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Suarez “excited” with recent on-track surge entering the 2024 Cup Playoff opener at Atlanta

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

After a one-year absence, Daniel Suarez returns to the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs in 2024 with early excitement and anticipation as he strives to keep pace with the competition and allow both himself and his No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team the opportunity to contend for a Cup Series championship.

Suarez, a native of Monterrey, Mexico, commenced the 2024 season by finishing 34th in the 66th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway despite contending for the victory in the closing laps. He then rebounded during the following weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway by edging Ryan Blaney and Kyle Busch in a three-wide photo finish, including 0.003 seconds over runner-up Blaney, to emerge victorious overall for the second time in his career and to notch his first oval/superspeedway victory in the Cup circuit. The victory was also his first with new crew chief Matt Swiderski and the driver’s first since winning at Sonoma Raceway in 2022.

Since the Atlanta victory, which was an automatic, guaranteed ticket into the Playoffs, Suarez would proceed to finish in the top 10 five additional times, but would end up with 15 finishes of 18th or worse throughout this year’s 26-race regular-season stretch.

Amid the on-track struggles, Suarez, who will line up in 11th place in the Playoff standings with 2,006 points, remains pleased with a recent surge in on-track progress made by his No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet team, during which the Mexican finishing in the top 10 three times throughout the final five regular-season events. He also generated a strong run at Richmond Raceway last August, where he led 93 laps before finishing 10th.

In addition to expressing his excitement about returning to Atlanta, the track where he recorded his recent Cup Series victory, to commence the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs, Suarez, who is set to remain at Trackhouse Racing in 2025, strives to extend his recent momentum that would enable him to surpass each Playoff round and have a chance to make the Championship 4 round at Phoenix Raceway in November.

During Suarez’s first Playoff campaign in 2022, he transferred from the Round of 16 to 12 and was in contention of advancing into the Round of 8 before a power steering issue during the round’s finale at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course drained his championship hopes as he settled in a career-best 10th place in the final standings.

“Starting the Playoffs in Atlanta is always pretty sweet, but in reality, the No. 99 team has got some good things going our way the last couple of months,” Suarez said after this past Sunday’s regular-season finale at Darlington Raceway. “We have built some good energy, some good momentum. We have had a good streak of top 10s, good speed in some race tracks. We just continue to get better. I’m very excited to see what we can do over the first [Playoff] round. The first couple rounds are a little crazy, so I think if we execute, we clean (up) a couple things, we’re going to have a pretty good shot at [the title].”

Daniel Suarez’s pursuit for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2024 commences at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Quaker State 400 and the start of the 2024 Playoffs. The event is scheduled to occur this upcoming Sunday, September 8, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Logano: “It’s game time now” for 2024 Cup Series Playoff battle and third title pursuit

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series regular-season stretch was a stretch that generated a roller coaster ride for Joey Logano, who managed to thrive late in the season and when it mattered most ultimately enabled him and his No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang Dark Horse team to make the Playoffs and have another opportunity to add another title to the driver’s successful racing resume in stock car competition.

The two-time Cup Series champion from Middletown, Connecticut, roared out of the gate by winning the pole position for the 66th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. He would then finish 32nd in the main event after he was collected in a late multi-car wreck while contending for the victory. Including the 500 result, Logano would finish no higher than ninth once, but get strapped with four finishes of 22nd or worse before he recorded a strong runner-up result at Richmond Raceway in late March.

With six results of 16th or worse and only three top-10 results accumulated over his next 11 starts, Logano’s 2024 Cup Series Playoffs hopes were within reach as he was mired towards the top-16 cutline in the Playoff standings. Then, Logano’s championship hopes of the season were resurrected after the Connecticut veteran withstood five overtime attempts and a fuel tank that was on the verge of being dry to grab his first elusive victory of the season at Nashville Superspeedway in late June.

Since the Nashville victory, Logano has only finished in the top eight twice but has finished 19th or worse five times during a seven-race stretch. As a result, Logano’s points and results, including the Nashville victory, were enough for him to be strapped into ninth place in the current Playoff standings with 2,007 points.

Currently, Logano’s eight top-10 results he accumulated throughout the 26-race regular-season stretch are the lowest he has accumulated and his average-finishing result of 18.3 is low, both occurring in 2011. Nonetheless, the Connecticut native, who will square off against teammates Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric along with Penske-affiliated teammate Harrison Burton, remains poised to transfer his way into the finale a year after being eliminated following the first round and raise the championship trophy as he did in 2018 and again in 2022.

“It’s nice to have all our [Team Penske] cars and you having four in [the Playoffs], even with the Wood Brothers car [and driver Harrison Burton], which is pretty much under our roof here,” Logano said following the regular-season finale at Darlington Raceway. “It’s nice to have them all in there. It’s game time now, right? This is the time to shine and the cream always rises at the top through the Playoffs, so got to be able to execute through all these races. Got to go fast through them. The first round is obviously pretty crazy with the racetracks that are involved there. It’s no smooth ride from here. It’s not a simple way of getting [to the finale], so got to be solid here. We don’t have a whole bunch of Playoff points on our side, but we got a couple. We’ll fire away and see what we got.”

Joey Logano’s pursuit for his third NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2024 commences at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Quaker State 400 and the start of the 2024 Playoffs. The event is scheduled to occur this upcoming Sunday, September 8, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Cindric remaining confident ahead of 2024 Cup Series Playoffs amid regular-season struggles

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Bruce Nuttleman for SpeedwayMedia.com.

For a second time in his career, Austin Cindric will be one of 16 competitors vying for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship throughout this year’s 10-race, elimination-style Playoff battle. Compared to his first Playoff battle as a rookie competitor, Cindric enters this season as a junior competitor striving to set aside a difficult regular-season stretch and be in title contention by the time the finale at Phoenix Raceway occurs.

Cindric, the 2022 Daytona 500 champion from Mooresville, North Carolina, commenced his third consecutive season driving the No. 2 Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry for Team Penske by finishing 22nd in the 66th running of the Daytona 500 after he was sent for a spin with Ross Chastain on the final lap by Corey LaJoie while battling for the victory. He would rally the following weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway by leading 32 laps and finishing in a strong fourth place.

The next 12 regular-season events on the schedule generated a difficult stretch for Cindric, who finished no higher than 15th while being mired with 10 results of 20th or worse. By then, his 2024 Playoff hopes were dim and in need of a regular-season victory to be guaranteed a legitimate spot into the postseason.

Then at Gateway’s World Wide Technology Raceway in early June, a miracle was awarded to Cindric as he took advantage of teammate Ryan Blaney running out of fuel on the final lap to achieve an upset victory and leap his way into the Playoff picture. For Cindric, the Gateway victory marked his second in the Cup Series as he also snapped a one-year winless drought for Team Penske’s No. 2 team and delivered the first victory for crew chief Brian Wilson, whom Cindric celebrated an Xfinity Series championship in 2020.

The remaining 12 events on this year’s regular-season stretch would see Cindric record an extra top-10 result in the form of a seventh-place run at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July, but mired with seven results of 18th or worse. With his Gateway victory in the early summer stretch, Cindric is set to commence the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs in 10th place in the Playoff standings with 2,007 points.

Amid his difficult regular-season period, Cindric remains confident over his team’s ability to run upfront and garner more victories throughout the Playoffs, starting with the postseason’s opening round consisting of three distinct venues. This season also marks an opportunity for the North Carolinian to heighten his title hopes to new heights and advance as far as possible within the Playoffs after transferring as high as the Round of 12 two years ago.

“I feel like we’re playing with house money,” Cindric said after the regular-season finale at Darlington. “It’s an awesome opportunity to be in the Playoffs. Being able to sneak some stage points in is gonna be huge, but also just not having blowups. I feel like the first races of the Playoffs are two races that we can, honestly, win, with Atlanta and Watkins Glen. We are capable of doing those things, but yeah, still some stuff to clean up. Really excited to do it with the [No. 2] guys. A lot of first-time Playoff guys on my team, so put our best foot forward and have a great time with it.”

Austin Cindric’s pursuit for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2024 commences at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Quaker State 400 and the start of the 2024 Playoffs. The event is scheduled to occur this upcoming Sunday, September 8, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Ty Gibbs set for first Cup Series Playoffs in 2024

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by Stephanie McLaughlin for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In his second full-time campaign at the NASCAR Cup Series level, Ty Gibbs has a new title to add to his young career: 2024 Cup Series Playoff candidate, a feat he accomplished by points and through steady consistency after falling short of the cutline during last year’s rookie season.

Gibbs, grandson of championship-winning team owner Joe Gibbs and the 2023 Cup Series Rookie-of-the-Year recipient from Charlotte, North Carolina, commenced his sophomore Cup season in 17th place during the 66th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in February but rallied by finishing in the top 10 during his next five starts. He would then finish no higher than 10th throughout his next six starts before he notched a career-best runner-up result at Darlington Raceway in May.

Two weeks after recording his best on-track result in a Cup Series event, Gibbs notched his first career pole position for this year’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where he would proceed to finish sixth. He would then finish no higher than third following his next six scheduled starts before he rallied by fishing third at the Chicago Street Course.

For the remaining six regular-season events in 2024, Gibbs recorded two top-five results despite being mired with four results of 20th or worse, including this past weekend’s Cook Out Southern 500. While he continues his pursuit of his first Cup Series career race victory, Gibbs will commence the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs in 15th place in the Playoff standings with 2,004 points. He will also square off against his three Joe Gibbs Racing teammates, Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin and Martin Truex Jr., for the title.

Amid the disappointment of his 20th-place run this past weekend at Darlington due to being collected in a late multi-car wreck, Gibbs was left satisfied with making his first postseason appearance as a Playoff contender as he strives to add a Cup Series championship trophy next to his Xfinity Series title hardware achieved two years ago.

“[I] Wish we could have finished better [at Darlington], but most importantly, we made the Playoffs and that’s what we came here to do,” Gibbs said at Darlington on USA Network. “We accomplished that, so I’m very happy to being able to make it and we’ll go see what we can do in 10 weeks. We got to get through next week first. Atlanta is a tough one, but I feel like we’re really strong in the races for the rest of the season and we’ll see what we can do and go out there and give it our best shot. I’d love to win at all of [the Playoff races].”

Ty Gibbs’ pursuit for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2024 commences at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Quaker State 400 and the start of the 2024 Playoffs. The event is scheduled to occur this upcoming Sunday, September 8, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Hamlin emphasizes winning as key to success entering 2024 Cup Series Playoffs

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In his 19th consecutive season as a full-time competitor in the NASCAR Cup Series level, Denny Hamlin will continue his quest to have the final word over his competition and critics by etching a first-time championship in NASCAR’s premier series when the final checkered flag of the 2024 season waves.

The three-time Daytona 500 champion from Chesterfield, Virginia, roared out of the gates by winning the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in early February before finishing 19th during the 66th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Four races later, he notched his first Cup points victory of the season at Bristol Motor Speedway in March, an event mired with a pyramid of tire issues.

The early momentum for Hamlin and his No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Camry XSE team continued two races later at the Virginia veteran’s home track in Richmond Raceway as Hamlin muscled away from teammate Martin Truex Jr. to double up his win column in 2024. Despite finishing no higher than 11th during his next three starts, Hamlin responded by fending off fellow rival Kyle Larson to win at Dover Motor Speedway in late April for the second time in his career.

Since his latest series’ victory at Dover, Hamlin recorded a total of six top-five results and eight top-10 results despite getting mired with six results of 24th or worse during the remaining 15 events on this year’s regular-season stretch. He was also in contention for the regular-season championship until he was assessed an L2 penalty from NASCAR for an engine rules violation that involved his race-winning car from Bristol in March and that Toyota admitted to causing. The penalty resulted in Hamlin losing 75 points and 10 Playoff points, which dropped him out of contention for the regular-season title.

Nonetheless, Hamlin is set to commence the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs in sixth place in the Playoff standings with 2,015 points as he bids for his first elusive championship in the series. To do so, however, he will attempt to make his fifth Championship 4 round after missing the cutline to the finale by a single point position over the last two seasons.

When asked about his approach to tackling the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs following this past Sunday’s regular-season finale at Darlington Raceway, Hamlin echoed the term “win” as his key to success to transfer to the finale and contend for the title.

“[I] Just got to execute races and just win,” Hamlin said at Darlington. “I think that’s the key in the Playoffs is winning so you don’t put yourself in a bad point position. With some of the crazy tracks that we’ve got in the Playoffs this year, it’s going to try to avoid those 25th or worse finishes. That’s gonna be the key for us.”

Denny Hamlin’s pursuit for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2024 commences at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Quaker State 400 and the start of the 2024 Playoffs. The event is scheduled to occur this upcoming Sunday, September 8, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Bell poised for more consistency, Championship 4 return in 2024 Cup Playoffs

By
Andrew Kim
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Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Having mounted his way all the way to the Championship 4 round only to fall short of reaching the pinnacle and claiming the covenant prize in NASCAR’s premier series over the last two seasons, Christopher Bell has an opportunity to make his third consecutive appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs be an appearance where he can reach the pinnacle and etch his name as a Cup Series champion for the first time.

Thus far, the 2017 Truck Series champion from Norman, Oklahoma, is coming off a decent 26-race regular-season stretch that started by finishing third in this year’s 66th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Then after finishing outside the top 30 during his next two starts, Bell struck early by recording his first Cup victory of the season at Phoenix Raceway in March.

Over his next nine starts, Bell would finish in the top 10 four times but would get mired with four results of 17th or worse. He would regain his momentum by grabbing a rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May. Following the Charlotte victory, Bell finished no worse than ninth over his next three starts before he capitalized on an overtime shootout to add a third Cup victory of the season at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Then after accumulating a single top-five result over his next four starts before a two-week summer break amid the Summer Olympics in Paris, Bell would be paired with his car chief Chris Sherwood calling the shots atop the No. 20 pit box due to veteran crew chief Adam Stevens recovering from a double knee injury during the break.

Thus far, Bell has recorded three top-six results, including back-to-back third-place finishes in his latest four races with Sherwood. With the Playoff points he has accumulated along with his regular-season victories, Bell is set to commence the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs in second place in the Playoff standings with 2,032 points.

Using mountainous terms to characterize his 2024 regular-season stretch, Bell was not shy to identify the difficulties he experienced thus far on the track but remained confident towards his goal to return to the Championship 4 round and contend for the title come the season finale at Phoenix Raceway in November.

“The regular season was just like mountains,” Bell said following the regular-season finale at Darlington Raceway. “It was the tallest of tall and then all the way to the bottom there. [I] Got to clean that up. Got to get a little bit more consistency, but the strength is obviously the car speed and the potential in our team. I feel like everywhere we go, we’re a contender. We can be a contender if everyone does their jobs. If we can eliminate our lows, I think we’ve got everything we need to go for a title run here.”

Christopher Bell’s pursuit for his first NASCAR Cup Series championship in 2024 commences at Atlanta Motor Speedway for the Quaker State 400 and the start of the 2024 Playoffs. The event is scheduled to occur this upcoming Sunday, September 8, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network.

DENSO Fukushima Launches Production of Inverters

By
Official Release
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Mobility supplier expands production of electrification products with the aim of realizing a carbon-neutral society

KARIYA, JAPAN, Sept 5, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – DENSO Corporation will start inverter production at DENSO Fukushima Co., Ltd., to reinforce its manufacturing capability in Japan and enhance the DENSO Group’s competitiveness in the electrification field. DENSO Fukushima is a DENSO Group company that manufactures automotive thermal products, such as air conditioners and engine cooling modules (ECMs), and fuel system components for gasoline engines. While the company will continue to produce these products, it has established a new inverter production line at Plant No. 2, with product shipments beginning today.

DENSO started producing inverters, which are essential components for automotive electrification technology, in 1997*. Now, the company has the largest share of the global automotive inverter market, reflecting the product’s high demand cultivated through excellent quality and performance.

DENSO has been manufacturing inverters at the Hirose Plant in addition to the Anjo Plant, which is the global mother plant for electrification in Japan. Foreseeing the acceleration of electrification, DENSO made the strategic decision to launch inverter production at DENSO Fukushima as well.

With the latest production expansion to three plants in Japan, DENSO now globally manufactures inverters at eight plants in four regions, including DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc. in North America, DENSO Manufacturing Hungary Ltd. in Europe, and Tianjin DENSO Electronics Co., Ltd., Tianjin DENSO Engine Electrical Products Co., Ltd., and DENSO (Guangzhou Nansha) Co., Ltd. in China. This enables the company to rapidly meet inverter demand worldwide.

By expanding the production of inverters, which are key to realizing a sustainable mobility-oriented society, the DENSO Group will quickly and flexibly meet the various needs of customers and further enhance its competitiveness in the electrification field.

*This includes the period when inverters were produced at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Hirose Plant. In April 2020, due to the consolidation of the electronic components business between Toyota and DENSO, the Hirose Plant was transferred to DENSO.

References:

Please visit our website for more information about DENSO’s inverters and initiatives taken at DENSO Fukushima,

About DENSO’s Inverters

DENSO’s Core Technology Created by the Collaboration of Its Experts
www.denso.com/global/en/driven-base/tech-design/techlinks_electrification_2/

About DENSO Fukushima

Feature Page: Hydrogen energy as the key to achieving zero carbon emissions
www.denso.com/global/en/driven-base/feature/hydrogen/

Local Production for Local Consumption: Building a Next-Generation Energy Model in Fukushima
www.denso.com/global/en/driven-base/project/fukushima_factory/

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/92723/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DENSOCorporation/ | Twitter : https://twitter.com/hashtag/denso?lang=en | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl8cZy9vYlTcnkVMEInM7XQ | Linkedin : https://ph.linkedin.com/company/denso

Understanding the Importance of Choosing the Right Truck Engine

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

When it comes to keeping a truck in top-notch condition, one of the most critical decisions a truck owner or operator must make is selecting the right engine. Whether it’s for a fleet of heavy-duty trucks or a single vehicle, the engine is the heart of any truck, playing a vital role in its performance, efficiency, and lifespan. If you’re considering investing in a new or replacement truck engine for sale, it’s crucial to understand its uses, importance, and the key reasons for choosing the right one.

The Role of a Truck Engine

At its core, a truck engine is responsible for converting fuel into mechanical energy, which powers the vehicle. This process involves a series of complex interactions between components like cylinders, pistons, valves, and crankshafts. The efficiency and reliability of these interactions directly impact the truck’s power, fuel economy, and overall performance.

Truck engines are specifically designed to handle different loads and driving conditions. They differ from car engines in several ways, primarily because trucks need more torque (the force that moves the vehicle) to handle heavier loads and longer distances. Additionally, truck engines are built to last longer and to withstand extreme working conditions, such as steep climbs, long hauls, and rough terrains.

Different Types of Truck Engines

When searching for truck engines for sale, it is important to know the various types available. Generally, truck engines are classified into two main categories:

  1. Diesel Engines: Diesel engines are the most common choice for heavy-duty trucks. They are known for their durability, fuel efficiency, and ability to generate significant torque. Diesel engines operate by compressing air and injecting fuel, creating combustion without the need for a spark plug. This type of engine is highly efficient for long-distance travel and heavy hauling, making it ideal for commercial trucking.
  2. Gasoline Engines: While less common in heavy-duty trucks, gasoline engines are still used in some smaller trucks and lighter applications. They tend to be less fuel-efficient and generate less torque than diesel engines. However, gasoline engines can offer smoother operation, quieter performance, and lower upfront costs. They are typically better suited for shorter trips and lighter loads.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Truck Engine

Selecting the right truck engine is not just about matching it to your truck; it’s about understanding your specific needs and the requirements of the jobs at hand. Here are several key factors to consider when choosing a truck engine:

  1. Purpose and Application: Determine what you’ll primarily be using the truck for. If the truck will be hauling heavy loads or traveling long distances regularly, a diesel engine is likely the better choice. If the truck will be used for light-duty tasks or shorter trips, a gasoline engine may suffice.
  2. Engine Power and Torque: These are crucial for performance, especially when it comes to heavy loads and uphill driving. Diesel engines generally offer more torque at lower RPMs, which is advantageous for towing and hauling.
  3. Fuel Efficiency: Diesel engines are typically more fuel-efficient than gasoline engines. This efficiency translates to lower operational costs, particularly for long-haul trips where fuel expenses are a significant concern. Consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on fuel over the engine’s lifetime.
  4. Maintenance and Durability: Diesel engines tend to be more robust and require less frequent maintenance, but when they do need repair, the costs can be higher. Gasoline engines, on the other hand, may require more regular maintenance but are generally less expensive to repair.
  5. Environmental Impact: With growing awareness of environmental issues, emissions from truck engines have become a major consideration. Diesel engines traditionally have higher emissions than gasoline engines, but newer models with improved technology and filters can reduce their environmental footprint significantly.
  6. Resale Value: A well-chosen engine can positively affect the resale value of your truck. Trucks with engines that are in good condition, reliable, and fuel-efficient are more appealing in the used truck market.

Why Invest in a Replacement Truck Engine?

There are several reasons why you might consider purchasing a truck engine for sale instead of investing in a new truck altogether:

  1. Cost-Effectiveness: Buying a replacement engine is significantly more affordable than purchasing a new truck. If the rest of your vehicle is in good condition, replacing the engine can extend the truck’s lifespan by several years.
  2. Customization: When selecting a replacement engine, you have the opportunity to upgrade to a more powerful or efficient model that better suits your specific needs. This level of customization can enhance the truck’s performance beyond its original capabilities.
  3. Extended Truck Life: A new engine can breathe new life into an older truck, making it a viable option for many more miles of service. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that want to maximize the return on their investment in their fleet.
  4. Availability of Quality Engines: There is a broad range of high-quality truck engines for sale, both new and refurbished, that can provide excellent value for money. A refurbished engine can be an economical choice that still offers robust performance, especially if it comes with a warranty.

Making the Right Choice

Finding the right truck engine for sale involves a careful evaluation of your needs and understanding the options available. It’s essential to research thoroughly, seek advice from experts, and ensure the engine you choose matches your truck’s requirements and intended use. The right engine not only improves the truck’s performance but also contributes to lower operational costs, increased efficiency, and a longer lifespan for your vehicle.

Final Thoughts

In the world of heavy-duty trucking, the engine is not just another component—it is the core of the vehicle’s performance and reliability. Whether you’re buying a new truck engine or replacing an old one, making an informed choice is critical to ensuring your truck can meet the demands of your operations. By understanding the different types of engines, their uses, and the key factors to consider, you can make a decision that will keep your truck on the road for years to come.

NASCAR and truTV to air Weekly Recap Show: Inside the Playoffs

By
Quinn McCullough
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Photo by Ted Seminara for SpeedwayMedia.com.
Jordan Jordan Bianchi and Jeff Gluck discuss the new NASCAR Weekly show coming to truTV this Thursday night

On the latest episode of Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi’s podcast, The Teardown, Bianchi revealed he would be on a new weekly NASCAR recap show by TNT Sports that will air on truTV on Thursday evenings. The show, NASCAR – Inside the Playoffs, will air each week at 7-8 p.m. ET and will also be available to stream on MAX.

The announced cast will be accomplished broadcaster Shannon Spake, NASCAR “Chief Hype Officer” Mamba Smith, former crew chief Steve Letarte and Jordan Bianchi, a NASCAR reporter for The Athletic, who will cover breaking news. It will also feature a rotating cast of current drivers. According to Bianchi, Kyle Busch will join the show in the first two episodes.

“This is going to be so much fun,” said Shannon Spake. “I get to talk about the sport I have been a part of for 20 years in two totally different settings, alongside some of my greatest friends and most respected peers in the industry. The fans have been so good to me over the years, and I’m excited to take them further inside the action of the postseason while staying up to speed on some of the fun and entertaining things unfolding away from the track.”

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS: SIX-RACE NHRA COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP SET TO BEGIN

By
Official Release
-

NHRA playoffs set to feature stops in Reading, Charlotte, St. Louis, Dallas, Las Vegas and Pomona

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 4, 2024) – After an incredible regular season in the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the Countdown to the Championship playoffs is officially here.

Over the next six races, dreams will be realized, history will be made and excitement will be at a fever pitch as drivers across Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle will be focused on nothing but NHRA championship glory.

After the points reset, the championship journey starts at the 39th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals on Sept. 12-15 at Maple Grove Raceway in Reading, Pa., kicking off an edge-of-your-seat Countdown to the Championship sure to be filled with unforgettable moments and electric atmospheres across the country.

The first stretch of the Countdown to the Championship opens with three straight race weekends, with drivers going from Reading to the NHRA Carolina Nationals on Sept. 20-22 at zMAX Dragway in Charlotte to the NHRA Midwest Nationals on Sept. 27-29 at World Wide Technology Raceway in St. Louis.

From there, the NHRA grabs the spotlight as the main event at the famed Texas Motorplex’s “Stampede of Speed” with the 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals on Oct. 10-13 in Dallas. That opens the second half of the six-race playoffs, with the annual fall stop at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway coming Oct. 31-Nov. 3 as the penultimate race in the 2024 season.

Then, all eyes will shift to historic In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, as dreams will come to fruition and celebrations will ensue at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on Nov. 14-17 to finish off an epic 73rd season of NHRA racing.

Last year, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) ended the season as world champions and this season’s championship chase will again be featured on FOX and FS1.

Championship battles are just getting started, but Kalitta has visions of a second straight world title. He got hot in the playoffs last year, winning three races, including the finale at Pomona to take the championship, but after not qualifying in Indy – the first time that happened to Kalitta in nearly 14 years – he’s ready for a quick rebound in Reading.

“It was unfortunate for sure, but my team is very resilient,” Kalitta said in a video on Wednesday. “We’re still leading the points and we’ve got six races to go. I think we’re in a great spot. We’ve just got to go out and make the next six count.”

He’ll enter the postseason with a 15-point lead over second-place Justin Ashley, whose 14 bonus points earned in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge helped close the gap to start the playoffs. Shawn Langdon is third, with four-time world champ Steve Torrence in fourth and Antron Brown in fifth. U.S. Nationals winner Clay Millican will open the postseason in sixth.

In Funny Car, Austin Prock begins the Countdown to the Championship with the biggest point lead in any class thanks to earning a whopping 23 bonus points in the Mission #2Fast2 Tasty Challenge. That helped net him a 39-point advantage (just shy of two rounds) over Bob Tasca III to open the playoffs. Prock has stayed red-hot all year, qualifying No. 1 10 times and winning five races, including the U.S. Nationals on Monday. In his mind, there is no slowing down as crunch time begins.

“It’s straight back to work. You’ve got to get on that grind you’ve got to take it one moment at a time,” Prock said. “Each one of us has to try and do the best work we’ve done all season long. We’ve got a good head of steam going into this Countdown and I truly believe we can make a championship run with this team.”

Following Tasca is Hagan, who is after a fifth world championship, something only the legendary John Force has achieved in the category. He’s 46 points behind Prock, while J.R. Todd and Ron Capps round out the top five. Jack Beckman, who is driving for Force, opens the playoffs in sixth.

For the second straight year, Dallas Glenn begins the Pro Stock Countdown to the Championship as the points leader. His playoffs didn’t go as planned last year, as the former NHRA Rookie of the Year finished a disappointing sixth, but Glenn counts it as lessons learned. He’s been a model of consistency in 2024, advancing to seven final rounds and Glenn starts the playoffs with a 25-point gap on U.S. Nationals winner Aaron Stanfield, earning five more points than Stanfield in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge.

“Last year, we had an awesome car through the middle of the year and then everyone started catching up. It definitely made for a tough Countdown,” Glenn said. “It was tough racing there and everyone got really fast. That’s somewhat why we went to the new car (in Richmond in June). We’re getting a good handle on the car and I think we’re going to have something for them this year.”

Looking for his sixth world title, veteran Greg Anderson is 33 points behind Glenn in third, while reigning, back-to-back and six-time world champion Erica Enders is in fourth, 40 points behind Glenn. She’s looking for her first win since the season-opener in Gainesville and her next victory will also be her 50th national event win.

Pro Stock Motorcycle’s Gaige Herrera remains the favorite in Pro Stock Motorcycle, entering as the points leader and with plenty of momentum after his first career victory at The Big Go on Monday. His points lead stands at 20 over rival Matt Smith and it’s shaping up to be a heated duel between the two talented riders. Smith is after an unprecedented seventh world title in the category, while Herrera is focused on a second straight world title in the midst of his historic two-year run.

“Going into the Countdown, I feel like Matt is stepping it up big-time and this year is going to be very interesting,” Herrera said. “Winning Indy gives me a lot of confidence. This team has put their head down and it reflected (in Indy). I’m glad it’s going to start cooling off.”

Herrera’s teammate, Richard Gadson, is third, 33 points back, while John Hall and Chase Van Sant are also in the top five.

To purchase tickets to any of the six races in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, please visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information about NHRA, including the full television schedule for the 2024 playoffs, please visit www.NHRA.com.

COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS

Top Fuel

1 Doug Kalitta 2109
2 Justin Ashley 2094
3 Shawn Langdon 2081
4 Steve Torrence 2068
5 Antron Brown 2062
6 Clay Millican 2046
7 Tony Stewart 2032
8 Tony Schumacher 2026
9 Brittany Force 2016
10 Billy Torrence 2000
11 Josh Hart 1992
12 Shawn Reed 1980

Funny Car

1 Austin Prock 2125
2 Bob Tasca III 2086
3 Matt Hagan 2079
4 J.R. Todd 2071
5 Ron Capps 2054
6 John Force 2049
7 Blake Alexander 2036
8 Daniel Wilkerson 2023
9 Chad Green 2012
10 Alexis DeJoria 2000
11 Cruz Pedregon 1990
12 Buddy Hull 1980
13 Dave Richards 1970

Pro Stock

1 Dallas Glenn 2114
2 Aaron Stanfield 2089
3 Greg Anderson 2081
4 Erica Enders 2074
5 Jeg Coughlin Jr 2059
6 Troy Coughlin Jr 2047
7 Jerry Tucker 2032
8 Cristian Cuadra 2020
9 Eric Latino 2010
10 Mason McGaha 2006
11 Deric Kramer 1980
12 Matthew Hartford 1970
13 Chris McGaha 1960

Pro Stock Motorcycle

1 Gaige Herrera 2113
2 Matt Smith 2093
3 Richard Gadson 2080
4 John Hall 2067
5 Chase Van Sant 2050
6 Angie Smith 2042
7 Jianna Evaristo 2031
8 Hector Arana Jr 2020
9 Steve Johnson 2010
10 Chris Bostick 2000

2024 NHRA COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

Sept. 12-15: 39th annual Pep Boys NHRA Nationals, Maple Grove Raceway, Reading, Pa.

Sept. 20-22: 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, zMAX Dragway, Charlotte.

Sept. 27-29: 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals, World Wide Technology Raceway, St. Louis

Oct. 10-13: 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals, Texas Motorplex, Dallas

Oct. 31-Nov. 3: 24th annual NHRA Nevada Nationals, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Las Vegas

Nov. 14-17: 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, Pomona, Calif.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.nhra.com/tickets

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.

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