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Is Ceramic Coating Better Than Waxing for a Motorcycle?

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

Motorcycle enthusiasts are always searching for the best way to maintain the appearance and protection of their beloved rides. Two popular choices stand out when it comes to preserving the look and performance of your bike: ceramic coating and traditional waxing. But which one is truly better for your motorcycle?

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the benefits and drawbacks of both ceramic coating and waxing, comparing them across various factors like durability, protection, and cost. By the end, you should have a clear understanding of whether ceramic coating is the better choice for your motorcycle, and you’ll know exactly what does a ceramic coating do to keep your bike looking pristine.

What Is Waxing?

Waxing has been the go-to method for motorcycle care for decades. It involves applying a thin layer of carnauba or synthetic wax to the motorcycle’s paintwork. The wax provides a temporary protective layer, helping the surface resist dirt, UV rays, and moisture.

The Benefits of Waxing

  1. Gloss and Shine: Waxing gives your motorcycle a beautiful, glossy finish, enhancing the color and making the paint pop. This is one of the primary reasons many bikers opt for wax—it leaves your bike looking showroom-fresh.
  2. Easy Application: Applying wax is relatively easy and can be done at home with minimal tools. All you need is the wax itself, a clean cloth or applicator pad, and a little elbow grease.
  3. Affordable: Wax is usually much cheaper than ceramic coating products. It’s accessible to most motorcycle owners, and if you like detailing your bike regularly, it can be a cost-effective option.
  4. Short-Term Protection: While wax doesn’t last very long, it does provide a temporary barrier against environmental contaminants like road grime, bugs, and water. Reapplying wax every few months can keep your bike in decent condition.

The Drawbacks of Waxing

  1. Temporary Protection: One of the main disadvantages of wax is that it doesn’t last long. Depending on the conditions your motorcycle is exposed to, wax may wear off within a few weeks to a couple of months. Regular reapplication is necessary to maintain protection.
  2. Vulnerable to Heat: Wax can melt under intense heat or direct sunlight, causing streaking and uneven coverage. This can be a hassle for those who live in warmer climates.
  3. Labor-Intensive: While waxing isn’t overly complicated, it can be time-consuming, especially if you’re thorough. Every few months, you’ll need to strip the old wax, clean the surface, and reapply a new layer.
  4. Limited Durability: Wax doesn’t provide robust protection against harsher elements like bird droppings, tree sap, or salt from the road. While it offers some defense, it can wear down quickly if exposed to these contaminants.

What Does a Ceramic Coating Do?

Ceramic coating is a relatively newer technology that offers a semi-permanent or permanent protective layer for your motorcycle’s surface. It’s made up of liquid polymers that chemically bond with your motorcycle’s paint, creating a hydrophobic (water-repelling) layer.

The Benefits of Ceramic Coating

  1. Long-Lasting Protection: One of the most significant advantages of ceramic coating over waxing is its longevity. A professionally applied ceramic coating can last for several years, compared to waxing, which may only last a few months. This long-lasting protection makes ceramic coating a more reliable option for bikers who don’t want to spend time frequently reapplying wax.
  2. Enhanced Resistance to Contaminants: Ceramic coatings offer superior protection against environmental factors such as UV rays, dirt, road salt, chemicals, and bird droppings. The hard, protective layer created by the coating prevents contaminants from bonding with your bike’s surface, reducing the chances of damage or corrosion over time.
  3. Hydrophobic Properties: Ceramic coatings are highly hydrophobic, meaning they repel water exceptionally well. This makes cleaning your motorcycle a breeze, as water droplets and dirt will simply slide off the surface without sticking, reducing the frequency of washes and making maintenance easier.
  4. Superior Gloss: While wax gives your bike a great shine, ceramic coatings can take that gloss to the next level. The coating enhances the depth and clarity of the paint, providing a “wet” look that lasts far longer than what waxing can offer.
  5. UV Protection: Over time, UV rays can fade your motorcycle’s paint, making it look old and worn. Ceramic coatings offer a layer of UV protection that helps prevent fading, ensuring your bike’s color stays vibrant for longer.
  6. Cost-Effective in the Long Run: Although ceramic coatings are initially more expensive than wax, their long-lasting protection makes them more cost-effective in the long run. Since you don’t have to reapply the coating frequently, you’ll save time and money on future detailing efforts.

The Drawbacks of Ceramic Coating

  1. Initial Cost: Ceramic coatings are significantly more expensive upfront than waxing. A professional ceramic coating application can cost several hundred dollars, and while DIY kits are available, they don’t always provide the same level of protection as professional installations.
  2. Complex Application Process: Ceramic coatings require a precise and often complicated application process. Mistakes can result in streaks or uneven coating, and correcting these errors can be costly. Professional application is recommended for the best results, but it comes at a price.
  3. Not Scratch-Proof: While ceramic coatings are durable, they are not completely scratch-proof. Minor scratches may still occur, and if they do, they can be more challenging to remove than on a waxed surface. Ceramic coatings provide a strong barrier, but proper care is still needed to avoid scratches.
  4. No Instant Gratification: Unlike waxing, which can be done in a day, ceramic coatings require time to cure. After application, your motorcycle needs to sit for 24 to 48 hours before it can be ridden or exposed to the elements. This downtime may be inconvenient for some.

Is Ceramic Coating Worth It?

If you’re serious about protecting your motorcycle and minimizing the time spent on maintenance, ceramic coating is worth considering. It offers long-term protection, excellent durability, and a deep, glossy finish that lasts far longer than waxing. While the initial cost may seem high, the reduced need for frequent upkeep can save you time and money over the years.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who enjoys detailing your motorcycle and doesn’t mind reapplying wax every few months, waxing may still be a good option. It’s affordable, easy to apply, and provides decent protection in the short term. For casual riders who don’t expose their motorcycles to harsh conditions, waxing can suffice.

Ultimately, the decision between ceramic coating and waxing depends on your needs, budget, and how much time and effort you want to invest in maintaining your motorcycle.

Final Thoughts

Ceramic coating offers superior protection, durability, and shine compared to traditional waxing. For motorcycle owners looking for long-term solutions, ceramic coating provides excellent defense against environmental factors and requires minimal maintenance. However, it’s important to note that ceramic coatings are not a miracle solution—they require careful application and may not be as budget-friendly for every rider.

Now that you know what a ceramic coating does for your motorcycle, you can make an informed choice based on your specific needs. Whether you opt for waxing or ceramic coating, keeping your bike protected and looking its best should always be a top priority.

NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Homestead

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: During the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Tyler Reddick: Reddick passed Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney on the final lap to win the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead. Reddick joined Joey Logano as drivers who qualified for the championship round.

“Denny is one of my car owners along with the great Michael Jordan,” Reddick said. “It’s pretty surreal because passing Denny on the final lap is like dunking on Michael Jordan. Of course, I would never dunk on Michael, because I can’t dunk, because I’m white and 5’4.”

2. Joey Logano: Logano finished 28th at Homestead.

“I’ve already clinched a spot in the final,” Logano said, “so I didn’t have to deal with the nerves. If you want to tie your stomach in a knot, be a driver in the Round Of 8 with three races left. Or eat some Hunt Brothers Pizza.”

3. Christopher Bell: Bell started third and finished fourth at Homestead.

“I haven’t locked in a spot to the championship round,” Bell said, “but I’m in the best position points-wise. I don’t have any children, but I hope to be making a ‘berth’ announcement at Martinsville.”

4. Ryan Blaney: Blaney led 47 laps and held the lead on the final lap, but Tyler Reddick made a dramatic pass in Turn 4 to steal the win. Blaney settled for second.

“I’m still very confident I can defend my championship,” Blaney said. “It just might take me until next year.”

5. William Byron: Byron finished sixth at Homestead.

“It’s going to be wild at Martinsville,” Byron said. “It’s too bad NASCAR outlawed the wall-hugging Hail Mary move that Ross Chastain did there in 2022. Because it would be really cool to see six drivers do that at once.”

6. Alex Bowman: Bowman came home seventh at Homestead.

“That was a heck of a final lap,” Bowman said. “Reddick had such a huge run to pass Ryan Blaney. At Darlington, Reddick just had the huge runs.”

7. Kyle Larson: Larson finished 13th in the Straight Talk Wireless 400.

“We just didn’t have our best day,” Larson said. “So, I’ve really put myself behind the eight ball. On the bright side, I’ve been there before.”

8. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin finished third at Homestead and will most likely need a win at Phoenix to advance to the championship round.

“It would mean a lot if I could join Tyler Reddick in the championship round,” Hamlin said. “I’m hoping Tyler can give me a little help since I am his car owner. He was looking out for No. 1 at Homestead; I need him to look out for No. 11 at Martinsville.”

9. Chase Elliott: Elliott finished fifth at Homestead and is now eighth in the points standings.

“That means I’m in a must-win situation,” Elliott said. “I’m confident I can do it. Anything is possible when the full support of the Dawsonville Pool Room is behind you. Those people are pushing me as much as their livers are pushing on their insides.”

10. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex finished 23rd at Homestead.

“I’ve got two more chances to close out my full-time career with a win,” Truex said. “Two of my Joe Gibbs Racing teammates are looking for spots in the championship round. Would I help one or both at the expense of losing a win? I’m a man of few words, and ‘No’ is the absolute minimum I can use for an answer, and that’s totally on brand.”

How to Create the Ultimate PC Gaming Setup

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

If you’re a serious gamer, you know how important it is to have a good gaming setup. With the right gaming environment, you can feel better and play better. But if you’ve never taken the time to create a dedicated setup for your PC gaming, you might not have any idea of where to start. Let’s take a look together!

Start With the Right PC

Your gaming PC is the heart of your setup. If you want a smooth, high-performance gaming experience, you need a powerful PC that can handle the games you play. While consoles may be limited to a set of hardware, PCs give you the flexibility to choose parts that fit your needs and budget.

Start with a high-quality processor (CPU). A multi-core processor, such as an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7, will help you run demanding games and multitask with ease. Pair that with a good graphics card (GPU), such as an NVIDIA GeForce RTX or AMD Radeon RX series, to ensure your games look stunning and run smoothly at high frame rates.

You’ll want at least 16GB of RAM for modern gaming, though 32GB can future-proof your setup. Don’t forget to invest in a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster load times and better overall performance. A combination of SSD for your operating system and games, along with a traditional hard drive (HDD) for storage, can give you the best of both worlds.

You also shouldn’t overlook laptops. There are plenty of laptops for gamers that can compete with high-end desktop gaming systems. If you’re someone who travels a lot or wants the portability that a gaming laptop provides, you should consider this an option.

Pick the Perfect Monitor (If Using a Desktop)

When it comes to delivering a great gaming experience, your monitor is just as important as your PC. The goal is to find a high refresh rate monitor with low input lag for smooth, responsive gameplay. Look for a monitor with at least a 144Hz refresh rate, though 240Hz or higher is ideal for competitive gamers. A 1ms response time is recommended to minimize input lag.

In terms of resolution, 1440p (2K) is a great middle-ground that offers sharp visuals without the performance hit of 4K. However, if your PC is powerful enough, a 4K monitor can provide incredible detail for games with high-end graphics. Keep in mind that 4K monitors usually have a lower refresh rate, so if you’re into fast-paced games like first-person shooters, 1440p might be a better choice.

Also, consider the screen size and type. A 27-inch or 32-inch monitor is popular for immersive gaming, but make sure it fits comfortably on your desk. IPS panels offer the best color accuracy and wide viewing angles, while TN panels are typically faster and more affordable, though with lower color quality.

Get a Comfortable Gaming Chair

It’s easy to overlook the importance of comfort, but if you’re planning to game for hours, you’ll want a comfortable gaming chair that provides support and prevents strain. A good gaming chair can improve your posture, keep you focused, and even enhance your reaction time by helping you maintain an ergonomic position.

Look for a chair with adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and tilt features. Some gaming chairs even come with built-in speakers or vibration functions to increase the immersion factor. Ergonomic office chairs are also a great alternative if you want something more understated but just as comfortable.

Choose the Right Keyboard and Mouse

Your keyboard and mouse are your primary tools for interacting with games, so it’s essential to choose ones that are comfortable, responsive, and tailored to your gaming style.

For your keyboard, opt for a mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting and customizable key switches. Mechanical keyboards are highly responsive and durable, making them ideal for gaming. Some popular switch types include Cherry MX Red for quick keypresses and Cherry MX Blue for tactile feedback. Customizing your lighting can also help set the mood for your gaming space, especially if you like to play in low-light conditions.

As for your mouse, look for a gaming mouse with adjustable DPI settings so you can tweak the sensitivity based on the game you’re playing. Extra buttons on the side can be handy for complex games that require quick access to certain commands or skills. (And don’t forget a good mouse pad – larger pads give you more room for movement and can help with tracking precision.)

Surround Yourself With Great Sound

Immersive audio can take your gaming to the next level, making it feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. While regular speakers can work for some, a high-quality gaming headset is often the best option for crystal-clear sound and teammate communication.

Look for a gaming headset with surround sound to hear directional audio, which can give you a competitive edge in games where sound cues are important, such as shooters. Noise-canceling features are also helpful, especially if you’re in a noisy environment. Make sure the headset has a comfortable fit, as you’ll likely wear it for long sessions.

Adding it All Up

Every gaming setup is going to be unique – tailored to your own unique needs, preferences, and gaming style. But when you understand some of the key components and what to look for, you can ensure your setup is perfect for you!

2024 Most Popular Driver Award Starts October 28

By
Official Release
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Weatherford, Texas (October 28, 2024) – Voting for the 2024 National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award opened Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

Voting will remain open until Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024. The winner will be announced Friday, Nov. 22, during the annual NASCAR Awards Ceremonies in Charlotte, N.C.

Fans may cast five votes for a single driver once a day, per email address at www.NASCAR.com/mostpopulardriver or on the NASCAR mobile app.

To be eligible for the award, a driver must have declared for NASCAR Cup Series points. A driver also must have been eligible for championship contention during the 2024 season.

The award was first presented to Curtis Turner in 1949 after NASCAR’S inaugural Strictly Stock (now Cup) season. It has been administered by the NMPA and presented annually by the organization since 1983. It remains the only major NASCAR award determined solely by fan vote.

NMPA Hall of Fame member and 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott possesses the record for Most Popular Driver awards with 16: 1984-1988, 1991-2000, and 2002. Dale Earnhardt Jr., inducted into the NMPA Hall of Fame in 2020, won the award for 15 consecutive seasons, 2003-2017. 

Chase Elliott has received the honor the past five years.

Formed in 1965, the NMPA consists of qualified media members who report on the sport of auto racing through affiliations with print, radio, television, and/or internet news-gathering organizations. In addition to the NMPA Most Popular Driver Award, the NMPA presents an array of significant honors in auto racing, some of which are the Richard Petty Driver of the Year Award, the Myers Brothers Award, the NMPA Pocono Spirit Award, and the Wood Brothers Award of Excellence.

Additional information about the NMPA can be found at www.nmpaonline.com.

Toyota Motor Corporation and Hyundai Motor Company Co-host Motorsport Event to Share the Excitement of Racing

By
Official Release
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TOKYO, Oct 28, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) and Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) jointly hosted the “Hyundai N x TOYOTA GAZOO Racing FESTIVAL” at the Everland Speedway in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, Korea on October 27. The event attracted around 2,800 motorsport enthusiasts and featured thrilling driving demonstrations by both companies’ World Rally Championship (WRC) teams, along with interactive fan programs.

The event featured Morizo (Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota) at the wheel of the WRC competition vehicle “GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID” with Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group, as his passenger. Before the crowd of about 2,800 spectators, the rally machine performed a donut turn, showcasing the powerful engine sound and dynamic driving performance of the WRC machine, drawing enthusiastic cheers from the audience.

Following the performance, both chairmen took to the stage, exchanged warm handshakes, and shared their vision for the future of motorsport with the gathered fans.

Morizo began his speech with “Saranghaeyo!” (meaning “I love you” in Korean) and continued, “Earlier this year, I met with Executive Chair Chung in Japan, where this idea gained momentum, and remarkably, we were able to realize this event just ten months later. I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported making this event possible. Toyota and Hyundai will work hand in hand to create a better society and the future of mobility.”

“With our high-performance N brand, we’re committed to delivering excitement and satisfying all car enthusiasts. We’ll continue to push forward in motorsport alongside Toyota so that more people can enjoy the thrill of driving” said Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group. “When I met with Chairman Akio Toyoda earlier this year, we discovered our mutual passion for racing, and I was delighted that we could hold this event. Chairman Toyoda is someone in the automotive industry that I respect deeply, and it’s an honor to be here with him today,” he added.

The entire proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to the Korea Automobile Racing Association to promote and develop motorsport culture.

Reflecting on the event, Morizo said:”In organizing this event, my first priority was to express gratitude to the Korean people. Having both Toyota and Hyundai chairmen appear together at a motorsport event and speak before our customers is truly symbolic. We’ve created a ‘Car Enthusiasts Alliance’ where we, usual competitors, join forces for the future of automobiles. With WRC fans supporting both teams, and Hyundai currently leading the rankings, this was a historic event that hints at potential new drama at Rally Japan. To all fans worldwide looking forward to Rally Japan, I believe the drivers will prepare thoroughly and deliver excellent performances at the final race, so please continue your support.”

Both companies’ rally teams will compete in the “FIA World Rally Championship FORUM8 Rally Japan 2024” to be held in Aichi and Gifu Prefectures from Thursday, November 21 to Sunday, November 24. Fans can be sure to look forward to an competition.

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/93549/

URL: https://plus.google.com/+toyotaglobal | Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorCorporation/ | Twitter : https://twitter.com/TOYOTA_PR/ | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/toyotajpchannel/ | Linkedin : https://linkedin.com/company/toyota

Burton Finishes 24th at Homestead

By
Official Release
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Harrison Burton and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team skirted potential damage from a Lap-Two incident and went on to finish 24th in Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead Miami Speedway.

It was Burton and the team’s 15th top-25 finish of 2024.

Burton started Sunday’s 400-miler from 34th place but soon found himself on pit road after the field stacked up behind the spinning car of Justin Haley. Burton made contact with the outside wall, so the DEX Imaging team put a new set of tires on the No. 21 Mustang Dark Horse but found no significant damage, so Burton rejoined the race in 34th place.

He made a regularly scheduled green-flag pit stop at Lap 50 and ended the first 80-lap Stage in 28th place.

In the second Stage he again finished 28th, but in the third and final segment of the race he began moving forward and ran most of that portion of the race inside the top 25.

Burton was 21st after his final stop at Lap 256 of 267, but the team was down a set of fresh tires at that point due to the early-race incident, and Burton dropped to 24th at the checkered flag.

Burton and the Wood Brothers team now head to the Woods’ home track, Martinsville Speedway, for next Sunday’s Xfinity 500, the next-to-last race of the 2024 Cup Series season.

About DEX Imaging
DEX Imaging is the digital document imaging division of Staples, the world’s largest business solutions provider. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions, such as HP, Konica Minolta, Canon, Kyocera and numerous others.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:
Reducing Operating Costs
Reducing Paper Consumption
Increasing Productivity

DEX Imaging has been the recipient of virtually every industry award since the company’s inception, including the JD Power & Associates Award for Best Customer Experience, the prestigious ProTech Service award by Konica Minolta, the Diamond Premier Dealer Award by Kyocera, and the Elite DEALER Award by ‘ENX’ magazine. Other accolades include being named ‘Best Place to Work’ by numerous business journals in the markets DEX serves.

Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.

Cadillac aims for strong finishing kick

By
Official Release
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Coming off pole start, No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R looks to challenge for victory at Bahrain

DETROIT (Oct. 28, 2024) – Following its best finish and maiden pole in the past two events, Cadillac Racing aims to close out its second season of FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar competition with a statement result in the Bapco Energies Eight Hours of Bahrain.

Sebastien Bourdais joins full-season drivers Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn for the finale in the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R on the 5.412km, 15-turn Bahrain International Circuit on November 2. The Chip Ganassi Racing-run team has shown solid pace throughout the seven races and flat-out speed in qualifying.

Lynn garnered Cadillac Racing’s initial WEC pole at Fuji Speedway last month to extend the team’s streak of qualifying in the top four of Hyperpole to five races. The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R has advanced to Hyperpole in every race but Imola and has a class-leading average qualifying of 4.4.

Lynn and Bourdais put in stellar performances in Hyperpole for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, with Lynn qualifying second. Because of a grid penalty imposed by the ACO that dropped the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R in the starting order, the No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R that Bourdais drove to third in the session moved to the front row.

Fourth place at Cadillac Racing’s home race at Circuit of The Americas in early September is the team’s best finish of the season. Now the group seeks to claim its first podium of the season.

“We’ve shown in the last couple races that we’ve made some good strides forward,” said Bamber, who last week was confirmed as a full-season co-driver with Jack Aitken of the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R in the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. “We’re in a place where we can definitely challenge for podiums.”

Bourdais, who co-drove the No 01 Cadillac V-Series.R to the overall victory in the October 12 IMSA season-closing Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, shared the seat of the No. 2 hybrid Cadillac in the March opener in Qatar in addition to driving in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He last drove at the Bahrain circuit in 2022 in LMP2 in addition to two outings in Formula One.

The Bapco Energies Eight Hours of Bahrain is scheduled for 2 p.m. (Arabian Standard Time)/7 a.m. (ET) Saturday. MotorTrend TV will air live from 6:30-8 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. ET in the U.S.. Full live streaming coverage of Free Practice 3, qualifying and the race will be available on the FIA WEC app and the MAX app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will stream audio coverage of Friday’s final practice and qualifying, plus Saturday’s race.

Driver preview quotes

Sebastien Bourdais: “It’s good to get back in the car with Alex and Earl. We started off the season really well. Eventually didn’t get the result because of the circumstances, but we certainly deserved a good finish. The car was very competitive in the race and we played the short game really well. Unfortunately, it’s been a bit of a tough season results-wise. There was always something coming in the way of a good result. If we could send it off on a high that would be pretty cool. Performance-wise, it seems like the car is in a really good window. It’s pretty light, good on power and competitive, so there is definitely something to play for. Bahrain is a really big challenge. It’s an extremely abrasive racetrack. Tire deg is very high and using the tire the right way and not hurting it but making it function without making it slide is a critical thing to do. You have to do it with setup, dampers, traction control and you name it. We’ll try to find some recipes that work and hopefully we’ll wind up in a good spot.”

Earl Bamber: “We’ve shown in the last couple races that we’ve made some good strides forward. We’re in a place where we can definitely challenge for podiums. It’s difficult in those races because you have to sort of have everything go perfectly and the last one was difficult for all manufacturers. I think the potential is there and hopefully we can execute in the last one for Cadillac and Chip Ganassi Racing.”

Alex Lynn: “I believe in terms of sheer performance this year we have not been disappointed and we’re on course to be the best qualifying car in the whole of the World Endurance Championship, which is a great accolade if we can finish that off in Bahrain. Going into Bahrain off the back of what was a strong showing in Fuji until we weren’t able to finish off with a result bodes well. The track, I believe, is one of our better ones with our car and I personally love it as a track. I think our motivation is to finish this season and the first two years of the Cadillac V-Series.R with a strong result. I’m excited to get there.”

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Homestead

By
Official Release
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#12: Ryan Blaney, Team Penske, Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford Mustang

Straight Talk Wireless 400: Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead, Fla. – October 27, 2024

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 FREIGHTLINER FORD MUSTANG
START: 36TH STAGE ONE: 29TH STAGE TWO: 26TH FINISH: 27TH POINTS: 11TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric finished 27th after enduring a challenging day in the No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Cindric started the day from the 36th position after the car got loose during Saturday’s qualifying session but gained a few spots early on as a caution slowed the field on the opening lap. The Team Penske driver made his first trip to pit road on Lap 42 receiving four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. Following a caution a few laps later for the No. 5, Cindric stayed out and restarted third, but lost position quickly as those with fresher tires accelerated by. When the flags flew to conclude Stage 1, the 26-year-old racer was scored 29th. Over the radio, Cindric informed the Freightliner crew that the car had tightened up that run and he needed better drive off the corner. Crew chief Brian Wilson called the driver to pit road for four tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment under the caution. When the field went green again on Lap 88, Cindric was in the 22nd position. Over the span of the segment, the No. 2 struggled with grip and turn on exit and finished Stage 2 in the 26th position. Under the break, Wilson called the driver back to pit road for air pressure and wedge adjustments in hopes of aiding the situation. Cindric was forced to back up to depart his pit stall and lined up 28th for the restart. In the final segment, the team made slight gains with the handling of the car and the pit crew performed their final stop of the day with less than 40 laps to go. When the checkered flag flew, Cindric and the No. 2 Freightliner team crossed the line in the 27th position.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “We didn’t quite have our Freightliner Ford Mustang where we needed it to be for most phases of the weekend. I felt like we were able to improve the car throughout the race, but on top of that, it was one of those that if something would go wrong on a restart or guys would get stuck on pit road, I felt like I got promoted to the back pretty much anytime there was a caution or break. It’s definitely a hard thing to do at this track, but we have some good notes for next year.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/RICHMOND FORD MUSTANG
START: 20TH STAGE ONE: 4TH STAGE TWO: 5TH FINISH: 2ND POINTS: 7TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney came up one spot short of clinching a spot in the Championship 4 to defend his 2023 Cup Series title Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. With the runner-up effort, Blaney enters the final race of the Round of 8 seventh in the playoffs standings, 38 points below the cut line. After starting 20th, the Menards/Richmond Ford made its way inside the top-10 by lap 25 before Blaney worked his way up to fifth in the running order following the first green flag pit cycle of the afternoon. Blaney ultimately came away with a fourth-place finish in the opening stage before the 12 team ripped off one of its fastest stops of the day to win the race off pit road heading into Stage 2. Blaney continued to battle for the lead during the opening run of the stage despite a tight handling condition off the exit of the corners before another quick four tire stop under green on lap 113 allowed the Menards/Richmond Mustang to cycle to the lead just 13 laps later. The tight condition persisted when Blaney was running up against the wall, resulting in a fifth-place finish in Stage 2. Blaney continued to fight for the top spot during the opening run of the final stage and eventually took the lead back with 76 laps to go with teams needing one more stop to make it to the end. The green flag pit cycle began with 50 to go before crew chief Jonathan Hassler called Blaney to pit road from the lead with 46 laps remaining and cycled to second in the running order, one spot behind the No. 45 who had yet to pit. While battling for the lead with 13 laps to go, the No. 5 forced Blaney and a lapped car three-wide in turn three, causing the No. 5 to spin above Blaney and bring out the caution. The field hit pit road one final time as the 12 team won the race off pit road yet again, setting up a restart with seven to go with Blaney lining up alongside the No. 45 that stayed out under caution with two-lap older tires. After restarting from the inside of row one, Blaney was split three wide heading into turn one but regained his momentum to get around the No. 11 and take the white flag from the lead. Blaney continued to hold the top spot down the backstretch as the No. 45 got to his bumper before making the race-winning pass from the top lane. Blaney led 47 laps in the second-place result, marking his fifth top-10 in this season’s eight playoff races.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “Yeah, disappointing. I had a good shot to win it and I didn’t have a very good last lap. I thought I got into three hard and [Tyler Reddick] just went in there and it stuck for him, which is really impressive. I hate to give one away there like that. I don’t know if we gave it away. We got the lead back after losing it on the restart and just that last lap didn’t play out for us. I appreciate everybody on the 12 team for bringing a really fast race car. I had a really great shot to go to Phoenix and I still have one more chance, so we still have to look forward to that. I appreciate Menards and Ford and Ford Performance, Richmond, Advance Auto Parts, BODYARMOR, DEX Imaging and everybody. It is a shame. I will be thinking through it all night of what I should have done different, probably. That is just the way it goes but I am really proud of the effort and hopefully we can bring it to them next week.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 HUNT BROTHERS PIZZA FORD MUSTANG
START: 26TH STAGE ONE: 22ND STAGE TWO: 20TH FINISH: 28TH POINTS: 1ST (ADV)
RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano came away with a 28th-place finish Sunday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, a week after the 22 team clinched its spot in the Championship 4 with a dramatic win at Las Vegas. Logano was forced to start at the rear of the field after replacing the steering system following qualifying Saturday as crew chief Paul Wolfe altered his strategy accordingly, opting to run long during the first green flag pit cycle in order to gain track position. Logano cycled to fourth in the running order before Wolfe called him to pit road on lap 41. The caution flew just seven laps later, prompting Wolfe to keep Logano on track with three other cars that also pitted late in the cycle. Logano took the restart from the inside of row one, but fresher tires prevailed over the final 27 laps of the stage in a 22nd-place result. Logano worked his way back towards the top-10 during the opening run of Stage 2 as the 22 team continued to work on the balance of the Hunt Brothers Pizza Ford. Logano went on to take the green-and-white checkered flag 20th in the second segment. The No. 22 continued to battle through traffic over the course of the final run of the afternoon, but the green flag pit cycle trapped Logano a lap down before the caution flag flew with 13 to go, allowing him to take the wave around under yellow to get back on the lead lap for the final restart of the day. Logano went on to take the checkered flag 28th in the final intermediate track event of the 2024 season.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “Hard-fought day for our Hunt Brothers Pizza team. Starting at the back forced us to rely heavily on strategy from the start in order to make back some track position but it didn’t quite fall our way. Hopefully we can build some momentum in Martinsville before heading to Phoenix to race for a championship.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Martinsville Speedway for the Round of 8 finale on Sunday, November 3. Coverage of the XFINITY 500 begins at 2 p.m. ET on NBC, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Buescher Earns Top-15 in Homestead to Lead RFK

By
Official Release
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Keselowski Finishes 17th

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (Oct. 27, 2024) – Chris Buescher overcame starting from the rear to earn a top-15 finish Sunday afternoon in the Fastenal Ford at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Teammate Brad Keselowski finished 17th in the Consumer Cellular Mustang.

An issue in the steering wrack on Saturday meant the No. 17 team was forced to replace it following the qualifying session. That change sent Buescher to the tail of the field to start Sunday afternoon’s 400-mile race, while Keselowski qualified 18th.

6 Recap
The No. 6 worked into the top-15 within the first five laps after the first caution of the day came just a lap in, forcing an early restart. The race’s first green-flag pit cycle began around lap 35 but Keselowski remained on track, inheriting the lead at lap 34. He led for eight laps before pitting at lap 40.

A caution flew just a handful of laps later when Keselowski pitted again, this time for scuff tires, restarting 26th. He went on to end the opening stage of 80 laps in 32nd.

The No. 6 team employed the same strategy from stage one to stage two as Keselowski remained on track through most of another green-flag cycle, eventually hitting pit road from P2 at lap 125. He went on to finish that stage in 27th.

From there, Keselowski restarted 24th to begin the third stage, then slowly worked his way back to the top-15. He hit pit road again under green at lap 217 from 14th, and held that position when the caution flew for the final time with 12 laps remaining. He went on to cross the line 17th.

17 Recap
Buescher battled back not once, but twice in the track position game in Sunday’s 267-lap race. His first pit stop of the afternoon came at lap 35 as he hit pit road from P12. He was 25th on a restart at lap 53, but powered to 21st to end the stage.

Then, under the stage break, Buescher was headed for service on his Ford Mustang, but contact from behind spun him backwards into the pit stall. That mishap put him 34th on the ensuing restart, meaning he needed to again regain much of the track position.

He was 25th by the end of stage two, and restarted 22nd for stage three. He hit pit road under green at lap 216 from 17th, and was up to 15th by the final caution at lap 255. From there he restarted 16th, but battled to P15 to end it.

Up Next
Martinsville Speedway hosts the Cup Series in the final race in the Round of 8 next weekend. Race coverage Sunday is set for 2 p.m. ET on NBC, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 37th season in 2024, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

FORZA FERRARI! SAINZ HEADS 1-3 FINISH IN RED. Verstappen takes double hit after new clash with Norris

By
Official Release
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Mexico City, Sunday October 27, 2024 – Carlos Sainz took a brilliant victory for Scuderia Ferrari at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix 2024 Presented by Heineken that carried on the controversy between the two drivers fighting for the World Championship. The race had an attendance of 154,142 fans this Sunday and 404,958 during the three-day event.

The 30-year-old Spaniard claimed his fourth F1 race win, recovering from a slow getaway from pole position to take the lead on lap nine of the 71. He finished in a time of 1 hour 40 minutes 55.880 seconds, 4.705 seconds ahead of title-chasing Lando Norris’s McLaren, with Charles Leclerc over half a minute behind in the second Ferrari. Leclerc set the fastest lap of 1:18.336 (197.794 km/h) on the final lap.

This is the first time Sainz has won more than one race in a single F1 season and a special moment as he prepares to leave Ferrari and join Williams Racing in 2025. “Gracias Mexico!” he said. “It’s incredible to see this crowd, I’ve been feeling their support all week. I’ve been saying for a while I wanted one more win before leaving Scuderia Ferrari and to do it here in front of this mega-crowd is incredible.”

Five-time Mexico winner Max Verstappen’s Oracle Red Bull Racing car led by the first corner after starting second. “I was a bit annoyed at the start, having lost position to him,” Sainz added. “I said, I need to surprise him one way or another because Max is super-difficult to pass. I was a bit far back, but I said, I have nothing to lose, I’m just gonna send one down the inside.”

Scuderia Ferrari’s first victory in Mexico since 1990 was overshadowed when Norris and Verstappen became involved in a major incident for the second race in a row. On lap 10 Verstappen twice forced Norris wide, first into Turn 4 and again at Turn 7, where Leclerc passed them both. Verstappen received two separate 10-second penalties, meaning he could finish no higher than sixth, allowing Norris to close the gap between them to 47 points with four races remaining.

“It was a very tough race,” Norris said. “I respect Max as a driver, but I was ready to expect something like this – not very clean driving in my opinion”. But I avoided it, and it was a good race.” As for his title chances, Norris was non-committal: “I just keep my head down. That’s all we can do for now, just focus on ourselves.” Eighth place for Oscar Piastri helped McLaren extend their lead in the Constructors’ Championship as Ferrari moved into second place ahead of Oracle Red Bull Racing.

To add fuel to the Red Bull flames, Sergio Pérez was handed a five-second penalty for a false start: the Mexican had placed his car too forward in its grid box at the start. Checo too was then involved in drama when he tried to force his way past Liam Lawson’s VCARB and was taken wide by the New Zealander.

“I don’t get it,” said Pérez after finishing 17th and last. “He just went for the incident, damaging both of our races. I picked up damage to my sidepod and floor. It was an incident that was totally avoidable. I had the corner, he went off completely and then just went straight – it was such a surprise to see him there!”

Despite a disastrous home weekend, Pérez remains upbeat about his return. “I will be back next year,” he said, “and I will try for the victory – that is my dream.”

Mercedes-AMG Petronas duo Lewis Hamilton and George Russell were fourth and fifth, while MoneyGram Team Haas enjoyed another superb weekend. Kevin Magnussen was seventh and Nico Hülkenberg ninth to consolidate the small American team’s sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship.

At the first corner of the race Alex Albon’s Williams, squeezed left by Pierre Gasly’s BWT Alpine, clipped Yuki Tsunoda’s VCARB and sent the Japanese driver into the wall, bringing out the Safety Car for six laps. Only one other driver retired: Fernando Alonso, in his 400th Grand Prix weekend, had to pull out after 16 laps with a brake issue.

Earlier in the weekend the 43-year-old Spaniard had called AHR’s GNP Seguros Stadium “one of the most iconic places where you can drive an F1 car”. The Mexico GP underlined the message on the new roof of the GNP Seguros Stadium itself: “Vivir es incréible!”

About FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO Presented by Heineken

Historically awarded “Best Event of the Year” for five races (2015 to 2019), FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MEXICO Presented by Heineken has proven to be much more than a sporting event, it is an unparalleled promotional platform that shares with the world the cultural and touristic riches of Mexico City.

For more information about FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MÉXICO Presented by Heineken visit: http://www.mexicogp.mx

About Formula 1®

The history of Formula 1® began in 1950 and is the world’s most prestigious motorsport competition and the world’s most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1 and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™.

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About CIE:

With its origins in 1990, Corporación Interamericana de Entretenimiento (“CIE”) (BMV: CIE) is a leading player in the Latin American out-of-home entertainment industry and has contributed in making Mexico a world-class destination in the field.

The company promotes and markets the FORMULA 1 GRAN PREMIO DE LA CIUDAD DE MEXICO, produces events for the public sector, and operates the El Salitre Mágico amusement park in Colombia.

Through its strategic partnership with Live Nation at OCESA, it produces and promotes concerts, music festivals, Broadway-type theatrical and urban content productions, sporting, family and corporate events. It represents artistic talent, markets advertising rights and sponsorships, operates entertainment properties, the Citibanamex exhibition, congress and convention center, sells tickets through its Ticketmaster and Eticket platforms, and offers digital marketing and advertising services.

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