Winter is not the season many of us look forward to. The demands that it places on us are mainly the reason for this. For example, vehicle storage and maintenance are not as easy during the winter as possible challenges that may be faced include:
Corrosion
Battery Drain
Fluid Degradation
Flat Tire Spots
Damages Caused by Moisture Build-Up
Pest Infestation
Paint Damage
Even EV (Electric Vehicle) owners have their fair share of concerns. This is because even the functionality of these vehicles can be affected. For more on this, you can visit: https://www.consumerreports.org/.
In light of all these, expert tips on proper vehicle storage in winter are highly welcomed. Fortunately, this article comes in very handy for this reason, which is why you should read on to stay informed.
Professional Tips for Winterizing Your Vehicle
“Winter is coming” is a phrase that is well-known to viewers of the popular “Game of Thrones” TV show. However, it is one that consciously and/or subconsciously reminds even viewers that winter is a certainty, whether it is expected and appreciated or otherwise.
In this context, the best that vehicle owners can do is to prepare well enough for the demands that winter places on their vehicles. Against this backdrop, below are some recommendations:
1. Thorough Vehicle Clean-Up
Of course, cleaning is not something that should only happen in anticipation of winter. However, it serves a more vital purpose here, which is why it should be done thoroughly. Having made this clear, both exterior and interior cleanup is required.
Thorough exterior vehicle cleanup ensures that anything capable of leaving the exteriors corroded is gotten rid of. This includes any amount of dirt, grime, and even salt.
In the spirit of doing a thorough exterior vehicle cleanup, waxing makes a lot of sense. This is because of the additional protection that the paint gets from this.
Interior cleaning, on the other hand, is especially important for eliminating things that can lead to pest infestation. This includes debris and crumbs. By the way, the fate of the vehicle’s plastic, leather, and vinyl components largely depends on how well interior cleaning plays out.
2. Fluid Refreshment
There is a long list of fluids that vehicles use and they all serve specific roles. Some of the fluids in question include:
Fuel – Depending on the kind of vehicle and the kind of fuel used. Gasoline, E85 (ethanol blends), and diesel are prime examples
Power Steering Fluid
Engine Oil
Transmission Fluid
Antifreeze/Coolant
Brake Oil
Windshield Washer Fluid
Clutch Fluid
There are several dynamics at work with the above-listed and several others. For example, clutch fluid only applies to manual transmission vehicles. Furthermore, some of the above-listed and several others are often required. You can see this article for more information on the various car fluids.
The point is that these fluids are supposed to support a vehicle’s functionality in various ways. However, they can end up causing damage during the winter if certain measures are not taken.
For example, some owners have had to deal with the degradation of their vehicle’s engine components as a result of impurities in oil. Usually, this is a huge possibility when oil gets stale, which is why this should not be allowed to happen. Overall, below are some recommendations as it concerns car fluids of various kinds:
Periodic Oil Change
Periodic Filter Change
Using the Appropriate Coolant – This is one designed to cope with the lowest possible temperature expected in your location
Using and Topping Off Transmission & Brake Fluid – However, ensure that the options used are designed to cope with winter’s demand
Having a Full Tank – Rust and/or frozen fuel lines is a result of condensation. Having a full fuel tank reduces the likelihood of this happening
Use Fuel Stabilizer – This helps in maintaining the fuel’s purity and preventing the adverse effects of impurities
These are all important in the spirit of properly winterizing your vehicle. So, they should be taken seriously.
3. Battery Care
Extended periods of being idle can result in battery draining. Difficulty or even impossibility starting the vehicle is usually the tell-sign of this problem.
Well, there is an explanation for why this happens and parasitic drain is the technical term that sums it all up. This is because the battery keeps functioning even while the vehicle is idle. The demands of supplying power to the alarm system, onboard computers, clock, and other electrical components are how the battery keeps functioning.
Ironically, the battery keeps supplying without receiving electrical energy from the vehicle’s alternator. The alternator, on the other hand, is failing to do this because it can only perform this role while the vehicle is being used. Aside from difficulty starting the vehicle, this is bad for the battery’s performance and even shortens the battery’s life.
The demands of winter driving mean that fewer people use their vehicles during this season, increasing the likelihood of parasitic drains happening. There are three possibilities in the spirit of preventing this and ensuring that the battery’s performance and durability are not compromised. The possibilities are:
Using the Vehicle
Make a conscious effort to use the vehicle as often as possible. You may even leave the car running for a while without actively driving.
Disconnection of the Negative Terminal
These batteries have two terminals—positive and negative. They can be easily identified with the signs “+” and “-“ for the positive and the negative, respectively. Parasitic drain can be avoided simply by disconnecting the negative terminal, which can then be reconnected whenever the need to use the car arises.
Using a Trickle Charger
Trickle chargers work by offering a steady charge; capable of recharging even batteries that have remained inactive for a very long time. Furthermore, the sort of charge offered is usually low, which is important for avoiding certain adverse effects, including:
Overcharging
Safety Risks – Such as swelling, leakage, and even explosion
Reduced Lifespan
So, the use of a trickle charger is an option that can be considered to avoid parasitic drain or undoing its effects.
Conclusion
A lot goes into properly winterizing vehicles as it requires the above-discussed and a couple of other things. So, it is quite understandable if some people cannot keep up.
Fortunately, even such people stand a chance with customized storage in a temperature-regulated storage facility. You can check out Westbank Storage for more insight into this. This option is relieving but comes at a cost that some consumers consider worth it.
So, you may want to consider it. However, the chosen facility has to tick all the right boxes if you decide to go this route.
A reliable business van is a vital asset for companies that rely on transportation, whether for deliveries, client visits, or logistical support. However, the process of securing a van can be daunting, especially when considering the best financial approach, vehicle options, and maintenance needs. This guide covers everything you need to know to secure the perfect van for your business needs while optimizing cost-efficiency.
Why Securing the Right Business Van is Essential
Choosing the right van for your business is more than a logistical decision—it can significantly impact operational efficiency, cost management, and brand image. For businesses that depend on regular transportation, securing a van that aligns with your needs is essential for maintaining seamless operations. By opting for Van Lease options, many companies avoid the high initial costs associated with purchasing a vehicle, gaining flexibility to adjust to business needs over time.
Leasing also provides access to newer models with the latest features, ensuring that your company vehicles remain modern, efficient, and safe. Let’s explore the key factors to consider when securing a business van.
Determine Your Van Requirements
Start by evaluating your business needs. Do you need a van primarily for delivering goods, transporting employees, or both? Different vans serve different purposes, and understanding the scope of your needs will help you select the ideal vehicle.
Cargo Vans: Suitable for businesses that prioritize storage space, such as logistics and delivery services.
Passenger Vans: Designed to transport multiple people, ideal for shuttle services or team transport.
Refrigerated Vans: Necessary for businesses in the food, medical, or floral industries that require temperature-controlled transportation.
Once you understand your specific needs, consider exploring Van Leasing options that offer various types and models to suit different requirements, allowing you to select the best fit for your business without committing to a purchase.
Choosing Between Leasing and Buying
One of the first decisions you’ll make when securing a van is whether to lease or buy. While purchasing a vehicle means full ownership, leasing provides flexibility and lower upfront costs. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of each:
Buying: Provides long-term ownership, suitable for businesses that need permanent vehicles. However, buying involves higher initial costs and ongoing maintenance expenses.
Leasing: With Van Lease agreements, you pay lower upfront costs and can upgrade to newer models as your lease ends, making it a great option for companies needing flexibility.
For many small to mid-sized businesses, leasing presents a financially viable option that allows for easier budgeting. Many Van Lease deals also come with included maintenance packages, ensuring minimal disruptions from unexpected repair costs.
Benefits of Van Leasing for Businesses
Van Leasing has become a popular choice for businesses due to its flexibility and cost-saving advantages. Here are some benefits of leasing a business van:
Lower Initial Investment: Leasing eliminates the need for a large down payment, allowing businesses to allocate funds to other essential areas.
Access to Newer Models: Leasing agreements enable you to upgrade to the latest models, ensuring improved fuel efficiency and access to the newest safety features.
Reduced Maintenance Costs: Many leasing companies provide maintenance packages, covering regular services and reducing the burden of unexpected repair expenses.
Financial Flexibility: Leasing allows businesses to return or upgrade their van at the end of the lease term, giving companies the flexibility to adapt as needs change.
By securing a Van Lease, businesses can take advantage of these benefits while minimizing long-term financial commitments and accessing top-quality vehicles.
Understanding Leasing Terms and Conditions
When entering a leasing agreement, it’s essential to understand the terms and conditions to avoid any unexpected costs. Here are key terms to consider:
Lease Duration: Typically, lease terms range from 1 to 5 years. Choose a term that aligns with your business plans, ensuring the vehicle will serve your needs without overstaying its usefulness.
Mileage Limits: Many leases include mileage limits. Calculate the expected mileage based on your business operations to avoid excess mileage charges.
Maintenance Inclusions: Some Van Lease deals cover routine maintenance, which can save on repair costs and keep the van in top condition.
End-of-Lease Options: Some leases offer the option to purchase the vehicle at the end of the term, which could be beneficial if you decide to keep the van long-term.
Leasing companies vary in their terms, so it’s wise to compare options to find a lease that best suits your business needs and budget.
Consider the Van’s Safety and Efficiency Features
Safety is paramount when securing a van for your business. Newer van models often come with enhanced safety features, such as lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, which can significantly reduce accident risk and insurance costs.
Efficiency is another key consideration. Opting for fuel-efficient models or even electric vans can yield long-term savings, especially for businesses with high-mileage needs. Many Van Leasing options provide a variety of fuel-efficient models, including hybrids and electrics, which support businesses looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Customize Your Van for Business Branding
Your business van is not just a transport vehicle; it can serve as a marketing tool. By customizing the van with your brand logo, contact information, and company colors, you create a mobile advertisement that promotes your brand on the go.
When considering Van Lease options, check the leasing company’s customization policies. Some leasing companies permit vehicle branding, while others may restrict permanent alterations. Magnetic signs and removable wraps are alternatives that provide brand visibility while respecting leasing restrictions.
Test the Van Before Finalizing Your Choice
Before signing any lease or purchase agreement, it’s essential to test drive the van. A test drive can confirm the van’s suitability for your business by assessing its comfort, handling, and cargo space. Pay attention to:
Cargo Space and Accessibility: Ensure the vehicle has enough space and allows for easy loading and unloading of goods.
Driver Comfort and Visibility: For businesses with long routes, driver comfort is essential to maintaining productivity.
Technology Features: Verify that the van has necessary tech features such as GPS, backup cameras, and lane assistance.
Leasing companies often provide trial options or flexible return policies to give businesses confidence in their choice, allowing you to secure the right van for your needs.
Conclusion: Find the Best Van Solution for Your Business
Securing the right van is about balancing needs with budget and flexibility. By understanding your requirements, comparing leasing and purchasing options, and assessing safety and efficiency features, you can select the ideal vehicle for your business. Van Leasing remains a popular option due to its cost-effective, flexible approach, which allows businesses to scale and adapt as needed.
Whether you need a cargo van for deliveries, a passenger van for client transport, or a specialized refrigerated vehicle, the right van can improve your business operations, support branding efforts, and reduce operational costs. With the wide variety of Van Lease deals available, businesses today have more choices than ever to secure the perfect vehicle, optimize budgets, and drive growth.
Racing games are a unique symbiosis of technology, design and adrenaline, allowing gamers to plunge into the world of speed and competition. From simple arcades to the most complex simulators, this genre has gone through an impressive path of development. Today, we’ll take a look at five iconic racing games that have left an indelible mark on history. Get ready for a thrilling journey through the virtual tracks that changed the world of video games!
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec
Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, released in 2001 for PlayStation 2, was a true breakthrough in the world of racing simulators. The game was astonishing for its time, with incredible graphics and attention to detail. Each car was recreated with amazing accuracy, down to the smallest elements of the interior.
Gran Turismo 3’s physical model set a new bar for realism. Controlling the cars required skill and practice, yet remained intuitive. Players could feel the difference between different types of drive, feel the influence of the weight of the car on the behavior in the corners.
A huge fleet of cars, including both serial models and real racing cars, gave an opportunity to touch the legends of the automotive world. Hundreds of competitions, dozens of tracks and career mode provided hundreds of hours of exciting gameplay.
Need for Speed: Underground
Need for Speed: Underground in 2003 changed the idea of racing games. It brought players into the atmosphere of the night city and illegal street racing.
The main feature was the tuning system. The possibilities of customization seemed limitless: vinyl graphics, neon lights, spoilers, disks.
The story mode with charismatic characters and atmospheric soundtrack plunged into the world of street racing. Drive races, escape from the police, drag racing gave unforgettable emotions. Recently a remaster of the second part of the game was released.
Street Racer
Like the above-mentioned game, Street Racer takes you to the world of night racing on the streets of the big city. But unlike NFS, this game has a charismatic protagonist. But you can not control the car in this game. The gameplay of the slot consists of rotating the reels in an effort to get a successful combination of symbols.
Bright design, good soundtrack and interesting gameplay made the slot very popular. Our authors found Street Racer in each of the top 10 casino search results, and Mostbet offers to launch the slot using bonus money. To take part in the promotion, you just need to get the Mostbet promo codes here and use them when registering. The slot can also be launched in a free demo version.
Colin McRae Rally
Colin McRae Rally, released in 1998, was a real discovery for fans of rally-raids. The game offered a unique experience of rallying on the world’s most challenging circuits.
The physical model was amazingly realistic. Each type of surface felt different. The slightest mistake could lead to a crash or damage the car.
Career mode allowed you to go from beginner to world champion. Players had to learn to listen to the navigator’s commands, choose settings for different stages and repair the car between races. The game did not forgive mistakes but generously rewarded for skill.
Forza Horizon
Forza Horizon, released in 2012, combined the best features of arcade racing and serious simulators. It offered an open world with a variety of events and challenges.
The main feature of the game was the atmosphere of an endless car festival. Players were free to explore the vast territory and participate in competitions or just enjoy the scenery.
Forza Horizon remained realistic thanks to the physical model inherited from the Forza Motorsport series. At the same time, it was accessible to newcomers thanks to flexible difficulty settings.
The game offered hundreds of licensed cars, from classic muscle cars to modern supercars. Tuning options allowed you to create a unique car that reflected the player’s style.
As statistics say, the number of fans of racing games is not as large as the RPG genre. Therefore, if you like role-playing games in a fantasy setting, you can study this rating. In this article, game journalists talked about games for fans of the cyberpunk genre.
Sports betting and online casino gaming have grown significantly in popularity, and for enthusiasts looking to combine both experiences, Indibet has established itself as a standout platform. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Indibet, including how to access the Indibet app, download the Indibet APK, make deposits and withdrawals, and successfully login to start your betting journey.
What is Indibet?
Indibet is an online sports betting and casino platform that focuses primarily on cricket but also includes other sports such as football, basketball, and tennis. In addition to sports betting, it offers a wide range of casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, making it a comprehensive choice for gaming enthusiasts.
Key Features of Indibet
Cricket-focused betting: Indibet is ideal for cricket fans, with in-depth options for IPL betting, international matches, and more.
User-friendly platform: Both the Indibet app and website are designed to be user-friendly, providing easy access to betting options, live scores, and more.
Secure transactions: Indibet supports multiple payment methods for secure deposits and withdrawals.
24/7 customer support: A responsive support team ensures users can get help whenever needed.
How to Get Started on Indibet
To start betting on Indibet, you’ll need to create an account and complete the Indibet login process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you up and running.
Step 1: Sign Up for an Account
Go to the official Indibet website or open the Indibet app.
Click on the “Sign Up” button.
Fill out the registration form with details like your name, email, and password.
Verify your account via email or SMS, if required.
Step 2: Download the Indibet App
For a seamless experience, the Indibet app is available for Android devices. Here’s how to download and install the Indibet APK:
Go to the Indibet website and look for the Indibet APK download link.
Download the APK file to your Android device.
Before installing, make sure to enable “Unknown Sources” in your device’s settings.
Open the downloaded file and follow the prompts to install the app.
The Indibet app gives users a mobile-friendly interface that makes it easy to place bets and manage accounts on the go.
Step 3: Indibet Login
After downloading the app or accessing the website, simply:
Open the Indibet app or website.
Enter your login credentials.
Hit the Indibet login button, and you’ll be directed to the main dashboard, where you can start betting or explore various features.
Step 4: Make a Deposit
To start betting, you’ll need to fund your account. Indibet offers a variety of deposit methods, including UPI, Net Banking, credit/debit cards, and popular e-wallets.
Go to the deposit section.
Choose your preferred payment method.
Enter the deposit amount and confirm the transaction.
The funds should appear in your account almost instantly, allowing you to start betting right away.
Step 5: Placing Your First Bet
Now that you have funds in your account, it’s time to place your first bet.
Navigate to the sport or casino game you’re interested in.
Select the betting options, such as cricket, football, or casino games.
Enter your stake and confirm the bet.
Key Indibet Features for Betting and Casino Gaming
1. Live Betting: Indibet offers live betting options, allowing users to place bets while games are ongoing. This feature is particularly popular with cricket fans, enabling them to make predictions in real-time based on game progress.
2. Virtual Casino Games: Indibet offers a diverse selection of casino games, including slots, poker, blackjack, and more. The live casino section provides an interactive experience with real dealers, adding to the thrill.
3. Promotions and Bonuses: Indibet regularly provides bonuses and promotions to its users, including welcome bonuses, deposit match offers, and loyalty rewards. Check the promotions section for updates.
How to Withdraw Funds on Indibet
Once you’ve accumulated winnings, you’ll want to make a withdrawal. Indibet makes the withdrawal process straightforward and secure.
Go to the withdrawal section in your account.
Choose your preferred withdrawal method.
Enter the amount you wish to withdraw and confirm.
Withdrawal times may vary depending on the method chosen, but most transactions are processed within a few hours to a few days.
Withdrawal Tips
Verify your account: Before making a withdrawal, ensure that your account is fully verified to avoid delays.
Check minimum withdrawal limits: Indibet has minimum withdrawal limits, so ensure you meet the criteria.
Allow processing time: Each payment method has its own processing time, so plan accordingly.
Tips for Using Indibet Effectively
Set a Budget: Betting can be exciting, but always set a budget and avoid chasing losses.
Stay Updated on Cricket Events: With Indibet’s focus on cricket, keeping up with the latest games and player stats can help you make more informed bets.
Leverage Bonuses: Take advantage of Indibet’s bonuses, but always read the terms and conditions to know how they apply.
Explore the Casino Section: If you want a break from sports betting, Indibet’s casino games provide an enjoyable alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Indibet Safe?
Yes, Indibet uses encryption technology to protect user data and ensure safe transactions. It also has a dedicated support team to help with any issues you may encounter.
Can I Access Indibet Outside India?
Indibet primarily caters to Indian users, but it may be accessible in other regions. Make sure to check the legal status of online betting in your country before using the platform.
What is the Minimum Deposit Amount?
The minimum deposit amount may vary depending on the payment method, but Indibet generally has a low minimum deposit requirement to allow easy access for all users.
How Do I Contact Indibet Customer Support?
Indibet offers multiple support channels, including live chat, email, and phone support. The support team is available 24/7 to assist users with account issues, deposits, withdrawals, and more.
Conclusion
Indibet is an excellent platform for anyone interested in online sports betting, particularly for cricket enthusiasts. With a user-friendly interface, a wide range of betting options, and secure payment methods, Indibet provides an enjoyable and secure betting experience. Whether you’re using the Indibet app or accessing it through the web, you’ll find that the platform has everything you need for a comprehensive betting experience.
From Indibet login and easy deposit and withdrawal options to a diverse selection of sports and casino games, Indibet is well-suited for both beginners and experienced bettors. With its dedication to delivering an optimized and exciting platform, Indibet has established itself as a popular choice for sports betting and casino gaming in India.
Credit: Tyler Reddick and Kyle Larson lead the field on a pace lap prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
The NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Round of 8 continued this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway as Tyler Reddick won in a thrilling final-lap shootout with Ryan Blaney to capture the checkered flag and claim a spot in the Championship 4. Additionally, Reddick led 97 laps and also claimed his eighth career Cup Series win, his third victory of the season, and his first at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
After clinching the regular-season championship, Reddick is presently focused on the ultimate goal – the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
Ryan Blaney finished second, followed by Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott, rounding out the top five.
Playoff Driver Quotes
Tyler Reddick, No. 45 23XI Racing Toyota – Winner
“I couldn’t believe it,” Reddick said. “I just knew I needed to get even with him on his right side door, and he raced me clean, and I appreciate it. I’m just really, really excited having a shot at the championship. We did what it took to win this race, and we’re fighting for a championship,” said the 28-year-old Californian, who became only the second driver in 22 years to win at Homestead from the pole position.”
Team owner, Michael Jordan, was ecstatic, saying, “Little kid, (Reddick) drove his ass off, and I’m proud of him. He didn’t let go. He just went for it, and we needed it. We needed it.”
Ryan Blaney, No. 45 Team Penske Ford – Finished 2nd
Blaney led 47 laps and was the highest-finishing Ford but was disappointed with the outcome.
“Yeah, disappointment. I had a good shot to win it and I didn’t have a very good last lap,” Blaney said. He continued, “I thought I got into three hard and the 45 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.
Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – Finished 3rd
Hamlin led 21 laps during the race but came up short of clinching a spot in the Championship 4. He is currently sixth in the standings.
“Tried to cover all lanes but just couldn’t quite get off the corner as good as I needed to there on that short run. Short run wasn’t my specialty all day, obviously. Either way, controlling the race with two to go, you got to try to find a way to finish it. Just didn’t.
Christopher Bell, No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota – Finished 4th
I guess I’m out of here with a top-five and getting points is really good. You have to win races in the Round of 8, and we haven’t done that yet. We’ll go to Martinsville, and yeah, I feel confident about where we’re at in Martinsville. (It) has been a good track for us in the past and I think we can build on that. Overall, I’m happy, just disappointed that we weren’t a little bit better contending for the win. Just, I don’t know.”
Chase Elliott, No 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – Finished 5th
“I just got tighter and tighter as the day went on. I was just trying to manage that on the front side of a run, and ultimately I just didn’t do a great job of managing it. When the pace got quicker and everyone started pushing, I didn’t really have anything left to push. It was a really solid couple of weeks for the No. 9 NAPA Chevy team, from a pace perspective. That’s encouraging as you move along in the playoffs.”
William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – Finished 6th
“We kind of had what we had today. We weren’t good enough, and we were just trying to get all we could. I feel like a sixth-place finish is good. If it had gone green there, we were going to end up top-five. I don’t know how that changes the points, but we just have to go to Martinsville Speedway and compete for a win.”
Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet – Finished 13th
Kyle Larson, who had a blown tire in Stage 1 and spun out in the final stage, is looking ahead to next week’s playoff race at Martinsville.
“I had a little bit of a hole and I was trying to shoot the gap to get in front of the No. 3 and get to the wall quickly to either hopefully stay on the outside of the No. 12 or build a run to have a shot at him in (turns) one and two. But yeah, it just didn’t work out. I was going as hard as I could. The No. 5 Chevy team did a great job rebounding after the flat tire. We’ve been strong at Martinsville (Speedway) at times, so we’ll see. It’s not my best track, but I’ve been a lot better there since I joined Hendrick Motorsports. We just need to qualify well and give it our best shot.”
Joey Logano, No. 22 Team Penske Ford – Finished 28th
After Logano’s win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last week, the team’s primary goal is preparing for the Phoenix Raceway championship race. In a pre-race interview, he said, “Not that this race (Homestead) doesn’t matter to us but the fact that we earned an advantage by being able to focus on to Phoenix before anyone else, we need to take advantage of that opportunity.”
Cup Series Playoff standings after Homestead:
Reddick-win Logano-win Bell +29 Byron +7
Larson -7 Hamlin -18 Blaney -38 Elliott -43
Up Next
Next weekend, the NASCAR Cup Series travels to Martinsville Speedway for the final race in the championship Round of 8.
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 27: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images).
One week after rolling over in dramatic style at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Tyler Reddick responded in a monstrous way by notching a dramatic last-lap NASCAR Cup Series victory in the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Sunday, October 27.
The two-time Xfinity Series champion from Corning, California, led eight times for a race-high 97 of 267-scheduled laps in an event where he started on pole position and led the first 31 of 32 laps. Despite losing the lead during the event’s first round of green flag pit stops that started on Lap 32, Reddick would cycle back into the lead on Lap 55 and proceed to claim the first stage victory. Amid another cycle of green flag pit stops during the second stage period, he would collect an additional seven stage points by settling in fourth place at the stage’s conclusion.
Then through various pit strategies that occurred within the final stage period that started with 95 laps remaining, Reddick, who restarted in the top five and spent a majority of the period racing towards the front and battling with his fellow Playoff contenders, attempted to pull a strategic move by stretching his fuel tank to the distance while leading, a move that started with 46 laps remaining. Ultimately, the Californian would then pit from the lead with 16 laps remaining as he plummeted below the leaderboard.
After Playoff contender Kyle Larson spun with 13 laps remaining in his bid for the lead, Reddick remained on the track while the rest of the field pitted. Reddick would then lose the lead to team owner Denny Hamlin on the ensuing restart with seven laps remaining and spend the next six laps tracking both Hamlin and Ryan Blaney to remain in contention for the lead. Then after overtaking Hamlin for the runner-up spot at the start of the final lap, Reddick used the first two turns and the backstretch to reel in Blaney before he executed a bold race-winning pass to Blaney’s outside through Turns 3 and 4. With the momentum to his advantage, Reddick claimed his third Cup victory of the 2024 season and clinched a Championship 4 berth for the first time in his career.
With on-track qualifying that determined the starting lineup occurring on Saturday, October 26, Playoff contender Tyler Reddick notched his third Cup pole position of the 2024 season with a pole-winning lap at 167.452 mph in 32.248 seconds. Joining him on the front row was Playoff contender Kyle Larson, who clocked in his best qualifying lap at 167.053 mph in 32.325 seconds.
Prior to the event, Playoff contender Joey Logano, who is guaranteed a spot in this year’s Championship 4 field by winning last weekend’s Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, dropped to the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments made to his No 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry. Chris Buescher also dropped to the rear of the field due to unapproved adjustments made to his No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry.
When the green flag waved and the race started, Tyler Reddick launched his No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota Camry XSE ahead with an early advantage. He was followed by Playoff contender Christopher Bell while Kyle Larson struggled to launch from the outside lane. The field then fanned out through the first two turns and the backstretch as Reddick retained the lead ahead of Bell and Larson.
Then entering Turn 3, the event’s first caution flew as Justin Haley, who was running in sixth place, turned across the right-front fender of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and spun his No. 7 Chili’s Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 towards the bottom of the track through the turn as the field scattered to avoid him. With Haley managing to continue without sustaining any damage to his entry, Reddick proceeded to lead the first lap under caution.
When the race restarted under green on the fifth lap, the field fanned out through the first two turns as both Reddick and Bell dueled for the lead. They continued to duel for the lead in front of Larson through the backstretch and through Turns 3 and 4 before Bell led the following lap by a fender. Larson then tried to make a move beneath Reddick through the frontstretch, but Reddick fended him off as Reddick stormed into the lead. Behind, Martin Truex Jr. challenged Larson for third place as Bubba Wallace tried to join the battle.
Through the first 10-scheduled laps, Reddick was leading by half a second over Bell as Larson, Wallace and Playoff contender Chase Elliott were racing in the top five. Behind, Truex was back in sixth place ahead of Playoff contender Denny Hamlin, Alex Bowman, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and rookie Josh Berry while Daniel Hemric, Playoff contender Ryan Blaney, Chase Briscoe, Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch were in the top 15 ahead of Noah Gragson, Daniel Suarez, rookie Carson Hocevar, Playoff contender William Byron and Michael McDowell. Meanwhile, Playoff contender Joey Logano was mired in 27th place.
Ten laps later, Reddick stretched his advantage to more than a second over Larson as Elliott was up to third place. Behind, Wallace and Hamlin, both of whom nearly had an incident as Wallace got loose in front of Hamlin in Turn 1, trailed in the top five while Bell, Truex, Berry, Bowman and Briscoe followed suit in the top 10 ahead of Blaney, Keselowski, Byron, Stenhouse and Suarez.
Another 12 laps later, the event’s first cycle of green flag pit stops occurred as Byron pitted his No. 24 Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. More names including McDowell, Chastain, Ty Gibbs and Corey LaJoie also pitted before the leader Reddick pitted during the next lap. Elliott, Hamlin, Blaney, Briscoe, Berry, Hocevar, rookie Zane Smith, Hemric and Erik Jones also pitted before Larson, who assumed a brief lead, pitted along with Wallace by the Lap 34 mark. Truex, Bell, Bowman, Austin Dillon, Gragson and John Hunter Nemechek would follow suit to pit road as Keselowski, who was among 11 competitors who had yet to pit, remained on the track and inherited the lead.
Just past the Lap 40 mark, Keselowski continued to lead as he was ahead of Kyle Busch, Todd Gilliland, Logano and Austin Cindric on the track while Elliott, who managed to cycle ahead of Larson and Reddick following his green flag pit stop, trailed in eighth place. By then, Stenhouse, Kaz Grala and Chris Buescher had pitted earlier. Not long after, Busch, Logano and Cindric would pit their respective entries before Keselowski pitted from the lead on Lap 42. Once Gilliland pitted a lap later, Elliott would cycle past Haley, who has yet to pit, and assume the lead from teammate Larson and Reddick.
Nearing the Lap 50 mark, the caution flew when Larson, who was running in second place, scraped the outside wall entering the backstretch after he blew a right-rear tire, which the tire rolled out of the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Turn 4 as Larson limped to pit road. During the caution period, nearly the entire lead lap field led by Elliott returned to pit road for service while the rest including Busch, Logano, Austin Dillon and Haley remained on the track. Following the pit stops, Elliott exited pit road first as he was ahead of Wallace, Reddick, Blaney, Bell, Byron, Hamlin, Truex, Bowman and Hocevar.
As the race restarted under green on Lap 53, Busch retained a brief advantage through the frontstretch before Wallace, who restarted in sixth place, threaded the needle between three competitors and proceeded to zip by both Logano and Busch to assume the lead through the first two turns. Elliott would follow suit in second place through the backstretch as the field fanned out. With a bevy of competitors jostling for spots, Wallace led the following lap as teammate Redick made his way into second place over Elliott while Blaney followed suit. Playoff contenders Bell, Byron and Hamlin would also make their way into the top seven while Logano was slowly fading back on his worn tires.
Then on Lap 55, Reddick made a move beneath teammate Wallace through Turns 3 and 4 to assume the lead as he led the following lap. Reddick would proceed to lead to the Lap 60 mark while Wallace was fending off Elliott and Blaney for the runner-up spot. By then, six of eight Playoff contenders were racing in the top 10 on the track while Logano was drifting out of the top-20 mark. Meanwhile, Larson, who remained on the lead lap despite drawing the previous caution period, was trying to carve his way back into the top-25 mark on the track.
At the Lap 70 mark, Reddick’s advantage grew to three seconds over teammate Wallace while third-place Elliott trailed by four seconds. Behind, Blaney and Bell followed suit in the top five while Hocevar was up to sixth place ahead of Byron, Bowman, Hamlin and Truex.
When the first stage period concluded on Lap 80, Reddick, who came into Homestead 30 points below the top-four cutline to make the Championship 4 round, captured his sixth Cup stage victory of the 2024 season. Teammate Wallace followed suit in second ahead of Elliott, Blaney and Hocevar while Bell, Hamlin, Byron, Bowman and Truex were scored in the top 10. With six of eight Playoff contenders racking up the event’s first round of stage points by finishing in the top 10, the remaining Playoff contenders including Larson and Logano were mired outside the top 20 on the track.
Under the stage break, the lead lap field led by Reddick peeled off the track to pit road for service. Following the pit stops, Blaney exited pit road first as he was followed by Wallace, Hocevar, Elliott, Bell and Hamlin while Reddick exited seventh as he lost six spots due to a slow pit service. Amid the pit stops, Buescher spun in his pit stall after he was bumped by Stenhouse. In addition, Kyle Busch was penalized for a safety violation.
The second stage period started on Lap 87 as Blaney and Wallace occupied the front row. At the start, Elliott steered his No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 beneath Blaney’s No. 12 Menards Ford Mustang Dark Horse through the frontstretch as both along with Wallace went three wide for the lead in front of the field entering the first turn. Elliott and Wallace would then duel for the lead through the backstretch while Blaney was left pinned with Reddick and Hamlin in a three-wide battle for third place. As Bell joined the battle for third place, Elliott would muscle ahead of Wallace and lead the following lap. With Elliott leading by the Lap 90 mark, Hamlin and Blaney battled for third place in front of another battle involving Bell, Reddick and Bowman before Reddick gained a strong run through the frontstretch to challenge both Blaney and Hamlin for third place.
At the Lap 100 mark, Elliott stabilized his advantage to three-tenths of a second over Blaney as Hamlin, Reddick and Hocevar were scored in the top five. Behind, Wallace fell back to sixth place as he was ahead of Bell, Byron, Zane Smith and Bowman while Ryan Preece, Ty Gibbs, AJ Allmendinger, Logano and Berry followed suit in the top 15.
Twelve laps later, another cycle of green flag pit stops commenced as Blaney, who brushed the outside wall, pitted his No. 12 Menards Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Teammate Cindric would also pit along with Byron, Preece, Bowman, Logano, Suarez, Gilliland, Logano, Chastain, Larson and Erik Jones before Elliott pitted from the lead on Lap 116. Bell would also pit with Elliott.
As more names including Stenhouse, Buescher, Gragson, Wallace and Hemric pitted during the proceeding laps, Hamlin then pitted his No. 11 Mavis Toyota Camry XSE from the lead on Lap 123 as teammate Truex, Berry and Hocevar followed suit. Reddick, who assumed a brief lead, then pitted during the following lap as Kyle Busch and Keselowski, both of whom have yet to pit, moved into first and second ahead of Blaney and Elliott. By Lap 126, Blaney cycled into the lead as both Busch and Keselowski pitted. Elliott, however, would overtake Blaney for the lead two laps later.
Just past the Lap 135 mark, Elliott was leading ahead of Bell, who made his way past Blaney for the runner-up spot, as Hamlin started to close in from fourth place. Behind, Reddick cycled to fifth place as Byron, Hocevar, Bowman, Preece and Zane Smith were in the top 10. Elliott would continue to lead by Lap 140 while Hamlin, who had fresher tires than Elliott, was up to second place.
By Lap 150, Hamlin started to close in on Elliott for the lead. Then after spending the next five laps both stalking and closing in more to Elliott’s rear bumper, Hamlin started to make a move beneath Elliott for the lead. Amid lapped traffic, both dueled for the lead during the next five laps through every corner and straightaway before Hamlin used the inside lane in Turn 1 to rocket ahead and clear Elliott with the lead.
When the second stage period concluded on Lap 165, Hamlin, who came into Homestead 27 points below the top-four cutline, captured his seventh Cup stage victory of the 2024 season as he had extended his advantage to more than a second. Elliott settled in second and Bell fended off Reddick to settle in third place while Blaney, Byron, Truex, Hocevar, Preece and Allmendinger were scored in the top 10. By then, six of eight Playoff contenders racked up the event’s second round of stage points while both Larson and Logano did not.
During the stage break, the lead lap field led by Hamlin pitted for service. Following the pit services, Elliott reassumed the lead as he exited pit road first ahead of Bell, Hamlin, Blaney and Reddick while Byron, Hocevar, Truex, Preece and Bowman followed suit in the top 10. Amid the pit stops, Kyle Busch was penalized for pitting outside his pit box.
With 95 laps remaining, the final stage commenced under green as Elliott and Bell occupied the front row. At the start, Elliott and Bell dueled for the lead as the field fanned out to multiple lanes entering the first turn. Bell and Elliott remained dead even for the top spot through the backstretch and for the final two sets of turns before Bell led the following lap by a fender. Elliott would then use the inside lane to muscle back ahead of Bell and reassume the lead. With Elliott leading, Blaney would then muscle past Bell and retain second while Hamlin, Byron and Reddick followed suit.
With 85 laps remaining, Elliott retained the lead by two-tenths of a second over Blaney as Bell, Reddick and Hamlin were in the top five. Meanwhile, Larson was back up to sixth place in front of teammate Bryon as Blaney started to close in on Elliott for the lead.
Then with 81 laps remaining, the caution returned as Haley spun in Turn 3 for a second time, this time due to getting hit by Ty Gibbs. During the caution period, the lead lap field led by Elliott returned to pit road for service. Following the pit stops, Blaney managed to beat Elliott off of pit road first as they were followed by Bell, Reddick, Larson, Hocevar, Hamlin, Bowman, Byron and Preece.
The start of the next restart period with 76 laps remaining featured Blaney rocketing ahead with the lead entering the first turn as Bell made his way into second place. Behind, Larson moved up to fourth place and battled Reddick and Byron to retain the spot while Elliott tried to battle Bell for second place. Amid a series of battles occurring within the field, Blaney led the following lap. As Blaney retained a steady lead over both Elliott and Bell with 70 laps remaining, Larson continued to fiercely battle with Byron and Reddick for fourth place while Hamlin overtook Hocevar for seventh place.
Down to the final 60 laps of the event, Blaney stretched his advantage to more than a second over Elliott while Larson, who carved his way up to third place, trailed by more than two seconds. Behind, Bell and Reddick were in the top five as Hamlin, Byron, Bowman, Hocevar and Allmendinger were in the top 10.
Ten laps later, Blaney stabilized his advantage to more than a second over Elliott while Larson continued to trail in third place by more than two seconds. Shortly after, a late cycle of green flag pit stops ensued as Keselowski, Wallace, Busch, Austin Dillon and Gilliland all pitted their respective entries. More names including LaJoie, Berry, Preece, Gragson and Byron pitted over the next three laps before teammates Elliott and Larson pitted their respective Chevrolets with 47 laps remaining. The leader Blaney would then pit with 46 laps remaining along with Bell as Reddick and Hamlin remained on the track to assume first and second.
With 40 laps remaining, Reddick, who had yet to pit but opted to stretch his fuel tank to the furthest of its distance, continued to lead ahead of team owner Hamlin while Bowman, McDowell and Briscoe, all of whom had yet to pit, were in the top five. As Truex, Suarez, Logano, Nemechek and Cindric, all of whom have yet to pit, trailed in the top 10, Blaney, the first competitor who pitted, was up in 11th place and racing ahead of Elliott and Larson.
A lap later, Hamlin pitted under green from the runner-up spot. By then Reddick, remained in the lead as he was leading by more than 21 seconds over Blaney. Reddick would continue to lead and stretch his fuel tank before he surrendered the lead to pit under green with 16 laps remaining. As Reddick pitted, Blaney cycled into the lead as he was leading by three-tenths of a second over a hard-charging Larson.
Then with 13 laps remaining, the caution flew as Larson, who tried to thread the needle in between Blaney and the lapped competitor of Austin Dillon in a battle for the lead, was lightly bumped into both as he slid sideways and spun to the bottom of the track in Turn 4. Following the spin, Larson managed to proceed as he lost the runner-up spot to Hamlin as Blaney retained the lead.
During the caution period, Blaney led nearly the entire lead lap field back to pit road for service while Reddick remained on the track as he inherited the lead. Following the pit stops, Blaney exited pit road first as he was followed by Hamlin, Elliott, Bowman, Byron, Bell, Allmendinger and Hocevar while Larson, whose No. 5 pit crew repaired the diffuser lap, exited ninth as he lost six spots in the process.
Down to the final seven laps of the event, the race restarted under green as Reddick launched ahead of Blaney from the outside lane to assume the lead through the frontstretch. Then as the field fanned out entering Turn 1, Hamlin seized an opportunity through the first two turns and used the outside lane to dart his No. 11 Mavis Toyota into the lead. Behind, Blaney and Elliott battled for second along with Reddick. Hamlin would lead the next lap before Blaney launched his challenge on the former for the top spot entering the first turn. Despite Blaney having the advantage through the turns from the inside lane, Hamlin used the outside wall to gain the final advantage and retain the lead entering the straightaways. As Reddick and Elliott battled for third place, Hamlin continued to lead with five laps remaining.
Over the next three laps, Hamlin fended off repeated challenges from Blaney through the corners to lead as Reddick tried to close in. Then entering the backstretch, Blaney gained a strong run beneath Hamlin and dueled with him before he muscled his No. 12 Menards Ford ahead in Turns 3 and 4.
When the white flag waved and the final lap started, Blaney was leading by a tenth of a second over Hamlin as Reddick started to close in on Hamin for the runner-up spot. Reddick then used the inside lane to overtake Hamlin through the first two turns as Blaney remained in the lead. Then after stalking Blaney through the backstretch, Reddick floored his No. 45 The Beast Toyota to the outside lane as he drew even with Blaney through Turns 3 and 4. With the outside lane working to his advantage, Reddick rocketed past Blaney and used the momentum to muscle ahead through the frontstretch as he claimed the checkered flag to cap off a dramatic battle and finish to the event.
With the victory, Reddick notched his eighth Cup Series win in his 180th career start, his third of the 2024 season, his first at Homestead and his first since winning at Michigan International Speedway in August. The victory was also the ninth of the season for the Toyota nameplate and the eighth overall for 23XI Racing.
Above all, Reddick, who is in his fifth consecutive full-time season as a Cup Series competitor, became the second Playoff contender to clinch one of four berths to the 2024 Championship 4 round at Phoenix Raceway as this season marks Reddick’s first time reaching the final Playoff round in NASCAR’s premier series. As a result, he joins Joey Logano as a championship finalist and will contend for the first Cup Series championship for himself and 23XI Racing.
HOMESTEAD, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 27: Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images).
“We’re backed into a corner and we had no other choice,” Reddick, who celebrated with his family, No. 45 team, and owner Michael Jordan, said on the frontstretch on NBC. “I knew we were on a tire deficit and here at Homestead, that’s a death sentence, but I don’t care. We did what it took to win this race and we’re fighting for a championship. I couldn’t believe it. I just knew I needed to get even with [Blaney] on his right-side door. I didn’t care what he did, but he raced me clean. I appreciate it, but just really, really excited that we’re going to get to have a shot at this championship. It’d mean the world [to win the championship]. We thankfully can take off from Martinsville [Speedway] a little bit and get ready for Phoenix [Raceway], but we’re pumped.”
As Reddick celebrated both a victory and a locked-up Championship 4 berth, Blaney was left dejected on pit road after having his victory and Championship 4 berth slip out of his grasp on the final lap and final corner. Despite being 38 points below the top-four cutline, Blaney heads into next weekend’s Round of 8 finale at Martinsville Speedway with a final opportunity to race his way back into the final round and defend his title.
“It’s obvious [I am with] disappointment,” Blaney, who led 47 laps, said. “I had a great shot to win. I didn’t have a very good last lap. Man, I thought I got into [Turn] 3 hard and [Reddick] just blitzed it off in there and it stuck for him, which was pretty impressive. I hate to give one away there like that. I don’t know if we gave it away. I mean, we got the lead back after losing it on the restart. Just last lap didn’t really play out for us. Definitely stings. I appreciate everybody on the No. 12 team for bringing a really fast race car. [I] Had a great shot to go to Phoenix and still got one more chance, so we still got to look forward to that. I’ll be picking through [the finish] all night what I should have done different probably and that’s just the way it goes, but overall, really proud of the effort and hopefully, we can bring it to [the competition] next week.”
Like Blaney, Hamlin, who led 21 laps and fell short of the victory after settling in third place, trails the cutline by 18 points as he strives to return to the Championship 4 round for the first time since 2021.
“I tried to cover all lanes, but just couldn’t quite get off the corner as good as I needed to there on that short run,” Hamlin said. “Short run wasn’t my specialty all day obviously, but either way, controlling the race [with] two [laps] to go, you got to try to find a way to finish it and just didn’t. [Martinsville]’s another opportunity and certainly, you’re not out of it until [NASCAR] throws the checkered flag at Martinsville.”
Christopher Bell and Chase Elliott, both of whom led a combined 84 laps, finished in the top five while William Byron, Alex Bowman, AJ Allmendinger, Carson Hocevar and Ryan Preece finished in the top 10. Meanwhile, Kyle Larson ended up in 13th place while Logano settled in 28th place.
As a result of the final on-track finishes, Bell and Byron occupy the final two vacant spots to the Championship 4 round while Larson, Hamlin, Blaney and Elliott trail entering next weekend’s Round of 8 finale at Martinsville Speedway.
There were 33 lead changes for 11 different leaders. The race featured six cautions for 30 laps. In addition, 33 of 38 starters finished on the lead lap.
The Round of 8 in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs is set to conclude next weekend at Martinsville Speedway for the Xfinity 500, which will determine this year’s Championship 4 field. The event is scheduled to commence next Sunday, November 3, and air at 2 p.m. ET on NBC.
TYLER REDDICK PUNCHES TICKET TO CHAMPIONSHIP 4 WITH WIN AT HOMESTEAD Reddick make his first career Championship 4 appearance at Phoenix
HOMESTEAD, Fla. (October 27, 2024) – With an incredible move in the final two corners on the final lap, Tyler Reddick captured victory Sunday afternoon at Homestead-Miami Speedway to secure his spot in the Cup Series Championship 4 for the first time in his career and the first title race appearance for 23XI Racing. The win is Reddick’s third in the 2024 season, tying a career-best, and the eighth of his Cup Series career.
Reddick started from the pole position and was the dominant car in Stage 1, leading 57 laps and claiming the stage victory. The No. 45 Camry XSE stayed in contention throughout Sunday afternoon but had to revert to running long in the final pit cycle in hopes of catching a late caution to be in the catbirds seat for a victory. That yellow came just laps after Reddick made his final pit stop, putting him to the lead while others pitted. He lost the lead on the initial restart but passed the cars in front, including in turns 3 and 4 on the final lap, to take the checkered flag and clinch himself to the championship race in two weeks.
Denny Hamlin, who won Stage 2, and Christopher Bell joined Reddick inside the top-five on Sunday, finishing third and fourth, respectively. Hamlin took the lead from Reddick on the final restart and seemed in position to put himself in the title race but came home third as the checkered flew. The result is the 11th top-five for the No. 11 team this season. Bell’s fourth-place result is his 14th top-five of the season, the most in the Cup Series, as well as his 22 top-10 finish, 11th in the last 13 races.
While Reddick is clinched to the Championship 4 race in Phoenix, Bell sits 29 points above the cutline heading to Round of 8 cutoff race in Martinsville next weekend. Hamlin will enter next Sunday below the cutline, 18 points under.
Race coverage at Martinsville Speedway next Sunday, November 3, can be seen on NBC at 2 p.m. EST, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM Radio Channel 90.
Toyota Post-Race Recap NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Homestead-Miami Speedway Race 34 of 36 – 267 Laps, 400.5 Miles
TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
1st, TYLER REDDICK 2nd, Ryan Blaney* 3rd, DENNY HAMLIN 4th, CHRISTOPHER BELL 5th, Chase Elliott* 18th, BUBBA WALLACE 22nd, ERIK JONES 23rd, MARTIN TRUEX JR. 26th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK 36th, TY GIBBS *non-Toyota driver
TOYOTA QUOTES
TYLER REDDICK, No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota Camry XSE, 23XI Racing
Finishing Position: 1st
Can you take us through your emotions on those final laps?
“I can’t walk you through the last few laps. But my emotions were all over the place. Yeah, when we went long, I didn’t know how that was going to play out. I was worried that caution wasn’t going to come. We pit, lose a lap. Oh, damn. We get back on the lead lap. I was not expecting it, right? Nick (Payne, spotter) says caution. Great, we’re at the back, whatever else. It was like, ‘Yeah, we’re going to stay out.’ I was like, ‘Oh, snap, we’re going to stay out?’ We’re going to figure this out. Yeah, turn one went about as good as I thought it could have went. I saw Denny (Hamlin) get to my outside. That wasn’t great. We settled in there. I didn’t know how bad we were going to bleed. I drove into turn three kind of, I don’t know, out of desperation, something, I kind of held serve. I was very shocked by that. Then as laps just kept winding down, it didn’t truly feel like we were at a big tire deficit. You come to this place, you know tires are a premium. Early in the race we saw the 8 (Kyle Busch), a number of other cars, on three-, four-lap tires stay out and get their doors blown off. I was completely shocked we were able to stay in the mix like we were. Yeah, going into one, I made the right guess. I got the bottom. I got clean air. I got up in front of the 11 (Hamlin). I had a good run on the 12 (Ryan Blaney). I was just blown away that I had that kind of momentum going into turn three. I thought there was no way the 12 was going to leave, Blaney, was going to leave me the outside. He must have thought that I was just going to absolutely dive bomb it off in there to try to get around him. Once I saw him kind of shade down, I hit the gas and forgot about everything else. Came out on the other side in the lead. It was just crazy.”
How do you put out of your head what happened last week when you’re trying to make a move?
“You can’t think about it at all. I’m thankful that the cars are as safe as they are when it comes to rolling them over. They made big improvements with that from Gen-6 to Gen-7. Certainly, I didn’t think the crash was as big as it was. It was an interesting process understanding that. Again, I was just glad the car, for the most part, I stayed in the seat, nothing collapsed, nothing crazy happened. I don’t know. To your point, Bob (Pockrass, FOX Sports), we’re kind of crazy to some degree. My first lap in the car after flipping it, I drive off into turn three and four in practice right on the wall, like nothing had ever happened. That’s just how you have to be if you want to compete at this level. You’ve got to be able to remember the important things, remember the lessons. There’s certain things you just got to completely block out, forget, go into the next day, the next week completely ready to go like nothing ever happened.”
What about Homestead suits you?
“I have no idea. I like Florida. Maybe that’s some of it. The weather’s always nice. Yeah, this place is the only mile-and-a-half that we have that is shaped the way that it is. With the nature of the surface, the banking, just how well the wall is shaped, it really allows you to just get up there and rip it and make a lot of speed. Today was a day where you could really run the wall in (turns) three and four, but in one and two you had to move around quite a bit. That took some adjusting. But our car was really, really tuned for it. Our Beast Camry could kind of run wherever we wanted to. That was nice. It really was a big part of why we were able to win this race today. On older tires, we got up in line. Versatility is important here. I don’t know. This place has just been really, really fun from the first time I ever ran it as a rookie in the Truck Series. I don’t know what it is. Just me as a racer, I love stepping over the edge. This place seems to reward that to some degree. You have to take care of your tires. Being able to rip the fence when all else fails, man, there’s nowhere else like this place where you can do that and make that kind of speed. Just a lot of fun to run lap after lap.”
DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 Mavis Tire Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing
Finishing Position: 3rd
What more could you do there to get the victory?
Well, I’m not really sure. Tried to cover all lanes, but just couldn’t quite get off the corner as good as I needed to there on that short run. Short run wasn’t my specialty all day, obviously. Either way, controlling the race with two to go, you got to try to find a way to finish it. Just didn’t.
What are you looking forward to heading to Martinsville next weekend?
“I mean, yeah, it’s another opportunity. Certainly, you’re not out of it till they throw the checkered flag at Martinsville.”
CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Rheem Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing
Finishing Position: 4th
What was lacking today that impeded you from victory today?
“I don’t know. A little bit. A couple cars just could get away. There were runs in race today where I felt really good, but just after restarts, I couldn’t keep up with them. This is so, so intense and we knew coming into the Round of 8 with these drivers, we were going to have winners, winners and winners. Coming to Homestead, you look at the guys who run well here and you’re expecting a winner from the bottom-half of the grid, and I think the same thing will happen in Martinsville. So, yeah, I’m glad we’ve been able to maximize our points and in order for us to transfer (to the Championship 4), we’re still going to have to be running for the win in Martinsville.”
Take us through your afternoon here today at Homestead.
“I don’t know. I guess I’m out of here with a top-five and getting points is really good. You have to win races in the Round of 8, and we haven’t done that yet. We’ll go to Martinsville, and yeah, I feel confident about where we’re at in Martinsville. (It) has been a good track for us in the past and I think we can build on that. Overall, I’m happy, just disappointed that we weren’t a little bit better contending for the win. Just, I don’t know.”
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Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Team Earn 25th-Place Finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finish: 25th Start: 30th Points: 28th
“Our No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet team fought hard today at Homestead-Miami Speedway. At the start of the race, we picked up 14 positions in the first 20 laps. We had speed in our Chevy even though we lacked forward drive. During our first pit stop, we got boxed in by the car in front of us and that cost us a lot of positions on the track. We were able to race our way into the top 20, but we fought a tight balance for the rest of the race and also continued to be hindered by our pit box location. We raced in dirty air all day, which didn’t help our handling issues. It’s not the day we had hoped for, but our Richard Childress Racing team will go back to work and come back stronger here next year.” -Austin Dillon
Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet Team Lead Laps and Earn Lead Lap Finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway
Finish: 31st Start: 17th Points: 20th
“I wish we could have come away with a better finish in the Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet at Homestead-Miami Speedway, but not much went our way today. The positive is that we led a few laps today. At the start of the race we were loose in, tight in the middle and loose off. Crew chief Randall Burnett and all the guys on the team made a ton of changes throughout the race but we never hit on a setup that worked. It’s frustrating to race in dirty air, but that’s how it goes some days. This team is determined and we have two more races left to get a win before the season is over. Thanks to everyone at Rebel Bourbon who came out and supported us today. It’s been so cool getting to know everyone and seeing their support is awesome.” -Kyle Busch
RICK WARE RACING Straight Talk Wireless 400 Date: Oct. 27, 2024 Event: Straight Talk Wireless 400 (Round 34 of 36) Series: NASCAR Cup Series Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.5-mile oval) Format: 267 laps, broken into three stages (80 laps/85 laps/102 laps)
Race Winner: Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing (Toyota) Stage 1 Winner: Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing (Toyota) Stage 2 Winner: Denny Hamlin of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
● Corey LaJoie (32nd with 482 points) ● Kaz Grala (35th with 193 points)
RWR Notes:
● This was Grala’s first NASCAR Cup Series start at Homestead. ● This was LaJoie’s ninth NASCAR Cup Series start at Homestead. His best finish remains 20th, earned in October 2023.
Race Notes:
● Tyler Reddick won the Straight Talk Wireless 400 to score his eighth career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his third of the season and his first at Homestead. His margin of victory over second-place Ryan Blaney was .241 of a second. ● There were six caution periods for a total of 30 laps. ● All but five of the 38 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap. ● This was the second race in the semifinal Round of 8 of the NASCAR Playoffs. Reddick secured his spot in the Championship 4 via his win and joined last week’s winner, Joey Logano. Christopher Bell and William Byron are the other two drivers above the top-four cutline while Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, Blaney and Chase Elliott are currently below the cutline with one race remaining before the final, winner-take-all Championship 4 Nov. 10 at Phoenix Raceway.
Sound Bites:
“It was just a tough day for us overall. I wish we could’ve had a better showing for Meat N’ Bone at their home track, but we’ve got two more races and I feel like we’ll be able to finish the season strong.” – Kaz Grala, driver of the No. 15 Meat N’ Bone Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Next Up:
The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the XFINITY 500 on Sunday, Nov. 3 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The penultimate race in the 10-race NASCAR Playoffs starts at 2 p.m. EST with live coverage provided by NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
AJ ALLMENDINGER No. 16 Worldwide Express Camaro ZL1
AJ Allmendinger qualified 32nd for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The first caution of the race came early on lap two; Allmendinger had driven up to 29th place. The field restarted on lap six, and Allmendinger continued to gain positions, taking over 16th place on lap 27, before green-flag pit stops began on lap 33. The No. 16 stayed on track, claiming second place on lap 34 and came to pit road on lap 39 for tires and fuel. The second caution of the day fell before Allmendinger had cycled through the field after his green flag stop. He was scored in 24th and reported his Chevy was tight and he needed more turn, but he had good rear drive he didn’t want to lose. The team came to pit road for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment and restarted in 30th place. Battling through the field, Allmendinger went on to finish the opening stage in 16th.
Allmendinger came to pit road during the stage break for tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment to help with the handling of the car. He restarted the second stage in 17th place on lap 88. By lap 100, Allmendinger had taken over 12th place and stayed on track as green-flag pit stops began on lap 115. On lap 124, from third place, Allmendinger came to pit road for a scheduled, green-flag pit stop. After exiting pit road, Allmendinger continued to drive through the field, reporting the front end was tight, and he was losing rear grip. On the last lap of the stage, Allmendinger took 10th place, where he finished the stage.
The No. 16 came to pit road during the stage break for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment to loosen up the car. Allmendinger restarted in 12th place on lap 172, hoping for a long run for the handling of the car. The caution came 14 laps later on lap 186; Allmendinger was scored in 12th. The team pitted for tires, fuel, and additional adjustments before restarting in 13th on lap 192. On the restart, Allmendinger took over 10th place and had taken ninth by lap 193. The team stayed on track as green-flag pit stops began, before coming to pit road on lap 223 from the fifth position. By lap 233, Allmendinger had regained his position in 10th place, and on lap 253 Allmendinger had taken over seventh. When the caution came on lap 257, the No. 16 came to pit road for four tires and fuel. He restarted in eighth place with seven laps remaining. Allmendinger went on to finish in eighth place.
“Overall, really good day. We had to come from the back several times. Andrew [Dickeson] and the whole No. 16 group did a great job. Pit stops were good, strategy was good. We probably needed just a little bit more front turn to go run with the leader. I was really happy; I felt like we had really good pace. Proud of our group and the effort today.” – AJ Allmendinger
DANIEL HEMRIC No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1
Daniel Hemric qualified ninth for the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, earning his best qualifying effort of the 2024 NCS season.
The field completed only one lap, before the first caution came out for a spin ahead of Hemric. Restarting from eighth, Hemric was slow to fire off and fell to 24th, before making his first, scheduled green-flag pit stop for tires, fuel and an air pressure adjustment. Firing off better the second run, Hemric made it back to the top 20, as debris brought out the second caution. While driving down pit road for a scheduled pit stop, Hemric made contact with another car and was forced to pit twice to make repairs to the grille of the No. 31 Cirkul Chevrolet. Restarting from 36th, Hemric made up nine spots to finish the first stage in 27th.
During the first stage break, Hemric pitted for tires, fuel, wedge and right-side air pressure adjustments to help him drive into the corners better. He started the second stage from 23rd and made it as high as 12th when the green-flag pit cycle began. Hemric pitted on lap 120 for fresh tires and fuel. Towards the end of the stage, Hemric found speed and stayed on the lead lap to finish the second stage in 29th.
Crew chief Trent Owens made the call for an attitude adjustment on the No. 31 Chevy, making multiple adjustments during the team’s scheduled pit stop. Hemric started the final stage in 30th, making his way up to 27th when the next caution came out. Hemric relayed that the previous changes gave him more movability in the No. 31 Chevy, as Owens brought him back down pit road for more of the same changes. Hemric restarted 30th on lap 192 and eventually fell one lap to the leaders. A late caution with 12 laps to go allowed Hemric to take the wave around and gain the lap back. He restarted 31st with seven to go and went on to finish the race in 29th.
“We started the weekend with so much speed and our best qualifying spot of the year. Unfortunately not being able to run the top was our biggest challenge. Trent [Owens] made some positive changes that helped get some movability in the No. 31 Cirkul Chevy and get us moving in the right direction towards the end.” – Daniel Hemric
About Kaulig Racing
Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 23 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries, with a part-time fourth entry at select events. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.
