Home Blog Page 700

Yamaha Celebrates YFZ450R 2024 Racing Champions

By
Official Release
-

Yamaha Raises $3,700 for Breast Cancer Research at Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC

MARIETTA, Ga., Nov. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, capped off an incredible 2024 ATV racing season with a series of podium sweeps and championship victories, all while celebrating a major milestone: the 20th anniversary of the legendary YFZ450R. As Yamaha bLU cRU racers dominated across multiple national series, the YFZ450R proved once again why it’s been the leader in ATV racing for two decades. Yamaha also raised $3,700 for breast cancer research at the Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC, making this season a standout both on and off the track. Find the Yamaha outboard parts you need and keep your outboard motor running at peak performance.

AMA ATV Motocross Championship
The AMA ATV Motocross (ATV MX) series concluded on August 11 at Loretta Lynn Ranch, where Yamaha racers swept the podium in the AMA Pro division, led by defending champion, Joel Hetrick, on his Phoenix Racing / DASA / CST / Moose YFZ450R, celebrating the 20th anniversary with a perfect 10-win series. Hetrick’s victory marked another highlight in the YFZ450R’s illustrious history, further solidifying its place as the premier racing ATV. Fellow bLU cRU racers Bryce Ford and Brandon Hoag followed closely behind, claiming second and third, rounding out the 20th-anniversary podium sweep. The YFZ450R’s dominance was also on full display in the Quadcross of Nations, where Hetrick, Ford, and Hoag led Team USA to its sixth championship victory, sweeping all three motos and continuing the legacy of Yamaha’s racing ATV on the world stage.

In the ATV MX Pro-Am class, YFZ450R racer Mason Jackson secured his second-straight championship and $2,500 bLU cRU bonus. He was joined by a wave of Yamaha YFZ450R riders, including J.J. Londerville, Kevin Saar, Heath Hannah, and Juan Ondarcuhu, proving the YFZ450R continues to deliver unmatched performance at every level.

WORCS Championship
In October, bLU cRU racers topped the podium in Yamaha’s first year supporting the WORCS (World Off-Road Championship Series) ATV classes. Travis Damon, riding his YFZ450R, clinched the ATV Pro championship and earned a $5,000 bLU cRU bonus, standing out as the only competitor in his class to podium in all nine rounds. In the Women’s Pro WORCS class, Torey Matajcich achieved a perfect season, securing victory in all nine rounds, followed closely by Layne Fryar, both earning bLU cRU bonuses. Meanwhile, Yamaha swept the Pro-Am podium, with Justin Semas, Gage Leaver, and Daven Desliva securing their bonuses.

GNCC Championship
The Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC (Grand National Cross Country) finale in Crawfordsville, Indiana ended the season last month in a Yamaha podium sweep. Defending XC1 Pro – ATV champion Brycen Neal took home his eighth win of the season, third consecutive championship, and the $15,000 bLU cRU bonus on his Phoenix Racing / DASA / CST / Moose / Parts Unlimited YFZ450R. His win not only added another accolade to his career but also further demonstrated the 20-year legacy of the YFZ450R. Walker Fowler and Wyatt Wilken rounded out the top three, cementing Yamaha’s dominance in the event.

In the WXC ATV class, defending champion Jessica Elioff captured her second consecutive title and a bLU cRU bonus, finishing on the podium at every race, including five overall wins. Alex Thieman claimed the XC2 Pro-Am championship and a $2,500 bLU cRU bonus, followed by Grayson Eller in second overall. In other classes, Yamaha YFZ450R racers continued to shine, with Jeremiah Wolf (College A), Camren Mulholland (College B), Cory Vandelinder (Junior A), and Michael Worth (Junior B) all taking home $500 bLU cRU bonuses for their wins.

Yamaha Racing Ironman GNCC Finale
Beyond the track, Yamaha’s dedication to the community was on full display during the GNCC’s annual “Race for the Cure” at the Yamaha Racing Ironman round, raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. Yamaha pledged $50 for each class win on a Yamaha, and an additional $50 for every 2024 Yamaha championship. With 37 championships and 37 race-day wins, Yamaha proudly donated $3,700 to the Montgomery County Community Foundation (MCCF). The funds will support local breast cancer care and free mammogram examinations for women in the surrounding region.

In addition to their charitable efforts, Yamaha created an exciting atmosphere for fans and racers alike during the Yamaha Racing Ironman weekend. bLU cRU attendees enjoyed a full suite of hospitality offerings, including free popcorn, hot chocolate, coffee, and candy at the Yamaha display. Fans could also customize their gear with Yamaha Racing and bLU cRU logos ironed onto jerseys, and the excitement continued with a Yamaha e-bike giveaway and the much-anticipated annual Yamaha beanie giveaways.

Adding even more thrill to the weekend, Yamaha ambassadors and off-road racing legends Johnny Gallagher, Ryan Villopoto, and Damon Bradshaw participated in the morning ATV team race on Saturday, racing alongside Yamaha staff aboard the iconic YFZ450R. Their involvement brought star power to the event, giving fans a chance to interact with some of the biggest names in off-road motorsports and further amplifying the celebratory atmosphere.

Looking ahead, 2024 pro-class bLU cRU champions Hetrick, Neal, and Elioff will be honored at Yamaha’s Wall of Champions induction ceremony this December, alongside Yamaha’s other 2024 racing winners. These racers’ achievements will be commemorated with custom plaques proudly displayed at Yamaha’s motorsports headquarters in Marietta, Georgia, joining the ranks of Yamaha’s legendary titleholders from across the decades.

Every Yamaha SxS and full-size ATV is proudly assembled in the USA at Yamaha’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, for worldwide distribution with parts like the yamaha 703 control box. For more information on the bLU cRU program, visit YamahabLUcRU.com. Learn more about Yamaha’s 2025 Proven Off-Road lineup at YamahaMotorsports.com or by visiting your local Yamaha dealer. Follow Yamaha on social media via @YamahaOutdoors, tune in to the Yamaha Outdoors podcast on listening apps, or explore the following hashtags on all platforms: #Yamaha #YamahaRacing #REALizeYourPodium #REALizeYourAdventure #ProvenOffRoad #bLUcRU #YFZ450R #AssembledInUSA

About Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (YMUS), is a recognized leader in the outdoor recreation industry. The company’s ever-expanding product offerings include Motorcycles and Scooters, ATV and Side-by-Side vehicles, Snowmobiles, Personal Watercraft, Boats, Outboard Motors, Outdoor Power Equipment, Power Assist Bicycles, Golf Cars [sold, serviced, and distributed by Yamaha Golf-Car Company], Power Assist Wheelchair Systems, Surface Mount Technology and Robotic Machines, Unmanned Helicopters, Accessories, Apparel, Yamalube products, and much more. YMUS products are sold through a nationwide network of distributors and dealers in the United States.

YMUS has a corporate office in California, three corporate offices in Georgia, as well as facilities in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Florida. YMUS subsidiaries Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America (YMMC), based in Georgia, and Yamaha Jet Boat Manufacturing U.S.A. (YJBM) based in Tennessee, each assemble and manufacture selected Yamaha brand products. YMUS owns Skeeter Boats [Texas] with its division G3 Boats [Missouri]. Additional U.S.-based subsidiaries include Yamaha Marine Systems Company, Inc. (YMSC) with subsidiary Siren Marine [Rhode Island] and divisions Bennett Marine [Florida], Yamaha Marine Rotational Molders [Wisconsin] and Yamaha Precision Propeller Inc. [Indiana].

Yamaha Motor Finance Corporation, USA (Yamaha Financial Services), an affiliate of YMUS, offers financing solutions to support Yamaha Dealers and loyal Yamaha Customers nationwide. Yamaha Financial Services provides retail and commercial financing for the diverse line of Yamaha brand motor products based out of Cypress, CA and Marietta, GA.

Todd Gilliland to Carry on Love’s Travel Stop Livery Into 2025 and Beyond

By
Official Release
-

Steps into No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 19, 2024) – Todd Gilliland will enter the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season with new, yet familiar colors. Gilliland will pilot the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Front Row Motorsports (FRM). Todd will follow in his father, David’s, footsteps in representing the Love’s colors at FRM.

As Love’s enters its 13th consecutive season with FRM, it was David Gilliland who first raced the Love’s livery in the 2013 Daytona 500. David went on to race for the company in 2014 and 2015, giving the FRM partner their first pole and top-five finish.

Todd first began racing for Love’s, under the Speedco banner, in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series beginning in 2020 and again in 2021. Heading into the 2025 season, the 24-year-old driver now steps into the # 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford and is FRM’s longest tenured driver.

“It is really humbling to race the No. 34 Love’s Travel Stops Ford Mustang beginning next season,” said Gilliland. “It’s just another cool moment in my career to race for a company that represented my father at FRM. The 34 Ford is what started FRM in the Cup Series and there is a lot of history with Love’s, FRM, and my family. I still remember watching my dad race the Love’s Ford.”

“I do not take this next step lightly,” continued Gilliland. “I have seen the rise of the team and the new level of expectations. It is an honor that Love’s is putting their trust in me to continue to grow this team and compete for wins and get into the playoffs. I am gracious for this opportunity and look forward to 2025.”

Love’s will once again be the premier partner of the team and will adorn the No. 34 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for more than half of the season, beginning at the Daytona 500.

The crew chief and other partners will be announced before the start of the 2025 season.

You can visit www.loves.com to learn more about Love’s Family of Companies.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

ABOUT LOVE’S

Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with nearly 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with 651 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture.

KAMPGROUNDS OF AMERICA, INC. PARTNERS WITH JR MOTORSPORTS, BRINGING CAMPING TO THE RACETRACK

By
Official Release
-

KOA returns to the No. 88 for 2025, connecting fans with outdoor hospitality

MOORESVILLE,N.C. (Nov. 19, 2024) – JR Motorsports (JRM) announced today that Kampgrounds of America, Inc.(KOA), the world’s largest system of privately held campgrounds, will return to the organization during the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. United by a shared commitment to outdoor adventure and community, KOA will be a primary partner for one race with Connor Zilisch and the No. 88 Chevrolet, as well as a full-season associate partner with the rookie driver, and an associate partner on Wyatt Miller’s Micro Sprint.

“As a longtime KOA Rewards camper, I am thrilled for the continuation of our partnership into 2025,” said JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “We are looking forward to a great season with KOA for both Wyatt and the No. 88 with Connor as we continue to work to expand this relationship.”

Recognizing that motorsport fans travel extensively and camp while attending races, KOA campgrounds make a great home away from home. With more than 500 locations featuring practical and convenient amenities near most major tracks, KOA campgrounds allow fans to enjoy both the thrill of the race and the comfort and hospitality of KOA. Accommodation options range from tent sites to well-appointed RV sites and even cabins for campers seeking creature comforts in the outdoors.

“NASCAR fans have a strong connection to the outdoors, with 40% more likely to own an RV, according to MRI Simmons research,” shares Diane Eichler, Senior Vice President of Marketing at KOA. “Partnering with JR Motorsports builds our brand visibility among this dedicated group of campers while inspiring race fans to connect with the outdoors—and each other—through camping.”

With over a third of NASCAR fans planning to take three or more camping trips yearly, JRM and KOA aim to use this opportunity to connect their respective fan bases and expand their reach to new audiences.

Fans can watch Zilisch and the KOA No. 88 Chevrolet take the green flag at Iowa Speedway on Saturday, Aug. 2 on the CW, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

ABOUT KAMPGROUNDSOF AMERICA, INC.:

Kampgrounds of America, Inc. has been the definitive leader in outdoor hospitality for more than 60 years. United under the mission of “connecting people to the outdoors and each other,” the company consists of two unique brands: KOA and Terramor Outdoor Resorts. KOA, the world’s largest system of privately-owned, open-to-the-public campgrounds, consists of more than 500 franchised and owned campgrounds. With unrivaled brand visibility, KOA also offers campground owners and operators unparalleled support in campground education, design, recruitment, marketing and technology. Terramor Outdoor Resorts, a glamping venture, opened its first flagship property in Bar Harbor, Maine in 2020. Literally meaning ‘Love of Land,” the brand focuses on delivering a refined and upscale outdoor experience. For more information, visit KOA.com and TerramorOutdoorResort.com.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:

JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017, 2018 and 2024. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

Three-Day Schedule Announced for 2025 Brickyard Weekend

By
Official Release
-

Friday Tickets On Sale Now

INDIANAPOLIS (Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024) – Fans once again can enjoy three days of on-track action when the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Brickyard Weekend on July 25-27, 2025.

The Brickyard Weekend race lineup will include the NASCAR Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250 on Saturday, July 26 and the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 presented by PPG on Sunday, July 27. The full practice and qualifying schedule, including for Friday, July 25, will be shared at a later date.

“As fans start their holiday shopping, the inclusion of Friday tickets is a great incentive to give the gift of Brickyard Weekend,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “Tickets for all 2025 marquee events at IMS went on sale a few weeks ago, and fans can now add Friday of Brickyard Weekend to their plans. Other than renewal, buying now continues to provide the best available seats at the lowest prices we offer.”

Tickets for Friday’s practice sessions are $15. Tickets for Saturday start at $35, with Sunday tickets for the Brickyard 400 presented by PPG starting at $40. Kids 15 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a General Admission or Flex Admission adult ticketholder.

Fans who already renewed their tickets to Saturday’s Pennzoil 250 or Sunday’s Brickyard 400 presented by PPG will have complimentary Friday General Admission Tickets added to their IMS accounts.

If fans purchased three-day camping for the weekend, those purchases will be extended to four-day camping. IMS accounts will reflect these changes.

Visit IMS.com for ticket information for Brickyard Weekend on July 25-27.

KROGER AND RFK RACING TEAM UP FOR 2025 NASCAR SEASON RFK RACING TO FIELD THIRD CUP SERIES TEAM WITH RYAN PREECE

By
Official Release
-

Kroger and RFK Racing Team Up for 2025 NASCAR Season

RFK Racing to Field Third Cup Series Team With Ryan Preece

CINCINNATI, OHIO. (November 19, 2024) – Beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series racing season, Kroger will move its primary sponsorship to Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing. In addition, RFK Racing will begin fielding a third Ford Mustang in 2025 with Ryan Preece joining the team to pilot the No. 60. Kroger and nearly 20 brands will appear across the RFK Racing cars of Brad Keselowski, Chris Buescher and Preece throughout the season.

“The Kroger Racing program and collaboration with participating brands has been a successful staple in Kroger’s portfolio for more than a decade,” said Erin Sanchez, vice president of grocery for Kroger. “We’re very excited to be teaming up with RFK Racing and know having three drivers as members of the Kroger Racing Family will be an added benefit for all our brand sponsors involved in the program. The opportunity to utilize multiple drivers in their marketing strategies both in our stores and within their merchandising initiatives is something we’re all looking forward to with the start of the 2025 season.”

Kroger has been a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series dating back to the 2010 season when it joined JTG Daugherty Racing. During their tenure together, three wins were amassed including the 2023 DAYTONA 500 and this year’s second event at Talladega Superspeedway, both with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. behind the wheel.

“Kroger’s relationship with JTG Daugherty Racing, and most recently, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., have really been something special,” said Brent Cox, director of health and baby care for Kroger. “Everyone at Kroger and all our participating sponsors wish the team and Ricky nothing but the best and thank them for all they’ve done for us over the years. We are excited to continue working with Tad and Jodi Geschickter through their marketing firm, BAM (Brand Activation Maximizer), as we move into this new chapter with RFK Racing. BAM will continue to represent the Kroger Racing program, and we know it’s in good hands with their team.”

RFK Racing will continue to field the No. 6 Mustang for Keselowski and the No. 17 Mustang for Buescher in 2025 along with adding the No. 60 Mustang for Preece. Alongside Kroger, additional sponsorships will be showcased from BuildSubmarines.com, Castrol, Fastenal and many others.

“We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Kroger Racing and excited by the new partnership with RFK racing and drivers Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher,” said Shane Faucet, Senior Vice President-Customers, Bimbo Bakeries USA. “Together, we’re united in our commitment to excellence both on and off the track and look forward to creating more unforgettable moments for fans.”

The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is scheduled to kick off with The Clash at Bowman-Gray Stadium in Winston Salem, N.C. on February 2 before the official schedule begins with the DAYTONA 500 on February 16. Announcements regarding the brand joining Kroger on the paint scheme and driver for those events and the season will be made at a later date.

Quotes from Participating Brand Representatives:

“We’ve had so much fun partnering with JTG Racing over the years and we’re excited about the 2025 season,” said Kelley McClellan, brand manager for Kimberly-Clark. “Kimberly-Clark and its’ Cottonelle, Kleenex, Viva and Scott Brands look forward to another exciting year of high-octane racing and unforgettable moments with the NASCAR community.”

“We’re thrilled to continue our collaboration with Kroger Racing and excited by the new partnership with RFK racing and drivers Brad Keselowski and Chris Buescher,” said Shane Faucet, Senior Vice President-Customers, Bimbo Bakeries USA. “Together, we’re united in our commitment to excellence both on and off the track and look forward to creating more unforgettable moments for fans.”

“General Mills is a proud, long-standing partner of Kroger Racing, and we are excited to enter into this new chapter with Kroger and RFK Racing,” said Molly Jagoditz, Kroger Lead, General Mills. “This program continues to bring home the win for us both in-store and at the track, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Kroger for our third year of the racing program, which underscores Coca-Cola’s long-standing commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Katie Grabosky, Sr Sales Director, Coca-Cola Kroger Team. “This collaboration provides a unique platform to connect with our passionate consumers and support the dynamic world of motorsports. We look forward to fueling the excitement and camaraderie that racing brings to fans together!”

“We are thrilled for the future of the Kroger Racing program and the new partnership with RFK,” said Adam Clay, Director of Kroger Oscar Mayer and Lunchables. “This program has provided a great opportunity to supply race fans with visibility to some of their racetrack favorites like Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs, Heinz Ketchup, Kraft Mayonnaise, and exciting innovation. We’re looking forward to hitting the track together in February and driving growth both in stores and in victory lane!”

“CELSIUS is thrilled to partner with Kroger Racing and bring ESSENTIAL ENERGY to fans and drivers around the nation,” commented Kyle Watson, CMO at CELSIUS. “This is a great opportunity to further strengthen our relationship with consumers through a synergistic partnership, providing value both in-store and on the track. We look forward to seeing what we accomplish in the 2025 season!”

“Blue Buffalo is proud to partner with the Kroger Racing program and we look forward to this new chapter alongside RFK Racing,” said George DeGrella, Blue Buffalo Director for Grocery and Ecommerce. “The partnership allows us to share our mission of loving, feeding and treating all pets like family with the millions of NASCAR fans who are pet parents. Working alongside Kroger in this program also gives us the opportunity to join the motorsports industry in advancing philanthropic initiatives that are so important to our brand’s purpose.”

“We are thrilled to continue our strategic partnership with the Kroger Racing team,” said Brad Olsen, Vice President of Marketing, Tree Top. “This collaboration, along with the recent launch of our new online store, helps us to continue to expand Tree Top’s consumer reach and increase our brand presence nationwide. Together, we’ve enjoyed the sweetness of success both on and off the track, and we look forward to building on that momentum during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.”

“Just like the passion and sense of community that racing fans share, pizza also has the power to spark togetherness and bring excitement to our lives,” said Roger Galloway, Senior Director of Brand Marketing for Schwan’s Consumer Brands. “At Red Baron®, we are the No. 1 frozen pizza in the U.S. for a reason. Our delicious pizzas, which include favorites like Classic Crust and Deep Dish Singles, are the perfect addition to any moment worth celebrating. We are thrilled to join Kroger in this partnership with NASCAR and be the go-to pizza for race day.”

“As a leading Brand in the allergy space, Allegra is committed to help allergy sufferers to live their life to the fullest and not let their allergies get in the way,” said Samuel Morisse, Allegra US Zone Brand Head. “Allegra not only delivers effective and fast relief but also leverages its unique Science to not affect the brain, leading to no sensation of drowsiness. This is why, Allegra is excited to partner with the Kroger Racing and the RFK Racing team this upcoming season. This partnership allows us to connect with NASCAR’s passionate fan base, drivers and demonstrate our commitment to helping people live their life free from allergies, so they can focus fully focus on the moments that matter, from cheering their favorite driver and teams in NASCAR.”

About RFK Racing:
RFK Racing, in its 38th season in 2025, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

TONY STEWART NAMED 2024 NHRA ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

By
Official Release
-

TEMECULA, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – In one of the closest races in recent history, Top Fuel driver and motorsports legend Tony Stewart was named the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Stewart was awarded Rookie of the Year honors Monday at the NHRA awards ceremony at the Pechanga Resort Casino. He was part of a standout field and a hotly-contested race that included Brandon Foster, Richard Gadson, Derrick Reese, Jasmine Salinas, Sienna Wildgust, Daniel Wilkerson and Ida Zetterstrom.

“It’s a big honor to win this award this season,” Stewart said. “There are some great drivers in the NHRA and it’s one of the most diverse forms of motorsports I’ve been a part of. I’ve had a really good time working with the series this season to promote and continue to grow the sport.”

Making his Top Fuel debut in 2024, Stewart advanced to a pair of final rounds, four semifinals, a berth in the Countdown to the Championship and a ninth-place finish in Top Fuel points. Stewart took over driving duties for his wife, Top Fuel standout Leah Pruett, this year as the couple focused on starting a family.

Pruett gave birth to the couple’s first child, Dominic James Stewart, early Sunday morning, as Stewart then traveled back to Pomona to compete at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals that same day. He advanced to the semifinals to close out the NHRA season, one that also included a career-best run of 3.688-seconds at 334.73-mph in his 11,000-horsepower dragster.

Stewart is one of motorsports’ most accomplished stars, winning championships in both NASCAR and IndyCar. He formed the two-car Tony Stewart Racing NHRA team in 2022 and raced in the Top Alcohol Dragster ranks in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series sportsman ranks before moving to Top Fuel in 2024.

“It was an honor to be part of this group this year,” said Stewart, a NASCAR Hall of Famer. “The two main coaches I had were Matt Hagan and my wife, Leah. Thank you Leah for giving me this opportunity and I want to thank everyone at NHRA. It’s been a blast this year.”

Pro Stock Motorcycle rising star Richard Gadson finished third in points in the two-wheeled category, advancing to a trio of final rounds and four semifinals. Gadson also won a Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge race.

Salinas and Zetterstrom both made impressive Top Fuel debuts during the 2024 season, showing their potential to become major stars in the sport. Salinas, who took over driving for her father, Mike, had three round wins, dipping into the 3.60s for the first time at the finale in Pomona. Zetterstrom, the 2023 European Top Fuel world champion, made her NHRA debut in Brainerd, competing in the last eight races of 2024 and picking up three round wins as well.

Wilkerson took over for his father and longtime standout, Tim Wilkerson, in the Funny Car ranks, advancing to the final round at the Charlotte 4-Wide race. He finished seventh in points and also advanced to three semifinals.

Pro Stock drivers Foster, Reese and Wildgust also took to the track in the very competitive class.

Last season, Chase Van Sant was named the 2023 Rookie of the Year. Other recent winners include Pro Stock’s Camrie Caruso in 2022 and Dallas Glenn in 2021, Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley in 2020 and Austin Prock in 2019. Prock won his first world championship in Funny Car in 2024.

The NHRA Rookie of the Year award recognizes the top rookie competitor who also represents the future of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. The nation’s leading auto racing journalists select the winner through a voting system based on the following criteria: number of events competed in, performance on and off the racetrack, participation in NHRA promotions, and relationships with fans, sponsors, and media.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Toyota Wins First NHRA Manufacturers Cup

By
Official Release
-

Takes home manufacturer championship in 23rd season of NHRA racing

PLANO, Texas (Nov. 19, 2024) – For the first time in its 23 seasons of NHRA competition, Toyota has won the NHRA Manufacturers Cup. The 2024 season was the first time NHRA included the Top Fuel category in its distinctions for the Manufacturers Cup, to which Toyota’s resounding success in Top Fuel this year, along with its achievements in Funny Car, led to its first-ever season triumph.

2024 was another astounding year for Toyota in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, where the manufacturer captured 16 victories in 20 NHRA events across the Top Fuel and Funny Car categories. At least one Toyota supported entry made the final round in every NHRA event this season and the brand has been represented in the final round in 43 consecutive races. Additionally, Toyota won its second consecutive Top Fuel driver’s championship, and eighth overall, with Antron Brown this season.

“The 2024 NHRA season has been storybook for Toyota and to complete it with our first NHRA Manufacturers Cup is icing on the cake,” said Paul Doleshal, Group Manager, motorsports, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “None of this would’ve been possible without the incredible efforts of our partner teams, drivers, our engineers at TRD and so many others this season, and we’re proud to celebrate with all involved. This championship is another tremendous accomplishment in Toyota’s motorsports history and one we’ll be sure to cherish for a long time.”

Toyota supports six teams across NHRA’s Top Fuel and Funny Car categories, including Kalitta Motorsports, Torrence Racing, AB Motorsports, SCAG Racing’s Top Fuel program, Ron Capps Motorsports and DC Motorsports. Toyota drivers who were victorious during the 2024 season include: Antron Brown (six wins), Justin Ashley (four wins), Doug Kalitta (three wins), Shawn Langdon (two wins), Steve Torrence (one win) and J.R. Todd (one win). Toyota drivers also captured 11 No. 1 qualifying positions throughout the season.

Toyota first entered NHRA drag racing in 2002 and has won eight Top Fuel and four Funny Car world championships with its supporting teams over its tenure. In Top Fuel, Toyota has won championships with Antron Brown (2024, 2016, 2015 and 2012), Doug Kalitta (2023), Shawn Langdon (2013), Del Worsham (2011) and Larry Dixon (2010). Toyota has captured Funny Car world championships with Ron Capps (2022), J.R. Todd (2018), Del Worsham (2015) and Cruz Pedregon (2008).

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 30 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

2024 NHRA MISSION FOODS DRAG RACING SERIES CHAMPIONS HONORED AT ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY

By
Official Release
-

TEMECULA, Calif. (Nov. 18, 2024) – First-time world champion Austin Prock was honored Monday evening, along with multi-time world champs Antron Brown, Greg Anderson and Gaige Herrera during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series awards ceremony at the Pechanga Resort Casino in scenic Southern California Wine Country.

The four standout competitors were crowned for their incredible achievements over the course of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and awarded their trophies for their championship runs during a memorable Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

After a record-breaking year in his rookie Funny Car season, Prock secured his first world championship on Saturday following qualifying at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at the historic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Prock entered Pomona with a 188-point lead over his John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman, who was racing for 16-time champion John Force. With the completion of qualifying at Pomona, Prock’s first world championship was a lock for his Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car team. Throughout the season, Prock was nearly unstoppable and collected eight event wins, including three in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, as well as 15 No. 1 qualifier positions, the most in Funny Car history. He then powered to NHRA’s fastest-ever pass on Sunday in Pomona when he clocked a 341.68 mph run, giving Prock the status of fastest driver in NHRA history.

Brown secured his fourth world championship on Sunday following his semifinal victory over former champion Brittany Force. His Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel team then went on to win the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals over 2023 champion Doug Kalitta. Brown picked up six wins in 2024, tallying 80 career wins throughout his NHRA tenure. He kicked off his 2024 season with a win at the specialty Pep Boys NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout race at the Gatornationals in Gainesville. He went onto win in Chicago and Sonoma as well as three wins in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. With this world title, Brown joins an elite group of drivers including Tony Schumacher, Joe Amato and Steve Torrence with four or more Top Fuel championships.

The Pro Stock championship battle came down to the final pass of the 2024 season with a winner-take-all matchup between Anderson and his KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn, with Anderson coming away with his sixth world championship in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. Throughout the 2024 season, Anderson remained consistent, staying within the top four all year. He picked up a win early at the Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park and then went on to win at his home track at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte. He picked up back-to-back final round appearances in the Countdown in Dallas and Las Vegas, before taking home his third win of the year at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals. The NHRA veteran earned his 106th win on Sunday and his 15th at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

For a second straight year, Herrera dominated the Pro Stock Motorcycle class en route to his second consecutive world championship. Rider of the RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki, Herrera powered his way to 10 event wins throughout the 2024 season, including the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals as well as three wins in the playoffs. Herrera also broke NHRA’s most consecutive race win record by getting victories in 11 straight races, dating back to the 2023 campaign.

In one of the closest races in recent history, Top Fuel’s Tony Stewart was named NHRA Rookie of the Year after a strong first season. The motorsports legend advanced to a pair of final rounds, four semifinals, a berth in the Countdown to the Championship and a ninth-place finish in Top Fuel points. Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Richard Gadson, Top Fuel’s Jasmine Salinas, Funny Car’s Daniel Wilkerson and Top Fuel’s Ida Zetterstrom also received votes in the hotly-contest race.

The Crew of the Year awarded was given to a team in each professional category and was based on a number of statistical categories, including average qualifying position, average eliminations E.T., speed index, average points per race and oildowns. In Top Fuel, the Scag Power Equipment racing team of Justin Ashley earned the award for the first time, while Prock’s JFR team was named the top crew in Funny Car.

The team of six-time champ Anderson earned the award in Pro Stock, while the Vance & Hines team for Herrera took home the honors in Pro Stock Motorcycle for the second straight year as well.

The NHRA also recognized a pair of iconic figures for its Lifetime Achievement Award, including 2023 recipient Forrest Lucas, as well as Jim Dunn, who was acknowledged as the 2024 recipient.

For the first time in NHRA history, Toyota won the NHRA’s Manufacturers Cup. The award is given to the automaker whose current model year vehicles accumulate the most points during the NHRA season. Among those who enjoyed banner seasons for Toyota were Top Fuel standouts Brown, Doug Kalitta, Ashley, Shawn Langdon, Billy Torrence and Steve Torrence, and Funny Car stars Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria.

Drivers in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series were also recognized as 2024 world champions, including Cody Webber (Top Dragster), Allen Firestone (Top Sportsman), Val Torres (Super Gas), Colby Fuller (Super Comp), Joe Sorensen (Stock), Jimmy Hidalgo Jr. (Super Stock), Cody Lane (Comp), Sean Bellemeur (Top Alcohol Funny Car) and Shawn Cowie (Top Alcohol Dragster).

The 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 6-9 with the 56th annual NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

How To Tell If A Toto Site Is Safe?

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

Betting online can be an exciting experience, especially if you have a safe platform. Those who have been betting for years must be familiar with Toto Sites. These online platforms are better than other betting sites because of their safety features.

The best thing about a toto site is its strict verification process. To start betting on the platform, you must first verify your identity. The site won’t allow you to start your journey unless you finish this step. These sites also have strong security features like SSL encryption, firewall protection, and more. This takes the concept of Toto Site Safety to the next level.

If you are new to betting, it may be difficult for you to tell which site is safe and which is not. To help you out, we have provided a detailed guide in the lines below.

What Are Toto Sites?

To put it simply, toto sites are online platforms that allow you to bet on various sports events. On a toto site, you will find many sports to place your bets. Some popular sports on toto sites include baseball, basketball, and soccer.

Toto sites first gained popularity in South Korea. But now, they are available in all major countries, including the West. The good thing about these sites is that you can access them anytime and anywhere. For those who are interested in online betting, they can choose a toto site and start betting in a safe environment.

Why does Site Selection Matter?

The selection of a toto site plays a big role in influencing your overall betting experience. When you sign up on a reputable platform, you know you are in a safe space. However, if the site looks shady and lacks a proper verification process, it can be a problem.

Whether you are an experienced bettor or a beginner, you need to be careful when selecting a toto site. Since you will bet using real money, you need a site that protects both your data and transactions. 

To be sure that you are making the right choice, you should always check the site’s ratings and reviews given by other bettors. This tells you a lot about the site that you wouldn’t have known otherwise.

What Security Features To Look For In A Toto Site?

Choosing a toto site can feel overwhelming, especially if it is your first time. But to make things easier, you should pay attention to the site’s security features. This way you can figure out if a site is good enough to join or not.

A reputable Toto site will have strong security features like SSL encryption to protect players’ data. In case, the site you have chosen doesn’t have this feature, it’s better to avoid it. That’s because the site could be a scam or fraud. So, it’s better to stay away from it.

The best way to tell if a toto site is safe is to check their encryption technology. If they have clear protocols to protect financial and personal information, the site is safe to use. As a bettor, you should know these things, so you can pick the right site for yourself.

You must also check if the site is licensed. It is recommended to select a site that is regulated by a well-known authority and follows industry standards. You should not complete the registration process unless you get these things from a toto site.

Tips To Choose A Safe Toto Site

If you are struggling to choose a toto site, we have some helpful tips. Take a look at the pointers given below.

  • Considering the site’s reputation before signing up on the platform would be best. You should check the site’s online reviews and ratings to do this.
  • For a safe betting experience, you should select a licensed platform.
  • Make sure that the toto site has a proper verification process.
  • You should pick a site that has the necessary security features.
  • It is better to select a site that offers 24/7 customer support service to players.

Final Words

Toto sites similar to coop.cx are a great way to start online betting. Once you find a safe and secure platform, you can choose your favorite sport to bet on. A good toto site protects your data and provides an enhanced betting experience.

How Toto Sites Enhance Your Online Betting Experience?

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

Online betting is one of the most popular activities for gamblers. It offers excitement and big wins, which draws millions of bettors into the betting landscape.

At any given time, you will find countless platforms that offer betting opportunities to gamblers. Now, the problem is, not all those sites are safe to use. You can fall victim to a fraud site if you are not careful about choosing the right platform.

This is where Toto sites enter the scene. In comparison to other platforms, toto sites are much safer and offer an enhanced gambling experience. Whether you are a seasoned bettor or a beginner, toto sites are suitable for all types of players.

What Are Toto Sites?

To put it simply, to sites provide the opportunity to bet on various sports events. Unlike other gambling platforms, toto sites have a strict verification process to check the identity of players.

With a total site, you can navigate the betting landscape and bet on your favorite sports. The good thing about these sites is that they help avoid fraud and scams. Due to this reason, toto sites have become a popular choice among bettors.

Toto safety sites connect users with betting platforms so they can gamble whenever they like. Also, they don’t have to worry about their safety as toto sites are safer than other betting platforms.

How Toto Sites Are A Better Choice?

Toto sites were introduced to provide bettors with a safe space to gamble. These sites are backed by strong security features which make them safe and convenient to gamble. Players choose toto sites over other platforms because it helps enhance their gambling experience.

  • Promotes Fair Play

One of the best things about toto sites is that they promote fair play. In other words, they don’t manipulate or rig their games. Instead, they use an RNG (random number generator) system to ensure fair play and adhere to the industry rules. Well, this is what makes toto sites different from other gambling platforms. By choosing a toto site, you can bet on your preferred sport and get a legit chance at winning.

  • Ensures Safety and Security

As mentioned before, toto sites are equipped with robust security features which make them safe to use. With a toto site, you don’t have to worry about your financial and personal information getting stolen. These sites have SSL encryption and firewall protection that prevents third parties from accessing your details. Not only that, but toto sites also provide secure payment methods, so you can carry out transactions safely. It is because of these reasons; toto sites have become a preferred choice among gamblers.

  • Highlight Bonuses and Promotions

Another good thing about toto sites is that they highlight bonuses and promotions available on gambling platforms. This makes it easy for gamblers to spot the different offers like free bets, welcome bonuses, or special promotions. By signing up on a toto site, you can take advantage of these bonuses and enhance your gambling experience.

  • Saves Time and Effort

Finding a trustworthy betting site takes a lot of time, especially if you have no one to help. But you can sort this issue by using a toto site. With the help of a toto site, you can create a list of trusted and verified platforms. This can save you both time and effort. Plus, you get to gamble on a safe website.

Toto sites have existed for many years. Whether you want to gamble for money or fun, you can use a toto site to enhance your experience. The best thing is that toto sites are safe and secure.

Source: https://rewritingthefuture.org

1...699700701...6,668Page 700 of 6,668