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AM Racing | Harrison Burton Atlanta Motor Speedway Xfinity Race Preview

AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway | Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250

Fast Facts
No. 25 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Harrison Burton
Primary Partner(s): DEX Imaging
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Danny Efland
Spotter: Kevin Hamlin
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines

Notes of Interest:

● Junior Journey: AM Racing will embark on its junior year journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025 with driver Harrison Burton for the entire 33-race tour, continuing with Saturday afternoon’s running of the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.

The Statesville, N.C.-based team hopes to expand its footprint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by running two cars throughout the season with its No. 76 AM Racing entry.

● Future Focused: In September, AM Racing announced that NASCAR Cup Series winner Harrison Burton would join the family-owned operation to pilot the team’s No. 25 Ford Mustang, beginning with the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season-opener from Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on February 15, 2025.

Burton, a native of Huntersville, N.C., has been a staple in the NASCAR Cup Series for the past three seasons but will embrace a return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and continue his relationship as a driver of the Ford blue oval.

Burton, 24, arrives on the scene at AM Racing after a 108-race stint driving for the historic Wood Brothers Racing team.

● Best with DEX: DEX (DEX Imaging) will continue its long-standing partnership with Harrison Burton and join AM Racing for several races this season, including Saturday afternoon’s Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway.

DEX Imaging is the largest independent dealer of document imaging technology in the United States. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions in the industry, such as Konica Minolta, Canon, Sharp, Ricoh, Xerox, and Kyocera, with annual revenue exceeding $500 Million.

What makes DEX unique is its people, whose combined knowledge of cutting-edge business technologies and depth of service experience are unmatched. DEX Imaging’s success is directly tied to its mission: to help customers of all sizes drive down document-related expenses while improving productivity.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series Atlanta Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 will mark Burton’s fourth Xfinity Series start at the hybrid 1.5-mile superspeedway.

In his previous three Xfinity Series starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway, he has delivered two top-five and two top-10 finishes, including a Xfinity track-best of third in the 2021 edition of the Echo Park 250 driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Additionally, he has six NASCAR Cup Series starts at Atlanta, including a top-10 finish in 2022 and one prior Atlanta start in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series.

● Harrison Burton NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: Entering Atlanta, Burton has 76 career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts to his credit with four wins, 26 top-five and 50 top-10 finishes, and a championship best result of eighth, twice in 2020 and 2021, respectively.

Burton’s four wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series occurred during the 2020 season. Burton, the son of former NASCAR driver and current television analyst Jeff Burton, captured the checkered flag at Auto Club (Calif.) Speedway, Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, respectively.

In addition to the 76 Xfinity Series starts, he has achieved 109 NASCAR Cup Series starts, 40 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts and 52 career starts across the ARCA Menards Series platforms.

● Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway | United Rentals 300 Race Recap: The 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series kicked off with the United Rentals 300 with Burton looking to secure a strong finish in his AM Racing debut.

After Mother Nature canceled qualifying earlier in the day, Burton was on the move to the front of the field in his No. 25 Dead On Tools Ford Mustang when a multicar accident broke out on lap six.

Burton received minimal body damage in the incident but remained a competitor in the race.

Crew chief Danny Efland’s pit strategy put Burton at the front of the pack during Stage 2.

Thanks to Burton’s grit and determination, a strong but damaged race car performed well in the draft.

In NASCAR overtime, Burton survived a multi-car crash on the frontstretch to earn a strong sixth-place finish, earning the AM Racing team its first top-10 finish in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at the 2.5-mile superspeedway.

● AM Minute: Last weekend, the AM Racing team had a busy weekend at the “World Center of Racing.”

In addition to the team’s NASCAR Xfinity Series team being in action, the team also participated in the ARCA Menards Series season opener at Daytona on Saturday afternoon with rookie Kole Raz aboard the No. 32 Cyclum NextGen Travel Centers Ford Mustang.

After starting the race eighth after Mother Nature adjusted the series-opening race schedule, Raz maintained a top-10 pace throughout the high attrition Chili’s Ride the Dente 200.

When the checkered flag waved, Raz finished a strong sixth but was cleaned out after the checkered flag after another driver was not paying attention and triggered a three-car accident.

Thankfully, Raz’s race car suffered mainly body damage to what was an extremely clean race car when he captured an impressive performance in his superspeedway ARCA debut.

The ARCA Menards Series resumes action at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway on Fri., March 7, 2025.

● Thanks For Your Support: With the start of the 2024 season underway, AM Racing and Harrison Burton would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: AIRBOX Air Purifier, Castle Products, Dead On Tools, Eagle Rentals, Flying Circle, Mechanix Wear, Morton Buildings, Racing Radios, Volt Batteries and WIX Filters.

● From the Pit Box: Veteran race engineer and former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Danny Efland is Harrison Burton’s crew chief.

He will be crew chief for his sixth career NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday night, his second race at the 1.5-mile superspeedway in Hampton, Ga.

In his previous five Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one pole (Daytona International Speedway | February 2016), one top-five and two top-10 finishes.

● Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Harrison Burton, please visit theharrisonburton.com, like his Facebook page (Official Harrison Burton), or follow him on Instagram (@harrisonburton12) and X | Twitter (@hburtonracing).

Harrison Burton Quoteboard:

On Atlanta Motor Speedway:

“Coming off such a strong run at Daytona, we have some momentum, and I’m excited to get to Atlanta Motor Speedway and hopefully keep it up.

“It’s great to have DEX Imaging onboard our No. 25 Ford Mustang this weekend, and I’m eager to deliver another strong run for our AM Racing team.”

On Top-10 Finish at Daytona International Speedway: “It was a great feeling to earn a strong finish with our No. 25 Dead On Tools Ford Mustang. Unfortunately, we were collected in that early race accident.

“I am proud of my AM Racing team for their resilience in getting the car patched up as best as they could, and it allowed us to remain competitive and stay in the hunt for a good finish.

“We’ll take that and look positively ahead to Atlanta to earn a sixth-place finish after everything we went through.”

On 2025 Season Outlook: “I believe we can turn some heads in 2025. I think our goals and expectations are not only obtainable, but we can execute them well and put this AM Racing team into the Playoffs in 2025.

“We have a lot of people and partners who believe in what we are doing this season, and I’d love nothing more than to deliver AM Racing their first career Xfinity Series win, join the Playoffs and hunt for a championship.

“I believe it’s going to be a fun year.”

Race Information:

The Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 (163 laps | 251.02 miles) is the second of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2025 schedule. Qualifying will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, shortly after 5:00 p.m., with live coverage on The CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. All times are Eastern (ET).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

In its ninth year of competition, the family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events.

Boost Your Dodge Ram: 8 Proven Ways to Maximise Performance

Photo by Jakub Pabis at pexels.com

Looking to squeeze more power, efficiency, and responsiveness out of your Dodge Ram? Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, hitting the open road, or just want a more exhilarating drive, there are plenty of ways to elevate your truck’s performance. With the right upgrades, you’ll not only feel the difference but enjoy every mile that much more. Curious about where to start?

1. Tuner for Dodge Ram Trucks – Unlock Hidden Potential

One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your Dodge Ram’s performance is by installing a tuner from racemeofficial.com. A tuner recalibrates your truck’s engine control unit (ECU), allowing you to optimise various settings like fuel-to-air ratio, ignition timing, and throttle response. With the right tuning, you’ll notice gains in horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency. Many tuners also offer different modes for towing, daily driving, or performance, letting you customise your Ram’s behaviour to suit your needs. Plus, you can often monitor engine parameters in real-time, helping you stay on top of your truck’s health.

2. Cold Air Intake – Breathe Easier, Drive Better

Upgrading to a cold air intake system allows your engine to breathe more freely, which can lead to noticeable improvements in horsepower and throttle response. By drawing in cooler, denser air, the engine burns fuel more efficiently, giving you that extra kick when you hit the accelerator. You’ll not only feel the difference in performance but may also notice a more aggressive engine sound. Installation is usually straightforward, making this a popular choice for those seeking a quick and effective upgrade.

3. Performance Exhaust System – Let It Roar and Flow

Replacing the stock exhaust with a performance exhaust system can significantly improve your Ram’s airflow. Better exhaust flow reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to expel gases more efficiently, which translates to increased power and improved fuel economy. Aside from the performance boost, you’ll also enjoy a deeper, more robust exhaust note. If you tow regularly, a performance exhaust can help keep engine temperatures in check under heavy loads, further enhancing your truck’s capability.

4. Upgraded Suspension – Smooth Ride, Better Control

A performance-oriented suspension upgrade can dramatically enhance how your Dodge Ram handles on and off the road. High-quality shocks and springs improve ride comfort, reduce body roll, and offer better stability during cornering or towing. Whether you’re hitting rough trails or cruising on the highway, an upgraded suspension system ensures a smoother and more controlled driving experience. If you’re into off-roading, consider a lift kit combined with upgraded components to improve ground clearance and ruggedness.

5. High-Performance Tires – Grip Where It Counts

Tires play a massive role in your truck’s performance. Upgrading to high-performance tires can enhance grip, handling, and braking, all of which make your Dodge Ram more responsive. If you frequently drive in challenging conditions, consider all-terrain or mud-terrain tires for improved traction. On the other hand, if you’re mostly on the road, performance street tires can boost stability and fuel efficiency. No matter what you choose, quality tires tailored to your driving style make a noticeable difference.

6. Upgraded Brakes – Stop with Confidence

Performance isn’t just about speed and power; being able to stop quickly and safely is just as crucial. Upgraded brake components like larger rotors, high-performance pads, and stainless steel brake lines can vastly improve stopping power and reduce brake fade, especially when towing or driving aggressively. With better brakes, you’ll not only enhance safety but also improve overall driving confidence.

7. Throttle Response Controller – Sharpen Your Acceleration

If you’ve noticed a delay when pressing the accelerator, a throttle response controller can fix that. This device improves the responsiveness of your throttle, making acceleration feel quicker and more immediate. It’s particularly helpful if you’ve added bigger tires or upgraded other performance components. Installation is typically simple, and you can adjust settings to match your driving preferences, whether you want a more aggressive response or a smoother, more controlled acceleration.

8. Forced Induction – Turbochargers and Superchargers for Maximum Power

For those seeking substantial power gains, adding a turbocharger or supercharger can dramatically transform your Dodge Ram’s performance. These systems force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce significantly more horsepower and torque. While this is a more advanced and costly upgrade, the results are hard to beat. Forced induction is ideal if you want to turn your Ram into a serious performance machine, capable of handling heavy towing, off-roading, or just delivering jaw-dropping acceleration.

Ready to Transform Your Ram?

Whether you’re aiming for more power, better handling, or just a more enjoyable ride, these upgrades offer plenty of ways to make your Dodge Ram perform at its best. Start with a simple tuner or cold air intake, and work your way up to more advanced modifications as your budget and needs evolve. The road ahead is yours to conquer—make sure your Ram is up to the task.

Arrow McLaren promotes Tony Kanaan to team principal; Kevin Thimjon named team president for 2025 IndyCar season

Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Arrow McLaren announced the promotion of Tony Kanaan as the organization’s team principal while also naming Kevin Thimjon as the organization’s president heading into the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series season.

The news comes 10 days prior to the commencement of the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES at the Streets of St. Petersburg for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg that is scheduled to occur next Sunday, March 2.

Under his new title as team principal, Kanaan, the 2013 Indianapolis 500 champion, will oversee Arrow McLaren’s driver and team development along with key commercial relationships. Kanaan, a native of Salvador, Brazil, who also claimed the 2004 IndyCar Series championship, was previously Arrow McLaren’s special advisor and deputy team principal over the previous two seasons. He made his 389th and final IndyCar start with the organization during the 2023 Indy 500, where he finished 16th.

Overall, Kanaan accumulated 17 race victories, 13 poles, 79 podiums, 4,077 laps led and an average-finishing result of 10.8 through 27 years with at least one start in IndyCar competition. He along with two-time Indy 500 champion Juan Pablo Montoya were named Class of 2024 inductees for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame in January. Both will be formally inducted on May 23, two days before the 109th running of the Indy 500.

“A lot has happened since my last Indy 500 less than two years ago, to say the least,” Kanaan said. “I’ve embraced every opportunity to grow with the team and I’m excited to officially step into the team principal role, and having Kevin join to take on the business side of our team is part of our winning strategy. We’re always looking for good people and talent to make the team stronger, and he and I will work well together.”

Meanwhile, Thimjon joins Arrow McLaren as the organization’s president after previously working in leadership roles at Core BTS, Lids Sports Group and Just Marketing International (JMI). His roles will include managing the team’s business operations involving administration, commercial strategy and finance while also being a member of McLaren Racing’s executive team.

“I’m looking forward to joining Arrow McLaren and getting back into motorsport,” Thimjon said. “[CEO] Zak [Brown] and I worked together at JMI for several years, so it will be great to work with him again and help grow a team and brand that has a lot of unlocked potential beyond the success it’s already realized. I have no doubt that Tony will get me up to speed on all things racing while we build the business with the strong team in place.”

The promotion of Kanaan and the addition of Thimjon excites Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, as he strives to make Arrow McLaren competitive for the upcoming IndyCar season.

“I’m excited to welcome Kevin to Arrow McLaren and our leadership group,” Brown said. “Kevin and I have stayed close since our days together at JMI, and he’s the right fit to set the team up for long-term success. A few months ago, I said if we can find extra horsepower to add to the team, we’ll add it, and Kevin is the perfect example of that. Under Tony’s leadership, the team has been moving forward quickly, and he and Kevin will work well together to keep that positive momentum up. Our sights are set on how we stabilize and grow strategically while competing at the top.”

Arrow McLaren is coming off its second consecutive season fielding three full-time entries and a fourth for the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This past season, Pato O’Ward steered the organization’s No. 5 Dallara-Chevrolet entry to three victories and a fifth-place result in the final standings, while Alexander Rossi recorded a single podium result and 11 top-10 finishes en route to a 10th-place result in the standings while driving the No. 7 entry. In addition, the No. 6 entry settled in 18th place in the Entrant standings after being split between Callum Ilott, Theo Pourchaire, and Nolan Siegel while Kyle Larson finished 18th while driving the No. 17 entry in his first Indy 500 start.

Photo by Walt Kuhn (Penske Entertainment).

For the 2025 season, O’Ward and Ilott will pilot Arrow McLaren’s Nos. 5 and 6 Chevrolet entries, respectively, as full-time competitors. They will compete alongside Christian Lundgaard, the latter of whom replaces Rossi in the No. 7 Chevrolet entry.

Meanwhile, Larson will pilot the No. 17 Chevrolet entry for his second consecutive Indy 500 bid on May 25 during Memorial Day weekend. The event will serve as Larson’s first of two prestigious motorsports events he will attempt to compete in in a single day. He will then travel to Charlotte Motor Speedway and compete in the Coca-Cola 600 with Hendrick Motorsports.

The 2025 NTT INDYCAR Series season for Arrow McLaren is scheduled to commence on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, for the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The event is scheduled for next Sunday, March 2, and air at noon ET on FOX.

Arby’s Joins Rick Ware Racing as a Primary Partner Across its NASCAR and NHRA Teams

‘We Have The Meats’

Arby’s Joins Rick Ware Racing as a Primary Partner Across its NASCAR and NHRA Teams

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 20, 2025) – Arby’s, the largest sandwich drive-thru restaurant brand in the world, has partnered with Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and will be featured across its teams in the NASCAR Cup Series and NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

The bulk of the partnership will be in the NASCAR Cup Series where Arby’s will serve as an anchor sponsor of RWR’s No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse driven by Cody Ware. The first of Arby’s 12 races on the No. 51 machine comes this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

“We’re extremely proud to expand our partnership with Arby’s for 2025 and beyond,” said Rick Ware, team owner. “This renewed commitment is a testament to the hard work, dedication and progress we’ve made as an organization. From the shop to the track, every member of this team has been focused on improving our performance, strengthening our brand and delivering value to our partners. To have Arby’s recognize that effort and invest in an even bigger way speaks volumes to the commitment we’ve made to motorsports and the partners who support us. We’re ready to build on this momentum and achieve even greater success.”

Sandwiched amid Arby’s calendar of NASCAR races are two NHRA events, including the sport’s biggest – the 71st U.S. Nationals Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park – where RWR driver Clay Millican and Arby’s are the defending event winners. Millican powered his 11,000-horsepower Arby’s Top Fuel dragster to a final round win in last year’s U.S. Nationals, eclipsing 327 mph to take his seventh career NHRA victory. Millican, a native of Drummonds, Tennessee, will debut Arby’s 2025 NHRA livery in his home state when he competes in the Thunder Valley Nationals June 6-8 at Bristol (Tenn.) Dragway.

“The U.S. Nationals is where our partnership with RWR began, and you couldn’t have scripted it any better,” said Jeff Baker, chief marketing officer, Arby’s. “Clay Millican won and Rick Ware was there, hands on with his race team. It was eye-opening to see the teamwork, the attention to detail and the dedication everyone at RWR put into their respective roles. It’s why we partnered with RWR again for the NASCAR Cup Series race last October at Talladega, where Cody Ware put the Arby’s car out front. Both races were on network television, and the excitement it generated among our franchisees was palpable. It was an easy decision to come back with RWR in a much greater capacity in 2025.”

Founded in 1964, Arby’s has more than 3,600 restaurants in eight global markets. Part of the Inspire Brands family of restaurants, Arby’s has a presence in every location where NASCAR and NHRA competes, allowing the brand to activate nationally and locally.

“RWR provides Arby’s with a high-profile platform to engage both our customers and franchisees in an exciting and meaningful way,” Baker said. “It’s a high-speed opportunity to fuel fan engagement and reward those who foster great customer experiences.”

Arby’s RWR partnership gets into gear on Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway when NASCAR Cup Series qualifying begins at 11 a.m. EST, which will be broadcast live on Prime Video. Those speeds will set the field for Sunday’s Ambetter Health 400, which goes green at 3 p.m. with live coverage on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Fans coming to Atlanta can easily grab lunch and dinner at Arby’s before and after all of the racing action. There are six Arby’s locations within 10 miles of Atlanta Motor Speedway: Griffin, Georgia (1612 N. Expressway), McDonough, Georgia (1963 Jonesboro Rd. and 1116 Hampton Rd. West), Fayetteville, Georgia (170 Glynn St.), Stockbridge, Georgia (1460 Hudson Bridge Rd.), and Jonesboro, Georgia (8490 Tara Blvd.).

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver’s seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes fulltime in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).

Parker Kligerman, Henderson Motorsports denied overturn of Daytona Victory DQ’d

Photo by Patrick Sue-Chan for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Parker Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports lost their single appeal attempt to have the National Motorsports Appeals Panel overturn their NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ Daytona victory-turned-disqualification on Thursday, February 20th.

The storyline surrounding the Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports disqualification from winning at Daytona spans back to this past Friday, February 14. During the main event, Kligerman initially steered his way to win the Fresh From Florida 250 to commence a new NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition season. The victory was initially Kligerman’s fourth of his career, his first at Daytona International Speedway, and his first since retiring from full-time NASCAR competition following the 2024 season’s conclusion.

During the post-race inspection process, however, Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports were stripped from winning due to the team’s race-winning No. 75 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry failing to meet the ride-height requirements and measuring too low in the rear sections, which violated Section 14.17.3.2.2.2.A within the NASCAR Rule Book. As a result, Kligerman was demoted to the bottom of the final running order in 36th place. At the same time, TRICON Garage’s Corey Heim, the event’s initial runner-up finisher, was declared the official winner.

Henderson Motorsports would swiftly respond to the disqualification by announcing plans to appeal. In addition, photos of Kligerman were shown of the driver keeping the race-winning checkered flag.

In a hearing made by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel earlier on Thursday, the panel, which made the final decision to retain the disqualification of not rewarding the victory back to Kligerman and Henderson Motorsports, provided the following statement: “The panel confirms it is more likely than not a rules violation did occur and the disqualification penalties in Rule 10.5.2.4 necessitate a race disqualification.”

The three-member panel included Bill Mullis, Tommy Wheeler, and Kevin Whitaker.

The ruling made by the National Motorsports Appeals Panel is final, and no additional appeal attempts will be allowed since the hearing was an expedited appeal of a disqualification. Amid the final ruling, Henderson Motorsports will take to social media to post its acceptance of the decision.

The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season will continue this Saturday, February 22, at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Fr8 208. The event will be broadcast on FS1 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

The All-American Rejects, Bret Michaels To Co-Headline Miller Lite Carb Day Concert

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025) – Music icons Bret Michaels and The All-American Rejects will rock fans at the Miller Lite Carb Day Concert on Friday, May 23 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Miller Lite Carb Day is a full day of on- and off-track action and entertainment. All general admission, concert pit and VIP Deck concert tickets include admission to the concert and to on-track activities that day at IMS, which include the final practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge and the Indy 500 Pit Stop Challenge.

Tickets are on sale now at IMS.com, by calling 317-492-6700 or by visiting the IMS Ticket Office at the IMS Administration Building.

“Miller Lite Carb Day is not just the official party to kick off race weekend, it’s really the kickoff event of the summer,” IMS President J. Douglas Boles said. “The day has everything to make the perfect party: 33 drivers in the final practice before the ‘500,’ the Pit Stop Challenge, people watching and a fun and entertaining concert to put an exclamation point on the party. It really is a day like no other at the Racing Capital of the World. Many of our fans take the day off work and spend it at IMS, which is a tradition we can all celebrate.”

The All-American Rejects quickly rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their infectious blend of pop-punk and emo rock. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2002, featured the hit single “Swing, Swing,” which propelled them into the mainstream. This success was followed by their sophomore album, “Move Along” (2005), which trophied three chart-topping singles like “Dirty Little Secret,” “Move Along” and “It Ends Tonight.”

In 2008, the band released “When the World Comes Down,” featuring the stratospheric and generational smash hit “Gives You Hell,” which became its most successful single to date, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The All-American Rejects continue to create and perform, solidifying their place as one of the most beloved bands of their genre. Their journey from early 2000s hitmakers to enduring rock icons is a testament to their talent, resilience, and the deep connection they share with their fans.

Well-known as an avid Indy 500 and racing fan, Bret Michaels returns to IMS after a record-setting party at his last Carb Day. As one of music’s most iconic singer/songwriters, Michaels consistently brings his iconic energy and star power to every project. He has sold more than 100 million records, digital downloads and streams worldwide, and his numerous hit singles include “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” “Go That Far” and “Nothing But A Good Time.”

Michaels also has a robust television career with record-breaking hits including “Rock of Love with Bret Michaels” and a recent turn as the audience-favorite Banana on FOX’s hit “The Masked Singer.” As a well-known creative entrepreneur, Michaels took his “Celebrity Apprentice”-winning Trop-A-Rocka Iced Tea and turned it into a bestselling global product.

Despite his busy career, Michaels still finds time to give back through his Life Rocks Foundation, which supports a myriad of charities and causes around the globe.

Miller Lite Carb Day general admission tickets start at just $40. A limited number of concert pit package upgrades that include general admission are available for $75. A very limited supply of exclusive VIP platform tickets also is available for $270, including concert pit access, snacks, two complimentary drinks, dedicated bars and restroom trailers. Ticket prices will increase as the concert draws closer, so fans are encouraged to buy now.

The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is scheduled for Sunday, May 25. Tickets are on sale at IMS.com or by calling or visiting the IMS Ticket Office.

Ford Motor Company Named Official Car and TruckFor NASCAR Race Weekends At Four Speedway Motorsports Venues

Ford Motor Company has been named the Official Car and Truck for NASCAR race weekends at four Speedway Motorsports venues, starting with the Ambetter Health 400 this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. (AMS photo)
  • Ford begins new partnerships with the upcoming Feb. 21-23 Ambetter Health 400 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the May 16-18 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at North Wilkesboro Speedway
  • Ford returns with official status for the May 30-June 1 NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway and the July 18-20 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR race weekend at Dover Motor Speedway

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 20 2025) – Officials with Speedway Motorsports and Ford Motor Company today announced new partnerships as the Official Car and Truck for NASCAR race weekends at Atlanta Motor Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway, as well as extended partnerships as the Official Car and Truck of NASCAR race weekends at Nashville Superspeedway and Dover Motor Speedway.

“Our success is built on relationships, and Speedway Motorsports has always been a tremendous partner with Ford,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director of Ford Performance. “This announcement is proof of that. Not only are we renewing as the official vehicles of Nashville Superspeedway and Dover Motor Speedway, but we are expanding to North Wilkesboro and the first NASCAR race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. It’s natural to see our Ford Mustang and F-150 products at these world class facilities, and we are pleased to continue in that role.”

The new partnerships will include Ford serving as the Official Pace Car and Official Truck for the upcoming Feb. 21-23 Ambetter Health 400 race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and the May 16-18 NASCAR All-Star Race weekend at historic North Wilkesboro Speedway. Fords will also pace the fields for the May 30-June 1 NASCAR race weekend at Nashville Superspeedway and for the July 18-20 Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 race weekend at Dover Motor Speedway.

Ford will also receive exclusive marketing and promotional opportunities on the aforementioned Speedway Motorsports NASCAR race weekends as well as VIP hospitality. Terms of the multi-year agreement were not disclosed.

“Ford has not only been a partner with Speedway Motorsports for decades, but it has been a significant part of NASCAR competition since cars first hit the tracks in 1948,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “It’s our honor and privilege to not only extend this partnership but to expand it to new venues this year. We look forward to working with Ford to entertain NASCAR fans throughout 2025 and beyond.”

About Speedway Motorsports:

Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. Speedway Motorsports provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiaries; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary.

Ford Performance in NASCAR:

Ford has been competing in NASCAR since the organization was formed in 1948, winning more than 700 races in NASCAR’s top division, now known as the NASCAR Cup Series. The automotive manufacturer, which competes today with the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, has won 12 championships, including three in a row going into the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

DEX Imaging Follows Harrison Burton to AM Racing for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season

STATESVILLE, N.C.: AM Racing proudly confirmed today that DEX Imaging, a premier provider of managed print services, will support Harrison Burton for multiple events throughout the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, beginning with the Bennett Transportation and Logistics 250 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway on February 22, 2025.

DEX Imaging is the largest independent dealer of document imaging technology in the United States. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions in the industry, such as Konica Minolta, Canon, Sharp, Ricoh, Xerox, and Kyocera, with annual revenue exceeding $500 Million.

What makes DEX unique is its people, whose combined knowledge of cutting-edge business technologies and depth of service experience are unmatched. DEX Imaging’s success is directly tied to its mission: to help customers of all sizes drive down document-related expenses while improving productivity.

AM Racing announced last September the addition of Burton, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series winner of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway would drive for the team in its third full-time competition season this year.

“I am proud to continue my relationship with DEX Imaging this season,” said Burton. “Winning the Wood Brothers’ 100th NASCAR Cup Series race last August at Daytona with DEX Imaging on board was a special milestone in our journey together and a testament to what we’ve achieved along the way. With their continued support, I’m focused on leading AM Racing to its first NASCAR Xfinity Series win this season.

“Their dedication and belief in me as a driver fuel my determination to succeed. Together, we’re not just aiming for victories — we’re continuing to build a partnership that represents excellence on and off the track. I’m excited to see what we can achieve this year.”

Wade Moore, president of AM Racing, added, ‘We are thrilled to add another partner of Harrison’s to AM Racing this season. DEX Imaging has a longstanding relationship in the sport and has become a recognizable brand that aligns perfectly with our team’s values and goals.

“Their commitment to excellence and support of Harrison’s career is invaluable as we aim to make a strong impact in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. We look forward to building a successful partnership and celebrating many milestones together in the future.’”

Additional details on Burton’s Xfinity Series program with AM Racing will be announced in due course.

For more information on DEX Imaging, visit deximaging.com.

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Harrison Burton, please visit theharrisonburton.com, like his Facebook page (Official Harrison Burton), or follow him on Instagram (@harrisonburton12) and X | Twitter (@hburtonracing).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C. Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its ninth year of competition.

Building the Ultimate Off-Road Recovery Kit: What Every Racer Needs

You’ve probably been stuck in a sticky situation when off-roading, especially if you’re a racer. With various challenging obstacles and terrains. If it has never happened to you, this is bound to happen.

This is why when ordering motorsports merchandise from online stores like FMS, you must also order an off-road recovery kit. It will help you as a racer or off-road enthusiast.

The Importance of Recovery Gear for Off-Roading

For racers, a different trail, a different day, and a different situation may change everything. This is why having recovery gear for your off-roading endeavors is important. Whether you occasionally hit trails or are a hard-core off-roader, a recovery kit is an important part of your capability to do it safely and go off-roading.

Besides, we never know when we will encounter a washout, soft spot, bigger rock than we anticipated, or even another racer who is stuck on the trail and requires help to get out. In addition, you will need a recovery kit for your safety and that of other people on the trail.

Essentials in Your Recovery Kit

Among the most important things we need when off-roading is a recovery kit. This is true, especially if you are exploring high countries or remote areas where trail conditions and temperatures widely fluctuate. In this kit, we need to include the following:

  1. Maxtrax

A Maxtrax recovery board is the original and is made from different fibrous nylon. According to most off-roading racers, it is one of the easiest and safest ways to resolve our simple traction issues.

If you get stuck in snow, mud, or sand, Maxtrax will be your first tool to help you. It is faster and easier than any technique that needs tension.

To use Maxtrax, you just need to shove it under the tires and drive out of obstacles slowly. You may also use a similar technique to minimize forces and snatch or winch.

  1. Spade

A good spade needs to be on your shopping list for your recovery kit. Trying to free up buried wheels out of snow, sand, or mud using only your hands is not just ineffective and time-consuming. It is also dangerous. Apart from its multiple recovery uses, the spade’s versatility extends to campsites, too, for things like the following:

  • Digging latrines
  • Leveling a tent-pitching site
  • Putting out fires safely
  1. Tire Deflator

Lower tire pressure helps improve traction in muddy and sandy conditions. If you are stuck, deflating your tires slightly can help you get out of trouble.

When you return to rough terrain, remember to re-inflate your tires. Experts recommend a new Campboss Boss Air Tire Deflator. It is a super tire deflator that comes in handy, and it is effective in deflating tires to the exact pressure you need.

  1. Tree Straps

Tree straps, sometimes called tree savers, are pieces of gear that we often forget but are very important in some recovery situations. If we get stuck during an off-roading race, we can tie tree straps around our vehicle’s trunk to pull us free.

Tree straps are also specifically made for this and help ensure trees aren’t damaged when used for reinforcement.

  1. Tire Repair Kits

Investing in a good tire repair kit can help a lot, especially when something, such as a stick, screw, or stray nail, punctures the tires. This will make repairs much easier.

A tire repair kit consists mainly of plug insertion tools, self-vulcanizing repair cords, and reamer tools.

  1. Navigation Aids

Getting lost can make a killer story or a solid adventure. However, it can also be dangerous and frustrating. Knowing where we’re heading, how we can get there, and how to return is a way of mastering off-roading. And the best way to master it is to have navigation aids.

  1. Winches

Winches are the ultimate self-recovery tool. We simply find the nearest piece, wrap the winch’s cables around it, and presto.

However, winches can be useless if we have nothing around. An alternative is to use what is called a Dead Man’s Anchor. It involves buying something inside the ground to act as our anchor points when there is no other option.

  1. Jump Starter

You no longer have to depend on another car to jump-start your vehicle. A high-capacity, simple, and affordable lithium-ion battery pack can do the job.

The best part is that it can charge off cigarette lighters and even provide portable power for our phones. Just ensure it is fully charged.

  1. Snatch Blocks

A snatch block is a pully with a side that swings open. Since the sides often open, we don’t need to threaten our winch cables through the openings.

Instead, we can open the side plates, align cables over the pully, and close the side plates. Snatch blocks have two key functions.

One function is to change the winch cable’s direction when anchor points are offset. Another one is to increase the pulling power of our winch cables.

  1. Farm Jack

We must use a farm jack combined with running boards and off-road bumpers with a dedicated locking slot for this jack in particular. But be careful when using a farm jack. When on unstable ground, it may easily topple your vehicle.

  1. Shovel

Having a good shovel in your arsenal is important. Perhaps you have experienced it before—a truck gets stuck, and the driver doesn’t have a good shovel.

Using credit cards or hands won’t work well, especially if the vehicle is deep in slushy snow or soft sand. So, when buying a shovel, ensure you consider the following:

  • Stowing opportunities. These can be packaged in storage totes, spare tire carriers, roof racks, trucks, or under the seat.
  • Determine your handle height: Examples include short, full-length, or folding handles.
  • Choose the right material to meet your needs: Good examples include fiberglass, aluminum, steel, or wood.

The bottom line is that all overlanding experiences are different. Therefore, if you could, carry all the important tools you will need for your off-roading race, including a tree strap, shovel, and space, to name a few.

Women in Off-Road Racing: Trailblazers Changing the Sport

Photo by Patrick Robert Doyle on Unsplash

When we think of off-road racing, what comes to our minds? Mostly, we think of rugged cars or vehicles powering through rocky terrains, mud, or dirt.

Usually, we imagine the drivers behind those daring adventures to be men who are fearless and strong with adventurous spirits. However, this stereotype has started to change very quickly.

Today, we don’t just see more and more women buying motorsport merchandise from online stores like FMS. We also see many women behind the wheel, thus proving that off-road races aren’t for men alone.

Women Off-Roading: Its Rise

Historically, men have dominated off-roading. However, this narrative is shifting steadily. Globally, women are getting involved in it and becoming serious racers. For these women, it is not about driving alone. It is also about breaking barriers, empowerment, and creating communities where women feel challenged and supported.

Most women who are off-roaders share their experiences and how they overcome various challenges, including mechanical difficulties and societal expectations. This, in turn, changes their off-roading passion into a lifestyle. If you ask them, this is what they will tell you – we see off-roading as the best way to enjoy nature, forge new friendships, challenge ourselves, and build more confidence.

Community & Empowerment

The most positive thing about women and off-roading is the sense of community. From local meetups to online forums, women in off-roading come together to support each other, share knowledge, and discuss their experiences. Good examples are She-Can-Camp and The Off-Road Women’s Association. These groups share a comfortable space where women can feel empowered to join off-roading communities without fearing exclusion or judgment.

We need to note that these groups are not about camaraderie alone; they are also about the many opportunities that come with it. Thanks to meetups and events, women are no longer spectators. They are taking part in shaping the sport’s future. Whether competing in an off-road event, participating in a vehicle recovery workshop, or attending an off-road expo, women have started to step into important roles of influence and leadership in the world of off-roading.

Women Championing for Off-Roading

Off-road races, once a field regarded for men alone are now transformed. With dirt flying and engines roaring, new generations of trailblazing women have shattered barriers, setting new records and showing that off-roading thrill knows no boundaries. Here are women off-roaders who are worth celebrating:

  1. Michele Mouton

We know her as one of the best racers of all time. She terrified competitions and did great in the 1980s Group B rally period. 

As the first woman to win the World Rally Championship competition, Michele’s great skills behind the wheel of Audi Quattro gave her four victories. She also finished second in the Driver’s Championship in 1982.

  1. Danica Patrick

For more than ten years, Danica Patrick, who was born in Wisconsin, has blazed a trail that has left a legacy. She has had a chance to battle with the best off-roaders in IndyCar and NASCAR; regardless of her extracurricular activities, like appearing in FHM photoshoots and hip-hop videos that attract misogynistic abuse while on the race, she has shown her stunning feats.

In 2014, she claimed the pole sensationally at the Daytona 500, and in 2008, she became the only off-roading woman to win an IndyCar Series competition at the Japan 300.

  1. Mary McGee

Mary remains one of the most remarkable testaments to skill, determination, and gender-breaking barriers in the motorsport world that men have dominated. She was born in 1936 and turned from a car racer to one of the pioneering motorcyclists. For most, her journey is a story of resilience, passion, and relentless pursuit of excellence.

Because of her contribution, we can say her legacy goes beyond all the races she participated in. She also contributed to every door she opened for other female racers and future generations.

  1. Emily Mehmet

At 13, she entered and won her first race at the Junior Grand Prix kart competition. At 16, she consistently achieved lap records and podium finishes, which encouraged her to take part in more senior series.

When she was 17 years old, she joined Boundless Karting and was awarded the title of ‘Best Young Driver’ in 2016. Two years later, after becoming conversant with more advanced styles of Boundless karting, she became second best and finished second in the Under-70kg division.

According to Emilly, it hasn’t been easy being in the minority. But eventually, her perseverance proves that she is there because of her love for the sport.

  1. Lella Lombardi

Lella carved her name into sports history as the only off-roading woman to earn points in the Formula 1 World Championship. Lombardi’s six-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix in 1975 proved her perseverance and skills. This also proved that women can do well in high-stakes and competitive arenas.

  1. Keiko Ihara

For the past few years, Japan has been responsible for one of the most innovative technologies on four and two wheels, from propelling Superbikes and Sportscars to world championships to powering McLaren’s dominance in the early 1990s and late 1980s.

We came to know Keiko Ihara from the same pioneering spirit. Keiko started racing in 1999 while dealing with prejudice in her homeland to get a drive in the Ferrari Challenge Championship. She eventually earned a drive in the European Formula Renault.

About ten years ago, Keiko became the first Asian off-roading woman to take part in a race at Le Mans. She got position 13 in the Labre Competition LMP2 machine.

  1. Christina Nielson

Christina became the first woman to get a professional sports car championship in North America. With her two GT Daytona titles that she got consecutively in the IMSA SportsCar event, Nielson has proven time to time that success on racetracks comes from the following:

  • Teamwork
  • Discipline
  • Talent

The bottom line is that the world of off-roading is changing, and now women have become part of this great transformation. Today, women don’t just drive dirt bikes. They also break stereotypes, pave the way for future women generations, and create new opportunities. So, if you are a woman dreaming of hitting the trail and being at the wheel, now is a perfect time to join this growing community and help blaze new paths.