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Jack Wood rejoins McAnally-Hilgemann Racing for full Truck campaign in 2025

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Jack Wood has been named a full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series racer for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing (MHR) for the 2025 season.

The 24-year-old Wood from Loomis, California, will pilot the No. 91 Chevrolet Silverado RST entry that will be sponsored by Adaptive One Calipers and led by crew chief Kevin Bellicourt.

The news comes as Wood is coming off a part-time Truck Series campaign at MHR, where he drove MHR’s No. 91 entry to seven top-20 results and an average-finishing result of 20.8 through 13-scheduled starts. He also competed on a full-time basis for Bill McAnally Racing in the ARCA Menards Series West division, where he notched five top-five results and seven top-10 results before he finished in fourth place in the final driver’s standings.

The 2025 season is set to mark MHR’s second consecutive season fielding four full-time entries in the Truck Series as Wood will compete alongside teammates Tyler Ankrum, Daniel Hemric and Connor Mosack. The upcoming season is also set to mark Wood’s second as a full-time competitor in the Truck Series and first since the 2022 season.

“I’m definitely thankful and excited to be back at MHR next season,” Wood said in a released statement. “We had a lot of bright spots this past season and have a great foundation to build on. I have a lot of trust in Kevin [Bellicourt], [team owner] Bill [McAnally], and everyone at MHR, so that makes me excited for what’s ahead of us next year. It’s great to have Adaptive One Calipers board with us and looking forward to activating with their customers throughout the season.”

Wood made his Truck Series debut at Circuit of the Americas in May 2021, where he drove the No. 24 GMS Racing Chevrolet entry to a 28th-place result. He proceeded to make 11 additional starts throughout the 2021 season, where he notched his first top-10 result by finishing 10th at World Wide Technology Raceway in August, before he assumed the No. 24 entry on a full-time basis in 2022. During his first full-time Truck campaign, he recorded an average-finishing result of 25.2 and settled in 24th place in the driver’s standings. Prior to joining MHR on a part-time basis in 2024, Wood piloted the No. 51 Kyle Busch Motorsports Chevrolet entry in 13 events in 2023. During the stint, he recorded two top-10 results, a career-best ninth-place run at Texas Motor Speedway in April and an average-finishing result of 21.3.

Through 61 current starts in the Truck Series, Wood has recorded three top-10 results, five laps led and an average-finishing result of 23.6 as he strives to both achieve his first series victory and make his first Playoffs in 2025.

“We’re glad to have Jack return next season and excited to see him build on the groundwork from 2024,” Bill McAnally added. “The No. 91 team did a great job last season with multiple drivers and Jack managed the year well with splitting time between the truck program and the west series. It’s tremendous to have continued support from everyone at Adaptive One Calipers and allowing Jack to focus on the entire truck schedule next year will pay dividends for the whole team.”

With his plans for next season set, Jack Wood’s 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Tim Brown: Rookie or Ringer?

By
Official Release
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Rick Ware Racing To Give Winningest Driver in Bowman Gray History

First Career NASCAR Cup Series Start in Feb. 2 NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Dec. 17, 2024) – Ever since he was a fresh-out-of-high-school 19-year-old just beginning his racing career, Tim Brown had an eye on competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Nearly 35 years later, Brown will finally get the opportunity to race in NASCAR’s premier division.

Rick Ware Racing (RWR) has tabbed Brown to drive its No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the Feb. 2 NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray, the season-opening exhibition race for the NASCAR Cup Series.

Brown isn’t some journeyman. With 101 victories, he is the all-time winningest driver at Bowman Gray Stadium, the flat, quarter-mile asphalt oval in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that is the country’s longest-running weekly racetrack. NASCAR runs the venerable facility and the city of Winston-Salem is listed as its owner, but Brown has made “The Madhouse” his house by augmenting his win tally with 12 track championships and 146 poles.

The 53-year-old from Yadkinville, North Carolina, competes in the track’s Tour Type Modified division, where he has set just about every record imaginable. Beyond having the most wins, the most poles and the most championships at Bowman Gray, Brown owns the fastest lap ever recorded (12.965 seconds on April 30, 2016). He won every pole during the 2003 season, and his championships span four decades, with titles in 1996, 1997, 1998, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2015, 2021 and 2022.

“I’ve worked my whole life to try to be a Cup driver,” said Brown, who toils fulltime at RWR as its suspension and drivetrain specialist. “I’m good with working on racecars for a living because it’s still a pretty cool gig, but I always wanted to drive for a living. For Rick Ware and everybody involved here at RWR to give me the chance to go run a Cup race is so humbling and so heartwarming. It’s really cool.”

Ware is a former driver who transitioned to team ownership after injuries took him out of the seat.

“As someone who understands what it’s like to try to achieve goals and move up the racing ladder, it’s just a great opportunity for Tim and it’s something we’re proud to do,” Ware said. “We’ve had the opportunity to give a lot of drivers their first Cup start, and this is one that’s very well-deserved, especially at this track.”

Brown has turned thousands of laps around Bowman Gray, and he will turn even more before the NASCAR Clash. He will race his Modified in the undercard Madhouse Clash on Feb. 1. That means in addition to the track time Brown will get in a Cup car via practice, qualifying and his heat race prior to the NASCAR Clash, he will get a practice session in his Modified before qualifying and the 125-lap race.

“That time in the Modified will be very helpful for multiple reasons,” Brown said. “NASCAR has already done some updates to the stadium with soft walls and things like that. That’s going to change the line of the racetrack because you make the track smaller. So the line that we generally run, you won’t be able to run because they run right out against the wall. If the soft walls take up 2-and-a-half or 3 feet, now that’s 3 feet that you can’t let the car drift out to the wall. Just getting some track time before we climb in the Cup car, which I’ve never driven before other than on the chassis dyno, will be very helpful.”

While Brown has not driven a Cup car, he knows it inside and out. He has been building Cup cars since he was in high school, first with Cale Yarborough Motorsports and through the many iterations of Cup technology, including the current-generation car.

“I’ve been Cup racing for almost 35 years now, and I don’t know that you’ll find a Cup driver who actually gets to build his own Cup car from the ground up, chassis dyno it, and then go race it,” Brown said. “These guys that work here at RWR, they’re my buddies and they’re all racers, and we get to do this as a group effort. I actually get to put the nuts and bolts on it, and mount a seat, put the motor in it, and go drive it on the chassis dyno before I run it in the Clash. That’s pretty cool.”

The cool factor is heightened because the opportunity is coming on NASCAR’s biggest stage.

“The guys who race these Cup cars today are elite,” Brown said. “They’re the best drivers in the world, and I’m not even going to put myself in that same category. I’m just going to do the best I can.

“I want to climb out of that thing at the end of the Clash and see my son and our family with big smiles on their faces and knowing that we did the best we could because, I promise you, I’m going to give it 110 percent. I just want to enjoy the moment, relish it and soak it all in. I’m not going to leave there and say, ‘Hey, I’m a Cup driver, now.’ I’m just going to leave there knowing this was the experience of a lifetime.”

Beyond creating an exceptional moment for Brown, Ware envisions this endeavor highlighting grassroots racing and the skills of its personalities.

“At Bowman Gray, Tim really has the same opportunity as anybody else,” Ware said. “He was with Roush for decades before he was with us. He’s a very good mechanic. He’s built all his own racecars and he understands racing. I think he’s got an inside track just because he has touched every single part of these cars. He’s a racer, and particularly at this track, he’s got a lot of experience.”

The NASCAR Clash will be broadcast live by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Rick Ware Racing:

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

Screeching Tires, Squeaky Legal Claims—How to Get What You Deserve!

By
SM
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hoto by Jiafeng Wang on Unsplash

Tire blowouts and car accidents are increasing in the gritty streets of Los Angeles. One often feels helpless after a minor or a major accident. It also involves treating the physical and emotional strains of the people and damage to the vehicles involved, remembering the tussle season involving the legal processes. Car accident victims ask how they can ever get what they need. No better method of doing so is more effective than approaching an expert car accident attorney in Los Angeles. In these circumstances, with professional legal advice, locating and asserting one’s rights and seeking a proper claim is much facilitated.

Understanding Your Rights: Know What You’re Entitled To

Out of LA and all of California, the laws are based on the fault of the party filing the case. This implies that the person at the helm of affairs during the incident is, under the law, obliged to compensate. Any injury victim is entitled to indemnification for damages such as cost of treatment, income loss, physical and emotional trauma, property damage, and many other losses. Thus, you must fully know your rights before signing any documents with your insurance company and participating in the trial or settlement negotiation. It would be the best idea to get in touch with a Los Angeles motor vehicle accident lawyer to look at the details of your case and what types of compensation you can attempt to obtain depending on the case circumstances.

If a person is seeking legal recourse after a car accident, it might help if they have an idea of the process. First, however, one should assess one’s health and see a doctor if there is the slightest suspicion. First-degree or minor injuries are usually aggravated over time and may prove fatal. The records help link the accident to your medical condition and will be important when proving your case.

At this point, after seeing a doctor, the next important thing to do is to get evidence. Some of the photo evidence that should be captured about the accident includes photos of the scene, damaged vehicles, physical injuries, and other notable exterior conditions on the roads. It is also necessary to get the details of other witnesses so that they can produce evidence that they could have seen the accident. The filing of police reports, if any, enhances the documentation process. All of this evidence is valuable in helping to put together a compelling case for why compensation should be a priority.

When all the requested paperwork is collected, it is possible to address a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles. A lawyer practicing personal injury law will explain to you what needs to be done next in filing an insurance claim or taking the issue to court. A reasonable attorney will also ensure you stick to all legal procedural rules and avoid any mistake that may harm your case.

If the case can be settled outside a court, your attorney will negotiate fluidly with the insurance firm to arrive at a reasonable compensation figure. But if the compensation dispute is not resolved, the aggrieved party must proceed to court. As you progress through this process, your attorney will be your representative, whose main aim is the protection of your interests, no matter the situation.

Nevertheless, people make several mistakes when filing claims after a car crash. The most severe mistake that can be made is failure to seek treatment. It is never too early to seek medical help, whether the incident seeking them looks pretty minor or not. If the injuries are not treated immediately, there is a chance that the insurance companies will use this fact against you to claim that it did not result from the accident.

Another horrible mistake many people make is initially taking whatever the insurance company has offered them. As a result, insurers are always eager to enter into settlements, not losses. However, these first offers are usually a gross underestimate of what one is qualified for, much less when considering future medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Any award will be reviewed by a Los Angeles motor vehicle accident lawyer, and he or she will be willing to seek a more significant settlement.

Another critical blunder is to capture the accident in writing. Firsthand evidence is needed to assign blame or quantify the losses. This includes capturing many scene pictures, maintaining medical care records, and obtaining witnesses’ statements.

Lastly, fending for yourself when responding to a claim without an attorney also has negative consequences. Even in what may be perceived as very clear-cut, the insurance carriers will tend to exploit an otherwise innocent claimant who is not represented. An experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer knows the choice of laws to apply and will ensure you receive adequate compensation.

How to Prove Your Case: Gathering the Right Evidence

The evidence that a client gathers is among the most critical components in winning a car accident tort. Medical records alone are considered one of the major types of evidence. They include your official medical records of your injuries, treatments, and progress on your way to recovery. They are undeniable proof unique to the level of pain that the innocent victims of the accident incurred, and their necessity cannot be overemphasized when the victim is seeking compensation.

Exception may call for expert testimony. Crash investigators or doctors can assist you in understanding the accident’s cause or the injury’s consequences. Such people will also be good to be by your side as they will add credibility to your claim.

Maximizing Your Compensation: Tips for Negotiating Settlements

Lastly, the next step is to make a deal after you have gathered the evidence and prepared your case for trial. Taking your time when making quick decisions and choosing the first pleasant path should be noted in this stage. This is why insurance companies will make an initial offer shortly after an accident and make a low offer that will not make provision for the different damages that may arise from it. Hiring a Los Angeles motor vehicle accident lawyer guarantees that any settlement offer is scrutinized to know if it is enough to cover your medical bills, wage loss, and other losses.

Expert advice is crucial when concluding a case because you need to know the actual value of your case. It also encompasses the short-term, intermediate, and long-term expenditures that precipitate from the incident, such as medical expenses now and in the future, continuing treatment and rehabilitation, and any resultant complications from your injuries in the future. Regarding injury compensation, an attorney will assist you in estimating the total worth of your claim to avoid being overcompensated.

Last of all, a good Los Angeles car accident lawyer will ensure that he or she has had adequate experience and bargaining power for the case. They will protect your site and move for the highest compensation for your injuries and damages.

Conclusion

Being involved in a car accident is both regular and uncomfortable, but with some legal information, one can protect oneself and claim what rightfully belongs to you. In this regard, if you are aware of your rights, avoid a common mistake, collate adequate evidence to support your case, and negotiate properly, then you are sure your claim is in the right hands. In case you have been involved in a car accident in Los Angeles, consultation with a Car Accident lawyer in Los Angeles can be an essential step towards getting what you need to heal and recover. In case you need help from professional legal representatives, the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg provides experienced legal services to help you find your way around the car accident claim.

Zeigler Auto Group Returns to Spire Motorsports for 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Campaign

By
Official Release
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Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar to Carry Zeigler Livery for Multi-Race Program

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (December 16, 2024) – Zeigler Automotive Group, one of the largest privately-owned automotive dealer groups in the United States, will return to Spire Motorsports to partner with Michigan native and reigning NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar for multiple races in 2025.

“We are very excited for the 2025 season with Carson and the Spire team,” said Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing. “This past year has been nothing short of incredible, with Carson earning the well-deserved Rookie of the Year award. His performance on the track has exceeded all expectations, and if this past year is any indication of what’s to come, we’re in for an exciting ride. Carson’s commitment to excellence, both on and off the track, has made a tremendous impact, and we are honored to continue to support our hometown hero. His dedication to the community has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for Carson, Zeigler, and the entire Spire team.”

Zeigler.com and Zeigler Auto Group will be showcased as the team’s primary sponsor in eight Cup Series races in 2025 beginning with the first points-paying race of the season Feb. 16 at Daytona International Speedway.

The distinct yellow and black Zeigler paint scheme will be featured aboard Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy Camaro at the following races in 2025:

  • Daytona International Speedway – February 16
  • Homestead-Miami Speedway – March 23
  • Darlington Raceway – April 6
  • Nashville Superspeedway – June 1
  • Michigan International Speedway – June 8
  • Chicago Street Course – July 6
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway – July 27
  • World Wide Technology Raceway – September 7

Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all the domestic and majority of the imported manufacturers. The family-owned and -operated organization has been a regular on the Cup Series tour since 2019.

Hocevar, 21, earned top 2024 rookie honors on the strength of one top-five, six top-10 and 13 top-15 finishes. In his first full-season at the controls of the No. 77 Chevrolet, Hocevar brought home a career-best third-place finish in the Cup Series’ September visit to Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group after a successful rookie season,” said Hocevar. “They’ve been such a great support group since day one for me and the No. 77 team. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to take the Zeigler Chevrolet to Victory Lane.”

The Portage, Mich., native impressed throughout his rookie campaign, accumulating 686 points and being the top-finishing rookie in 15 races on NASCAR’s senior circuit. He out-distanced his next closest competitor by a handsome 107-point advantage when the checkered flag fell on the 2024 season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

The 21-year-old made his NCS debut for Spire Motorsports on June 4, 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway. In addition to his NCS debut, Hocevar made four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts for Spire Motorsports in 2023, earning top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway (sixth) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (eighth).

Hocevar is the third Michigan-born driver to win Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors, following in the footsteps of Johnny Benson (1996) and Erik Jones (2017).

The 67th running of the Daytona 500 will be televised live on FOX, Sunday, Feb. 16 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and will also be the first NASCAR event streamed live on Amazon Prime. The first of 36 points-paying races on the 2025 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

About Zeigler Auto Group …
Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all of the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers.

Besides its extensive automotive portfolio, the organization owns and operates Zeigler Motorsports, an 85,000-square-foot motorsports dealership and action park, offering 19 different powersports brands, plus its own onsite restaurant: Trak Houz Bar & Grill. Additionally, Zeigler Motorsports houses the Elevate Leadership & Team Building Academy, an executive training company.

The Kalamazoo-based dealer group also owns and operates Zeigler Pre-Owned of Chicago, three Byrider franchises, three finance companies, several insurance firms, and a leasing firm.

Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,500 people, ranking among the top one percent of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2023.

The family-owned and operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2024, and among Glassdoor’s top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance.

For more information, please visit zeiglerracing.com or follow us on @zeigler_racing on Facebook, X, Instagram, and Linkedin.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports is a NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2024, Spire Motorsports campaigned the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolets in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team also fielded the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on April 12, 2024, when Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

TRICON Garage reveals crew chief lineup for 2025 Truck season

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

TRICON Garage took to social media to reveal its crew chief lineup for the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

The host of names that will occupy TRICON’s crew chief lineup for next season features the return of four names from the previous season and one new name returning atop the pit box for the first time in two seasons.

Beginning in 2025, Jake Hampton will work as a crew chief for TRICON’s No. 1 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro team. The No. 1 entry will be fielded as the team’s “all-star” entry for a third consecutive season and piloted by multiple competitors who haven’t been named. Hampton had previously served as a crew chief for TRICON’s Nos. 15 and 17 entries through 11 of the remaining 12 events on the 2023 schedule.

For the list of familiar names returning in 2025, Derek Smith and Scott Zipadelli will remain as crew chiefs for TRICON’s Nos. 5 and 11 Toyota entries, respectively. Smith, who spent the previous two seasons working with driver Dean Thompson, will be paired with Toni Breidinger, the latter of whom replaces Thompson and is set to make her first full-time campaign in the Truck Series after she competed on a full-time ARCA Menards Series basis for Venturini Motorsports in 2024. Meanwhile, Zipadelli, the 2018 Truck Series championship-winning crew chief who enters his third consecutive season with TRICON, will remain paired with driver Corey Heim. Together, the duo of Zipadelli and Heim have notched nine victories, five poles, 26 top-five results, 37 top-10 results, the 2023 Truck Series Regular Season Championship and two Championship 4 appearances, where they settled in the runner-up spot in the 2024 driver’s standings.

Lastly, crew chiefs Jeff Hensley and Jerame Donley will return to TRICON as both will also switch teams in 2025. Hensley, a veteran crew chief with 22 Truck victories who first joined TRICON and worked atop the No. 17 pit box for driver Taylor Gray a year ago, will transition to TRICON’s No. 15 Toyota team and work with Tanner Gray, Taylor’s older brother. As a result, Donley, who first joined TRICON in 2023 to crew chief the No. 15 entry and Tanner Gray, will assume Hensley’s former position atop the No. 17 pit box for newcomer Gio Ruggiero, the latter of whom is set to make his first full-time campaign in the Truck Series after spending this past season competing in the ARCA Menards Series East division for Venturini Motorsports.

This past season, Donley was replaced by Jason Burdett at the No. 15 team before the seven-race Playoff stretch. However, he did work as the crew chief for the No. 1 entry piloted by William Sawalich for the remaining three scheduled events.

In addition to the crew chief lineup, Matt Puccia, a three-time race-winning crew chief in the Cup Series, will remain as TRICON’s competition director for a third consecutive season.

The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season is set to mark TRICON Garage’s third season of existence since being rebranded from David Gilliland Racing and changing manufacturers from Ford to Toyota. Since 2023, the organization has notched nine victories, all of which have been recorded by driver Corey Heim, crew chief Scott Zipadelli and the No. 11 team. In addition, the organization has also recorded a combined eight poles, 48 top-five results, 150 top-10 results and 1,467 laps led. This past season, Heim and Taylor Gray represented TRICON in the Playoffs as the organization continues to pursue its first championship in the Truck Series division.

TRICON Garage’s 2025 Truck Series season is scheduled to commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

Niece Motorsports Signs Christian Rose to Full-Time NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Season in 2025

By
Official Release
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Rose to compete for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors driving the No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado

Salisbury, NC (Dec. 16, 2024) – ARCA Menards Series graduate Christian Rose is making the jump up to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for a full-time bid with Niece Motorsports in 2025.

Born in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Rose did not come from a racing background, but rather, was raised on his family’s farm. When he was a child, Rose dreamt about becoming a professional driver, but his path to the career was formed by a unique journey.

A former Division 1 college baseball pitcher, Rose graduated with his bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. In 2022, he was enshrined into the school’s Wall of Fame for his playing achievements. Shortly after graduating, Rose became a bouncer at a bar & grill in Ocean City, Maryland, before embarking on his driving career.

Starting out in Super Late Models, then later progressing into the ARCA ranks, Rose has gained experience racing on all types of tracks throughout the country.

In 2023, he joined AM Racing to complete two full-time ARCA national seasons – both of which resulted in top-five finishes in the points standings – highlighted by a third-place title run during his rookie year.

Looking ahead to 2025, Rose will take on a new challenge as he learns the ropes of the Truck Series. His rookie campaign will come from behind the wheel of the team’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST.

“For me, it’s a huge opportunity to make the jump from the ARCA Series,” said Rose. “I got my feet wet a little bit in the Truck Series a few years ago, but I believe in everything that we have going on in this building and am very excited to get to Daytona. The speed that we’ve seen from this team is a big reason why we signed our deal, and I’m just excited to make that transition. I think if we do the right things and show up and put the work in, we can have a lot of great things to look forward to next year.”

Rose joins fellow teammates Matt Mills and Kaden Honeycutt, who will both compete on a full-time basis for the team in 2025. Additional driver lineup announcements, along with primary partnership announcements for Rose’s truck, are forthcoming.

Niece Motorsports will enter its 10th season competing in the Truck Series in 2025, marking a milestone year for the organization.

“We’re all excited to welcome Christian on with our team next year,” said Cody Efaw, Niece Motorsports CEO. “I think our program has the possibility to have a banner year with the driver and partner lineup that we have. Christian’s drove well in his time running in ARCA, and he will have all the tools he needs to learn from our group of guys. It’s going to be a great year.”

Away from the racetrack, Rose enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife, Brooke, just welcomed the birth of their second son, Rip, a handful of weeks ago.

The 2025 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season will commence under the lights at the iconic Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 14th. Tune-in to FOX Sports 1 to see Christian Rose make his first NCTS outing with his new team.

Follow Christian Rose on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Visit niecemotorsports.com for all the latest news.
About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2025, Niece Motorsports enters its tenth season in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as X @NieceMotorsport.

Greg Van Alst Joins Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen for 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season

By
Official Release
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CHARLOTTE, N.C.: Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen confirmed today the signing of ARCA Menards Series veteran driver and race winner Greg Van Alst to compete in a majority of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule, beginning with the United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway on Sat., Feb. 14, 2025.

Van Alst, a former ARCA winner at Daytona, will pilot the No. 35 Chevrolet Camaro as part of an already announced two-car effort for the Mooresville, N.C.-based team beginning with the season-opening race at the famed 2.5-mile superspeedway.

“I am thrilled about this opportunity to compete in most of the NASCAR Xfinity Series season with Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen,” said Van Alst.

“This is an essential step in my racing career, and with a tunneled vision focused on the Xfinity Series, I believe I can step up to the plate and not only be competitive but also produce some strong finishes that can propel our team into the spotlight.

“I’m ready to get to work and make the most out of the opportunity to make my NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Daytona in about two months.”

Van Alst, 43, graduated to the Xfinity Series part-time with Alpha Prime Racing in 2023 at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway, respectively.

After spending most of the 2024 season competing in the ARCA Menards Series aboard his family-owned No. 35 entry, Van Alst paired with SS-GreenLight Racing this year for five races, earning a career-best finish in the penultimate race of the season at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in early November.

Co-team owner Joey Gase announced last week that his family-owned team had added additional investment support from entrepreneur Scott Osteen. He is excited to work with Van Alst and conquer their season-long goals.

“Scott Osteen, myself and our entire Joey Gase Motorsports team are extremely excited to have Greg and his partner be a part of our team in 2025,” offered Gase. “It’s crazy how things happen and work out sometimes.

“Greg was in our shop in 2022 when our team started pulling down his ARCA car. Whoever thought he would be driving for us a few years down the road, plus we both have good taste in car numbers.

“We became good friends at the track the last few years in the Xfinity garage. We would throw questions at each other and race each other with respect on the track. Now, we’re joining forces with one mission. I’m looking forward to getting started at Daytona.”

Beginning at Daytona and throughout the 2025 Xfinity season, Van Alst’s No. 35 Chevrolet will carry continued support from Anderson, Ind.-based CB Fabricating.

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating, and assembly.

Nestled in Van Alst’s hometown, CB Fabricating’s partnership will continue for a fifth consecutive season.

“I am excited about this new partnership with Greg and the Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen team, said Chris Barkdull, owner of CB Fabricating.

“This is the next chapter of Greg’s and I’s relationship, and we look forward to making some great memories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series during the 2025 season.”

Van Alst added, “None of this would have been possible without the support of Chris (Barkdull) and CB Fabrication,” he added. “Chris has been there through the highs and lows of my racing career that reignited back in 2021.

“To have his blessing and overwhelming support to make this major leap towards more racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series is incredibly important to me and something I will never forget.

Since 2002, Van Alst has 53 ARCA Menards Series starts to his credit, one win, five top-five and 26 top-10 finishes.

For more on Joey Gase Motorsports with Scott Osteen, please like them on Facebook (Joey Gase Motorsports) and follow them on Instagram (@joeygasemotorsports) and X | Twitter (@J_G_Motorsports).

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on X | Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

The 120-lap United Rentals 300 is set for Saturday, February 14, 2025, with live coverage on The CW Network, the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

How to find the Best Used Car Dealers in Auckland

By
SM
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Like anywhere else, Auckland has many reliable used vehicles for sale that are ready for purchase. However, the most significant decision when buying a used vehicle is whether to purchase from a private seller or a used car dealership. This decision is compounded by the fact that a shady seller or dealership can lie or omit important information about the used vehicle you are interested in, which is why a trustworthy seller is extremely important.

There are plenty of legal resources you could take in the instance of a scam. However, that will cost more money and a significant amount of time. Instead, it would be best if you were focusing your attention on finding reputable used car dealers. While private sellers are an option, there are plenty of NZ car dealers in Auckland, and this article will provide an overview of what to look for.

Auckland Car Dealer Testimonials

Before looking at any dealership’s inventory, check online for testimonials and reviews. Testimonials are incredibly important because they provide an unbiased review of the dealer and the cars it sells.

Websites such as Yelp, Autofile, and BuyerScore (the latter is focused on New Zealand) are good places to find testimonials. Generally, you should avoid using websites owned by the dealership, as there is a potential that the testimonials and reviews listed are fake.

Car Dealer Inventory & Quality

Once a dealership passes the smell test (good testimonials), it’s time to look at what they offer and whether it is a fair market price and of good quality. The key to a successful used car purchase not only includes the ability to choose the right type of car for you but also the ability to ensure that the car is of good quality.

Here are some factors that you should consider regarding car quality:

  • Vehicle History: Check for past accidents, repairs, and ownership details. If a past accident exists, assess the damage location thoroughly.
  • Exterior and Interior Condition: Look for signs of significant rust and damage on the outside and tearing, cracking, and electronics on the inside. Ensure that windows, heating, radio, etc, function properly.
  • Mileage: Higher mileage equals more wear but may not be as significant if maintenance history is good.
  • Engine & Transmission: Test drive the car, even slightly, to ensure smooth operation.
  • Tires & Brakes: Lastly, check the tires to see if they will need to be replaced soon and the quality of the brakes during a test drive.

Car Dealership Customer Support

The last thing to look for in an Auckland car dealer is how you are treated during the buying process and what kind of support they will provide after the purchase. A dealer with strong customer support will provide you with many safety nets to improve your used car.

When buying your used car in Auckland, ensure the dealer provides the following:

  • Knowledgeable Advice
  • Transparent Pricing
  • Test Drives
  • Flexible Financing

During this, also ask about whether your new car’s warranties cover repair costs, ongoing assistance should something happen in the immediate future, and maintenance recommendations.

Bottom Line

Finding a trustworthy used car dealer in Auckland is essential to a good used-car-buying experience. Remember to evaluate dealer testimonials, inspect car inventory for quality, and assess the level of customer support offered. Whether buying your first car or upgrading your current one, focusing on the factors mentioned above will greatly benefit your Auckland used car purchase.

NHRA AND ZMAX DRAGWAY ANNOUNCE FIRST-EVER FOUR-WIDE RACE IN THE COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

By
Official Release
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NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals brings thrilling four-wide racing to playoff race for the first time in NHRA history

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 13, 2024) – For the first time in NHRA history, there will be four-wide racing in the Countdown to the Championship. NHRA and zMAX Dragway officials announced today the first four-wide playoff race, as the revamped NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals will take place Sept. 19-21, 2025, at the Bellagio of Dragstrips, zMAX Dragway.

The annual fall event in Charlotte serves as the second of six races in the Countdown to the Championship and the 16th of 20 races during the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. The playoff race had previously taken place in drag racing’s traditional two-wide format, but one of the most unique spectacles in motorsports will make its playoff debut, with four-wide racing set to bring an intriguing and exciting aspect to the championship race and the fall event at state-of-the-art zMAX Dragway.

“Creating remarkable events is at the core of what we strive to do every day, and a four-wide Countdown race is the next in a long line of firsts we’re proud to be part of in motorsports,” said Greg Walter, president and general manager at Charlotte Motor Speedway. “We’ve seen the popularity of four-wide racing with fans for years at our spring event, but with championship implications on the line, next year’s showcase of speed promises to be our best yet.”

Since its debut in 2010 at the spring race at zMAX Dragway, the first-ever purpose-built four-lane dragstrip, four-wide racing has been a huge favorite with fans, packing the spacious facility each year during the early-season extravaganza.

Bringing the spectacular nature of four-wide racing to the Countdown to the Championship adds a thrilling, must-see aspect to the fall race, which comes in the middle of an important stretch of three straight race weekends to open the playoffs.

Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won the Carolina Nationals, with both Brown and Prock finishing the season as world champs, and Glenn and Smith taking second in points in their respective classes.

Over the years, zMAX Dragway and four-wide racing have provided incredible moments, unbelievable side-by-side-by-side-by-side action and record-breaking runs, setting the stage for a wild four-wide doubleheader in 2025. The NHRA 4-Wide Nationals on April 25-27 will feature the 1,000th race in the illustrious Top Fuel category, with fans also getting the chance to witness four-wide racing in the fall for the first time ever, only adding to the playoff intensity and electricity at zMAX Dragway.

“I think it’s positive. You have to go as many rounds as you can in those six (Countdown) races no matter what, and I think it’ll be good,” Mac Tools Top Fuel driver Doug Kalitta said. “If it helps the attendance, that’ll be a double bonus, and I’m totally down with it. People can be pretty opinionated about the four-wide races, but Bruton Smith stepped up like he did his whole life building these beautiful facilities trying to grow the sport.

“If somebody’s willing to spend the money to build a four-wide track to try to improve the sport, I’m definitely down with supporting people and efforts like that. I like the four-wide, and I don’t think it’s going to be a problem. Just like with NASCAR and what they do with the road courses and the Roval, we’re mixing it up. I’m for doing whatever it takes to promote our sport and get the most fans at the events.”

Added Funny Car driver Bob Tasca III: “We race for the fans, and the engagement for the four-wide races is off the charts. The track thought it would be a great addition to the Countdown, so why not? Four-wide racing pushes some drivers out of their comfort zone, but I’ve had great success in this format. It’s an intense, electrifying experience that the fans absolutely love, so I say give the fans what they want and make it part of the Countdown.”

Some of the biggest names in the NHRA have also been the biggest winners when it comes to four-wide racing in Charlotte. In the Top Fuel ranks, Brown and Steve Torrence, who both have four world championships, have enjoyed massive success in Charlotte. Torrence has four four-wide victories (and six overall), while Brown has two four-wide wins (and six overall). Funny Car legend John Force won the first four-wide event in 2010 and also the most recent in 2024, with Ron Capps and Jack Beckman also winning twice at the biggest spectacle in drag racing.

In Pro Stock, reigning world champion Greg Anderson has three wins in the four-wide format at zMAX Dragway, including a 2024 triumph, while back-to-back Pro Stock Motorcycle world champion Gaige Herrera also has won the spring race the past two seasons in Charlotte.

“We’re excited to team up with the incredible team at zMAX Dragway and have our first-ever four-wide drag racing in the Countdown to the Championship,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “The Smith family and everyone at zMAX Dragway have always been eager to bring new and innovative ideas to the table, and it was great to see the support from our race teams and partners. We wanted to try something different for our fall race in Charlotte and this marks a thrilling new challenge and full of playoff intensity, and one we think our fans will be eager to see next fall.”

Tickets for the NHRA 4-Wide Carolina Nationals are on sale now and available at https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/events/nhra-carolina-nationals/. The spectacular, can’t-miss four-wide action will include two rounds of qualifying on both Friday and Saturday, leading into eliminations on Sunday for the pivotal playoff race.

For more information on NHRA, including the full 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com. For more information on zMAX Dragway, please visit www.charlottemotorspeedway.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

NHRA AND FOX SPORTS RELEASE TV SCHEDULE FOR UPCOMING 2025 NHRA MISSION FOODS DRAG RACING SERIES SEASON

By
Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 13, 2024) – NHRA officials and FOX Sports announced today the television schedule for the upcoming 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, which includes eight broadcasts on the FOX broadcast network.

All 20 races, along with the NHRA All-Star Callout events in Top Fuel and Funny Car, and the GETTRX NHRA All-Star Callout race in Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle, will be broadcast on either FOX or FS1 during the 2025 campaign. The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season opens March 6-9 with the 56th annual NHRA Gatornationals at legendary Gainesville Raceway. The race includes the NHRA Top Fuel All-Star Callout, which will be broadcast at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 8 on FS1 and eliminations from the season-opener airing from 7-10 p.m. the following day.

For the fifth consecutive season, a September event in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs will also air on FOX adjacent to an NFL broadcast, providing NHRA to a huge audience during its playoffs. That opportunity has repeatedly led to impressive viewership numbers, including an average of more than 1.2 million viewers on FOX last year during the broadcast from Maple Grove Raceway.

That marks the final race of the season appearing on the FOX broadcast network, following a summer filled with incredible racing action on the broadcast network. Races scheduled to appear on FOX include the NHRA New England Nationals from New England Dragway in Epping, N.H. (June 1), the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals from Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk (June 29), the Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals from Pacific Raceways (July 20), a special showing of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge from Sonoma Raceway (July 26), and the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals from Brainerd International Raceway (Aug. 17), leading into the world’s biggest drag race.

The prestigious 71st annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, which takes place Aug. 27-Sept. 1 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, will air on both FOX and FS1, including eliminations on FOX on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 1 from the Big Go. The Funny Car All-Star Callout will also air on FOX on Sunday, Aug. 31, ensuring two days of coverage on FOX for NHRA’s biggest event. Eliminations will receive five hours of coverage on Monday, starting with two hours (12-2 p.m. ET) on FS1 before moving to FOX.

Along with the nitro Callouts, both the GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock All-Star Callout and the GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle All-Star Callout will receive special Saturday broadcasts. The Pro Stock version, which takes place Saturday, June 28 at Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, will air at 3 p.m. ET that day on FS1, while the PSM Callout from Sonoma Raceway will air at 9:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 26 on FS1.

The NHRA and FOX relationship began in 2016, and NHRA and FOX Sports announced a multiyear extension of their agreement in 2021, including expanded coverage, the NFL adjacent event during the Countdown to the Championship, and extensive finals coverage at the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals over Labor Day Weekend each year. The partnership has also led to numerous innovations on the broadcast in recent years, with the NHRA on FOX team collecting numerous Telly awards in 2024.

FOX Sports and NHRA are also scheduling NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series broadcasts, as well as shows featuring the NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series across the FOX Sports networks.

NHRA races will also appear in Canada and the Caribbean through FOX Sports Racing as well, as well as through the FOX Sports app.

For more information on NHRA, including the full 2025 schedule, please visit www.NHRA.com.

2025 NHRA on FOX Sports Television Schedule (all times Eastern)

March 8NHRA Top Fuel All-Star CalloutGainesville9:00 PMFS1
March 9NHRA GatornationalsGainesville7:00 PMFS1
March 23NHRA Arizona NationalsPhoenix6:30 PMFS1
March 30Lucas Oil NHRA WinternationalsPomona6:30 PMFS1
April 13NHRA 4-Wide NationalsLas Vegas6:30 PMFS1
April 27NHRA 4-Wide NationalsCharlotteTBDFS1
May 18Gerber Collison & Glass NHRA NationalsChicago2:00 PMFS1
June 1NHRA New England NationalsEpping6:00 PMFOX
June 8Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley NationalsBristol3:00 PMFS1
June 22Virginia NHRA NationalsRichmond4:00 PMFS1
June 28GETTRX NHRA Pro Stock All-Star CalloutNorwalk3:00 PMFS1
June 29Summit Racing Equipment NHRA NationalsNorwalk2:00 PMFOX
July 20Muckleshoot Casino Resort Northwest NationalsSeattle4:30 PMFOX
July 26Sonoma Mission 2F2T ChallengeSonoma6:00 PMFOX
July 26GETTRX NHRA PSM All-Star CalloutSonoma9:30 PMFS1
July 27Denso NHRA Sonoma NationalsSonoma4:00 PMFS1
Aug. 17Lucas Oil NHRA NationalsBrainerd3:00 PMFOX
Aug. 31NHRA Funny Car All-Star CalloutIndianapolis5:00 PMFOX
Sept. 1Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. NationalsIndianapolis12:00 PMFS1
Sept. 1Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. NationalsIndianapolis2:00 PMFOX

Countdown to the Championship Television Schedule

Sept. 14NHRA Reading NationalsReading2:00 PMTBD
Sept. 21NHRA Carolina NationalsCharlotte3:00 PMTBD
Sept. 28NHRA Midwest NationalsSt. Louis3:00 PMFS1
Oct. 12Texas NHRA FallNationalsDallas4:00 PMFS1
Nov. 2NHRA Nevada NationalsLas Vegas5:00 PMFS1
Nov. 16In-N-Out Burger NHRA FinalsPomona5:00 PMFS1

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

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