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NASCAR Championship Weekend Media Day (Ty Majeski & Cole Custer)

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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series & NASCAR Xfinity Series
Championship 4 Media Day | Thursday, November 7, 2024

Ty Majeski, driver of the No. 98 Soda Sense Ford F-150, is making his second Championship 4 appearance and first with Ford. He spoke to media members Thursday morning to discuss his chances.

TY MAJESKI, No. 98 Soda Sense Ford F-150 – HOW DO YOU FEEL RACING FOR A CHAMPIONSHIP? “I’m excited. It’s good to be back. In 2023 it was a little weird not being here for the championship race, so it’s good to be back. I feel like we belong here and I feel like we deserve to be here, I really do. And I think the same can be said for the other three. I think the four that are here deserve to be here and with this format it doesn’t always go that way, so it’s good to have what I feel like are the best four in the series this year battling for the championship, so I’m excited for the opportunity. It’s been a great year and hopefully we can close it out.”

IT WOULD BE THE SECOND STRAIGHT TRUCK TITLE FOR FORD: “Ford has obviously done a lot of great work for us and they’ve been a great partner with Duke in the past, and now with our second tenure with them it’s been great. They give us all the tools that we need to compete week in and week out. Ford obviously closed last year on a really high note with all three championships, so to have all three you have to win the first one, so hopefully that’s us Friday night.”

ANY PRESSURE? “I’m excited for the opportunity to go and compete at a high-level Friday night. I feel like in 2022 I learned a lot just from a mindset of what this all means – being here on Media Day and going through the motions. I kind of know what to expect this time around and feel like that makes me that much more prepared.”

WHAT MAKES THIS RACE DIFFERENT? “You’re only racing three guys, so you’re not racing to necessarily win the race, even though that might be what it takes. You’re watching three other guys and that’s really all that matters to us – Friday night. We’re gonna maybe play our strategy a little differently to try and beat those guys relative to what they’re doing and how their races are going, so we need to be mindful of that and try to put ourselves in good position. We obviously want to win the race, but we want to be champion. That’s the goal we all have here this weekend, so it’s gonna be a great event. Phoenix always puts on a great race. It’s always exciting with how the frontstretch is and the restarts, so it’s gonna be a great show. I’m excited to go.”

YOU WERE FINED $12,500. WHAT HAS THE WEEK BEEN LIKE? “It’s obviously been a whirlwind for sure. Like I said, I’m really focused on the race Friday night. I felt like I needed to do my duty as a U.S. citizen to vote. My team owners and I, Duke, Rhonda and Allison, we all made the decision to exercise that right.”

WHERE DID YOU VOTE? “Wisconsin.”

THE TUESDAY CONTENT DAY WAS NEW. WAS IT SOMETHING YOU WERE AWARE OF AND HAD CONTACT WITH NASCAR AHEAD OF TIME? “Yeah, we certainly knew about it. I didn’t specifically have much communication with NASCAR prior. I let everybody internally at ThorSport handle those conversations prior to not being there on Tuesday, so I feel like they knew our position and it’s kind of unprecedented. This has never happened before. Election Day, everyone knew it was Election Day for a long time. It’s unfortunate circumstances for everybody. I don’t think anybody wants to be put in that position, but we have to have a free country to race in and that’s just part of being a U.S. citizen, so I wanted to exercise that right. I didn’t know I was gonna in the Championship 4 until a few days prior. I’ve always in my whole life been an election day vote guy. I’ve never done an absentee ballot. I wanted to make sure my vote was counted.”

WILL YOU APPEAL? “That is our intent, yes.”

WHEN WILL IT BE HEARD? “I have not heard that yet.”

HOW WOULD YOU APPROACH THE END OF THE RACE IF IT ENDS UP LIKE LAST YEAR WITH A LOT OF ACCIDENTS? “I think there’s a lot of different ways to approach it and a lot of different drivers have different codes. Not everybody races the same. I know where my line is and what I’d be willing to do and still be able to sleep at night and be proud of how I won. That might be a little less aggressive than what we’ve seen in some different scenarios over the past couple of years. Like I said, we all have a code and I want to lay my head down at night and be proud of how I won.”

HOW HAS THE TEAM AS A WHOLE GROWN SINCE YOUR LAST CHAMPIONSHIP 4 APPEARANCE? “My 98 team has been really good. We’ve been together three years now. Obviously, there are some moving pieces, but Joe, I, the truck chief have been three really solid people throughout our tenure at ThorSport. Tyler Shullick, my truck chief, Joe Shear, my crew chief, we have a great relationship. We work really, really hard in the shop. That’s what it takes. It’s all about attention to detail and understanding and taking accountability of when we’re off, when I’m off, when I make a mistake, when Joe makes a mistake we hold each other accountable, but we’re incredibly close and we push each other to be better. I think that’s one of the biggest reasons we’ve been able to put really good runs together each season.”

IS THERE A LANE YOU PREFER HERE ON RESTARTS? “It really depends on the scenario. I’ve watched the last two or three races back here multiple times. There doesn’t seem to be a right or wrong answer to that. I think it’s very situational. I don’t know that there’s a line I prefer. You really have to pay attention to who is in front of you and what strategy they’re on, how old their tires are – there’s a lot that will probably go into the decision on what line I choose going into one, but that could be a championship decision when you’re on a restart on a green-white-checker. You need to make a decision on where to go and where to place your truck. It happened last year. Ben had a couple great restarts at the end and put himself in position to come out with the lead off of turn two and from there it’s hard to pass, so that will be a championship moment and hopefully it comes down to that.”

SEEING BEN DO IT LAST YEAR, DOES THAT GIVE YOU CONFIDENCE YOU CAN DO IT THIS YEAR? “Yeah. I mean, regardless of what Ben did last year, I have confidence in our team. We’ve run really well on these types of racetracks throughout the year. I know that we have the equipment and we have what it takes to come here and compete for a championship. It’s up to us to execute that, whether that be on pit road, strategy, myself on restarts. It’s all the little things that go into winning a championship. You’re not gonna be able to afford a mistake because there’s gonna be one of these other three that are going to go mistake-free in the race, so you have to be that guy and put yourself in position at the end of the race.”

THIS RACE IS DIFFERENT IN THAT A MISTAKE CAN COST YOU THE CHAMPIONSHIP. “Yeah. I think there needs to be a balance of you need to up your game for this race, there’s no doubt about it, but you also have to take the mindset, ‘Hey, it is just another race,’ and we need to do what we do and try and win the race because, at the end of the day, if we win the race, we’re champions. There’s more preparation that goes into it. You look at the finer details because those fine details can be the difference, but, at the same time, it is another race. Joe and I went to the simulator and prepared as we normally do coming up with a package and a setup, so a lot of the things are the same, but maybe you do those things with a finer comb, so to speak.”

THIS RACE DEVOLVED INTO A CRASHFEST AT THE END. ANY CONCERN THAT COULD HAPPEN AGAIN? “Man, I hope not. You never want a championship race to turn into that. I feel like moving the restart zone back will help that. We were so bunched up with how late the restart zone was or how close it was to the start-finish line. Everybody was bumper to bumper and as soon as we hit the start-finish line you just fanned out and went wherever people weren’t. I think with us being able to build up some more speed, go through more shifts, that’s gonna create a little more separation where hopefully you won’t see what we did last year.”

WHY SHOULDN’T YOUR TEAM BE OVERLOOKED THIS WEEK? “I think this is our type of racetrack. Anytime Joe and I show up to a flat short track, I feel like we’re a threat to win. I feel like we’ve all kind of had our parts of the season where we’ve been dominant and I really feel like the Championship 4 that are here really are probably the four that deserve to be here the most. That doesn’t happen all the time with this format, so it’s good to see that. I think that’s good for the sport, good for everybody involved to have us four here. It’s gonna be an interesting race for sure. I feel like we have as good a chance as anybody. Like I said, being on a short track I feel really good about our chances.”

WHAT’S IT LIKE TO BE THIS CLOSE TO A CHAMPIONSHIP AND ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL? “I’m just glad that this is kind of my second time here and I’ve had that experience to lean on and understand what goes into it with media day and all the attention you’ll be getting. Just having gone through it one time before this makes it that much easier. I’m much more calm this time around and understanding of what to expect. I’m excited for the opportunity. These are the types of moments that you dream of being in as a race car driver, kind of the Game 7 moment. It’s winner take all and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

DO YOU FEEL THAT AS YOU GET INTO THE TRUCK? IT MUST FEEL A LITTLE DIFFERENT. “Once I get the helmet on, you’re really not thinking about any of it. You’re just executing what you know how to do in a race car. It doesn’t matter if it’s a late model, a truck, when you get behind the wheel and put your helmet on, I personally don’t really think of any of that. It’s just focusing on the job at hand and executing the best I can.”

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF ON HOW TO PREPARE? “I think the biggest thing is trying to treat this how we treat any other race. There’s more preparation that goes into it, but as far as the mental state of it, you have to treat it just like every other one. You can’t get caught up in the moment and have to sort of make the moment smaller and execute at a high level. There’s a lot that’s out of your control in the past rounds. There are different races and different types of tracks and you’re relying on other people not to win in certain scenarios, so there are really more variables that are out of your control in the previous rounds, so our perspective was all we can do is the best we can do. This race, you kind of control your own destiny a little bit. It’s winner take all. You have to execute at a high level and not make mistakes. You don’t want to do something that’s gonna take you out of it at the end of the race, so I have to be smart and I have to mindful. Stages don’t matter. To this point, stages are a huge deal getting those points, pointing our way to the next round as we did each of these rounds. This week it’s winner take all. Points don’t matter.”

WHAT’S IT MEAN TO BE THE GUY FROM WISCONSIN CARRYING THE FLAG FROM THAT STATE? “I love it. Wisconsin, it’s really a honey hole for short track racing. A lot of great race car drivers have come out of there and a lot of them have had success in NASCAR. Obviously, Johnny Sauter, aTruck Series champion. Matt Kenseth, Cup champion. Dick Trickle is a legend. The list goes on and on and it’s neat to sort of be that guy right now. I’m happy to have the opportunity to carry that Wisconsin flag. I’ll always be a Wisconsin guy. I’ll always go back to short track racing in Wisconsin whenever I can, so it’s an honor to carry that flag.”

Cole Custer, driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, is going for his second straight championship this weekend. He would become the ninth driver to achieve that feat and the second Ford driver to do it in back-to-back seasons (Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in 2011-12).

COLE CUSTER, No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang Dark Horse – HOW DOES WINNING THIS LAST YEAR APPLY TO THIS YEAR?

“You definitely have some confidence with it but at the same time it doesn’t matter. I think this is a totally different year and we have to go out there and execute a whole weekend. I think our team does a really good job at executing weekends and maximizing, so we just have to go out there and do it one more time.”

YOU MENTIONED THAT AT THIS POINT LAST YEAR YOU HADN’T EVEN WON ON AN OVAL. IT SEEMS LIKE YOU ARE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE NOW: “Hopefully. We have definitely had good speed in our cars and this has been a solid place for us, Phoenix. I think it should be a place where we can go execute a good race and be towards the front. You never know. We are going to unload and practice tomorrow and see what we’ve got and go from there.”

ANY FEAR THAT CHANDLER SMITH WILL RETALIATE? “I don’t know. I am not really thinking about it that way. At the end of the day I am going to go run my race and see where we end up and try to maximize the day. You race how you get raced, and you go from there. At the end of the day, I am just going to focus on our weekend.”

HOW MUCH DO YOU TAKE FROM LAST YEAR AND APPLY IT TO THIS YEAR FOR THIS WEEKEND? “Definitely a lot. Just how you go about your weekend and when to be aggressive and when not to be. Just the whole flow of the weekend it definitely helps out. I think having a notebook with our cars helps too. It has been a solid place, Phoenix has for us, so hopefully, we keep building on that.”

WHAT WOULD IT MEAN TO WIN BACK-TO-BACK TITLES BEFORE GOING BACK TO CUP? “It would be huge and from another standpoint, just having a shot to win a championship in NASCAR. You don’t get a ton of shots at that. You want to make every single opportunity count. We are going to try to make that happen and hopefully have that title again.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS QUALIFYING? “That is a toss-up. Qualifying definitely sets up your weekend good and gives you some confidence going into the race, but at the same time it doesn’t matter a ton. It comes down to that last run and where you end up there. Qualifying is just something that can give you a little confidence.”

WHAT IS THE MOST CHALLENGING THING ABOUT RACING HERE? “You are taking a 3,000-pound stock car and trying to make it go around a flat corner. It is very difficult to do that. The two ends are different and trying to get the car to work at every single point of this race track isn’t easy because it is so different. It is starting to get some age to it, so the tires are falling off throughout a run. You have to have a little bit of everything here.”

GIVEN THE START TIME OF THE RACE, DO YOU EXPECT THE TRACK TO CHANGE A LOT THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE RACE? “A little bit. The race is starting later than it has the last couple of years, so that will make it a little more consistent throughout the night but at the same time, the practice we are running during the day will be a lot different than what the race is at night.”

WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU HAVE LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF THAT IS HELPING YOU MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THIS WEEKEND? “I think it is mainly just our team. I think we have done a great job executing all year and the process that we take throughout the week of checking all the boxes has worked really well for us and we just have to go out there and do it one more time. We know that we are a team that when we do things right we are going to be towards the front.”

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO YOU TO BE THE ONE THAT IS CARRYING THE BANNER THIS WEEKEND FOR STEWART-HAAS RACING IN THEIR FINAL RACES? “It is huge. It would mean so much to everybody in that building, but at the same time I think it would be so cool to see Tony and Gene go out on top in a series in NASCAR. We are going to give everything we’ve got to try to do that and end this thing strong.”

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE THIS WEEK KNOWING THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE BACK? “It is tough. We had a going away party on Tuesday and seeing all the people that have been there for so long and everybody has had a part in our team. We used a lot of notes from the Cup guys, and we have asked a lot of questions and a lot of guys have touched that car. It definitely means a ton for us to try to finish this thing out strong.”

WHAT CAR ARE YOU RUNNING THIS WEEKEND? “It is our Bristol car that we won with, so we have some confidence with this car. We will see where it gets us.”

SOME HAVE CALLED FOR THE FINAL RACE TO ROATATE TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. AS A WEST COAST KID, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU TO HAVE THIS CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND HERE IN PHOENIX? “I think it is awesome. Phoenix, I have raced a lot here when I was younger. I am from southern California, so we used to drive out here a lot and race. It is cool to have your family able to come over a little easier for me, but I think it would be cool to rotate it around a little bit. I think it just kind of adds a little something to it if it rotates.”

KNOWING YOU PULLED THIS OFF LAST YEAR IN THIS RACE AT THIS TRACK, HOW MUCH CONFIDENCE DO YOU HAVE? “Definitely a lot of confidence. I think it means that we know how to execute a weekend like this and we have a good notebook for here. So we just have to do it one more time and execute and see where that puts us.”

WHAT HAS YOUR WEEK BEEN LIKE SO FAR? PERSONALLY, HAVE YOU BEEN BUSY OR CHILLING OUT OR WHAT? “We raced on Saturday in Martinsville, and then Sunday, we went to the shop a little hit and tried to get ahead on things on Sunday. Our guys went in and worked and we went in and talked about the week we had coming up. Monday we went to the simulator and ran about five hours on the simulator to finalize what we had coming here. On Tuesday, the cars had to leave to get here because it is so far. We were pretty much finished up from there. I flew out Wednesday. It is a hectic week, so it is good to get ahead on things.”

YOU SAID YOU WERE HOPING TO COME HERE AND FIND A LITTLE EXTRA SOMETHING. WHAT IS THAT EXTRA SOMETHING? “I don’t know if we need to find something. At the end of the day we need to execute our weekend and go from there. This has been a solid place for us and hopefully we will have a fast car and be there at the end of this race because that is all that matters.”

WHAT ARE THE FEELINGS LIKE GOING INTO THIS WEEK KNOWING THAT THE STEWART-HAAS RACING YOU GREW UP WITH IS GOING IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT DIRECTION NEXT YEAR? “It is obviously bittersweet. We had a going away party this week and seeing all those people who have worked in the shop for so long and put so much into this team. Our team has used every single note we could take. So many people have had a part in this car that is showing up this weekend. It would mean so much to end this on a high note. It would be really cool to see Tony and Gene go out on top.”

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF GOING BACK TO THE XFINITY SERIES AND WINNING A CHAMPIONSHIP AND NOW BEING IN THIS POSITION YOU ARE FOR SATURDAY NIGHT? “A lot of confidence. I think having won a championship here before and building on that and coming back and winning races and being with a great team and build on things and learn how to work with your team and get the most out of everything. It has been a great experience, and hopefully we can use all that going back to Cup.”

HOW HAVE YOU MATURED? “I think I am definitely a lot different than a couple of years ago, just from having a wife and kid now and everything is a little different. I think just having confidence is the biggest thing. Knowing what to look for. Knowing when you are struggling a little bit, what are the things you need to focus on. Those are things you kind of build on.”

IF YOU CAN BE THE GUY TO GET BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONSHIPS, WHAT WOULD THAT MEAN? “It would be huge. That is such a big title. Anytime you win a championship in NASCAR, you don’t get that many shots at that, so you have to make the most of it, and I think we are going to do everything we can to finish it out strong.”

THE FOUR GUYS GOING FOR THIS CHAMPIONSHIP, IT SEEMS LIKE THERE IS MUTUAL RESPECT AMONG YOU FOUR. HOW MUCH EASIER DOES IT MAKE THE RACE KNOWING THERE ISN’T A WILD CARD THAT IS GOING TO TRY TO WRECK YOU? “I think all four of us in this Championship 4 have a lot of respect for each other> We all race really hard, but clean. I feel like it is hard to beat this Championship 4. It is a great group.”

THEY FINED CHANDLER $10,000. DID YOU THINK THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A PENALTY FOR THAT? “That is not really my concern. NASCAR is going to do whatever they have to do I guess. I don’t really care. It is what it is.”

WOULD YOU RATHER JUST BE ABLE TO HAVE FREE REIGN? “That is always a tough question. How ugly do we want it to get? Chandler’s was like, I could see it going either way, fined or not fined. I think they do want to hold reins in and not have absolute chaos, so you have to have a line somewhere, I guess. Chandler’s was definitely questionable on if you get a fine or not.”

SEMA 2024: Bold Off-Road Builds & Modern Muscle Take the Spotlight

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Official Release
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Paoli, PA – SEMA 2024 in Las Vegas brought a standout lineup of custom builds, from rugged off-road rigs to classic muscle with a fresh edge. This year, top brands upped the ante, showcasing builds that push limits and redefine performance. Here’s a snapshot of the highlights from each video, offering a glimpse into the future of off-road, truck, and muscle car innovation. Gear up for the must-see builds that have everyone talking!

Jeep Highlights

  • Surco JLU: Black Rhino wheels, custom seat covers, and bolt-on roof rack.
  • Winbo JT: Adjustable shocks and a fully built roof rack.
  • Dynatrac JT: High-performance axle, WARN winch, rock sliders.
  • Drop Racks JT: Unique drop-down rack system.
  • American Modified “Stormchaser”: 40″ tires, dual roof racks, topographic wrap.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOPlpoz8DHs

Ford Trucks

  • 2024 Roush F-150: Retro style, Roush supercharger, 37” tires.
  • 1971/2022 F-250 Swap: Classic body, 2022 chassis, 7.3L Godzilla engine.
  • Platinum F450: 42″ JTX wheels, lift kit.
  • Ford Performance F-150 & FP 700S: Bilstein suspension, Whipple superchargers.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MFbIJkriJRY

Mustangs & Muscle Cars

  • ProCharged 2024 Mustang: Up to 750 horsepower.
  • Shelby Super Snake: Carbon fiber detailing.
  • RTR Mustangs: Chrome and olive-green builds by Vaughn Gittin Jr.
  • Classic Icons: 1969 Terlingua Mustang, 1965 Cobra.

Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQWXjRRXt60

About Turn5, Inc.
Turn5 is an award-winning e-commerce retailer founded in 2003, home to AmericanMuscle, ExtremeTerrain and AmericanTrucks.com. Employing more than 400 talented staff members who are driven and passionate about the work they do, Turn5 has received some of the most reputable business and e-commerce awards as a leader within the thriving automotive aftermarket performance niche. Located just outside of Philadelphia, Turn5 is focused on providing the highest level of customer service and an industry-leading shopping experience. Please visit www.turn5.com for more information.

AM Racing to Field ARCA Menards Series West Entry for Kole Raz at Phoenix Raceway

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Official Release
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AVONDALE, Ariz.: AM Racing proudly announced today they will field an entry for Friday’s ARCA Menards Series West Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 for driver Kole Raz at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway.

Raz, 21, will pilot the team’s No. 76 Ford Mustang for the 100-lap race with support from Cyclum Renewables.

Founded in 2019, Cyclum Next Gen Travel Centers embarked on a mission to revolutionize the trucking industry.

Cyclum Renewables is building a next-generation network of 400 truck stops across the US, offering a comprehensive suite of transitional and traditional fueling options, alongside all available renewable fuels, such as hydrogen and EV charging.

“Incredibly grateful for the opportunity to make my first start at Phoenix Raceway with AM Racing,” said Raz. “It has been nothing but a warm welcoming into such an amazing group of individuals.

“I Look forward to hitting the ground running Thursday night and into Friday Morning in our No. 76 Cyclum Renewables Truck Stop Ford Mustang!”

Raz, a native of Lake Oswego, Oregon, has already won in ARCA Menards Series West competition this season. Earlier this year, Raz won the season’s second race at Kern County (Calif.) Raceway Park in the MMI Oil Workers 150.

Phoenix will mark his fifth ARCA Menards Series West start of 2024, and Raz is eyeing his second win and fourth top-10 overall.

“I know that AM Racing brings fast race cars to the track, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to experience that for myself,” added Raz. “Phoenix is going to be a very competitive field, but I feel our No. 76 Cyclum Ford Mustang will be fast enough to contend for the win.”

Cyclum Next Gen Travel Centers also looks forward to hoisting a trophy on Friday.

Last month, Raz delivered them a checkered flag at the CARS Tour West division event at the Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Bullring.

“At Cyclum Renewables, we’re thrilled to partner with AM Racing and Kole Raz for Friday’s race, championing both high-performance innovation and being a solution for building a next-generation truck stop featuring renewable fuels,” offered Brian Profitt, CEO of Cyclum Renewables, LLC.

Ryan “Pickle” London will serve as crew chief for Raz for the November 8 race.

For more on Cyclum Renewables, please visit https://gocyclum.net and like their Facebook page (Cyclum Renewables LLC).

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Kole Raz like him on Facebook (Kole Raz Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@koleraz) and X | Twitter (@koleraz27).

The 2024 ARCA Menards Series West season finale Desert Diamond Casino West Valley 100 will air live on FloRacing.com at 11:30 a.m. MT (1:30 p.m. ET).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

Matt McCall departing Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing at 2024 season’s conclusion

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

Roush Fenway Keselowski (RFK) Racing took to social media to announce that Matt McCall, who currently serves as a crew chief to driver/owner Brad Keselowski and the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse team in the NASCAR Cup Series division, will not be returning to the organization for the 2025 season.

McCall, a former racer turned engineer and crew chief from Denver, North Carolina, is a graduate from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in engineering. He first joined RFK Racing at the start of the 2022 season. By then, the organization had been rebranded from Roush Fenway Racing as Keselowski joined the organization as a part-time owner with owner Jack Roush and competitor of the organization’s iconic No. 6 Ford entry. In addition, McCall had departed Chip Ganassi Racing as the organization’s assets were acquired by Trackhouse Racing.

After failing to qualify for the 2022 Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the duo of McCall and Keselowski achieved a non-points victory in the first of two Bluegreen Vacations Duels at Daytona International Speedway that led to the 64th running of the Daytona 500, where they proceeded to finish in ninth place despite leading a race-high 67 laps.

Over the next three seasons (103 current events total), McCall navigated Keselowski and the No. 6 RFK Racing team to 17 top-five results, 36 top-10 results and two Cup Series Playoff appearances, including this season. The highlight of the driver-crew chief duo was when they won at Darlington Raceway this past May, which snapped a three-year winless drought for both McCall and Keselowski as they also navigated the organization’s No. 6 Ford entry to its first Cup victory since July 2011.

Prior to RFK Racing, McCall, who made his Cup crew chief debut on an interim role for a single event with Richard Childress Racing and Jeff Burton in July 2013, spent the previous seven seasons (2015-21) as a crew chief for Chip Ganassi Racing’s No. 1 Chevrolet team, where he worked with Jamie McMurray during the first four season before working with Kurt Busch during the latter two. During the six-year span, McCall notched his first Cup career victory as a crew chief at Kentucky Speedway with Busch in July 2019. He would achieve two additional victories with Busch between the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

Overall, McCall has accumulated four victories, two poles, 47 top-five results, 134 top-10 results and eight Playoff appearances while working with four different competitors in 356 events as a Cup Series crew chief. He and Keselowski are currently ranked in 13th place in the 2024 driver’s standings on the strengths of nine top-five results and 14 top-10 results as they strive to conclude the 2024 season on a strong note.

In the social media announcement made by RFK Racing of McCall’s departure, the team stated: “We want to thank Matt for his dedicated efforts over the last three seasons, his role in the success that we have had and we wish him well in future endeavors.”

Plans for both McCall and RFK Racing’s new crew chief for the 2025 Cup Series season remain to be determined.

Matt McCall’s final event as a crew chief for Brad Keselowski and the No. 6 RFK Racing Ford Mustang Dark Horse team is scheduled to occur this upcoming Sunday, November 10, at Phoenix Raceway for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race that will cap off the 2024 season. The finale’s broadcast time is slated to commence at 3 p.m. ET on NBC.

Corey Heim Returns for Third Season at TRICON

By
Official Release
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Credit: https://tricongarage.com/

11-Time Truck Series Winner Back in No. 11 Safelite Tundra in 2025

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 7, 2024) – TRICON Garage (TRICON) has confirmed that Corey Heim will return to the team for a third full-time season in 2025. Heim, ranked as a top NASCAR prospect by multiple leading media outlets, will continue to drive the No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.

“I am excited to be back with TRICON for my third full-time year,” said Heim. “I have developed so much alongside this organization in the last two years, and we have made some incredible memories along the way. I can’t wait to continue this journey in 2025 with my No. 11 crew.”

The Georgia native’s performance has been nothing but impressive in his two seasons driving for the organization, including nine wins and 25 top-five finishes. Along with two victories in his Rookie of the Year campaign for Kyle Busch Motorsports, Heim became the youngest driver in NASCAR Truck Series history to earn 10 wins. He also won the 2023 Regular Season championship, before qualifying for the Championship 4. His series-leading six victories this year have him locked into his second Championship 4 appearance at Phoenix Raceway in as many seasons.

“We’re extremely fortunate to get another year with Corey. His dedication to not only the No. 11 team, but the entire organization has elevated TRICON beyond measure in our team’s short history,” said Kevin Ray, general manager, TRICON Garage. “While we’re looking forward to 2025, our priority remains on closing out this season with a victory and our program’s first championship.”

The confirmation of Heim’s continued tenure with TRICON is the first of many exciting announcements for the five-truck team as preparations begin for the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series season.

The NASCAR Truck Series Championship event in Phoenix will roll off at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday evening. It will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 with radio coverage provided by the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About TRICON Garage

TRICON Garage is a professional racing organization fielding five full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series entries. Serving as the flagship Truck Series partner of Toyota Racing Development, the team plays an integral role in the NASCAR development ladder. Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, TRICON has quickly established itself as the premier home for cultivating the next generation of motorsports industry professionals. Actively involved in three different industries – racing, fabrication and transportation, the team operates out of three buildings totaling 60,000 square feet.

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Phoenix

By
Official Release
-

Phoenix Raceway
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024
1-Mile Tri-Oval
3 PM ET
Location: Avondale, Arizona
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (Race 36 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 32 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Week: 3rd (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 6th

No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2024Cup CareerPhoenix
Races3436520
Wins6291
Poles5212
Top 5141188
Top 101718112
Laps Led1,6879,243382
Stage Wins12623
Average Finish13.214.111.4
  • Kyle Larson has run a NASCAR Cup Series-best 4,634 laps in the top five through 35 events in 2024 while his 10.18 average running position also tops NASCAR’s premier series.
  • The 32-year-old driver has 12 stage wins in 2024 – one more than any other competitor. Larson’s 1,687 laps led is the most by 685. The driver of the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet will finish the year with the most wins and most laps led.
  • In November 2021 at Phoenix Raceway, Larson won the pole and led a race-high 107 laps – including the final 28 – en route to victory to secure his first Cup championship.
  • Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, the Elk Grove, California, native has 23 wins – 11 more than any other driver.
  • Larson has recorded nine top-10 finishes in his last 11 starts at Phoenix.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
 Age: 28 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last week: 2nd (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 7th
 
No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2024Cup CareerPhoenix
Races3532116
Wins1191
Poles—121
Top 5111045
Top 10181708
Laps Led4245,519546
Stage Wins2382
Average Finish11.812.912.6
  • At Martinsville Speedway last weekend, Chase Elliott and the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts team nearly punched their ticket to the Championship 4 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs after winning stage one and leading 129 laps en route to a second-place finish.
  • With his runner-up finish at Martinsville, Elliott, the 2020 champion, became the only driver to finish all seven short track races this season inside the top 10. Both his average finish (4.6) and average start (5.0) across those seven events are best in the field.
  • Elliott’s 18 top-10 finishes in 2024 are tied for fourth best and his 11 top fives are tied for sixth best. His average running position of 11.47 ranks third and he’s spent the fourth-most laps inside the top 10 this season (5,135).
  • While Elliott will not be competing for the championship this weekend, he has a victory at Phoenix Raceway. In 2020, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native captured the race win his first Cup Series title.
  • The 28-year-old driver’s 546 laps led at the desert tri-oval are his second-most on active tracks in NASCAR’s top series.
  • No. 9 crew chief Alan Gustafson has four wins at Phoenix with four drivers (Kyle Busch, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Elliott). Two of his wins were record-setting with Busch being the youngest Cup driver to win at Phoenix (20 years, 6 months, 11 days) and Martin being the oldest (50 years, 3 months and 9 days).

24 WILLIAM BYRON
 Age: 26 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Week: 6th (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: T-1st

No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2024Cup CareerPhoenix
Races3525113
Wins3131
Poles1131
Top 512532
Top 10201037
Laps Led3382,959186
Stage Wins2233
Average Finish13.215.211.8
  • In the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 at Martinsville Speedway last Sunday, William Byron qualified third, matching his best qualifying effort at the venue. He picked up critical stage points in stage one and two and went on to collect a sixth-place effort – his sixth consecutive top-six finish.
  • Byron locked himself into the Championship 4 for this weekend at Phoenix Raceway. It will mark his second consecutive appearance in the Cup Series final four.
  • So far in the 2024 playoffs Byron has an average running position of 7.48 and an average finish of 9.33 – best in both categories of the four remaining drivers.
  • Byron has a previous win at Phoenix Raceway, claiming the 2023 spring race. He also has three stage wins – tied for his second-most at a single track – and seven top-10 finishes – his most at a single track. In his last four starts at Phoenix, Byron has three finishes of sixth or better.
  • While in the Next Gen era, Byron has led 171 laps at the 1-mile facility which is the fourth most, and collected 198 points, good enough for second-most.
  • In 2024, Byron has 12 top-five finishes – tied for the third most – and 20 top 10s – tied for the second best

48 ALEX BOWMAN
 Age: 31 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Week: 13th (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 8th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2024Cup CareerPhoenix
Races3532418
Wins18—
Poles151
Top 58402
Top 1017963
Laps Led661,367195
Stage Wins17—
Average Finish14.819.422.4
  • Last Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, Alex Bowman rolled off seventh and battled a power steering issue in the second half of the race. He still managed to secure a 13th-place finish.
  • The Ally Racing driver has executed a strong season in his seventh year with Hendrick Motorsports. The 31-year-old earned his eighth win in the sport’s premier series at the Chicago Street Course and finished as the runner-up in the DAYTONA 500. His eight top-five finishes in 2024 are tied for his most ever in a season (2021) and 17 top 10s are his most ever.
  • The No. 48 driver qualified for NASCAR’s Cup Series playoffs for the sixth time in his career. Bowman advanced to the Round of 12 for a fifth time. He has run 4,097 laps in the top 10, ranking ninth most amongst Cup Series drivers. Despite falling just shy of the Round of 8, Bowman has finished ninth or better in five of nine playoff races.
  • This weekend, Bowman will strive to make his first trip to victory lane at his home track, Phoenix Raceway. In the Tucson, Arizona, native’s previous 18 starts at the one-mile tri-oval, Bowman has led 195 laps, earned two top-10 finishes and completed 95.4% of the laps.
  • For four years, Bowman and Ally have teamed up to support Best Friends Animal Society and its vast network of partners. The pair has donated close to $750,000 to date. Every race weekend, the pair donates $4,800 to help homeless pets. This weekend, the charitable donation will go to Home Fur Good located in Phoenix.
  • Bowman has also stayed busy away from the race track, participating in five financial literacy readings this season, teaching elementary school students the significance of money in race markets including in North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, New York and Florida. In May, ahead of Memorial Day, Bowman and his team held a USO packing event to give to deploying service members who were awaiting assignment. In June, the No. 48 team joined Bowman in Nashville, Tennessee, for community service efforts in public spaces and at a local resident’s home. In October, Bowman visited the Best Friends Life Saving Center in New York and helped Ally host its sixth-annual “Fueling Futures” event, an interactive program that offers high school students the chance to learn more about the educational path and career opportunities within motorsports.

Hendrick Motorsports

2024All-TimePhoenix
Races351,38056
Wins11*312*13*
Poles7253*15*
Top 545*1,277*56*
Top 1072*2,184*102*
Laps Led2,51582,272*3,530*
Stage Wins171157

*Most
**Tied for most

  • Heading into this weekend’s finale in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs at Phoenix Raceway, Hendrick Motorsports has won five of the last nine races on the West Coast and seven of 16 in the Next Gen era.
  • The organization leads in most statistical categories at the 1-mile tri-oval, including wins (13), poles (15), top-five finishes (56), top 10s (102) and laps led (3,530). A Hendrick Motorsports entry has won at least one stage at Phoenix in four of the last six events.
  • A Hendrick Motorsports Chevy has sat on the pole in four of the last five short track races. The organization’s drivers have combined to lead 39% of laps on short tracks this season.
  • With 11 victories in 2024, Hendrick Motorsports eclipsed the 10-win mark for the fourth straight season, matching the longest such streak in the organization’s history (1995-1998). This year also marked the fourth straight season in which the company led the Cup Series in victories, also tying an organization high.
  • Hendrick Motorsports has gone to victory lane 60 times in playoff races, 23 more than any other team.
  • All four Hendrick Motorsports pit crews rank in the top six in terms of average time for a four-tire pit stop. The No. 24 over-the-wall squad of William Byron leads the organization and is second in the Cup Series at 10.8 seconds.

 QUOTABLE /
 
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on going to Phoenix Raceway: “We’ve had a great year – although with a lot of ups and downs. We’ll head to Phoenix with the same mindset we’ve had all year and that is to win. Hopefully, we can finish the year out strong with William (Byron) also bringing home the championship for Hendrick Motorsports.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on coming up short at Martinsville Speedway and looking ahead to Phoenix Raceway: “It’s a bummer, but we’ll try to build on it and learn from some mistakes and go to work out at Phoenix. Try to go out there and have a good run. Obviously, it’s an extremely important racetrack. While it doesn’t really matter this year, it will one day. So, we’ll go out there and give it our best effort.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on being a part of the Championship Four at Phoenix Raceway: “It’s a short week for sure, you’re not home much because of obligations and just prepping for the weekend. It’s a lot of fun though. I enjoyed being a part of it last year. I feel like I learned a lot, not just for on-track but also off-track and what my routine would be going back this year. It’s something as a competitor you want to be a part of.

“For us, we had really good qualifying last year. We qualified on the pole which was awesome. We just need to continue and improve for sure. We want to try to be better through out the whole race though, especially the last run. That’s the part of the race that means the most, you don’t get paid for the first two stages, only the end.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at Phoenix Raceway: “It’s always nice returning to my home state (Arizona). Of course, I wish our No. 48 team was racing for a championship this weekend, but we still have plenty to compete for. We’ve been carrying some good momentum and it would mean a lot to visit victory lane at Phoenix. We still have a Hendrick Motorsports teammate to cheer on (William Byron) in efforts to secure a 15th Cup Series Championship title for Rick (Hendrick). Our Ally Racing team has had a solid season, but the year isn’t over yet and we aim to finish 2024 strong.”

TEAM CHEVY NASCAR RACE ADVANCE: Phoenix Raceway

By
Official Release
-

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
Phoenix Raceway

 The 2024 season will come to an end this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series head west to Phoenix Raceway to crown each of their respective champions. Chevrolet will have the opportunity to race for the coveted title in all three divisions, with CR7 Motorsports’ Grant Enfinger and McAnally Hilgemann Racing’s Christian Eckes representing the Bowtie brand in the Truck Series; Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill, Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger and JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier in the Xfinity Series; and Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron in the Cup Series.

 CHEVROLET’S CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS

Chevrolet’s storied NASCAR history includes a series-leading driver championship record in all three series, with the manufacturer heading into the 2024 season finale weekend with 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, 21 NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Championships and 14 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver Championships. From series veterans to some of the sport’s rising starts – each of Chevrolet’s six remaining title contenders will be vying to become a first-time champion in their respective series.

Byron Leads the Bowtie in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Four:

William Byron has been a familiar face in NASCAR Cup Series playoff competition in recent years – earning a postseason bid in all but one of his seven full-time seasons in the division. The 2024 season marks his second-consecutive trip to the series’ Championship Four, with the 26-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina, native earning a career-best third-place finish in the final points standings one year ago. Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team punched an early ticket into the playoffs by picking up the win in the 66th running of the Daytona 500 – capping off Chevrolet’s sweep of the season-opening weekend. Byron went on to add a road course and short-track victory within the first eight races of the season (Circuit of The Americas – March 2024; Martinsville Speedway – April 2024), making an early statement as a leading championship contender. The No. 24 Chevrolet team’s postseason performance really took off at the start of the second round – earning results no worse than sixth in the final six races leading into the title-deciding race, including a trio of podium finishes in the Round of 12. Phoenix Raceway has produced different winners in each of its five races in the Next Gen era, including title contender Byron and the No. 24 Chevrolet team with their victory in the March 2023 event.

Team Chevy Takes Three Positions in NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Four:

Closing out on yet another strong season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, three drivers from three different Chevrolet organizations will compete for their first career title in the NASCAR national ranks.

Making his first appearance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Four, Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill will enter the title run as the top-seeded driver. The regular season saw the No. 21 Chevrolet team make three trips to victory lane, including back-to-back victories in the series’ first two races to open the season. The 30-year-old Winston, Georgia, native went on to grab his series-leading fourth victory of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway to guarantee his spot in the Championship Four

AJ Allmendinger and the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet team head into the title-deciding race as the No. 2 seed. The 42-year-old Los Gatos, California, native ended the 26-race regular season by tallying 14 top-10s and five top-fives en route to his third career Xfinity Series playoff appearance. A staple moment in Allmendinger’s postseason run came in the Round of Eight opening race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with the Kaulig Racing driver making his first trip to victory lane of the season – a triumph that also delivered the team the first guaranteed bid into the Championship Four.

The 2024 season marks Justin Allgaier’s ninth appearance in the Xfinity Series playoffs, with the series’ veteran continuing to hold the record as the only driver to compete in each season’s playoff competition since the format was introduced to the series in 2016. Among his playoff runs includes another series-leading record of seven appearances in the Championship Four – two of which ended with a runner-up finish in the final points standings (2020, 2023). The 38-year-old Riverton, Illinois, native was a strong force at the top of the points standings through much of the regular season. Narrowly missing the regular season championship title, the JR Motorsports driver found his way back to the top of the standings – entering the playoffs as the top-seeded driver. Despite a disappointing opening round, the No. 7 Chevrolet team strung together a trio of finishes no worse than eighth in the Round of Eight – including a podium finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and a top-five result at Martinsville Speedway. Of the remaining title contenders, Allgaier is the only two-time winner at Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 2019; March 2017).

Enfinger, Eckes Representing Team Chevy in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Championship Four:

The top-two seeded drivers in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Four come from the Chevrolet camp: CR7 Motorsports’ Grant Enfinger and McAnally Hilgemann Racing’s Christian Eckes.

In their first full-season campaign together, Grant Enfinger and the No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet team have proven to be a force to be reckoned with for the championship title. A runner-up finish at North Wilkesboro Motor Speedway in May quickly turned their season around, with the team tallying top-four results in five of the final seven races to close out the regular season. While narrowly advancing into the second round, the series’ veteran had a monstrous run in the Round of Eight – earning back-to-back victories at Talladega Superspeedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway to punch a ticket into his third career Championship Four appearance.

McAnally Hilgeman Racing’s Christian Eckes has put together a career season en route to his first appearance in the series’ Championship Four. The 23-year-old Middletown, New York, native tallied top-10 results in all but one of the first 16 races – including three trips to victory lane – en route to his first career regular season championship title. The young Chevrolet driver went on to extend his top-10 streak through the postseason to 20-straight, including his fourth win of the season last weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Out of the four remaining title contenders, Eckes is the only driver to have found victory lane at Phoenix Raceway, with the No. 19 Chevrolet team returning as the series’ most recent winners at the track.

 BY THE NUMBERS: PHOENIX RACEWAY

Chevrolet owns the most wins at Phoenix Raceway in two of NASCAR’s national touring series, heading into the season finale weekend with 27 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series and 18 victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Sunday’s championship race will mark the 57th all-time race for NASCAR’s top division at Phoenix Raceway. Chevrolet made its first trip to victory lane at the Arizona venue in just the series’ third appearance at the track (Nov. 1990) – courtesy of NASCAR Hall of Famer, Dale Earnhardt, and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet team. The Bowtie brand hit a strong stride in Nov. 2005 when a win by Kyle Busch and Hendrick Motorsports started a stretch of 10-straight trips to victory lane for the Bowtie brand – a record-setting streak that still stands today. Since the Next Gen car was introduced to the series, two drivers have added to Chevrolet’s win record at Phoenix Raceway, with Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron and Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain sweeping last season’s events.

In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Chevrolet owns over half of the victories in the series’ 33-race history at Phoenix Raceway, with title contender, Christian Eckes, delivering the manufacturer its 18th all-time victory at the track one year ago. The manufacturer’s longest streak of wins came in the series’ beginning years, with Mike Skinner and Jack Sprague tallying a combined five-straight victories in the series’ first-five races at the Arizona oval (Feb. 1995 – April 1997). Another notable victory for Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway came in Nov. 2020, with Sheldon Creed and the No. 2 GMS Racing Chevrolet team making a monstrous run in the final three laps to take the win and deliver the Bowtie brand its 14th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver Championship.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Chevrolet has made nine trips to victory lane at Phoenix Raceway, including the series’ inaugural visit to the track in Nov. 1999 with Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team. The manufacturer’s last four wins at the Arizona venue have come with a JR Motorsports-prepared Chevrolet – two of which came with current title contender, Justin Allgaier, behind the wheel (Nov. 2019; March 2017).

 BOWTIE BULLETS:

  • With 90 races complete across NASCAR’s three national series this season, Chevrolet has earned a winning percentage of 50% with 45 victories (NASCAR Cup Series – 15 wins; NASCAR Xfinity Series – 18 wins; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – 12 wins).
  • In 17 tripleheader weekends this season, Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to earn a weekend sweep – accomplishing the feat four times (Daytona International Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway).
  • Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Phoenix Raceway:

Kyle Busch – three wins (2019, 2018, 2005)
Ross Chastain – one win (2023)
William Byron – one win (2023)
Kyle Larson – one win (2021)
Chase Elliott – one win (2020)

  • In 56 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Phoenix Raceway, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 27 victories – including a sweep of the 2023 events with William Byron (March) and Ross Chastain (November).
  • In 107 points-paying races in the Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 52 victories – a winning percentage of 48.6%.
  • With its 42 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 866 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

 
FOR THE FANS:

  • Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Phoenix Raceway.
  • Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles including: Corvette ZR1, Blazer EV RS, Equinox EV, Equinox Activ, Tahoe RST, Silverado 1500 RST, Silverado 1500 Trailboss, Silverado 2500HD, Traverse Z71, Colorado Trailboss.
  • Fans can also view William Byron’s No. 24 Camaro ZL1 show car.

Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:

Friday, Nov. 8

· Nick Sanchez: 11 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

· Rajah Caruth: 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

· Grant Enfinger: 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

· Bayley Currey, Matt Mills and Stefan Parsons: 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

· AJ Allmendinger: 1 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9

· Sammy Smith: 12p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

· Justin Allgaier: 12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

· Shane van Gisbergen & Connor Zilisch: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

· Brandon Jones: 12:45 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10

· Austin Dillon: 8:45 a.m. – 9 a.m.

· Carson Hocevar: 9 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

· Alex Bowman: 9:35 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.

· Ross Chastain & Daniel Suarez: 9:50 a.m. – 10 a.m.

· Kyle Busch: 10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

· Chase Elliott & Kyle Larson: 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

· William Byron: 10:30 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:

Friday, Nov. 8: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 10: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
 

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 1275
Ford: 1235 (-40)
Toyota: 1227 (-48)

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 1193
Toyota: 1138 (-55)
Ford: 1032 (-161)

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 825
Toyota: 769 (-56)
Ford: 740 (-85)
 
TUNE-IN:

NASCAR Cup Series Championship

Sunday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. ET

(NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship

Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. ET

(CW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship

Sunday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. ET

(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

 
QUOTABLE QUOTES:

ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 BUSCH LIGHT CAMARO ZL1

It’s been a season now that you’ve had Busch Light as a partner, how does that feel?

“It’s been a great year with Busch Light and being with an iconic brand. It’s been a fun year doing all sorts of different things with them and seeing my face places that I never dreamed of seeing it. I’m looking forward to continuing the partnership with them and we have one win this season and we’re hoping to get another this weekend at Phoenix. Obviously, we had success at this race last year and I hope to repeat it.”

JUSTIN HALEY, NO. 7 PARITY WEEK BY GAINBRIDGE CAMARO ZL1

What are your thoughts heading to Phoenix?

“I enjoy going out to Phoenix. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind race track, and I have always felt comfortable there. I’m excited to see the speed our No. 7 team unloads on Friday. We’ve had speed since I came back to Spire, but something has prevented us from getting the finish we deserved. Hopefully we will get the run we have been looking for heading into the offseason.”

What do you take away from these final six races of the season, and what have you learned going into next year?

“There has been a learning curve for sure, especially in familiarizing myself in the processes and how they execute. Things will obviously be different with Rodney (Childers) and other guys coming in at the end of the year, but it is still good to get inside the building and start to familiarize myself.”

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 3CHI CAMARO ZL1

Do you race the drivers in the Championship 4 any differently at Phoenix? Do you try to give them extra room?

“You definitely don’t want to put yourself in a spot where you take out a Championship 4 contender. It’s important to be mindful of everything going on around you but you’re also not just going to just layover and give positions away.”

How important is it to end this season on a positive note with a strong run at Phoenix?

“I’m not sure that I would put any more emphasis on Phoenix than I would at any other week prior because I think every race is important. Phoenix is a track and this is a race that you want to be ready for when it becomes your turn to be in the Championship 4, so building all of your notes this weekend is really important.”

ZANE SMITH, NO. 71 FOCUSED HEALTH CAMARO ZL1

Last race of the season this weekend, how are you feeling as you head to Phoenix for one last ride with your No. 71 Spire Motorsports Team?

“This track (Phoenix Raceway) is such a special place to me and it’s definitely going to be a bittersweet weekend. I’m proud of my No. 71 Spire Motorsports team for all the hard work they put in this season, especially the second half of the season. We’ve all fought hard to prove what this team is capable of. Huge thanks to Focused Health for all their support this year and I hope that we can get a great result and finish on a high note.”

CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 77 DELAWARE LIFE CAMARO ZL1

You’ve put together some of your best races of the year at tracks like Gateway and New Hampshire, which are similar to Phoenix. How do you expect the weekend to go?

“I like Phoenix. We ran well in the spring and made the second round of qualifying for the first time in my career. We’ve run well at some similar tracks to it, so we have a little bit of a notebook all around heading in. Phoenix is one of the first races next year, so running well is going to be important in getting the momentum rolling to carry into next season.”

The No. 77 team has made significant strides from last season. The team finished 33rd in owner points a year ago, and it looks like the team will finish 21st this year with a nearly identical crew. What will be your key takeaways from the season?

“It’s cool to be the leading rookie contender, and to be where we are in points. We are one spot behind Kyle Busch, who won three races last season and has two championships to his name. Every car ahead of us has had a deep playoff run in recent seasons, so it is cool to be where we are. I’m proud of the work Luke (Lambert) and all the No. 77 crew have done this year, and how far we’ve come this season. We put together the results very quickly. But we are all still hungry and know we can do even better next year. The goal now is to compete for wins and earn a spot in the playoffs.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 FREEWAY INSURANCE CAMARO ZL1

What are your thoughts on your 2024 season?

“Unless you win the championship you aren’t going to be satisfied. So we aren’t happy with how it went but that doesn’t mean we didn’t have some good moments. We are proud of winning Atlanta, running well, and advancing in the playoffs. But until we come to Phoenix as part of the four drivers battling for the title, we won’t be totally happy. We have a lot of work to do in this off-season. We will take some time to rest, work hard and improve then be ready for 2025.”

 
Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2023): 42

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2024 STATISTICS:

Wins: 15

Poles: 10

Laps Led: 3,516

Top-Five Finishes: 69

Top-10 Finishes: 143

Stage Wins: 23

· Chase Elliott: 2

· Kyle Larson: 12

· Ross Chastain: 2

· William Byron: 2

· Shane van Gisbergen: 1

· Daniel Suarez: 1

· Kyle Busch: 1

· Alex Bowman: 1

· AJ Allmendinger: 1

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 866 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 753

Laps led to date: 252,671

Top-five finishes to date: 4,367

Top-10 finishes to date: 9,003

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,200

       Chevrolet: 866

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 839                                                           

       Ford: 739

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 189

 

About General Motors

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.

Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Boozy Jerky Ford Mustang Dark Horse

By
Official Release
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Phoenix Raceway Competition Notes

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 6, 2024) – It’s the final race on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, and for Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team, it’s one final race to capture a win. Boozy Jerky will partner with Gilliland for the event.

Currently, Todd Gilliland sits 23rd in points, having earned four Top-10 finishes and leading 129 laps this season. Gilliland and crew chief Ryan Bergenty head to the Phoenix Raceway looking to capture not only a win, but stage points in hopes of improving their points position.

The NASCAR Cup Series will have practice on Friday, November 8th 6:00 PM ET. Qualifying will take place on Saturday, November 9th at 5:00 PM ET. Fans can watch both sessions on the USA Network. Sunday’s 312-lap event is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET. Fans can watch the race live on NBC or listen in via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.

No. 38 Boozy Jerky Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:

“I like Phoenix, I always have a lot of family come out and support. While I’m excited for the off-season, there’s still work to do this weekend. I’m proud of this 38 team and what we have accomplished. We have had good cars this year that have shown a lot of speed. I think we have a pretty good shot at a solid run this weekend, we just need to qualify up front and execute all race. I think we can do that.”

CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY:

“We’re all excited for the off-season, but we still have one more race left. I want to get on the plane home Sunday knowing we gave it our all and left the Phoenix Raceway with as many points as possible and a good result.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

The Ultimate Guide to BMW Key Replacement

By
SM
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Photo by Ruslan-Lytvyn at https://depositphotos.com/

Replacing your BMW key can seem daunting, especially given the advanced technology involved in modern BMW key fobs. This guide will walk you through the key replacement process, the unique features of BMW keys, and important considerations to keep in mind.

Understanding BMW Keys

BMW keys have evolved significantly over the years. From traditional metal keys to sophisticated smart keys, the technology behind them has become increasingly advanced. Here are the most common types of BMW keys:

  • Traditional Keys: Older BMW models typically use traditional metal keys that unlock doors and start the ignition without any electronic components.
  • Transponder Keys: Introduced in the late 1990s, these keys contain a small chip that communicates with the car’s ignition system, ensuring that only the correct key can start the vehicle.
  • Smart Keys: Modern BMWs are equipped with smart keys, which use advanced technology to provide added convenience and security. These keys allow for keyless entry and ignition, enabling drivers to start the car without inserting the key into the ignition.
  • Key Fobs: BMW key fobs offer various features, including remote locking/unlocking, trunk release, and even remote engine start. Some fobs also include a display that shows information such as fuel levels and alerts.

When Do You Need a BMW Key Replacement?

There are several situations where you might need to replace your BMW key:

  1. Lost or Stolen Keys: If your key is lost or stolen, it’s essential to replace it immediately to maintain the security of your vehicle.
  2. Damaged Keys: Keys can become worn out or damaged over time, making them difficult to use. If your key is cracked or malfunctioning, it’s best to replace it.
  3. Key Malfunctions: If your key is not working correctly, such as failing to unlock doors or start the engine, it may need to be replaced or reprogrammed.
  4. Upgrading to a Smart Key: If your vehicle supports it, you may want to upgrade from a traditional or transponder key to a smart key for added convenience and security.

The BMW Key Replacement Process

Replacing a BMW key involves several steps, and understanding this process can help you prepare for what to expect.

Identify Your Key Type

Before seeking a replacement, identify the type of key your BMW uses. This information can usually be found in the owner’s manual or by checking with your dealership. Knowing the key type will help streamline the replacement process.

Gather Necessary Information

When you approach a dealership or locksmith for a key replacement, be prepared to provide essential information, including:

  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): This unique code identifies your vehicle and is often required for key replacement.
  • Proof of Ownership: Be ready to present documents that verify you own the vehicle, such as registration or insurance documents.
  • Identification: Carry a government-issued ID to confirm your identity.

Visit a Certified BMW Dealership or Qualified Car Locksmith

You can replace your BMW key at a certified BMW dealership or a qualified automotive locksmith. Both options have their pros and cons:

  1. BMW Dealership: While often more expensive, dealerships have access to the latest technology and programming equipment specific to BMW vehicles. They can provide a new key that is fully compatible with your car’s systems.
  2. Qualified Locksmith: Some locksmiths specialize in automotive key replacement and may offer more competitive prices. However, ensure that they have the necessary equipment and expertise to handle BMW keys.

Key Cutting and Programming

Once your identification and ownership have been verified, the next step involves cutting and programming the new key:

  • Key Cutting: The locksmith or dealer will cut a new key based on your vehicle’s specifications. For traditional keys, this process is relatively straightforward. For transponder and smart keys, additional programming is required.
  • Programming the Key: Programming a key involves syncing it with your vehicle’s electronic systems. This process may require specialized equipment to ensure the key communicates correctly with the car’s computer. For smart keys, this step is crucial to enable keyless entry and ignition.

Testing the New BMW Key

After the key is cut and programmed, it’s essential to test it. Ensure that all functions, such as locking/unlocking doors and starting the engine, work correctly. If any issues arise, return to the dealership or locksmith for further assistance.

Important Considerations

  1. Cost: The cost of BMW key replacement can vary widely depending on the model, key type, and whether you choose a dealership or locksmith. Traditional keys are typically less expensive than smart keys, which may require advanced programming.
  2. Time Frame: Depending on the dealership or locksmith’s availability, key replacement can take anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, especially if the key needs to be ordered.
  3. Security Features: Modern BMW keys come with advanced security features, including encryption and rolling codes. These features enhance vehicle security but may complicate the replacement process. Always opt for a certified professional who understands these systems.

Spare Keys: It’s wise to have a spare key made during the replacement process. Having a backup can save you time and stress in the event of future key loss or malfunction.

BMW key replacement is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail to ensure you get a functioning key that matches your vehicle’s specifications. By understanding the types of keys, the replacement process, and the importance of working with qualified professionals, you can navigate this situation with confidence. Remember to keep your key in a safe place and consider getting a spare to avoid any potential issues in the future.

Should You Hire A Car Accident Lawyer Or Settle Your Case On Your Own?

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

The U.S. News states that in the first three months of 2024, traffic deaths dropped 3.2%. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its first projections for traffic fatalities in 2024, estimating that 8,650 people died in traffic crashes in the first three months of the year. 

If you’re involved in a car accident and have to choose between hiring a lawyer or resolving your case independently, bear in mind that representing yourself might not be a wise move. You may save on legal fees, but there are many factors to consider. 

According to Naples car accident lawyer Donald P. Day, legal assistance can be invaluable even in simple cases. Attorneys negotiate with insurance companies to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and studies show that represented claimants receive larger settlements. 

Learn about the pros and cons of each approach, so you can make an informed choice about how to handle your car accident case moving forward.

Pros of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

An experienced car accident lawyer can help you with your claim and defend your rights to ensure you get fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Personal injury lawyer Stan Freeman says a car accident lawyer can help you save time and alleviate your stress. Your lawyer will investigate the accident, gather evidence, and strengthen your claim. This expertise may help you win your case.

Also, a lawyer is more likely to get you a better settlement than you would on your own. Their legal expertise and settlement negotiation skills can help you get compensated. In difficult times, a skilled car accident lawyer can make a big difference in your case.

Cons of Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer

While hiring a car accident lawyer has many benefits, there are also disadvantages. A lawyer’s cost is a major drawback. Contingency fee lawyers charge a percentage of the settlement, making legal representation expensive. You may be responsible for legal fees and expenses if your case doesn’t settle.

A lengthy legal process is another drawback. Trials can drag out car accident cases for months or years. While waiting for a resolution, this extended timeline can be frustrating and stressful.

In addition, some may prefer more case control. You trust a lawyer to make decisions for you. If you want to negotiate and shape your case, hiring a lawyer may not be the best.

Benefits of Settling on Your Own

Deciding on your own gives you full control over the negotiation and outcome of your car accident case. You can talk to the insurance company or other party without a lawyer. Since you can make decisions without a lawyer, this can speed up resolutions. You can also avoid lawyer fees by settling yourself.

Settling alone may lead to a more amicable resolution. Direct communication with the other party may encourage cooperation, making it easier to reach a compromise. 

By leading the negotiations, you can tailor the settlement to your needs and preferences without compromising on important issues.

Risks of Settling on Your Own

Individuals should carefully consider the risks of settling without legal representation. Undervaluing your claim is risky. Insurance companies employ professionals to reduce payouts. Without a car accident lawyer, you may accept a settlement that’s far below your case’s value.

Overlooking future expenses is another risk. Car accidents can cause long-term injuries that require medical treatment or lost wages. Settling without considering these future costs could put you in financial danger.

You may also unintentionally sign or make statements that hurt your case without legal advice. Insurance adjusters may use these to lowball or deny your claim. Thus, before settling on your own, weigh these risks and consult a car accident lawyer to protect your interests. 

Factors to Consider Before Deciding

Before making a decision on settling your car accident claim, carefully evaluate key factors that can impact the outcome of your case.

  • Consider the extent of your injuries and damages. If you sustained severe injuries or significant property damage, it may be wise to seek the assistance of a car accident lawyer to ensure you receive fair compensation.
  • Assess the complexity of your case. If liability is unclear or multiple parties are involved, navigating the legal process on your own could be challenging.
  • Another factor to contemplate is the insurance company’s response. If they’re disputing your claim or offering a low settlement, a lawyer can advocate for your rights and negotiate on your behalf.
  • Your comfort level with legal processes and negotiations also plays a role. If you’re unfamiliar with the legal system or feel overwhelmed by the process, hiring a lawyer can provide peace of mind and expertise to handle your case effectively.

Conclusion

A car accident lawyer can advise and support you during a difficult time. Settling on your own may seem like the cheapest option, but there are risks and issues. An attorney can represent you in court and ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.

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