DARLINGTON, S.C.: The fourth installment of a part-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program for Rette Jones Racing and Noah Gragson will take the checkered flag in Saturday afternoon’s Sport Clips Haircuts Help a Hero 200 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway.
Rette Jones Racing graduated from the ARCA Menards Series and invaded the NASCAR Xfinity Series with arms wide open, guiding Gragson, a native of Las Vegas, Nev., to three straight top-10 finishes at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway and Michigan International Speedway respectively.
The team finished sixth in its last outing in the Irish Hills of Michigan. With the caution waving on the final lap in NASCAR Xfinity Series overtime, the Mooresville, N.C.-based team felt assured of a top-five finish, but upon further review, the team was forced to settle for sixth.
Feeling robbed of their second straight top-five finish, the team returns to action at the track dubbed “Too Tough To Tame” looking to not only capture their second top-five finish of the season but contend for the team’s first Xfinity Series victory in the 147-lap race.
“I’m blessed to have another opportunity to race for Rette Jones Racing this weekend at Darlington,” said Gragson. “This team has done amazing in such a short amount of time and I have the confidence we will continue to pick up right where we left off from Michigan a couple of weeks ago.”
Gragson explains that he had a fast No. 30 Rette Jones Racing | Ford Performance Ford Mustang but being forced to battle a wicked tight race car hindered the team’s opportunity for a checkered flag.
Continuing to learn from each Xfinity Series race, Gragson believes that his Mark Rette-led team knows where they need to have their No. 30 Ford Mustang when they tackle the 1.33-mile track on Saturday morning.
“Darlington can be such a weather-sensitive track,” Gragson explained. “The track will change a bunch between practice, qualifying, and the race. “The most important thing for us is to make sure we keep up with the track conditions so I can get the momentum that I need off the corners, especially Turns 2 and 4, so I can carry the speed that will allow us to pick up positions on the track and guide this team to another strong finish.”
The bonus for Rette Jones Racing? The most recent Xfinity Series race for Gragson at the “Lady in Black” delivered a victory for the popular driver. After starting second, Gragson led 82 laps en route to his second Xfinity Series win at Darlington Raceway.
In seven starts overall, he has delivered two wins, most recently in 2022, five top-five and seven top-10 finishes. Gragson boasts an average finish of 4.0 over four years of Xfinity Series competition.
“Darlington has always been that track where I just have a good vibe,” added Gragson. “I’ve been fortunate to have fast race cars on the Xfinity side every time I raced. I know what bringing a win to Rette Jones Racing will do for this team on Saturday afternoon and I believe if everything lined up, we would be able to.
“We must not beat ourselves and just do what we came to do.”
Unlike his prior three races this season, with only 38 cars entered for Saturday afternoon’s contest, Gragson and his No. 30 Rette Jones Racing team are locked into the field.
Rette Jones Racing crew chief and co-owner Mark Rette eagerly looks forward to another productive weekend.
“I’m so proud of this Rette Jones Racing team,” explained Rette. “This was a big undertaking for our small organization. However, with a lot of determination, a great technical alliance, and a talented driver like Noah Gragson behind the wheel, we have been able to exceed our expectations.
“We are going to Darlington this weekend focused on continuing to do what we’ve done at Charlotte, Nashville, and Michigan – race near the front. We felt like we should have finished inside the top-five at Michigan, but landed sixth, so we have unfinished business.
“I’d love nothing more than to put an exclamation point on our limited Xfinity Series program with our best finish of the year on Saturday afternoon!”
The team will welcome a new partner, Drop Zone TV, for their second and final race in South Carolina this season.
Team Drop Zone TV is the brainchild of veteran Outdoor Channel personality Hal Shaffer and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion crew chief Greg Zipadelli.
Team Drop Zone TV, also known as Drop Zone, is a reality hunting show on the Outdoor Channel that combines big game hunting with entertainment and education for hunters of all skill levels.
The show is hosted by Hal Shaffer and Greg “Zippy” Zipadelli, two friends who met on a whitetail hunt in Kentucky seven years ago and share a passion for the outdoors.
“We are proud of our partnership with Team Drop Zone TV,” added Rette. “Greg has been instrumental in helping launch our NASCAR Xfinity Series program, and we could not have done without his support and guidance. It means a lot to help bring further attention to his program to the NASCAR fans and community.”
RJR will continue to field a full-time ASA STARS National Tour effort for Canadian Kyle Steckly and compete in select ARCA Menards Series races through October 2024.
Steckly recently scored his first career ASA STARS National Tour victory at Winchester (Ind.) Speedway in the Redbud 400.
Since 2018, Gragson, 26, has made 138 Xfinity starts, earned two poles, won 13 races, delivered 63 top-five and 99 top-10 finishes, and finished a career-best second in the Xfinity Series championship standings driving for JR Motorsports during the 2022 season.
For more on Noah Gragson, like him on Facebook (Noah Gragson Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@noahgragson), TikTok and X | Twitter (@NoahGragson).
For more on Rette Jones Racing, please visit RetteJonesRacing.com, like them on Facebook (Rette Jones Racing), or follow them on Instagram (@RetteJones30) and X | Twitter (@RetteJones30).
The Sport Clips Haircuts Help a Hero 200 (147 laps | 200.8 miles) is the 23rd of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Sat., August 31st, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:05 a.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 11:10 a.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 3:30 p.m., with live coverage on the USA Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).
About Rette Jones Racing:
Headquartered in Mooresville, North Carolina, Rette Jones Racing (RJR) was founded in 2015 with the intent of building a successful racing operation built around the fundamentals of hard work and a never-give-up attitude.
Owned by racers Terry Jones and Mark Rette, RJR plans to field a full-time entry in 2024 in the ASA STARS National Tour Series while also planning to field vehicles in the ARCA Menards Series platform and NASCAR respectively.
Rette Jones Racing also offers technical and setup intel as part of its technical alliance partnership program.
Bob Tasca III is the top seed in loaded eight-car specialty race, which provides a memorable chance for big money and bragging rights at The Big Go
INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 29, 2024) – For eight Funny Car drivers competing at the prestigious 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, the world’s biggest drag race provides a chance to do something incredibly special.
Eight standouts – Bob Tasca III, Ron Capps, Matt Hagan, Chad Green, J.R. Todd, Cruz Pedregon, Alexis DeJoria and Paul Lee – are all part of the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout specialty race, which takes place on Sunday and offers a big purse and major bragging rights as part of the world’s biggest drag race.
It’s also a chance for drivers to double-up on drag racing’s biggest stage, something Ron Capps did two years ago when he won the Callout and then The Big Go for the first time. Capps has a chance to replicate that this weekend, while a trio of drivers – Hagan, Green and Todd – have the unique opportunity to win a remarkable three times in a single weekend.
All three are part of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, with the bonus race serving as another opportunity for Indy glory at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.
The first round of the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout takes place at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 1, with the semifinals at 2:40 p.m. and the final round at 4:30 p.m. A special broadcast of the Callout takes place on FOX at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.
The winning driver who makes the quickest run in the opening round will select their semifinal opponent, with a big purse and major bragging rights on the line in the finals.
Tasca, driver of the 11,000-horsepower Ford Performance Mustang Dark Horse, will get the first chance to select his opponent, with the first-round picks taking place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday in the Top Eliminator club.
“If I was trying to win one round, winner-take-all, I would put an awful lot of thought into it. But the whole spirit of the Callout, you want to win the Callout, not just one round,” Tasca said. “To win it, you’ve got to win three rounds and you’ve got to win against the best of the best.
“We’ll have some fun with it, but the whole point is to win the entire Callout, not just that first round. Indy is one of the most epic races of your whole career and I get chills just thinking about it. I’ve been coming here since I was 12 years old and I have so many memories there. I haven’t gotten that Indy trophy yet, but we’ll be laser-focused. But it’s going to be tough going against a field this close.”
Here’s what the other seven drivers competing in the Pep Boys All-Star Funny Car Callout had to say approaching the specialty race and the huge weekend in Indy:
Ron Capps, driver of the NAPA Auto Care Toyota GR Supra: “It’s going to come down to having your act together, but it’s going to be fun. You’ve got to wait and see what happens – the last two years proved that. Right now, there’s so many cars running well, so if you call someone out, it could come back to haunt you. You’ve got to approach it like a race, but the Callout has brought in a whole new aspect. We (make the selection) as a team and I guess we’ll wait and see what Tasca does.”
Matt Hagan, driver of the Dodge Direct Connection//SRT Hellcat: “You’ve got to put yourself up against the wall and press. We seem to do well with that and it’s just one of those things where we’re supposed to do well here and we need to do well. Sometimes, you’ve just got to let it come to you. We’ve got the car and you’ve just got to try and make it happen. To think about trying to win all of it is overwhelming. You would be blessed to just win one time, so I think you just have to be realistic and let it happen.”
Chad Green, driver of the Bond-Coat Ford Mustang: “We feel a little behind the eight-ball, but hopefully we’ll come out at Indy and the car will be back where it’s been and we’ll make a good run at this. I think it just adds a lot of excitement to the weekend and what is already the biggest weekend of the year even more exciting. It’s awesome and I’m just so honored to be involved. It’s going to make the weekend that much more fun.”
J.R. Todd, driver of the DHL Toyota GR Supra: “The guys have been working hard the past week and it’s nice to have the group of guys I do. Hopefully, we can come out swinging and do well in qualifying so we can really be focused on racing in the Callout on Sunday. I’m just glad to be in it. You’ve just got to go out there and do your job, and I hope I’m the one racing for big money on Sunday and Monday.”
Cruz Pedregon, driver of the Snap-On Tools Dodge SRT Hellcat: “I feel like we’re ready, but we’re going to have to be. The car is starting to come around. I feel like we need to qualify in the top half and our car will be one to watch. I’m a competitor and also a fan, and I think the Callout is really cool when someone picks an opponent that’s right up there. I hope it continues this year and all the cars are really good.”
Alexis DeJoria, driver of the Bandero Cafe Toyota GR Supra: “We definitely need to make up some ground. It’s not for a lack of effort, but we’ve just been having some struggles. I hope now is the time we’re going to shine. I know I’m ready to go and my team is as well. The team that makes the less mistakes is going to come out on top.”
Paul Lee, driver of the McLeod Racing/FTI Performance Dodge Charger: “Since last year, we’ve been qualifying really well, so it’s well-deserved by the team. We wanted to be in this and being in this gave us a little more incentive to try and do well. It is exciting because we’ve never been involved in one. I remember watching those specialty races in Indy growing up, so it’s going to be cool to be a part of it this weekend.”
The specialty event promises to be a huge attraction at the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, which will be one of the biggest in the illustrious history of The Big Go. It features the final Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge of the year, as well as the special Sox & Martin Hemi Challenge presented by the McCandless Collection and the Rooftec Comp Cash Clash, along with racing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™ and NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, plus:
A special 70th anniversary NHRA U.S. Nationals pennant for the first 8,000 fans in attendance for eliminations on Monday, Sept. 2.
Free parking for all fans and children 12-under admitted free.
An unforgettable Top Eliminator Club experience, including NHRA driver appearances, food and drink, TEC gift bag, starting line seats and much more.
The biggest field in drag racing, with more than 900 cars competing at the event.
Last year, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Capps (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won, with Brown, Capps and Smith winning at Indy for the second straight year. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FOX and FS1, including eliminations on FOX at 2 p.m. ET on Monday, Sept. 2.
Kalitta currently leads the Top Fuel ranks, while Austin Prock’s debut season in Funny Car has been a huge success as he leads the way. Dallas Glenn is the Pro Stock points leader, while Gaige Herrera has six wins to his credit in Pro Stock Motorcycle. Other stars to watch include Top Fuel’s Ashley, Brittany Force, Shawn Langdon and racing legend Tony Stewart, who will make his Indy Top Fuel debut, Funny Car’s Jack Beckman, Pro Stock’s Erica Enders, Greg Anderson and Aaron Stanfield, and Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Chase Van Sant and Jianna Evaristo.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature one round at 6:45 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 30, two rounds at 12 and 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 31 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 12 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. ET on Monday, Sept 2.
Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, and eliminations at 12 p.m. on FS1 on Monday, shifting to FOX at 2 p.m.
To purchase tickets to the 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.
2024 Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout Final Standings
Bob Tasca III
Ron Capps
Matt Hagan
Chad Green
J.R. Todd
Cruz Pedregon
Alexis DeJoria
Paul Lee
(Note: Tasca will get the first selection for the opening round, followed by the next-highest seeded driver until matchups are set.)
PEP BOYS NHRA FUNNY CAR ALL-STAR CALLOUT SCHEDULE (ET):
Saturday, Aug. 31:
11:30 AM – Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout first-round selections in Top Eliminator Club (Get your TEC Tickets Today!)
Sunday, Sept. 1
10:00 AM – Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout autograph session at Pep Boys display
1:00 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout opening ceremonies
1:05 PM – First round for Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout
2:40 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout for round two. This will be conducted at the top end. The winning driver who makes the quickest run in the first round earns the right to select their semifinal opponent.
4:30 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout final round
5:00 PM – Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout show airs on FOX
About Mission Foods
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/
About NHRA
NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Off-road motorcycle adventures can be thrilling, but they demand premium quality off-trail motorcycle gear and accessories so you do not have to compromise with safety and comfort. Whether tackling severe terrain, experiencing harsh weather, or simply trying to improve your riding experience, premium off-trail motorcycle gear can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll look at the top 10 must-have motorbike accessories and essentials for your next off-road journey.
Dual-Sport Helmet
If you are off-road riding, a dual-support helmet is a must-have as these helmets deliver full-face protection without compromising superior ventilation and visibility during long-duration rides and even adverse conditions you might face.
It acts as a protective shield to prevent head injuries. In this case, a lightweight helmet would be the best option to choose for a long time use.
A good dual-support helmet should offer clear vision, reducing harsh sunlight that feels uncomfortable to the eyes and may block the clear vision which can be dangerous while riding.
Armored Riding Jacket and Pants
Off-pavement riding requires the utmost protection of your body against extreme cold or hot temperatures and heavy rains that might occur during the ride and might lead to a slip or fall and can cause an injury. Avail yourself of armored riding jackets and pants in tough premium-quality leather or reinforced textile materials to keep yourself protected.
These are made with armor inserts in the elbows, shoulders, and knees and come with CE-rated, which signifies that they meet the required safety standards.
You can choose designs with mesh panels or something that allows for proper ventilation so that you do not feel stuffed while riding.
Impact Protectors
Complement the armor included in your riding apparel with independent impact protectors. They are usually flexible, soft inserts that can be installed in the back, elbow, and shoulder pockets of your jacket or shirt for that extra layer of protection during high-impact crashes.
There are various kinds of armor for specific areas, that would help provide targeted protection in those parts. Look for waterproof and breathable textile materials, that are suitable for all kinds of riding situations, and are designed with an adjustable fit.
Motorcycle Specific Gloves
A strong hand grip is very crucial, especially on off-road landscapes, and gloves are a great help for this reason as they assist us hold control over our ride and ensuring safety. Look for the best combination of skill, protection, and comfort that you find in high-quality gloves.
Leather gloves are quite popular, highly durable as well, and an affordable option that is easily found.
Motorcycle-Specific Boots
When it comes to rough and off-the-beaten paths, such boots can handle some rugged ankle boots with support. What we require is hard-shell ankle armor, double leather patches for gear shift protection, and a comfortable build during a ride for our feet.
The boots that are specifically designed for riders become their best buddy that stands up to both on and off-road journeys. These motorcycle-specific boots are specially designed for such adventures to maintain proper foot grip and ensure stability, during any off-road journey.
Handlebar Risers
Adjustable handlebar risers help riders modify the height and angle of their handlebars while they are on a ride, keeping them safe and comfortable, and managing the hand grip, while transitioning between sitting and standing stances, if required during the ride.
These risers also ensure that they maintain a balance while riding which eventually reduces the chances of skidding and prevents them from falling.
Neck Braces
A supportive neck brace can help protect your neck in a crash, preventing serious internal injuries. Specifically, lightweight braces are a smart investment for off-road riding, which one could enjoy while keeping the neck in a comfortable position.
It helps to reduce the risk factors that might cause cervical spine injuries, by providing a sense of support and safety shield to riders’ necks.
Necessity Tool Kit
To be on a smooth drive, it is extremely imperative to carry a well-equipped basic tool kit that includes minor repair tools, that we would need to fix punctured tires, including types of equipment like screwdrivers, materials to secure loose parts, tapes, cables, and others required materials, to deal with any kind of problems that may arise, on an off-road motorbike journey.
Being prepared with an effective tool kit, on the go would help make the journey so much easier.
An “All-Essentials” Backpack
While being on an off-road journey, it is crucial to carry a backpack that serves as a companion and includes all the necessary supplies, in times of need.
Food and water are the most essential parts, while you are on any long journey, especially the one that includes physical activity. A phone charger is also an extremely essential requirement, that we cannot do without while we are out on a journey.
This backpack would also include a first aid kit with all the necessary medicines, ointments, and bandages to protect ourselves from any kind of accident and injury, during such a risky adventure.
Navigation
A durable GPS unit or smartphone mount equipped with an off-road navigation app can be quite beneficial for navigating through inaccessible areas. Such units come to use, where physical maps get difficult to understand.
Riding off-road trails and in remote areas, a motorcycle-specific GPS becomes an essential asset to carry on. Designed to survive the rigors of off-road riding, these GPSes will include rugged construction, big touch screens that can be easily accessed with gloves on, and preloaded maps.
They even allow route tracking, elevation, and speed, sometimes integrating with the systems on our bikes.
Conclusion
Off-road motorcycle riding requires careful consideration in preparing the right gear and accessories to ensure an enjoyable journey with the right tools and equipment to keep the riders safe, secure, and protected, without compromising comfort.
Thus, this is how you can be prepared to handle anything off-road, be safe, and enjoy your ride more. Remember, as with any off-road adventure, we prepare for the fall, not for the ride, and it must be in our best interest in safety and comfort.
The BMW M4 is already a high-performance machine that is straight from the factory, but for many enthusiasts, there’s always room for improvement. BMW M4 tuning can take this impressive vehicle to new heights, enhancing its performance, aesthetics, and overall driving experience.
This article will explore the top tuning upgrades available for your BMW M4, helping you make informed decisions about how to customize your ride.
Understanding BMW M4 Tuning
Before we get into specific upgrades, it’s important to understand what BMW M4 tuning entails. Tuning refers to the process of modifying various components of your vehicle to improve its performance, handling, or appearance.
When done correctly, tuning can significantly enhance your M4’s capabilities without compromising its reliability or longevity.
Engine Performance Upgrades
ECU Remapping
One of the most popular BMW M4 tuning options is ECU (Engine Control Unit) remapping. This involves modifying the software that controls your engine’s performance parameters.
Benefits of ECU remapping include:
Increased horsepower and torque
Improved throttle response
Better fuel efficiency in some cases
When considering ECU remapping, always choose a reputable tuner with experience in BMW M4 tuning to ensure the best results and minimize risks.
Cold Air Intake
Installing a cold air intake is another effective way to boost your M4’s performance. This upgrade allows the engine to breathe more easily, resulting in:
Increased horsepower
Improved engine sound
Better fuel efficiency
Look for high-quality intakes specifically designed for the BMW M4 to ensure proper fitment and optimal performance gains.
High-Flow Exhaust System
Upgrading your M4’s exhaust system can yield significant performance benefits while also enhancing the car’s sound. A high-flow exhaust system can provide:
Increased horsepower and torque
Reduced back pressure
Enhanced exhaust note
When choosing an exhaust system, consider factors like material quality, sound level, and compatibility with other BMW M4 tuning modifications you may have planned.
Intercooler Upgrade
For those looking to push their M4’s performance even further, an upgraded intercooler can be a wise investment. Benefits include:
Improved cooling efficiency
Consistent power output, even in high-temperature conditions
Reduced risk of heat soak during aggressive driving
Suspension and Handling Upgrades
Coilover Suspension Kit
A coilover suspension kit is a popular BMW M4 tuning upgrade that can dramatically improve your car’s handling characteristics. Benefits include:
Adjustable ride height
Improved cornering ability
Reduced body roll
When selecting a coilover kit, consider factors like spring rates, damping adjustability, and build quality to ensure the best performance for your driving style.
Sway Bars
Upgrading your M4’s sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) can further enhance its handling capabilities. Benefits of aftermarket sway bars include:
Reduced body roll during cornering
Improved turn-in response
Better overall stability
Look for adjustable sway bars that allow you to fine-tune the car’s handling characteristics to your preferences.
Performance Bushings
Replacing your M4’s stock rubber bushings with performance-oriented alternatives (like polyurethane) can tighten up the car’s handling. Benefits include:
Reduced suspension flex
Improved steering response
More precise handling
Keep in mind that stiffer bushings may result in a slightly harsher ride, so consider your priorities when making this upgrade.
Brake System Upgrades
High-Performance Brake Pads
Upgrading your brake pads is a relatively simple yet effective BMW M4 tuning modification. Benefits of high-performance brake pads include:
Improved stopping power
Better brake feel and modulation
Reduced brake fade during high-performance driving
Choose brake pads that match your driving style, whether it’s primarily street use or frequent track days.
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Replacing your M4’s rubber brake lines with stainless steel alternatives can improve brake pedal feel and consistency. Benefits include:
Firmer brake pedal
More consistent brake performance
Improved durability
This upgrade is particularly beneficial for those who participate in track days or high-performance driving events.
Big Brake Kit
For the ultimate in braking performance, consider installing a big brake kit. While more expensive than other brake upgrades, a big brake kit offers:
Significantly improved stopping power
Better heat dissipation
Reduced brake fade during extended high-performance driving
When choosing a big brake kit, ensure it’s compatible with your wheel size and other BMW M4 tuning modifications.
Wheel and Tire Upgrades
Lightweight Wheels
Upgrading to lightweight wheels can have a noticeable impact on your M4’s performance and handling. Benefits include:
Reduced unsprung weight
Improved acceleration and braking
Enhanced cornering ability
When selecting new wheels, consider factors like weight, strength, and compatibility with your desired tire size and brake setup.
High-Performance Tires
The right set of tires can dramatically improve your M4’s grip and overall performance. When choosing high-performance tires, consider:
Your primary driving conditions (street, track, or a mix)
Tire compound and tread design
Tire size compatibility with your wheels and fenders
Remember that stickier, more performance-oriented tires may wear faster than standard tires, so factor this into your decision-making process.
Aerodynamic Upgrades
Front Lip Spoiler
Adding a front lip spoiler to your M4 can improve both aesthetics and performance. Benefits include:
Reduced front-end lift at high speeds
Improved stability
Enhanced aggressive appearance
Look for front lip spoilers made from durable materials like carbon fiber or high-quality plastics to ensure longevity.
Rear Spoiler or Wing
A rear spoiler or wing can further enhance your M4’s aerodynamic properties. Benefits include:
Increased downforce at high speeds
Improved stability
Sportier appearance
When choosing a rear spoiler or wing, consider both its functional benefits and how it complements your M4’s overall look.
Side Skirts
While primarily aesthetic, side skirts can also provide some aerodynamic benefits. They can:
Improve airflow along the sides of the car
Reduce turbulence around the wheels
Enhance the M4’s aggressive stance
Ensure that any side skirts you choose are compatible with your M4’s body style and other aerodynamic modifications.
Interior Upgrades
Sport Steering Wheel
Upgrading your M4’s steering wheel can improve both comfort and control. Look for options that offer:
Enhanced grip
Ergonomic design
Integration with existing controls
Some aftermarket steering wheels also offer features like shift paddles or performance data displays.
Sport Seats
Upgrading to high-performance sports seats can significantly improve your driving experience. Benefits include:
Better support during high-performance driving
Improved comfort on long drives
Enhanced interior aesthetics
When choosing sport seats, ensure they’re compatible with your M4’s existing safety features, like airbags and seatbelt systems.
Short Shift Kit
For M4s with manual transmissions, a short shift kit can improve shift feel and reduce shift times. Benefits include:
Quicker, more precise shifts
Reduced shifter travel
Enhanced driver engagement
Performance Monitoring Upgrades
Gauges and Displays
Adding performance gauges or displays can help you monitor critical engine parameters. Consider options like:
Boost gauge
Oil temperature gauge
Multi-function performance display
These tools can be invaluable for tracking your M4’s performance and ensuring everything is running smoothly, especially after implementing other BMW M4 tuning upgrades.
Data Logging System
For the ultimate in performance monitoring, consider installing a data logging system. This can provide:
Detailed performance data for analysis
Real-time feedback during driving
Valuable information for further tuning and optimization
Conclusion
BMW M4 tuning offers a world of possibilities for enhancing your driving experience. From boosting engine performance to improving handling, braking, and aesthetics, there are countless ways to customize your M4 to suit your preferences and driving style.
Remember that tuning is a personal journey. What works for one M4 owner may not be ideal for another. Take the time to research your options, consider your goals, and plan your modifications carefully.
With the right approach, BMW M4 tuning can transform your already impressive vehicle into a truly exceptional driving machine.
● Event: Cook Out Southern 500 (Round 26 of 36) ● Time/Date: 6:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 1 ● Location: Darlington (S.C.) Raceway ● Layout: 1.366-mile ● Laps/Miles: 367 laps/501.32 miles ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 115 laps / Stage 2: 115 laps / Final Stage: 137 laps ● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 NC Fraternal Order of Police Ford Mustang Dark Horse
● Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 NC Fraternal Order of Police Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Rick Ware Racing (RWR), returns to Darlington (S.C.) Raceway looking to build on a solid performance in the May 12 Goodyear 400 at the 1.366-mile egg-shaped oval. His ninth-place finish was his first of two top-10s this season, his third top-10 at Darlington, and it marked RWR’s best finish at a non-superspeedway-type track.
● Haley backed up his May Darlington finish with another ninth-place result two weeks later at the 1.25-mile World Wide Technology Raceway oval in Madison, Illinois. The strong runs continued for the No. 51 team, which last Saturday night led 21 laps at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway before being caught up in a multicar wreck while running third with just nine laps remaining in the race.
● In seven starts at Darlington, Haley has a best finish of third, earned in May 2022. He’s completed 2,265 of 2,275 total laps available (99.6 percent) at the track and has an average finish of 16.6.
● On Monday, April 29, 2024, law enforcement officers from the U.S. Marshals Task Force and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police department (CMPD) were attempting to serve a felony warrant when a suspect opened fire from inside the house. Four heroes were mortally wounded – CMPD Officer Joshua Eyer, NC Department of Adult Corrections Investigators Samuel Poloche and William “Alden” Elliott, and Deputy U.S. Marshal Thomas M. Weeks, Jr. – while four additional officers were injured. Haley and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #9 Foundation represented the fallen in the May 12 Goodyear 400 at Darlington. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #9 has provided the families of the four fallen officers with monetary assistance thanks to the donations made in the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and will continue to collect donations for future assistance. Additional details, including donation information, can be found at NCFOPLodge9.com.
● With 25 races complete this season, Haley is ranked third among drivers in laps (6,550) and miles (8,688.26) completed, and sits first among Ford drivers in both categories.
Kaz Grala, Driver of the No. 15 Meat N’ Bone Ford Mustang Dark Horse
● Kaz Grala returns to the No. 15 Meat N’ Bone Ford Mustang Dark Horse for his second Cup Series start at Darlington after earning an 18th-place finish in his Darlington debut in May.
● In two NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Darlington, Grala has a best finish of ninth, earned in the May 2023 race.
● Grala’s last outing in the No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse was a 26th-place effort in his first Cup Series event on the Chicago Street Course on July 7.
● Meat N’ Bone returns to the No. 15 RWR Ford Mustang Dark Horse after debuting with Grala at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon on June 23. Meat N’ Bone is an online butcher shop offering premium quality meats delivered locally and shipped nationally. Customers can order from over 300 products, including USDA Prime and Wagyu A5, and have it delivered fresh to their door. Meat N’ Bone also offers local pickup and a personalized retail experience in its boutiques.
Rick Ware Racing Notes
● The Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) series enters the penultimate weekend of the 2024 season with a doubleheader at the Springfield Mile at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The 2019 Mission SuperTwins champion and RWR rider Briar Bauman sits third in the standings, just 12 points out of first. Singles rider Kody Kopp has the opportunity to clinch an early championship after securing his sixth win of the year at Sturgis TT. He currently holds a 34-point lead and would need to score just 26 more throughout the weekend to claim his third consecutive title.
● The Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series heads to Indianapolis for the U.S. Nationals at Lucas Oil Raceway Park this weekend. RWR Top Fuel driver Clay Millican sits sixth in the championship standings as the series enters the final race of the regular season.
● Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age six when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), where RWR won the 2022 SX2 championship with rider Shane McElrath.
Justin Haley, Driver Q&A
You’re heading back to Darlington, where the No. 51 team had a strong showing in May. How do you feel about returning to the Lady in Black?
“I’m really excited. Outside of our superspeedway performance, I feel like Darlington is where we’ve run the best. I think we’ve continued to build on what we learned that weekend and are in a great position to have another top-10 race.”
This is the first time you’ll be running the Southern 500 as the regular-season finale. Do you expect this to be a more contentious race than what it typically was when it was the first race in the playoffs?
“You never know. Darlington is always a crazy race, especially once we get to September and the night race. There’s a reason the Southern 500 is a crown jewel, it’s not easy to win. I don’t know if it necessarily gets any crazier than it usually is, but I think it’ll be like any cutoff race. We’ll just be on our toes and ready for whatever comes.”
Kaz Grala, Driver Q&A
For the first time this year, you’re returning to a track where you had a solid performance earlier in the year. Are you more prepared now for the challenge that comes with the Cup Series at Darlington?
“Definitely. I knew going into Darlington in May it would be a challenge. We came out with a great finish and I think we can absolutely improve on that, especially when you look at how well RFK Racing and the No. 51 team ran. It gives us more to work with in the preparation for this one and I feel a lot more comfortable with what I should expect from the car.”
It’s been a few weeks since you’ve been in the No. 15 car, but you’ve been at the track working with the team. How has that helped you for your return to the seat?
“I’ve been itching to get back in the car, but the No. 15 team has done a great job the last few weeks. I’ve been at the track, looking at data, and working with my teammates every week, so I feel just as prepared as I would be if I had just been in the car. The No. 15 team is coming off a top-five at Daytona, which gives us a lot of forward momentum to work with.”
RYAN PREECE Darlington Advance No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Event Overview
● Event: Cook Out Southern 500 (Round 26 of 36) ● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 1 ● Location: Darlington (S.C.) Raceway ● Layout: 1.366-mile oval ● Laps/Miles: 367 laps/501.32 miles ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 115 laps / Stage 2: 115 laps / Final Stage: 137 laps ● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Notes of Interest
● The Cook Out Southern 500 Sunday at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway will mark Ryan Preece’s 10th career NASCAR Cup Series start at the 1.366-mile oval and his fifth in the Southern 500. The driver of the No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing has a best finish of 12th at Darlington, earned in the 2021 Southern 500. In his most recent Darlington start in May for the Goodyear 400, Preece finished 17th.
● Preece has one Darlington start apiece in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In his September 2016 Xfinity Series start, he qualified 22nd and finished 10th in a JD Motorsports entry. His Truck Series appearance came in May 2017 when he started 13th and finished seventh for David Gilliland Racing.
● The 2024 season marks Darlington’s 74th anniversary, with the track having hosted 126 NASCAR Cup Series races. The first came on Sept. 4, 1950 and it was the first 500-mile race in NASCAR history and the first on asphalt. Johnny Mantz drove his Plymouth to the win with an average speed of 75.250 mph and the race took 6 hours, 38 minutes and 40 seconds to complete. Juxtapose that with Kyle Larson’s win in last year’s Southern 500, where he had an average speed of 120.906 mph and the race finished in 4 hours, 8 minutes and 47 seconds.
● Joining Preece and the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at Darlington is HaasTooling.com, the cutting tool division of Haas Automation. HaasTooling.com allows CNC machinists to purchase high-quality cutting tools at great prices. Haas cutting tools are sold exclusively online at HaasTooling.com and shipped directly to end users. Haas Automation, founded in 1983, is America’s leading builder of CNC machine tools. The company manufactures a complete line of vertical and horizontal machining centers, turning centers, rotaries and indexers, and automation solutions.
Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse
What do you think of Darlington serving as the regular-season finale and the last chance for drivers to earn a playoff berth?
“I think it’s a little bit better than what it’s been in recent years. It’s more of a controlled environment when it comes to if you’re going to have an opportunity to get in the playoffs and win, or not feel like it’s such an anomaly that it could make your season or break your season. I think it’s a good thing.”
Do you feel like a race at Darlington is more in your hands, as opposed to the week before at Daytona where you have to rely on others to push you in the draft?
“I feel like Darlington is more about your team and your speed as an organization. If you’re a team with a lot of speed, you’re probably one that really likes the opportunity to do that. But at the same time, I think it’s just another opportunity to make your car fast and earn your way in.”
What is it about Darlington that makes drivers feel like the track can reach out and bite you at any given moment?
“I don’t necessarily think it’s that way as much as it once was. I guess I just haven’t had that feel. It’s just a really low-grip racetrack, and sometimes if you try to get a little too much, it can certainly get you.”
The Southern 500 is 100 miles longer (74 additional laps) than your first race at Darlington was back in May. Is a race at Darlington akin to the Coca-Cola 600, where it’s a test of stamina as much as a test of skill?
“Believe it or not, you talk about 74 laps, it’s a long race. It’s one where you want to make sure you’ve drank enough fluids and, starting in the day and going into the night, you want to make sure the balance is good.”
Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team, fresh off a win last Saturday night at Daytona, are headed into this weekend’s Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway with a burst of momentum.
“It’s hard for me to put into words how special getting this Wood Brothers Racing team their 100th win is to both myself and to Harrison,” said crew chief Jeremy Bullins. “Obviously we haven’t met our own expectations this season, but we knew Daytona would a great opportunity to try to get a win and turn things around.
“With the Playoff format being what it is, nothing before Daytona really matters now. We can hit reset and get focused on the next few weeks.
“Darlington is a track that Harrison has run well at in the past so we are excited to head there with some momentum and our Motorcraft Mustang.
Burton finished a season-best sixth in the spring race at Darlington last year, and he has his best average finish there (19.6) of any track on the schedule.
Practice for the Cook Out Southern 500 is set for Saturday at 12:35 p.m. Eastern Time, with qualifying to follow at 1:20.
Sunday’s 267-lap, 500-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 6 p.m., with Stage breaks at Laps 115 and 230.
USA Network will carry the TV broadcast all weekend.
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.”
About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
About Ford Performance Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.
Wood Brothers Racing Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 100 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last eight decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.
Irving, TX – August 29, 2024 – Panini America, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company and the official trading card partner of NASCAR, has announced that it will serve as the primary sponsor of the No. 15 AM Racing Ford Mustang, driven by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano, for the Xfinity Series’ Sports Clips Haircuts VFW Help a Hero 200.
The race is this Saturday, August 31st, at the iconic Darlington Raceway.
Logano has been a member of Panini’s athlete roster since 2019, serving as the brand’s racing trading card ambassador and as a key element of multiple Panini NASCAR products and marketing activations, including its annual Panini VIP Experience for a sweepstakes-winning fan at the Daytona 500.
“Bringing back the fan-favorite Panini Prizm paint scheme on the No. 15 Panini America Ford will be fun to see on the track this weekend at Darlington,” said Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations for Panini America.
“We are proud to be partnering with the team at AM Racing and, of course, with Joey Logano, who has been such an important part of our many NASCAR initiatives over the years.”
Panini has had primary car partnerships on the Xfinity Series every season since 2019, and earlier this year was the primary sponsor of the No. 4 Ford Mustang driven by Josh Berry at the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis. That car’s paint scheme featured basketball star Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever. The Panini Prizm paint scheme is highlighted in advance of Panini’s upcoming Prizm NASCAR trading card release.
“We are thrilled to welcome Joey (Logano) back to AM Racing this weekend at Darlington Raceway,” offered AM Racing team president Wade Moore. “Joey did a great job for our team at the Chicago Street Course in July, and we look forward to having another successful race together at one of our sport’s most prestigious tracks on Saturday afternoon.”
This will be Logano’s second NASCAR Xfinity Series start of the season in the No. 15 car, having finished in eighth at The Loop 110 in Chicago on July 6th. He has 30 career victories in the series.
“I’m looking forward to racing the No. 15 Panini America Ford Mustang this weekend at Darlington for many reasons,” said Joey Logano. “Darlington is a very challenging racetrack, yet it’s a fun one to battle on, as it has an older surface, and for the majority of the time, you’re racing just inches from the wall.
“The extra seat time on an important race weekend is always an added bonus and I’m pumped that Panini will be the primary with me on Saturday. I’ve celebrated in the winner’s circle in both the Xfinity and Cup Series at Darlington, and we have high hopes to add to the stat sheet by parking my No. 15 Panini America Ford Mustang for AM Racing in Victory Lane Saturday afternoon.”
About Panini America:
Panini America is a subsidiary of The Panini Group, established over 60 years ago in Modena, Italy, with subsidiaries throughout Europe, Latin America, and the United States.
Panini is the world leader in officially licensed collectibles and is the most significant publisher of collectibles in the U.S., with official licenses for NFL, NFLPA, NBA, NBPA, NASCAR, FIFA, LIV Golf, WWE, the Professional Fighters League, College, Disney and other key properties from many other licensors.
Panini is also the exclusive trading card and sticker partner of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Elite 11 and Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.
Panini has distribution channels in more than 150 countries and employs a staff of over 1,200. For more information, visit us at www.paniniamerica.net, www.paninigroup.com, or http://blog.paniniamerica.net/.
You can also follow Panini America on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
About AM Racing:
AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.
Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.
The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.
WHITE FLAG: Entering the final race of the regular season, Kyle Larson is second in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings and trails points leader Tyler Reddick by 17 markers. Larson has scored 17 or more points than Reddick in four races this season. The 2021 Cup champion tops the series with four wins, five poles, 28 playoff points and is second with 826 laps led.
TOP FIVE FOR NO. 5: The driver of the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet has run a series high 3,153 laps in the top five this season. Larson is tied for second with nine top-five finishes.
FIRST SEPTEMBER REIGN: The Elk Grove, California, native led 55 laps last September at Darlington Raceway in capturing his first Southern 500 victory, marking the 500th NASCAR national series triumph for the Hendrick Motorsports engine department. The win was also Larson’s first at NASCAR’s highest level at the 1.366-mile, egg-shaped oval. The 2014 rookie of the year also scored a victory at Darlington in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2023.
SOUTH CAROLINA STATS: In 13 Cup starts at Darlington, Larson has six top-three finishes. His 785 laps led at the track “Too Tough to Tame” are his third-most at any track on the schedule. Additionally, Larson’s average finish (11.31) is third-best among active drivers with more than two starts at the historic track.
FOUR TIRES FAST: The No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM pit crew holds the 10th-fastest average four-tire pit stop time in 2024 at 11.12 seconds. Larson’s pit crew consists of Blaine Anderson (front-tire changer), R.J. Barnette (tire carrier), Brandon Harder (fueler), Brandon Johnson (jackman) and Calvin Teague (rear-tire changer).
AWAY BUT ALWAYS AVAILABLE: In 2024, the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM team recognizes “home” events by wearing white firesuits and “away” with blue. Its home races come at tracks with nearby Hendrick Automotive Group car dealerships. This weekend, the No. 5 team races “away” at Darlington. However, its easy to pick up a new set of keys from any one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 94 dealerships nationwide. Customers can also shop from the convenience of home by selecting the category, make, model and vehicle packages important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks and SUVs available at HENDRICKCARS.COM.
WE’RE HIRING: Hendrick Automotive Group is hiring more than 300 technicians at its dealerships throughout the country. Positions are open for all skill levels and offer tuition and training reimbursement. Interested people can apply at HENDRICKCARS.COM.
9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 28 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 3rd
No. 9 NAPA Gold Filters Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
FIERCE FINALE: Heading into the regular season finale at Darlington Raceway, Chase Elliott is within striking distance of capturing the regular season championship. He sits third in points, 18 markers behind the current leader Tyler Reddick and one point behind Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson. Fifteen playoff points will be awarded to the regular season champion, 10 for the second-place finisher and eight for third. In three races this season, Elliott has scored 19 or more points than Reddick.
WHAT A RIDE: Prior to last weekend’s race at Daytona International Speedway, Elliott had gone a career-best 37 NASCAR Cup Series races without a DNF, dating back to last year’s event at Michigan International Speedway. The Hendrick Motorsports driver was caught up in a multi-car incident during stage two at Daytona, ending his night. The Dawsonville, Georgia, native was the first Cup Series driver to complete all but one lap through 24 races in a season. The previous record was all but two laps, which occurred three times.
#DI9: So far in 2024, Elliott has earned one win (Texas Motor Speedway), seven top-five finishes and 12 top 10s with 213 laps led. Elliott’s 11.64 average finish is second best in the Cup Series. He also has the third-best average running position (11.30), the fourth-most laps spent inside the top 10 (3,584) and is tied for the fourth-most top-10 results among full-time premier series drivers.
DARLINGTON DATA: Sunday marks Elliott’s 16th start at Darlington in the Cup Series. In 15 previous races at the 1.366-mile oval, he has collected four top-five finishes, seven top 10s and led 151 laps. In last year’s Southern 500, the 28-year-old driver posted an eighth-place finish. His best overall Cup finish at the South Carolina venue was a third-place showing in May of 2023.
SIMILAR TRACK PERFORMANCE: In 62 Cup starts on tracks measuring 1 to 1.37 miles in length (Darlington, Dover Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway and WWT Raceway), Elliott has four wins. His first came at Dover in 2018 and was followed by his championship-winning performance at Phoenix in 2020. His two most recent victories on a track of this length came in 2022 at Dover and Nashville. Accompanying the quartet of triumphs are 23 top-five finishes, 30 top 10s and 1,287 laps led. This season in six races on this variation of track, Elliott’s best finish is fifth (at Dover).
DOUBLE DUTY IN DARLINGTON: Before Elliott takes the green flag for the Southern 500 on Sunday, he will strap into the No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Camaro for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday afternoon. Elliott will be reunited with his former Xfinity Series crew chief Greg Ives. The duo won the Xfinity Series championship in 2014 during Elliott’s rookie season. The six-time National Motorsports Press Association Most Popular Driver Award winner has made three Darlington Xfinity Series starts, earning a win in 2014. In his most recent start in the No. 17 in May of this year, Elliott claimed a victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
FASTEST FIVE: The No. 9 pit crew continues to hold the fastest average four-tire pit stop time (10.736 seconds) in the Cup Series. The over-the-wall squad laid down the fastest four-tire pit stop (9.076 seconds) of the season at Texas in April, according to data from Racing Insights. The 2021 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew award-winning group is comprised of Chad Avrit (rear-tire changer), Jared Erspamer (tire carrier), John Gianninoto (fueler), Nick O’Dell (front-tire changer) and T.J. Semke (jackman).
AG IN SC: On Sunday, Alan Gustafson is set to call his 26th Darlington race in his 20th season as a Cup Series crew chief. In 25 previous starts with five drivers (Kyle Busch, Casey Mears, Elliott and NASCAR Hall of Famers Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin), Gustafson has accumulated one win (2009 with Martin), six top-five finishes, 11 top 10s and 222 laps led.
GOING GOLD: Elliott’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will have a different look this weekend at Darlington. Primary partner NAPA Auto Parts is trading in its iconic blue and yellow for a black and gold livery, highlighting its line of NAPA Gold™ oil filters. Since 1966, NAPA Gold Oil Filters have earned the trust of generations of drivers and car enthusiasts. Each one is built to offer better strength, performance benefits and is specifically designed to remove contaminants to keep engines running at peak performance.
24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 26 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 5th
No. 24 Liberty University Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
24 IN ‘24: William Byron has three wins (tied for the second-most) in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season including the DAYTONA 500. Following Saturday’s Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has eight top-five finishes (tied for the fourth-most) and has 13 top 10s (third). Byron has spent 1,505 laps running in the top five (10th-most) and 3,114 laps running in the top 10 (eighth-most). Byron is fifth in the 2024 Cup Series points standings with 16 playoff points.
SIMILAR IN SIZE: This Sunday’s race at Darlington Raceway will mark Byron’s 49th start on tracks 1 to 1.37 miles in length (Dover Motor Speedway, Darlington, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Phoenix Raceway and WWT Raceway). In 48 starts, the 26-year-old driver has collected two pole awards, two wins, 10 top-five finishes, 20 top 10s and has led 537 laps.
DARLINGTON DEETS: Byron is looking to continue his success at the 1.366-mile track in his 13th Cup Series start. Byron took home the victory last spring at Darlington after starting fourth and leading seven laps, his first at the track. In his last eight Darlington starts, Byron has only finished outside the top 10 twice. In five Next-Gen races at Darlington, he leads the field in laps run in the top five (1,041) and top 10 (1,367) with top-10 showings in each of those events. He is tied for the longest active top-10 streak at Darlington.
THE FUGLE FILES: Crew chief Rudy Fugle will make his eighth Cup Series start at Darlington on Sunday. Fugle and the No. 24 team have collected one win, three top-five finishes, five top 10s and have led 86 laps. Prior to his Cup Series career, Fugle had three starts at Darlington – two in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and one in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
PIT ROAD PROWESS: After 25, races in the 2024 season, the No. 24 pit crew ranks fourth for the fastest average four-tire pit stop (10.962 seconds). The squad consists of Spencer Bishop (jackman), Jeff Cordero (front-tire changer), Orane Ossowski (rear-tire changer), Ryan Patton (tire carrier) and Landon Walker (fueler).
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE OF MIND: Walker hails from North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, and has ties to South Carolina as well, having played football at Clemson University. The former offensive tackle earned a scholarship to Clemson in 2007 after being named an All-American at East Wilkes High School. Walker recorded 3,131 snaps with 49 starts at tackle through four seasons at Clemson and was named team captain in 2011. Clemson won the Atlantic Coast Conference championship that year. The football standout was recruited by Hendrick Motorsports in 2012 and earned a position as the fueler for the former No. 5 (now No. 24) team in 2015.
LIBERTY U. IS BACK: Byron will sport Liberty University on board his No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for this weekend’s race at Darlington Raceway. Featuring a white base with navy flames and red accents, the Liberty University No. 24 will surely stand out on track. Liberty University has a long history with Byron, starting in 2014 in the late model ranks. Liberty University has been Training Champions for Christ since its founding in 1971. Located in the mountains of Central Virginia, Liberty is a liberal arts institution with 17 colleges and schools that offer more than 600 degree programs, from the certificate to the doctoral level, on campus and online. Working on an undergraduate degree in strategic communication, Byron is in his junior year at Liberty University through its online program. For a better look at Byron’s Liberty University paint scheme, click here.
48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 31 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 12th
No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
DAYTONA DEBRIEF: Last weekend at Daytona International Speedway, Alex Bowman qualified 21st and fought through an on-track accident, repairs, cautions and chaos to secure a 16th-place finish. It marked the fifth time Bowman led the Hendrick Motorsports stable this season. He ranks 12th in the driver points standings, 175 markers behind the leader, 28 back of 10th place.
ONE TO GO: Only one regular-season race remains until the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs begin at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Bowman’s eighth Cup Series win came at the Chicago Street Course and has the No. 48 Ally Racing team locked-in to the postseason. It will mark Bowman’s seventh appearance in the playoffs. Following the completion of 25 points-paying races this season, Bowman has six top-five finishes (most in a season since 2021) and 12 top 10s (in a tie for third most, more than all of 2023).
DARLINGTON RACEWAY: NASCAR returns to Darlington Raceway this weekend, also known as the “Lady in Black.” Bowman finished eighth in the May race at the 1.366-mile track. In 13 starts at Darlington, Bowman has one top five, four top 10s and has led 42 circuits.
TEAMMATES IN THE FAN ZONE: Starting at 3:05 p.m. Sunday at Darlington, fans can visit Bowman and his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson in the fan zone at the Ally activation stage. Both drivers will participate in a Q&A surrounding the “Win Your Wheels” sweepstakes fueled by Ally and HENDRICKCARS.COM, which will end on Sept. 20. To celebrate Hendrick Motorsports’ 40th anniversary, the pair teamed up to give away a special edition Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE to one lucky fan. Only 40 will be manufactured and the other 39 will be sold exclusively through select Hendrick Automotive Group Chevrolet dealerships. Enter to win here.
HUMBLE PIG ANIMAL SANCTUARY: Over the last four years, Bowman and Ally have donated over $650,000 to Best Friends shelters and its vast network of partners. This weekend, the pair will donate $4,800 to the Humble Pig Animal Sanctuary. This unique Best Friend’s partner is located on 90 acres in Darlington, South Carolina, and is a non-profit animal rescue. It is home to dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys, goats, turtles and pigs. The sanctuary aims to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home animals in dire need. If adoption is unsuccessful for any reason, these animals have a familiar home to return to at the Humble Pig.
ALLY RACING PIT CREW: The Ally Racing pit crew ranks seventh in the fastest average four-tire stop this season (11.067 seconds). The No. 48’s over-the-wall, five-man crew is composed of jackman Allen Holman, tire carrier Brandon Grier, front-tire changer Donnie Tasser, rear-tire changer Andrew Bridgeforth, and gasman Jacob Conley.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS /
2024
All-Time
Darlington
Races
25
1,370
67
Wins
9*
310*
16*
Poles
6**
252*
8
Top 5
30*
1,262*
56*
Top 10
49*
2,161*
94*
Laps Led
1,310
81,067*
3,751*
Stage Wins
10
108
4
Most* Most (tie)**
DARLINGS OF S.C. ONCE AGAIN: After going winless at Darlington Raceway in 14 straight events, Hendrick Motorsports swept both races in 2023 with William Byron winning in the spring and Kyle Larson claiming the Southern 500. That brought the organization’s win total at the “Lady in Black” up to 16 with 12 of those coming in the Southern 500. Both of those marks lead all Cup Series teams.
SPREADING THE WEALTH: Six Hendrick Motorsports drivers have gone to victory lane in the Southern 500, tied for the most all time. Leading that charge is NASCAR Hall of Famer and current vice chairman Jeff Gordon with six victories. Jimmie Johnson claimed two wins in the event for Hendrick Motorsports with Larson, Mark Martin, Terry Labonte and Tim Richmond each winning once.
EVERYBODY’S INVITED: All four Hendrick Motorsports teams are locked into the playoffs. It’s the sixth time since 2004 that’s happened and third time in the last four years (2012, 2013, 2014, 2021, 2022, 2024).
THE LAST 37: Over the last 37 Cup Series events, Hendrick Motorsports has not gone more than three races without a win, needing a victory on Sunday for that streak to continue. In that span, the team has logged 13 victories (most), 43 top-five finishes and 74 top 10s. At least one Hendrick Motorsports driver has finished inside the top 10 in 35 of the 37 races.
QUOTABLE /
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on drafting-style tracks: “I love racing at Darlington and it was cool to get that first (Cup) win there last year in the Southern 500. We’re 17 points down but we’re going to race hard for stage points and hopefully be able to battle for the regular season championship at the end of the race.”
Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on Daytona: “Darlington and the Southern 500 is such a great race. This week I had fun just studying the history of the race way back to the beginning in 1950. It’s a tough track with a lot of tire fall off and it takes the entire team to have a good Southern 500. From the driver having to battle the track more so than the competition, although the competition will be tough, as well. You have to be disciplined on the track while running up against the wall. Strategy will be involved, pit stops will be important and you have to have a fast car.” Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on Darlington Raceway, points battle: “I love racing at Darlington and it was cool to get that first (Cup) win there last year in the Southern 500. We’re 17 points down but we’re going to race hard for stage points and hopefully be able to battle for the regular season championship at the end of the race.”
Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the Southern 500: “Darlington and the Southern 500 is such a great race. This week I had fun just studying the history of the race way back to the beginning in 1950. It’s a tough track with a lot of tire fall off and it takes the entire team to have a good Southern 500. From the driver having to battle the track more so than the competition, although the competition will be tough, as well. You have to be disciplined on the track while running up against the wall. Strategy will be involved, pit stops will be important and you have to have a fast car.”
Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the final race of the regular season: “I’m just excited about Darlington. Honestly, with everything that happened in Daytona, we’re not in a great spot on the regular season thing. We’re going to have to have a really, really good weekend to get back in the hunt to at least win it. But certainly, some good points on the line for us if we can have a good day. So, thinking about that some. But truthfully, I just really admire the Southern 500 and have always really loved that race. I think it’s one of the coolest races on our schedule. And from a driver’s standpoint, Darlington is just such a hard racetrack to drive. The gratification that I think you would get from winning at a place like that, I would have to imagine would be really cool. So more than anything, outside of the points and all that, I’d really just like to go and try to add my name to that list. And if we’re doing that, then the point situation is certainly going to pretty much fix itself.”
William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at Darlington Raceway: “It’s different that Darlington isn’t in the playoffs but it is a nice opportunity for us to get some more points and improve our position in the standings. We’re generally really good here so I’m excited for what we can do.”
Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 on why he enjoys Darlington Raceway: “Darlington is a tough track but once you have it figured it out it can be a lot of fun. We have a really good notebook for both the spring and summer races there. This one though would mean a bit more seeing as the Southern 500 is a crown jewel race. We’ve already won a couple big ones this year, so why not try add another.”
Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on Darlington Raceway: “Darlington has always been one of the most challenging tracks on the circuit. It’s a very unique, tactical and demanding track for the driver. Being the last race remaining before the playoffs, our team would like to secure some additional playoff points and build strong momentum before Atlanta (Motor Speedway). Looking forward to kicking off the last month of the ‘Win Your Wheels’ sweepstakes at the Ally Activation stage in the fan zone on race day as well.”
Blake Harris, crew chief of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the final points-paying race before the playoffs: “If we could win and have the opportunity to carry some bonus points into the playoffs that would be our number one priority. But really, we just need to put together a full race and bring home a decent finish. We’ve had really good race cars the past month or so and not a ton of great finishes to show for it. Some of it due to circumstances out of our control but hopefully we can put together a good race and carry some good momentum into Atlanta (Motor Speedway).”
Iconic North Carolina Track Welcomes NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (Aug. 29, 2024) – For the first time in over a decade NASCAR will return to the south-central North Carolina Piedmont for the highly anticipated return of major league stock car racing to Rockingham Speedway.
Today, Track Enterprises announced it has reached an agreement with Rockingham Speedway ownership to bring the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series back to the renowned one-mile oval April 18-19, 2025.
“The entire Track Enterprises team is eager and proud to be working with Dan Lovenheim and everyone at Rockingham Speedway to bring the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series back to one of the most storied venues in NASCAR’s proud history,” said Bob Sargent, President, Track Enterprises. “We are very fortunate to work with the professional staff at NASCAR and the incredible drivers and teams who will be racing with us. This is shaping up to be a great Easter weekend for the fans and everyone involved.”
The Xfinity Series was a regular player at the historic venue from 1982-2004 and features a cast of winners who went on to be some of the sport’s most respected names including David Pearson, Sam Ard, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Harry Gant, Mark Martin, Terry Labonte and Jamie McMurray.
Martin was an indomitable force at Rockingham in Xfinity Series competition throughout his career having collected 11 wins in 25 starts, including four straight during the 1996 and 1997 seasons. McMurray matched Martin’s four-peat by recording victories in the most recent Xfinity Series races at “The Rock.”
The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series raced at Rockingham twice from 2012-2013 with Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson collecting the victories for late team owner Steve Turner and Turner Motorsports. Matt Crafton, a 25-year CRAFTSMAN Truck Series veteran, is the only current series regular to have competed at the high-banked, D-shaped oval when the division last raced there 11 years ago.
Separate from Larson, current NASCAR Cup Series competitors Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Erik Jones, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace were all part of the field when the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series last tested its mettle at Rockingham, just over a decade ago.
“Rockingham Speedway has a storied history in NASCAR, so we look forward to the return of the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series to the famed racetrack,” said Ben Kennedy, NASCAR Executive Vice President, Chief Venue and Racing Innovation Officer. “The holiday race weekend at The Rock will offer the opportunity to showcase the future stars of the sport at a venue with a rich history.”
Rockingham Speedway, formerly named North Carolina Motor Speedway, was a staple on the Cup Series schedule for nearly 40 years and included a veritable who’s who of NASCAR on its list of previous winners.
“Rockingham Speedway is proud to welcome NASCAR and especially race fans from all over the state back to Richmond County,” said Rockingham Speedway owner Dan Lovenheim. “Our team has put a tremendous amount of work and resources into modernizing the property and providing the area with a destination to be proud of. This moment validates our plans. We’ve refreshed the entire facility and are eager to show race fans what we’ve done. We’re looking forward to partnering with Track Enterprises and NASCAR to host the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series over Easter Weekend. We’re also thankful to Governor Cooper and the North Carolina Legislature for sharing and investing in our vision. We can’t wait to see the green flag wave again on NASCAR racing at The Rock.”
Tickets for NASCAR’s return to Rockingham Speedway will go on sale Friday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Log on to RacetheRock.com for continuing details and updates.
About Rockingham Speedway … Located in Richmond County, N.C., Rockingham Speedway opened as a flat, one-mile oval on Oct. 31, 1965. It was reconfigured to a one-mile (1.017 miles) high-banked, D-shaped oval in 1969. In 2018, a new ownership group took over the facility and renamed it Rockingham Speedway & Entertainment Complex. On Nov. 18, 2021, N.C. Governor Roy Cooper signed the 2021-2022 North Carolina state budget allocating $9 million to support reinvestment in the facility. The state funds, along with ownership investment, allowed for redevelopment of the racetrack including the racing surface and extensive repairs. Today, the facility hosts a wide variety of events including karting, road racing, endurance racing, concerts and more. In 2025, Rockingham Speedway will welcome the return of NASCAR for the first time since 2013.
About Track Enterprises … Track Enterprises has been promoting motorsports events since 1985. Based in Macon, Ill., a dedicated staff, led by longtime promoter Bob Sargent, organize and promote upwards of 80 races a year across the eastern half of the United States. Track Enterprises was responsible for the highly-acclaimed return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series to the Milwaukee Mile in 2023. In 2019, Track Enterprises merged with Charlotte, N.C.-based Spire Holdings and continues to promote high-profile motorsports properties on the national stage.
