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Choosing the Best Auto Collision Repair Services: An Ultimate Guide

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

Whether it’s a minor fender bender or a major crash, getting your car back in shape after an accident can be stressful. One of the most significant decisions you’ll face is choosing the best auto collision repair services to restore your vehicle. With so many options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if you’ve never had to deal with collision repair before.

This guide will walk you through selecting the right auto collision repair shop to ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly, quickly, and at a fair price. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for when searching for the best auto collision repair services in your area.

Why Auto Collision Repair Is Important

First and foremost, auto collision repair is not just about aesthetics. Yes, you want your car to look good, but there are safety considerations as well. Hidden damage from an accident can compromise your car’s structural integrity, making it unsafe to drive if not repaired properly. In fact, issues with alignment, suspension, or the frame can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the road if left untreated.

Moreover, if you’re planning to sell or trade-in your car in the future, a quality auto collision repair job will help maintain its value. Buyers and dealerships can spot subpar repairs, which can significantly lower the resale price.

Steps to Choosing the Best Auto Collision Repair Shop

When choosing a repair shop, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

1. Ask for Recommendations

Start by asking family, friends, and coworkers for recommendations. If someone you know has recently been in an accident, they may have firsthand experience with a reputable auto repair collision center. Word of mouth is often one of the best ways to find reliable services because you can trust the feedback from people you know.

2. Read Online Reviews

Once you have a list of potential auto collision repair shops, do your research online. Check Google reviews, Yelp, and even the shop’s social media profiles. Pay attention to how the business responds to complaints—this can give you a good indication of their customer service. While one or two bad reviews aren’t deal-breakers, consistently negative feedback is a red flag.

3. Check for Certifications

One of the most important factors when choosing the best auto collision repair shop is ensuring that the technicians are certified. Look for certifications from industry organizations like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) or the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR). These certifications indicate that the technicians are trained in the latest repair techniques and use state-of-the-art equipment.

4. Verify the Warranty

Not all auto collision repair shops offer warranties on their work, but the best ones do. A reputable shop should stand by the quality of its repairs, offering a warranty that covers parts and labor. Make sure to ask what is and isn’t covered and how long the warranty lasts. This will give you peace of mind, knowing that if something goes wrong after the repair, you’re protected.

5. Ask About OEM or Aftermarket Parts

When it comes to parts, you generally have two choices: original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts or reliable aftermarket exhaust from Private Label MFG, so be sure to understand the quality and performance differences before committing to repair options that will affect your vehicle’s sound and efficiency. OEM parts are made by the car’s manufacturer and tend to be more expensive, while aftermarket parts are third-party components that may not meet the same quality standards. The best auto collision repair shops will offer you a choice and explain the differences. Keep in mind that some insurance companies may only cover aftermarket parts, so it’s important to understand what you’re getting.

6. Visit the Shop in Person

Before you commit to a particular auto repair collision center, it’s a good idea to visit the shop in person. Look around to see if the facility is clean and well-organized. A cluttered or dirty shop can signal disorganization, and you want to ensure that the people working on your vehicle take pride in their surroundings. Additionally, ask to meet the technicians who will be working on your car and see how they communicate. Are they willing to answer your questions and explain the repair process?

7. Get Multiple Estimates

Never settle for the first estimate you receive. Instead, visit several auto collision repair shops to get quotes. Keep in mind that the cheapest option isn’t always the best. While it’s important to stay within your budget, you should also consider the quality of the work and the materials being used. Ask each shop to break down its estimate so you can compare them more accurately.

Look for facilities that employ certified technicians and utilize advanced diagnostic and repair equipment, ensuring your vehicle is restored to pre-accident condition with precision. Such shops often provide additional conveniences like free estimates, lifetime warranties, and even shuttle services to make the repair process as smooth as possible for their customers. For those seeking this high standard of care, finding a trusted partner like one stop auto body phoenix can make all the difference in getting your car back on the road safely and efficiently.

8. Consider the Shop’s Experience

Experience matters, especially when it comes to complex repairs. Find out how long the auto repair collision center has been in business and whether they specialize in your make and model of car. An experienced shop will have handled a variety of repairs and will likely be better equipped to address your vehicle’s specific needs.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

When searching for the best auto collision repair shop, be on the lookout for these warning signs:

  • Unclear Estimates: If a shop is reluctant to give you a detailed estimate, it could be a sign that they plan to hit you with hidden costs later.
  • No References or Reviews: A lack of online presence or unwillingness to provide references is a big red flag.
  • Pressuring You to Sign a Contract: Reputable shops will give you time to make your decision and won’t rush or pressure you into signing anything.

How to Work with Insurance for Auto Collision Repairs

In most cases, your insurance company will be involved in the repair process. Here’s how to navigate it:

  1. Understand Your Coverage: Before you start looking for an auto repair collision center, review your insurance policy to understand what is covered. Some policies may only cover certain repairs or may limit you to using specific shops. Knowing your coverage can help avoid unexpected costs later.
  2. Get Pre-Approval: Most insurance companies require you to get pre-approval before you move forward with repairs. They may also ask you to get multiple estimates. Be sure to follow their guidelines to ensure your claim is processed smoothly.
  3. Work with Your Shop: Some insurance companies will direct you to their preferred auto collision repair centers. While you are free to choose your own shop, using an insurance-recommended facility may make the claims process easier and faster. However, if you want to go to a different shop, make sure they are willing to work with your insurance provider.

Common Types of Auto Collision Repairs

Understanding the types of repairs your vehicle may need can help you navigate the auto collision repair process more confidently. Here are some common types of collision repairs:

  • Dent Repair: From minor door dings to larger dents, this is one of the most common types of repairs. Depending on the severity, the technician may use paintless dent repair or traditional bodywork methods.
  • Frame Straightening: If the frame of your car is bent or misaligned, it needs to be straightened using specialized equipment. A quality auto repair collision center will have the tools to ensure your frame is restored to factory specifications.
  • Paint Matching: Your car will likely need to be repainted after body repairs. A skilled technician can match the paint to your car’s exact color using high-tech equipment, ensuring seamless repair.
  • Bumper Repair or Replacement: Whether it’s a minor scratch or a full-on bumper replacement, this is another common auto collision repair service.
  • Glass Repair: Cracked or shattered windows are often a result of accidents. Ensure the repair shop you choose can handle glass replacement or repair, including windshield recalibration if necessary.

Conclusion: Trust the Experts

Choosing the right auto collision repair shop is crucial for your vehicle’s safety, appearance, and resale value. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you can make an informed decision and feel confident that your car is in good hands. Remember to take your time, ask questions, and don’t settle for anything less than the best auto collision repair services available.

Getting your car back on the road after an accident is stressful. Still, with the right auto repair collision center, you can ensure your vehicle is repaired correctly and quickly, giving you peace of mind and getting you back on track.

Todd Gilliland Takes on Talladega with Georgia Peanuts

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Official Release
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Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Georgia Peanuts Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway Competition Notes

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (October 1, 2024) – Todd Gilliland is back in the infamous Georgia Peanuts Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend at the Talladega Superspeedway.

Gilliland has shown much speed on superspeedways this season, leading laps in the Daytona 500 and NASCAR’s first visit to the Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway. Gilliland has also qualified within the Top-5 in three of the four superspeedway races this season and hopes to continue that this weekend. Georgia Peanuts will partner will Gilliland for the 500-mile event.

NASCAR Cup Series track activity will start Saturday, October 5th with qualifying at 1:30 pm ET on USA Network. The 500-mile race will be Sunday, October 6th at 2:00 pm ET. Fans can watch the action live on NBC or listen in via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.

No. 38 Georgia Peanuts Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:

“I have always enjoyed Talladega. It’s fast, but I like the adrenaline rush. We have shown a lot of speed on the superspeedways this season, but just haven’t been there in the end when it really matters. I know Ryan (Bergenty) and the team will bring a fast Georgia Peanuts Ford Mustang, we just have to execute and stay out of the chaos.”

CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY:

“With the superspeedways, we have had the speed, but the execution and the luck hasn’t been there. I have a good feeling about this weekend, though. We had a solid 8th place finish in the spring, so we have something to build of off and hopefully best that result.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

Wonder Bread Racing: Ryan Preece Talladega Advance

By
Official Release
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RYAN PREECE
Talladega Advance
No. 41 Wonder Bread Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: YellaWood 500 (Round 31 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Oct. 6
● Location: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
● Layout: 2.66-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 188 laps/500 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 60 laps / Final Stage: 68 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Wonder Bread, an iconic brand made even more iconic when it was prominently featured in the 2006 sports comedy Talladega Nights, is back at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway this weekend. Life will imitate art at the 2.66-mile oval when Ryan Preece drives the No. 41 Wonder Bread Ford Mustang Dark Horse in Sunday’s YellaWood 500 NASCAR Cup Series race. Wonder Bread is already giving fans a sneak peek of the promotion with in-store displays throughout Alabama. And at select stores, most notably on Friday, Oct. 4 at the Piggly Wiggly in Lincoln, Alabama, Preece and his No. 41 Wonder Bread Ford Mustang will be onsite. The racecar will be positioned outside the store from 3-6 p.m. CDT and Preece will be available beginning at 4 p.m. CDT.

● Founded in 1921 in Indianapolis, Wonder Bread is named for the feeling that founder Elmer Cline experienced when watching a hot-air balloon race. A century later, the brand is credited with the popularization of sliced bread and remains an iconic brand at barbeques, on store shelves, at picnics and in lunchboxes across the nation. Learn more at www.WonderBread.com and see the Wonder Bread hot-air balloon in the midway at Talladega.

● The YellaWood 500 will mark Preece’s 10th career NASCAR Cup Series start at Talladega with his best result being a third-place drive in his Cup Series debut at the track on April 28, 2019. That race was just the 15th of Preece’s Cup Series career and it remains his best finish with 181 Cup Series starts now under his belt.

● Preece comes into the YellaWood 500 with top-15 finishes in his last two NASCAR Cup Series starts at Talladega. He finished eighth in last year’s YellaWood 500 and 14th in the series’ prior visit to the track in April.

● Preece also brings some quiet momentum to Talladega with five straight results of 18th or better. He finished 12th Sept. 1 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, 18th Sept. 8 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, ninth Sept. 15 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, seventh Sept. 21 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, and 16th last Sunday at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

● Preece has two additional starts at Talladega outside of the NASCAR Cup Series – one in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Preece’s Xfinity Series race at Talladega in April 2016 was his first start of any kind at the track and he came away with a respectable 15th-place finish driving for team owner Johnny Davis. Preece’s Craftsman Truck Series start at Talladega was more recent. He finished fourth in October 2022 for team owner David Gilliland.

Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 Wonder Bread Ford Mustang Dark Horse

How would you assess your performances at the superspeedway races this year? It seems to have been pretty up-and-down. Most recently, you qualified well at Daytona in August but then got caught up in a wreck at an unexpected point in the race.

“For our company, when it comes to qualifying and all those things we need at the superspeedways, this is something that we all have at Stewart-Haas. So we know going into it that qualifying is probably going to be our strength. And then when we get into the races, it’s just, man, it’s so tough. You want to manage your track position, but you have to save fuel. And it’s just that the name of the game is trying to stay out of the wrecks and be there on the last lap, hopefully in the first two rows or three rows, and have an opportunity to give yourself either a solid finish or a chance at a win.”

What’s the patience level of drivers in the last superspeedway race of the year? How do you balance self-preservation with being where you need to be at the end of the race to win?

“I honestly haven’t had too much success with it this year, so I’m still trying to navigate that one. It’s really just having track position in the last stage with 15 to go because at that point, you’ve kind of solidified yourself in a good spot, and I think that’s what it takes. I think if you go in there and you’re cautious and you’re trying to be cautious, but at the same time, you’re trying to be aggressive and you’re not just picking one or the other, that’s usually, at least from my experience, when you end up in the wreck.”

Seeing that superspeedway races have become all about saving fuel for a large majority of the race before you get the green light to hit the go switch, would you consider that a product of the NextGen car?

“Yeah, it’s definitely a lot more challenging this year, or with this car, than it has been in years past because you just don’t see anyone being able to make big runs and come from the back. It’s become the way to try and gain track position.”

It’s the fourth and final superspeedway race of the year. Have you found some go-to guys in the draft who you work well with, and do you seek them out to develop your own strategy for the race?

“I prefer to stick with my Ford teammates, as well as my SHR teammates and, really, anybody that I have a good amount of respect for.”

Wonder Bread is back on your car for another year at Talladega. Is there a certain cool factor that comes with that considering the brand’s ties to Talladega Nights?

“Honestly, the part I enjoy is all the things we get to do with Wonder Bread and the excitement of the fans rallying around it. That’s really a lot of fun. For me, it’s just getting to be Ricky Bobby for a weekend which, let’s be honest, I don’t think there are very many of us who have been able to be Ricky Bobby. The hope is to be the Ricky who wins and not the Ricky who’s flipping and catching on fire.”

No. 41 Wonder Bread 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

Front End 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

Bass Pro Shops to Return to JR Motorsports

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Official Release
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Multi-Faceted Partnership Set to Continue into 2025

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 1, 2024) – JR Motorsports announced today a renewal of their multi-faceted partnership with Bass Pro Shops, the leading national retailer of outdoor gear and apparel. With today’s renewal, Bass Pro Shops will continue to support the trio of Carson Kvapil, NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Wyatt Miller as they each compete across multiple racing series through the partnership with the outdoor and conservation company founded by conservationist Johnny Morris.

“Having the opportunity to continue our work with Johnny and everyone at Bass Pro Shops is incredibly special to me, my family and everyone at JR Motorsports,” said JR Motorsports CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “The relationship between Bass Pro Shops and the Earnhardt family goes back decades and to be able to see that continue and expand truly means a lot to our entire organization. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for JRM and Bass Pro Shops together.”

As highlighted in his social media reveal earlier today, Kvapil’s full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign will prominently feature Bass Pro Shops on board his JRM Chevrolet. In total, Bass Pro Shops will be the primary partner for Kvapil in 23 NXS events, beginning with the season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.

“It’s great to continue to have this amazing support from Johnny Morris and everyone at Bass Pro Shops,” said Kvapil. “They’ve been behind me from the start here at JRM, and to continue that partnership into the Xfinity Series from our success in the CARS Tour for sure means a lot.”

Primary sponsorship for the balance of Kvapil’s 2025 NXS season will be announced at a later date.

In addition to their return to the NXS, Bass Pro Shops will additionally be the primary partner for two late model events for Earnhardt Jr., 20 late model events for JRM’s heralded late model team, 20 600cc Micro Sprint Car events for Miller and will continue their work with Dirty Mo Media, Earnhardt Jr.’s multimedia content network which produces his podcast, The Dale Jr. Download, as well as content for various platforms and partners.

“We’re honored to expand our alliance with our long-time friends Dale Jr., his sister Kelley, her son Wyatt, and the entire family over at JR Motorsports,” said Bass Pro Shops founder Morris. “The Earnhardt’s have been true ambassadors to all who support conservation and the great outdoors for many years, and we are excited to celebrate that through this partnership.”

Bass Pro Shops has over 170 retail locations throughout the United States and Canada and is the trusted source for quality fishing, hunting, boating and outdoor sporting goods. The brand has visited Victory Lane 12 times with JRM over the last four years, including a win in 2020 in the first race of its partnership, and a stretch of eight victories in 2022 that produced a record-tying four consecutive NXS wins with the No. 9 team and a berth in the Championship 4.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:

JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

Layne Riggs Makes Talladega Debut with Love’s RV Stop / Peak

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Official Release
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Layne Riggs and the No. 38 Love’s RV Stop / Peak Ford F-150

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway Competition Notes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (October 1, 2024) – Layne Riggs travels to the state of Alabama this Friday to make his Talladega Superspeedway debut.

Following a runner-up finish at the Kansas Speedway, Riggs extends his streak of Top-5 finishes to five. This will be Riggs’ first race at the 2.6-mile superspeedway and third superspeedway race of the season. Love’s RV Stop and Peak will join Riggs in his Talladega debut.

Front Row Motorsports is looking to build on the success the truck program has had at Talladega. In four starts, FRM trucks have had two Top-5s and two Top-10s, including last year’s victory with Brett Moffitt behind the wheel of the No. 34 Ford F-150.

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will hit the high banks of the Talladega Superspeedway on Friday, October 4th with qualifying at 1:00 pm ET. The Love’s RV Stop 225 is scheduled for later that afternoon at 4:30 pm ET. Fans can watch the action live on FS1 or can listen in via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.

No. 38 Love’s RV Stop / Peak Ford F-150:

DRIVER LAYNE RIGGS:

“I don’t have many laps on the superspeedways, but I’m excited for Talladega. Things happen fast so you have to be up on the wheel and prepared for anything. I’m ready for it though. We have a nice streak of Top-5’s going, so I’d like to continue that and even bring home another trophy. I think it’s going to be a good weekend.

“It’s awesome to have Love’s RV Stop back on board. They are the entitlement partner for the race too, so it would be awesome if the Love’s RV Stop Ford F-150 won the Love’s RV Stop 225. Hopefully I can make it happen.”

CREW CHIEF DYLAN CAPPELLO:

“I’m really proud of Layne. We all are. Our streak of Top-5’s with two wins isn’t an easy task and is a true testament to how hard Layne and the team work. Hopefully we can keep it going and get the win this weekend.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

Carson Kvapil named full-time Xfinity Series competitor for JR Motorsports in 2025

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Adam Lovelace for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Carson Kvapil has received the call to be named a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series competitor for JR Motorsports in 2025.

Kvapil, a 21-year-old, second-generation racer from Mooresville, North Carolina, is set to pilot the No. 1 Chevrolet entry, which is currently being driven by Sam Mayer who will join the newly formed Haas Factory Team next season. The entry will be sponsored by Bass Pro Shops as Kvapil will commence his first full-time campaign in the Xfinity circuit at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, 2025.

The news comes as Kvapil, the reigning two-time CARS Late Model Stock Tour champion who was also crowned the 2021 CARS Super Late Model Tour and 2020 Carolina Pro Late Model Series titles, is coming off a thrilling victory in the prestigious ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway this past weekend.

This season, Kvapil, who joined JR Motorsports to compete in Late Models in 2022, made his first eight career starts in the Xfinity Series while piloting JR Motorsports’ No. 88 “all-star” Chevrolet entry. After finishing an impressive fourth place in his Xfinity debut at Martinsville in early April, he notched a career-best runner-up result in his second start at Dover Motor Speedway in late April after being overtaken for both the lead and eventual victory during a second of two overtime attempts.

Since his first two Xfinity career starts, Kvapil has racked up an additional top-five run by finishing fifth at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in June before he finished 10th at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July. With his current average-finishing result being 11.5, he also led 63 laps during the span. Kvapil is scheduled to make his ninth and final Xfinity Series start of the 2024 season this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

With his plans for the 2025 season set, Kvapil is set to compete alongside teammates Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and newcomer Connor Zilisch, all of whom will occupy JR Motorsports’ four full-time stables next season. His crew chief for the 2025 Xfinity season ane additional partnerships for his entry have yet to be determined.

Carson Kvapil’s final Xfinity Series start of the 2024 season at Talladega is set to occur this Saturday, October 5, with a 4 p.m. ET broadcast start time on the CW Network.

Michael McDowell Returns to Talladega with Love’s RV Stop & Peak, Looking for Win

By
Official Release
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Michael McDowell and the No. 34 Love’s RV Stop/Peak Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway Competition Notes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (October 1, 2024) – Talladega Superspeedway plays host to the NASCAR Cup Series as Michael McDowell and the No. 34 team look to play Playoff spoiler this weekend.

Talladega has been a great track statistically for McDowell and Front Row Motorsports. For McDowell he has three Top-5s and four Top-10s in 27 starts, including a third-place finish in the fall of 2022 and a pole back in the spring race, leading 39 laps. For FRM, the organization has six Top-5s and 21 Top-10s, including a historic 1-2 finish with David Ragan and David Gilliand in the 2013 spring race.

The iconic Love’s colors return to the No. 34 as the Ford Mustang Dark Horse will feature Love’s RV Stop and Peak for the weekend. PEAK Performance is back to promote their exclusive line of PEAK products available at Love’s Travel Stops across the country.

The NASCAR Cup Series track activity will start Saturday, October 5th with qualifying at 1:30 pm ET on USA Network. The 500-mile race will be Sunday, October 6th at 2:00 pm ET. Fans can watch the action live on NBC or listen via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.

No. 34 Love’s RV Stop / Peak Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:

“Front Row Motorsports has always performed well at Talladega. We know it’s a great opportunity for us to win with our very strong superspeedway program. This weekend is a big one for us and we want to take advantage of it. It’s just a matter of executing and being there on the final lap.”

CREW CHIEF TRAVIS PETERSON:

“Talladega is just a great opportunity for us. We had speed in the spring and have run well at all the superspeedways. We’re looking forward to playing playoff spoiler this weekend and getting a win.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

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

Dylan Lupton to Drive for AM Racing for the Remainder of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Season

By
Official Release
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STATESVILLE, N.C.: Officials from AM Racing happily announced today that Dylan Lupton will drive the team’s No. 15 Ford Mustang for the remainder of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, beginning with Saturday’s United Rentals 250 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

Lupton, a graduate of the NASCAR Next initiative, will also pilot the team’s Ford Mustang at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway ROVAL, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway, Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, and the season finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway on Nov. 9, 2024.

The Wilton, Calif. native is set to make his first Xfinity Series start since last June at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, part of a two-race deal for Alpha Prime Racing. He also ran at Portland International Raceway the week prior.

To jumpstart his stock car racing career this year, Lupton returned to the ARCA Menards Series at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in mid-September when he piloted the No. 30 Lupton Excavation | Rette Jones Racing Ford Mustang to a top-10 finish in the General Tire 100 at The Glen.

The Californian has spent most of 2024 competing in select Late-Model events on the West Coast and in a limited Trans Am Series XGT Class schedule.

“I’m excited to join AM Racing for the remainder of the 2024 season,” said Lupton. “We have been talking about the opportunity of working together since last year, and I’m happy to jump in the No. 15 Ford Mustang and get to work for the remaining six races this season.

“Without question, AM Racing has shown speed in their race cars. I’m hoping to bring some experience to the table while building consistency and producing solid race finishes that will give both of us some good momentum for the offseason.”

Lupton has 60 starts across all three of NASCAR’s national divisions, with one top-five and five top-10 finishes.

“AM Racing is proud to welcome Dylan to the family,” said AM Racing team owner Kevin Cywinski. “I’ve known Dylan for several years now, and I know his commitment to racing when he gets the opportunity to be behind the wheel.

“I believe he can take advantage of six straight races and continue to showcase his ability and deliver AM Racing some solid finishes to close out the 2024 Xfinity Series season.”

The two-time ARCA Menards Series West winner is poised to make just his second Xfinity Series start at Talladega Superspeedway but also has two prior NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts at the 2.66-mile superspeedway with a track-best finish of 12th in 2016 driving a truck for Young’s Motorsports.

For more on Dylan Lupton like him on Facebook (Lupton Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@luptondylan) and X | Twitter (@LuptonDylan).

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

The United Rentals 250 (113 laps | 250.04 miles) is the 28th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Qualifying will occur on Saturday, October 5, 2024, beginning at 10:30 a.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 3:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. ET), with live coverage on the CW Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Central).

About AM Racing:

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

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

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

IMPRESSIVE GROUP OF NHRA STARS SCHEDULED FOR TEXAS FALLNATIONALS FAN FEST

By
Official Release
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ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 1, 2024) — The official start of the Texas NHRA FallNationals at the historic Texas Motorplex begins on October 10 with an epic line up of NHRA competitors at the Pre-Stage Fan Fest in downtown Waxahachie, Texas, including current and former world champions in all four Mission Foods Drag Racing Series categories, as well as nearly two dozen Texas Fall Nationals professional winners.

More than 50 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series stars, including fan favorites Justin Ashley, Ron Capps, Antron Brown, Texans Steve Torrence and Erica Enders, Matt and Angie Smith are scheduled to sign autographs from 7-8:30 p.m. at this free event, which takes place for the fourth consecutive year at Railyard Park, just south of the historic Waxahachie town square. The JEGS Allstars participants will once again join the festivities allowing fans to meet and greet some of the best sportsman racers from across the country as well.

“Every year the Pre-Stage Fan Fest gets bigger and bigger,” said Christie Meyer Johnson, Texas Motorplex co-owner. “We love having so many drivers spend time with the fans before the race starts. Last year we added the JEGS Allstars participants and now we have one of the largest autograph sessions in all motorsports. This year we have added Andy Ross to the main stage to rock out for all our fans in attendance.”

Reigning 2023 Texas FallNationals champions Matt Hagan, Erica Enders and Gaige Herrera will be in attendance, as well as local drivers Buddy Hull and Kebin Kinsley. Austin residents Alexis DeJoria and 8-time world champion Tony Schumacher, along with Temple, Texas’ Terry Haddock will represent the Lone Star State.

Some of the biggest names in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will also join the Texas contingent, including 2024 NHRA championship contenders Tony Stewart, Austin Prock, Dallas Glenn, Aaron Stanfield, J.R. Todd, Shawn Langdon and Josh Hart will be on-site from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. signing autographs.

The free event, which begins with food trucks, live music and activities for the whole family, takes place from 6-9 p.m.

A complete list of drivers who are scheduled to attend:

Top Fuel
Tony Stewart 
Kebin Kinsley
Spencer Hyde 
Justin Ashley
Krista Baldwin
Antron Brown
Shawn Langdon 
Steve Torrence
Billy Torrence
Jasmine Salinas
Brittany Force
Tony Schumacher 
Ida Zetterstrom
Josh Hart 		Funny Car
Alexis DeJoria
Cruz Pedregon
Chad Green
Ron Capps
Dan Wilkerson
Buddy Hull
Matt Hagan
Dave Richards
Jack Beckman
J.R. Todd
Paul Lee
Terry Haddock
Chris King
Dale Creasy Jr.
Bobby Bode
Austin Prock
Pro Stock
Erica Enders
Greg Anderson
Dallas Glenn
Aaron Stanfield
Camrie Caruso
Jeg Coughlin
Troy Coughlin Jr.
Cristian Cuadra
Mason McGaha
Chris McGaha
Jerry Tucker
Sienna Wildgust
Fernando Cuadra Jr.
David Cuadra		Pro Stock Motorcycle
Gaige Herrera
Richard Gadson
Angie Smith
Matt Smith
Jianna Evaristo
Chris Bostick
Steve Johnson
Marc Ingwersen
Chase Van Sant
John Hall
Ryan Oehler

Top Alcohol DragsterAngelle Sampey

For more information on the Pre-Stage Fan Fest or the Stampede of Speed visit www.stampedeofspeed.com. The Texas NHRA FallNationals, the fourth race in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs, will be contested from October 9-13 at Texas Motorplex. For more information on NHRA, visit 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.

Ford Performance NASCAR – 2024 Talladega Playoff Advance

By
Official Release
-

TALLADEGA 2

Friday, October 4 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 4:30 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, October 5 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 4 p.m. ET (CW)
Sunday, October 6 — NASCAR Cup Series, 2 p.m. ET (NBC)

This will mark the second straight week that all three of NASCAR’s top national series will be competing in playoff races at the same track as Talladega Superspeedway hosts the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series on consecutive days. Friday will see the Truck Series open its Round of 8 while Saturday and Sunday is the second race in the Round of 12 for both the Xfinity and Cup Series.

FORD DRIVERS IN THE CUP PLAYOFFS

Ryan Blaney – 2nd (+28 above cut line)
Joey Logano – 8th (+4)
Chase Briscoe – 11th (-25 below cut line)
Austin Cindric – 12th (-29)
Note: Top 8 advance after Charlotte

FORD PLAYOFF DRIVERS AT TALLADEGA

Joey Logano: 31 starts, 3 wins, 9 top-10, 11 top-10
Ryan Blaney: 20 starts, 3 wins, 6 top-5, 8 top-10
Chase Briscoe: 7 starts, 0 wins, 1 top-5, 2 top-10
Austin Cindric: 5 starts, 0 wins, 1 top-5, 2 top-10

TALLADEGA PLAYOFF SUCCESS

No track has provided more playoff success for Ford than Talladega Superspeedway, which has seen 10 Blue Oval wins in the postseason. Team Penske has been at the forefront of that success with Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney each winning twice.

FORD PLAYOFF WINS AT TALLADEGA

2005 – Dale Jarrett, Robert Yates Racing

2009 – Jamie McMurray, Roush Fenway Racing

2012 – Matt Kenseth, Roush Fenway Racing

2014 – Brad Keselowski, Team Penske

2015 – Joey Logano, Team Penske

2016 – Joey Logano, Team Penske

2017 – Brad Keselowski, Team Penske

2018 – Aric Almirola, Stewart-Haas Racing

2019 – Ryan Blaney, Team Penske

2023 – Ryan Blaney, Team Penske

KESELOWSKI CLIMBING

ALL-TIME TALLADEGA WIN LIST

Brad Keselowski, who will be making his 32nd career start at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend, is the winningest active driver at the track with six NASCAR Cup Series victories. That ties him for second on the all-time list with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon and puts him four behind all-time winner Dale Earnhardt Sr., who won 10 times during his NASCAR Hall of Fame career. In 31 races, Keselowski has registered 11 top-5 and 15 top-10 finishes while completing almost 97 percent of the laps (5655-of-5835).

BLANEY GOING FOR FOURTH WIN

AT TALLADEGA

Ryan Blaney heads into this weekend with 12 career NASCAR Cup Series wins and three of those have come at Talladega Superspeedway (2019, 2020 and 2023). Blaney advanced to the Round of 8 with his photo finish victory over Ryan Newman in 2019 after the race had to be completed on Monday due to rain forcing a postponement following the first stage one day earlier. The race came down to a final inch as Newman got past Blaney for the lead coming off turn three, only to see the Team Penske driver battle back on the inside and nip him by a bumper at the stripe. The script was much the same in 2020 as rain forced the race to Monday with Blaney this time beating Ricky Stenhouse Jr. by inches in an overtime finish. Last year, Blaney outdueled Kevin Harvick in a door-to-door battle for the entire final lap to win in a photo finish and once again advance to the Round of 8.

ROBERT YATES RACING’S FINAL WIN

When Dale Jarrett won the UAW-Ford 500 on Oct. 2, 2005 it ended up being the final trip to victory lane for Robert Yates Racing. This race came down to a green-white-checker restart, where Jarrett was positioned fourth. He was still in that spot when they came around to start the final lap, but quickly moved to the outside as Tony Stewart grabbed the lead on the inside lane. The two drivers battled side-by-side down the backstretch before Jarrett powered his way in front. Seconds after getting the lead, Kyle Petty was involved in a single-car accident that brought out the caution as the cars entered turn three. Jarrett was declared the winner after NASCAR verified that he was in front at the time the yellow flag was thrown. The win was RYR’s 57th triumph in the NASCAR Cup Series, and came six years after the team won its only championship with Jarrett in 1999.

MARTIN LEFT HIS MARK

Mark Martin is the only Ford driver to have won in all three of the major series offered by NASCAR at Talladega. Martin won the Cup series race in 1995 and 1997, Xfinity in 1996 and lastly in the Truck series’ debut 2006 event. Martin went a lap down in that NCTS victory after only 10 laps when his engine began to overheat due to debris getting stuck on the grille of his F-150. Once that was removed, Martin was able to get back on the lead lap and team up with Mike Wallace to work his way to the front. He passed Ted Musgrave with four laps to go and was still leading when a multi-truck accident occurred on the final lap to end the race and allow Martin to complete his Talladega series sweep.

CUSTER ON TOP OF PLAYOFF STANDINGS

Defending NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer finds himself on top of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff standings after the first race in the Round of 12. Custer, who finished second last weekend at Kansas Speedway, has a 41-point advantage over the cut line going into Saturday’s scheduled race at Talladega Superspeedway. Custer has five career NXS starts at Talladega and has most recently posted finishes of fourth and 10th in his last two events.

Riley Herbst is eighth in the standings and is one point above the cut line with two races remaining in the round. Herbst has made eight series starts at Talladega and has two top-five and three top-10 finishes with his best effort coming earlier this year when he finished second in April.

MAJESKI MOVING ON

The first race in the Round of 8 for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is scheduled to take place on Friday afternoon at Talladega Superspeedway with Ty Majeski being the sole Ford driver remaining the championship hunt. Majeski, who has a pair of wins this season, starts the round in third place and is 14 points above the cut line. The Round of 8 will conclude with races at Homestead-Miami Speedway (Oct. 26) and Martinsville Speedway (Nov. 1) with the top four drivers advancing to the championship race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 8.

RIGGS CONTINUES ROLL

If Layne Riggs was in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoffs, he would undoubtedly be a championship contender because of the streak he’s been on the past two months. Riggs and his No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford F-150 won back-to-back races at the Milwaukee Mile and Bristol Motor Speedway before finishing second last weekend in Kansas. He goes into Friday’s race at Talladega Superspeedway with a streak of five consecutive top-five finishes.

FORD’S NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT TALLADEGA

1975 – Buddy Baker (Sweep)

1976 – Buddy Baker (1)

1979 – Bobby Allison (1)

1983 – Dale Earnhardt (2)

1985 – Bill Elliott and Cale Yarborough

1987 – Dave Allison and Bill Elliott

1989 – Davey Allison and Terry Labonte

1992 – Davey Allison (1)

1994 – Jimmy Spencer (2)

1995 – Mark Martin (1)

1997 – Mark Martin (1)

1998 – Dale Jarrett (2)

2005 – Dale Jarrett (2)

2009 – Jamie McMurray (2)

2012 – Matt Kenseth (2)

2013 – David Ragan (1)

2014 – Brad Keselowski (2)

2015 – Joey Logano (2)

2016 – Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano

2017 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Brad Keselowski

2018 – Joey Logano and Aric Almirola

2019 – Ryan Blaney (2)

2020 – Ryan Blaney (1)

2021 – Brad Keselowski (1)

2023 – Ryan Blaney (2)

FORD’S NASCAR XFINITY SERIES WINNERS

AT TALLADEGA

1995 – Chad Little

1997 – Mark Martin

2002 – Jason Keller

2009 – David Ragan

2015 – Joey Logano

2017 – Aric Almirola

FORD’S NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT TALLADEGA

2006 – Mark Martin

2023 – Brett Moffitt

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