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CHEVROLET NCS AT MICHIGAN: Post-Race Report

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Official Release
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NASCAR CUP SERIES
MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
FIREKEEPERS CASINO 400
TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE REPORT
AUGUST 19, 2024

 Byron, Busch Leads Chevrolet to Overtime Finish at Michigan International Speedway

  • The NASCAR Cup Series returned to Michigan International Speedway this afternoon after inclement weather forced the postponement of the Firekeepers Casino 400 with just 51 laps complete.
  • Chase Elliott and the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 team lined up at the front of the field to take the green-flag for the remainder of the 200-lap event. The Team Chevy driver showed early speed in his Hendrick Motorsports-prepared Camaro ZL1, with Elliott being the only driver of those in the regular season title battle to earn points in Stage One.
  • With a caution flying nearing the end of Stage Two, Hendrick Motorsports’ Crew Chief Cliff Daniels called the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Camaro ZL1 to pit road to implement a four tire strategy. Larson was the fifth car off pit road, but the first with a fresh set of Goodyear tires – lining up 11th for the restart. Shortly thereafter, Larson was caught up in an accident that forced the team’s early departure from the race.
  • Following what ultimately ended up being the final green-flag cycle of the race, William Byron and the No. 24 RaptorTough.com Camaro ZL1 team cycled back up into the runner up spot when a late-race caution forced the event under an overtime finish. Byron elected to take the inside lane of the front-row for the first attempt. With a masterful start, Byron was able to surge his Chevrolet-powered machine to the front to edge out Tyler Reddick before another caution flew.
  • Teetering on fuel to make it to the end, Crew Chief Rudy Fugle immediately told Byron to save fuel – ultimately choosing to forgo pit road to remain in contention for the win. At the choose cone, Byron took the top lane as the control car for the green-flag of the second overtime attempt. Lacking a push from behind, Byron fell into the second position – maintaining the spot to the checkered flag to recorded the team’s eighth top-five finish of the season.
  • The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Daytona International Speedway with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, August 18, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL TOP-10:
POS. DRIVER
2nd William Byron
4th Kyle Busch7th Zane Smith
8th Daniel Suarez
10th Carson Hocevar

WITH 24 NASCAR CUP SERIES RACES COMPLETE:
Wins: 11
Poles: 7
Top-Five Finishes: 41
Top-10 Finishes: 88
Stage Wins: 13

UP NEXT: The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Daytona International Speedway with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, August 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

 TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE QUOTES:

William Byron, No. 24 RaptorTough.com Camaro ZL1

Finished: 2nd

WE HAD TWO OVERTIME RESTARTS. YOU WERE ON THE BOTTOM FOR THE FIRST AND CHOSE THE TOP ON THE SECOND. DID YOU MAYBE WISH YOU WOULD HAVE RETHOUGHT THAT AT THE END?

“Yeah, I mean ultimately, that was the difference. But he (Tyler Reddick) was really fast, and his car was really good. He did a good job on the long runs, so he had us beat. The restarts gave us a chance, but we weren’t able to make the right choice and have the right push and all that. So, I’ll always look back at that, but proud of the effort today. It was good.”

WITH THIS RESULT AFTER A SUMMER SLUMP, DO YOU THINK THIS COULD PROPEL YOU IN THE PLAYOFFS?

“Yeah, we have just been up and down. I feel like since we have come back from the break, we have had a good mindset and have been executing well. Pit crew has been doing a good job and we have been making good decisions. We’ve just been communicating well. We had a few things during the break that we could go to work on and it has just really come together. Just proud of the fact that we have stayed together through this, and I feel like we are in a good spot going into the playoffs.”

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Lucas Oil Camaro ZL1

Finished: 4th

“It was a good day overall for our No. 8 team. Maybe needed a tick more speed, but it was a good top-eight car, so we got a little bit more out of that with the Lucas Oil Chevrolet. It was a good pit strategy by Randall (Burnett) and the guys to keep our track position and keep us upfront there. We took two tires there at the end and it wasn’t going to be ideal on those short restarts. We hung on OK and got a top-five out of it.

Zane Smith, No. 71 Focused Health Camaro ZL1

Finished: 7th

“It was definitely a good recovery. I’m still mad at myself after we sped on pit road once we finally had some good track position. I knew that we were making gains on our Chevy. Once we had to start at the back, I was able to get through a lot of them right away. I felt like we learned a lot there getting back through the field, and we made our car even better. That last restart, I kind of learned something from being back there earlier in the race and was able to apply that to that last restart. I was able to get a few rows and maintain. And then obviously had help from the No. 99 (Daniel Suarez) with a push to get us to seventh there at the line. That was much appreciated.

It’s been a long weekend, but all-in-all, it was a great day with our No. 71 Focused Health Chevy. We’ll take the momentum and head to Daytona.”

Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Jockey Infinite Cool Camaro ZL1

Finished: 8th

“It was an OK day for the No. 99 Jockey Infinite Cool Chevy team. I don’t feel like I did a great job today. For some reason I feel like the car was actually very different from yesterday to today. I struggled a lot on the short runs for a while, but we got it better there at the end. I thought we had decent speed, just not quite good enough. Overall, I think the team did a good job; good calls on tires at the end and we were able to be on offense and it was a decent top-10. I feel like we deserved a top-10 today. I am happy with a top-10, but I don’t feel like I did a good job today.”

Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Premier Security / Zeigler Camaro ZL1

Finished: 10th

“We were able to get a top-10 after falling to 35th on Sunday. We had a few mechanical problems that were kind of a freak deal, but we were able to really reset and get our No. 77 Premier Security / Zeigler Chevy handling good today. We put together a really strong run for the No. 77 team. Really great to finish good at home, but also to have two top-10s, back-to-back. That’s no small feat. We were able to do it at home with a lot of friends and family. We just had a super strong car and it’s great to have good momentum heading into Daytona, where anything can happen.”

Kyle Larson, No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Camaro ZL1

Sidelined by damage sustained in an accident at the end of Stage Two.

Finished: 34th

Take us through what happened from your vantage point.

“Yeah, I just messed up. You try to get all you can on restarts. I was just trying to funnel myself up the racetrack. I didn’t want to get stuck on the bottom three-wide. Just got myself in an awkward aero spot and lost it. It’s unfortunate. I made a mistake and cost ourselves a lot of points today.”

When you’re out there, how much are you aware of what position you’re in because of the way the air changes so much. Did you feel like there was any warning of where you were at before that went around?

“Yeah, I mean you get a little bit of warning right before you start spinning. But once these Next Gen cars step out, it’s really hard to save it. I was just doing what I thought would be right to funnel our way up and just put myself in bad spot.”

You were the first car on four tires. Was that the right call?

“Yeah, I think so. If I would have just done a better job of executing the right way on that first lap, I think we would have ended up fine. Similar to the first stage, Chase (Elliott) was the first on four (tires) and did a really good job to make it up to second. I was hopeful that I could make the right decisions and have that work out, but I just messed up.”

Corey LaJoie, No. 7 Garner Trucking Camaro ZL1

Finished: 32nd

Scary incident down the backstretch. What occurred between you and the No. 10 when you went down the backstretch?

“That’s just about how the year has gone. We have a good car and I find a way to flip it upside down. Twice this year, we’ve been upside down and I hadn’t been upside down my whole career. That’s just unfortunately how the year for the No. 7 team has been all year. We’ve had speed, just haven’t been able to put it together.

The No. 10 (Noah Gragson) chopped me a couple of times, especially off (turn) two when I’d have a run. I hadn’t seen a replay yet.. if he pulled it off the wall when I was trying to get to his left rear to slow him down. But it was a ride, buddy. There were sparks, dirt and all sorts of stuff coming in. I just hate that our Garner Trucking Camaro got a little beat and banged up. I think we had a top-10 to 12 car today, but we ended up on our roof.”

When you’re racing the No. 10 (Noah Gragson), how hard was it to get off of him? I saw that coming off turn two, it’s really hard with the aero..

“Well, you’re trying to pack air on him. You’re trying to formulate runs. He closed the door pretty late on me a couple of different times, and I was trying to get by him. Just misjudged it and wrecked.”

 

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

RFK Teammates Lead Ford in Monday Cup Race at Michigan (Post Race Quotes)

By
Official Release
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Firekeepers 400 NCS Post Race Quotes | Michigan International Speedway
Monday, August 19, 2024

FORD UNOFFICIAL FINISHING RESULTS

5th – Brad Keselowski
6th – Chris Buescher
11th – Ryan Preece
12th – Noah Gragson
14th – Harrison Burton
18th – Ryan Blaney
19th – Michael McDowell
20th – Justin Haley
21st – Cody Ware
22nd – Josh Berry
28th – Austin Cindric
31st – Chase Briscoe
33rd – Joey Logano
36th – Todd Gilliland

BRAD KESELOWSKI, No. 6 Castrol Edge Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Finished 5th)

WHAT HAPPENED DOWN IN TURN 1 ON THAT LAST RESTART? “Yeah, we just had a couple of issues today with the engine shutting off. It was frustrating, but it was just part of our day. We were probably that fourth or fifth-place car, and the way the race played out, the 45 got by us, and he was really fast. He deserved to win the race. We were in position, but we just really couldn’t make anything count. I am really proud of our effort. It was really good execution today and a little more speed than we have had. We just need one more step to be able to win these races.”

WE ALL KNOW HOW BAD YOU WANT TO WIN HERE. YOU WERE CLOSE TODAY. WHAT IS THE EMOTION LIKE?

“Yeah, we are just waiting for something good to happen to us. We were in position, it just hasn’t happened yet.”

CHRIS BUESCHER, No. 17 Fifth Third Bank Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Finished 6th)

YOU WERE 18TH ON THE FINAL TWO RESTARTS ALL THE WAY UP TO SIXTH: “It was a good strategy call and a good move to pit there and do something different for us. Ultimately our chance at winning this thing had gone away. I had been caught up in whatever happened in that early accident, and we have damage on all four corners of this Fifth Third Bank Ford Mustang. We were still fast but the balance was not near as good. It was a lot of fun before that. We had a chance to win this race. So it was a good call to do something different and take the right side tires and we were able to pass a ton of cars. It was wild but a heck of a way to salvage a day that should have been better.”

HOW DIFFERENT WAS THE CAR ONCE YOU GOT THE DAMAGE? “It freed up a lot and probably just sealed that splitter down to the ground. Things happen in front but to me I just feel like if you see an accident, start checking up. It seems like not a lot of people do that right now. It is just chaos when these yellows come out. That happened a little quicker than I really realized but it is still frustrating to be involved in that and take away the pace we had in this Mustang. It was just so good. I had such a fun time the first half of this race between yesterday and today and this is a heck of a recovery ultimately on the day.”

CONSIDERING HOW BAD THE DAY COULD HAVE BEEN, YOU LEAVE 16 POINTS ABOVE THE CUT LINE. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT GOING INTO DAYTONA? “That is the first I have seen it. I am adamant that we are not points racers but when our chance to win this thing was gone, ultimately that was some of the mentality, to figure out how to make the best of our day. We had seen troubles from some of the other cars that were on the bubble. I wouldn’t say we weren’t aggressive on restarts, though. We were moving, but we were also trying to be smart and methodical about it and not put ourselves in a really bad spot. It was on our mind there at the end. It is what you have to do once you aren’t in contention to win the race.”

RYAN PREECE. No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Finished 11th)

“That was a good ending. I didn’t think we were going to finish 11th today. I thought if everything went out way we would finish maybe 16th or 17th, so that was a net gain for us. Certainly, we have some strengths and have made gains. We need to make gains on those weak areas. I feel like we are getting closer, so hopefully these final 12 we can finish out on a positive note.

JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse

(Retired early due to multi-car accident on Lap 116)

WHAT DID YOU FEEL? “We had that right-rear tire go flat right before that, which put us back there down a lap, and then I think the 5 just spun out in front of me and kind of caused a big wad and a Daytona-type crash. There was nowhere to really go. I couldn’t steer it left, so I just committed to maybe if I could slow it down enough, I could center punch it, and it wouldn’t be that bad. That was my only option there. Unfortunately, we got knocked out a little early. We were fighting for probably a top-10. We weren’t that great, if there were more wrecks we could maybe have ended up with a top-five but we will move on.”

TODD GILLILAND, No. 38 Grillo’s Pickles Ford Mustang Dark Horse

(Retired early due to multi-car accident on Lap 116)

WHAT HAPPENED? “I am not too sure. We were fighting for the Lucky Dog and I thought we were in a pretty good position. I ran to the bottom into Turn 3 and I was trying to get up all the way back to the wall. I am pretty sure I was just looking in my rearview camera, and everybody wrecked. I am not too sure. I was trying to get up into a hole, and the next thing I knew, we were all in a wreck. It is unfortunate. I thought we were clicking away.”

Sell Your Van Fast: Vandervan’s webuyanyvan Service with Same-Day Pickup and Instant Pay

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SM
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Photo by ventanamedia at https://depositphotos.com/

Selling your van can often be a daunting task, whether you’re upgrading to a newer model, downsizing, or simply no longer need the extra space. The process traditionally involves listing your vehicle, dealing with inquiries, haggling over price, and waiting for a buyer who might not show up. But what if you could bypass all that hassle and get an instant offer, same-day pickup, and immediate payment? Vandervan’s webuyanyvan service is designed to do just that, making selling your van a straightforward, fast, and rewarding experience.

The Need for Quick Van Sales

Vans are practical, versatile vehicles used for various purposes, from transporting goods to serving as mobile homes. However, when the time comes to sell, the process can be surprisingly challenging. Selling a van privately often means spending weeks or even months waiting for the right buyer. In the meantime, the van might be depreciating in value, taking up space, and costing money in insurance or maintenance.

For many van owners, time is of the essence. Whether it’s because of an urgent need for cash, the desire to avoid the complexities of a private sale, or simply the need to move on quickly, there’s a growing demand for services that can turn a van into cash almost instantly. Vandervan recognizes this need and responds with a service that not only buys any van but does so with speed and efficiency.

Why Choose Vandervan’s Webuyanyvan Service?

Vandervan distinguishes itself in the van-buying industry with its webuyanyvan service, which is expertly crafted to cater to van owners who need a quick and effortless selling experience. Here’s why Vandervan is the ideal choice:

  • Guaranteed Purchase: Unlike the uncertainty that comes with private sales, Vandervan promises to purchase your van, regardless of its brand, model, or condition. This certainty removes the stress of wondering if you’ll find a buyer.
  • Fair Valuation: Vandervan offers a straightforward and fair valuation process. You’ll receive an upfront quote for your van’s worth, with no hidden charges or unexpected deductions, ensuring complete transparency.
  • Streamlined Experience: Vandervan makes the entire selling process as seamless as possible. From the initial valuation to receiving your payment, they handle all the details, including the necessary paperwork and transportation.
  • Same-Day Collection: One of Vandervan’s most convenient features is their same-day pickup service, which is ideal for sellers who need to finalize the sale of their van quickly.
  • Immediate Payment: After your van is collected, Vandervan processes the payment right away, so you receive your funds without any delay.

This unique combination of guaranteed purchase, transparent valuations, hassle-free logistics, same-day pickup, and instant payment makes Vandervan a top choice for anyone looking to sell their van with minimal effort and maximum efficiency.

How Vandervan’s Webuyanyvan Service Works

Selling your van through Vandervan is a straightforward process. Here’s how it works:

  1. Online Evaluation: Begin by visiting Vandervan’s website to access their evaluation tool. By entering specific information about your van—such as its make, model, year, and overall condition—you’ll quickly receive an estimated value. This tool is straightforward, offering an immediate and clear assessment.
  2. Inspection Scheduling: If you’re satisfied with the initial estimate, the next step is to schedule an in-person inspection. Vandervan’s professionals will arrange a convenient time to thoroughly inspect your van, ensuring that the provided details match the actual condition of the vehicle.
  3. Offer Confirmation: After the inspection, you’ll receive a confirmed offer for your van. This offer is typically valid for a certain period, giving you the flexibility to decide without pressure.
  4. Pickup Coordination: Upon accepting the offer, Vandervan will coordinate the pickup of your van. They ensure that the collection is arranged at a time and place that is most convenient for you, often offering same-day service.
  5. Instant Pay: As soon as the van is collected, payment is processed and transferred to your account immediately. This instant pay feature ensures that you don’t have to wait around for your money.

Same Day Pickup: A Game-Changer for Van Sellers

One of the standout benefits of Vandervan’s webuyanyvan service is the option for same-day pickup. This feature is especially advantageous for those who need to quickly free up space or gain access to funds. Here’s why same-day pickup makes a significant difference:

  • Instant Convenience: With Vandervan, there’s no need to spend time searching for a buyer or waiting around for someone to pick up your van. They take care of all the logistics, saving you both time and effort.
  •   Flexible Scheduling: Vandervan offers pickup times that are adaptable to your schedule, allowing you to choose a time that best fits your day. Whether you’re at home or at work, they will come to your preferred location.
  •   Reassurance: Knowing that your van will be collected on the same day you finalize the sale gives you peace of mind. You won’t be left uncertain about when the transaction will be completed.

Instant Pay: What It Means for You

Instant payment is another key feature of Vandervan’s webuyanyvan service. Here’s why it’s so important:

  • No Waiting: Traditional van sales often involve waiting for payments to clear or for checks to arrive. With Vandervan, payment is processed immediately after the van is picked up, meaning you get your money without delay.
  • Financial Flexibility: Whether you need the funds for an emergency, a new purchase, or simply to improve cash flow, instant payment ensures you can access your money right away.
  • Trustworthy Payment Process: Vandervan ensures that every payment is handled with the highest level of security and reliability. There’s no need to worry about payment issues like bounced checks or delays, as the funds are directly deposited into your account, providing you with immediate access to your money.

This secure payment system underscores Vandervan’s dedication to making the selling process smooth and worry-free for every customer.

Types of Vans Accepted by Vandervan

One of the standout aspects of Vandervan’s webuyanyvan service is the broad range of vehicles they accept. Whether you have a small delivery van, a large commercial vehicle, or even a campervan, Vandervan is interested. Here’s a closer look at the types of vans accepted:

  • Commercial Vans: These include everything from small delivery vans to large panel vans used for business purposes. Vandervan understands the value of these vehicles and offers competitive prices.
  • Campervans: If you’re selling a campervan, Vandervan is also interested. Whether it’s a classic model or a more modern version, they’ll provide a fair valuation.
  • Non-Running Vans: Even if your van is not in running condition, Vandervan will still make an offer. This is particularly beneficial for those with older or damaged vehicles that might be hard to sell privately.
  • Modified Vans: If your van has been modified, either for business or personal use, Vandervan can still provide a valuation. They understand that these modifications add value and will take them into account when making an offer.

No matter what type of van you have, Vandervan’s service is designed to accommodate your needs, offering a straightforward and fair process for all sellers.

Avoiding the Hassles of Traditional Van Selling

Selling a van through traditional methods can be a frustrating experience. From listing your van online to dealing with potential buyers, the process can be time-consuming and stressful. Here’s how Vandervan’s webuyanyvan service helps you avoid these common hassles:

  • No Need for Advertising: With Vandervan, there’s no need to create and manage online ads or deal with the cost of listing your van. Vandervan handles everything, from valuation to sale.
  • Avoiding Tire Kickers: Private sales often attract buyers who aren’t serious or who want to haggle excessively. Vandervan’s process is straightforward, with no time wasted on uninterested buyers.
  • Quick Turnaround: Traditional sales can take weeks or even months. Vandervan’s same-day pickup and instant payment mean you can sell your van and have the money in your account in a matter of hours.
  • No Paperwork Hassles: Vandervan handles all the paperwork, including the transfer of ownership. This means you don’t have to worry about any legal or administrative details.

Choosing Vandervan over traditional selling methods saves you time, money, and a lot of potential headaches, making it the ideal solution for those looking to sell their van quickly and efficiently.

How to Prepare Your Van for Sale

While Vandervan simplifies the selling process, taking a few extra steps to prepare your van can help you secure the best possible deal. Here’s how to get your van ready for sale:

  • Give It a Good Clean: Presenting your van in its best condition can make a big difference. A thorough wash and interior cleaning can boost its appeal and potentially increase its value.
  • Clear Out Your Belongings: Before your van is picked up, make sure to remove all personal items and any equipment. This not only speeds up the process but also allows for a more accurate assessment.
  • Organize Your Paperwork: Gather all relevant documents, including registration, service records, and any recent repair receipts. Having these ready will streamline the valuation and sale process.
  • Fix Minor Issues: If your van has small problems, like a broken taillight or a missing mirror, consider fixing them beforehand. Addressing these minor issues can help you receive a better offer.
  • Provide Honest Details: When filling out the valuation tool, be upfront about your van’s condition. Accurate information ensures that the final offer aligns with the true value of your vehicle.

Taking these steps will help you navigate the selling process smoothly and ensure you get a fair and accurate offer for your van.

Conclusion

Selling your van doesn’t have to be a hassle or take up a lot of your time. Vandervan’s webuyanyvan service provides a quick, easy, and dependable option for anyone wanting to sell their van fast. With the convenience of same-day pickup and immediate payment, coupled with their focus on customer satisfaction, Vandervan makes the process of selling your van simple and stress-free. Whether you have a commercial van, a campervan, or a vehicle that’s not running, Vandervan is ready to assist. Don’t delay—get your instant online valuation now and discover just how effortless it is to sell your van with Vandervan.

Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship Closer Than Ever Entering VIR Rounds

By
Official Release
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DANVILLE, Va. (Aug. 19, 2024) – With only four races left on the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin schedule, things are about to take a turn for the dramatic. The top eight drivers in the standings are covered by less than 600 points, which is a small margin considering one can score a maximum of 380 points per race. Seasons past have shown that VIRginia International Raceway can make or break a driver’s championship dreams.

Leading the field coming into Rounds 11 and 12 is Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering). He is one of the drivers that saw his chances at a championship dissolve at VIR last year because of a mechanical issue in Race 1. While Jeansonne hasn’t been a podium fixture this season, he has been a consistent race finisher.

“At this point in the championship I think it’s more important than ever to put it (playing it safe) out of my mind,” Jeansonne said. “We’ve collected solid points all year, and leading the points going into the final four events is what we have worked for all season. Now, it’s time to go head to head with the top MX-5 drivers in the world, try to win races and secure the championship.”

Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) is another driver who last year saw his hopes for a title fade at VIR. A mechanical issue forced him to pit in Race 1, giving him his worst finish of the season, then a last lap incident in Race 2 took him from first to 10th, nearly doubling his deficit to the championship leader.

A native of Williamsburg, Virginia, Wagner has reached the podium at VIR but has yet to score a MX-5 Cup win at his home track.

VIR was where Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) solidified his point lead last year en route to his second Mazda MX-5 Cup Championship.

Thomas goes from coast to coast this week, arriving at VIR from California fresh off taking part in the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion. Thomas was invited by Mazda to drive a 1991 Mazda RX-7 GTO from the Mazda Heritage Collection.

“I was super excited when Mazda invited me to drive a car from the Heritage Collection at the Rolex Reunion,” Thomas said. “To get the opportunity to drive one of them—I was blown out of the water. I guess these are the perks of being a two-time MX-5 Cup champion! Hopefully there will be more opportunities down the road to drive these cars again.”

Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing) is feeling good coming into VIR. He is only 30 points out of the championship lead and returns to the site of his first-ever Mazda MX-5 Cup win.

In contrast, his MMR teammate Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) arrives in Virginia still in search of his first MX-5 Cup race win. Fletcher has been on the podium multiple times, but not the top step. He even crossed the finish line first in Race 2 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, but a 10-second penalty for incident responsibility knocked him back to 15th. He is currently fourth in the championship points.

With an $80,000 check from Mazda going to the driver who claims the spot, there are currently three rookies sitting in the top ten in points. Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) leads the way, sixth in the championship with two race wins to his credit (Sebring and Canadian Tire Motorsport Park). Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 Advanced Autosports) trails him by 220 points and Julian DaCosta (No. 78 JTR Motorsports Engineering), fresh off of his first MX-5 Cup podium is tenth in the championship.

Will the standings get a shakeup at VIR or will a clear leader emerge? Watch the livestream on the RACER YouTube channel or IMSA.tv, Saturday, August 24, at 6:05pm ET for Race 1 and Sunday, August 25, at 9:45am ET for Race 2.

Many MX-5 Cup teams and drivers won’t be done when the checkered flag falls on Sunday. That’s because they head to Martinsville Speedway for an open test. The test is to prepare for the recently announced exhibition race there, October 26, with the Whelen Modified Series. Martinsville is a one-hour drive from VIR. There will be no livestream or live timing available for this test.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

ARCA Menards Series at Illinois State Fairgrounds: Springfield ARCA 100 Post-race Notes

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Official Release
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ARCA Menards Series at Illinois State Fairgrounds:
Springfield ARCA 100 Post-race Notes

  • William Sawalich (No. 18 Starkey SoundGear Toyota) earned his tenth career ARCA Menards Series victory and his first on dirt in Sunday’s Springfield ARCA 100 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Sawalich started from the General Tire Pole and led every lap, a feat he also accomplished earlier this season at Salem Speedway and held off Isabella Robusto (No. 20 JBL Audio Toyota) on a one-lap overtime finish by 0.888 seconds at the finish.
  • Second-place Robusto and third-place Taylor Reimer (No. 55 BuzzBalls Toyota) finished third to mark the first time in ARCA Menards Series history that two female drivers finished in the top three in the same series race. All four Venturini Motorsports female teammates finished among the top-ten, with Toni Breidinger (No. 25 Sunoco Toyota) in sixth and Amber Balcaen (No. 22 ICON Toyota) in eighth. The previous record for the most female drivers in the top-ten in a single ARCA Menards Series race was two, four times: Daytona in 2018 (Natalie Decker, 5th; Leilani Munter 8th) and three times this season, at Phoenix (Robusto 6th; Breidinger 9th), Talladega (Balcaen 7th, Breidinger 10th) and Berlin (Breidinger 6th, Balcaen 10th).
  • Hometown favorite Kelly Kovski (No. 16 Brandt Chevrolet) finished fourth, his eighth career top-ten finish and 24th career top-ten finish. He also finished fourth at Springfield in 2023; five of Kovski’s top-five finishes have come at Springfield, the other three came at DuQuoin.
  • Lavar Scott (No. 6 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) finished fifth after being shuffled out of the groove on the final restart of the day to start the last lap of the race. Scott managed to gain ten points in the battle for the ARCA Menards Series championship after his teammate and series points leader Andres Perez (No. 2 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) finished 15th after overheating issues left him 45 laps down to the leader.
  • Kris Wright (No. 15 FNB Corporation Toyota) finished seventh and jumped to third in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings. All five Venturini Motorsports cars finished in the top eight.
  • Christian Rose (No. 32 West Virginia Department of Tourism Ford) finished ninth after being spun into the outside wall in turn three on the final lap.
  • Tim Monroe (No. 12 Illinois Trucking Association/Riverside Chevy Chevrolet) finished tenth in his first ARCA Menards Series start of 2024.
  • The race was slowed by cautions 6 times for 27 laps and was extended by 5 laps into overtime.
  • The next race for the ARCA Menards Series is the Sprecher 150 The Milwaukee Mile on Sunday, August 25. The race will be televised live on FS1 and streamed live on FloRacing starting at 1 pm ET/12 noon CT.

About ARCA
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing).

About Menards
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states. Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building. You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more. To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!

Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture. Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries. And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more.
Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too! For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

D-BOX Renews FIA Licensing Rights, Continuing to Elevate Motorsport Simulation Experience

By
Official Release
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D-BOX haptic technology is changing the way Esports is experienced

MONTRÉAL, Aug. 19, 2024 – D-BOX Technologies Inc. (“D-BOX” or the “Corporation”) (TSX: DBO), a world leader in haptic and immersive experiences, is pleased to announce the renewal of its licensing rights for three years, with The Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). This renewed partnership positions D-BOX as the only officially FIA licensed haptic system offered on the market today. This agreement reaffirms D-BOX’s commitment to delivering high-quality immersive haptic technology to sim racers, professional racing teams, training facilities, sim racing centers and motorsport enthusiasts around the world.

This agreement will lead to a range of FIA Official Licensed Products developed by D-BOX to the FIA Clubs and all its retail partners around the world. Under the terms of the agreement, D-BOX will provide their products to support the FIA in leading the growth and development of Esports and, in so doing, extend the appeal of the sport to fresh audiences, with the aim of doubling global participation in motor sport.

Eric Stranne, FIA Esports Project Manager welcomed the backing of D-BOX at a time of growth and huge ambition for Esports worldwide. “We are delighted that a global brand like D-BOX has shared its support as we continue to develop and grow this sector,” he said. “We want to expand the global footprint of Esports, attracting a wider audience to the sport by making the experience realistic and truly immersive. D-BOX will play a pivotal role in achieving our aims by helping us and its customers inspire all the gaming industry to reach and inspire millions of potential new fans. We look forward to a strong collaboration together.”

“D-BOX is honored to renew our licensing agreement with the FIA, a globally recognized authority in motorsports,” said Sébastien Mailhot, CEO of D-BOX Technologies. “This exclusive official license for haptic systems reaffirms our dedication to providing state-of-the-art motion simulation solutions that enhance training and performance, while also promoting safety and innovation in motorsports.”

D-BOX Technologies Inc. is a pioneer in the field of immersive haptic technology, offering a unique system in sim racing. The renewal of its licensing rights with the FIA reinforces D-BOX’s position as a pioneer and global leader in haptics.

ABOUT FIA
The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation of the world’s leading mobility and motor sport organisations. Founded in 1904, with headquarters in Paris and Geneva, the FIA is a non-profit organisation. It brings together 243 Member Organisations from 146 countries on five continents. Its Member Clubs represent over 80 million road users and their families. The FIA promotes safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility for all road users around the world.

ABOUT D-BOX
D-BOX creates and redefines realistic, immersive experiences by moving the body and sparking the imagination through effects: motion, vibration and texture. D-BOX has collaborated with some of the best companies in the world to deliver new ways to enhance great stories. Whether it’s films, video games, music, relaxation, virtual reality applications, metaverse experience, themed entertainment or professional simulation, D-BOX creates a feeling of presence that makes life resonate like never before. D-BOX Technologies Inc. (TSX: DBO) is headquartered in Montreal with offices in Los Angeles, USA and Beijing, China. Visit D-BOX.com.

ASHLEY, ALEXANDER AND GLENN ROLL TO BRAINERD WINS AT LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 18, 2024) – Top Fuel’s Justin Ashley picked up his third win of the season on Sunday at Brainerd International Raceway, defeating Shawn Langdon in the final round of the 42nd Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals.

Blake Alexander (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) also won the 13th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

Ashley led wire-to-wire against Langdon, going 3.745-seconds at 329.34 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Scag Power Equipment/Toyota dragster to roll to his 14th career victory. Ashley defeated Billy Torrence, Tony Stewart and Josh Hart to reach the final round, earning his first career Top Fuel win at Brainerd and also getting his first victory since April.

He moved to third in points and showcased impressive consistency during eliminations, with all four runs between 3.74 and 3.76. That bodes well for a strong performance in Indy and the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

“Everything that we’ve done throughout the entire regular season so far has been done with intent and purpose,” Ashley said. “We want to win each and every race that we go to, but ultimately, it’s about positioning ourselves well for Indy and beyond. We broke out a new car this weekend and kudos to Mike (Green) and Tommy (DeLago), they did an amazing job. The car went up and down the track every time today. There’s just something about a new chassis that feels great. There’s going to be ups and downs, it’s about staying level-headed.

“This class is so difficult, it’s so tough. The margin of error is so small, so when you’re able to be consistent like that, it just increases your chances of winning. It’s one of those sports that any given Sunday, anything can happen. It’s so hard to run in such a tight window like that, but this team came through and got it done.”

Langdon went to the finals for the sixth time in 2024 and the 44th time in his career, getting past Shawn Reed, Kalitta Motorsports teammate Doug Kalitta and Ida Zetterstrom, who made her NHRA Top Fuel debut this weekend. Kalitta now holds an 84-point lead over Langdon.

In Funny Car, Blake Alexander enjoyed a terrific redemption weekend in Brainerd after the team battled back following an explosion in Sonoma. The turnaround was impressive and Alexander ended his weekend in the winner’s circle for the first time this season, picking up the win in his 11,000-horsepower Head Racing Ford Mustang when defending world champion Matt Hagan went red in the final round. Alexander would have been tough to beat, posting a 3.927 at 324.67 in the championship round after staying in the low 3.90s the entire day.

It’s the fourth career victory for Alexander – and his second in Funny Car – and he advanced to the final round on the strength of round wins against Dave Richards, Jack Beckman and Chad Green. Working with crew chief Jim Head, Alexander has turned into a legit contender and will head to the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals seventh in points, feeling fully capable his team can compete against anyone. Alexander proved that in Brainerd, taking another step forward in his career at a track that means a great deal to him.

“Sonoma was the hardest race I’ve ever had in my career and then to come here and have one of the best races I’ve ever had in my career, it means a lot,” Alexander said. “I don’t want to sound arrogant, but I know that when I’m on, I’m one of the top guys out here. I know when I’m not on, just like anyone else, I can be a problem for my race team. So I’m trying to keep it tight, four straight runs every single time. Saying that is really easy to do, but doing that is really hard.

“I’m really proud of this team, they worked really hard on the combination and seeing them pull the strings on it in between runs. We’re making legit horsepower now and when it turns into a horsepower game we can play that game now and I’m pretty proud of that. It’s just a nice to place to come to and when you can feel that the people who own the track and the fans care, it just makes this big difference.”

After struggling in qualifying, Hagan reached the finals for the fourth time this year and 91st time in his career, getting past Ron Capps, Daniel Wilkerson and J.R. Todd. Austin Prock remains in the points lead, holding a 218-point advantage over Bob Tasca III heading to Indy.

Pro Stock points leader Dallas Glenn got back to his winning ways in impressive fashion, picking up a repeat win in Brainerd after defeating Mason McGaha in the final round, going 6.613 at 206.95 in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro. It’s the third season of the season for Glenn – and his first since Chicago in May – and the 11th in his career. Brainerd also continues to treat Glenn very well, defeating Eric Latino with a 6.598, defending world champion Erica Enders and Aaron Stanfield, who had won three of the past four races, to reach the final round.

McGaha left first but ran into trouble as Glenn cruised to a victory. It opened up his lead over KB Titan Racing teammate Greg Anderson to 184 points heading to the regular-season finale in Indy and gets Glenn back on track, also snapping the six-race winning streak of Elite Motorsports in the process.

“It feels really good,” Glenn said. “I went to three finals in that six-race streak where they kept winning. It was definitely good to finally seal the deal. We made a really nice run there in the final, even though I kind of got caught with my pants down on the tree. I kept flickering it all day and had really long trees, then all of a sudden I get a quick one and it caught me off guard.

“Everybody on the crew did an awesome job. You go up second round against Erica and you know she’s going to be tough, and then you follow it up with Aaron Stanfield, who’s won three out of the last four – yeah, it was a tough day. This is a big Pro Stock area, the Zoo is always a good time, and people around here definitely show up for this race. They support it, and it’s really great seeing the stands packed and everybody up against the fence cheering every run you go up and down.”

McGaha reached his first final round of the season and third in his career thanks to victories against No. 1 qualifier Jerry Tucker, David Cuadra and Fernando Cuadra Jr.

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action Aug. 28-Sept. 2 with the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Final finish order (1-16) at the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The race is the 13th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

TOP FUEL:

  1. Justin Ashley; 2. Shawn Langdon; 3. Ida Zetterstrom; 4. Josh Hart; 5. Clay Millican; 6. Doug Kalitta; 7. Tony Stewart; 8. Jasmine Salinas; 9. Steve Torrence; 10. Shawn Reed; 11. Brittany Force; 12. Tony Schumacher; 13. Antron Brown; 14. Billy Torrence.

FUNNY CAR:

  1. Blake Alexander; 2. Matt Hagan; 3. J.R. Todd; 4. Chad Green; 5. Austin Prock; 6. Jack

Beckman; 7. Bob Tasca III; 8. Daniel Wilkerson; 9. Bobby Bode; 10. Ron Capps; 11. Paul Lee; 12. Dave Richards; 13. Alexis DeJoria; 14. Jim Campbell; 15. Jack Wyatt; 16. Cruz Pedregon.

PRO STOCK:

  1. Dallas Glenn; 2. Mason McGaha; 3. Aaron Stanfield; 4. Fernando Cuadra Jr.; 5. Erica Enders; 6. David Cuadra; 7. Cristian Cuadra; 8. Jeg Coughlin; 9. Greg Anderson; 10. Cory Reed; 11. Jerry Tucker; 12. Matt Hartford; 13. Troy Coughlin Jr.; 14. Eric Latino; 15. Chris McGaha; 16. Deric Kramer.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Sunday’s final results from the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The race is the 13th of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

Top Fuel — Justin Ashley, 3.745 seconds, 329.34 mph def. Shawn Langdon, 4.020 seconds, 261.32 mph.

Funny Car — Blake Alexander, Ford Mustang, 3.927, 324.67 def. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, Foul – Red Light.

Pro Stock — Dallas Glenn, Chevy Camaro, 6.613, 206.95 def. Mason McGaha, Camaro, 10.944, 82.27.

Top Alcohol Dragster — Hunter Green, 5.251, 271.90 def. Madison Payne, 5.264, 276.86.

Top Alcohol Funny Car — Bob McCosh, Chevy Camaro, 5.515, 263.77 def. Sean Bellemeur, Camaro, 5.827, 261.07.

Competition Eliminator — Bruno Massel, Chevy Cobalt, 6.986, 187.23 def. Travis Gusso, Cobalt, 8.450, 160.31.

Stock Eliminator — Brian Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 10.330, 125.01 def. Johnny Diekema, Chevy Corvette, 10.055, 128.04.

Super Comp — Michael Cheney, Dragster, 8.907, 164.23 def. Kris Whitfield, Dragster, Foul – Red Light.

Super Street — Wayde Samuel, Chevelle, 10.888, 139.95 def. Steve Stockton, Nova, Foul – Red Light.

Factory Stock Showdown — Scott Libersher, Chevy Camaro, 7.816, 172.04 def. David Janac, Ford Mustang, 7.909, 173.58.

Top Fuel Motorcycle — Larry McBride, Suzuki, 4.854, 239.91 def. Mitch Brown, Suzuki, 5.205, 212.90.

Mountain Motor Pro Stock — Brad Waddle, Ford Mustang, Foul – Red Light def. Dennis Firkus, Chevy Cobalt, Foul – Red Light.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Final round-by-round results from the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 13th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:

TOP FUEL:

ROUND ONE — Shawn Langdon, 3.774, 310.41 def. Shawn Reed, 3.755, 329.75; Doug Kalitta, 3.689, 331.20 def. Antron Brown, 5.720, 121.69; Clay Millican, 3.735, 332.51 def. Brittany Force, 3.756, 332.18; Tony Stewart, 3.724, 334.73 def. Tony Schumacher, 3.786, 327.11; Ida Zetterstrom, 3.773, 320.81 def. Steve Torrence, 3.750, 321.35; Josh Hart, 3.758, 331.04 def. Jasmine Salinas, 3.742, 330.96; Justin Ashley, 3.747, 331.69 def. Billy Torrence, 8.055, 116.88;

QUARTERFINALS — Zetterstrom, 4.395, 180.48 was unopposed; Hart, 3.772, 330.39 def. Millican, 3.787, 308.99; Ashley, 3.763, 328.30 def. Stewart, 9.435, 78.54; Langdon, 3.970, 284.87 def. Kalitta, 4.378, 250.92;

SEMIFINALS — Langdon, 16.584, 62.32 def. Zetterstrom, Foul – Red Light; Ashley, 3.754, 330.39 def. Hart, 4.135, 225.82;

FINAL — Ashley, 3.745, 329.34 def. Langdon, 4.020, 261.32.

FUNNY CAR:

ROUND ONE — Bob Tasca III, Ford Mustang, 3.956, 320.28 def. Jack Wyatt, Dodge Charger, 24.584, 21.08; Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.872, 334.65 def. Jim Campbell, Chevy Monte Carlo, 4.634, 235.39; Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.921, 325.37 def. Dave Richards, Toyota Camry, 4.118, 263.46; Matt Hagan, Charger, 3.937, 329.26 def. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.913, 331.20; Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.940, 327.11 def. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 4.254, 218.55; Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.885, 322.88 def.

Bobby Bode, Mustang, 3.910, 330.39; Chad Green, Mustang, No Time Recorded def. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, Foul – Centerline; J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.945, 328.70 def. Paul Lee, Charger, 4.015, 276.86;

QUARTERFINALS — Hagan, 3.969, 324.05 def. Wilkerson, 10.218, 88.82; Todd, 4.012, 323.97 def. Prock, 3.917, 323.89; Alexander, 3.943, 317.05 def. Beckman, 3.945, 321.65; Green, 4.044, 309.20 def. Tasca III, 4.343, 222.58;

SEMIFINALS — Alexander, 3.948, 320.51 def. Green, Foul – Red Light; Hagan, 3.965, 324.12 def. Todd, 4.075, 280.14;

FINAL — Alexander, 3.927, 324.67 def. Hagan, Foul – Red Light.

PRO STOCK:

ROUND ONE — David Cuadra, Ford Mustang, 6.645, 206.45 def. Deric Kramer, Chevy Camaro, 7.114, 194.72; Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.598, 208.10 def. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.649, 206.20; Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.611, 204.05 def. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.609, 205.91; Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.651, 206.01 def. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.636, 206.57; Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.610, 206.42 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.640, 206.29; Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.618, 204.94 def. Greg Anderson, Camaro,

6.603, 208.30; Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.597, 206.73 def. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.650, 207.34; Mason McGaha, Camaro, 6.641, 207.37 def. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.610, 207.62;

QUARTERFINALS — M. McGaha, 6.655, 207.69 def. D. Cuadra, 6.652, 206.48; Stanfield, 6.629, 205.29 def. Coughlin, 6.691, 199.91; Cuadra Jr., 6.632, 206.42 def. C. Cuadra, 6.680, 198.03; Glenn, 6.623, 206.20 def. Enders, 6.622, 207.05;

SEMIFINALS — M. McGaha, 6.672, 206.51 def. Cuadra Jr., 6.849, 206.13; Glenn, 6.616, 206.76 def. Stanfield, 6.620, 207.37;

FINAL — Glenn, 6.613, 206.95 def. M. McGaha, 10.944, 82.27.

BRAINERD, Minn. — Point standings (top 10) following the 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, the 13th of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series –

Top Fuel

  1. Doug Kalitta, 1,034; 2. Shawn Langdon, 950; 3. Justin Ashley, 929; 4. Steve Torrence, 861; 5. Antron Brown, 847; 6. Clay Millican, 683; 7. Tony Stewart, 677; 8. Tony Schumacher, 663; 9. Billy Torrence, 639; 10. Brittany Force, 583.

Funny Car

  1. Austin Prock, 1,190; 2. Bob Tasca III, 972; 3. Matt Hagan, 960; 4. J.R. Todd, 891; 5. John Force, 749; 6. Ron Capps, 738; 7. Blake Alexander, 650; 8. Daniel Wilkerson, 637; 9. Chad Green, 606; 10. Paul Lee, 578.

Pro Stock

  1. Dallas Glenn, 1,153; 2. Greg Anderson, 969; 3. Erica Enders, 947; 4. Aaron Stanfield, 941; 5. Jeg Coughlin, 849; 6. Troy Coughlin Jr., 680; 7. Jerry Tucker, 648; 8. Cristian Cuadra, 512; 9. Deric Kramer, 490; 10. Eric Latino, 487.

NASCAR postpones remainder of Cup Series event at Michigan to Monday due to inclement weather

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Stephanie McLaughlin for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The remainder of the 2024 FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, the site of the 24th event of the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, has been postponed to Monday, August 19, and the coverage will resume at 11 a.m. ET on USA Network.

The news comes as the event, which was scheduled to occur on Sunday, August 18, endured and ultimately lost a daylong battle against Mother Nature, with on-track precipitation initially delaying the event’s start for more than two hours. The precipitation had also been present for the majority of the weekend and caused the event’s practice and qualifying sessions to be canceled, with the starting lineup determined through the NASCAR Rule Book.

Once the event commenced under green flag conditions at 4:55 p.m. ET on Sunday, it reached the conclusion of the first stage period that ended on Lap 45 and was won by the reigning Cup Series champion Ryan Blaney.

Prior to the start of the second stage period, however, the event was waved off from restarting under green flag conditions multiple times due to on-track precipitation slowly and steadily returning to the Michigan venue. After running select laps under caution, NASCAR then directed the field to pit road and the event was placed in a red flag period on Lap 51 of 200.

With no signs of relief being detected within the forecast that would allow the event to reach the halfway mark before Sunday evening at 8:20 p.m. ET, which would be at Lap 100 or Lap 120 for the conclusion of the second stage period, the event’s postponement was announced just past 6 p.m. ET.

This season marks the second consecutive time that the Cup Series’ annual event at Michigan has been postponed to the following day after its initial scheduled date of Sunday. It also marks the third consecutive season where the event has been delayed due to on-track precipitation overall. A year ago, the Cup Michigan event was postponed from Sunday to Monday after completing 74 of 200 laps, where Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing’s Chris Buescher would proceed to win the event.

Currently, Chase Elliott, the 2020 Cup Series champion who is pursuing his first victory at Michigan, is the leader when the race resumes on Monday morning. Martin Truex Jr., Bubba Wallace, Alex Bowman, Tyler Reddick, Kyle Busch, Kyle Larson, Ross Chastin, Chase Briscoe and Joey Logano are all scored in the top 10, respectively. In addition, all 36 starters are scored on the lead lap.

Photo by Tim Jarrold for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The 2024 FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway is set to resume on Monday, August 19, at 11 a.m. ET on USA Network.

CORVETTE RACING AT ROAD AMERICA: What a Weekend!

By
Official Release
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DXDT records first 1-2 finish, takes Pro and Pro-Am wins with Corvette Z06 GT3.R

ELKHART LAKE, Wis. (August 18, 2024) – DXDT Racing recorded more landmark results in its first season with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R by sweeping the GT World Challenge America weekend at Road America and posting victories in multiple classes for the first time.

Tommy Milner and Alec Udell won their fifth race in a row Saturday and added their sixth straight Sunday in the No. 63 Corvette Z06 GT3.R. It’s the third straight weekend sweep in the Pro class for the first-year duo. More notably, they led a team 1-2 overall finish Sunday as the No. 08 Corvette of Bryan Sellers and Bryson Morris won the Pro-Am category in their first race as a pairing.

The results give the first-year Z06 GT3.R eight race victories since debuting in January and a 1-2 finish for the second time – the first coming via Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

The strategy from both the 63 and 08 teams was spot-on Sunday. Milner started on the class pole and drove the first 40 minutes in a six-car train of traffic. He handed off to Udell in hopes of getting clean air and clear track, which worked perfectly as he made the eventual winning pass with 40 minutes left and the three lead Pro-Am cars coming out of pitlane.

Udell pounced from second place and into the lead at the first turn, which also allowed Morris to make his challenge for the class lead and second overall. By the time both Corvettes emerged from Turn Five a few seconds later, Udell and Morris ran 1-2 and stayed that way to the end.

It was a nice redemption for the No. 08 Corvette, which was collected by a spinning car in Saturday’s opening race of the weekend. In that contest, Udell started from pole with Milner having to hold off the field on a restart with five minutes to go. He had led by as much as 19 seconds before the late full-course yellow.

DXDT Racing’s next event in GT World Challenge America is Sept. 6-8 at Barber Motorsports Park near Birmingham, Ala.

DXDT RACING CORVETTE POST-EVENT QUOTES

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 63 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “All in all, it was a great weekend with two wins again and six in a row. That’s pretty special. On the surface it seems easy, but it’s not! There are so many things that can go wrong. I can’t tell you how many times in my career where we’ve had cars that should have won races but didn’t because something went wrong. I’m super-proud to be part of Corvette Racing and with DXDT Racing. They’ve over the last couple of years made a huge effort to improve every aspect of their program. It’s great to have results that show all the hard work that a lot of people have put in to making this a great team. I’m proud and happy to be part of it.”

ALEC UDELL, NO. 63 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The crew did a great job with the car. There was limited dry running time this week with all the weather that was moving through. I’m happy to be here, and the Corvette performed beautifully here at Road America. I’m really happy with the platform. Tommy had a great first stint and maybe got caught in some traffic and dirty air. We had a little bit of a battle with the Porsche in the opening laps of our stint. There was a little bit of a traffic jam with some Pro-Am cars, and I was able to take advantage of that and run clean to the finish. I’m really happy for Bryan and Bryson as well. It’s great to see that car up front. I’m happy for the team and for a great team effort.”

BRYAN SELLERS, NO. 08 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Bryson did a great job for us. It for sure was a difficult situation for him. He got the call just a few days before the race. He was eager to get here with us. We ran him in a test about a week ago, and he was fantastic. He’s a great kid and listens really well. We were really impressed with his ability to come in and fit in seamlessly. When it came to this race, he was an easy choice.

“I had a really good in-lap and he had a fantastic out-lap. We talked before the race in the strategy meeting that it would be the difference-maker between him and some of the other drivers because we knew it would be tough to race them. The 29 BMW stopped a lap ahead of us, which I think went in our favor because it gave us another opportunity for a flier. We were able to jump them in the pits and come out right with the leaders and made a great move to get the lead.”

BRYSON MORRIS, NO. 08 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It was a pretty difficult stint but lucky Bryan did a great job to help me get into the lead. I just had to pass one car on the out-lap to get the lead and was able to hold it from there. Thanks to everyone at DXDT Racing. I couldn’t have done it without them. I was getting the gaps to second place from the team and it was coming down a little bit, but we were able to take the win. I’m really excited.”

CHRISTIE BAGNE, CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PROGRAM MANAGER: “Congratulations to DXDT Racing on today’s 1-2 finish at Road America and victories in both GT World Challenge America Pro and Pro-Am classes. The team continues to show the potential of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the hands of customer teams. The strategy and execution on both Corvettes was perfect today and led to this landmark result.”

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Toyota Gazoo Racing North America NHRA Brainerd Post-Race Report – 08.18.24

By
Official Release
-

JUSTIN ASHLEY TRIUMPHANT AT BRAINERD FOR TOYOTA’S FIFTH CONSECUTIVE WIN
Toyota claims 13th Top Fuel win in the last 14 NHRA races

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 18, 2024) – Justin Ashley captured his third victory of the 2024 season and the 14th of his career by taking home the Wally Trophy at Brainerd International Raceway on Sunday. Ashley defeated his Toyota teammate, Shawn Langdon, in the final round to give Toyota its fifth consecutive Top Fuel victory and its 13th in the last 14 NHRA events. The victory also bumps Ashley up to third in the Top Fuel points standings heading to the Toyota U.S. Nationals in two weeks, the final race before the Countdown to the Championship.

The finals appearances by Ashley and Langdon now mark 36 consecutive NHRA event final rounds for Toyota in either Top Fuel and/or Funny Car.

In Funny Car, J.R. Todd reached the semifinals Sunday afternoon, but not without having to overcome some adversity. As he captured the win light in his second-round race, Todd suffered damage that seemed to be too much to repair before the semi-finals. However, Toyota teammate teams, Ron Capps Motorsports and DC Motorsports, chipped in to help Todd and the DHL team repair their GR Supra Funny Car in time, which included a spare body from Capps, who was eliminated in round one. It was a testament of tremendous teamwork across Team Toyota but ended in the penultimate round of Funny Car action.

Racing at the Toyota U.S Nationals for Team Toyota begins Friday, Aug. 30 with the final round taking place Monday, Sept. 2. Coverage across the weekend will be found on FOX, FS1 and FS2.

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series
Brainerd International Raceway
Race 13 of 20

TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS

NameCarFinal ResultRound-by-Round
Justin AshleySCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel DragsterWinnerW (3.747) v. B. Torrence (8.055) W (3.763) v. T. Stewart (9.435) W (3.754) v. J. Hart (4.135) W (3.745) v. S. Langdon (4.020)
Shawn LangdonKalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel DragsterFinalistW (3.774 – holeshot) v. S. Reed (3.755) W (3.970) v. D. Kalitta (4.378) W (15.584) v. I. Zetterstrom (3.840 – red light) L (4.020) v. J. Ashley. Langdon (3.745)
Doug KalittaMac Tools Toyota Top Fuel DragsterSecond RoundW (3.689) v. A. Brown (5.720) L (4.378) v. S. Langdon (3.970)
Steve TorrenceCAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel DragsterFirst roundL (3.750) v. I. Zetterstrom (3.773 – holeshot)
Antron BrownMatco Tools Toyota Top Fuel DragsterFirst RoundL (5.720) v. D. Kalitta (3.689)
Billy TorrenceCAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel DragsterFirst RoundL (8.055) v. J. Ashley (3.747)

TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS

NameCarFinal ResultRound-by-Round
J.R. ToddDHL Toyota GR Supra Funny CarSemi-finalsW (3.945) v. P. Lee (N/A) W (4.012 – holeshot) v. A. Prock (3.917) L (4.075) v. M. Hagan (3.965)
Alexis DeJoriaBandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny CarFirst RoundL (4.254) v. D. Wilkerson (3.940)
Ron CappsNAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny CarFirst RoundL (3.913) v. M. Hagan (3.937 – holeshot)

*= Non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

JUSTIN ASHLEY, SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, SCAG Racing

TF Final Result: Winner

Does it get any better than a win like this?

“No, it doesn’t. This is fantastic. What an incredible weekend. You know, the first burnout we did on this new chassis, new car, we had was Q1 here this weekend. I think right now, we’re hitting our stride and it’s all about the Countdown (to the Championship) and preparing for Indy (Toyota U.S. Nationals), which is the next one. This was an all-Team Toyota final and to be able to put this car, specifically, into the winner circle is just (pause), feels so good. Mike Green (crew chief), Tommy DeLago (co-crew chief) and the guys, this is because of them. They work incredibly hard, and they put this car together on short notice. Great job team and thank you to all the SCAG Power Equipment dealers and distributors out there this weekend. It was riding like a cheetah and turf tiger all weekend, so awesome job everybody.”

J.R. TODD, DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, Kalitta Motorsports

FC Final Result: Semifinalist

It wasn’t the result you wanted, but what an effort to get the car ready for that run.

“Yeah, I can’t thank everybody enough who was involved. First off, Ron Capps. It’s great being a part of Toyota – one big family. These GR Supras, they’re not interchangeable between the two chassis, so they had to hustle to fit that NAPA body to make it fit on our chassis. Del Worsham (DC Motorsports), his guys were over there helping us out. There were some other teams as well. The ‘Yellow Fellas’ (DHL GR Supra Funny Car team), I always give them props for working hard, but they’ve had one heck of a weekend. After that, we have a lot of work to get ready for Indy (Toyota U.S. Nationals). I thought we were dead after that. I was throwing my gloves and upset. Saw the win light come on and thought, ‘we’re screwed,’ right? Two bodies and didn’t know if there was any chassis damage. But those guys, they don’t quit until it’s over with and it was awesome to drag it back up there. It was like a victory in itself and once you see (Matt) Hagan out there drive away from you, you just shut it off. Don’t want to blow another body up. But hopefully we can go to Indy and redeem ourselves and start making a move when it counts.”

RON CAPPS, NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, Ron Capps Motorsports

FC Final Result: First Round

What was the thought process going into helping JR and the Kalitta team to get their car prepared for the semifinals?

“It wasn’t even a decision, we’re all Toyotas. We actually looked into seeing if we could even bring our chassis down here, our backup in the trailer. There are a few things I have different, my brake handle, little things like that but J.R. (Todd) is a great driver and he can adapt. Unfortunately, things are just a bit different between Del Worsham’s (DC Motorsports) car, our car and the Kalitta car as far as the Toyota bodies on the chassis, specifically. Our guys, their guys and Del’s guys jumped on it and they’re getting it to fit. When you’re Team Toyota, you do anything it takes.”

About Toyota

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

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.

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

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