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7 Important Things That Speed Up the Car Removal Process

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Car removal also has its advantages that direct car owners to dispose of unwanted vehicles fast and responsibly. Having an effective process goes a long way to saving time and trouble. Understanding what affects speed can be the difference maker. Being aware of what is to come removes the stress and ambiguity. Preparation is the Key to a Seamless Journey

1. Having Proper Documentation Ready

Having all necessary documents, such as identification and proof of ownership, is essential. This helps the service provider to verify the details instantly. Because missing documents frequently cause delays, they are often required in advance, so gathering them is a major precaution. 

A few companies need a signature title to register the car. Others may ask for a bill of sale or the registration papers. You should always confirm removal requirements before the scheduled removal date. Vehicle owners exploring car removals Rockingham often discover how quick inspections and paperwork streamline the entire process. 

2. Removing Personal Belongings

It will be much quicker if all personal possessions are removed from the car. People often forget these items in stressful situations. However, people often leave personal documents, valuables, and electronic devices behind in glove compartments or under seats. Taking those things out of the way before the arranged selection saves the frantic runs close to the minute of the pickup. The process also makes the removal team’s work easier. It is easier to check and tow a vehicle with no personal items in it. 

3. Providing Accurate Vehicle Information

An accurate description of the automobile aids in the proper preparation of the removal service. Essentially, this means providing the core organisational aspects of the vehicle, such as its make, model, year, and condition. Making the team aware of any existing damage, missing parts, or mechanical problems allows the team to bring the right equipment. Loading spot surprises can slow things down. Correct information allows the service to best plan and allocate the right resources. This helps in faster and easier removal.

4. Making Sure That the Car is Accessible

Having the car accessible makes everything go quicker. It may be more difficult to remove cars stuck in tight spaces or behind locked gates. This process can also move fairly quickly, provided that the vehicle is accessible and the keys are available. If the car is not drivable, having it in an open area is a huge help to the tow truck driver. Additionally, it keeps driveways or garages clear of impediments, which in turn does not lead to wasted time. With quick access to spare parts, we spend less time handling equipment.

5. Letting the Moving Company Know Exactly What You Want to Do

Communicating with the removal service as clearly and promptly as possible only serves to improve efficiency. If you have an appointment, it’s vital to get your real contact info and keep confirming it. Should any changes occur, like needing to change your address or time, the sooner you notify the company of any changes, the better, to prevent confusion. You will need to be available to answer any questions about the removal day, whether that be via calls or messages. 

6. Scheduling at a Convenient Time

Choosing a pickup time that works with both parties can help expedite the process. Planning ahead guarantees effective coordination and prevents last-minute issues. Most service providers prefer weekdays during normal business hours. Try not to plan during rush hour or a holiday if you are able. Being flexible with the timing of this request may help accommodate the team’s availability and reduce their removal from other tasks. Failing to give notice prevents the company from preparing staff and dedicated trucks. 

7. Understanding the Payment Process

Knowing how the payment will work before the day of removal ensures there is no confusion. In some cases, the payment process necessitates an electronic transfer or immediate payment. Defining your terms clarifies what both parties have to be ready for. If any identification or any banking information is needed, having it prepared saves delays. It also prepares people for what will, in some cases, be the reality by comprehending whether there are fees or deductions. 

Conclusion

Getting a car removal process completed faster requires preparation, effective communication, and using the right service. Collecting documents, organising personal belongings, and obtaining accurate information takes time. Everything leads to efficiency. By accessing the car and maintaining contact, you can choose a convenient time to make the process even easier. With this knowledge of how the payment works, selecting a reputable provider finishes the job. Simple advances could reduce the clean-up by minutes or even hours. 

How Advanced Paint Protection Preserves High Performance Race Cars

Owning a high-performance race car is a dream for many driving fans. These machines are built for speed and precision on the track. Keeping the exterior in perfect condition is a constant struggle for owners. 

Every lap brings new risks to the custom finish and bodywork. Rocks fly up from the asphalt and can cause deep gouges in an instant.

The High Stakes Of Track Racing

Racing environments are incredibly harsh on automotive paint. Drivers push their vehicles to the absolute limit during every session. Large amounts of debris get kicked up by sticky racing tires. Small pieces of hot rubber and gravel act like projectiles, hitting the front end.

Most owners spend $1,000s on custom liveries and paint. Seeing that investment get chipped away in one afternoon is painful.

The damage often goes beyond just the surface of the clear coat. Deep impacts can lead to rust or structural issues if left alone. Consistent track use requires a proactive approach to maintenance.

Shielding Against High Speed Debris

Speed changes how a simple pebble affects the surface of your vehicle. Whether you find your protective film at TotalProtect.com.au or somewhere else, the goal remains the same. Professional shielding keeps the original factory paint safe from flying gravel and road salt.

Choosing a thick and durable film is a smart move for any racer. These materials are designed to take a beating, so your car does not have to. You can drive with more confidence knowing the front bumper is safe. The cost of a full wrap is much lower than a high-quality respray.

Weathering Extreme Racing Conditions

Track days often happen in the middle of summer when the sun is strongest. A recent blog post discussed how self-healing films offer massive perks in places where intense sun and sandstorms are common. 

These specialized coatings react to heat to smooth out minor imperfections. If a small scratch occurs, parking the car in the sun can make it disappear.

Extreme heat can sometimes make lower-quality films turn yellow or brittle. High-end products use advanced materials that resist UV rays for a long time. They stay clear and flexible even after years of exposure to the elements.

Thermal Healing Properties

The science behind self-healing layers is fascinating for car owners. Tiny polymers in the film can rearrange themselves when they get warm. 

It means your car looks freshly detailed without any extra effort on your part. Thermal technology is a must for anyone racing in desert or tropical climates.

Technology Behind Modern Films

Modern films are a far cry from the bulky plastic covers used decades ago. Engineers have developed ultra-clear layers that are almost impossible to see. These films are computer-cut to fit the exact dimensions of your specific model.

  • Self-healing properties that fix swirl marks
  • Superior clarity that lets the paint color shine through
  • Stain resistance against oil and track grime
  • Strong adhesive that stays put at high speeds
  • Hydrophobic surfaces that shed water and dirt

These materials provide a level of chemical resistance that is helpful in the pits. Fuel spills or brake fluid can eat through regular paint in seconds. The film acts as a shield against these harsh substances during maintenance.

Maintaining Resale Value

The market for pre-owned race cars is very competitive. An industry report highlighted that vehicles with protective film keep a higher market value since they stay in better cosmetic shape.

Buyers want a machine that has been cared for both mechanically and visually. A car with pristine paint suggests the owner took great care of every detail. It stands out against other listings that show heavy track wear.

Keeping the original paint is a huge selling point for rare or limited models. Collectors value factory finishes over cars that have been repainted. Removing the film reveals a surface that looks like it just left the showroom.

Maintaining Resale Value

Choosing Quality Protection

Not all films are created equal when it comes to racing. Some cheaper options might offer basic protection but fail under high heat. It is worth spending a bit more for a product that is rated for track use.

These films are tested to stay attached even when moving at 300 kilometers per hour. They provide the peace of mind needed when pushing for a personal best.

Professional installation is just as important as the material itself. A bad install can lead to bubbles or lifting at the corners. Experts know how to wrap edges to make sure the bond is perfect. They use specialized tools to get a great fit with the bodywork.

Protecting a race car is about preserving the joy of driving. You should be able to enjoy the power of your machine without fear of damage. Modern films offer a way to keep your car looking new for a decade.

Three Main Reasons GZone Dominates the Online Casino Scene

GZone has emerged as a structured digital casino environment designed for Filipino players who value both entertainment and operational clarity. In today’s online gaming landscape, accessibility must be matched by accountability.

The platform is continually updated to reflect player feedback, ensuring both new and seasoned users experience smooth gameplay.

It also offers curated variations of popular games to suit different skill levels and play styles, reinforcing its inclusive design.

Players want more than a long list of games; they expect regulated systems, transparent financial processes, and built-in safeguards that support responsible engagement.

The platform operates within a licensed Philippine framework, aligning its content and financial systems with compliance standards.

Every title released into the ecosystem undergoes screening to ensure fairness, technical reliability, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

This structured approval process reduces uncertainty and promotes consistency across categories.

Equally important is the way transactions are handled. Deposits and withdrawals pass through verified digital channels, creating a traceable path for every peso moved within the system.

Identity verification safeguards protect account ownership, reinforcing trust in real-money play.

Responsible gaming tools complement these systems. Time boundaries, spending controls, and voluntary account restrictions empower players to manage participation proactively.

These controls are not external add-ons but integrated components of the platform’s structure.

By examining its content library, financial safeguards, and player protection measures, it becomes clear how the platform positions itself within the regulated Philippine online casino sector.

A Structured GZone Library

The strength of the platform lies in the depth and organization of its catalog. With over a thousand titles available, players can explore Filipino card games, international table formats, and slot releases within one regulated ecosystem.

Local card favorites such as Tongits and Pusoy anchor the library. Their digital versions preserve familiar mechanics while automating scoring and rule enforcement.

This system-based validation minimizes disputes and maintains competitive integrity during play.

For players interested in global casino formats, options like poker and Texas Hold’em provide structured competition under the same compliance framework.

Rather than isolating local and international titles, the platform integrates them under unified oversight standards.

Slot enthusiasts encounter a wide selection of themed machines, including in-house releases such as Super Ace. All slot titles operate using certified randomization systems to ensure fairness in outcomes.

Collaborative projects under the GZone x PacMan label draw inspiration from Manny Pacquiao. These themed games combine recognizable branding with regulated gameplay mechanics.

The catalog’s scale does not compromise organization. Provider identities are visible, and each title aligns with platform review protocols.

Instead of functioning as an unfiltered marketplace, the system emphasizes curated growth supported by technical and regulatory oversight.

Secured Digital Payment Systems

Financial security is central to regulated online gaming. The platform structures its payment framework around trusted Philippine e-wallet services, including GCash, Maya, GrabPay, and QR PH.

Using these familiar channels simplifies transactions while maintaining digital authentication safeguards. Players do not need to provide extensive banking credentials for routine deposits or withdrawals, reducing exposure to sensitive data.

All transactions must occur within the official system interface. The absence of off-platform transfer instructions strengthens fraud prevention measures. Each deposit and withdrawal generates a verifiable record, creating accountability at every step.

Withdrawal requests undergo identity verification procedures aligned with regulatory standards. These measures protect against unauthorized access and ensure funds are released to verified account holders only.

Deposit thresholds are structured to accommodate various budgets while encouraging responsible participation. By combining secure e-wallet technology with monitored compliance checks, the payment system supports both convenience and oversight.

In a digital environment where financial trust is critical, structured transaction flows and verification protocols help maintain a stable and traceable ecosystem.

Built-In Controls for Sustainable Gaming

Sustainable entertainment requires more than regulatory approval; it requires practical tools that support player awareness. The platform integrates responsible gaming features directly within account settings to make them accessible and functional.

Session time limits allow users to define how long they wish to play. Automated reminders provide visibility into elapsed time, helping players reassess engagement without abrupt interruptions.

Deposit limits add a financial management layer. By setting daily, weekly, or monthly caps, players align spending with personal budgets. Once activated, these controls operate automatically, reinforcing discipline.

Self-exclusion options provide structured breaks for those who choose to pause activity. Temporary or permanent restrictions can be applied voluntarily, reflecting a proactive rather than reactive approach to gaming management.

Reality checks further enhance transparency by summarizing session activity and duration. These notifications provide insight into patterns that may otherwise go unnoticed during extended play.

Together, these tools demonstrate that responsible gaming is integrated into operational design. Entertainment remains accessible, but structured safeguards ensure that play stays within defined personal boundaries.

Enjoy the GZone Experience

Online casinos compete on visibility and variety, but long-term credibility depends on structured systems. GZone integrates diverse content, secure financial processes, and embedded responsible play controls within a licensed Philippine framework.

Its catalog accommodates both Filipino card traditions and international casino formats, supported by compliance review standards that promote fairness and consistency.

The inclusion of collaborative and proprietary titles expands choice without compromising oversight.

Financial transactions are routed exclusively through verified e-wallet channels, ensuring traceable deposits and withdrawals. Identity verification safeguards protect account ownership and align with regulatory requirements.

Responsible gaming features complete the ecosystem by offering time management tools, deposit controls, self-exclusion options, and session visibility. These mechanisms promote balanced participation in an accessible digital environment.

By aligning variety with regulation and convenience with accountability, the platform establishes a structured online casino model tailored to Philippine standards.

FAQs

Q: What is GameZone?
A: The GameZone platform is a licensed Philippine online casino offering card games, slots, and table formats.

Q: Under what company does GameZone operate?
A: It operates under DigiPlus Interactive Corp., which also manages BingoPlus.

Q: Is GameZone legitimate?
A: Yes. It is registered with PAGCOR and operates under regulated compliance standards.

Q: How do I begin playing?
A: Register using one valid government-issued ID and an active mobile number.Q: Which payment methods are supported?
A: GCash, Maya, GrabPay, and QR PH are supported for deposits and withdrawals.

Car Insurance Policy Guide: The Key Points to Check Before You Rely on It

Car insurance plays an important role in protecting your vehicle and your finances. With different types of policies, coverage options, and terms available, it can sometimes feel confusing to understand what you are actually getting. From coverage limits to deductibles and add-ons, each detail shapes how the policy works. 

This guide explains the key points to consider before choosing a car insurance policy.

Check the Coverage Details Carefully

Confirm the cover type and sections shown in the schedule. Third-party cover handles legal liability, while own-damage cover protects the insured vehicle. Check that key vehicle details are correct and that the declared usage matches real use. 

Confirm the policy period dates and territorial limits shown in the schedule. If accessories are listed, ensure they are recorded clearly.

Review the Insured Declared Value (IDV)

IDV sets the maximum payable value if the vehicle is stolen or damaged beyond reasonable repair. It is usually based on market value and depreciation, so that it can vary across quotes and at renewal. 

A low IDV can reduce settlement in a major loss, while a high IDV can raise premiums without improving the outcome. Ensure the IDV on the schedule matches what was agreed.

Understand the Deductibles

A deductible is the part of each claim paid by the insured before the insurer pays the balance. Policies usually include a compulsory deductible, and a voluntary deductible may be added to reduce the premium. 

Check the deductible amount and whether an extra excess applies for certain parts or situations. This clarifies the minimum out-of-pocket amount during repairs.

Evaluate the Add-On Covers

Add-ons can improve protection, but only when the conditions fit the vehicle and usage. Read limits and eligibility rules before selecting any add-on.

  • A zero-depreciation add-on can reduce part depreciation deductions but may restrict the claim count or the types of parts.
  • An engine and gearbox add-on can help with specific issues, but it often requires timely reporting and proper maintenance.
  • A return-to-invoice add-on can improve the total loss payout in eligible cases, but it usually has age and document requirements.
  • A roadside assistance add-on can support during breakdowns, but it may include distance caps and service exclusions.

Check the Policy Exclusions

Exclusions explain when payment may be refused or reduced. Read them closely because they often decide the claim outcome.

  • Driving without a valid license or violating license conditions is commonly excluded.
  • Any incident occurring while driving in breach of legal fitness requirements is not covered.
  • Wear and tear and routine maintenance costs are not covered under standard terms.
  • Breakdown without an insured event is often excluded as mechanical or electrical failure.
  • Depreciation and consumables are typically excluded unless an add-on changes this rule.
  • Use outside the declared purpose may result in rejection, including unauthorized commercial use.

Review the Claim Process

Check how quickly a claim must be reported and which channels are accepted. Confirm whether a surveyor inspection is required before repairs and whether approvals are needed for cashless repairs. For reimbursement, review the required bills and repair documents. 

Note the required identity and vehicle papers listed in the wording, and keep copies accessible. Check the time limits for inspection, repairs, and document submission. Also, confirm how deductions are explained on the final settlement note.

Compare Premium With Overall Benefits

Compare the premium with the protection offered, not only with the price. Review IDV, deductibles, add-ons, and exclusions together because each one affects settlement. Check any sub-limits that cap payment for specific sections, where applicable. 

A slightly higher premium can be sensible when limits are clearer, and deductions are lower. Also, compare the claim support terms in the wording and confirm they are clearly defined. Choose a comprehensive insurance policy that stays dependable when a claim occurs.

Check Renewal and No Claim Bonus Terms

Read renewal rules to avoid a break in cover. Check the renewal window and whether an inspection is required after a lapse. Understand no claim bonus terms, since the bonus usually applies to the own-damage portion and may be reduced after a claim. 

Check whether the bonus is calculated on the basis of the own-damage premium and how it changes after a claim. Confirm how long it remains valid after expiry and what proof is needed for transfer. Update any changes in vehicle use or modifications at renewal.

Conclusion

A policy is dependable when its key clauses are understood before any loss. Confirm the cover type, vehicle details, and limits so the document reflects the actual risk. Review IDV and deductibles to know the maximum payout and the minimum out-of-pocket share. Check add-ons and exclusions, as they can broaden or narrow support. 

Check the claim steps and renewal rules so protection remains continuous and settlement expectations stay realistic for the year ahead.

RCR Race Preview: EchoPark Speedway

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at EchoPark Speedway… In 169 NASCAR Cup Series starts at EchoPark Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has earned nine wins and four pole awards, including Kevin Harvick’s emotional victory in 2001. Dale Earnhardt won eight times at the Hampton, Georgia track under the RCR banner (1984-fall, 1986-fall, 1988-spring, 1989-fall, 1990-spring, 1995-fall, 1996-spring, 2000-spring). The Welcome, N.C., team has 31 top-five and 64 top-10 finishes at EchoPark Speedway and has led a total of 3,045 laps at the 1.54-mile oval.

RCR in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at EchoPark Speedway… RCR has recorded eight NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins at EchoPark Speedway, led by Austin Hill’s five victories (2022-fall, 2023-spring, swept both races in 2024, 2025-spring). Jeff Burton (2006 and 2007) and Kevin Harvick (2013) also secured victories at EchoPark Speedway with RCR. As an organization, RCR has racked up 19 top-five and 36 top-10 finishes across 68 starts at the Peachtree State track.

Did You Know? RCR’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program has won nine of the last 13 (Hill – seven, Jesse Love – two) and 13 of the last 24 drafting track events (all since Hill joined the team in 2022). Additionally, with Hill’s victory last week at Daytona International Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has now won five consecutive season-opening events, tying the previous record set by Dale Earnhardt Inc. (1990-1994).

2.75… With RCR Chevrolets capturing the pole positions for both the Daytona 500 (Busch) and United Rentals 300 (Hill) and all four entries starting no worse than seventh (Love, 2nd; Dillon, 7th), the company’s average starting position at Daytona International Speedway was an impressive and stout 2.75.

Catch the Action on Saturday… The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at EchoPark Speedway will be televised live Saturday, February 21, beginning at 5 p.m. ET on The CW. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Watch Us on FOX… The NASCAR Cup Series race at EchoPark Speedway will be televised live on Sunday, February 22, beginning at 3 p.m. ET on FOX. The race will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Morgan & Morgan Chevrolet at EchoPark Speedway… In 18 NASCAR Cup Series starts at EchoPark Speedway, Austin Dillon earned a best finish of sixth in March 2021. Across four NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and four NASCAR Truck Series starts at the Hampton, Georgia track, Dillon has posted seven top-10 results and never finished worse than the 11th position.

About Morgan & Morgan… As America’s largest injury law firm, with lawyers licensed in all 50 states, Morgan & Morgan has recovered more than $30 billion for over 700,000 clients. Throughout the United States, our attorneys fulfill our “For The People” commitment in over 50 practice areas, including national mass torts and class actions, labor and employment, product liability and dangerous drugs, among many others. Hundreds of law firms throughout the U.S. refer thousands of cases through our Morgan Connection platform. Our firm has taken on some of the biggest corporations across the globe, including BP, Facebook, Google, Monsanto, and Eli Lilly, and recovered billions in complex national litigation, including $1.8 billion in the Porter Ranch Gas Leak case in California. Learn more at www.forthepeople.com.

Meet Dillon… Fans will have two opportunities to meet Dillon this weekend. On Saturday, February 21 at 9:45 a.m. Local Time, Dillon will participate in a question and answer session at the Fan Zone Stage at EchoPark Speedway. On Sunday, February 22 at 11:45 a.m. Local Time, the 35-year-old will participate once more in a question and answer session at the Fan Zone Stage.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

EchoPark Speedway changed a lot with the repave and the reconfiguration, but how has it changed since? Where are we with the evolution?

“I think EchoPark Speedway is gaining character from the winters, and just the passing of time. That place is so banked, and you’re starting to find little bumps and stuff that were in it from the beginning that are getting bigger. It’s a cool style of racing. It’s a lot different than what we all envisioned a repave of EchoPark Speedway would be, I think. It’s speedway racing but with an important handling component. Handling is going to become more and more important as the track wears. I had a lot of fun in previous races there, even though we’ve been caught up in some messes.”

It’s very easy to get caught up in somebody else’s problems at EchoPark Speedway…

“It seems like it is, because two years ago that was probably the best car I’ve had going there. We were just riding along and the wreck happens and you’re in it. I mean, if you’re within a car length, it’s very tough to get away from the wreck at EchoPark Speedway.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet at EchoPark Speedway… Sunday’s 260-lap race at EchoPark Speedway will mark Kyle Busch’s 33rd career NASCAR Cup Series start at the Hampton, Georgia track. Busch has two NASCAR Cup Series wins at the 1.54-mile track, reaching Victory Lane in March 2008 and September 2013. The 41-year-old Las Vegas native has 10 top-five and 16 top-10 finishes at the track, holds an average starting position of 11.9 and an average finish of 13.1. In addition to his Cup Series success at EchoPark Speedway, the veteran racer also has eight NASCAR Truck Series and three NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins at the Peachtree State track.

Did You Know? Busch is the youngest winner in Cup Series history at EchoPark Speedway, claiming the checkered flag in the 2008 spring event at 22 years, 10 months, and 7 days of age.

About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen… Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is the homestyle casual dining restaurant where guests always Get a lot. For not a lot™. The restaurant offers a variety of homemade meals and generous portions served up in a warm, welcoming atmosphere – all at an unbelievable price. After being welcomed with a signature Honey Butter Croissant on the house, guests can enjoy signature entrées like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, homemade Chicken Pot Pie and slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs. Cheddar’s operates more than 180 restaurants in 28 states. For more information or to locate the nearest restaurant, visit Cheddars.com. Fans can like or follow Cheddar’s on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Double Duty… In addition to his driving duties in Sunday’s Cup Series race, Busch will pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for Spire Motorsports in Saturday’s Truck Series race.

Off the Track… Before Busch fires up the engine this weekend, he’s making a special pit stop in Georgia. A local 5th grade teacher, Ms. Smallwood, has gone viral for using NASCAR to spark excitement in her classroom. Busch, along with Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, are surprising her students with Cheddar’s croissants, fun surprises, and a hands-on lesson led by the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion himself.

Meet Busch… Race fans will have two opportunities to get up-close with Busch this weekend at EchoPark Speedway. On Saturday, February 21 at 9:30 a.m. Local Time, Busch will be on the Fan Zone Stage for a question and answer session, while on Sunday, February 22 at 11:30 a.m. Local Time, he will participate in the Speedway Children’s Charities LIVE Auction, also on the Fan Zone Stage.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

Talk about racing at EchoPark Speedway and what it’s like.

“EchoPark Speedway is an entirely different track than what it used to be. No more old age asphalt and running and strategy to have the best tires at the end. It’s a speedway race. It’s all everybody on top of one another and there’s a lot of chess matches going on. So trying to figure out the best lane to be in, where you want to be on that last lap, do you want to be leading, do you want to be second, it just kind of depends on the situations and the runs and the energy that is happening behind you from the other cars to push you forward.”

Talk about the chaotic nature of racing in Atlanta…

“Atlanta has gotten pretty chaotic, anything can happen. Any moment, we’re pushing each other, bumping each other, and more times than not we’re crashing down the straightaways. It’s a tricky little racetrack because it’s a mile-and-a-half. So the superspeedway aspect of it, at a mile-and-a-half, the speed sensation is so much higher. So, it’s really a fun place to race, but yet a big challenge on the drivers.”

How do you balance the aggression of racing here, and surviving?

“Yeah, you want to be aggressive at Atlanta because you want to get up towards the front. You want to make those moves to get yourself in position and everybody else is also trying to do that, so you got 30-40 drivers vying for that number one position it gets a little bit hectic, but you know you gotta wait. It’s a long race, you can’t be wrecking and piling up 30 something cars in turn three in the first stage it just makes zero sense, so trying to find a way to make it through the wrecks and not get caught up in one.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Samsara Chevrolet at EchoPark Speedway… Jesse Love, the reigning O’Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, will make his fifth start at the Hampton, Georgia track. Across his previous four starts at the 1.54-mile oval, the 21-year-old qualified on the pole for his first three starts (swept both poles in 2024, 2025-spring), earning a best finish of sixth twice. Love has completed 100% of the laps contested at EchoPark Speedway.

Strong Start to 2026… Starting on the outside of the front row alongside his teammate Austin Hill, Love was in contention throughout the race, led 27 laps and finished ninth in the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Daytona International Speedway.

About Samsara… Samsara (NYSE: IOT) is the pioneer of the Connected Operations® Platform, an open platform that connects the people, devices, and systems behind some of the world’s most complex operations. By bringing real-time data and AI together in one place, Samsara helps organizations turn day-to-day activity into clear, actionable insights to run safer, more efficient operations. With tens of thousands of customers across North America and Europe, Samsara serves the teams who keep the global economy moving—from transportation and logistics to construction, field services, manufacturing, utilities and energy, government, healthcare and education, food and beverage, and more—making these essential operations safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

Recently, Samsara unveiled the Samsara Coach—a new AI-powered coaching experience delivering personalized, real-time guidance to drivers—that features Jesse Love as a Samsara Coach avatar. The new feature was recently announced in a Super Bowl commercial featuring the NASCAR champ.

Meet Love… On Saturday, February 21 at 2:30 p.m. Local Time, Love is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Zone at EchoPark Speedway. Stop by to meet Love and purchase new No. 2 gear.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

What are your thoughts going into EchoPark Speedway after a strong showing last weekend at Daytona International Speedway?

“I’m excited for Atlanta, and I am pretty motivated after last week. I felt like I had a great car, and obviously Austin Hill came out on top, and that motivates me even more. We’re going to try and stop his domination at Atlanta, which would be really cool for me. It’s not that I don’t want the 21 to win, but I have put a lot of effort into Atlanta and I feel like on the speedways I’m comparing myself a lot to what Austin has been able to accomplish and that’s been a great motivator for me to get better at these style tracks. Atlanta is a track that I’ve been really close at in the past, I’ve led coming to the white flag twice, ran out of fuel, you know, leading an overtime finish there, and things just haven’t panned out for me. So hopefully I can control my own destiny a little bit better this time around and finally take home a win in Atlanta. That would be huge for me to finally get it done there.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet at EchoPark Speedway… Austin Hill has eight starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at EchoPark Speedway, earning five victories, including winning three consecutive O’Reilly Auto Parts Series events (swept both races in 2024 and 2025-spring) and five of the last seven at the Hampton, Georgia track. Hill has led laps in seven of eight starts, leading a total of 364 laps. In addition, the 31-year-old has six NASCAR Truck Series starts at the Peachtree State track, posting one pole (2019), two top-five (2020, 2021) and three top-10 results (2019-2021).

Record Chasing x2… This weekend, Hill will look to surpass Kevin Harvick for the most all-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series wins at EchoPark Speedway. Harvick’s five victories came before the track reconfiguration, while Hill’s five checkered flags have all been on the new surface. Also, if the No. 21 Chevrolet crosses the finish line first, Hill will become the first driver in history to win the first two races of a season multiple times (he won both races in 2024).

Drafting Track Dominance… Hill is the all-time O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drafting track leader in wins (11), stage wins (18) and laps led (888). The veteran racer is the only O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver to win on all three drafting tracks.

Bennett 250 Loading… Located a short 15 minutes from EchoPark Speedway, Bennett Transportation & Logistics’ headquarters are based in McDonough, Georgia. Serving as the entitlement partner of Saturday’s race, Bennett Family of Companies will have over 500 guests on site to watch Hill compete in the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250.

Georgia Boy Returns Home… Hill is a native of Winston, Georgia, located 60 miles from EchoPark Speedway. Hill started his motorsports career racing bandolero and legends cars on the frontstretch quarter-mile oval at the Hampton, Georgia track.

Daytona Winner… After capturing the pole in last week’s season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Daytona International Speedway, Hill dominated the event, sweeping both stages and leading a race-high 78 laps en route to capturing his fourth career season-opening win at the World Center of Racing.

About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, February 21, fans have two opportunities to meet Hill prior to the green flag. At 1:55 p.m. Local Time, Hill is scheduled to make an appearance at the Bennett Family of Companies Display in the Fan Zone at EchoPark Speedway. Immediately following at 2:15 p.m. Local Time, the Georgia native is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler located in the Fan Zone. Stop by to meet Hill and purchase a new limited edition No. 21 win t-shirt.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

Do you approach EchoPark Speedway differently than Daytona International Speedway?

“For me personally, I have a different mindset going to Atlanta versus when I go to Daytona or Talladega. The way that runs are formed there with it being a mile and a half, things happen so quickly. I’m more mentally drained after that race than I am any other speedway race we go to. There is so much going on. My spotter, Derek Kneeland, will be talking non-stop simply because of how fast everything happens. Track position on the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series side is crucial. It’s very hard to gain track position back once you lose it. We have been able to make it up in the past, but as the track has deteriorated over the years, it’s getting harder and harder in our series to drive through the field and back up to the front.”

What do you need from your car to have success at EchoPark Speedway?

“We need to have a balance of raw speed and downforce built into the car. It’s always a 50-50 on what we want to do. How much do we want to look at the raw speed and sitting on the pole, and how much do we want to look at the drivability of the car. I thought we did a really good job of that in the February race last year, with having a good mixture of the two. For our series and our teams, it’s tough to understand what we need to have when unloading. Sure, you can go trim your car out and sit on the pole, but what is it going to do once you’re in the pack? There are a lot of different ways to look at Atlanta, which I enjoy. We might see a breakaway of five or six cars, or we all might be bunched up. It really depends on what everyone brings to the racetrack and how the race plays out. Temperature always seems to play a role in the equation too.”

A Georgia driver with a Georgia based sponsor in a Georgia race. How cool is it to represent Bennett Transportation & Logistics in their entitlement race?

“Over the last couple of years when we go to Atlanta, Bennett has either been the pole sponsor or the race entitlement sponsor. Each time they tell me that I have to go win each stage, lead laps, and win the race. I tell them all the time that I’m so glad you have that much confidence in me and I wish I had that much confidence in myself. It is so hard to win these races. So many things can happen and go wrong. We have been fortunate enough to win there multiple times and to do it with Bennett is really special. I’ve already been told this week that I need to win the race, so pressure is on for me to deliver. Hopefully, it’s just like Daytona where we stay up front all day and do what we know how to do on these speedway style races.”

Front Row Motorsports: EchoPark Speedway NCS Race Advance (Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith)

Noah Gragson | Todd Gilliland | Zane Smith
EchoPark Speedway NASCAR Cup Series Race Advance
Autotrader 400

Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Event: Race 3 of 38
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: EchoPark Speedway (1.5-miles)
#of Laps: 260
Time/TV/Radio: 3:00 PM ET on FOX/PRN/SiriusXM channel 90

Noah Gragson Notes

Noah Gragson and the No. 4 team head to the EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia with strong momentum following their 11th place finish in last Sunday’s Daytona 500. Gragson currently sits 16th in the NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championship points standings. In six O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starts, Gragson has two poles, three top-five, and five top-10 finishes.

TitleMax joins Gragson and the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend in Atlanta. One of the nation’s largest title lending companies, TitleMax helps thousands of people get the funds they need for a title loan or personal loan through competitive rates and a superior level of customer service. For more information about TitleMax, visit www.TitleMax.com.

“I’m excited to get to Atlanta and have TitleMax back on our Ford Mustang Dark Horse,” said Gragson. “We didn’t quite have the race we wanted to with TitleMax on the car last season, so we’re hopeful to give them a better showing this year. Coming off a strong finish at Daytona last week, we feel like we have a lot of positive momentum that we’ll look to carry over to this weekend’s race and continue to build from at another superspeedway.”
Road Crew

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Grant Hutchens

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Car Chief: Joey Forgette

Hometown: Iron Mountain, Michigan

Engineer: Dillon Silverman

Hometown: Chico, California

Engineer: Scott Bingham

Hometown: Lawrenceville, Georgia

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Tony Infinger

Hometown: Fort Valley, Georgia

Tire Specialist: Chris Aunspaw

Hometown: Zelienople, Pennsylvania

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Spotter: Nick Del Campo

Hometown: Blauvelt, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Ron Miske

Hometown: Fairfield, Connecticut

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Tafton Hensley

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Justin Fox

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Hometown: Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania

Jackman: Graham Stoddard

Hometown: Lincoln, Nebraska

Fueler: Blake Baker

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Todd Gilliland Notes

Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team head to EchoPark Speedway aiming for a bounce-back performance after an early exit in the Daytona 500. The 1.5-mile drafting-style track is one of Gilliland’s better circuits, where he has earned four top-20 finishes in eight career starts and regularly qualifies near the front of the field.

Love’s Travel Stops returns with Gilliland and the No. 34 team for this weekend’s race. Fans are encouraged to download the Love’s Connect App to unlock exclusive benefits and savings. Users can save 10¢ per gallon on gas and up to 25¢ per gallon on auto diesel, along with access to great mobile-only deals. Fans can download the app from Google Play and the Apple App Store.

“We showed a lot of promise at Daytona before the wreck,” said Gilliland. “There’s a lot of optimism heading into this weekend because Atlanta has always been a strong track for us, both in qualifying and in the race. We’re consistently competitive at these types of tracks, and hopefully this Sunday we can put ourselves in position to be there at the end.”
Road Crew

Driver: Todd Gilliland

Hometown: Sherrills Ford, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Chris Lawson

Hometown: Medway, Ohio

Car Chief: Joe Marra

Hometown: Somers, New York

Engineer: Marc Rullo

Hometown: Ringwood, New Jersey

Engineer: Kevyn Rebolledo

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Spotter: Brit Andersen

Hometown: Branford, Connecticut

Mechanic: Michael Brookes

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Interior Specialist: Ethan Deguevara

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Tire Specialist: Billy John

Hometown: Pitman, New Jersey

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Kyle Moon

Hometown: Troy, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Randy Bernier

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Rick Grissom

Hometown: Bakersfield, California

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Danny Olszowy

Hometown: Lexington, Kentucky

Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Paul Steele

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas

Jackman: Ryan Selig

Hometown: Lindenhurst, Illinois

Fueler: Zeke Nance

Hometown: Calhoun, Georgia

Zane Smith Notes

Zane Smith and the No. 38 team are off to a hot start after finishing sixth in the Daytona 500 last Sunday. Smith’s best finish at the Georgia speedway came in June 2025 where he finished seventh after competing for the win in the final laps.

Smith and Aaron’s kick off the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season as part of a multi-race primary partnership, continuing the return of the iconic Aaron’s Lucky Dog scheme. The nostalgic Lucky Dog design carries a rich history in the Cup Series and has been piloted by multiple race winners and championship contenders, making it one of the most recognizable and celebrated paint schemes in the sport. Aaron’s 2025 season was highlighted by three top-12 finishes with Smith, including a seventh-place finish at EchoPark in June.

As part of its 2026 activation, Aaron’s is running the Fastlane 5000 Sweepstakes, now through March 31. Fans can enter for a chance to win a $5,000 home upgrade from Aaron’s, along with weekly prizes, by visiting Aarons.com/Fastlane5000. The sweepstakes connects the excitement of race weekend with Aaron’s nationwide footprint, driving engagement both in-store and online across nearly 1,200 Company-operated and franchised locations. To find an Aaron’s store location near you, visit Aarons.com.

“We’re carrying a lot of momentum into this weekend, and the confidence around the shop is high,” said Smith. “Front Row Motorsports has a strong history on drafting-style tracks, and we backed that up at Daytona. It’s exciting to have Lucky Dog back on our Ford Mustang Dark Horse, and our goal is to put him in Victory Lane.”
Road Crew

Driver: Zane Smith

Hometown: Huntington Beach, California

Crew Chief: Ryan Bergenty

Hometown: Plainville, Connecticut

Car Chief: Will Norris

Hometown: Bells, Tennessee

Engineer: Jacob Clamme

Hometown: Hartford City, Indiana

Engineer: Chris Yerges

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin

Mechanic / Engine Tuner: Steve Godfrey

Hometown: West Haven, Connecticut

Interior Specialist: Matt Fowler

Hometown: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Mechanic: Austin Bloom

Hometown: Lowell, Oregon

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Hometown: Bethlehem, Connecticut

Transport Co-Driver: Bryan Whitman

Hometown: Newton, North Carolina

Transport Co-Driver: Shawn Sellew

Hometown: Stafford Springs, Connecticut

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Michael Louria

Hometown: Gibraltar, Michigan

Rear Tire Changer: Adam Riley

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Tire Carrier: Jarren Davis

Hometown: Jacksonville, Florida

Jackman: Nate McBride

Hometown: Vidalia, Georgia

Fueler: Ray Hernandez

Hometown: Orlando, Florida

ABOUT TITLEMAX

TitleMax is one of the nation’s largest title lending companies. TitleMax helps thousands of people get the funds they need with a title loan or personal loan. Offering competitive rates, while providing a superior level of customer service. TitleMax is part of the Community Choice Financial Family of Brands.

ABOUT LOVE’S TRAVEL STOPS

Love’s has been fueling customers’ journeys since 1964. Innovation and perseverance continue to lead the way for the family-owned and -operated business headquartered in Oklahoma City with more than 40,000 team members in North America and Europe. The company’s core business is travel stops and convenience stores with 640 locations in 42 states. Love’s continues its commitment to offer products and services that provide value for professional drivers, fleets, four-wheel customers, RVers, alternative fuel and wholesale fuel customers. Giving back to communities Love’s serves and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workplace are hallmarks of the company’s award-winning culture.

ABOUT AARON’S

Headquartered in Atlanta, The Aaron’s Company, Inc. is a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and retail purchase solutions of appliances, electronics, furniture, and other home goods. Aaron’s offers a direct-to-consumer lease-to-own solution through its approximately 1,200 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, FRM has earned top honors including a 2021 Daytona 500 victory and the 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship. Based in Mooresville, N.C., FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the No. 34 and No. 38 teams in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. For more information, visit teamfrm.com and follow Front Row Motorsports on social media — X: @Team_FRM, Instagram: @teamfrm, Tik Tok: @Team_FRM, YouTube: @FrontRowNASCAR, and Facebook: facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Front Row Motorsports: EchoPark Speedway NCTS Race Advance (Layne Riggs / Chandler Smith)

Layne Riggs | Chandler Smith
EchoPark Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race Advance
FR8 Racing 208

Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Event: Race 2 of 25
Series: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Location: EchoPark Speedway (1.5-miles)
#of Laps: 135

Time/TV/Radio: 1:30 PM ET on FS1/SiriusXM channel 90

Layne Riggs Notes

Layne Riggs heads to EchoPark Speedway following a strong showing in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season opener at the Daytona International Speedway, where he finished 15th in Stage One and an impressive second in Stage Two to earn valuable stage points. Despite being collected in a late-race incident that resulted in a 31st-place finish, Riggs proved he could contend among the leaders. He has made three previous starts at EchoPark, earning a career-best finish of 20th in 2025 after starting 16th. Riggs will look to build on that momentum this weekend as he pilots the No. 34 Bare Knuckle Boxing Ford F-150 on Saturday, February 21.

Bare Knuckle Boxing (BKB) will kick off their 2026 season with Layne Riggs this Saturday at EchoPark Speedway. The partnership marks Bare Knuckle Boxing’s continued support of Riggs as he builds momentum early in the Truck Series season, aligning one of combat sports’ fastest-growing brands with one of the sport’s rising young drivers. Originating in South Florida with combat sports legend Dada 5000 and Mike Vazquez (who in 1999 formed HRT Motorsports, NASCAR’s first Hispanic racing team), BKB is the oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company in the world and its largest in terms of roster, library and distribution. BKB is broadcasted in millions of homes across the globe. Fans can learn more about BKB by visiting https://www.bkbbareknuckle.com/.

“I’m excited to get to Atlanta this weekend,” said Riggs. “We showed strong speed at Daytona and gained valuable stage points, which gives our team a lot of confidence. Atlanta is a great drafting track, and I’m ready to put our No. 34 Bare Knuckle Boxing Ford F-150 up front and compete for a strong finish.”
Road Crew

Driver: Layne Riggs

Crew Chief: Dylan Cappello

Truck Chief: Brandon Selph

Engineer: Jonathan Coates

Mechanic: Clark Houston

Mechanic: Robert Benzenhafer

Interior Specialist: Brian Sliney

Spotter: Josh Williams

Transport Driver: James O’Neal

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Blake Hickman

Rear Tire Changer: Steven Chereek

Tire Carrier: Alvin Wilson

Jackman: Kendall Futrell

Fueler: Patrick Gaddy

Chandler Smith’s Notes

Chandler Smith heads to EchoPark Speedway with momentum following his victory in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series season opener at the Daytona International Speedway. Smith has found success at the drafting-style track, highlighted by a fourth-place finish from the pole in 2022 and a fifth-place finish in his most recent start in 2025. He will look to continue that momentum this weekend behind the wheel of the No. 38 QuickTie Ford F-150.

QuickTie™ will kick off their 2026 season with Chandler Smith this Saturday at EchoPark Speedway. The patented structural tie-down system continues its partnership with Front Row Motorsports, supporting Smith and the No. 38 Ford F-150 as he builds on early-season momentum.

“I’m excited to get to Atlanta this weekend, especially coming off a win at Daytona,” said Smith. “That victory gave our team a lot of confidence and showed what this No. 38 QuickTie Ford F-150 is capable of. Atlanta is another great drafting track, and I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going and putting ourselves in position to contend again.”

Road Crew

Driver: Chandler Smith

Crew Chief: Jon Leonard

Truck Chief: Ron Schutte

Engineer: Roland Kummel

Mechanic: Rowan Mason

Mechanic: Mahlon Borkholder

Interior Specialist: Kyle Clark

Spotter: Ryan Blanchard

Transport Driver: Mark Hadley

Pit Crew

Front Tire Changer: Josh Francos

Rear Tire Changer: Curtis Thompson

Tire Carrier: Drew Baum

Jackman: Shane Perry

Fueler: Anthony Bryarly

ABOUT BARE KNUCKLE BOXING

Originating in South Florida as BYB Extreme with Mike Vazquez and backyard legend Dada 5000, whose backyard fights gained worldwide popularity online, BKB was founded to harness the excitement of bare knuckle fighting into a more structured product for a wider, more mainstream audience. Since 2015, BBB has worked diligently to grow the reach of bare knuckle on both a domestic and international level, and is continuing to work with athletic commissions throughout the United States and globally to expand the fanbase growing sport of bare knuckle fighting. In the past two years, BKB has purchased the UK-based BKB, the world’s oldest professional bare knuckle boxing company, and in doing so merged the organizations to create the largest global bare knuckle boxing organization in the world in terms of roster, library and distribution; ushered in ethical and legalized gambling to the sport; acquired the rights to the historic and prestigious Police Gazette Diamond Belt which now serves as the Bare Knuckle Boxing World Championship; and brought bare knuckle boxing to lineal television on both sides of the Atlantic, including the recent deal with VICE TV and Telemundo Desportes in the US, and in the UK with TalkSport. Fans can learn more about BKB by visiting https://www.bkbbareknuckle.com/.

ABOUT QUICKTIE

Quick Tie Products, Inc., (“QuickTie”) manufactures and distributes the QuickTie™ System (a proprietary, patented hold-down system for high wind and seismic construction) and a full line of framing hardware including u-hangers, hurricane clips, straps, structural wood screws, truss connectors and foundation connectors.

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. Founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, FRM has earned top honors including a 2021 Daytona 500 victory and the 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series championship. Based in Mooresville, N.C., FRM fields the No. 4, No. 34, and No. 38 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series, along with the No. 34 and No. 38 teams in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. For more information, visit teamfrm.com and follow Front Row Motorsports on social media — X: @Team_FRM, Instagram: @teamfrm, Tik Tok: @Team_FRM, YouTube: @FrontRowNASCAR, and Facebook: facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Wood Brothers Racing Race Week Briefing: EchoPark Speedway

Event: Autotrader 400
Date/Time: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 3 p.m. ET
Location: EchoPark Speedway, Hampton, Georgia
Layout: 1.5-Mile Oval
TV/Radio: FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

With a top-10 finish in the season-opening Daytona 500 in the books, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team head into the second race of the 2026 season carrying early momentum that has been hard to come by in recent years.

Despite the team’s rich history at Daytona – including five Daytona 500 victories – the Wood Brothers had not recorded a top-10 finish in the 500 since 2018, when Paul Menard crossed the line sixth. Berry’s ninth-place result not only ended that drought but also positioned him 12th in the Cup Series standings heading into Race 2. That early points cushion carries added significance under the current championship format, which no longer includes a win-and-you’re-in provision for the season-ending, 10-race, championship-deciding Chase.

Berry said the focus now shifts to building on the speed shown in Speedweeks as the Cup Series moves to EchoPark Speedway for Sunday’s Autotrader 400. The 1.54-mile track, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, has taken on a superspeedway-style identity in recent seasons, putting a premium on drafting, execution and track position.

“I’m proud of the speed we showed at Daytona,” Berry said. “The 21 team brought a fast Ford Mustang, and we were able to put ourselves in position throughout the week.

“That’s something we want to carry into Atlanta. We qualified well there in both races last year and had cars capable of running up front, but the finishes didn’t reflect the speed we had.

“Atlanta races similar to Daytona now, so hopefully we can build on what we learned last week and put together a complete race.”

Berry’s qualifying efforts at Atlanta last season underscored that potential. He started third in the spring race and second in the summer event, but incidents in both races prevented the team from converting that speed into the finish it deserved.

There is no practice scheduled at EchoPark Speedway prior to qualifying, which is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. ET. Sunday’s 400-mile, 260-lap race is slated to begin just after 3 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX. Stage breaks are planned for Lap 60 and Lap 160.

Saturday, February 21

Josh Berry will participate in a 15-minute Q&A session at the Ford Stage at 1:00 p.m. in the fan zone at EchoPark Speedway.

Josh Berry

Age: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Miles Stanley

IG: @joshberry88

X: @joshberry

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

OPEN WHEEL SHOWDOWN ADDS $10,000 TO WIN NON-WING SPRINT CAR DIVISION FOR 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 19, 2026) – The fourth annual Open Wheel Showdown is excited to announce the addition of Non-Wing Sprint Cars for its 2026 running at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, November 5–7.

The new division will headline Friday Night’s Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying Night, serving as the featured event of the evening. The Non-Wing Sprint Cars will compete in a 75-lap main event paying $10,000 to win and $1,000 to start, adding another marquee moment to one of asphalt racing’s richest weekends. An incentive will also be offered for teams who run both the winged and non-wing divisions with details to be announced later.

Non-Wing’s addition to the Open Wheel Showdown continues the meaningful reintroduction of pavement sprint car racing to the Las Vegas area. The Southwest region was once rich in open-wheel tradition with events like the Turkey Night Grand Prix and the Cooper World Classic drawing national attention. Bringing Non-Wing Sprint Cars back to this stage reconnects the area with that storied history while introducing a new generation of fans to the excitement of pavement sprint car competition.

The addition marks a significant expansion of the Showdown’s class structure, joining Winged Sprint Cars, Modifieds, Super Modifieds, Legends, and Bandoleros to further solidify the event as the definitive asphalt open wheel racing festival.

“Adding Non-Wing Sprint Cars to the Open Wheel Showdown builds upon my vision to make this the premier pavement open wheel event in the world,” Promoter Davey Hamilton, Jr. said. “Not only will this be a great addition for the competitors and the fans, I am looking forward to jumping in to chase the $10,000 prize. Friday night under the lights in Las Vegas will be even more electric in 2026 with the Non-Wing Sprint Cars headlining the program and I can’t wait to see the racing!”

The new division will receive strong support from the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour, a national series dedicated to non-wing pavement sprint car competition and preserving the heritage of the discipline.

“This is an important step for the growth of non-wing pavement sprint car racing,” said Jared Owen, Series Director of the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour. “Events like the Open Wheel Showdown create major opportunities for our teams to compete on a big stage. It’s another building block in the continued growth of this division and directly supports the momentum we’re seeing around the Unified Group Services Little 500. The more high-profile races we create for non-wing sprint cars, the stronger the foundation becomes for the future of the Little 500 and pavement sprint car racing as a whole.”

The Open Wheel Showdown continues to attract top open wheel talent from coast to coast, offering one of the most compelling purses and competitive fields in pavement racing today.

Event registration opens on March 1. More info can be found at www.OpenWheelShowdown.com

Cadillac, Corvette Have Strength in Numbers at Le Mans

  • Cadillac Racing FIA WEC Hypercar contenders to be joined by Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing
  • Four Corvettes – three from TF Sport, one from 13 Autosport – to make up 25-car LMGT3 grid

DETROIT (February 19, 2026) – Three Cadillac V-Series.R race cars along with four Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs will take part in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans with today’s release of the official entry list by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

Cadillac Racing will challenge for overall victory with a trio of factory Cadillac V-Series.R race cars supported by experienced and championship-winning teams and drivers in the Hypercar class. For LMGT3, four Corvettes are part of a strong class that will feature 25 cars.

“General Motors has the broadest and most diverse motorsports presence of any automaker in the world,” General Motors President Mark Reuss said. “Fielding seven cars at Le Mans reflects not only our competitive ambition, but our relentless drive to advance endurance, innovation and performance on a global stage.”

Cadillac Racing at Le Mans: 
Seeking victory with Three Entries

Event organizer Automobile Club de l’Ouest extended three invitations to Cadillac Racing. In addition to the No. 12 and 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R entries from the World Endurance Championship (WEC), also on the grid will be the No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R, a full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entrant in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class.

The Nos. 12 and 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R received automatic invitations based on full-season participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). JOTA Sport is in its second season of WEC Hypercar competition with Cadillac as a works team. Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Sébastien Bourdais, Alex Lynn, Norman Nato and Will Stevens will be the drivers.

The No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R will compete at Le Mans for the second time. Ricky Taylor, Jordan Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque will be the drivers.

In the 2025 WEC Hypercar competition, Cadillac finished fourth in the manufacturers’ championship and in July in Brazil the No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R won the event, while the No. 38 car was second. At Le Mans, Cadillac swept the front row with the No. 12 car taking the pole and the No. 38 qualifying second.

The Cadillac V-Series.R features a purpose-built Cadillac 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing Propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan. The racecar, co-developed by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis constructor Dallara, was informed by the Project GTP Hypercar that was unveiled in June 2022. It incorporates distinctive Cadillac design elements, such as vertical lighting and floating blades.

Corvette Racing at Le Mans: Four of a Kind

For the first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, four entries from the Corvette Racing program will be on the grid for the June endurance classic.

TF Sport, Corvette Racing’s full-season representative in the FIA WEC, will be present for the third year in a row with its Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs – the No. 33 of Nicky Catsburg, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating plus the No. 34 of Charlie Eastwood Salih Yoluc and Peter Dempsey – that also will contest the full-season championship.

The team will also take up its automatic invitation from winning last year’s European Le Mans Series with another Corvette, which will sport the No. 66 for Le Mans. Running under the TF Sport banner, the effort also includes personnel from Johor Motorsports Racing with Prince Jefri Ibrahim, Afiq Ikhwan and Ben Green teaming together.

From North America, 13 Autosport will take to the Le Mans grid with its No. 13 Corvette. Under the AWA banner in 2025, 13 Autosport owner/driver Orey Fidani won his second straight Bob Akin Award in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship to earn 13 Autosport a return trip to Le Mans this year. Fidani will team with IMSA teammates Matt Bell and Lars Kern.

This isn’t the first time that four Corvettes have taken on Le Mans in the same year. The brand’s first appearance at the French classic came in 1960 with a quartet of Corvettes – one of which won the GT class in the hands of John Fitch and Bob Grossman. Four Corvettes also appeared at the 2016 race including two factory cars from Corvette Racing in the GTE Pro class.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R starts with the same production chassis frame as the road-going Z06. Similar carbon-fiber splitters for front downforce, and the surface area from the top of the windshield to the rear of the Z06 remained intact on the Z06 GT3.R. That includes side air ducts behind the doors — directly inspired by Z06 production road car — that help to cool the engine, transaxle and rear brakes.

The similarities carry over to the hand-built 5.5L, flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine in the Z06 GT3.R. Both originate from the Bowling Green factory with the racing version sharing 80 percent of the production content from the Z06

The 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for June 13-14 and will be the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future.

GM Motorsports, including the Cadillac Formula 1® Team develops and proves advanced technologies in the most demanding environments, accelerating innovation in performance, safety, efficiency, and electrification for its production vehicles. Cadillac Racing is one of the leading manufacturers in the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championships (WEC). Chevrolet competes in single seaters in the US IndyCar series, and in NASCAR with multiple team partners and drivers. Corvette customer teams compete in GT series across the globe including IMSA and WEC. Learn more at GM.com.