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Fanttik Racing: Noah Gragson Las Vegas Advance

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Official Release
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NOAH GRAGSON
Las Vegas Advance
No. 10 Fanttik Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: South Point 400 (Round 33 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Oct. 20
● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400.5 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 80 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 102 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Noah Gragson is a Las Vegas native and the South Point 400 NASCAR Cup Series race Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway serves as a homecoming for the 26-year-old racer. Gragson’s racing career began on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway campus, specifically at The Bullring located just outside turns one and two of the 1.5-mile oval. The Bullring is a .375-mile asphalt oval that hosts a variety of racing series, from Bandoleros and Legend Cars to Late Models, the NASCAR Southwest Series and the ARCA Menards Series West. It was in Bandoleros – a small, spec-series racecar that puts out 30 horsepower via a Briggs & Stratton 570cc Vanguard engine – where a 13-year-old Gragson made his first laps on his road to the NASCAR Cup Series.

● With only 71 career NASCAR Cup Series starts, Gragson is still relatively new to the Cup Series, but he is not new to NASCAR. Gragson spent 2015 and 2016 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, known today as the ARCA Menards Series. He then ran the full NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule in 2017 and 2018 before graduating to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In four fulltime seasons (2019-2022) in the stepping-stone division to the elite Cup Series, Gragson won 13 races and finished among the top-10 in points each year, earning the series’ most popular driver award in his final season. Gragson made it to the Championship 4 twice, finishing third in 2021 and second in 2022 with a series-high eight victories.

● Gragson won twice in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – Martinsville (Va.) Speedway in October 2017 and Kansas Speedway in May 2018 – and finished second in the 2018 championship, where he picked up the Truck Series’ most popular driver award. Those Truck Series results were a continuation of the kind of talent Gragson showcased in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series. Gragson raced in this developmental league, regionally split into two divisions – K&N Pro Series East and K&N Pro Series West – for two years (2015-2016), winning six races between the two entities and narrowly missing out on the 2015 West title by a scant seven points, but handily securing the rookie-of-the-year title.

● The South Point 400 will mark Gragson’s fourth career NASCAR Cup Series start at Las Vegas. Gragson earned a solid 11th-place finish in October 2022 during his Las Vegas Cup Series debut when he drove for Hendrick Motorsports in place of the injured Alex Bowman. In Gragson’s return to Las Vegas in March 2023, he finished 30th driving for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. In his most recent Cup Series start at Las Vegas in March, Gragson put on an impressive drive, rallying from his 30th-place starting spot to finish sixth.

● In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Gragson proved to be a strong bet at Las Vegas. In eight career Xfinity Series starts at the 1.5-mile oval, Gragson never finished worse than sixth. In fact, his sixth-place drive in September 2019 – which came in just his second Xfinity Series start at Las Vegas – was his only finish outside of the top-five. Even though Gragson never won an Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas, he finished second three times (September 2020, March and October 2022). And with two other third-place results, Gragson’s average Xfinity Series finish at Las Vegas is a stout 3.4 with 142 total laps led.

● Gragson has also made three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts at Las Vegas with a best finish of 12th in March 2018. Gragson led laps in each Truck Series race he competed in at Las Vegas, pacing the field for 12 laps in September 2017, another 12 laps in March 2018, and then 33 laps in September 2018.

● Fanttik, the trailblazing and award-winning brand in the automotive accessories industry, will serve as the primary partner for Gragson and the No. 10 team of Stewart-Haas in the South Point 400. Fanttik is a youthful, dynamic brand dedicated to outdoor, household, sports and automotive products that cater to every need for the perfect adventure. In a short span of time, Fanttik has garnered extreme acclaim from enthusiasts, social media influencers, digital media and consumers. It has earned the internationally revered Red Dot Design Award multiple times, along with the prestigious IF Design Award. Fostering the motto, “We explore, we innovate and we make it happen,” Fanttik has brought trailblazing experiences in the automotive arena to the most diverse audience. For more information, please visit Fanttik online at Fanttik.com and on social at Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Reddit and Quora.

Noah Gragson, Driver of the No. 10 Fanttik Ford Mustang Dark Horse

You finished sixth at Las Vegas earlier this year, which was just your third start with Stewart-Haas. How important was that result to establish yourself at Stewart-Haas and also get it at your hometown track?

“It was cool. We had a really good car that day and I wish I qualified a little better, but we had a smooth, solid day, gained positions all throughout the race. We qualified 30th, mainly due to my lack of experience qualifying there. I just didn’t want to wreck in qualifying, so I really underdid it. But yeah, we had a strong day, which was good to start the season off that way.”

What’s the key to having another strong performance at Las Vegas?

“You definitely have to have good handling there. You always want to carry momentum at all these places, but having a car driving good and being able to hook the line in (turns) three and four and get it down there without skating off the bottom is really key. So yeah, definitely, handling is important, especially through the bumps in turns one and two.”

Your prior race at Las Vegas took place in early March. In the seven months that have passed since that race, how have you evolved this year at Stewart-Haas, and how do you feel your time spent at Stewart-Haas sets you up for next year when you’re with Front Row Motorsports?

“Just collecting notes from this year and building chemistry with the team and understanding how these cars work better, and just trying to learn as much as possible on the track, off the track, all that will definitely start me off better for next year.”

What does it mean to race in your hometown of Las Vegas?

“It’s exciting to go back to Vegas. It feels different. For me, it’s always been special and I feel like it’s a different special because it’s home for me. I probably don’t get excited about the things that other people who aren’t from there get excited about just because it’s normal, but I get excited just because I get a ton of support from the hometown crowd and a lot of friends and family come out to the race. I try to go out there a couple of days ahead of time and spend time with my friends and family before it’s time to get to work. And I enjoy the Vegas track, regardless of it being in Vegas, and have always run well there, which is a good thing.”

You’ve literally grown up at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway complex, beginning with Bandoleros at the Bullring to today at the 1.5-mile oval. What’s it been like to have so many career moments at your hometown track?

“It’s special. Outside of turns one and two is the Bullring. It’s a three-eighths-mile short track. That’s where I ran my first-ever racecar, a Bandolero, when I was 13 years old. I kind of got a late start, but I always remember pulling into the pits and being at that track where you can see the banking on the big track not far away, just across the street, on the other side of the parking lot. That was always the goal, to get any kind of laps on the big track, whether it be in the NASCAR Experience ride-along cars, I always thought that would be cool to do one day. And then to actually be able to race a real stock car around there with a race team, getting over there in the Truck Series. Cut my teeth in Bandoleros, Legend Cars, Late Models, ran all those things at the Bullring. I had a lot of wins and a lot of good memories there, and to be at the big track now, it’s something I’d always dreamed of when I first started, and now it’s a reality, so it’s very special.”

You’re competing in the NASCAR Cup Series after successfully climbing the NASCAR ladder. What was it like racing in all the different feeder series on the way to your ultimate goal of racing in Cup?

“I love the feeder series up into the top-three series of NASCAR. You’ve got the K&N Series back in the day, and then the ARCA Series, racing Super Late Models, that’s what we grew up doing, Legend Cars, Bandoleros. Every next step was always what I was eyeing. If I’m in Bandoleros, I’m eyeing to get to a Legend Car one day, hopefully. Then you get to a Legend Car and you’re like, ‘Man, I’m good at this,’ and then you start winning in that and you feel good and look at Super Late Models or K&N and start winning in that. I kind of got a late start compared to most guys. I started when I was 13 years old where they start in karts when they’re 4, 5, 6 years old. So having the support from friends and family and my team, and then my own drive, as well, I was always driven to be the best that I could be. Those days, I miss them, they’re fun. Those are the real fun days because you’re just going and racing and having fun with your team.”

No. 10 Fanttik Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Engineer: James Kimbrough

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Andy Houston

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder

Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard

Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotten

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Beau Whitley

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Tire Specialist: Jacob Cooksey

Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Steve Casper

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Importance of Pit Crew Safety

By
SM
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When we think about motorsports safety, most of us picture drivers encased in fire-resistant suits and helmets, speeding around the track. But beyond the wheel, there’s another team responsible for the car’s performance—the pit crews and garage workers. These individuals face their own set of dangers, often in high-pressure, fast-paced environments. While drivers are outfitted with advanced protective gear, pit crews also rely on specialized safety equipment and strict procedures to protect them from serious injuries.

Contact a Phoenix work injury lawyer today for a free consultation if you are hurt on the job.

Garage Teams and Pit Crews are Crucial to the Success of Drivers

Pit crews and garage teams are the unsung heroes of racing. During a race, pit stops are crucial, and every second counts. Crew members quickly change tires, refuel cars, and make critical adjustments, often under intense pressure. Each move is meticulously rehearsed, yet there’s always the risk of something going wrong. From handling heavy equipment to dealing with unpredictable factors like heat, noise, and fast-moving cars, pit crews work in a dangerous environment.

Even in the garage, where cars are prepped and maintained, workers face hazards. Tools and equipment pose injury risks, and the physical strain of working on cars for long periods can take a toll. It’s essential that racing organizations prioritize the safety of these key team members, who ensure everything runs smoothly off the track.

Proper Safety Gear

Just like drivers, pit crew members wear protective gear designed to reduce the risk of injury. Fire-resistant suits, helmets, gloves, and sturdy footwear are crucial. These items aren’t just for comfort; they provide necessary protection in high-risk scenarios like fuel spills or fires.

Car fires are commonplace — just a month ago, Daniel Suárez’s Chevrolet 99 racecar caught on fire causing his race to be cut short. Pit crews and safety personnel were there to help him in time, but their fire retardant suits guaranteed the safety of all involved.

Fire-resistant suits, similar to what drivers wear, help protect against burns. Helmets safeguard against head injuries, while gloves and boots shield hands and feet from burns or being crushed by equipment. High-visibility clothing is also essential, especially in the fast-paced chaos of pit stops, ensuring that crew members are easily seen by both teammates and drivers.

Despite these precautions, accidents can still occur. Missteps during a pit stop, malfunctioning equipment, or other hazards can result in serious injuries. Even though crews are trained to handle pressure and follow safety protocols, the unpredictable nature of motorsports means the risk of injury is always present.

What Injuries Can Do

Injuries to pit crew members and garage workers can range from minor cuts and sprains to more severe, long-term injuries like fractures, burns, or repetitive strain injuries. The physical demands of the job, combined with the high-risk environment, mean that injuries can have lasting effects, potentially impacting someone’s ability to work, both in motorsports and beyond.

An injury might not only require immediate medical attention but could also result in extended time off work, rehabilitation, or even permanent physical limitations. For crew members who are contractors or part-time workers, these injuries can also bring financial uncertainties. Navigating medical treatment, recovery, and loss of income becomes a significant challenge. This is where understanding one’s rights becomes crucial.

However, some injuries are fatal and a fire retardant suit cannot save you from a 2-ton mass of metal hitting you at 200 miles per hour. This is exactly what happened to track marshal Jansen van Vuuren in the 1977 South African Grand Prix. He had run onto the track to check on a driver who had an engine fire, but did not make it across in time and was hit by another driver Tom Pryce, both of which tragically died in the accident. This incident highlights the importance of protocol and proper safety precautions for those who are not the actual drivers in races.

Please Keep the Pit Crews Safe

In motorsports, the spotlight often shines on the drivers, but the pit crews and garage teams are equally deserving of attention—especially when it comes to safety. While racing is an inherently dangerous sport, much can be done to protect those who work behind the scenes. Proper safety gear, adherence to strict procedures, and understanding the rights of workers all play a role in minimizing injuries.

Accidents may be inevitable in such a high-stakes environment, but ensuring that crew members are well-protected and informed about their rights can make a significant difference in their recovery. By prioritizing crew safety both on and off the track, racing teams can create an environment where everyone—from the drivers to the pit crew—can perform at their best, knowing that their well-being is safeguarded.

Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Las Vegas Advance

By
Official Release
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Martin Truex Jr.
Las Vegas Advance
No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: South Point 400 (Round 33 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 20
● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 80 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 102 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Four To Go: After a 21th-place finish last weekend on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval, Truex sits 14th in the driver standings with 2,146 points heading to this weekend’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

● Truex has two wins, seven top-five finishes, 16 top-10s and has led a total of 317 laps in 25 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Las Vegas. Truex’s average Las Vegas finish is a strong 9.8, best among active drivers with Joey Logano a close second with an average finish of 9.9.

● Truex notched his most recent Las Vegas victory in September 2019, when he led 32 laps. It was his second win on the 1.5-mile oval and first at Las Vegas since joining Joe Gibbs Racing.

● Looking for 35: Truex’s July 2023 win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon was his most recent Cup Series win, the 34th of his career, tying him with 2004 champion Kurt Busch for 25th on the all-time Cup Series win list.

● Ahead at this Stage: Truex has accumulated 64 stage wins since the beginning of the stage era in 2017. He is the only driver with 10 or more stage sweeps, with his latest sweep coming at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn in August 2023. Truex scored his fourth stage win of the season last month at Watkins Glen, leading the field across the line at the end of Stage 1.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE

What are you expecting at Las Vegas this weekend with your No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Camry XSE?

“I expect it to be a great race out in Vegas. I love going out there and it’s a great racetrack. Vegas is a great track that’s wide and you can run all over. We saw a lot of guys run high there the last couple of years and we’ve also gotten better as a team at being able to get through the bumps and moving around. I’ve won there before and I’m always confident we can go out there and run up front and have a shot to get our Bass Pro Shops Camry to victory lane.”

Does “Sin City” still live up to its name when you race out there?

“Not really. Honestly, for us on a two-day weekend, it’s all business. I don’t even leave the track when we go there. It’s not like the banquet – that was fun. When we go to racetracks, it’s all business for everyone. It’s just too serious. There is too much on the line and the commitment level and the focus it takes is higher than it has ever been.”

How has the level of parity changed in the Cup Series?

“I think it has changed a lot since I’ve been here. The last few years with the NextGen car has been the biggest change, I would say. It has constantly evolved since I’ve come into the sport as far as trying to tighten things up, but the NextGen car just has taken it to a new level. You are talking about everybody having the same parts and pieces – that’s never been a part of this sport. That’s definitely been the game changer.”

Talk about tire strategy at Las Vegas, and how late-race cautions affect your strategy.

“It’s an interesting place, it’s fast and high-speed and has tire falloff but, for whatever reason, it’s a place that has unique asphalt, and when the tires cool off, you can fire off and run one or two fast laps. These days, with these cars, if you can get that clean air and get those two to three car lengths out in front of guys who are on better tires behind you, and guys between you and the four-tire guys, you have a huge advantage for a few laps. It’s all about what the other guy does. You can be the only guy on two tires and you are a sitting duck, but if you have four to five guys behind you on two tires, you have a bit of a buffer, so it just depends on what goes on around you.”

No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy

Hometown: Blockville, New York

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Beau Morton

Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Thomas Hatcher

Hometown: Middleburg, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

RFK Advance | Las Vegas II

By
Official Release
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Las Vegas II Event Info:
Date: Sunday, Oct. 20
Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Format: 267 Laps, 400.5 Miles, Stages: 80-85-102
TV: NBC
Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

Weekend Schedule:
Saturday: 4:35 p.m. ET, Practice (USA, NBC Sports App, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Saturday: 5:20 p.m. ET, Qualifying (USA, NBC Sports App, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
Sunday: 2:30 p.m. ET, Race (NBC, NBC Sports App, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

Pace Laps:

  • Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts its annual fall race date this weekend with now just four races remaining in the 2024 NASCAR season.
  • Jack Roush has seven wins in the Cup Series alone at Vegas and 16 overall.
  • Last fall, Brad Keselowski led 38 laps and finished top five, while Chris Buescher qualified top five and finished 11th in this race.

6 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Matt McCall
Partner: King’s Hawaiian

17 Team Info:
Crew Chief: Scott Graves
Partner: Castrol Edge

Keselowski at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Starts: 22
Wins: 3 (2014, 2016, 2018)
Top-10s: 13
Poles: 2 (2013, 2017)

  • Keselowski is a three-time winner at LVMS, one of 11 tracks he has multiple wins at on the circuit. Overall he has an 11.6 average finish with 13 top-10s and nine finishes inside the top five in 22 starts.
  • Most recently he finished fourth last fall after leading 38 laps. This spring he ran 13th after starting 25th.
  • Keselowski first won in Las Vegas in 2014 after starting from the second position and leading 53 laps. He followed that with wins two years apart in 2016 and 2018.
  • The Michigan native has an average starting position of 12.6 with two poles (2013, 2017). Overall he has nine top-10 qualifying efforts.
  • Keselowski also has a win at Vegas in the Xfinity Series (2014) with four overall top-10s in 10 NXS starts. He also made one truck start back in 2005.

Buescher at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
Starts: 15
Wins: —
Top-10s: 1
Poles: —

  • Buescher makes his 16th Cup start at Las Vegas this weekend, where he carries an average finish of 18.6 with one top-10 (ninth – 2020).
  • Most recently, Buescher had a strong run going earlier this year but lost a tire and finished 37th. He qualified ninth in that race and had already led a pair of laps through the opening 27 laps.
  • His best qualifying effort stands as the P5 starting spot last October. Overall he has a 20.9 average starting position.
  • Buescher made two Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas and recorded a best finish of ninth (2014) in the No. 60 entry for Jack Roush.

RFK Historically at Las Vegas
Cup Wins: 7 (Mark Martin, 1998; Jeff Burton, 1999, 2000; Matt Kenseth, 2003, 2004; Carl Edwards, 2008, 2011)

  • Early JACKpot: RFK hit the Vegas jackpot right off the bat, winning the inaugural Cup event at Las Vegas in 1998. Mark Martin led 82 laps in the victory that served as a banner day for RFK.
  • Inaugural Sweep: RFK placed all five of its Cup entries inside the top 10 of that inaugural Las Vegas Cup race in 1998, including three inside the top five, four inside the top six, one in the winners circle and the runner up (6 – 1st, 99 – 2nd, 26 – 4th, 16 – 6th and 97 – 10th).
  • Continued Success: RFK won the first three Cup races at LVMS from ‘98-’00, with Jeff Burton winning back-to-back events in ’99 and ’00. RFK also took three of the first nine Xfinity Series events at LVMS.
  • Victory Lane at Vegas: In addition to the first three Cup races at LVMS, RFK again found the winners’ circle in 2003 and 2004 at the 1.5-mile track with Matt Kenseth. Carl Edwards took the checkered flag at the 2008 and 2011 events to give RFK seven Cup wins at Las Vegas with four different drivers.
  • Back to Back at Vegas: RFK has won back-to-back Cup races at LVMS on two separate occasions in ’99-’00 and ’03-04’ and once in the Xfinity Series in ‘99 and ‘00.
  • Across the Board at Vegas: All in all, RFK has tallied 16 total NASCAR wins, while turning 41,000+ laps in NASCAR action at LVMS for 61,000+ miles, while leading over 2,700 laps at the track in NASCAR’s top three divisions. At the same time the organization has finished inside the top-10 in nearly 50 percent of its 192 NASCAR starts at LVMS.

RFK Las Vegas Wins

1998 Martin Cup

1999 Burton Cup

2000 Burton Cup

2003 Kenseth Cup

2004 Kenseth Cup

2008 Edwards Cup

2011 Edwards Cup

1999 Martin NXS

2000 Burton NXS

2002 Burton NXS

2005 Martin NXS

2009 Biffle NXS

2012 Stenhouse NXS

1997 Ruttman NGOTS

1999 Biffle NGOTS

2007 Kvapil NGOTS

Last Time Out
ROVAL: Keselowski was running well inside the top-10 for much of Sunday’s race at the ROVAL, but was spun midway through while running fourth, ultimately relegating him to 23rd. Buescher finished 17th.

EVENT RECAP: Wright Motorsports Petit Le Mans Podium Hopes Dashed in Final Hour Incident

By
Official Release
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BATAVIA, Ohio. (October 14, 2024) – Fresh off the high of securing the Fanatec GT World Challenge America championship title and winning the Indianapolis 8 Hour, Wright Motorsports entered Petit Le Mans with high expectations for a strong finish to the season. Unfortunately, their hopes of celebrating on the podium at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta were shattered in the final hour. An incident with less than one hour remaining in the ten-hour IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race sidelined the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R with terminal damage. The contact ended an impressive first season in the championship for drivers Adam Adelson and Elliott Skeer.

“We came into Petit Le Mans with a lot of momentum and optimism, but racing can be cruel sometimes,” said Team Owner John Wright. “The crew put in a phenomenal effort, and our drivers were at their best. It’s hard to end the season like this, but I’m incredibly proud of everything we’ve achieved this year. The potential we showed today and throughout the season only makes us hungrier for next year.”

Adelson began the final race of the year from 13th on the grid, determined to replicate the team’s stellar performance from the Indianapolis 8 Hour just weeks ago. A quick, efficient first pit stop by the crew vaulted the Porsche two spots to 11th, bringing them within reach of the top ten. Adelson continued his charge forward, closing out the first hour in eighth place.

Jan Heylen, the No. 120’s endurance race specialist, then took over driving duties, maintaining the team’s momentum by climbing four more spots to fourth early into his first run. He completed his opening stint in second place, setting the stage for a strong run to the checkered flag. Skeer took over next, expertly bringing the Porsche to the lead during the second quarter of the ten-hour endurance finale.

Throughout the remaining hours, the Wright Motorsports trio rotated through driving duties with flawless execution in the pits, keeping the No. 120 Porsche in the fight for a podium finish. However, with just under 52 minutes remaining and while running in the top five, the Wright Porsche was involved in contact with a stopped car on the track. The heavy damage forced an early end to what had been a promising day.

Despite the disappointing finish, the team’s performance at Petit Le Mans capped off a remarkable rookie season for Adam Adelson and Elliott Skeer. The duo secured two podium finishes at Sebring International Raceway and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and earned a dominant victory at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Wright Motorsports will return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2025, with further details to be announced in the coming months.

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

Retail Security Guide: Comprehensive Protection for Your Business

By
SM
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Retail security plays a crucial role given property loss trends impacting businesses. Surveys show retail property loss increasing. Retailers are implementing new safety strategies due to shoplifters’ aggressive behaviors. Data finds most small retailers face monthly theft, losing $500-$2,500 on average[1]. 

To offset damages, many have raised prices or invested in security cameras, further cutting into profits. Not only does theft cut financial margins, but it can also impact safety when confronted by increasingly hostile shoplifters. Curbing losses requires comprehensive mitigation of physical, personnel, and tech risks. There’s a need to use integrated platforms overseeing protection tools and data-driven analytics. Such retail management optimization protects the bottom line and safety of the retail industry.

Physical Security Measures

Implementing smart physical retail security protections is a key first step for any retailer. Some recommendations include:

  1. Store Layout and Design

Careful floor plan positioning of entrances, high-risk merchandise zones, windows, and gates enhances visibility. It also removes blindspots for staff. Strategic lighting and the use of barriers discourage criminal plans of action.

  1. Security Systems

Monitoring through retail security cameras, alarm sensors on emergency exits, and panic buttons across the sales floor proves beneficial. It provides reliable video security both day and night. Technology like motion-activated recording widens retail security presence.

  1. Access Control

Implementing electronic door locks and restricting internal spaces with smart keycards is recommended. It allows convenient accessibility for employees while barring unauthorized visitors. Periodic patrols from on-site guards act as an extra set of eyes to inspect the property and assist customers.

Inventory Management and Loss Prevention

Maintaining clear visibility and control over store inventory supports optimal operations while reducing shrinkage risks. Targeted solutions protect high-cost items from theft and mishandling. The key recommendations include:

  1. Implement Inventory Tracking Systems

Electronic systems automate the receiving, stocking, and selling process. This ensures easy reordering and precise stock-level snapshots in real time. Some solutions even automate replenishment.

  1. Regular Stock Audits and Inventory Checks

Periodic counting of all merchandise physically matches quantities to digital records. Remote options with mobile devices are also valuable. They let multiple employees execute efficient parallel audits from any store location.

  1. Strategies for Minimizing Loss

Taggants like RFID tags and monitored retail security cables as attachable anti-theft devices are recommended. They provide discreet protection of small, expensive items highly susceptible to theft. Electronic article monitoring further guards entrances and exits.

Strategies for Minimizing Loss

Employee Training and Policies

Equipping and guiding personnel to properly handle retail security situations helps maintain an organized environment. Some guidelines include:

  1. Staff Awareness and Training

New hire and refresher courses educate all levels on threat detection techniques and permit access rules. They also educate on updated first-response procedures like enlisting backup. Drills reinforce memorization of protocols.

  1. Developing and Enforcing Security Policies

Establish standard rules for cash handling, stock protection, alarm response, and barred visitor protocol. It will create a structure for staff. Policy adherence ensures cohesive protection at all levels of employment.

  1. Procedures for Handling Security Incidents

Precise escalation processes cover diverse situations. These include shoplifting deterrence without risk of injury, emergency lockdowns, and trauma support after violent occurrences. They help retain calm and legal compliance.

Procedures for Handling Security Incidents

Technology Solutions and Cybersecurity

Today’s retailers leverage innovative software and smart devices to strengthen protection better than ever before. Some top options include:

  1. Integration of AI and Machine Learning for Threat Detection

AI-powered video solutions analyze footage for anomalies indicative of theft or violence using pattern recognition. They provide real-time alerts to monitoring stations.

  1. Use of Mobile Apps and Centralized Systems for Security Management

Mobile apps allow managers to monitor store cameras, respond to alarms, and review incidents from any location via live feeds. The system centralizes all retail security systems and features including access controls for simplified remote operations.

  1. Secure Payment Gateways

Compliance with PCI standards protects shoppers’ payment data. Firewalls, encryption, and updates boost security during electronic checkout. This maintains consumer trust in shopping by securing payment information.

Conclusion

Comprehensive retail security involves strategically aligning physical, personnel, and technology measures. For optimal implementation across such facets, an integrated platform is preferred. The reputed brand Hikvision offers an innovative Smart Retail Solution. It provides connected oversight of stores and shared best practices nationwide via AI-powered video analytics, mobile accessibility, and data visualization. It boasts perceivable threat detection, asset protection, and real-time operational insights. The system leverages these from its end-to-end Connect, Protect, and Perceive functionality. Visit Hikvision’s website to learn more about how its tailored capabilities strengthen both physical and digital retail environments.

References

[1] The Impact Of Retail Theft On Small Businesses And States. Available at: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-insurance/impact-retail-theft-on-small-businesses/ ( Accessed: 22th, July)

Bonanza Cabernet Racing: Ryan Preece Las Vegas Advance

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Official Release
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RYAN PREECE
Las Vegas Advance
No. 41 Bonanza Cabernet Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: South Point 400 (Round 33 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Oct. 20
● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400.5 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 80 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 102 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Ryan Preece and the No. 41 Bonanza Cabernet Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing head west this weekend for the South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 267-lap race around the 1.5-mile oval will mark Preece’s 10th NASCAR Cup Series start at Las Vegas and his fourth with Stewart-Haas racing. Best among his previous nine outings was his 15th-place finish in March 2021, which came on the heels of his previous best finish of 19th in September 2020, both while driving for JTG Daugherty Racing. His first three outings with Stewart-Haas resulted in finishes of 23rd in the past two March races, and 26th in October 2023.

● Preece has three Las Vegas starts outside of the NASCAR Cup Series – two in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and one in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Best of his Xfinity Series outings was his sixth-place finish for Joe Gibbs Racing in September 2018, which bettered his 18th-place finish for owner Johnny Davis in March 2018. Preece’s lone Truck Series race at Las Vegas in March 2022 resulted in a fourth-place finish from the fifth starting position with three laps led in a David Gilliland Racing entry.

● Joining Preece at Las Vegas is Bonanza, a California Cabernet Sauvignon created by Chuck Wagner of Caymus Vineyards. The wine’s name is inspired by the “bonanza” of the great state of California, where diverse vineyard land that produces delicious Cabernet can be found. Preece got to enjoy the fruits of his labor quite literally in June 2023 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. Preece competed in the ARCA Menards Series West race and dominated from start to finish. He won the pole and led 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 sipped on Bonanza, soaking in the moment amid TV interviews and photographs.

● Chuck Wagner and his late parents, Lorna and Charlie Sr., opened Caymus Vineyards in 1972, starting off with 240 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. Based at its original “home ranch” in Rutherford, California – deep in the heart of Napa Valley Wine Country – Caymus Vineyards remains a hands-on family affair. In addition to their celebrated Cabernet Sauvignons, Chuck and two of his children – Charlie and Jenny – produce diverse wines from Napa Valley, other parts of California and beyond. Said Preece about partnering with Caymus Vineyards and its Bonanza brand: “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. 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.”

Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 Bonanza Cabernet Ford Mustang Dark Horse

You’ve had a good stretch of runs on intermediate-style tracks. Do you feel that bodes well for your prospects this weekend at Las Vegas?

“Las Vegas is tricky because as much as the mile-and-a-half tracks are what people like to call cookie cutter, there are a lot of characteristics and other elements that play a factor in your setup, as well as how the car drives and what the strengths of it are. But I’m excited. I say that because I feel like, between Indy and Pocono and Kansas, we’ve been going down a good path that I think will benefit us going into Las Vegas. I do feel like we can go to Vegas and use it to continue building on a strong end to the year.”

What sets Las Vegas apart from the other 1.5-mile ovals in the NASCAR Cup Series?

“Vegas, with its tunnel turn and the bumps and all those things, I would say it’s definitely different from some of the other mile-and-a-halves. As grippy as it can be, it can be a challenge, so I would say it’s its own animal.”

You’re down to the home stretch of the season with just four races remaining. What do you want to accomplish before season’s end?

“We just need to continue focusing on consistency, getting the most out of practice and qualifying, and running well during the race. That means I’ve got to be on it, we’ve got to be on it with strategy and on pit road. All of it keeps coming together and, even though all of the results don’t show it, we’re getting there. This team is working really hard on putting it all together and capitalizing on that. We just want to be consistent all the way through to the end of the year.”

Would you consider yourself a Las Vegas person – the kind who hits the blackjack table and finds a good restaurant each night, or are you the kind who tries to find quiet places while keeping your body clock on Eastern Time?

“I think I’m a little bit of both. I’m somebody who likes the quiet, so when I do find a blackjack table or a roulette table, it’s pretty empty for the most part. I do enjoy playing your typical casino games. I’m a racecar driver, so I gamble every day of my life. It’s no different when I go to Vegas and decide to visit a casino to see if I can make some money.”

No. 41 Bonanza Cabernet 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

Texas A&M University Partners With Stewart-Haas Racing at Las Vegas and Phoenix

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Official Release
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Gig ’em, Stewart-Haas
Texas A&M University Partners With Stewart-Haas Racing at Las Vegas and Phoenix

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Oct. 14, 2024) – Texas A&M University has partnered with Stewart-Haas Racing, the championship-winning NASCAR team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart and Haas Automation founder Gene Haas, to share its story of nearly 150 years of advancing knowledge and human achievement, preparing students to be lifelong learners and leaders, and its rich military heritage on NASCAR’s global stage.

The partnership kicks off this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway where Chase Briscoe will drive the No. 14 Texas A&M Ford Mustang Dark Horse in Sunday’s South Point 400 NASCAR Cup Series race. Then in the season finale Nov. 10 at Phoenix Raceway, Josh Berry will drive the No. 4 Texas A&M Ford Mustang Dark Horse with a livery reflective of Texas A&M’s commitment to celebrating and serving our nation’s veterans. Both races will be broadcast live on NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

“With millions of engaged fans, this partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing represents a fantastic opportunity to put the Aggie Spirit front and center and further show the nation what Texas A&M University stands for,” said R. Ethan Braden, vice president, chief marketing and communications officer at Texas A&M. “We look forward to cheering on Chase Briscoe in Aggie Maroon at Las Vegas and Josh Berry at the season finale in Phoenix, where we’ll showcase Texas A&M’s appreciation for our country and our military prior to Veterans Day. Texas A&M has a rich history of leadership and selfless service, and we are committed to serving well those who have served.”

Texas A&M University is driven by a tradition of excellence and passion to continually improve. It is a destination of choice for those who serve or have served to pursue higher education. The link with NASCAR is an appropriate one as the sanctioning body has long honored its nation’s service members, most notably with its annual NASCAR Salutes program, a tenured initiative featuring important associations with Honor and Remember, which recognizes fallen service members and their families, and Sound Off, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce veteran suicide through free and anonymous mental health for veterans and service members.

“We’re honored to partner with Texas A&M University, an institution that stands for respect, excellence and leadership,” said Joe Custer, president of Stewart-Haas Racing. “We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to help tell Texas A&M’s story, particularly its long history of supporting our nation’s veterans.”

Recently named the top university in Texas and the No. 11 public university in the nation by The Wall Street Journal, Texas A&M’s forward momentum is evidenced by a number of recent recognitions. In a testament to its dedication to academic excellence and innovation, the College of Engineering was named a top-10 public engineering school by U.S. News & World Report, with the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering ranked best in the nation. The college also secured the top spot for engineering research expenditures in fiscal year 2023, with $444.7 million in spending. The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering – part of both the College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences – is also ranked No. 1 in the nation.

In addition to providing an exemplary student experience, the university is also educating the next generation of leaders who will put Texas A&M’s Core Values into practice, as reflected by the remarkable number of Aggies leading America’s companies. Texas A&M is tied for No. 1 among the nation’s public universities and No. 5 overall for the number of graduates serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies today.

Texas A&M Veteran Support

With roots as a senior military college, Texas A&M has proudly supported our nation’s veterans and military-affiliated students for more than a century. In addition to currently educating nearly 1,300 student veterans, many of the university’s top leaders served in the military, including Texas A&M University President Mark A. Welsh III, a retired four-star general and former chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force. Eight Aggies have received the Congressional Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military decoration.

Through the Don and Ellie Knauss Veteran Resource and Support Center, Texas A&M offers resources to help students navigate the admissions process, maximize their Veteran Affairs education benefits, and meet their career and employment goals after graduation, setting the standard for student veteran support across the nation.

Texas A&M is also home to the Corps of Cadets, the largest uniformed student body in the nation, outside of the military academies. Although there is no military obligation tied to being a member, the Corps consistently commissions more officers into the country’s armed forces than any other school in the country, outside of the services academies. The Corps develops well-educated leaders of character and offers programs specifically designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in the U.S. military, corporate America, government service and the private sector.

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.

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams and Mercedes-AMG Sweep All Six 2024 IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) Championships

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Official Release
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Petit LeMans, IMSA, Road Atlanta, Braselton, GA, October 2024(Photo by Brian Cleary/bcpix.com)

After Season-Ending Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

BRASELTON, Georgia – Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams and Mercedes-AMG completed a perfect six-for-six IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) class 2024 championship sweep Saturday in the season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Winward Racing’s steady run to eighth place as the highest finishing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of the three competing in Saturday’s 10-hour race put the final touch on a dominating season for the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 and Mercedes-AMG that led the team, driver and manufacturer standings all year after a season-long performance that was the best overall in the four-class IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series.

The year started with Winward’s second Rolex 24 At Daytona GTD victory in four years when the full-season pairing of Russell Ward and Philip Ellis were joined by teammates Indy Dontje – the team’s IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) addition this season – and Daniel Morad in adding the victory to go along with 2021’s GTD win in America’s premier 24-hour race. Ward, Ellis and Dontje captured the “36 Hours of Florida” with another strong performance for the win one race later in the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the Winward Racing and Mercedes-AMG season-long run of success was on.

Winward won the first sprint race of the season at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca in May and followed it with its third-straight Michelin Endurance Cup triumph in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen in June.

Amid Winward’s strong opening volley of four race wins – the most by a single team in any WeatherTech class in 2024 – in the year’s first five races, the No. 32 Korthoff Preston Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 team stepped up to carry Mercedes-AMG’s honors in April’s Grand Prix of Long Beach with a third-place finish. In addition to Mercedes-AMG driver Maximilian Götz joining the team for the Rolex 24 opener, the No. 32 was driven in the full season this year by Mikael Grenier, Kenton Koch and Mike Skeen.

The No. 32 team and drivers entered the championship conversation in both the WeatherTech Championship and IMEC with a late season-run of success that included the team’s first career IMSA win at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) in August and a third-place finish one race later in the six-hour race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

While Winward edged out the No. 32 team’s attempt to secure its second-straight IMEC GTD titles, the late surge elevated Grenier and the Korthoff Preston team to third place in the final full-season GTD driver and team championships.

The No. 32’s third-place finish at Indy was also enough for Mercedes-AMG to clinch both the WeatherTech and IMEC GTD manufacturer championships one race before Saturday’s Petit Le Mans finale. The WeatherTech GTD championship was the first for Mercedes-AMG since entering North American competition in 2017 while the IMEC manufacturer crown was the second in a row and fifth for the Silver Star following previous titles last year and three straight from 2017 through 2019.

With the manufacturer titles wrapped up, the four remaining GTD championships were on the line at Road Atlanta and Winward walked away with them all. Leaving nothing to chance, Winward raced to the finish in its most challenging event of the year even though both the WeatherTech GTD team and driver titles were mathematically clinched with the retirement of the first GTD competitor early in the race. Even if Winward would have been the next to retire, they still would have earned enough points to lock down the championships thanks to this year’s dominating season.

As it was, Winward finished Petit Le Mans for the first time in four attempts to put the crowning touch on its first season of seeing the checkered flag at every race in the championship as well.

Winward’s wrap up of the IMEC titles took a little longer to seal at Petit, but ultimately their nearest challengers – including Korthoff Preston – couldn’t amass enough points in the race’s three segments to surpass the slight edge Winward held going into the race.

All four GTD championships – driver and team titles in both WeatherTech and IMEC – were firsts for Winward and its drivers in its third full-season of top-tier IMSA competition.

In total, the Winward and Korthoff Preston teams combined for a WeatherTech Championship series-leading five Mercedes-AMG GT3 victories and four more podium finishes in this season’s 10 races.

The most competitive Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing performance of the Petit Le Mans weekend came in Friday’s qualifying session that saw the trio of Mercedes-AMG GT3 entries in the race earn the pole and three of the top four qualifying positions. Ellis clocked in third fastest for Winward, Skeen was fourth quickest with Korthoff Preston, but the GTD pole went to Scott Andrews in a breakout performance in the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3.

Contesting the five race IMEC championship this year, Andrews and Lone Star secured their first career IMSA poles, and the team was primed for its best race of the season in its Petit Le Mans debut. Andrews led the opening race laps from the pole only to have a hard-to-explain spin in turn five just minutes into the race. The No. 80 went two laps down after the incident and never had a decent chance of making up the gap as Saturday’s race was one of the most caution-free editions of Petit Le Mans on record. The team and drivers Andrews, Salih Yoluç and Rui Andrade fought to the end for a 10th place finish.

The substantial haul of championship honors, as well as several performance awards for in-season achievements, were presented to the Winward and Korthoff teams and drivers and executives from Mercedes-Benz USA and Mercedes-AMG Motorsport in Sunday night’s WeatherTech Night of Champions at Chateau Elan near Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

Christoph Sagemüller, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport: “First of all, congratulations to Winward Racing and our three drivers on winning the GTD class championship. This great success means a lot to us as a brand and concludes our most successful season in IMSA since the start of our Customer Racing program. With Korthoff Preston Motorsports, Lone Star Racing and Winward Racing, we have strong teams at our side in North America, who together are responsible for this success with every single result. Many thanks to everyone who represented our brand so well throughout the season.”

Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Customer Racing: “I’ve been at the Motul Petit Le Mans, and it was a great end to the season in a wonderful family atmosphere. I can only thank everyone involved. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 scored its victories at the beginning of the season, but also impressed with good results on more difficult race weekends. Last weekend was not only a very successful one in America, but also in Europe. In Barcelona, Winward Racing with Lucas Auer and Maro Engel won the Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup driver and team championships in a thrilling finale.”

Russell Ward, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “This is the first championship for Winward Racing here in the USA. It’s an amazing feeling. This is the end goal. You want to win and be competitive, but all of us have an eye on the championship. It is really a testament to the hard work of the crew. Lots of long nights, hard nights, and they deserve this after all of the non-stop work. Nobody sees that. We arrive at races and the car is well prepared, the trailer is organized and ready and everything looks good. They are constantly working 12 hours a day to keep everything perfect. We really have the easiest jobs. We just show up and drive, didn’t put a wheel wrong and had the Mercedes-AMG GT3 to do it, but the crew guys are the ones who really make it happen. This is for them.”

Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I’m super thankful to be here with Winward Racing. The team made it really easy this year. They did such a perfect job. We always had a great car, a great strategy and they were always on it in the pit box. We were one step ahead of the competition, and as drivers we just had to bring it home. I think we did the heavy lifting earlier this year in the first part of the season, but we had some more difficult races at Indianapolis and also here at Petit Le Mans. We still kept it together. We didn’t really put a foot wrong and won the championship.”

Indy Dontje, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It is just really cool to see what Winward Racing is today from how it started seven years ago. Winning an IMSA championship is an incredible achievement. I had a small part of it, only in the endurance cup, but to win that championship also, for me, is something really special. At the beginning of the year, we won almost every race. That was a big part of it and really helped a lot. All of the guys really did it in the opening endurance events, but the team and Russell and Philip really did a nice job in all of the sprint races. We were a bit on the back foot in the last two rounds, but we managed to do it and won the team and driver championships in both the full season and the endurance cup, so I am really happy for that.”

Scott Andrews, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Winning the pole, most importantly, was great for the morale of the team as we have had a really fast car but a difficult season. I was really privileged to get the opportunity to qualify the car, but I kind of went hero to zero in a bit of a way. That was pretty much the story of our whole year in the Michelin Endurance Cup. We had a rocket ship. AJ Petersen and all the boys all did such a good job with our Mercedes-AMG GT3. We all work really hard behind the scenes to make sure the car is really fast. This weekend we showed that, but we also showed how knife-edge it can be as well to have a fast setup here. We really don’t know what happened in turn five in the opening stint. The car just took a weird set to the right, I corrected it, and it just snapped back the other way. It was just really strange, really weird, but it was fun driving back through the field. We really needed a bunch of yellow flags to get back on the lead lap for good, but they never came. Then, unfortunately during the race with some traffic and whatever else, we got some damage, and the front splitter was basically just completely gone, not doing anything. It was just surviving after that, but we brought it home to the finish.”

Orion180 Insurance and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Announce New Multi-Year Partnership

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Official Release
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Collaboration focused on the Drive for Precision, Agility, and Excellence

Melbourne, Florida, Oct. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orion180, a leader in innovative insurance solutions today announced a multi-year partnership with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. The insurance trailblazer and America’s Formula 1 team will commence their multi-year partnership from the team’s home race, the United States Grand Prix, held at the Circuit of The Americas, on October 18-20.

Orion180 has achieved unprecedented growth in the homeowners insurance market through proprietary technology, real-time data, compassion, and transparent underwriting to offer insurance solutions in even the highest-risk regions of the United States. The company provides significant value to customers and agency partners by offering customizable policies and exceptional customer service over the phone and through its easy-to-use MY180 app. Orion180’s unconventional data and customer-driven approach to insurance has earned them a place in the Inc. 5000 list for two consecutive years and a 4.9-star Google rating across the states it serves.

Orion180 and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team have remarkable synergies as challengers in their respective lanes, capable of achieving more by focusing on innovation, efficiency, and performance. As part of the partnership, Orion180’s logo will adorn the VF-24 as well as race suits, and team kit from the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. The company will engage in cross-team collaborations and events, and a host of dynamic activations in marquee races across the United States.

“I’m delighted to welcome Orion180, one of the fastest-growing and innovative U.S. insurers, as the latest long-term partner of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team,” said Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal at MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. “Orion180 understands the value of charting a different course to compete with the top incumbents, something we fully understand competing at the pinnacle of motorsport. We welcome their trust in how we are evolving and look forward to delivering great value to them throughout our partnership.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to partner with the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, a team that perfectly reflects our own path to success and core values of precision, agility and excellence,” said Ken Gregg, CEO and Founder of Orion180. “We are winning against much larger and better-known brands through our thoughtful, more proactive and innovative insurance solutions that closely mirror what customers need today in a difficult homeowners market.”

For more information on the official partnership between MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and Orion180, visit www.orion180.com/HaasF1.

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, currently seventh overall in the Constructors’ Championship just three points off of sixth place (34-31pts), returns to home soil for Round 19 of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship – the United States Grand Prix, hosted at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, 18-20 October.

About Orion180:

Orion180 is a people-focused, technology-driven insurance brand that offers proprietary technology, real-time data, and straightforward underwriting practices, enabling independent insurance agents to provide their customers with a premier insurance experience.

Orion180’s operating companies are:

  • Orion180 Insurance Co., a surplus lines (non-admitted) insurance company domiciled in Indiana and doing business in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
  • Orion180 SelectInsurance Co., an admitted insurance company domiciled in Indiana that is approved to provide coverage in Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and Ohio.

Orion180 has developed its own proprietary mobile application and technology platform, MY180, while also supporting third-party data integrations with insurance industry partners. Orion180’s vision is to be the global premier provider of insurance solutions. Our mission is to deliver an exceptional insurance experience through innovative technology, unparalleled customer service, and a comprehensive suite of product solutions.

Info – www.Orion180.com

About MoneyGram Haas F1 Team:

MoneyGram Haas F1 Team debuted in the FIA Formula 1 World Championship in 2016, becoming the first American Formula 1 team since 1986. Founded by industrialist Gene Haas, MoneyGram Haas F1 Team is based in the United States on the same Kannapolis, North Carolina, campus as his championship-winning NASCAR team, Stewart-Haas Racing. Haas is the founder of Haas Automation, the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America, and he is chairman of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.

Info – www.haasf1team.com

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