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TRICON Garage reveals No. 1 Toyota drivers for 2025 Truck season

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

TRICON Garage revealed its driver lineup for the organization’s No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro entry, dubbed the “all-star” entry, that will be fielded for the entire 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule.

The competitors who will split the driving duties of TRICON’s No. 1 entry for the upcoming season are Lawless Alan, Brent Crews, Brandon Jones and William Sawalich.

Sawalich, the reigning two-time ARCA Menards Series East champion from Eden Prairie, Minnesota, will first pilot the entry for the first three-scheduled events that include Daytona International Speedway (February 14), Atlanta Motor Speedway (February 22) and Las Vegas Motor Speedway (March 14). He will then return to compete at Nashville Superspeedway (May 30) before making his fifth and final scheduled start of the year at Watkins Glen International (August 8).

Sawalich, who is also set to campaign in his first full-time Xfinity Series season with Joe Gibbs Racing, is no stranger to TRICON as he has made a total of 16 Truck starts with the organization over the previous two seasons. Throughout his previous 16 Truck starts, he notched his first career pole at Talladega Superspeedway this past October and has finished in the top 10 three times.

Next, Jones, a 27-year-old racing veteran from Atlanta, Georgia, will make his first Truck start of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway (March 21) before he proceeds to compete at the spring Bristol Motor Speedway event (April 11), Rockingham Speedway (April 18), Texas Motor Speedway (May 2), Kansas Speedway (May 10), Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 23) and at Pocono Raceway (June 20).

While he is new to the TRICON organization, Jones is no stranger to the Truck Series division as he has made a total of 49 career starts over eight part-time seasons (2013-20). Within the span, he scored his first career victory at Pocono while driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2020. He has also registered five runner-up results, 14 top-five results, 24 top-10 results, 85 laps led and an average-finishing result of 13.1 as he strives to add more Truck victories to his resume. Aside from his part-time Truck campaign, Jones is set to reunite with Joe Gibbs Racing for a full-time Xfinity campaign after spending the previous two seasons at JR Motorsports.

Alan, a 24-year-old native from Van Nuys, California, will make his first Truck start of the 2025 season at the spring Martinsville Speedway event (March 28) before he returns to race at Michigan International Speedway (June 7), Darlington Raceway (August 30) and at Talladega Superspeedway (October 17).

Alan’s part-time Truck campaign with TRICON comes hours after he was announced to be scaling back down to the ARCA Menards Series and contending for the 2025 series’ title with Venturini Motorsports. Previously, the Californian, who claimed the 2018 NASCAR Home Tracks championship at Irwindale Speedway, spent the previous three seasons as a full-time Truck competitor for Niece Motorsports (2022-23) and Reaume Brothers Racing. This past season, he recorded his first top-five career finish in the series after finishing fifth at Talladega.

Lastly, Crews, a 16-year-old racing prospect from Hickory, North Carolina, will campaign in his first nine Truck Series career events that commence at North Wilkesboro Speedway (May 17) before he returns for the series’ inaugural event at Lime Rock Park, Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (July 25), Richmond Raceway (August 15), the fall Bristol Motor Speedway event (September 11), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (September 20), the series’ inaugural event at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course (October 3), the fall Martinsville Speedway event (October 24) and the season-finale event at Phoenix Raceway (October 31).

Crews, who is also a Toyota Driver Development competitor, is coming off a productive 2024 season, where he claimed the World Series of Asphalt Super Late Model and CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour Rookie-of-the-Year championships. Over the previous two seasons, he earned his first two ARCA Menards Series career victories while driving for Venturini Motorsports. To date, Crews is the youngest Trans-Am Series champion at age 15 years, seven months and three days, and the youngest Trans-Am winner at age 14 years, three months and six days.

As announced in mid-December, the No. 1 Toyota team will be led by crew chief Jake Hampton, who was atop the pit box for returning full-time TRICON competitor Tanner Gray for a single event in 2021 and for Tanner’s younger brother, Taylor, for 10 events in 2023. Each of TRICON’s “all-star” competitors (Alan, Crews, Jones and Sawalich) will compete alongside the organization’s full-time competitors which include Tanner Gray, Corey Heim and rookies Toni Breidinger and Gio Ruggiero.

With the No. 1 Toyota entry’s driver lineup set, which completes its full driver lineup, TRICON Garage’s 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 14. The event’s broadcast time is scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Lawless Alan joins Venturini Motorsports for 2025 ARCA season

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Kirk Schroll for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Lawless Alan will join Venturini Motorsports forces and contend for the ARCA Menards Series championship in 2025.

Alan, a 24-year-old native of Van Nuys, California, will be piloting the No. 20 Toyota Camry entry on a full-time basis with continuous sponsorship support from AUTOparkit.

The news comes as Alan is coming off his third consecutive full-time campaign in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series division, where he achieved his first top-five career result by finishing fifth at Talladega Superspeedway this past October. In addition, he recorded a total of six top-20 results and an average-finishing result of 24.2 before he settled in 24th place in the final standings, all while competing with Reaume Brothers Racing.

“Super excited to make this announcement with Venturini Motorsports,” Alan said in a released statement. “This is a great opportunity to be in topflight equipment each week and have the reassurance of the team and amazing manufacturer like Toyota behind me. I can’t thank everyone enough for making this deal happen, especially the ongoing support from AUTOparkit, they make this happen. It feels good to have this type of confidence going into the season. Knowing Venturini has the resources allows me to be more aggressive with my mindset. I fully expect to compete each week for wins. I think once I see my name at the top of the speed charts, I know we’ll be ready for business.”

Alan, who grew up racing in Legends cars and Late Models, captured the NASCAR Home Tracks championship at Irwindale Raceway and the Winter Showdown at Kern County Raceway in 2018. He elevated his racing career to the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli the following season and campaigned across the ARCA Menards Series divisions, between the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

In 2021, Alan made his Truck Series debut at the Daytona International Speedway Road Course with Reaume Brothers Racing, where he finished 36th. He made four additional starts with the Reaume Brothers organization before he campaigned in four of the final six Truck events with Niece Motorsports.

The following season, Alan drove Niece’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry for his first full-time campaign in the Truck Series. Throughout the season, he recorded eight top-20 results, a season-best 11th-place run at Circuit of the Americas and an average-finishing result of 24.2 before settling in 22nd place in the standings. He would finish 22nd in the final standings for a second consecutive time during the following season, but he accumulated 23 additional points at 317 overall as he notched a career-best average-finishing result of 22.3 and notched his first top-10 career result at Talladega.

Throughout the 2024 season, Alan also competed in six ARCA starts with Reaume Brothers, where he recorded four top-nine results and a season-best fifth place at the Milwaukee Mile in late August.

Alan is the second confirmed competitor full-time driver for Venturini Motorsports in the upcoming ARCA Menards Series season. He will be a teammate to Isabella Robusto, who was announced as the driver of the team’s No. 55 Toyota entry in mid-December. In addition, Chase Pinsonneault, the 2024 CRA JEGS All-Stars Tour Rookie-of-the-Year recipient, will drive Venturini’s No. 15 Toyota entry for the 2025 season-opening event at Daytona International Speedway in mid-December.

With his plans for this upcoming season set, Lawless Alan’s bid for the 2025 ARCA Menards Series championship with Venturini Motorsports will commence at Daytona on February 15 at noon ET on FOX.

How to Set the Right Price for Your Used Car Without Underselling It

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

When it comes to selling your used car, one of the most critical decisions is setting the right price. Price it too high, and you risk scaring off potential buyers; price it too low, and you leave money on the table. Striking the right balance ensures that you attract interested buyers while still getting a fair value for your vehicle. If you’re wondering, “How can I sell my car fast and still get a great price?” the answer lies in research, preparation, and strategy.

Here’s how you can determine the best price for your car and maximize your chances of a successful sale.

1. Research the Market

Before listing your car, it’s essential to understand what similar vehicles are selling for in your area. This research helps you gauge the market value of your car and ensures you’re not setting an unrealistic price.

Steps to Research the Market:

  • Check online listings: Browse platforms like Autotrader, Carsales, or Gumtree to see what cars similar to yours are being advertised for. Focus on vehicles with the same make, model, year, mileage, and condition at used car dealerships.
  • Use pricing tools: Websites like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, or RedBook offer pricing calculators that provide a suggested range based on your car’s details.
  • Consider local demand: Prices can vary depending on your location. For example, a small fuel-efficient car may command a higher price in urban areas, while SUVs may be more in demand in rural regions.

Having a clear picture of the market ensures that your price is competitive and appealing to buyers.

2. Assess Your Car’s Condition

Your car’s condition plays a significant role in determining its value. Buyers are willing to pay a premium for a vehicle that’s well-maintained and visually appealing. Conversely, a car with visible wear and tear or mechanical issues will fetch a lower price.

Factors to Evaluate:

  • Exterior: Look for dents, scratches, or rust that could detract from the car’s value.
  • Interior: Check for stains, tears in the upholstery, or any lingering odors.
  • Mechanical condition: Ensure the engine runs smoothly and that brakes, tires, and other essential components are in good shape.
  • Maintenance history: A car with a documented history of regular servicing is more attractive to buyers and can justify a higher price.

Be honest about your car’s condition when pricing it. Overstating its value may lead to frustrated buyers, while underestimating it could result in a financial loss.

3. Factor in Depreciation

Depreciation is an unavoidable part of owning a car. On average, a new vehicle loses 20–30% of its value within the first year and continues to depreciate at a slower rate in subsequent years. Understanding how depreciation affects your car’s value is crucial when setting a fair price.

Key Depreciation Considerations:

  • Age: Older vehicles generally have lower resale values, but classic or rare cars may retain or increase in value.
  • Mileage: Higher mileage often translates to greater wear and tear, reducing the car’s value.
  • Brand reputation: Some brands, like Toyota or Honda, are known for reliability and retain value better than others.

While you can’t control depreciation, accounting for it ensures that your price aligns with buyer expectations.

4. Highlight Added Value

If your car comes with extras or upgrades, these can help you justify a higher price. Highlighting these features in your listing can set your car apart from similar options on the market.

Features That Add Value:

  • Recent upgrades: New tires, a recently replaced battery, or upgraded technology like a navigation system can make your car more appealing.
  • Warranty: If your car is still under warranty, mention it. This can provide peace of mind for buyers.
  • Accessories: Include extras like roof racks, custom floor mats, or a tow bar that may enhance the car’s functionality.

Make sure to mention these value-adding features in your listing to attract buyers who are willing to pay a premium.

5. Set a Competitive Asking Price

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to set your asking price. This step requires balancing the value you want with what buyers are willing to pay.

Tips for Setting the Price:

  • Start slightly higher: Buyers often negotiate, so pricing your car 5–10% above your target price leaves room for bargaining while still ensuring you meet your bottom line.
  • Use round numbers strategically: While $10,000 looks clean, $9,995 can psychologically appear more affordable.
  • Be flexible: If you’re not getting inquiries, consider lowering the price slightly to increase interest.

A well-thought-out asking price shows you’ve done your research and are serious about selling your car.

Final Preparations:

Before listing your car for sale, ensure it’s clean, presentable, and mechanically sound. A vehicle that looks and runs well is more likely to command the price you’re asking. Combine this with an attractive listing, complete with detailed descriptions and high-quality photos, to catch the attention of potential buyers.

By following these steps, you’ll not only attract serious buyers but also maximize your car’s resale value. Setting the right price is about understanding the market, being honest about your car’s condition, and emphasizing its unique features. With a little effort, you can sell your car quickly while still getting the value you deserve.

Coltman Farms Racing to support Max Blair during 2025 Dirt Late Model season

By
Official Release
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Coltman Farms Racing will sponsor veteran Dirt Late Model star Max Blair during the 2025 racing season. (Photo: Josh James Artwork)

TITUSVILLE, Pa. (Jan. 6, 2025) – Veteran Dirt Late Model star Max Blair will fly some new colors when the green flag waves for the 2025 season.

Coltman Farms Racing, owned by businessman and motorsports supporter Brett Coltman, will sponsor Blair throughout the upcoming season.

“Brett obviously does a ton for Dirt Late Model racing,” said the 34-year-old Blair. “The sport needs more people like him, that’s for sure. It’ll be an honor to carry the Coltman Farms logo on my cars. I’m looking forward to what the future holds.”

A familiar face to Dirt Late Model fans, especially in the Northeast, Blair is always a threat to win when he shows up at any race track.

A four-time ULMS Racing Series champion, Blair has earned five World of Outlaws Late Model Series wins and one Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series triumph in addition to countless local and regional victories.

During the 2024 season Blair earned four victories and secured 22 top five and 43 top 10 finishes spread across 74 starts.

“We’re thrilled to team with Max Blair for the 2025 season,” said Coltman Farms Racing owner Brett Coltman. “Anytime we partner with a new driver or team, it’s important for us to make sure they align with our mission to nurture the next generation of drivers and race fans. Max has proven time and time again that he is not just a skilled competitor, but also a great human being. I’m excited to see what we can do together this year.”

Blair and Coltman Farms Racing will begin their new partnership during Florida Speedweeks, with exact schedule details to be announced in the near future.

About Coltman Farms Racing

Coltman Farms Racing is a dirt Super Late Model team owned by Brett Coltman that operates house cars for drivers Tanner English and Zack Mitchell. He also sponsors several drivers, including Ricky Thornton Jr., Brandon Overton, Max Blair, Carson Ferguson, Payton Freeman, Sam Seawright, Benji Hicks and Donald McIntosh, among others. Coltman Farms Racing is also heavily involved in grassroots racing, serving as the title and presenting sponsor of several regional and national touring series as well as many of motorsports broadcasts.

About McCallister Precision Marketing

McCallister Precision Marketing (MPM) focuses on assisting up-and-coming race car drivers with career advancement and promotion. McCallister Precision Marketing helps drivers build confidence in front of and behind the camera, giving them the tools they need to advance to the next level. The company also provides companies with a strategic plan for their sales, marketing and promotional needs. We believe in building positive relationships with our clients so that we may provide them with the most professional, yet personal guidance they need, in order to achieve their racing goals. Our clients include race car drivers, race team owners, companies and racing series’. We also work closely with charities and charity events. For more information on McCallister Precision Marketing, visit www.MarketWithMPM.com, email TonyaMac44@MarketWithMPM.com or call 803-361-6199.

Amanda Bradley acquires Natural Bridge Speedway

By
Official Release
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Amanda Bradley has acquired Natural Bridge Speedway in Natural Bridge, Virginia, after previously serving as promoter of the track in 2024.

NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. (Jan. 6, 2025) – One year after being named promoter of Natural Bridge Speedway, Amanda Bradley is proud to announce that she has purchased the three-eighths-mile dirt oval from Joe Glassford.

“It was an honor to be named promoter of Natural Bridge Speedway one season ago and now I’m thrilled to say that I’ve acquired the facility from Joe Glassford and JCG Adventures,” said Bradley. “The chance to take ownership of Natural Bridge Speedway was one I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited to build on the great 2024 season and do even more in 2025.”

Since taking over as promoter at Natural Bridge Speedway one season ago, the facility has seen a large increase in support from both competitors and sponsors.

Last season, through Bradley’s tireless efforts, Natural Bridge Speedway was able to award its track champions with a variety of major prizes. They include a new Double Nickel chassis to the champion of the Crate Late Model division and a new Pitboxes.com pit box to the champion of the Sportsman division.

Other major division supporters included The Joie of Seating, K1 RaceGear and VP Racing Fuel.

Now that the purchase of the facility is behind her, Bradley is already focused on what she can do to further improve Natural Bridge Speedway for fans and competitors.

“Last year we did a lot to spruce up the facility,” Bradley said. “We put in new toilets and sinks in all the bathrooms, extended pit parking, cleaned up the entire property, added a victory lane and revamped the scoreboard, just to name a few. We won’t be stopping there.

“We’ve already brought in new clay for the racing surface, and we are also planning on installing new lights around the facility. I’m excited to continue renovating the track and make it the best dirt track in Virginia. With the team I have behind me, I feel like we can make it happen.”

Plans are already being made for the 2025 season, which includes the addition of a Stock 4 class for the upcoming season. Bradley also aspires to bring back super late models, truck and tractor pulls and demolition derbies to Natural Bridge in the near future.

Full details about Natural Bridge Speedway’s 2025 schedule will be announced soon.

Amanda and the staff at Natural Bridge would like to thank all their sponsors for their continued support, including Double Nickel Race Cars, Witt Mechanical, Cecil B Arthur, BHR 55 Fabrication, MPM Marketing, Austin Electrical Construction, Bank of Botetourt, C & S Disposal, Coffey Excavating and Septic, W.R. Deacon and Sons Timber, Fairfield Tire, Rising Son Farm LLC, Tri State Vintage Dirt Series, Jennings Property Solutions, Wilson Insurance Agency, Roger Baber with Arbor Life Tree Care, Bradleys Trucking, Todd Rental, Paynes Enterprises, Hajoca, Rockbridge City and County Real Estate, Cashs Parts and Repair, The Joie of Seating, State Farm Insurance – Brent Hershey Agent, Raphine Medical Associates, Pitboxes.com, Sunrise BBQ, Miller Pipeline, Almonds Towing, Traffic Go, Mr. Pave, K1 Race Gear, JDR Trucking, Lexington Moose Lodge 1700, No Mow Worries and JTB Hauling.

For anyone interested in becoming a valued Natural Bridge Speedway partner in 2025, please contact Tonya McCallister from MPM Marketing via email at TonyaMac44@marketwithmpm.com.

About McCallister Precision Marketing

McCallister Precision Marketing (MPM) focuses on assisting up-and-coming race car drivers with career advancement and promotion. McCallister Precision Marketing helps drivers build confidence in front of and behind the camera, giving them the tools they need to advance to the next level. The company also provides companies with a strategic plan for their sales, marketing and promotional needs. We believe in building positive relationships with our clients so that we may provide them with the most professional, yet personal guidance they need, in order to achieve their racing goals. Our clients include race car drivers, race team owners, companies and racing series’. We also work closely with charities and charity events. For more information on McCallister Precision Marketing, visit www.MarketWithMPM.com, email TonyaMac44@MarketWithMPM.com or call 803-361-6199.

SMX LeagueTM Partners with ALT Sports Data in Exclusive Global Sports Betting Data Rights Agreement

By
Official Release
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Multi-Year Data Partnership Makes Wagering Available Across Entire SMX World ChampionshipTM Series in Multiple Legally Regulated States

Partnership Marks the Series’ First Entry into Legal Sports Betting Space

ELLENTON, Fla. (January 3, 2025) – The SMX LeagueTM appoints ALT Sports Data, Inc., the San Diego-based leader in trading and consumer data for action, alternative and emerging sports, as the official data distribution partner to unlock new markets in the world of regulated sports betting. The exclusive partnership will leverage ALT Sports Data and its proprietary simulation trading platform to enable legal and official sports betting on the entire SMX World ChampionshipTM Series, including Monster Energy AMA Supercross, Pro Motocross, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, and the SMX World Championship Playoffs.

Headquartered in Southern California, ALT Sports Data, Inc. is the leading provider of exclusive and official trading data and consumer data for the action and alternative sports betting industry. This collaboration will help pave the way for legal and official sports betting on SMX World Championship Series events, offering fans a dynamic and innovative way to engage with the incredible racing action all year long. This is the first data partnership of the SMX League in the rapidly growing U.S. sports betting market.

“Our official entry into the ever-expanding sports betting space has long been in the works and is a necessary next step in the growth process of the SMX World Championship Series,” said Dave Prater, Vice President of Supercross for Feld Motor Sports, Inc. “We are very excited to join forces with ALT Sports Data and look forward to utilizing their knowledge and experience to help elevate the opportunities fans have to engage with the sport.”

This exclusive agreement will provide ALT Sports Data with access to SMX World Championship events, allowing them to collect, analyze, and distribute data to licensed sports betting operators across the globe.

“At ALT Sports Data, we are focused on building smarter and more dynamic arenas of fan engagement and innovation. As the official sports betting data partner to the SMX League, we are thrilled to empower their massive and passionate global audience to have a stake in the outcome of SMX World Championship Series events,” said Todd Ballard, Co-Founder and CMO of ALT Sports Data. “As one of the most exciting and engaging sports on the planet, the implementation of legal sports betting will further elevate the sport and its riders to a new level of fandom…and this is one I personally couldn’t be more excited about.”

As part of the partnership, ALT Sports Data’s digital platform, NXTbetsTM, will help bring fans a robust betting experience that offers real-time statistics, odds, and insights. NXTbets gives SMX fans a greater opportunity to engage with the sport like never before, as well as the chance to receive more detailed information about what is happening on the track through the sharing of information with ALT Sports Data.

The SMX League, together with ALT Sports Data, is also deeply committed to maintaining the integrity of the sport. This partnership will uphold the highest standards of data accuracy and security through collaboration with Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360), the unequivocal global leader in delivering best-in-class integrity and compliance regtech products and services for the sports betting and gaming sector. The SMX League will leverage IC360’s cutting-edge integrity monitoring dashboard technology, providing a real-time alerting system for suspicious wagering activity. Additionally, the league will utilize ProhiBet, IC360’s advanced prohibited bettor solution designed to prevent betting activities that violate regulatory compliance standards.

For information about the SuperMotocross World Championship, please visit www.SuperMotocross.com and be sure to follow all of the new SMX social media channels for exclusive content and additional information on the latest news:
Instagram: @supermotocross
Facebook: @supermotocross
Twitter: @supermotocross
YouTube: @supermotocross

About the SMX World Championship:
The SMX World Championship™ is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the SMX World Championship Series combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and the AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 28-round regular season that culminates with the season-ending SMX World Championship Playoffs. Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About ALT Sports Data, Inc.
ALT Sports Data is bringing the next wave of consumers to sports betting. By empowering alternative sports leagues to participate in legal live sports betting, we enable them to activate, monetize and retain fans, while giving the world greater access to the sports they truly love. Our official and exclusive league data rights power our proprietary trading platform. Leveraging advanced data models and market insights, we provide real-time odds and pricing for the largest sportsbook operators in the world.

Further, our demand generation engine boasts exclusive access to 80+ million fans and followers, rivaling the world’s largest sports properties in reach and engagement. By partnering with the leagues to access these, we efficiently drive customer demand for sports book operators in a way that no other data provider can. We further accelerate engagement via our owned media channel, NXTbets.com, to inform, entertain and engage audiences around betting on these sports. For more information on ALT Sports Data, please visit altsportsdata.com or email connect@altsportsdata.com.

About IC360
Integrity Compliance 360 (IC360) is a global technology and consultancy powerhouse specializing in comprehensive integrity and compliance solutions for sports, sports betting, gaming, and iGaming. Leveraging the combined strengths of U.S. Integrity and Odds-On Compliance, IC360’s mission is to set new standards by providing unparalleled services that ensure integrity, transparency, and compliance at the intersection of the rapidly evolving global sports betting market and sports integrity. For more information, visit ic360.io.

Sheehan Aims Bright for 2025 TA2 After Podium Finish in Inaugural Pro Am Year

By
Official Release
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Bow, NEW HAMPSHIRE – January 3, 2025 – Tom Sheehan is the former winner of the Trans Am “Ironman” award for his undoubted strength behind the wheel and his never say die attitude, but circumstances had previously denied the Granite State native a win in Trans Am TA2 Class, where he has started more races than any other driver.

The additional support from Vixen Cycle Co boosted the LTK Insulation Technologies team before the season had begun earlier in 2024 would pave way for participation in the ground-breaking introduction of the Pro Am Championship. It proved at the World Wide Technologies Raceway in Madison, Illinois in May where Tom outclassed his rivals for his first win in the muscle car series. The familiar No. 97 supporting the new Vixen cycle livery challenged for the top spot and likely would have added to the win tally later in the season. The driver would be denied another win in 2024 and went on filling the runner-up position at both Road America and Watkins Glen and with a third place finish on the steps at Pittsburgh International, and a third place post race at the final round at COTA add up to a successful season.

Mike Cope Racing undoubtedly improved the No. 97 team’s understanding of the car and its setup. Tom finished the season P3 overall in the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Pro Am Challenge, a position he will be aiming to better in 2025.

All-in-all, Tom expressed himself satisfied with the team progress and he was very much looking forward to getting his wheels up again next month when we spoke to him recently.

“I am very fortunate to be racing in the TA2 series. I will miss my car chief Noell Caldwell – for the 2024 season we really jelled. I wish Noell tremendous success in his future endeavors. Still very excited about the 2025 goals for myself and the team. Mike Cope builds a great car and the whole organization is impressive. The team will put a great car on the grid and I get to drive it. Pretty awesome.”

In 2025, the season again kicks off with the traditional curtain raiser at Sebring in Florida just 7 week’s time before heading to Road Atlanta in March for the Mission Foods SpeedTour. The muscle car roadshow then makes the long journey west to Sonoma Raceway in California for the only race in April and the following week’s event is also in California at the Weather Tech raceway Laguna Seca. Thereafter the schedule includes trips to some of the North America’s legendary race tracks including Watkins Glen, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Virginia International Raceway before finishing off the year at the FIA Formula One Circuit of the Americas in Texas on Halloween weekend. It’s a familiar circuit for Tom whose target in 2025 is nothing less than the TA2 Pro Am Challenge title. Go for it, Tom.

Follow Tom’s social media channels via his Facebook page, Damon Racing, Instagram account (@TomSheehanTA97), and X account (@TomTA2_97). For more information on LTK Insulation Technologies and the line of high-quality products go to: https://ltkinsulationtechnologies.com.

About Vixen Cycle Co.

Founded by women with a passion for motorcycles, Vixen Cycle Co is a trailblazing brand that not only caters to female riders but also empowers and equips them with a unique blend of stylish clothing and motorcycle parts. Our clothing line is a testament to meticulous design, offering a wide range of trendy and functional apparel that allows women to embrace their love for motorcycles without compromising on style. From sleek and stylish designs to powerful and efficient motorcycle parts, Vixen Cycle Co is committed to enhancing both the look and performance of Harley Davidson motorcycles.

About LTK Insulation Technologies

Putting LTK insulation jackets and covers to work on your project saves real money and time for your firm.

No matter the application, take charge of protecting your hydronic and process controls and valves with a quality insulation cover. With LTK Insulation Technologies, you can be proactive and save money and headaches with high quality material. Insulating in-line controls in your process facility or central hydronic HVAC system from heat loss and condensation. Cover the range of your challenging conditions with an LTK Pro-Fit or LTK Fast Fit Insulation Jacket.

With LTK Insulation Technologies, your imagination is the only limit. Go LTK today!

Noah Gragson to Drive No. 4 in 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Season

By
Official Release
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Drew Blickensderfer to Call Shots for Gragson and Team

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 3, 2024) – Having secured Noah Gragson on a multi-year agreement in July to drive in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2025, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is excited to announce Gragson will drive the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, entering the team into a new era.

The Las Vegas, Nevada native rose to fame in NASCAR after winning twice in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and thirteen times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He finished second in the Xfinity Series championship in 2022.

Gragson, 26, recently completed his second season in the NASCAR Cup Series and has 59 starts in the premier division. He has seven top-10 and two top-5 finishes, most coming this past season with Stewart-Haas Racing.

Drew Blickensderfer will make his return to the organization to serve as the crew chief for Gragson and the No. 4 team. A 16-year Cup Series crew chief veteran, Blickensderfer most recently called the shots for Gragson at Stewart-Haas Racing and will join Gragson at FRM for the 2025 season. In 2024, the duo earned sixteen top-15’s, seven top-10’s and one top-5 and look to build on their success in 2025. In his previous stint with FRM in 2021, Blickensderfer sat on top of the pit box for Michael McDowell and the No. 34 Ford Mustang team, having played a critical role in McDowell’s Daytona 500 win.

“I’m excited to be back with Front Row Motorsports,” said Blickensderfer. “I had a great experience working for Bob (Jenkins) and Jerry (Freeze) before, and now returning alongside Noah makes this opportunity even more special.”

Along with Blickensderfer, several key members from the former Stewart-Haas No. 10 team will join Blickensderfer and Gragson at FRM, including, Interior Specialist Chris Trickett, Engine Tuner Matt Moeller, Engineer Dillon Silverman, and Transport Driver Matt Murphy.

“I’m grateful to have my crew chief, Drew, along with four members from last year’s team join Front Row Motorsports,” said Gragson. “This gives us a strong foundation to hit the ground running in the 2025 season.”

Announcements regarding the No. 4 partner lineup will come at a later date.

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. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Zane Smith Returns to Front Row Motorsports in 2025

By
Official Release
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Comes Back as Cup Driver to Organization Where He Won Truck Championship

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (January 2, 2025) – Zane Smith is coming back to the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The 25-year-old Huntington Beach, Calif. native will again race for Front Row Motorsports (FRM) in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2025 under a multi-year agreement. Smith joins former teammate Todd Gilliland and the newest FRM driver Noah Gragson to complete a young and dynamic driver roster.

“I’ve always felt at home with Front Row Motorsports,” said Smith. “They believed in me when I signed with them to race in the Truck Series initially in 2022 and we shared so much success together, winning six races and a championship in two seasons. Unfortunately, everyone had to make tough decisions because there were only two Cup cars available at Front Row Motorsports going into last season when I was ready to move up full-time.

“Now, going into next year, Front Row has really taken their Cup program to another level and I cannot think of a better line up of teammates. Todd and Noah are great friends of mine and we all have a lot to prove as young drivers in the Cup Series. It is a great time to come back and continue to build my career with an organization where I know I can win.

Smith won the 2022 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship with FRM in one of the most dominant seasons in the series. Smith won four times, including Daytona, collected 14 top-five finishes, led 492 laps, won the regular season championship, and capped the season off by winning at the Phoenix Raceway season finale to capture the series championship in dramatic fashion.

In 2023, Smith defended his wins at Daytona and the Circuit of the Americas in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with FRM, but barely missed out on qualifying for the Championship 4 for the fourth consecutive season.

The same year, Smith made his second start in the NASCAR Cup Series, and his first Cup race with FRM in the Daytona 500. He qualified in an open entry and impressed with a 13th-place finish. Later that year, Smith earned his first top-10 in the premier series with FRM after finishing tenth at the 600-miler at Charlotte Motor Speedway – a crown jewel NASCAR event.

The 2024 season officially marked Smith’s rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series as the full-time driver of the No. 71 car, which was highlighted by his runner-up finish at the Nashville Superspeedway in June and fifth-place finish at Watkins Glen International in September. Since his initial Cup Series debut in 2022, Smith has recorded five top-10 and 17 top-20 finishes. In fact, Smith has finished in the top-20 in over a third of his 45 Cup career races, including the last two Daytona 500 races. He will return to the Ford Performance stable next season more experienced and is looking forward to his return to FRM.

“I want to thank Bob (owner, Bob Jenkins), Jerry (general manager, Jerry Freeze) and Mark Rushbrook at Ford for making this happen. I know that we can win together in the Cup Series like we did in the Truck Series. It’s a great time to come back as we continue to make FRM even better.”

Going into his third year with the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team, Ryan Bergenty will serve as the crew chief for Smith in the 2025 season. Bergenty called the shots for Smith in a limited schedule in 2023, running six races throughout the season and earning a 10th place finish in the Coca-Cola 600.

“Our team is excited to be working with Zane” said Bergenty “He is an outstanding talent and brings a strong competitive spirit to the group.”

FRM will continue to build its organization for 2025 as it grows to a three-car NASCAR Cup Series organization next season.

“We want to welcome Zane back to Front Row Motorsports,” said Bob Jenkins, owner, Front Row Motorsports. “He brought us our first championship and we believe that he can win in the NASCAR Cup Series, too. We have always believed in his talents, and we will work hard to give him what he needs to be successful. We have confidence in Zane.

“This finalizes our drivers for 2025 in the Cup Series and we can now make all our teams as strong as possible. We have come a long way, but there is a lot more ground to make up, too. We now have the drivers who can build on where we are today and take us to the next level.”

FRM will now turn its attention to finalizing its partners, crew chiefs, and driver and car number pairings for the 2025 season.

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. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Huddleston, Tinkle to Join ARCA Menards Series Road to Daytona Roster

By
Official Release
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(Photos: Adam Glanzman/ARCA Racing)

TEMPERANCE, Mich. (January 2, 2024) – Two drivers representing the ARCA Menards Series East and West have been selected to participate in the ARCA Menards Series “Road to Daytona” during the series’ annual Pre-Race Practice at Daytona International Speedway. The two-day session will take place on Thursday and Friday, January 9 and 10, 2025.

Speedway, Indiana resident Zachary Tinkle will represent the ARCA Menards Series East. Tinkle started all eight ARCA Menards Series East races in 2024, finishing in the top ten in four of them, two of which were in the top five. Tinkle finished a career-best fourth at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway in May and backed it up with a fifth-place finish in the next series race at Flat Rock Speedway. Tinkle’s consistency – his only finish outside of the top-12 was a 20th-place finish at Iowa Speedway – resulted in a fourth-place result in the final ARCA Menards Series East standings for the second consecutive season.

Trevor Huddleston, from Agoura Hills, California, will represent the ARCA Menards Series West. Huddleston scored two West victories in 2024 in back-to-back starts at Madera Speedway and All American Speedway in which he led 295 out of a possible 300 laps. Huddleston also finished second to Kole Raz at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway in a photo finish, one of six top-five finishes he scored en route to third in the final ARCA Menards Series West standings for the second straight year. All told, Huddleston has made 77 career West starts with five career victories, 30 top-five finishes, and 62 top-ten finishes.

A total of seven drivers representing the ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, and ASA Southern Super Series will share cars prepared by 1995 ARCA Menards Series champion Andy Hillenburg throughout the two-day session. Each driver will have an opportunity to run approximately 100 miles at speeds approaching 190 miles per hour.

The ARCA Menards Series Road to Daytona has seen several participants matriculate from the pre-race practice runs to competing at Daytona and battling for and winning NASCAR national series championships. Former participants include 2023 ARCA Menards Series winner at Daytona Greg Van Alst, 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion Ty Majeski, 2024 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour champion Justin Bonsignore, ARCA Menards Series race winner Travis Braden, and 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series rookie of the year Layne Riggs.

Live timing and scoring data will be available throughout the two days of track activity, scheduled to run from 10 am through 5 pm, at ARCARacing.com.

The 2025 ARCA Menards Series season will kick off with the 62nd Annual Daytona ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 15. The race will be televised live on FOX starting at 12 noon ET; the race will also be broadcast nationwide on select affiliates of the MRN Radio network.

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