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Young’s Motorsports Michigan International Speedway Xfinity Team Preview

By
Official Release
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Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Michigan International Speedway | Cabo Wabo 250

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:
Driver: Leland Honeyman Jr.
Primary Partner(s): Young’s Building Systems | Randco Industries Inc.
Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro
Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott
2024 Driver Points Position: 20th
2024 Owner Points Position: 23rd
Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Movin’ on Up!: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced it would graduate from the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time in 2024 with rising star Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel of the team’s No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race season continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Cabo Wabo 250 at Michigan International Speedway.

About Leland: The Phoenix, Ariz. native began honing his racing skills at the tender age of two racing Quads. By four years old, he moved into Trophy Karts and then collected three series championships in off-road racing Trophy Karts.

After an instrumental tenure in Go Karts, he moved into the Bandolero competition in 2015 and was crowned a Bandolero National Champion two years later. From there, he moved into Limited Late Models before graduating to the Carolina Pro Late Model Series division in 2021, where he earned championship-runner-up honors and picked up an astounding victory in the annual Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway Fall Brawl.

Honeyman, 19, returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization, where he ran an impressive ARCA Menards Series East Series campaign, finishing third in the 2022 championship standings.

During the 2023 season, he made eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, highlighted by a 21st-place finish at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Road Course.

All-Aboard!: For the 21st of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Texas-based Young’s Building Systems and Randco will partner with the Mooresville, N.C.-based team as the primary partners on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 90-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

Since 1981, Young’s Building Systems has been providing West Texas with all their metal building needs. This family-owned and operated business has become an industry favorite due to the experience gained and the professional results completed.

Young’s Building System is a division of Randco Industries, Inc. We have expanded into a company that has the ability to erect any type of building, from a small single story to a city high-rise.

Our customers have multiple uses for our buildings, including commercial, residential, agricultural, industrial, skid-mounted buildings and compressor station buildings.

We also have a team that specializes in stairs and railings of all shapes and sizes. Young’s Building Systems is fully insured for your peace of mind, so we carry workmen’s compensation and general liability coverage that goes above and beyond State requirements.

Our company is fully equipped with moving and lifting equipment along with compressors, generators and welding equipment. We have the tools and equipment needed to support large, demanding projects. Our work ethic is based on the principles of quality, promptness, and customer experience.

Young’s Building Systems continuously raises our standard of excellence and works hard to make sure that each and every one of your needs are met.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Series Michigan International Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Cabo Wabo 250 at Michigan International Speedway will mark Honeyman’s inaugural Xfinity Series start at the historic 2.0-mile speedway located in Brooklyn, Michigan.

This weekend is part of a triple-header with the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR Cup Series in NASCAR’s annual return to the Irish Hills of Michigan.

Michigan will mark Honeyman’s fifth career Xfinity Series start on a track larger than 2.0 miles long in track length.

The Xfinity Series rookie driver will look to improve his overall average finish of 19.8.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Career Stats: Entering Michigan, Honeyman has 28 career NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best fourth-place finish at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway after starting 33rd in the Ag-Pro 300 for Young’s Motorsports in April 2024.

Since 2023, he has carried an average finish of 23.9.

Indianapolis Motor Speedway | Pennzoil 250 Race Recap: In the 20th race of the 2024 Xfinity Series season, Young’s Motorsports and Honeyman searched for another solid finish in the team’s inaugural Xfinity Series trip to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

After showcasing a good pace in practice, Honeyman qualified his No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro 25th.

From the drop of the green flag, Honeyman did a masterful job avoiding a Lap 1 crash but as the race pressed on, he battled for grip at the 2.5-mile speedway, which combated the handling of his race car.

Consistent adjustments from crew chief Andrew Abbott allowed Honeyman to make gains on the race track, especially in Stage 3, where Honeyman steered to a respectable 20th-place finish at the checkered flag.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Honeyman Jr. as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 118th NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 117 races, he has four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 21st race will be his third tango at Michigan International Speedway as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Michigan International Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ first NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the Michigan International Speedway.

Nevertheless, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team has 11 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at the famed Brooklyn, Michigan race track.

The organization posted a team-best third-place finish with Tyler Dippel at the wheel in the 2019 Corrigan Oil 200 on Saturday, August 10, 2019.

Since 2014, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 19.8 and an average finish of 15.0 in 11 Michigan International Speedway Truck Series starts.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 20 starts and maintains an average starting position of 26.2 and an average finish of 23.3.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Leland Honeyman Jr., please visit LelandHoneymanRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Leland Honeyman Racing) and follow on Instagram (@lelandhoneymanjr) and X |Twitter (@lelandhoneyman3).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Leland Honeyman Jr. Pre-Race Quote:

On Michigan International Speedway: “I’m excited to be back from what felt like a long break and to get back on track is gonna be amazing.

“I’m ready to be on track for my Michigan International Speedway debut and contending for more strong finishes for my Young’s Motorsports team.”

Race Information:

The Cabo Wabo 250 (125 laps | 250 miles) is the 21st of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice begins on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 3:30 – 4:05 p.m. Qualifying immediately follows at 4:10 p.m. The 38-car field is set to take the green flag on Saturday, August 17, 2024, shortly after 3:30 p.m. with live coverage on the USA Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

NASCAR revokes Austin Dillon’s Playoff eligibility, fines Joey Logano amid controversial Cup finish at Richmond

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

NASCAR released the highly anticipated penalty report following this weekend’s Craftsman Truck & Cup Series actions at Richmond Raceway including the controversial finish during Sunday’s Cup event.

Per the report, Austin Dillon, winner of Sunday’s Cook Out 400, has been stripped of his Playoff eligibility he initially achieved by winning the race. The penalty is a result of how the 2018 Daytona 500 champion from Welcome, North Carolina, claimed the victory, where he bumped and sent the leader Joey Logano for a spin through Turns 3 and 4 on the final lap. Dillon then veered dead left and sent Denny Hamlin, who was trying to overtake both, into the frontstretch’s outside wall and proceeded to claim the checkered flag for the victory, all during an overtime shootout.

The on-track actions Dillon made were ones he chose to perform as last-resort actions to both win and race his way into the Playoffs, as he evoked while celebrating the victory on the frontstretch despite receiving harsh criticism from his fellow competitors, including Logano and Hamlin, and eventually leading to NASCAR emphasizing that Dillon crossed the line upon a three-day review.

In addition to having his Playoff eligibility revoked, Dillon and his No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team were docked 25 driver/owner points. As a result, Dillon, who jumped from 32nd to a guaranteed top-16 result in the standings, is strapped back in 31st place in the regular-season standings.

“I think in all due respect to the appeal process, we looked at this and the totality of everything that happened as you enter Turn 3 and as the cars got to the start/finish line,” Elton Sawyer, NASCAR’s Senior Vice President of Competition, said. “So, as we look through all of that data, we came to the conclusion that a line had been crossed. Our sport has been based going for many, many years, forever, on good, hard racing. Contact has been acceptable. We felt like, in this case, that the line was crossed.”

While Dillon received no race suspensions amid his actions, Brandon Benesch, Dillon’s spotter, was assessed a three-race suspension, beginning this weekend at Michigan, due to his concise vocalization of encouraging Dillon to “wreck him” in reference to Denny Hamlin approaching the finish line. Despite the phrase “wreck him” being heard through the in-car audio, team owner Richard Childress and Dillon’s crew chief Justin Alexander denied hearing the audio phrase while defending Dillon’s move.

“If you look at at the crew chief and you look at the spotter, and view them as calming voices in the driver’s ear, in this case, we just felt like we’ve all listened to the audio,” Sawyer added. “We know exactly what was said. We just felt like that that’s not what we need spotters doing. That’s not what we need [from a] crew chief sitting on the box. They’re a calming voice to what the situation is in front of them, and they’re supposed to be spotting for the race, not making comments like were made, as we all know.”

Nonetheless, Dillon is still credited as the official winner of last Sunday’s event at Richmond. He is also eligible to reclaim his 2024 Playoff eligibility status if he were to win any one of the remaining three regular-season events on the schedule, beginning this upcoming Sunday at Michigan International Speedway.

In addition, Joey Logano, who ended up in 19th place after getting hit and spun by Dillon, has also been penalized with a $50,000 fine for violating NASCAR’s Member Code of Conduct policy. Logano’s penalty is a result of the 2018 Cup Series champion getting his damaged car sideways while nursing it through pit road following the checkered flag and nearly sideswiped several personnel, including officials, Dillon’s crew and family members near Dillon’s pit box while venting his frustration. Immediately after parking his car, a NASCAR official angrily confronted Logano inside of his cockpit for his actions before the confrontation simmered as Logano angrily exited his car and proceeded to call out Dillon for his actions to the media.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

“Some of this, we’ve got some work to do on our side,” Sawyer said while referencing Logano’s actions that led to the penalty. “There was a lot of people on pit road, and there always is. We have our officials out there. The drivers need to understand that. Totally understand the emotion — I get it, I’ve been there a few years back. But you have to respect the fact that we do have people on pit road. Our officials will be there, security will be there. We’ll do a better job on our side to make sure that families and young children and sponsors and of that nature are not on the hot side.”

Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin, who ended up in the runner-up spot despite getting wrecked by Dillon approaching the finish line and was quick to criticize NASCAR for not taking immediate action to penalize competitors for wrecking one another for victories, was not penalized.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

With Dillon currently bumped out of the 2024 Cup Series Playoff field, Chris Buescher, who exited Richmond three points below the top-16 cutline to make the Playoffs, is now above the cutline on a tie-breaker against Ross Chastain. In addition, Martin Truex Jr., Ty Gibbs and Bubba Wallace have each been elevated one spot up in the Playoff field.

Saturday’s Craftsman Truck Series event at Richmond, which served as the 2024 regular-season finale and was won by Ty Majeski, did not generate any team penalties.

With the Craftsman Truck Series entering an off-week period, the NASCAR Xfinity Series returns to action following a four-week absence at Michigan International Speedway for the Cabo Wabo 250 this upcoming Saturday, August 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. The Cup Series also returns to action at Michigan for the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, August 18, at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY: Team Chevy Race Advance

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
BOMMARITO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 500
WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY
MADISON, ILLINOIS
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
AUGUST 16-17, 2024

CHEVROLET LOOKS TO CONTINUE OVAL WINNING WAYS AT WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY

  • With five wins in eight events since the 2017 return to World Wide Technology Raceway, Chevrolet looks to add a sixth this weekend in the Bommarito Automotive Group 500.
  • Four of the five wins have come from Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden, winning in 2017, 2020 (Race 2), 2021, and 2022. Additionally, his teammate Will Power holds the fifth victory, taking the checkered flag in 2018.
  • Team Chevy also holds six NTT P1 Pole Awards at the 1.25-mile egg-shaped oval, in addition to 15 podium finishes and 1,176 laps led.
  • Chevrolet has also swept the podium twice located near St. Louis, with a top-four finish sweep by the Bowtie brand in 2022’s Race 2 and a top-five lockout in 2021.
  • Chevrolet looks to score a fourth victory in five events in the new 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 with hybrid technology era at World Wide Technology Raceway after winning the debut in Mid-Ohio, Iowa 1, and Iowa 2.
  • Chevrolet has claimed a win on every oval track to date in 2024, and four of the five in the 2023 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.

DETROIT (August 14, 2024) – With five races left in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, Chevrolet looks to capitalize on seven wins so far this season that includes the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500, as well as 18 podium finishes, and 666 laps led in the 12 points-earning events thus far heading to World Wide Technology Raceway for this weekend’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500.

“We’re looking to close out the remaining NTT INDYCAR SERIES season strong heading to World Wide Technology Raceway this weekend,” said Rob Buckner, Chevrolet INDYCAR Program Manager. “The track will provide a challenge different than Iowa, and with solid preparation for the upcoming double header weekend in Milwaukee. With varying degrees of banking in each corner and proven Chevrolet high-speed oval engine reliability, we’re looking forward to heading to World Wide Technology Raceway on Saturday evening.”

The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 is the fifth race in the new 2.2-liter twin turbo V6 era with hybrid technology after Chevrolet successfully captured the win in the introductory event at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in early July. With Chevrolet winning three of the four races so far with the new hybrid technology, Team Chevy looks to leverage that momentum heading into the weekend near St. Louis. Additionally, Chevrolet looks to continue its winning ways after racing to victory lane in each oval race so far this season in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.

After an extensive in-season break for the Paris 2024 Olympics, Team Chevy’s engineers, drivers, and teams are ready to tackle the 1.25-mile/2.01-kilometer egg-shaped oval near St. Louis. Aiming to add to five wins Chevy already holds since the 2017 return to the track, the Bowtie brand also has six NTT P1 Pole Awards, as well as 15 podium finishes, and 1,176 laps led at World Wide Technology Raceway. Chevrolet has additionally swept the podium twice since 2017, in 2020’s Race 2 where Team Chevy claimed the top four positions, as well as in 2021 with a top-five lockout held by the Bowtie brand.

Leading the field in Saturday evening’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 convertible in beautiful Red Mist Metallic will once again pace the NTT INDYCAR SERIES to the green flag at World Wide Technology Raceway.

The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway kicks off the two-day show with first practice on Friday, Aug. 16 at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 5 p.m. ET and final practice at 8:30 p.m. ET. The 260-lap, 500-kilometer main event Saturday night takes the green flag live on USA Network at 6 p.m. ET. All practice and qualifying sessions broadcast with Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 218.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“Man, I’ve had some success (at World Wide Technology Raceway) in the past. It’s been a fun track. I love that it was a night race when I started in the series. I’m happy to see it going back to a night race-ish, but, yeah, it’s just a good city, good food, great people, and it’s always been a good event.”

Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“(World Wide Technology Raceway) is a very fun oval. It’s fast but you still have to drive the car in a sense. The dynamic of the different corners makes it interesting for balancing the car one end of the track to the other. It seems to race decently, even though the second lane is almost non-existent after longer runs.”

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m looking forward to get going with this last stretch of the season. St. Louis is always an exciting race, and I’ve had some success here in the past. Hopefully we can kick off this last stretch with a bang and fight our way closer to the top of the championship.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m looking forward to racing at World Wide Technology Raceway. It’s a track I’ve been to before, and it’ll be the first time I’ll be racing in this series on a track that I’ve tested previously. The Iowa doubleheader was a very positive weekend for us, so I think we’re continuing the lay a good base to build on. This weekend is another good opportunity to produce a solid result.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It’s been a long summer break, but it obviously came at just the right time for me after the injury in Toronto. I’m thrilled to be back in the car for St. Louis and looking forward to kicking off this final stretch in a positive way at one of our best tracks.”

Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

“We’re heading to St. Louis having beat the blues with a rejuvenating Olympic break. We’re elated that Alexander (Rossi) was given the thumbs up to return to racing this weekend. Let’s hope this turn of good fortune is the gateway to further success. Pato (O’Ward) has finished on the podium four out of the five times he’s raced at this track, so we’re aiming to rack up more than just ribs but also more trophies this weekend.”

Ed Carpenter, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I am always excited to get back to Worldwide Technology Raceway. The track has been such a great partner to the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since they rejoined the schedule. After having two sub-par outcomes at Iowa, I am looking forward to building momentum for the final stretch of races to close out 2024.”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I am very happy that we had a few weeks off, but I am really excited to go racing again and start the final stretch of the season! Christian (Rasmussen) tested at WWT Raceway a couple weeks ago and was fast, so we should have strong cars right away. Having Ed (Carpenter) back in the No. 20 will be good, it is always fun to race with the boss. Hopefully we can keep our streak of Top 10 finishes on ovals going!”

Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Excited to be back racing. St. Louis is a nice place and where I did my first oval race back in 2021. Let’s finish our season on a high note.”

Conor Daly, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“St Louis is attractive. I have loved the track since we first started going there. It provides a great opportunity for a great race and my driving style seems to suit to so I’m excited to get back there after a promising test with this Juncos Hollinger Racing team.”

Chevrolet at World Wide Technology Raceway (since 2012, V6 era, pre-hybrid):

Wins at WWTR: 5

2017: Josef Newgarden

2018: Will Power

2020 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

2021: Josef Newgarden

2022: Josef Newgarden

Earned Pole Awards at WWTR: 6

2017: Will Power

2019: Josef Newgarden

2021: Will Power

2022: Will Power

2023: Scott McLaughlin

Number of Team Chevy Podiums at WWTR (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybrid): 15

*Chevrolet has swept the podium twice at World Wide Technology Raceway, in 2020 Race 2 and 2021, in addition to sweeping the top-four positions in 2020 Race 2 and top-five in 2021, respectively.

Number of laps led by Team Chevy at WWTR (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybrid): 1,176

2024 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:

4: NTT INDYCAR SERIES race as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

3: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration since mid-2024.

207: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.

115: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.

130: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 135 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.

1: Earned pole in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

8: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.

7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.

13: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

6: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.

34: Number of times Chevrolet has swept the podium in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era. In total, a manufacturer has swept the podium 54 times since 2012.

28: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.

9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.

46: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.

*Will Power’s career total of 70 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.

About Chevrolet

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

Overstock.com Racing: Josh Berry Michigan Advance

By
Official Release
-

JOSH BERRY
Michigan Advance
No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: FireKeepers Casino 400 (Round 24 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 18
● Location: Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn
● Layout: 2-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 200 laps / 400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 45 laps / Stage 2: 75 laps / Final Stage: 80 laps
● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Next up for Josh Berry and the No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing is Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, where he’s made two previous starts in the NASCAR Cup Series. The first came in 2021 as a substitute in the No. 7 entry for driver Corey LaJoie. Berry started 24th and finished 26th. He returned in 2023 in the No. 42 Legacy Motor Club entry and started 35th but saw his day end on lap 50 of the scheduled 200-lap race after being involved in an on-track incident.

● With three points-paying races left on the 2024 Cup Series regular-season calendar, Berry ranks 23rd in the driver standings, 85 points behind 16th-place driver Daniel Suarez, who currently claims the final playoff position. Berry is second in the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, only two markers behind the leader Carson Hocevar.

● While Berry has limited experience behind the wheel of a Cup Series car at the 2-mile D-shaped oval in Michigan, he is no stranger to speed there in the Xfinity Series. The 33-year-old has three Michigan starts under the JR Motorsports banner, notching a top-10 finish in all three. In the most recent Xfinity Series start there, Berry qualified on the pole, finishing the first stage in second and the second stage in seventh, and took the checkered flag in the runner-up position.

● If there is one track crew chief Rodney Childers knows well, it’s Michigan. In 35 Cup Series starts there atop the pit box, Childers has five wins (August 2022, both races of a doubleheader weekend in 2020, 2019 and 2018). In addition to those wins, Childers’ drivers amassed 12 top-five finishes, 17 top-10s, and two pole awards. In his last Michigan outing with Harvick last year, Harvick made an impressive charge through the field from the 22nd starting position and earned an eighth-place finish.

● Overstock.com adorns Berry’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at Michigan this weekend. The partnership amplifies the recent relaunch of Overstock.com, home of crazy good deals that offer quality and style for less. Overstock.com is for the savvy shopper who loves the thrill of the hunt and it includes product categories customers know and love, like patio furniture, home furniture and area rugs, while reintroducing jewelry, watches and health-and-beauty products.

Josh Berry, Driver of the No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Michigan is a track where you’ve found speed and consistency during your Xfinity Series career, and have cut laps in fill-in roles in the Cup Series. How does that help you heading into this weekend knowing you’ve shown you can run well at the 2-mile oval?

“Seat time is so important to me and, any time I have been able to get more laps, I feel like I get more confident and comfortable. And the NextGen car has been something I have had to adapt to this year, but I feel like I just get more and more comfortable each weekend, which helps. Having success there in the past and knowing what it takes to find speed there in the Xfinity car gives me some experience, but it also has a lot to do with the cars we brought. With that said, I will stick to the process our team has put together and we will be prepared to put our best foot forward and run hard on Sunday.”

Rodney (Childers) and Kevin (Harvick) had a lot of success at Michigan together. What are you leaning on from their time together to get you prepared to go there with the No. 4 team?

“Obviously Rodney and Kevin have done a phenomenal job of creating a deep notebook filled with what worked for them and the No. 4 program and I hope that I can use what they have found and build off that. It helps that I have experience in a Cup car, so I can talk about what I felt in those races and help Rodney set up our car for what I think I will need and compare that to what Kevin needed. It is all just a starting point until we get to practice and see how our setup works on track, and then we go tweak it to get some of the finer details ironed out.”

You have three races left in the regular season – what are some of the biggest things you have learned this year?

“I think the biggest thing is that Cup racing is hard. These guys across the board are all really good at what they do and getting a win takes a near perfect day because the level of competition is just so high. I think adding to that, just learning to be patient and trust myself and what I am doing because we have been in the mix for a win a couple of times and that just gives me the confidence that I can do this.”

The final three tracks are good tracks for you, on paper. How do you stay focused on one race at a time when it feels like the next three tracks are all in your wheelhouse?

“I think just staying really committed to our process. It would be easy to say, ‘I feel confident,’ and just rely on that, but our team is really good about diving into the details and making sure we get everything we can out of our prep so we can go to the track with a really solid foundation to work from. The fact that the tracks just happen to be good ones for me is an added bonus.”

No. 4 Overstock.com Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Josh Berry

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Rodney Childers

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Robert “Cheddar” Smith

Hometown: Whitewater, Wisconsin

Engineer: Dax Gerringer

Hometown: Gibsonville, North Carolina

Engineer: Billy Kuebler

Hometown: Saline, Michigan

Spotter: Eddie D’Hondt

Hometown: Levittown, New York

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Daniel Coffey

Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Daniel Smith

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Mason Flynt

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Jack Man: Brandon Banks

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Evan Marchal

Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Tyler Trosper

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Mechanic: Chris Capaldi

Hometown: Armada, Michigan

Tire Specialist: Zac Lupien

Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Engine Tuner: Robert Brandt

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Transporter Co-Driver: Jake Zierhoffer

Hometown: Billerica, Massachusetts

Transporter Co-Driver: Stephen Mitchell

Hometown: Woodville, Ohio

7 DECADES OF THE BIG GO: SCHUMACHER RULES THE 2000s at TOYOTA NHRA U.S. NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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Schumacher rolls to eight Top Fuel wins at The Big Go during the decade, Anderson goes on Indy run in Pro Stock, Ashley Force-Hood makes history and more

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 14, 2024) – To become the most successful driver at the world’s biggest drag race, Top Fuel star Tony Schumacher had to enjoy at least one incredible streak at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

That happened in the 2000s, which featured a remarkable performance to the tune of eight wins and nine final rounds from The Big Go’s winningest driver. Schumacher has an NHRA-best 10 victories on drag racing’s grandest stage and he’ll look for another when the biggest stars in the sport descend on Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Aug. 28-Sept. 2 for the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

The Big Go turns 70 in 2024 and Schumacher has contributed greatly to the rich history at the event. As the road to the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals continues with a look at each decade, the 2000s most prominent storyline was Schumacher’s spectacular run of dominance.

He won Indy eight times in the 2000s, advancing to the final all but one year (2001). He won three straight times from 2002-2004 and after falling to Larry Dixon – the only other Top Fuel driver to win at Indy in the 2000s – in 2005, Schumacher cleaned house the rest of the decade, winning four in a row from 2006-2009.

Schumacher quickly realized what winning the world’s biggest drag race can do for a driver’s legacy and the team was seemingly always on point in Indy. The decade was filled with epic battles against the likes of Doug Kalitta, Gary Scelzi, Dixon and others, but Schumacher, the eight-time Top Fuel champ, always seemed to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.

“Indy is my Magic Kingdom and for me to have such a great dominance at Indy is really something,” Schumacher said in a 2020 interview. “I can’t begin to explain it other than I think we are better under pressure and I think because the race is a bigger race. They’re just so big, I think I try harder.

“There are people who rise and get better when their heart rate’s up and there are people who choke, so I’m extremely thankful that during the big moments, we performed better because you could be the guy that wins the other stuff but has a hard time under the bigger circumstance.”

Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson didn’t quite reach Schumacher’s level at Indy in the 2000s, but he surely came close, winning at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park five times during the decade, including four straight from 2003-2006. It was the quickest way to emerge from Warren Johnson’s shadow and Anderson was marvelous on the sport’s grandest stage, as only Jeg Coughlin and Dave Connolly won at Indy in Pro Stock in the 2000s.

Coughlin won three times (2000, 2002, 2009), cementing the long-lasting Anderson-Coughlin rivalry that continues to this day, while Connolly enjoyed a pair of victories in back-to-back years in 2007 and 2008.

Remarkably, the sport’s most successful driver, John Force, only cashed in once at Indy in the 2000s, winning in 2002, but John Force Racing certainly made a statement at The Big Go. Gary Densham won for JFR in 2004, while Robert Hight announced his Funny Car arrival with victories in 2006 and 2008. Force’s daughter, Ashley, ended the decade with the 2009 Funny Car victory, becoming the first female in Funny Car history to win the world’s biggest drag race.

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Antron Brown broke through for his first Indy triumph in 2000, winning again in 2004. To get his first Top Fuel win at Indy, the three-time world champ would have to wait another seven years. Angelle Sampey won twice early in the decade, while the category’s longest-tenured rider, Steve Johnson, picked up Indy victories in 2005 and 2008.

Other highlights in the terrific 2000s included 2007 Funny Car victory from Mike Ashley, father of Top Fuel standout Justin Ashley, Tim Wilkerson breaking through in 2003 and a win from Whit Bazemore (2001). Del Worsham also swept Indy in 2005 in Funny Car, winning the Skoal Showdown and the U.S. Nationals the same weekend, while reigning Indy champ Matt Smith picked up his first Indy victory in 2006.

The look at the 2010s comes next, as John Force Racing continues an impressive Funny Car run and a handful of star drivers crack through at The Big Go for the first time, including reigning Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta.

This year, the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals promises to be one of the biggest in the illustrious history of The Big Go. It features the final Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the year and the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout, as well as the special Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge presented by the McCandless Collection and the Rooftec Comp Cash Clash, along with racing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ and NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, plus:

  • A special 70th anniversary NHRA U.S. Nationals pennant for the first 8,000 fans in attendance for eliminations on Monday, Sept. 2.
  • Free parking for all fans and children 12-under admitted free.
  • An unforgettable Top Eliminator Club experience, including NHRA driver appearances, food and drink, TEC gift bag, starting line seats and much more.
  • The biggest field in drag racing.

Last year, Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won, with Brown, Capps and Smith winning at Indy for the second straight year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FOX and FS1, including eliminations on FOX at 2 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 2.

Kalitta currently leads the Top Fuel ranks, while Austin Prock’s debut season in Funny Car has been a huge success as he leads the way. Dallas Glenn is the Pro Stock points leader, while Gaige Herrera has six wins to his credit in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Other stars to watch include Top Fuel’s Ashley, Brittany Force, Shawn Langdon and racing legend Tony Stewart, who will make his Indy Top Fuel debut, Funny Car’s Bob Tasca III, Matt Hagan and J.R. Todd, Pro Stock’s Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield and Troy Coughlin Jr., and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Chase Van Sant and Jianna Evaristo.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:45 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 30, two rounds at 12 and 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 12 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept 2.

The first round of the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout takes place at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 1, with the semifinals at 2:40 p.m. and the final round at 4:30 p.m. A special broadcast of the Callout takes place on FOX at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, and eliminations at 12 p.m. on FS1 on Monday, shifting to FOX at 2 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Race Preview | Michigan International Speedway

By
Official Release
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CLUB NOTES

The NASCAR Cup Series speeds along to its next stop – Michigan International Speedway (MIS). FireKeepers Casino 400 which will ignite on Sunday, August 18, at 2:30pm EST on USA Network.

The LEGACY Continues: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB announced Tuesday, August 13, that NASCAR Cup Series veteran, Erik Jones has entered into a multi-year contract renewal. Jones will continue to pilot the coveted No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season and beyond.

There’s No Place Like Home: A Byron, Mich. native, Jones will look for a win at his home track. The NASCAR Cup driver will begin the day with a send-off in downtown Byron, Mich. supported by friends, family, and fans – a tradition now at every Michigan International Speedway (MIS) visit. Upon arrival, Jones will host an “Erik Jones Experience” outside of the track. This private tailgate will include a DJ, fun and games, and participants will even get to have a “fireside chat” with both Jones and The King himself, Richard Petty. Jones grew up going to races with his family and enjoys coming back to MIS. The second part of the No. 43 duo – Dave Elenz, also calls Michigan home. Although there is some distance between Elenz’s hometown and Jones’, the two look to add a win at MIS to their accomplishments.

Pulling a Double: Nemechek will make his final scheduled start in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Michigan this weekend. He enters this week’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race as the defending winner. During his 10 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year, he has accumulated two victories, three top-five’s and five top-10’s, plus led a total of 214 laps.

JHN History at MIS: John Hunter Nemechek comes into Michigan International Speedway with two previous NASCAR Cup Series starts, both coming during the 2020 season. In addition to his NASCAR Cup Series starts, the 27-year-old has seven additional starts across the NASCAR Truck Series (5) and the NASCAR Xfinity Series (4).

EJ at Michigan: Jones has a reputable stat sheet regarding finishes at MIS. Out of ten starts, he has acquired six top-15’s, his best finish being 3rd in 2017 – his first full-time Cup series season. He has not finished outside the top-10 at the previous two trips to the Michigan track. The No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE wheelman is determined to add a Sunoco black and white checkered flag to his collection.

Elenz at Michigan: Crew chief of the coveted No. 43 car, Elenz has spent the majority of his crew chief days in the Xfinity series. However, out of full-time season starts in both the Xfinity and Cup series, Elenz has never finished outside of the top 10 at MIS.

Guest Designer: This week’s King’s Hat design was partly created by Erik Jones alongside Richard Petty. Jones wanted to commemorate memories he had growing up with family at his home track. The King’s Hat will be in the Fan Zone at Michigan International Speedway.

Partner Spotlight: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB partner, Blue Compass RV has over 100 full-service RV dealerships and more than 1,000 service bays across America from coast to coast. To find a location closest to the track, visit www.bluecompassrv.com.

Going for G.O.L.D.: Partners Dollar Tree and Family Dollar will honor store #6936 this weekend as a part of the company’s “Go for G.O.L.D.” (Grand Opening Look Daily) program. The Dollar Tree and Family Dollar primaries will highlight these stores on the deck lid of all three LEGACY M.C. entries throughout the race season. Store #6936 is located in Brooklyn, Mich.

PETTY 75TH ANNIVERSARY

ABOUT PETTY 75th: The 2024 season marks a significant milestone in the history of the Petty family as they have helped define stock car racing for 75 years. Their commitment to the sport and the people who make it possible – behind the wheel, under the hood, in the back office, and beyond – has shaped the growth and success of NASCAR. Their LEGACY lives on with the countless fans, drivers, technicians, and team members they touched. Throughout 2024, LEGACY M.C. will celebrate the Petty family and share countless memories with friends and fans at racetracks across the country.

This Week in Petty History: It was Aug. 12, 1967, when “The King’s” 10 race win streak started; this was also his 66th career victory. Petty has three additional victories during this week coming at Bowman Gray Stadium, West Virginia International Speedway and Starkey Speedway.

CLUB QUOTES

John Hunter Nemechek, Driver of the No. 42 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE:

“I am optimistic going into Michigan this weekend. It’s not only a track that I have had success at, but our No. 42 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team has shown some speed over the last several weeks, particularly at the larger speedway’s. Qualifying is going to be very important for us to get that track position and hopefully get our Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE up front and contend like we know we can. Running in the [NASCAR] Xfinity race on Saturday, I am hopeful that I can learn a little bit about the track that will help us on Sunday.”

Ben Beshore, Crew chief of the No. 42 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE:

“Hopefully we can take some of the positives we learned at Pocono (Raceway) and Indy (Motor Speedway) and transfer those to Michigan (International Speedway). In practice we’ll work on getting the balance of the car as good as we can get it in multiple lanes on the track. Qualifying will be big since Michigan tends to be heavy on strategy, so you’ll want to be as close to the front as possible to give yourself more options from a strategy standpoint.”

“I think it always helps getting more laps and figuring out the best places to pass. The track is another year older and figuring out the grip level and where on the track to make speed usually transfers to the NASCAR Cup Series car.”

Erik Jones, Driver of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:

“Racing at home is always pretty fun. Getting to come back and spend some time at home is nice. When we get the good turnouts down at the track with friends and family down there has been fun for a lot of years. It’s always kind of a busy weekend but getting to be down there and racing with everybody there and have everyone come out, which they don’t always get to come to a lot of races, is pretty fun.

Michigan is pretty different as far as intermediates go. Kind of unique to itself, being two miles, it’s now the only two mile real speedway that we go to so it’s kind of different but it makes it pretty fun. It’s a fast place, been pretty fast since the repave and still continues to be fast. It started to widen out here in the last few years and have some more options as far as what we can do, as far as lane choice and where we can run. I think that’s been really good for the racetrack, being able to have some better races.

The strategy always changes quite a bit each week and each year at Michigan with being two and four tires. I think tires have become more and more important here as the years have started to age on the track a little bit, but you also have to be mindful of what you need to take as far as fuel getting to the end. Last year we saw some strategy play out with the leaders coming in and how much fuel they had to take and who was able to get out in front at the end of the day to be in contention to win. It makes it fun, that strategy is always makes it exciting and how you can call these races a little differently than the next guy to be in contention to win and in a spot to be leading at the end of the day and play offense and defense and where you want to be in position.”

Dave Elenz, Crew chief of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:

“Excited to get back to Michigan, be back at home. We ran good there last year. Had a lot of speed at the last couple intermediate tracks. Hopefully, that translates over to Michigan. I know Erik is going to be excited to perform in front of his hometown, friends and family. It’s a big weekend for us.”

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

During the Cook Out 400, Erik Jones had a little extra help getting into his pit box that resulted in sending his No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE coming to a stop in a non-traditional position for the stop. The LEGACY MOTOR CLUB pit crew continued to perform the stop and sent Jones on his way. (Photo Courtesy, NKP for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB)

BROADCAST INFO

MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18 @ 2:30 PM ET

ABOUT OUR PARTNERS

ABOUT DOLLAR TREE, INC.: Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 Company, operated 16,622 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces as of October 28, 2023. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit www.DollarTree.com.

ABOUT MOBIL 1: For 50 years, Mobil 1 has been trusted by drivers to keep their engines running longer. Our products combine the latest technology and innovation to exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers and tuning shops—so consumers can get the most out of their time behind the wheel, both on the road and on the track. Turn every day into an adventure with Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand. Learn more at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1Racing on Instagram and X. Join us. For the love of driving.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The CLUB competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Johnson. LEGACY M.C. also competes in the Extreme E Series. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King” serves as CLUB Ambassador. With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

United Rentals Racing: Ryan Preece Michigan Advance

By
Official Release
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RYAN PREECE
Michigan Advance
No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: FireKeepers Casino 400 (Round 24 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 18
● Location: Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn
● Layout: 2-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 200 laps / 400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 45 laps / Stage 2: 75 laps / Final Stage: 80 laps
● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Sandwiched between the tight confines of Richmond (Va.) Raceway last weekend and the wide-open speedfest two weekends hence at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway is Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, where Ryan Preece and his fellow NASCAR Cup Series competitors will get to stretch their racing legs this weekend before heading to “The World Center of Racing” for the penultimate race of the regular season.

● The driver of the No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing will be making his sixth career NASCAR Cup Series start on the 2-mile, D-shaped oval nestled in the Irish Hills of Michigan, where he owns a best Cup Series finish of seventh, earned in August 2019 behind the wheel of a JTG Daugherty Racing entry. In his first start there for Stewart-Haas in August 2023, Preece started 37th and finished 22nd.

● Outside of the NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan, Preece has one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the track, a 19th-place finish from the 24th starting position, driving for team owner Johnny Davis in June 2016. Preece had a pair of stout Xfinity Series outings at Michigan’s former sister track, the 2-mile, D-shaped oval at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, where he started eighth and finished ninth in March 2018 for Joe Gibbs Racing, and started seventh and finished eighth in March 2019 for JR Motorsports.

● Joining Preece at Michigan is United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE: URI), the largest equipment rental company in the world. United Rentals has an integrated network of 1,449 rental locations in North America, 13 in Europe, 27 in Australia and 19 in New Zealand. In North America, the company operates in 49 states and every Canadian province. The company’s approximately 24,700 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others. The company offers approximately 4,700 classes of equipment for rent with a total original cost of $19.3 billion. United Rentals is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the Barron’s 400 Index and the Russell 3000 Index®. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Additional information about United Rentals is available at UnitedRentals.com.

Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Michigan is a fast, 2-mile, D-shaped oval. Do you feel the sensation of speed there more than you do at other tracks?

“It’s all pretty relative. In my eyes, it doesn’t matter if you’re at Texas or Michigan. The speed is the speed, I would say, just the amount of throttle you carry through the corner. With how wide the corners are, you still don’t feel it, though. Hopefully we’re pretty good.”

Michigan marks a return to a high-speed, high-banked, intermediate track after running a variety of tracks through the summer. Can the knowledge learned early in the year at Las Vegas – or even at places that we’ve raced at more recently like Kansas and Charlotte – be applied to Michigan? Or were those races so long ago that it’s no longer applicable?

“Things are changing constantly. I think the fundamentals of it all are the same, but at the same time you’re trying to get the car as low to the ground as possible without hitting the right-rear limiter. At that point, it’s how much travel can you get.”

We’ve heard the adage, “Slow down to go fast,” and that seems to be used a lot at Michigan. What does that mean and how does it apply to Michigan?

“In my opinion, it’s just car capability, aerodynamics. We’re all dealing with kind of the same things. Nobody’s car is typically ever perfect, but if a car is capable of carrying that extra 3 or 4 miles an hour through the center of the corner – which sounds slow but it’s really not when you’re going 170 or 175 miles per hour through the center of the corner – to me, at a place like Michigan, it’s about having a car that’ll roll good speed through the center. That way you can make your straightaways as long as possible.”

Oftentimes, Michigan races have come down to fuel mileage. How does a driver try to save fuel inside the racecar when they’re still trying to outrun other racecars?

“That’s a great question. I think there are multiple ways to try and do it, whether it’s efficient or not I don’t know. But at a place like Michigan, where you’re on the throttle a lot, I think it’s more or less trying to carry 70 or 80 percent throttle instead of going full throttle, and really just depending on how much fuel you need to save. That’s why the guys on top of the box have to coach you and really help you understand how much fuel you need to save and what’s the most efficient way to do it without losing lap time.”

Has there been a fuel-mileage race where at the end of it you’ve said, “I did a really good job of saving fuel and got us the best finish possible?” Or have there been races where you’re left scratching your head wondering what you could’ve done differently?

“I thought at Pocono in 2021 we ended up seventh or so by saving fuel, doing some of those things, as well as Michigan in around the same period, I think I ended up seventh, as well. Fuel saving isn’t as much of an issue as long as you understand the entire picture and how much you need to be saving.”

When you’re trying to save fuel, is it easier to make a mistake because you’re sort of out of your rhythm, or do you just adapt into a new rhythm?

“You just adapt to a new rhythm. It’s something to where you find different ways to make speed, where if you’re giving up some of that straightaway speed, you’re upping your corner speed and making the same lap time. A little less brake here and there and a little less throttle down the straightaway, but at the same time carrying a little more through the corner at a smaller throttle percentage. Those little things matter.”

Do you put an asterisk next to a fuel-mileage win, or are you of the opinion that a win’s a win, no matter how you get it?

“A win’s a win no matter how you get it. Doesn’t matter if you run 25th all day long and make a strategy call to be on the front row for a green-white-checkered, at the end of the day you’ve still got to do your job, so I don’t care how you do it.”

No. 41 United Rentals Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Ryan Preece

Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Crew Chief: Chad Johnston

Hometown: Cayuga, Indiana

Car Chief: Jeremy West

Hometown: Gardena, California

Engineer: Marc Hendricksen

Hometown: Clinton, New Jersey

Spotter: Tony Raines

Hometown: LaPorte, Indiana

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Devin Lester

Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons

Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Jack Man: Sherman Timbs

Hometown: Indianola, Mississippi

Fuel Man: Dwayne Moore

Hometown: Griffin, Georgia

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Joe Zanolini

Hometown: Sybertsville, Pennsylvania

Interior Mechanic: Robert Dalby

Hometown: Anaheim, California

Tire Specialist: Matt Ridgeway

Hometown: Carrollton, Georgia

Engine Tuner: Jimmy Fife

Hometown: Orange County, California

Transporter Co-Driver: David Rodrigues

Hometown: Santa Clarita, California

Transporter Co-Driver: Charlie Schleyer

Hometown: Youngsville, Pennsylvania

Spire Motorsports FireKeepers Casino 400 Race Advance

By
Official Release
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  • In 10 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) starts at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), Spire Motorsports has logged one top-15 and three top-20 finishes. Corey LaJoie, driver of the No. 7 Garner Trucking Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, earned a team-best 15th-place finish in 2023 at the two-mile oval. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NCS with LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
  • The FireKeepers Casino 400 from Michigan International Speedway will be televised live on USA, Sunday, Aug. 18th, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 24th of 36 races on the 2024 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Countdown to Green on USA will take the green flag at 2 p.m. EDT.

Corey LaJoie – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Corey LaJoie will pilot the No. 7 Garner Trucking Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
  • In 10 previous starts in the Irish Hills, the 32-year-old has recorded one top-15, two top-20 and six top-25 finishes. In the rain-delayed 2023 event, LaJoie started 31st and earned a venue-best 15th-place finish.
  • Garner Trucking is a family-owned and -operated business started in 1960 by Vern and Jean Garner. In 2012, daughter Sherri Garner Brumbaugh became President/CEO/Owner. Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, Garner is a woman-owned dry-van truckload, retail and distribution for-hire motor carrier. Garner is known for its excellent safety record and on-time delivery performance. Since 2017, Garner Trucking has been named a Best Fleet to Drive For trucking company in North America, recognized in 2022 as the overall Best Fleet for small carriers becoming Hall of Fame status in 2023 and 2024.
  • The Ohio-based trucking company will be featured on the hood of the No. 7 Camaro for the fifth time and for the second of two appearances in 2024. In four previous starts in the black and red Garner colors, the third-generation racer has logged four top-20 finishes and completed all 1,098 laps.
  • Last time out, LaJoie started 24th and finished 34th at Richmond Raceway.
  • The 32-year-old’s best finish on a two-mile oval came in the series’ last stop at the Auto Club Speedway in 2023. LaJoie qualified 12th and brought home a 14th-place finish on that February afternoon.
  • Over 259 NCS starts, the father of three has earned four top-five and nine top-10 finishes and led 161 laps in NASCAR’s premier division.

Corey LaJoie Quotes
You brought home a solid finish in last season’s trip to Michigan. How do you look to build on that this time around?
“Last year we finished 15th, and had some speed in our No. 7 Chevy. I’ve had a lot of solid runs there in the past, so I’m looking forward to getting out there. Thanks to Sherri (Garner) and everyone at Garner Trucking for hopping on board this weekend. Hopefully we can bring home a good finish for them.”

Zane Smith – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Zane Smith will make his first NASCAR Cup Series appearance at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday driving the No. 71 Focused Health Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports.
  • Last week at Richmond Raceway, the California native rolled off 20th and crossed the line in the 23rd position.
  • The 25-year-old scored his first NASCAR national series victory in NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series competition at MIS in 2020. After rolling off seventh, he made a last-lap pass on Christian Eckes to take the checkered flag in his GMS Racing Silverado. Smith has also made two ARCA Menards Series starts at the two-mile D-shaped oval.
  • Over the last five races, the California native has scored the 20th-most points of all Cup Series drivers.
  • Focused Health is a national health insurance agency that assists consumers and employers in navigating the myriad of health insurance options in the government programs space. The company partners with payors and employers to deliver health insurance solutions for individuals and families. For more information visit AtFocusedHealth.com.
  • Crew chief Stephen Doran is no stranger to Victory lane at MIS. During his tenure as an engineer for Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing, Doran racked up five wins and 11 top-five finishes.
  • Join Smith for a Q&A at the NASCAR Experience Stage in the midway on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. local time.

Zane Smith Quotes
Michigan is the site of your first NASCAR national series victory. How special is the venue to you and your career?
“It’s going to be awesome to get back to Michigan this weekend. I haven’t been back there since my first Truck Series win in 2020. That track is a special place to me, and it holds a lot of great memories that I will always remember. I’m really excited to race there in the Cup car and see what my No. 71 Focused Health Spire Motorsports team can accomplish. Looking forward to Sunday’s race.”

Carson Hocevar – Driver, No.77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Carson Hocevar will make his first Cup Series start at Michigan International Speedway in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400, piloting the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports. The effort will be backed by two Michigan-based companies, Premier Security and Zeigler Auto Group, in a co-primary role.
  • Last week at Richmond Raceway, Hocevar rolled off the grid 19th and brought the No. 77 Camaro home in eighth, matching his NCS career-best finish. The finish marked his third top 10 of the year.
  • In his first and only race behind the wheel at MIS, Hocevar started seventh in the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series event. The Portage, Mich. native was involved in a Lap-12 incident while positioned within the top 10. His No. 77 Premiere Security Chevrolet would suffer extensive damage, but he continued to battle throughout the day, ultimately finishing 32nd.
  • From the famous bricks of Saginaw Street in Flint, Mich., to industrial, residential, and commercial sites across North America, Premier Security Solutions has built an unmatched standard of security. Today, Premier has taken steps to advance technology and utilize new tools to combat theft and become an anti-crime organization. Premier’s Global Security Operations Center is a state-of-the-art facility, working around the clock to protect assets, corporations, schools, and families. Premier deploys more than 1,000 guards around the country and protects homes, families, executive- level leaders, and major corporations. Premier’s team of retired law enforcement professionals protects more than 50 school buildings and high net-worth families, delivering an unparalleled level of service. Premier prides itself on a standard of service ensuring its customers receive the protection and peace of mind they deserve.
  • Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers. Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,500 people, ranking among the top one percent of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2023. The family-owned and -operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2024, and among Glassdoor’s top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance.
  • LoJack, a Solera brand, redefines vehicle security with cutting-edge solutions. Our advanced tracking ensures swift recovery, seamlessly integrated with smart devices. With unrivaled cybersecurity, we set the standard in safeguarding vehicles. The user-friendly interface and expanded global coverage showcase our commitment to unparalleled security. LoJack delivers a powerhouse of innovation, providing unmatched peace of mind to vehicle owners worldwide.
  • Over the last 10 races, Hocevar has compiled an average finish of 15.4, a six-position improvement from the opening 13 races on the year (21.6).
  • The youngest NCS driver in the field ranks 22nd in the division’s championship point standings. Over the course of the season’s first 23 races, Hocevar has notched three top-10 and seven top-15 finishes.
  • Hocevar made his name in Super Late Model competition at nearby Berlin Raceway. He is a two-time winner of the Money in the Bank 150, taking the crown in back-to-back years in 2020 and 2021. Earlier this month, he scored his first victory in the Tekton 250 Battle at Berlin, holding off Erik Jones and Late Model stand out Bubba Pollard. In 2018, he started on the pole and finished fourth in his lone ARCA Menards Series start at the 0.4375-mile oval.
  • Crew chief Luke Lambert was atop the box for four top-10 finishes at Michigan during his time at Richard Childress Racing, highlighted by a fourth-place finish with Ryan Newman in Aug. of 2017. He also chiefed Noah Gragson to a third-place finish after starting on the pole in the 2022 Xfinity Series event.
  • Zeigler and LoJack will be hosting a meet and greet with Hocevar on Friday, Aug. 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Zeigler Motorsports, located at 5001 Park Circle Drive, Kalamazoo, Mich.
  • Fans can receive a Carson Hocevar autograph at the NASCAR Classics merchandise trailer on Saturday from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
  • Sunday Turn 4 Club ticket holders will have an opportunity to meet Hocevar from 11 to 11:15 a.m.

Carson Hocevar Quotes
Sunday will mark your first NCS race at your hometown track. What are your expectations and what are you looking to accomplish?
“Michigan is a place that has been calling my name for a while. I love the thrill of racing there. Last year, I only got a few competitive laps in the Xfinity race before a wreck, but I have been having a blast in the simulator getting ready for this weekend. We’ve put a ton of effort into this race, especially with setup. Hailing from Michigan, and with Ziegler Auto Group and Premier Security involved, there’s a lot of hometown pride. We know anyone can win on the right day, so we’re giving it our all. Our cars are strong, and if we can get the perfect setup and opportunity, nothing can hold us back.”
From the Top of the Box

Ryan Sparks – Crew Chief, No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Ryan Sparks serves in a dual role as both Spire Motorsports competition director and crew chief for driver Corey LaJoie and the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro in the NCS.
  • Sparks, a Winston-Salem, N.C., native, has been paired with LaJoie since 2020.
  • Combined, Sparks and LaJoie have earned four top-five and seven top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Daytona 500.

Stephen Doran – Crew Chief, No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Stephen Doran is in his first full season as a Cup Series crew chief leading Zane Smith and the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team.
  • In 2006, Doran got his start in NASCAR at Petty Enterprises.
  • Prior to his arrival at Spire Motorsports, Doran worked at Stewart-Haas Racing as an engineer, most recently on the No. 4 car driven by Kevin Harvick.

Luke Lambert – Crew Chief, No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

  • Luke Lambert is the crew chief for Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 team with 2024 NCS Rookie of the Year candidate Carson Hocevar.
  • The 2005 North Carolina State graduate has led the competition efforts for some of the sport’s most notable names including Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler and Chris Buescher.
  • In 2014, Lambert led Newman to a berth in the Championship 4, and ultimately a runner-up finish in the NCS championship point standings.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports is a NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2024, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively. The team also fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. An all-star driver lineup will rotate throughout the 2024 season in the No. 7 Chevy. Rajah Caruth drives the No. 71 entry and Chase Purdy rounds out the team’s fleet of Silverados in the No. 77.

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

JR Motorsports — NXS Michigan Preview

By
Official Release
-

JR Motorsports Team Preview
TRACK – Michigan International Speedway (2-mile oval)
NXS RACE – Cabo Wabo 250 (125 laps / 250 miles)
TUNE IN – USA, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 3:30 p.m. (ET)

Sam Mayer

No. 1 – 10X Health Chevrolet

Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 20

Wins: 2

Top 5s: 7

Top 10s: 10

Laps Led: 118

Avg. Finish: 16.8

Points: 12th

Sam Mayer returns from the three-week break as he heads to Michigan International Speedway for his fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the D-shaped speedway.

In the three previous NXS starts, Mayer tallied one top five that came in last season’s run where he scored a fifth-place finish after qualifying fourth to start the event.

In five starts on tracks measuring two miles in length, the 21-year-old driver has earned two top-five and three top-10 efforts, with his best coming in California in 2023, where he locked in a runner-up finish.

The driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet will carry the white, red and black color scheme of 10X Health for the company’s fourth race riding along with Mayer.

Sam Mayer

“The break was much needed, but I am for sure ready to get back to work and plow through these next 13 races to hopefully end up battling for a Championship again. This No. 1 JRM team has put in so much effort and time, not just these past three weeks, but all season long. I know Mardy (Lindley, crew chief) and the guys are putting together a competitive package for Michigan so I am ready unload and see what we can do there. Super stoked to have 10X Health back on board and I am ready to put them in contention for the win at Michigan.”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 Hellmann’s / Meijer Chevrolet

Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 20

Wins: 1

Top 5s: 6

Top 10s: 12

Laps Led: 517

Avg. Finish: 13.3

Points: 2nd

In 12 career starts in the NXS in Michigan, Justin Allgaier has scored a combined three top fives and seven top 10s.

Allgaier’s best finish at the 2-mile oval came in this event in 2022, when the Illinois native came home in the runner-up position.

Allgaier heads into the resumption of NXS competition following the Olympic break on a high note, having placed ninth or better in each of the last five NXS events dating back to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in June.

With six races remaining in the NXS regular season, Allgaier currently sits second in the Playoff Grid, 56 markers out of the point lead.

Justin Allgaier

“Having the last few weeks off has been great, but we are definitely ready to be heading back to the track. Michigan has been a strong place for us in recent years and I feel really confident it will continue to be this weekend with our Hellmann’s / Meijer Chevrolet. I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and all the guys on this No. 7 team are ready to go and I can’t wait to see what we can do when we get on the track on Saturday.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Allstate Peterbilt Group Chevrolet

Smith 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 20

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 10

Laps Led: 55

Avg. Finish: 16.2

Points: 11th

Sammy Smith has two NXS starts at MIS in which, he has qualified in the top 10 both times and scored a best finish of 12th in 2022.

The 20 year-old currently sits a mere three points below the playoff cutline going into the last six races of the regular season.

In 13 NXS starts on tracks two miles or greater, Smith has earned a best finish of sixth, coming at Pocono Raceway last season.

Allstate Peterbilt Group, a Minnesota based company in its 53rd year of business, joins the No. 8 JRM Chevrolet for their second race of the season together.

Sammy Smith

“It’s been great to have the last three weeks off. It’s allowed my team and I to reset and refresh before we run the next 13 weeks to the championship in Phoenix. I’ve had good qualifying runs in the past at Michigan but haven’t finished at the top so I’m looking forward to bringing it full circle in my Allstate Peterbilt Chevrolet with my JRM team.”

Brandon Jones

No. 9 Menards / NIBCO Chevrolet

Jones 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 20

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 1

Top 10s: 5

Laps Led: 20

Avg. Finish: 18.9

Points: 14th

Brandon Jones has made seven NXS starts at the 2-mile D-shaped oval in Michigan and has only one finish outside the top 10. Jones holds a best finish of second, which came during the 2021.

Jones’ 7.4 average finish in the Irish Hills is his personal best among active tracks in the NXS.

In his previous position as lead engineer for the JRM No. 9, crew chief, Philip Bell has tallied one pole and three top five finishes.

NIBCO, a worldwide manufacturer of flow control system solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, marine and irrigation markets, will be making its second appearance of the season on the hood of Jones’ No. 9 Chevrolet.

Brandon Jones

“It was great to have a few weeks off to rest and reset, but now I am ready to get back in the car. Michigan is a track I have run well on in the past and this No. 9 team has been working hard to build a fast race car, so hopefully we will be battling our way towards the front at the end.”

Carson Kvapil

No. 88 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet

Kvapil 2024 NXS Stats

Starts: 6

Wins: 0

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 4

Laps Led: 38

Avg. Finish: 8.7

Points: 28th

Carson Kvapil returns to the No. 88 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet this weekend and will make his first NXS start at Michigan.

In his six starts so far this season, Kvapil has earned three top-five and four top-10 finishes, while additionally pacing the field for 38 laps.

The 21-year-old driver will make his second NXS start on a track measuring two miles or more in length. In his first, Kvapil earned a 10th-place result at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Crew chief Andrew Overstreet has guided the No. 88 team to four top-five and seven top-10 finishes in nine starts this season with Kvapil, Connor Mosack and Bubba Pollard behind the wheel.

Carson Kvapil

“Heading to Michigan, it’s a different kind of track for me. It’s big and fast with a lot of banking, so I’m looking forward to getting laps and learning the lines. It’s the same thing I’ve been doing all season, just learning. Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) and this No. 88 Clarience Technologies team have given me good cars and a good plan every week and it’s been a great season so far.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Michigan International Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Michigan International Speedway a combined 47 times in the NXS since its first trip there in 2006. In those starts at the 2-mile speedway, the organization has recorded two wins, 20 top-fives and 33 top-10s, with an average finish of 9.4.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, and Carson Kvapil will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, Aug 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET.

Kaulig Racing Weekly Preview | Michigan International Speedway

By
Official Release
-

Race Notes

Michigan International Speedway
FireKeepers Casino 400
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, August 18 at 2:30PM EDT
USA | MRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has made four NCS starts at Michigan International Speedway, earning a best finish of 17th.
  • So far in the 2024 NCS season, Kaulig Racing has earned six top 10s, 17 top 20s and led 49 laps.

AJ ALLMENDINGER

“I’m looking forward to running both races at Michigan this year. On the Cup side of it last year, I had a lot of fun driving the car. It’s a lot of speed, a lot of on throttle time and if you get the car right, you’re running wide open. It’s a race track you definitely have to get you courage up for. We had good speed last year, so I’m looking forward to that. On the Xfinity side of it, winning in 2021 will always be a great memory. This year will be a little different with the aero package. It will be new with learning what we have to do to race the racetrack but it’s a fun place, I always enjoy going there and I think we can have a couple of good runs.” – AJ Allmendinger on Michigan International Speedway

No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1

  • AJ Allmendinger has made 22 NCS starts at Michigan International Speedway. Allmendinger has an average finish of 21.4 and has led one lap.
  • So far in to 2024 NCS season, Allmendinger has made 10 NCS starts and earned three top 10s, five top-20 finishes and led 13 laps.

DANIEL HEMRIC

“Michigan is a place that we all look forward to going to. It’s a track where you get to truly feel the speed, grip, and all the things that make NASCAR racing what it is. This will be my first trip there in this car, so I’m really excited to get on track. It’s always a battle of manufacturers and bragging rights, so hopefully all of us on team Chevy can do our part.” – Daniel Hemric on Michigan International Speedway

No. 31 Poppy Bank Camaro ZL1

  • Daniel Hemric has made two NCS starts at Michigan International Speedway, earning a best finish of 12th.
  • So far in the 2024 NCS season, Hemric has earned three top 10s, nine top-20 finishes and has led 14 laps.
  • This weekend, Hemric’s No. 31 Camaro ZL1 will feature Poppy Bank’s premier online savings account.
  • Poppy Bank’s premier online savings account starts with a 5.50% Annual Percentage Yield (currently the highest in the nation) and is available online to any qualifying individual in the United States (terms and conditions apply). For more information, visit Poppy Bank‘s website.

Race Details

Michigan International Speedway
Cabo Wabo 250
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
Saturday, August 17 at 3:30PM EDT
USA | MRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

  • Kaulig Racing has made 13 starts Michigan International Speedway in the NXS. The team has earned one win, one top five and seven top-10 finishes.
  • The team achieved its victory at Michigan in 2019, when AJ Allmendinger led 70 laps en route to the win.
  • So far in the 2024 NXS season, Kaulig Racing has earned three wins, eight top fives, 21 top-10 finishes and led 129 laps.

DANIEL DYE

“I’m excited to go back to Michigan after a couple years, and represent Race to Stop Suicide again on our Kaulig Racing No. 10 Camaro. I enjoyed racing the ARCA car there, and hope to use the experience of that to help me this weekend. It will be interesting running the same package as we did at Indy, but I’m glad to have had the experience to run it before.” – Daniel Dye on Michigan International Speedway

No. 10 Race to Stop Suicide Chevrolet Camaro

  • Daniel Dye will make his first-career NXS start at the 2.0-mile oval at Michigan International Speedway this weekend.
  • The Daytona Beach, Florida native has one previous start at Michigan in the ARCA Menards Series, where he finished third in 2022.
  • Dye is coming off a career-best NXS finish of seventh at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20 with Kaulig Racing.
  • The 20-year-old driver recently clinched a position in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs, where he competes full-time in 2024.

JOSH WILLIAMS

“We had some decent runs at Michigan in ARCA. It’s a high-horsepower kind of track, so you need a fast motor to get good finishes there. I’m looking forward to working with [new No. 11 crew chief] Eddie [Pardue] for the rest of the season.” – Josh Williams on Michigan International Speedway

No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet Camaro

  • Josh Williams has made seven starts in the NXS at Michigan International Speedway. His best finish there (18th) came in 2021.
  • Williams earned two top 10s in five starts in the ARCA Menards Series at Michigan.
  • Williams sits 18th in the NXS points standings with three top 10s and 14 laps led.

AJ ALLMENDINGER

“I’m looking forward to running both races at Michigan this year. On the Cup side of it last year, I had a lot of fun driving the car. It’s a lot of speed, a lot of on throttle time and if you get the car right, you’re running wide open. It’s a race track you definitely have to get you courage up for. We had good speed last year, so I’m looking forward to that. On the Xfinity side of it, winning in 2021 will always be a great memory. This year will be a little different with the aero package. It will be new with learning what we have to do to race the racetrack but it’s a fun place, I always enjoy going there and I think we can have a couple of good runs.” – AJ Allmendinger on Michigan International Speedway

No. 16 Campers Inn RV Chevrolet Camaro

  • AJ Allmendinger has made two NXS starts at Michigan International Speedway. Allmendinger won his first NXS start at Michigan in 2021 and has since earned an additional top-10 finish. He has led a total of 77 laps and has an average finish of fourth.
  • So far in the 2024 NXS season, Allmendinger has earned three top five and 10 top-10 finishes. Allmendinger has led 36 laps and currently sits sixth in NXS driver standings.

SHANE van GISBERGEN

 ”The [Olympic] break was nice, but I’m excited to get back on the track this weekend! Michigan is another oval that I haven’t raced yet, so there will be lots of learning to do, but that’s the fun in it. Excited to have SafetyCulture on board with us this weekend and hopefully have another good showing Saturday afternoon.” – Shane van Gisbergen on Michigan International Speedway

No. 97 Safety Culture Chevrolet Camaro

  • Shane van Gisbergen heads to Michigan International Speedway for his first NXS start on the 2-mile, D-shaped track.
  • At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, before the two-week Olympic Break, Van Gisbergen finished 4th, securing his second top-five finish on an oval this season.
  • The three-time Supercars Champion and his No. 97 Chevrolet will carry the SafetyCulture livery for the first time this season in Michigan. SafetyCulture is a global technology company that empowers working teams to drive daily improvements across their organization. Our mobile-first operations platform gives you the knowledge, tools, and processes you need to work safely, meet higher standards, and improve every day. To learn more visit safetyculture.com.
  • Van Gisbergen and his No. 97 Kaulig Racing team lead the NXS in total wins this season (3) and currently sit 13th in driver standings heading into the weekend.

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.

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