist for the 2024 championship.

After missing the first three races of the 2023 season due to age restrictions and missing the Playoffs, Gray, a native of Artesia, New Mexico, had the No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro entry all to himself for the entire 23-race schedule with veteran crew chief Jeff Hensley joining the organization and working atop Gray’s pit box.

Gray commenced the 2024 season on a wild note when he was involved in a multi-truck wreck on the final lap at Daytona International Speedway. During the incident, Gray, who was clipped by Jack Wood after Wood got turned by Rajah Caruth to ignite the wreck, had his truck go airborne and perform a full turnover on top of three competitors’ trucks after he got T-boned into the side of Daniel Dye before he rolled back over right-side up and emerged uninjured.

Following the season-opening incident that left Gray bitter with the outcome, he then went on a six-race hot streak by finishing no worse that seventh on the track and tying his career-best result with a runner-up result at Circuit of the Americas. He would then encounter some on-track challenges in the form of four finishes of 16th or worse over his next eight starts that resulted with his No. 17 team slipping out of the top five in the regular-season standings. Nonetheless, the driver and team recorded four top-15 results during the stretch and capped off the regular-season stretch by finishing in third place in the regular-season finale at Richmond Raceway.

Thus far, Gray has the seventh-best average-finishing result for full-time competitors of the 2024 season at 12.3. While he remains winless through 16 events, the top fives (five), top 10s (nine) and laps led (25) are the most he has garnered compared to the previous season.

With the 2024 regular-season stretch complete, Taylor Gray is set to commence the Playoffs in eighth place in the Playoff standings with 2,003 points. He will battle alongside teammate Corey Heim and eight additional competitors in his pursuit for his first championship within NASCAR’s top three major series.

Looking ahead to his first campaign as a Playoff competitor, Gray leans towards both a cautious and optimistic mindset as key approaches that would enable him to remain eligible for the series’ championship at this season’s conclusion.

“[Making the Playoffs] means a lot, especially with these [No. 17] guys,” Gray said after Richmond on FS1. “They worked their butts off every week and every day. It’s really for them and now, it’s time for me and [crew chief] Jeff [Hensley] to sit down and go race for a championship. I think honestly, [the goal is] just keeping the mindset cool and brushing things off the shoulder and not getting too antsy about certain things and being able to rebound from bad races quickly.”

Taylor Gray’s 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs is set to commence at the Milwaukee Mile for the LiUNA! 175. The event’s broadcast time is scheduled to occur this Sunday, August 25, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1.

Interstate Batteries Racing: Christopher Bell August Daytona Advance

By
Official Release
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Christopher Bell
Daytona Advance
No. 20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Coke Zero Sugar 400 (Round 25 of 36)
● Time/Date: 7:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 24
● Location: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway
● Layout: 2.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 160 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 35 laps / Stage 2: 60 laps / Final Stage: 65 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Outrageously Dependable for 33 Years and Counting: Interstate Batteries has 11 primary sponsorships on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule in 2024, a similar number of schemes to last year’s expanded presence among all four Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) Toyota Camry XSEs. Bell and Ty Gibbs have been slated for the majority of the Interstate Batteries races this season with eight primaries in all between the two drivers. Denny Hamlin piloted the Interstate Batteries machine for two races this season and Martin Truex Jr. once. After this weekend in Daytona, Bell will see Interstate return as co-primary sponsor on his No. 20 Camry in the season finale in November at Phoenix Raceway.

● Playoffs on the Horizon: Bell, the Oklahoma native, sits seventh in the driver standings with 703 points, 111 behind new leader Tyler Reddick. All four JGR entries are currently inside the top-10 in the standings with Hamlin fourth, Truex eighth and Gibbs 10th as the series heads to the penultimate race of the regular season this weekend at Daytona.

● Postseason Bound: Just two races remain in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season with Bell sitting second on the current playoff grid with three wins on the season. Bell has accumulated 25 total playoff points so far, which he can take to each round of the playoffs, a key factor in helping the No. 20 team reach its goal of making the Championship 4 for the fourth year in a row.

● Bell has nine career Cup Series starts on Daytona’s 2.5-mile oval. Of those eight starts, His best career points-paying finish came in the last two Daytona 500s in 2023 and earlier this year. With Bell currently sitting second on the playoff grid, he is looking to enter the playoffs as one of the favorites and build on the momentum of back-to-back appearances in the Championship 4 of the Cup Series Playoffs.

● Outside of the NASCAR Cup Series, Bell has made five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Daytona. Bell has brought home two top-five finishes and four top-10s in those five Xfinity Series starts.

● End of Summer Battery Check: This part of the season is annually the hottest for Cup Series competitors with select race venues seeing warmer temperatures and families heading out on their late-summer road trips. Whether on the highway or the racetrack, the summer months can be taxing on both man and machine. Caring for the latter is one of the ways JGR founding partner Interstate Batteries leverages its NASCAR program, reminding consumers to have their batteries checked during the hot summer months at a local Interstate Batteries dealer prior to their summer road trips.

Christopher Bell, Driver of the No. 20 Interstate Batteries Toyota Camry XSE

You now have two third-place finishes at Daytona the past two years. How do you approach the last laps of a race at Daytona?

“It’s unbelievable. Anyone that has not driven in a Cup Series superspeedway race, I don’t feel like they understand the difference between lap one, even lap 120 to lap 160. The light switch goes off and the intensity just skyrockets, and guys just start pushing and shoving where you are not supposed to be pushing and shoving. The thing I hate about superspeedway racing is you never feel like you are in control in those moments when you are getting pushed around. It changes dramatically in those last couple of laps. I thought maybe we were going to get Interstate Batteries another Daytona 500 win in February. Can’t thank everyone enough over there who supports us and would love to finally have the race play out in our favor and get them back to victory lane at Daytona.”

Do you have a spot that you want to be in those final laps?

“Ultimately, you don’t want another manufacturer behind you because you are going to be left out to dry, but even if it is a teammate, you are not going to just get pushed to the end. The best thing you can hope for in the end is to have a shot. Everyone asks the magic question – would you like to be leading or second going into the last lap? Well both of them are going to have a shot to win, so either one of them is not too bad. You just want to have an opportunity to take the checkered flag and you have to be in the top so many rows to be able to do that.”

What was the difference in getting a third-place finish at Daytona in February and some of the other races that you’ve run there over the years?

“I don’t know what to think of these speedway races. Adam Stevens, my crew chief, and I have a running joke, I say these races are 100 percent luck. I know that’s not true, but it seems like we’ve been struggling to get to the end of it. I know I’ve been a common denominator in a lot of the wrecks and, if you put yourself in a good spot and just be there to go for it on the final lap, anything can happen. Felt good that we were able to do that in February and hope we can do it again this weekend with our Interstate Batteries Camry and maybe not only be there at the end, but have a shot to win it this time.”

How much of a help has it been in superspeedway racing to have a few more Toyotas since LEGACY MOTOR CLUB joined Toyota at the start of the 2023 season?

“I think it is always positive to have more cars at speedway races. I think all of us Toyotas are going to do the best we can to help each other, but having two more cars in these races is definitely helpful for us as a whole.”

No. 20 Interstate Batteries Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Christopher Bell

Hometown: Norman, Oklahoma

Crew Chief: Adam Stevens

Hometown: Portsmouth, Ohio

Car Chief: Chris Sherwood

Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia

Spotter: Stevie Reeves

Hometown: Speedway, Indiana

Race Engineer: William Hartman

Hometown: Laingsburg, Michigan

Team Engineer: Chris Whitenight

Hometown: Berwick, Pennsylvania

Road Crew Members

Truck Driver: John Maybry

Hometown: Campobello, SC

Mechanic: Wesley Lape Hometown: Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania

Ride and Handling Engineer: Chris Chase

Hometown: Nichole, New York

Truck Driver: Glenn Funderburk

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Mechanic/Tire Specialist: Bryce Bratton

Hometown: Maiden, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Peyton Moore

Hometown: Buford, Georgia

Jackman: Derrell Edwards

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Tire Carrier: Jake Holmes

Hometown: Westborough, Massachusetts

Front Tire Changer: Blake Houston

Hometown: Enochville, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Mike Hicks

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Enfinger “proud” with strong regular-season stretch ahead of 2024 Truck title bid

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

In a season where he joined forces with an organization that is in its third consecutive season fielding a full-time entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Grant Enfinger has defied the odds by utilizing his crafty expertise and competitiveness to elevate both himself and his new team, CR7 Motorsports, into potential championship status with a sealed spot into the 2024 Playoffs.

Enfinger, the 2019 Truck Series Regular Season Champion from Fairhope, Alabama, capped off the 2023 season on a bittersweet note through two fronts: the first by finishing in the runner-up spot in the championship battle to Ben Rhodes and the second being his final campaign with GMS Racing, the team where Enfinger notched his first Truck career victory in 2016 and had campaigned with over the previous two seasons, before the organization ceased all operations and left the veteran without a ride.

A month after the 2023 season concluded, however, CR7 Motorsports tapped Enfinger to pilot the team’s No. 9 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry for the 2024 season. By then, the team had only recorded a total of eight top-10 results in five years of existence and was coming off a second full-time campaign with Colby Howard.

Commencing the season with a 17th-place result at Daytona International Speedway after being involved in a final lap multi-truck wreck, Enfinger was in position of notching the first victory for his new team during the following event Atlanta Motor Speedway when he fell off the pace from the lead with seven laps remaining due to a flat right-front tire and ended up in 25th place. He would rally by notching back-to-back ninth-place results during his next two starts before finishing no higher than 12th twice over his next five races.

Then beginning at North Wilkesboro Speedway in May, Enfinger ignited a hot streak that started by finishing in the runner-up spot, which marked a career-best result for CR7, followed by a third-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Despite finishing 17th at World Wide Technology Raceway in early June, the Alabama native would the finish no worse than sixth for the remaining four regular-season events. During his latest four-race span, Enfinger notched another runner-up result at Pocono Raceway in July, lead 71 laps en route to a third-place run during the following event at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and lead a race-high 98 laps while winning the second stage period before settling in fourth place in the regular-season finale at Richmond Raceway.

Through 16 events of the 2024 season, Enfinger’s five top-five results and eight top-10 results are the most for a competitor competing for CR7 Motorsports. Enfinger, who currently holds the fifth-best average-finishing result for full-time competitors in 2024 at 11.8, is set to commence the Playoffs in sixth place in the Playoff standings and with 2,007 points as he aims to record the first NASCAR national touring series championship for himself and CR7 Motorsports.

Ironically, the 2024 Playoff is set to occur at the Milwaukee Mile, the site of Enfinger’s 10th and latest Truck Series victory that enabled him to transfer from the Playoff’s Round of 10 to 8 a year ago.

“I’ve been proud of us all for the last eight or nine races,” Enfinger said following the regular-season finale at Richmond on FS1. “Definitely very, very proud of the speed that [crew chief] Jeff [Stankiewicz] has brought to the track. It’s been great. Now, we got seven [races] to go. I feel like we’re building momentum at the right time. Now, it’s time to go Playoff racing.”

Grant Enfinger’s 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs is set to commence at the Milwaukee Mile for the LiUNA! 175. The event’s broadcast time is scheduled to occur this Sunday, August 25, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1.

Caruth leaning towards confidence, eyeing key venues in pursuit of first Truck title in 2024

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Adam Lovelace for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In a season filled with first-time accomplishments, including a historic first victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in February, Rajah Caruth is primed to experience another first to his racing resume: pursuing a championship within NASCAR’s top three national touring series in 2024.

The 22-year-old Caruth from Washington D.C. makes his inaugural presence in the Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs in a season where he joined forces with Spire Motorsports to pilot the No. 71 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Silverado RST. By then, he had campaigned in his first full-time Truck campaign a year ago, where he ended up in 16th place in the final standings on the strength of four top-10 results while driving the No. 24 Chevrolet for GMS Racing. Previously, he finished in third place in the 2022 ARCA Menards Series standings on the strengths of eight top-five results and 14 top-10 results through 20 starts with Rev Racing.

Caruth commenced the 2024 Truck season on a controversial note, where he ignited a multi-truck wreck on the final lap despite posting his first top-five career result in third place. Then after finishing eighth at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Caruth’s partnership with HendrickCars.com was announced to expand from 10 to the full 23-race Truck schedule.

Things only got brighter for Caruth as he then achieved a breakthrough moment at Las Vegas by winning both his first series’ pole and race victory, where he beat runner-up Tyler Ankrum by eight-tenths of a second and led 34 of 138 laps. In doing so, the DC native joined his mentor Bubba Wallace and the late NASCAR Hall of Famer Wendell Scott as the only African-American competitors to win in NASCAR’s top three major series. He also became the 124th competitor overall to win in the Truck Series.

Since the Vegas victory, Caruth proceeded to finish in the top 10 five additional times over the remaining 13 regular-season events. Throughout the span, he recorded a strong fourth-place run at Nashville Superspeedway in June, notched his second career pole position at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in July and battled to keep himself in contention for a top-five spot within the regular-season standings. With his latest series’ start at Richmond Raceway, where he finished 17th, Caruth has accumulated 43 starts in the Truck Series.

Despite recording zero stage victories throughout the season, Caruth, who holds the fourth-best average-finishing result of full-time competitors in 2024 at 11.4, will commence the 2024 Truck Series Playoffs in fifth place in the Playoff standings with 2,009 points as he strives to deliver the first championship for himself and Spire Motorsports.

Amid a 17th-place run during the 2024 regular-season finale at Richmond, Caruth has set his sights on the venues in the Playoffs he targets as his strengths while keeping his competition within the Playoff close to mind.

“I think going into the Playoffs, I feel really good about going to Bristol, Kansas, Homestead, some really good tracks for me,” Caruth said at Richmond on FS1. “I know what trucks have speed, so thanks to Mr. [Rick Hendrick], Linda [Hendrick], all the men and women at Spire [Motorsports] and Team Chevy for supporting me. I think we can go make some hay later into the fall.”

Rajah Caruth’s 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs and battle for the championship commences at the Milwaukee Mile for the LiUNA! 175. The event is scheduled to occur this upcoming Sunday, August 25, at 4 p.m. ET on FS1.

Ankrum pleased with on-track resurgence ahead of Truck Playoff run in 2024

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

After a three-year absence from the Playoff picture, Tyler Ankrum returns to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ postseason battle for the championship with a new team and a new confidence level in 2024.

Ankrum, the 2018 ARCA Menards Series East champion and 2019 Truck Rookie of the Year from San Bernardino, California, entered the 2024 season by joining forces with McAnally-Hilgemann Racing following a two-year campaign at Hattori Racing Enterprises.

Driving the No. 18 Chevrolet Silverado RST primarily sponsored by LiUNA!, Ankrum rolled out of the gates by winning the second stage at Daytona International Speedway and rallying from a late multi-truck wreck to finish in 11th place. He would proceed to finish seventh at Atlanta Motor Speedway, second at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and fifth at Bristol Motor Speedway over his next three starts. By then, he was leading in the Truck Series drivers’ standings for the first time in his career.

Despite losing the points lead during the following race weekend at Circuit of the Americas and being mired with five finishes of 20th or worse over his next eight starts, Ankrum managed to record three top-eight results within the stretch. He would then finish no worse than 15th and log in three additional top-six results for the remaining five regular-season events, including a sixth-place run during the regular-season finale at Richmond Raceway, before capping off the stretch in sixth place in points.

Despite recording zero victories thus far, Ankrum’s five top-five results in 2024 are the most he has recorded compared to his last three seasons combined and the 92 laps led are the most he has led in a season thus far. With his average-finishing result also boosted to 13.7, his highest since ending up with 13.4 in 2020, the Californian qualifies for his third career Truck Series Playoffs and his first since the 2020 season.

Ankrum, who also notched two stage victories, is set to commence the 2024 Truck Series Playoffs in seventh place in the Playoff standings and with 2,007 points. With 129 Truck career races under his belt, Ankrum’s first and only series’ victory occurred at Kentucky Speedway in July 2019.

Amid his strong regular-season performance, regained confidence and hungered desire to return to Victory Lane, Ankrum strives to extend both the on-track consistency and momentum towards his pursuit for his first championship across NASCAR’s top three major series.

“I’m just proud of all my guys at [McAnally-Hilgemann Racing] to get us in the Playoffs, their first year with this team,” Ankrum said following the regular-season finale at Richmond on FS1. “All the work that we had to do throughout the summer and all the bad luck that we had, we were able to pull through it. It feels pretty amazing to be back [in the Playoffs], to be honest. I’ve always felt like I was a Playoff driver and so for me to be back in my full strength, I feel like all the confidence in the world. I was just telling [crew chief] Mark [Hillman] we keep on running top five, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, we’re gonna get a couple wins here and I feel like we’re going to be there for Phoenix.”

Tyler Ankrum’s pursuit for the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship commences at the Milwaukee Mile for the LiUNA! 175. The event is scheduled to occur this Sunday, August 25, and air at 4 p.m. ET on FS1.

Mitsubishi Ralliart’s Triton Finishes in Fifth Place Overall in Asia Cross Country Rally 2024: Team Determined to Make a Comeback Next Year

By
Official Release
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TOKYO, Aug 21, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced that Team Mitsubishi Ralliart, for which the company provides technical support, has won fifth place overall in the Asia Cross Country Rally (hereafter, AXCR) 2024, held in Thailand from August 11 to 17, with the Triton1 (T1 specification, or modified cross-country vehicle). The total distance covered was 2,075.54 kilometers (km), including 939.58 km2 of special stages, and Katsuhiko Taguchi finished in fifth place overall with a total time of 15 hours, 34 minutes and 52 seconds.

In the overall standings, Kazuto Koide, who competed for the first time, placed 24th, and Sakchai Hantrakul placed 27th. Chayapon Yotha retired from first place overall in Leg 5, ending in 42nd overall.

This year’s AXCR held its ceremonial start on August 11 at the landmark clock tower in Surat Thani, Thailand. The rally proper began with Leg 1 the following day, and Leg 2 took the participants from Surat Thani to Hua Hin, covering over 550 km and making it the longest section of the entire competition. Leg 3 was a special stage in the Hua Hin area, and with Leg 4, the rally headed to Kanchanaburi, on an undulating track through mountainous terrain. Leg 4 was the toughest special stage of the six days, as many teams struggled with the route over the mountains with rocky terrain, and more than 10 teams were penalized for failing to finish within the allowed time. Leg 5 was the longest special stage in this year’s competition, covering 228.87 km in the Kanchanaburi area, and the competition concluded with Leg 6 on August 17, finishing at Skywalk Avenue, close to the new tourist attraction Skywalk Kanchanaburi.

This was the second year for Katsuhiko Taguchi, who started from seventh position. Although he had a hard time with the challenging course settings, he drove carefully and steadily to complete each day’s special stage and improved his position from eighth place overall last year to finish in fifth place overall.

Sakchai Hantrakul started from 30th position and jumped up to fifth place in Leg 1, but was troubled by course errors and vehicle issues, finishing in 27th place.

Kazuto Koide, who competed as an employee driver, struggled at first with the course, but he continued to drive steadily, demonstrating his adaptability and supporting his teammates who got stuck or had vehicle trouble. In the end, he finished in 24th place overall.

The previous year’s 3rd place overall winner, Chayapon Yotha started furthest forward for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart and drove steadily, setting times that placed him in the top ranks day after day. By the end of Leg 4, which was the toughest of all the special stages, the Triton’s high off-road handling performance showed its true potential, putting him in the overall lead with a margin of over 20 minutes ahead of second place. However, due to vehicle trouble in Leg 5, he was unable to continue and had to retire from the rally.

Comment from Hiroshi Masuoka, team director of Team Mitsubishi Ralliart

“This year’s Triton was perfected with enhanced performance, showing powerful driving that covered the displacement gap with our rivals and even took the overall lead at one point. It is unfortunate that we were unable to win, but the Triton was able to fully demonstrate its excellent off-road capabilities that Mitsubishi vehicles have honed over the decades. After returning to Japan, Koide, an employee driver who had competed for the first time, and others will reflect the valuable data and knowledge gained from this rally in the development of production vehicles, adding a new chapter to our tradition of leveraging motorsports experience for vehicle development. We will undergo rigorous tests again, and Team Mitsubishi Ralliart will make a comeback next year. We would like to thank our sponsors for their generous support and our fans around the world for their enthusiastic cheering.”

Comment from Katsuhiko Taguchi, driving Car #107 for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart

“The 2024 Triton rally car was packaged at a high level and was just easy to drive. I am happy to have improved my position from last year, but I am also disappointed because I had a good feeling that I could aim for a higher position. We will use this years’ experience as feedback to further improve the driving performance of the Triton next year, so that we can stay competitive at the top.”

Comment from Kazuto Koide, driving Car #137 for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart

“The Triton rally car I drove was a 2023 model based on a production car and has a drive mode called 4LLc for rocky terrain. Using this mode, I was able to climb a nearly 40-degree incline without difficulty while towing my teammate’s car, and I was reminded once again of the high off-road performance of the Triton production car. I would like to feedback what I have learned as a driver through this rally to develop future Mitsubishi vehicles that are strong and dependable on rough roads.”

1st: Mana Pornsiricherd (Toyota Hilux Revo) 14 hours 22 minutes 00 seconds
2nd: Suwat Limjirapinya (Isuzu D-Max) 14 hours 25 minutes 47 seconds
3rd: Thongchai Klinkate (Isuzu D-Max) 14 hours 36 minutes 24 seconds
4th: Ikuo Hanawa (Toyota Fortuner) 14 hours 56 minutes 48 seconds
5th: Katsuhiko Taguchi (Mitsubishi Triton) 15 hours 34 minutes 52 seconds
6th: Olan Sornsirirat (Isuzu D-Max) 15 hours 35 minutes 34 seconds
・
24th: Kazuto Koide (Mitsubishi Triton) 23 hours 08 minutes 37 seconds
27th: Sakchai Hantrakul (Mitsubishi Triton) 24 hours 51 minutes 52 seconds
42nd: Chayapon Yotha (Mitsubishi Triton) DNF (Did Not Finish)

Comment from Kei Takeoka, an automotive journalist who accompanied Team Mitsubishi Ralliart with the Delica Mini support car

“This year’s AXCR had rock sections and river crossings, making it far more challenging than I had imagined. Moreover, the course itself was difficult – the vigorous plants of Thailand grew wildly from the time the roadbook was created until the actual rally, so we had to drive through areas that did not look very much like roads. That must have made navigation difficult for the co-driver. I drove the Delica Mini support car, and everywhere we went, the Delica Mini and Delimaru, its official character, were very popular. Whenever we stopped in town, a photo session would start, and many people took videos while we were driving. The Delica Mini may become a very popular model in the Bangkok area. Of course, the Delica Mini was very capable on rough roads, and it was even reliable on Thailand’s red dirt off-roads, as well as cracked, pothole-filled paved roads.”

Daily reportsDaily reports from August 11, the first day of the competition, to the last leg on August 17 are available on Mitsubishi Motors’ special AXCR website. www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/brand/ralliart/axcr/axcr2024/

  1. Sold as L200 in some markets
  2. The actual distance was shortened due to course changes.

About Mitsubishi Motors

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (TSE:7211) — a member of the Alliance with Renault and Nissan — is a global automobile company based in Tokyo, Japan, which has about 28,000 employees and a global footprint with production facilities in Japan and the ASEAN region. Mitsubishi Motors has a competitive edge in SUVs, pickup trucks and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and appeals to ambitious drivers willing to challenge convention and embrace innovation. Since the production of our first vehicle more than a century ago, Mitsubishi Motors has been a leader in electrification — launched the i-MiEV, the world’s first mass-produced electric vehicle in 2009, followed by the Outlander PHEV, the world’s first plug-in hybrid electric SUV in 2013. With a target of increasing the sales ratio of electrified vehicles to 100% by 2035, Mitsubishi Motors will deliver models that embody Mitsubishi Motors-ness and contribute to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. For more information on Mitsubishi Motors, please visit the company’s website at www.mitsubishi-motors.com/en/

Planning A Trip to Greece? A Quick and Dirty Guide to Greece Car Rentals

By
SM
-
Greek Ruin
Photo by Arthur Yeti on Unsplash

Greece is a beautiful country with magnificent culture, scenic vistas, and gorgeous historic monuments. While Greece has a robust public transit system, strict schedules can diminish your vacation enjoyment. Fortunately, Greece offers car rental services at a low cost so you can get to all the places you want to see on your own time, without the extra hassle. Continue reading to learn all you need to know about renting a car in Greece.

Why Rent a Car?

Getting a rental car during your vacation is a wonderful idea because it allows you the freedom to make your itinerary. You and your family will not be hindered by scheduling, delays, and public interactions. Thus, granting significant freedom and flexibility.

Another key benefit is the ability to reach destinations which aren’t readily accessible by public transport. While many popular destinations do have a public transit system, places such as Meteora will require alternative travel, such as a rental car.

 Preparation

Much like anywhere else, renting a car in Greece requires some preliminary preparation. You must ensure you have an International Driving Permit (IDP) and choose the correct vehicle for your vacation requirements. Our example of a good rental company you should consider is https://athens-rentalcars.com/, as they offer a wide range of cars for a low cost.

An IDP is a document that translates your domestic license into multiple languages and is recognized internationally. Getting an IDP will require submitting an application form, being 18 years of age, and paying a processing fee. It can be issued on the same day if done in person, or a couple weeks if done online or by mail.

Consider the vehicle you will need during your journeys in Greece. If you have a large family, consider a van or large SUV. If traveling with a small group, you could only need a small coup instead. Research the destinations you want to visit beforehand to ensure you pick the best rental.

Greece Road Rules

The road rules in Greece are quite like those in many other countries, and they prioritize clarity. Please spend at least an hour familiarizing yourself with the road rules in Greece before getting a rental car. Here are some examples:

  • Drive on the right-hand side.
  • Hands-free devices are required when using phones.
  • 0.5% BAC is the legal limit.
  • Urban Speed Limit – 50km/h (31mph).
  • Rural Roads – 90 km/h (56mph).
  • Highways – 120 km/h (75mph).
  • Seat belts are mandatory.

Our Top Destinations in Greece

The Peloponnese Peninsula

A large region featuring attractions such as the ancient city of Mycenae, Olympia, and Nafplio. Many ancient ruins and picturesque locations in the Peloponnese Peninsula will require a car to visit in a reasonable amount of time.

Meteora

Meteora features beautiful monasteries atop towering rock formations with spectacular views. There is no good public transport option to this location, so a rental car is required.

Delphi

Another location is full of ancient ruins and mountain views. Traversing the landscapes can take quite some time, so a rental car is essential.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Greece provides unparalleled flexibility to explore the country’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From the ancient ruins of the Peloponnese to the scenic beauty of Meteora, driving allows you to create your adventure and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Key Enhancements for Your Mustang GT’s Performance

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

The Mustang GT is an iconic vehicle known for its power, speed, and timeless design. However, even the best machines can benefit from a few strategic upgrades. Whether you’re looking to enhance performance or fine-tune the aesthetics, making the right modifications can take your Mustang GT to the next level. In this article, we’ll explore key enhancements that can improve both the performance and appearance of your Mustang GT.

Best Parts for Mustang GT

Selecting the right mustang car parts is essential for unlocking the full potential of your Mustang GT. One of the first upgrades many enthusiasts consider is enhancing the exhaust system. High-performance exhaust systems not only increase horsepower by improving airflow but also give your Mustang that deep, aggressive sound that turns heads on the road. A well-tuned exhaust system can make your Mustang GT feel more responsive and powerful, adding a new dimension to your driving experience.

Another critical upgrade is the cold air intake system. By replacing the factory intake with a high-performance cold air intake, you can improve the engine’s efficiency and power output. Cold air intakes bring cooler, denser air into the engine, which helps to produce more power. This relatively simple modification can provide noticeable gains in acceleration and overall engine performance.

Suspension upgrades are also a must for those looking to improve handling and ride quality. A set of performance shocks and lowering springs can dramatically change how your Mustang GT corners, reducing body roll and giving you more confidence when driving at high speeds. These upgrades not only enhance performance but also improve the stance and appearance of your Mustang, making it look as aggressive as it drives.

Upgrading Mustang Wheels

One of the most impactful changes you can make to your Mustang GT is upgrading the wheels. A new set of mustang gt wheels can enhance both the performance and aesthetics of your vehicle. Wheels are more than just an aesthetic upgrade; they play a critical role in your Mustang’s handling, traction, and overall driving dynamics.

When choosing new wheels, consider both the size and material. Larger wheels can provide better handling and a more aggressive look, but they must be carefully selected to avoid negatively impacting ride quality. Lightweight alloy wheels are a popular choice among enthusiasts because they reduce unsprung weight, which can improve acceleration, braking, and handling.

In addition to wheels, tires are a crucial component of this upgrade. Performance tires paired with new wheels can significantly enhance your Mustang’s grip, especially during aggressive driving or in challenging conditions. Whether you’re looking for the perfect setup for track days or simply want to improve everyday driving, upgrading your wheels and tires is a great way to elevate your Mustang GT.

To complement these upgrades, consider adding mustang headers to your vehicle. High-performance headers can improve exhaust flow, increase horsepower, and enhance the overall sound of your Mustang. When combined with other modifications, headers can make a substantial difference in your car’s performance and responsiveness.

In conclusion, enhancing your Mustang GT with the right parts and upgrades is the key to maximizing its potential. Whether you’re focused on performance or aesthetics, the right modifications will ensure your Mustang GT stands out both on the road and on the track. From exhaust systems and cold air intakes to wheels and headers, these key enhancements will take your driving experience to the next level.

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