Home Blog Page 829

How to Buy a Used NASCAR Race Car

By
SM
-

Buying a used NASCAR race car isn’t your typical car purchase. These machines are built solely for the track, and traditional financing options don’t apply. In fact, you can’t use a car as collateral for a loan with NASCAR vehicles, as they aren’t street-legal and lack conventional resale value. 

NASCAR teams typically keep their cars for future races or sell parts to other teams. Finding a complete car for sale is rare, but not impossible. If you’re determined to own one, prepare for a challenging journey that’ll test both your patience and your wallet.

Where to Find a NASCAR Race Car

Complete NASCAR cars don’t hit the market often, but they do occasionally surface. Teams rarely sell them off intact, but when they do, it’s usually through auctions or private sales. These opportunities are few and far between, and prices can skyrocket due to the rarity of the vehicles. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, consider cars from smaller racing leagues, which offer similar thrills but at a lower price point. While these cars don’t have the prestige of an official NASCAR vehicle, they deliver much of the same performance on the track.

Specialized online platforms and auctions sometimes feature legitimate NASCAR vehicles, but buyers should stay sharp. Verifying the vehicle’s history is crucial to avoid being duped by sellers offering replicas or modified cars from lower-tier racing circuits. Authenticity counts in the world of racing, and without proper documentation, you could be buying a car with far less value than advertised.

Avoiding Scams

One big red flag when searching for a used NASCAR race car is any mention of using the car as loan collateral. Because these cars lack street-legal status and conventional resale value, no reputable lender would accept them. Always request racing records, proof of team ownership, and detailed documentation about the vehicle’s history. Trustworthy sellers should be able to provide this information easily. A legitimate NASCAR car will have a paper trail, including race results, modifications, and any notable moments in its track career.

What You’ll Pay

The price of a used NASCAR vehicle can vary significantly depending on the car’s history, who drove it, and its condition. Prices generally range between $50,000 and $250,000, with more famous cars demanding higher prices. Cars driven by notable drivers or with a decorated race history are at the upper end of the spectrum. However, don’t think the costs stop there. Owning a NASCAR car involves a lot more than the initial purchase price.

Maintaining a NASCAR vehicle requires specialized parts and labor. These cars are not designed for casual use; every component is built for extreme racing conditions. Even if you’re not putting it on a track, keeping the car in working order will involve frequent maintenance, from engine overhauls to suspension adjustments. Parts wear out quickly under race conditions, and finding a mechanic with expertise in NASCAR vehicles isn’t easy or cheap.

Hidden Costs of Ownership

NASCAR cars are built for one thing: speed. Unfortunately, that means they lack many basic features that street-legal cars possess, such as proper lighting, airbags, or emissions systems. Without significant modification, you won’t be driving your NASCAR car anywhere except a racetrack. Transporting the car to and from events or storage will require a dedicated trailer, and you’ll need a secure storage facility to keep the car safe when it’s not in use.

For collectors, the car’s condition and storage environment are vital in preserving its value. Climate-controlled garages, routine cleaning, and mechanical inspections will help retain the car’s status as a collectible item. It’s not just a car—it’s an investment that needs constant attention.

Alternatives to Buying

If the idea of owning a NASCAR car seems too daunting, there are alternatives that offer the thrill without the commitment. Many racing tracks offer NASCAR driving experiences, where you can get behind the wheel of a real race car for a few laps. This option is much cheaper and far less complicated than purchasing a car outright, but still delivers the adrenaline rush of high-speed racing.

Another route is to consider NASCAR-style vehicles built for enthusiasts. These cars aren’t official NASCAR machines but are custom-built for fans who want the look and feel of a race car. Several companies specialize in constructing such cars, offering a range of performance features and customizations to suit different tastes. While they don’t have the same history as an actual NASCAR car, they can provide a similar driving experience.

Building Connections in the Racing World

If you’re truly set on owning a genuine NASCAR car, it’s not just about finding the right listing. Networking within the racing community is essential. Teams are more likely to sell their cars to buyers they know and trust. Attending races, engaging with team members, and building relationships with key people in the industry can open doors that aren’t available to the general public.

Some enthusiasts focus on collecting cars from specific eras or driven by notable figures in the sport. For example, cars from NASCAR’s “aero wars” era are sought after for their unique designs and historical significance. These models represent pivotal moments in NASCAR history and often come with an added layer of prestige for collectors.

Is NASCAR Car Ownership Right for You?

Before diving into NASCAR car ownership, it’s important to weigh what you’re really looking for. For die-hard fans, owning a race car might be the ultimate way to celebrate a passion for the sport. However, if you’re primarily after the thrill of racing, other options, like driving experiences or even high-performance street cars, might offer a more practical solution.

Collectible Alternatives

Many NASCAR fans find satisfaction in collecting race memorabilia instead of a full-blown car. Items such as race-worn suits, helmets, and engine parts are more accessible, less expensive, and easier to display. They capture the spirit of NASCAR without the responsibilities of maintaining a race car.

Final Thoughts

Buying a used NASCAR race car is not an easy process. It takes time, connections, and significant financial resources to secure one. While the appeal of owning a part of NASCAR history is undeniable, it comes with a level of commitment that might be too high for most casual enthusiasts. For those willing to make the investment, though, the reward is the ownership of a unique piece of motorsport legacy.

Digital Nomad Visa Portugal: A New Opportunity for Remote Workers in Europe

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

Portugal became a more popular destination for digital nomads, remote workers, and freelancers due to its good climate, relatively low cost of living, and an interesting cultural heritage. For those who are looking for great opportunities to live abroad and at the same time be able to work remotely, Portugal can offer a very great solution—the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa.

The aim behind this visa program is to make that path legal for remote workers of a company or business owners from other countries to reside in and work from Portugal.

Therefore, in this article, we discuss in great detail the digital nomad visa of Portugal: who can apply for it, the benefits involved in having one, and the application procedure to make clear why Portugal should be your next remote work home.

What is the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa https://firstlegal.group/services/visas/digital-nomad-visa-d8 is a special visa category; it allows citizens of non-European Union, non-European Economic Area countries, and non-Swiss citizens to stay in Portugal for their remote work. The main requirement is that the remote work needs to be under an employer located outside of Portugal or for your own business registered in another country.

The visa falls into the global trend of housing remote workers under one visa arrangement. Today, Portugal joins other countries like Estonia and Croatia that have designed similar visas into action for an increasing number of digital nomads.

Who Qualifies for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa?

Some of the conditions to be satisfied when one intends to apply for the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa include the following:

• Non-EU/EEA or Swiss: The visa targets individuals outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.

• Remote worker or freelancer: You have to work with a company that’s outside of Portugal, or have a freelance business or one of your own that is registered abroad.

• Income requirement: Proof of at least €2,800 per month is required in 2023; this amount may, however, vary subject to special rules laid down.

• Health Insurance: It is required that applicants maintain valid health insurance to cover their stay in Portugal.

• Accommodation: An indication that you will have a place to stay in Portugal, such as a lease contract, or proof of a confirmed reservation at a hotel.

These are the minimum visa application requirements, and hence applicants will have to ensure that they prepare all necessary documents.

The Benefits of the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa

From a lifestyle and practical viewpoint, there are many advantages in opting for Portugal as the country where one will work remotely:

1. Flexibility in Extended Stay

You will get an initial residence permit for one year, which might be renewable up to five years with the Portugal Digital Nomad Visa. This flexibility allows you to settle in and enjoy the country’s culture and lifestyle without frequent visa renewals and having to leave the country.

2. Excellent Infrastructure for Remote Working

Portugal has a well-structured infrastructure to fit in the work-from-anywhere environment. Portugal is totally Wi-Fi saturated, from the countryside to the cities. Be it the bustling cities of Lisbon or Porto or the tranquil region of Algarve, coworking spaces, cafes, and facilities are open to welcome digital nomads.

3. Reasonable Cost of Living

Compared to other Western European countries, Portugal maintains a relatively affordable living cost. You will enjoy a high standard of living in terms of housing, food, transportation, and health at a lower cost compared to so many other countries you would have moved to, thus ideal for those planning to balance work and leisure.

4. Excellent work-life balance

Unhurried and having a perfect amount of natural beauty, Portugal offers that work-relaxation balance to which one can easily attach himself or herself. Be it surfing, hiking, or city exploration with a linkage to historic cities, Portugal is a very promising country for an out-of-work rewarding life.

5. Centrally Located for European Travel

Its privileged geographical situation turns Portugal into a perfect haven for traveling in other parts of Europe, all means of transportation being pretty at hand to travel around neighboring countries like Spain or even far inside Europe. Meanwhile, the mild climate of Portugal allows you to enjoy outdoor activities all year round.

How to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Portugal

It is not that complicated to apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal; it is just important to have the proper documentation and to proceed step by step. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Prepare Your Documentation

Prepare the following principal documents to start the application process:

• Passport valid/Non-expired for at least six months from the date of entry.

• Evidence of income: bank statements, pay receipts, contracts, etc.

• Proof of practices-usually proof of employment or evidence of freelance work-several documents prove that you work for a company whose headquarters are outside the Portuguese borders.

• Health insurance, ensuring coverage for the period of your stay.

• A document proving accommodation in Portugal – a rental agreement or a hotel reservation.

A clean criminal record from your home country or the country where you have been living.

• Application form for a Schengen Visa – This may be picked up from the Portuguese Consulate in your home country.

2. Application Submission Once the documents are prepared, it will be possible to apply online or in person, through the nearest Portuguese embassy or consulate in your country. Make sure to pay the applicable visa procession fee, due to the fact that the price varies according to nationality and the placement of the consulate.

3. Interview (When Needed) In certain cases, the consulate will also ask you to attend an interview about your application Motive, current work situation, and the period of stay in Portugal. That is quite normal; hence, you must be forthright and have prepared, standard responses regarding your work arrangements.

4. Visa Approval After sending the application, the processing time ranges from about 30-60 days, although that can vary depending on the instance. If this application goes through successfully, one receives a Portugal Digital Nomad Visa to legally live and work in a remote capacity for one year in Portugal.

5. Arrival in Portugal and Registration Once you arrive in Portugal, you should proceed with the formalities of residence in Portugal at the Immigration and Borders Service. This is an important step not only to avoid violating any laws of the country but also to protect your visa status throughout your stay in the country. Conclusion The Portugal Digital Nomad Visa is a great opportunity for a digital nomad who wants to take another chance at living in this very beautiful European country. With its warm climate, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture, Portugal increasingly becomes one of the favorites among digital nomads all over the globe. Living in Portugal offers the possibility of working remotely while getting the best of what Europe has to offer-be that the beautiful beaches of Algarve, rich history in Lisbon, or the peaceful atmosphere in the countryside of Portugal. You can kick-start your life in Portugal as a digital nomad through proper application and preparation that certainly meets all the entry criteria. You will then have the pleasure to most flexible and enriching ways of living and working abroad.

The very best NASCAR games for fans to enjoy

By
SM
-

Although racing fans always tend to focus on drivers like Joey Logano and follow the major occasions on the NASCAR calendar, there has always been an appetite for NASCAR-themed video games over the years. In fact, there have been some memorable releases. 

Containing the high-octane racing action that NASCAR connoisseurs crave, the number one auto racing series in the United States is worth experiencing in the virtual environment. Sure, there are other hit racing games that deserve some of your valuable time and attention, such as Light Racers at this online casino and WRC 9 on the PlayStation 5, but these hit games are worth experiencing alongside a NASCAR title or two. 

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best of them below. It’s worth noting that we’re assessing some of the classics alongside the hit modern-day titles, with many of the games still being accessible on a wide range of gaming platforms. 

iRacing

Kicking things off with a release dedicated NASCAR gamers will undoubtedly endorse, iRacing is filled with impressive elements. The game contains crisp graphics and excellent gameplay, while its selection of tracks and powerful cars will tempt NASCAR fans in. In fact, the game’s so popular that respected drivers like William Byron apparently play it on a regular basis. It should come as no surprise either, with iRacing’s all-round package hitting the spot with both gaming communities and NASCAR fans. 

NASCAR Rumble

While NASCAR Rumble might be hard to track down in today’s world, it isn’t impossible. A classic game on the PlayStation, there are numerous online sites where you can play the title, and it’s definitely worth it. Similar in many respects to Mario Kart, players are presented with an opportunity to race through 18 different courses that are set in six different areas, all while collecting power-ups to enhance their chances of triumphing. While it isn’t the most accurate example of NASCAR, NASCAR Rumble certainly delivers in terms of entertainment. 

Gran Turismo 5

Although Gran Turismo 7 is the latest game in the series and deserves recognition, Gran Turismo 5 is regarded as the best title in the series by so many passionate members of the gaming community. It’s worth noting that this particular inclusion isn’t strictly a NASCAR game either, but it contains so many elements that NASCAR fans will warm to. For starters, players can race an array of iconic vehicles on the NASCAR circuit, such as Daytona and Indianapolis. Additionally, there is even a range of NASCAR cars to drive. For racing enthusiasts, Gran Turismo 5 is exceptional. 

NASCAR Racing 2003 Season

Yet another much-loved classic on the list, NASCAR Racing 2003 Season is a game that still delivers today. Playable on PC, it’s a truly fantastic game to play if you’re a fan of classic circuits, such as those from 2003. It contains every track that was on the circuit, familiar drivers at the time are featured, and it’s an exhilarating all-round offering to explore. There are numerous mods of the game these days and they’re also great to experience if you can find them. 

If you struggle to locate a playable version of NASCAR Racing 2003 Season, then NASCAR Racing 4 is an excellent alternative. While it might appear dated to some, it helped to pave the way for so many iconic racing games that were released after it. One of the main reasons for this was its flip-over feature that enabled cars to flip, while it was also the first game of its type to have a full 43-car field. 

TOP FUEL’S TONY SCHUMACHER HITTING STRIDE HEADING TO STAMPEDE OF SPEED AND TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

By
Official Release
-

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 7, 2024) – Eight-time world champion Tony Schumacher is back in the world title hunt and heading to one of his favorite tracks on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour, a combination that could bode well for the longtime Top Fuel star.

Fresh off his victory in St. Louis, Schumacher is ready to roll at this weekend’s 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals at legendary Texas Motorplex, an event that caps off the Stampede of Speed.

Now living in Texas, Schumacher plans to take in all of what the spectacular 10-day event has to offer and he hopes to close it out with a second straight victory in his 11,000-horsepower Leatherwood Distillery/Waltrip Brewing Co. dragster for JCM Racing.

Schumacher is sixth in the Top Fuel points after his first victory in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs since 2014, sitting 103 points back of first as he seeks his seventh career victory at Texas Motorplex. No other Top Fuel driver has more than three, meaning the facility, which also is the site of his first career Top Fuel victory, has treated Schumacher very well over the years.

“I love that place. It’s where I won my first race and one of the places where it set us up for our first championship (in 1999),” Schumacher said. “There will be tons of friends and family there, and it’s going to be a great time. We’ve won there before and I love going to that race. The Meyer family are just great and it’s a really cool place. We’ll be there for a couple weeks and we’ll be prepared, that’s for sure.”

Last season, Leah Pruett (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all collected NHRA wins in Dallas and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage airing at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday Oct. 13. It is the fourth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship and the 18th of 20 races during the 2024 season.

A Texas-sized playoff showdown starts with “Friday Night Live,” which offers more than $40,000 in bonus money to the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The low qualifier under the lights on Friday night will net Top Fuel and Funny Car stars $15,000 each in bonus money, with $7,500 going to the quickest qualifier in Pro Stock and $5,000 in Pro Stock Motorcycle. That leads into final qualifying on Saturday and race day Sunday, where Schumacher looks to continue his momentum from St. Louis.

The team appears to have solved the issues that have plagued them in recent seasons and Schumacher, who has 88 career Top Fuel wins, is ready to pounce. But he’ll need an impressive late-season run if a ninth title is in the cards. Antron Brown is the current points leader, while other top contenders in the top five include Justin Ashley, Shawn Langdon, reigning world champion Doug Kalitta and Texan Steve Torrence.

“I’m really proud of my guys. We hurt ourselves early on (in the Countdown), but we’re closer than we were when we started St. Louis,” Schumacher said. “It’s been fantastic. Let’s face it, we struggled, and we didn’t have a great car and for three years we tried to find our problem. We found it in Brainerd.

“I had said we found it several times before, but it wasn’t the right problem. We found it and I’m so proud of the guys. We just couldn’t get it to go down the track and a couple of races ago, (Neff) found it. They’ve sucked it up and figured it out, and it’s a beautiful thing.”

Hagan is the reigning Funny Car champion, and his 2023 Texas NHRA FallNationals was a major reason he grabbed his fourth title. If he wants to go back-to-back in Dallas, he’ll need to get by Funny Car points leader and class newcomer Austin Prock, Bob Tasca III, J.R. Todd, Ron Capps and Jack Beckman, who is driving for John Force.

Enders, a Texas native, has three wins at the Texas Motorplex. She’s looking for her first win since the season-opener while trying to track down points leader Dallas Glenn, who has back-to-back wins, teammate Aaron Stanfield and longtime rival Greg Anderson.

Herrera won the Texas NHRA FallNationals, setting class records in the process, en route to the world title. He’s back in the points lead after his St. Louis win. The six-time champ Matt Smith is in second, while others to watch include John Hall, Angie Smith, 2023 NHRA Rookie of the Year Chase Van Sant, Richard Gadson and Jianna Evaristo.

The Texas NHRA FallNationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers and begins racing on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The weekend will include the exciting new Holley EFI Factory X category and the Jr. Dragster Shootout, as well as a jet dragster exhibition after nitro qualifying on Friday.

Fans will also be treated to the JEG’s Allstar event, which pits sportsman racers from across the country against each other for the ultimate drag racing battle. After a successful first year at the famed Texas Motorplex in 2023, the unique specialty race is back as a major highlight of the 2024 Stampede of Speed as one of most highly-anticipated sportsman events of the year.

Fans will be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Texas Motorplex can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Texas NHRA FallNationals event winners.

As always, fans can get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food, and fun.

Leading into the race, fans can take part in several events as part of the 10-day Stampede for Speed festival. That includes the NHRA Divisional race (October 7-8), Stampede of Speed Shootout (October 8), JEGS Allstars qualifying (October 9), Champions’ Dinner (October 9, 6 p.m.) and the NHRA FanFest at Railyard Park in downtown Waxahachie (October 10, 6 p.m.), where fans can meet and get autographs from all the top stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and the JEGS Allstars participants.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 11, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 13. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday and as well as action from eliminations at 4 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, call 800-668-6775 or visit tickets.texasmotorplex.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admissions areas 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.

Champion Container Corporation Teams Up with Kaulig Racing’s Daniel Dye for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Season

By
Official Release
-

LEXINGTON, NC (October 7, 2024) – Champion Container Corporation, a leading industrial packaging solutions provider, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Kaulig Racing and driver Daniel Dye for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season. Champion Container will serve as the primary sponsor for numerous races throughout the 33-race campaign for the Daytona Beach, Florida native.

Champion Container has served as a leading partner of Dye for several seasons, dating back to his time competing in the ARCA Menards Series and two seasons in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS). Champion Container was the primary partner of Dye’s No. 10 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet entry at Daytona International Speedway in February and Pocono Raceway in July and has been an associate partner on every vehicle driven by the 20-year-old this year.

“We are thrilled to once again be a primary sponsor of Daniel Dye, as he pilots the No. 10 for Kaulig Racing full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2025,” stated Tom Miskewitz, President, Champion Container. “Daniel represents our brand perfectly and stands for the things important to us at Champion Container. Additionally, Race to Stop Suicide is something that we are major advocates of, and we are humbled to continue to be champions of those efforts as well.”

Dye will open the season at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway, with Champion Container onboard the No. 10 car. Other events include Martinsville, Rockingham, Mexico City, Dover, Las Vegas, and Phoenix.

“Having Champion Container back onboard with us again next season is truly a blessing, and I can’t thank them enough for their continued belief in me, as well as our mission with Race to Stop Suicide,” commented Daniel Dye. “Everyone at Champion Container has become more like family, and I’m honored to represent them next year.”

Along with competing full-time in the NCTS, Dye is currently competing in a limited NXS schedule in the No. 10 Chevy for Kaulig Racing and has earned two top 10s and four top-20 finishes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Champion Container back to the Kaulig Racing family for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season with Daniel Dye,” said Kaulig Racing team president, Chris Rice. Daniel is a talented, young driver that has shown us what he is capable of, and we’re proud to have a partner that believes in him just as much as we do.”

Additional partnership announcements regarding Daniel Dye and the 2025 season with Kaulig Racing will come at a later date.

 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.

About Champion Container Corporation:

Founded in 1968, Champion Container has become the premier packaging container distributor in the Northeast, serving industries including chemicals, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Operating from seven strategically located facilities, the company offers “just in time” delivery through its dedicated fleet and extensive inventory. Champion Container’s expert team provides customized packaging solutions for businesses of all sizes. Recent acquisitions have expanded the company’s reach and product offerings, reinforcing its commitment to delivering exceptional quality and service to its customers. For more information about Champion Container Corporation, visit www.championcontainer.com.

Bed Bath & Beyond Racing: Josh Berry Charlotte Roval Advance

By
Official Release
-

JOSH BERRY
Charlotte Roval Advance
No. 4 Bed Bath & Beyond Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Bank of America Roval 400 (Round 32 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Oct. 13
● Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval
● Layout: 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course
● Laps/Miles: 109 laps/252.88 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 25 laps / Stage 2: 25 laps / Final Stage: 59 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● In a season of firsts for Josh Berry, the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval is yet another maiden voyage in a NASCAR Cup Series NextGen car for the 33-year-old Hendersonville, Tennessee, native. While the driver of the No. 4 Bed Bath & Beyond Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas racing has faced challenges on serpentine tracks during his first season in NASCAR’s premier series, his last such race at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International showed promise as he got into the groove of turning left and right. Berry started 31st, and with good strategy and a bit of race craft, was working his way toward the top-10 in the final 10 laps when a series of cautions and restarts relegated the rookie, who was running on older tires, to a 25th-place finish. Although the finishing position was nothing to ride off into the sunset about, the ability to be competitive in an unfamiliar setting is something worth noting for the former Late Model short-track ringer.

● Despite having no experience on the Roval in the NASCAR Cup Series, Berry is no stranger to speed at the track, having earned one top-five finish and two top-10s in his two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts behind the wheel of the JR Motorsports No. 8 entry. His most recent start at the 2.28-mile road course in October 2023 saw him start and finish in third place. The previous year, Berry started 14th and finished eighth. On both occasions, he was vying for the Xfinity Series championship.

● The Roval is a challenging 17-turn road course that combines parts of the 1.5-mile oval with an infield road course to test drivers on multiple surfaces and surroundings. Berry’s crew chief Rodney Childers has enjoyed success at the hybrid layout, with his drivers tallying two top-five finishes, three top-10s, an average starting position of 13.3, and an average finish of 12.8 in just six starts. This weekend, Berry and Childers have one goal – to find the winning combination from each other’s notebooks.

● Berry’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will feature a bright pink window net as part of the Erik Jones Foundation’s Window Net of Hope program. Each window net used during Sunday’s race will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting organizations that promote or provide early breast cancer detection and care. The auction will run from Oct. 14-21. Fans can place their bids on Berry’s window net here.

● Bed Bath & Beyond will adorn Berry’s No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at Charlotte for the third time in four races this weekend. The partnership celebrates Bed Bath & Beyond as the ultimate online destination for home essentials, featuring an unmatched assortment for every room of the house. Whether it’s your kitchen, bedroom, outdoor space or bathroom, Bed Bath & Beyond has what you need to create a space that feels uniquely yours. From cookware and bedding to bath accessories and beyond, Bed Bath & Beyond is your go-to source for functional and stylish home essentials.

Josh Berry, Driver of the No. 4 Bed Bath & Beyond Ford Mustang Dark Horse

The Roval incorporates parts of the 1.5-mile oval and parts of the road course. What makes that so challenging?

“I think it is tough to pick where you want speed when you are setting up your car. The road course setup is so vastly different from the oval setup, so trying to find the happy medium where you have enough speed is hard. When I ran at JRM, we had obviously found something that worked well for me to create speed, which is so crucial for me since I have an overall lack of experience at road-course racing, so we will have to work hard to find that same balance in the Cup car.”

You have found speed in the Xfinity car at the Roval. What helped you the most in those races?

“I think we just had time on our side and we could lean into our teammates well over there. Like I said, I don’t have a ton of experience road racing, so having help with setup and sim time and being able to talk to my teammates and learn quickly just helped me a lot.”

The Roval layout has been altered a bit since last year’s race. How do you think the changes will impact the racing?

“It is hard to say, honestly. I think NASCAR puts a lot of smart people together to try and improve the racing product on track and at the Roval, they saw an issue and have put together a new idea that should improve the course. That’s all we can ask for from NASCAR, right? Any time there has been an issue, they address it and move forward and that’s all we can ask for. So for this weekend, I won’t really know fully until I get some seat time and make some laps with the new features.”

No. 4 Bed Bath & Beyond 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: Shayne Pipala

Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Dakota Ratcliff

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal

Hometown: Holland, Michigan

Jack Man: Kapil Fletcher

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fuel Man: Corey Coppola

Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

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

Bonanza Cabernet Reunites With Driver Ryan Preece

By
Official Release
-

Preece To Race No. 41 Bonanza Cabernet Ford Mustang in Back-to-Back NASCAR Cup Series Events at Las Vegas and Homestead

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Oct. 7, 2024) – Iconic wine producer Caymus Vineyards will feature Bonanza, its popular California Cabernet Sauvignon, on the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse of Stewart-Haas Racing driver Ryan Preece in back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Preece will drive the No. 41 Bonanza Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the Oct. 20 South Point 400 at Las Vegas and the Oct. 27 Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead. Both races begin at 2:30 p.m. EDT and each will be broadcast live on NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

The pairing serves as a reunion between Preece and Bonanza, as Preece drove a Bonanza-emblazoned Ford to victory in June 2023 in the ARCA Menards Series West race at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. Preece dominated from start to finish, winning the pole and leading twice for a race-high 50 laps, including the final 32 tours around the 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course, to take the victory by a commanding 9.675 seconds over runner-up Sammy Smith. It was Preece’s first ARCA victory and the first ARCA win for Stewart-Haas. From his race-winning chalice in victory lane, Preece literally enjoyed the fruits of his labor, sipping on Bonanza while soaking in the moment amid TV interviews and photographs.

Bonanza was created by Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards, with the wine’s name inspired by the “bonanza” of the great state of California, where the diverse vineyard land that produces delicious Cabernet can be found.

“Representing Caymus Vineyards and Bonanza at Sonoma allowed me to see just how hands-on the Wagner family is when it comes to their winemaking,” Preece said. “It’s impressive, and it’s something I can really appreciate. I’m hands-on with my racecars because I want them to be the very best. They have the same mindset at Caymus. That’s why they’re a great partner for our race team.”

After serving as an associate partner in 2023, Caymus Vineyards expanded its role with Stewart-Haas in 2024. The family-owned and operated winery has had a yearlong presence on the lower-rear quarter panel of Preece’s No. 41 Ford Mustang, along with branding on his firesuit.

“We’re thrilled to have such a great partnership with Stewart-Haas and we’re proud to have Bonanza back with Ryan Preece, who memorably put our Bonanza Cabernet car in victory lane in 2023 at Sonoma,” said Karen Perry, Executive Vice President, Caymus Vineyards. “Whether it’s on the track, in the vineyards or the cellar, what we have in common is a drive to be the very best through a commitment to excellence.”

About Caymus Vineyards:

The Wagner family has a long history in Napa Valley dating back to the 1850s. Through the years, they have embraced a hands-on work ethic and are constantly trying out new ideas in pursuit of making exceptional wines. Whether it’s venturing to different regions to find diverse sources of top-quality grapes or experimenting with new farming techniques, the result is a pairing of tradition with innovation, a respect for the old and the promise of the new.

Chuck Wagner was 19 when he joined his parents to start Caymus Vineyards in 1972 – releasing 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon from the first vintage. Charlie, Lorna and Chuck were a mom, pop and son team for 30 years until his parents’ passing. They were a family of farmers who worked together for decades to create a signature style of Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, the family’s Napa Valley Cabernet and Special Selection are among the region’s most celebrated wines. Chuck now works alongside two of his children, Charlie and Jenny, and the family produces diverse wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California and beyond. Continually pursuing new ideas, they feel extremely fortunate to spend their days farming grapes and making wine. For more information, please visit us online at caymus.com or wagnerfamilyofwine.com, and on social at Facebook and Instagram.

About Stewart-Haas Racing:

Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization has won two NASCAR Cup Series titles, two NASCAR Xfinity Series championships and more than 100 NASCAR races, including such crown-jewel events as the Daytona 500, Brickyard 400 and Southern 500. For more information, please visit us online at StewartHaasRacing.com and on social at Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Penske Entertainment, Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers Team Up for INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington

By
Official Release
-

NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race Coming to Arlington Entertainment District in March 2026

ARLINGTON, Texas (Monday, Oct. 7, 2024) – Three championship organizations are uniting to bring an NTT INDYCAR SERIES race to the streets of Arlington, Texas. Penske Entertainment, the Dallas Cowboys and REV Entertainment, the official events partner of the Texas Rangers, have announced a first-of-its-kind joint venture to establish and operate the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington, with the initial race set for March 2026.

The 2.73-mile track layout will feature two iconic sporting venues recognized by fans around the world: AT&T Stadium, home of the National Football League’s Dallas Cowboys, and Globe Life Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers. The track will weave through Arlington’s core sports and entertainment district, which features an all-star lineup of events and venues and annually sells more than 1.6 million tickets to spectators near and far.

A celebration ceremony will take place tomorrow morning at Texas Live!, a special entertainment center located between AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field. The ceremony will unveil additional details about the proposed event, including a video that showcases the full track layout.

The new racing event will provide the city of Arlington and its organizers a national network television showcase, with FOX set to provide live coverage through its recently unveiled partnership with INDYCAR.

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is North America’s premier open-wheel racing competition, featuring stars from across the globe competing at speeds faster than 230 mph. Along with hosting the world-famous Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge, the series boasts a mix of oval, temporary street circuit and permanent road course races across North America, with the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington set to become its newest high-octane marquee event. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES is sanctioned by INDYCAR, the governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel racing series and part of the Penske Entertainment family.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING – EVENT LEADERSHIP

“Through a truly remarkable and innovative partnership, we’re going to build racing’s next global spectacle. Everyone involved is fully committed to delivering an incredible and unique event weekend for the city of Arlington, anchored by the stars of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. We’re grateful to the Cowboys, Rangers and REV Entertainment for entering into this partnership with us, and, of course, to Arlington’s leadership team for their excitement and ongoing support.” – Roger Penske, Penske Corporation chairman

“We are thrilled to join forces with the Texas Rangers, Penske Entertainment, and the city of Arlington to bring Grand Prix racing to the streets of the Arlington Entertainment District. The collaboration between our organizations will make the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington special, providing a unique NTT INDYCAR SERIES race experience for fans attending, while also creating a showcase with our friends at FOX and those watching around the world. An event of this magnitude is another great reflection of what we imagined over 15 years ago that AT&T Stadium could be a part of.” – Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner, president and general manager

“Today is a historic day for the Texas Rangers and REV Entertainment. We are proud to be at the forefront of the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington alongside such esteemed organizations in Penske Entertainment and the Dallas Cowboys. This event will set a new standard for the Arlington Entertainment District, and we look forward to welcoming fans from around the world to experience what Arlington has to offer.” – Neil Leibman, Texas Rangers chief operating officer

“We are truly thankful to our partners for their vision and dedication to bringing the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington here to The American Dream City. I can’t think of a more beautiful and vibrant backdrop for this competition than Arlington’s world-class Entertainment District, which has proven again and again to be a premier destination for sports and entertainment. This announcement is an economic win for North Texas, and we’re looking forward to welcoming this incredible racing series and its fans for an unforgettable experience.” – Jim Ross, Arlington mayor

MORE ABOUT THE INDYCAR GRAND PRIX OF ARLINGTON

Planning and preparation for the race weekend is underway, with veteran motorsport industry executive Bill Miller announced today as president of the INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington. Miller brings more than three decades of experience to the role, including previously serving as president of California Speedway and senior vice president of operations at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), a leading worldwide voice for more than 7,000 companies in the automotive aftermarket.

The INDYCAR Grand Prix of Arlington will provide a full weekend of racing and entertainment, with general admission, reserved seating, VIP hospitality and party zone areas available. Fans can register their interest by visiting the newly launched website: www.gparlington.com.

About Penske Entertainment: Penske Entertainment is a leading provider of world-class sports and entertainment, comprised of INDYCAR, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IMS Productions. INDYCAR is the Indianapolis-based governing body for North America’s premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT. The NTT INDYCAR SERIES features an international field of the world’s most versatile drivers – who compete on superspeedways, short ovals, street circuits and permanent road courses across the United States and Canada.

About REV Entertainment: REV Entertainment is a full-service company with the goal of producing first-class sports and entertainment events nationwide. REV Entertainment serves as the official events partner of the Texas Rangers, including serving as the official booking agent for both Globe Life Field and Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas. REV Entertainment has also created and produced several original concepts, including the Shriners Children’s College Baseball Showdown, one of the highest attended tournaments in college baseball. REV Entertainment also includes several entities focused on enhancing the events and entertainment business nationwide, including REV Production Services, REV Sports Management, REV Food Service, and REV Sports Marketing. For more information, visit REVEntertainment.com.

Ford Performance Racing School: Chase Briscoe Charlotte Roval Advance

By
Official Release
-

CHASE BRISCOE
Charlotte Roval Advance
No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Bank of America Roval 400 (Round 32 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Oct. 13
● Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval
● Layout: 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course
● Laps/Miles: 109 laps/252.88 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 25 laps / Stage 2: 25 laps / Final Stage: 59 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● The Bank of America Roval 400 Sunday at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval is the fifth and final road-course race on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing, finished 13th in the series’ first road-course race of the year March 24 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. He then placed 34th in the series’ second road-course stop June 9 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway after a broken transmission sent him to the garage. On the streets of downtown Chicago for the July 7 Grant Park 165, Briscoe finished 32nd. In his most recent road-course start Sept. 15 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, Briscoe finished a best-in-class sixth. The next-best playoff driver was 10th-place Austin Cindric, as 14 of the 16 original playoff drivers finished outside of the top-10. That drive, combined with Briscoe’s eighth-place finish the following week at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, gave him the necessary buffer to advance into the Round of 12.

● Even if Briscoe doesn’t win the Bank of America Roval 400, he can still point his way into the Round of 8. A win, of course, would punch his ticket to the next playoff round, but it is possible for Briscoe to overcome his 32-point deficit to the top-eight cutoff. The Mitchell, Indiana, native needs to outperform his 11 other playoff protagonists by maximizing stage points and securing a strong finish. Outside of a race victory, the ultimate scenario would be to win both stages to earn a total of 20 bonus points (10 points for each stage victory) and finish second, which is worth 35 points. Briscoe also needs the 11 playoff drivers ahead of him to have some misfortune, akin to what he experienced last Sunday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway when Briscoe was collected in a 27-car accident – the largest crash in NASCAR’s 76-year history – which left him with a 30th-place finish. That result put Briscoe into this playoff predicament at Charlotte, with the Bank of America Roval 400 serving as the final race in the Round of 12, punting four drivers out of the playoffs and leaving just eight for the penultimate playoff round.

● Briscoe has 23 career road-course starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, with six top-10 finishes spread across COTA (sixth in 2021), Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (sixth in 2021), Watkins Glen (sixth in 2024 and ninth in 2021), the Charlotte Roval (ninth in 2022) and the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (sixth in 2023).

● The Bank of America Roval 400 will mark Briscoe’s fourth career NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2.28-mile, 17-turn road course nestled inside Charlotte Motor Speedway. His ninth-place drive in 2022 is his best result.

● Despite those three prior NASCAR Cup Series starts on the Roval, Briscoe and his counterparts will face a slightly reconfigured layout when they begin turning laps on Saturday during practice and qualifying. From the exit of turn five, an elongated straightaway greets drivers before funneling them into turn six. From that standard, right-hand corner, drivers shoot down another short straight before navigating a super-tight, left-hand hairpin that sends drivers back onto the NASCAR oval in traditional turn one. And then toward the end of the lap as they exit off the NASCAR oval in traditional turn four, drivers will have to navigate a reshaped chicane which will create a harder and more emphatic braking zone before transitioning back onto the frontstretch and crossing the start/finish line.

● Briscoe has made 11 road-course starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series – the stepping-stone division to the elite NASCAR Cup Series. In fact, it was road-course racing in the Xfinity Series that helped put Briscoe on the map when it came to his burgeoning NASCAR career, as he scored two road-course wins among eight top-10 finishes. At the inaugural race on the Roval on Sept. 29, 2018 in what was Briscoe’s 14th career Xfinity Series start, the Mitchell, Indiana, native scored his first Xfinity Series win. Briscoe said afterward that he tapped into his dirt-track experience in wheeling his Ford Mustang to a strong 1.478-second margin of victory over runner-up Justin Marks. “It drove like a dirt track instead of a road course, and it felt like I was in a sprint car. I just tried to make sure the rear tires never spun. I had to give up a little time coming off the corner, but I’d make it back up on the straightaway, and that’s why I was always better at the end of the run.”

● Briscoe’s second Xfinity Series win on a road course came in another inaugural race – the 2020 Brickyard 150 on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On July 4, 2020, Briscoe started 12th and methodically worked his way to the front, taking the lead on lap 24. He wound up leading five times for a race-high 30 laps to take the victory by 1.717 seconds ahead of second-place Justin Haley. Despite the win happening during COVID restrictions, Briscoe was elated to win at his home track in a car owned by Indiana icon Tony Stewart. “Everybody knows that my hero in racing was Tony Stewart. To get to drive for him and watch him win at the Brickyard, climbing the fence was always his signature thing and I just wanted to do it. Obviously, it’s not the same prestige as winning on the oval, but we still won at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing on the oval, the road course, the dirt track or even the parking lot, it’s special when you win here. Growing up, coming here all the time, it’s unbelievable to think that I just won here.”

● In three road-course starts in the ARCA Menards Series, Briscoe has two top-fives, with his first coming in 2016 when he finished fourth at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville after starting the 67-lap race in 10th. His other top-five was his 2021 win at Sonoma, where Briscoe absolutely dominated by leading all 51 laps and taking the checkered flag by a whopping 3.110 seconds over runner-up Dylan Upton.

● In Briscoe’s lone road-course start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he started 18th and finished seventh in the 2017 race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

● Ford Performance Racing School adorns Briscoe’s No. 14 Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend at Charlotte. It is the only school to wear the Ford oval, and Ford is the only full-line vehicle manufacturer to offer product-focused experiential driving programs exclusively to the owners of its complete line of performance vehicles, from cars to trucks to SUVs.

Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Does your top-10 run four weeks ago at Watkins Glen provide any kind of expectations for the Roval? More specifically, can your learnings from Watkins Glen transfer to the Roval?

“Certainly some of the stuff we learned at Watkins Glen can apply to the Roval. Even from a confidence standpoint, I feel like our road-course stuff has been OK, but we haven’t been phenomenal. At Watkins Glen, we felt like we were a third- or fourth-place car, so now that goes a long way. There is some setup stuff that does apply. Watkins Glen is a complete 180 compared to what the Roval is, but still the same general things can apply. If we would’ve left Watkins Glen around 30th and just slow, we wouldn’t have felt as good about the Roval. But leaving Watkins Glen like we did, I definitely believe the Roval’s a place we feel good about, and it’s always been a track that I understand pretty well. And this time it will be a little bit different with the changes, but it’s still 90 percent the same racetrack.”

How different is the Roval compared to a traditional road-course layout?

“The Roval just feels like the short track of road courses. It feels like you’re going to Martinsville or Bristol, where just everything is way tighter, it’s narrower. You don’t have these super-long straightaways and you can see the whole track. Even inside the racecar when I’m going through turn four and turn five, I can see guys on the other side of the racetrack where, at a typical road course, I can’t do that. So it just feels like it’s a really tight, confined area.”

What makes the Roval unique?

“There’s no other track we go to that’s part oval and part road course. The Roval is the race where I feel like every single year in the playoffs everything kind of gets flipped upside down. Anything can happen there. It’s tight, it’s narrow and chaos always seems to ensue. It’s an important race. It’s a race where you can make or lose a lot of points.”

The Roval’s layout has been updated for this year. What’s changed and how will it affect the racing?

“I’m not sure of the corner numbers, but essentially that whole little back section before you turn back onto the big track, that’s completely different now. I think it’s going to be way better. You’re going to go over this crest and it’s going to be completely blind. I think we’ll probably catch some air over that. We’re not going to have a clue where we’re going and it’s going to be one of the faster parts of the racetrack. Then you’re going into a 90-degree corner, and it’s going to lead to super-heavy braking, a complete 180 back onto the racetrack. I think that’s going to create two more passing opportunities that we haven’t had at the Roval before, at least in that whole section. And then the frontstretch chicane is totally different, which I think all of us are already pretty nervous about. It’s already tight as it is and they made it even tighter. So it’s going to be chaos at the Roval, but there’s always chaos at the Roval. I think this will make it even more chaotic.”

What does tightening that last chicane prior to the start/finish line do?

“It’s going to slow us down. That’s something I think they’re trying to do, just make that more of a braking zone and even more of a passing opportunity. It’s definitely going to change how that whole front straightaway races. But the biggest implication will be on restarts. Last year was the first time we went through that chicane for an actual restart, and it was hairy just trying to go through there two wide, and now it’s going to be even tighter. The restarts are going to be very, very interesting now.”

Talk about how your time at the Ford Performance Racing School has made you a better road-course driver.

“Just the relationship we’ve had with the Ford Performance Racing School has been really, really good for me. Just getting to go over there, really any week I want, and turn laps in a Mustang and try different techniques and different things has been super helpful. They have a ton of different instructors with different kinds of experiences and backgrounds, and I can go over there and talk to three different ones and get three different techniques to try. And I can apply which technique I feel suits me the best. So it’s been a huge thing for me to be associated with them, and just the professionalism that they have obviously makes it really nice too. It’s for sure a big help. I typically try go over there before every road-course race we have and at least run an hour or so in in a different type of Mustang and just try to get back in that road-course mindset. Some guys go to GoPro (Motorplex) and run go-karts and other things like that, but for me, I go over there to the Ford Performance Racing School. I feel like it definitely helps.”

You don’t use the exact same Roval course at the Ford Performance Racing School that you do when you race at the Roval in the NASCAR Cup Series, but you still run a majority of the same layout. What can you take away from running a street version of the Ford Mustang Dark Horse on the Roval before you climb into your No. 14 Ford Mustang Dark Horse from Stewart-Haas?

“When you go over there, the cars are different. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse you drive there doesn’t drive like the Ford Mustang Dark Horse we race in Cup, but the racetrack is still fairly the same. It’s a little bit different configuration, but it’s still the Roval. I can go there year after year and kind of see changes before we get there on a race weekend. Even though it’s in a street car, you still pick up on visual things that are different – the feel, the curves, everything – and you can try different lines in the Mustang and you just have more time to do it. When we show up on a race weekend, you get 20 minutes, and it doesn’t really allow you the opportunity to try different things in different lines where, when I go to the Ford Performance Racing School, I can do that. I can I have all afternoon to try different things if I want to. Just seeing different lines and trying different things and feeling the difference in grip levels on the pavement or the paint. All of it adds up. It’s nice to just have that relationship and be able to have that in your back pocket every time you go to the Roval.”

So the Ford Performance Racing School is more than just a sponsor? They’re akin to a technical partner or a coach?

“It’s definitely more than just the logo on the racecars. It’s something that I certainly use, and it’s a huge asset for us as a race team to be able to just go and look at the Roval. I guess anybody could drive over there and look at the racetrack, but for us to be able to actually get behind the wheel and see the racetrack and visually have the same perception you do in the racecars is really, really nice to have. It’s for sure a technical partnership, and they definitely help us a lot.”

How would you rate yourself as a road-course driver?

“I feel like I’m above average. I’ve definitely had way more success in the lower series compared to Cup, where I’ve been kind of hit-or-miss. We’d run really, really good, or we were just off. Truthfully, I feel like the NextGen car has definitely hurt me quite a bit on the road-course side. I feel like the old car with just how badly it drove, you were always slipping and sliding around, it didn’t want to stop. I feel like this NextGen car certainly has closed up the gap. The guys who were typically off on road courses are definitely closer because the NextGen car is just easier to drive on the road courses – it stops better, it turns better, it just does everything better. I feel like I’ve been good on road courses from a speed standpoint, just need to find that little bit more to finally seal the deal on a road course.”

Some guys like road courses, others don’t. Where do you stand when it comes to competing on road courses?

“Having a positive attitude at any racetrack is important. For me, I enjoy road-course races but, truthfully, I used to be terrible at it. So, it kind of got frustrating at times. Then finally something just clicked with me and I was able to win a couple of road-course races and, now, every time we go to a road course, I’m super excited. I look forward to it from the driver’s side of things. Not that you don’t make a difference at the ovals, but I feel like at the road courses, as a driver, you make a little bit more of a difference, so I enjoy that part of it. Just driving a car on a road course is a lot of fun. You’re manhandling it and trying to run as hard as you can and it’s just a lot of fun to do it, so I always enjoy going there.”

You’ve mentioned how your dirt-racing experience makes you a better road-course racer. How so?

“I think there are just a lot of things that carry over. The NextGen car takes some of that out of the equation, but you still have more power a lot of the time on exit than you really need, so you’re spinning the tires and you’ve got to really finesse the throttle, which is a lot like dirt racing. Just how you have to really slide the car around and hustle the car is very similar to dirt racing. I just feel like you drive more on the edge on a road course than you do on an oval. And then just the constant switching directions and the counter-steering, there’s a lot that reminds me of dirt racing. When you look at road racing in the past, a lot of dirt guys were really good in NASCAR. Obviously Tony Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Kyle Larson now, even Christopher Bell, there are a lot of guys who grew up dirt racing who have a lot of success on the road courses in NASCAR, and I feel that’s because there’s a lot of correlation, as crazy as it seems.”

What do you work on to become a better road-course racer? Obviously, there’s sim, but does your relationship with Ford Performance Racing School also allow you to hone your road-racing techniques?

“There’s a lot that goes into road-course racing, and laps and repetition are probably the biggest keys to that. No matter what road course you’re getting on or what car you’re driving, the techniques and the styles that you run on road courses are super important. It’s been great to have that relationship with Ford Performance Racing School, to get over there and be able to run laps. There’s a lot that goes into road-course racing, especially to be really good at it. Braking is probably the most important thing, trying to be as efficient as you can under braking, and being able to go over to the racing school and just playing around with different types of braking, and being able to be aggressive and trying different things that at the racetrack we don’t get the opportunity to do because we don’t want to mess anything up. Plus, we don’t get a lot of time to practice, so it’s nice to be able to go over there and spend the day and really just try different things.”

The current Cup cars seem exceptionally suited to road-course racing where the cars are forgiving and drivers aren’t penalized for mistakes. Because of that, it seems like there’s more rooting and gouging out on the racetrack than ever before. What’s your take?

“I don’t know if there’s more rooting and gouging, but I feel like it’s just way harder to pass now. Track position is more important than ever. In the past on road courses, even if I had to do a pit stop or whenever I had to do a restart from midpack, I felt confident that if I’d been up front, I could get back up there. Now, it seems that’s not the case. You could be leading the race and then have to restart 20th and you’re kind of just stuck back there because everybody’s almost the same speed. In the past, we’d go to a road course and you’d see five-, six-second spreads throughout the field, where now it’s almost like all of us are within a second and a half. It just makes it harder to get to each other to root and gouge just because the brake zones are so short, everybody’s so efficient now. It’s definitely changed the game going to road-course races with this NextGen car.”

With track position at such a premium on road courses, can you afford to be nice, or do you need to have a selfish and unforgiving attitude?

“I think you have to be extremely selfish now and just aggressive from lap number one, not only at road courses but, truthfully, everywhere. That’s kind of one of the biggest things I’ve focused on, just not giving anybody anything. That’s why I think I’ve probably been more aggressive on the racetrack this year as far as throwing blocks and different things just because you have to now. It’s so hard to get that position back, and if you give one away, it can take you 30 laps just to get that one position back, so you have to be extremely aggressive. I think when you look at the guys who win these races now, they’re all the same way. The aggressive guys are the ones running up front and winning races. So it’s the same on the road courses, but it’s the same on the ovals, now.”

How important is qualifying at road courses? Has it become a bit like Formula One where track position is so precious that in order to finish up front, you really need to start up front?

“The road courses have definitely changed a lot. I definitely miss the days of the old car where it didn’t stop, it didn’t drive well, it had no grip, it was out of control, and it just made it a lot of fun and it definitely seemed like you could pass guys. The new car is just so good on road courses. You can get in the brakes so easily and get in the corners so deep that it’s made passing extremely, extremely hard. It definitely comes down to qualifying. It’s just one of those deals where if you don’t make the final round, you instantly know your Sunday is going to be a challenge. You throw in the aspect of the stages and things like that, and there are just a lot of variables that go into these races, but certainly qualifying is a huge start to your weekend.”

No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Chase Briscoe

Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell

Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Car Chief: J.D. Frey

Hometown: Ferndale, California

Engineer: Mike Cook

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Spotter: Joey Campbell

Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

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

Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams

Hometown: Plymouth, Wisconsin

Tire Specialist: Keith Eads

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips

Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable

Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Dale Lackey

Hometown: Taylorsville, North Carolina

By the Numbers: the Revamped Bank of America ROVAL 400

By
Official Release
-
This year’s Bank of America ROVAL™ weekend is ready to offer fans an experience like no other through new upgrades both on and off the track. (CMS Photo)
  • With new track features and technology upgrades, the fans will enjoy a more enhanced weekend at the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400
  • Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend tickets can be purchased online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267); Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for just $10

CONCORD, NC (Oct. 7, 2024) – This year’s Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway is set to deliver thrills like never before with exciting new features on and off the track. Fans can expect jaw-dropping action as drivers navigate through a reconfigured 2.28-mile course, while a host of fresh experiences await throughout the Oct. 11-13 weekend.

From track upgrades to fan-favorite traditions, here’s what makes this race weekend a can’t-miss event – by the numbers:

5 million: Presented by GoVision, the brand-new 5,516,800 pixelated backstretch video board will make its debut this weekend. Fans will witness every moment in stunning detail, 700 times brighter than a standard LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. Get ready to catch every heart-stopping pass, pit stop and more on the improved Speedway TV.

23,000: The new Turn 6 and 7 ROVAL™ renovations include over 23,000 square feet of the cement-stabilized base, with 1,000 cubic yards of dirt and 600 tons of dirt placed beneath the track. These sharp new crowd-facing turns were designed to push drivers to their limits and deliver edge-of-you-seat excitement for fans.

2,000: Kicking off the weekend, more than 2,000 students from across the region will converge in the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Zone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a hands-on look at how Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) power motorsports. With interactive science experiments through BASF and over 50 additional educational booths, the STEAM Expo is a pit-stop for students on the fast track to learning.

1,197: Crafting the massive backstretch video board involved placing 1,197 new panels – equal to the weight of 16 elephants or 450 of your favorite NASCAR drivers.

400: Buckle up for 400 miles of high-speed, adrenaline-pumping racing through three thrilling stages. The seventh-running Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 will push drivers as they tackle the renovated 17-turn road course, creating new fan-favorite moments through each mile.

77: Towering over 77 feet tall and stretching 200 feet wide, the new larger-than-life screen ensures fans across the speedway feel like they’re part of the action no matter where they’re searing.

50: Packing the track for a wild card weekend of racing, fans from all 50 states will gather at Charlotte Motor Speedway, further proving why it is truly America’s Home for Racing.

35: Drivers will face the full challenge of 35-degree banking as they maneuver the 17-turn road course’s most daring turns pushing their cars and skills to the limit in a bid to advance to the coveted NASCAR Round of 8.

15: The new GoVision-powered video board makes its mark at Charlotte Motor Speedway as one of the largest LED displays in the world coming in at No. 15 in the United States and No. 17 in the Western Hemisphere creating a true experience for fans from every angle.

14: Racing fans from 14 countries will gather at Charlotte Motor Speedway, proving that NASCAR knows no borders. Residents from Brazil to New Zealand will be at the track to watch one of the most unique tracks in motorsports.

8: The stakes are always high at the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 as only eight NASCAR Playoff drivers will advance after the hair-rising Round of 12 cut-off race. Who’s in? Who’s out? This decision will be made after 400 miles of sharp turns and crazy passes.

1: Sunday, Oct. 13, there is only one place to be. With a revamped course, jaw-dropping surprises and intense competition all weekend, this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway is a can’t-miss for all.

TICKETS:

Secure your Bank of America ROVAL™ 400 weekend tickets, online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or call 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in all weekend for just $10.

MORE INFO:

Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on X and Instagram, becoming a Facebook fan or downloading the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

1...828829830...6,738Page 829 of 6,738