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BuzzBallz Launches New Responsible Drinking Campaign with Sponsored Professional Driver Taylor Reimer

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Official Release
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Carrollton, TX, Aug. 20, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In preparation for the end of summer and Labor Day weekend, BuzzBallz has released a new responsible drinking PSA video starring professional driver Taylor Reimer, who BuzzBallz has sponsored since her first year as a professional racer in 2021.

The ad spot features Reimer in various settings including with her BuzzBallz branded ARCA series race car. Throughout the spot she speaks on the importance of being a responsible driver, not driving after consuming alcohol, and alternative options to get somewhere safely after drinking.

Reimer said it was an honor to collaborate with BuzzBallz on this campaign because responsible alcohol consumption is a value she shares with the brand.

“As a professional driver, safety on our highways and roads is one of the most important messages we can deliver. I hope the PSA conveys the message effectively and especially connects with younger drivers,” Reimer said.

This campaign will run through August and September on social media outlets, including targeting in markets where Reimer will be racing.

BuzzBallz EVP of Sales and Marketing Tracy Frisbie said:

“Reimer embodies working hard and playing smart, and is a disciplined person who puts responsibility first in all of her actions. She is determined to put her best efforts forward.

“In addition to being a dedicated and talented driver on the track she also is responsible in her leisure time, ensuring that she makes decisions that don’t detract from the hard work she puts into her racing career. We couldn’t have a better partner for this campaign than Taylor,” Frisbie said.

This video spot exemplifies BuzzBallz’ commitment to responsible consumption.

“BuzzBallz is a fun brand, but we are serious about consumers making good choices in their leisure time and being responsible when enjoying an adult beverage. Taylor is a good spokesperson to help us drive the message of responsible drinking,” Frisbie said.

For more information, visit www.buzzballz.com and www.taylorreimerracing.com.

About BuzzBallz, LLC/Southern Champion:

Since its founding in 2009, BuzzBallz, LLC/Southern Champion has been a leader of innovation and originality in the ready-to-drink cocktail industry. Owning the only woman-owned distillery, winery, and brewery in the United States, CEO and Founder Merrilee Kick has taken her master’s degree thesis project from an idea by her pool to a worldwide brand with distribution nationwide and in 29 countries. The company’s two staple brands, BuzzBallz and Uptown Cocktails, have won dozens of awards for their design, flavor, and popularity, with BuzzBallz rising to the #1 selling RTD in convenience stores and going viral on social media with hundreds of millions of views on posts mentioning the one of a kind cocktail.

The company’s mission is to create fun and innovative premixed cocktails for the world with a vision to reinvent happy hour. With premium natural ingredients and all gluten-free and Kosher-certified flavors, the Texas-based business is dedicated to high quality in their products for consumers and community alike. Through partnerships like their TerraCycle® program, BuzzBallz, LLC/Southern Champion values environmental responsibility with an emphasis on sustainability and economic improvement. The family-owned company cultivates a familial relationship with their teams to make a positive and lasting impact one sip at a time. Learn more at: www.southern-champion.com, www.uptowncocktails.com, and www.buzzballz.com.

FIELD SET FOR PEP BOYS NHRA FUNNY CAR ALL-STAR CALLOUT AT TOYOTA NHRA U.S. NATIONALS

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Official Release
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Bob Tasca III gets top seed in loaded eight-car specialty race, which provides bonus money and bragging rights at The Big Go

INDIANAPOLIS (Aug. 20, 2024) – The world’s biggest drag race includes a standout Funny Car showdown, as the field is now set for the eight-car Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout on Sunday, Sept. 1 as part of this year’s 70th annual Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals.

The Big Go takes place Aug. 28-Sept. 2 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and one of the major highlights of the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals is the Funny Car specialty race that offers up bragging rights and big money on drag racing’s grandest stage.

For the first time, Bob Tasca III earned the top seed in the Pep Boys NHRA Funny Car All-Star Callout, with the rest of the eight-car field including, in order, 2022 Callout winner Ron Capps, defending world champion Matt Hagan, Chad Green, J.R. Todd, Cruz Pedregon, Alexis DeJoria and Paul Lee. Both Green and Lee are making their first appearance in the specialty race, while Todd returns to the Callout this year after just missing out a season ago.

Lee was ninth in the Callout standings and moved into the final field with John Force unable to participate following his June crash in Richmond.

By earning the top seed – which is based on qualifying points for the last seven races of 2023 and the first 13 races of 2024 – Tasca will get the first chance to call out his first-round opponent. If Capps is not selected, the back-to-back Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals champion will get the next pick, going down the line until all first-round matchups are set. There is plenty on the line in the opening round as well, as the driver who makes the quickest winning run will get to select their semifinal opponent, adding more intrigue and excitement to the Callout.

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.

Now in its third year at The Big Go, the Pep Boys Funny Car All-Star Callout offers the chance for one driver to pull off something spectacular and win more than once at the Toyota NHRA U.S. Nationals. Capps swept the weekend in 2022, while Robert Hight won the Callout last season. Tasca is currently second in points and enjoying another strong season, while Hagan has advanced to the Callout final both years and is coming off a final-round appearance in Brainerd. Pedregon and DeJoria have both advanced to the Callout the last two seasons.

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.

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

  1. Bob Tasca III
  2. Ron Capps
  3. Matt Hagan
  4. Chad Green
  5. J.R. Todd
  6. Cruz Pedregon
  7. Alexis DeJoria
  8. 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.

Back to Racing for Silver Hare at Watkins Glen

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Official Release
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Jake Drew, Boris Said Jr. Look To Pick Up Where They Left Off Before Summer Break

HIGH POINT, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2024) – The Silver Hare Racing duo of Jake Drew and Boris Said Jr. head to iconic Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International to kick off the home stretch of the 2024 Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series season Friday at this weekend’s Mission Foods Watkins Glen SpeedTour.

The 30-lap, 75-minute race around the 3.4-mile, 11-turn Watkins Glen circuit will be the first of back-to-back weekend events for Trans Am competitors, who eight days later will return to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, for the first time since 2014. Drew and Said look to pick up where they and the Silver Hare team left off when the series last raced, also on back-to-back weekends June 22 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington and June 29 at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Drew, the 24-year-old driver of the No. 7 Silver Hare Racing/Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro who’s competing in his first career TA2 season, scored back-to-back podium finishes of third at Mid-Ohio and Road America, the latter round featuring his first pole of the year. The podium finishes elevated his total to three for the season and moved him to fifth in the driver standings. He scored his first podium with a second-place finish in just his second TA2 start April 14 at NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisiana. A native of Fullerton, California, Drew also moved to the top of the TA2 Rookie of the Year standings despite running one fewer race than his nearest competitors, and into third in the Young Gun standings for drivers 25 and under.

The veteran of a half-dozen NASCAR Truck Series events in 2023 and a 23-race slate of ARCA Menards Series outings from 2021 to 2023 that featured three road-course victories in 2022, narrowly missed a podium finish in his TA2 debut in the season’s second round March 24 at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. As is the case most every weekend on his rookie TA2 tour, Drew will be taking to the Watkins Glen circuit for the first time. But he’s certainly proven to be a quick study.

Said, the 20-year-old first-year driver of the No. 75 HendrickCars.com/Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro, finished seventh at Mid-Ohio and eighth at Road America to give him four consecutive top-eight finishes, a streak that included his best career TA2 finish of sixth May 25 at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut. The Escondido, California native is looking for a breakthrough run this weekend on the track he’s watched his dad, Boris Said, enjoy numerous successes in NASCAR and sportscar competition over the years.

In last year’s TA2 round at Watkins Glen, the Silver Hare Racing Camaro of Connor Zilisch was the first to take the checkered flag after starting on the pole. But what would have been the team’s fourth victory of the season was disallowed after a ride-height violation was declared in postrace technical inspection. Zilisch and Silver Hare went on to win the very next two rounds at World Wide Technology Raceway outside St. Louis and Virginia International Raceway in Alton, the High Point, North Carolina-based team’s home track, both victories coming from the pole after leading every race lap. Silver Hare finished 2023 with a TA2 series-high five victories.

This weekend’s Mission Foods Watkins Glen SpeedTour kicks off Thursday with a 35-minute TA2 test session at 2 p.m. EDT, followed by a 30-minute official TA2 practice session at 4:45 p.m. Qualifying is at noon Friday, with the TA2 race, round nine of 12 on the 2024 schedule, set for 4 p.m. with live television provided by series partner MAVTV, augmented by live-streaming video on the Trans Am and SpeedTour channels on YouTube. MAVTV will air a 60-minute race show at 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Sept. 5.

Silver Hare Racing leverages its Trans Am effort to promote its arrive-and-drive program, where aspiring racers and even tenured professionals hone their road-racing skills on some of the most revered tracks in North America. NASCAR Cup Series drivers Daniel Suárez, Christopher Bell, William Byron and Harrison Burton have all wheeled Silver Hare Racing-prepared cars to burnish their road-racing abilities in top-flight equipment.

The team offers six, professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing for both competition and private testing. Silver Hare Racing has a dedicated, fulltime crew and operates out of a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. At the track, two 53-foot Featherlite transporters serve as the team’s base, each outfitted with a lounge and smart TVs for data and video review, as well as for hospitality.

To further Silver Hare Racing’s driver development capabilities, the team’s race shop in High Point is now equipped with a SHOCKWAVE Simulator, a tool specifically developed for drivers to accelerate racetrack familiarity, improve car control and confidence, and build stamina. SHOCKWAVE has been involved in racing since 1965 and is currently actively participating in NASCAR, ARCA, Trans Am, Late Models, and Sprint cars. Its Trans Am package replicates a Howe Racing TA2 chassis, complete with cockpit controls and sounds.

“With NASCAR having so many more road-course races, it’s our goal for Silver Hare Racing to be the preferred team for drivers to get that road-course experience,” said Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing co-owner and team manager. “We want to be that important step in the ladder for the young, up-and-coming drivers. We want people to know we have an arrive-and-drive program, where for people who want to run this track or another, we provide the opportunity to do that and be successful.”

Jake Drew, driver, No. 7 Silver Hare Racing/Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro:

It’s been eight weeks since you scored your second of back-to-back podium finishes and your first TA2 pole in the most recent round at Road America. Safe to say you’ve been looking ahead to this weekend at Watkins Glen?

“As a driver, we definitely don’t like taking eight weeks off, but I think it was good for the series and our team and all teams involved to regroup and get back on track. We had a lot of races in a short stretch and I’m sure everybody could use that break. I’m super excited to get back into my Silver Hare/Franklin Road Chevrolet and excited to take on another new track like Watkins Glen. Potentially, I feel like it has a lot of similarities to Road America, where we got our first pole and shared a lot of success. Toward the end of that last stretch of races, we were building some good momentum and I’m looking forward to picking up where we left off.”

Another new track for you in Watkins Glen this weekend, but there is a wealth of resources out there to draw from in learning the track. What have you been doing to prepare, and what are your impressions of the track?

“I’ve been doing a lot of iRacing and have been watching race videos back so I can be as prepared as possible and deal with whatever comes to me. As we all know, it’s definitely a high-speed track and has a lot of high commitment to it, so you’ll have to have a lot of trust in your car and your equipment. You’ll need momentum on your side in some places dealing with elevation changes and what not. I’m looking forward to getting there and utilizing our practice time and working hard together as a team and do the best we can.”

You’re entering the home stretch of your first TA2 season. How has the experience matched your expectations so far?

“It’s definitely more competitive than I thought it was going to be, and I don’t mean that in a way that I was underestimating it in any way, just out of respect to all the other teams and competitors who’ve been doing it for a long time. I think it’s a really great series that more people should get involved in. I’ve really enjoyed learning a new car and a new team. Silver Hare is a family, and that makes it super enjoyable. With these last four races coming in, I’m definitely adding some pressure on myself – I really want to bring home a win, if not multiple wins. We just got our first pole at the last race and we have a few podiums, but winning is always the best, so I’m looking to do whatever it takes to make that happen.”

Boris Said Jr., driver, No. 75 HendrickCars.com/Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro:

You’re back on track for a points-paying TA2 race for the first time since Road America the last weekend in June. How have you enjoyed your time away from Trans Am, and what are your thoughts about Watkins Glen?

“Seems like it’s been forever since we raced at Road America, so I’m excited to get back to it this weekend. It was good to not be off for the entire eight weeks since I got to run the All-Star Race at Lime Rock with Dad, and then I got to meet up with some friends in Cyprus and Spain. I got to do some jet skiing and windsurfing and it was very relaxing. So, like I said, I’m really excited to get back to it with our Silver Hare team. I’ve been running on the simulator a lot to get ready for these next two races. I like Watkins Glen a lot because it’s a fast track and it’s fun. And I’m really excited for Mosport (Canadian Tire Motorsport Park) because I’ve never raced there before but I really enjoy running it on the simulator.”

Your dad has had quite the history at Watkins Glen, having been a regular contender in NASCAR over the years, and the winner of several sportscar races. Does that make the track extra special for you as you kick off the home stretch of the season?

“It’s a very cool track. I went there as a kid a lot and it’s cool to be able to race there. I really like the track and the ambience. It’s a great way to kick off this last four-race stretch of the season. I think consistency is the biggest thing we’ve been able to achieve this year as a driver and a team working together to this point. I can’t put my finger on exactly how that has come about, just a lot of little things. I’m looking forward to building on that starting this weekend and finishing the season strong.”

About Hendrick Automotive Group:

Representing 131 franchises and 25 manufacturer nameplates from the Carolinas to California, Hendrick Automotive Group is the largest privately held automotive retail organization in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company employs more than 10,000 people in its 94 dealership locations, 21 collision centers and four accessories distributor installers in 13 states. For more information, please visit HendrickCars.com.

About HendrickCars.com:

HendrickCars.com is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop thousands of new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protection programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.

About Silver Hare Racing:

Silver Hare Racing is a fulltime competitor in the TA2 division of the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli. The multicar team has won the TA2 masters class championship three times (2018, 2019 and 2020) with driver and team co-owner Maurice Hull. Under the leadership of Hull’s wife, co-owner and team manager Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing provides a variety of services that includes private testing and arrive-and-drive programs. The team offers six, professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing and operates from a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. For more information, please call 336-870-5151 or visit SilverHareRacing.com.

Petty’s Garage Ready to Become Leaders for Historical Stock Car Racers

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Official Release
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Speed Shop Combines Performance Parts and Services with Championship Heritage

LEVEL CROSS, N.C. (August 20, 2024) – Petty’s Garage, and its championship stock car racing pedigree, is now ready to bring its expertise to teams and racers competing in the various historical stock car series in the United States.

Recently, Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) introduced the HSR NASCAR Classic presented by Petty’s Garage. HSR has partnered with the Historic Stock Car Racing Association to create the new racing series for older generation of NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Series vehicles. The series will debut at the VIRginia International Raceway on August 23-25.

Petty’s Garage, the home of over 250 wins at stock cars highest levels, is primed to be the leader for the restoration, preparation, tuning, and body and parts shop for owners and the drivers racing these stock cars. Petty’s Garage not only has expert fabricators, engine tuners, and mechanics, but also comes with the brand you can trust to help you perform at your best at the track.

“There isn’t a better fit for our services than vintage stock car owners, teams, and racers,” said Greg Steadman, Chief Operating Officer, Petty’s Garage. “Our championship history, built by the Petty family and generations of stock cars best, all came through the doors of Petty’s Garage. We pride ourselves on that same craftmanship and can help anyone with projects large or small to get to the track.

“And we really are the best solution after your race, too,” continued Steadman. “From body repair, tuning, to stripping the car down and making it fresh for your next event, this is what we offer. We prioritize safety of the vehicle and also give you the best performance parts from our shop.

“It’s an exciting time for classic stock car racing with so many cars in competition. We have an open door for anyone.”

Petty’s Garage is home to the historical Petty Enterprises that competed in the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, Truck, and ARCA Series in all the eras that are allowed to compete in the classic car series. Petty’s Garage has partnerships with every OEM and has access to thousands of high-performance aftermarket parts. In addition, Petty’s Garage has the capabilities and experience to setup your racing machine using its years of experience.

“There is no better match for what Petty’s Garage can do than working on historic stock cars and getting them ready for the track,” said Petty. “This is what we’ve been doing for 75 years and we have the people and experience to make it happen. We have seen historic stock car racing grow a lot the past decade and we want people to know that we are here to help them.”

You can learn more and follow Petty’s Garage on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also call the shop Monday-Friday at 336-498-3745.

About Petty’s Garage

Petty’s Garage is a high-performance speed shop originally founded by Richard Petty in 2008 as an expansion of his competitive career and ambition to find ways to continue to win both on and off the track. Petty has been building hot rods ever since his childhood bicycle wouldn’t go fast enough. Performance vehicles or stock cars, Petty’s life has been built around production and driving high quality vehicles. Today, the Garage is a second-generation, Petty family owned and operated business. Our performance experts have earned the respect of customers and fans that crowned Petty “The King” of NASCAR. Our crew is looking forward to helping you start a new project or upgrade your current vehicle. For more information, visit www.pettysgarage.com.

Ford Performance NASCAR – 2024 Daytona/Milwaukee Advance

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Official Release
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DAYTONA 2 / MILWAUKEE

Friday, August 23 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 7:30 p.m. ET (USA)
Saturday, August 24 — NASCAR Cup Series, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Sunday, August 25 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 4 p.m. ET (FS1)

All three NASCAR national series will be in action this weekend, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as it conducts the first playoff race of the season at the Milwaukee Mile. The NASCAR Xfinity Series still has five contests remaining in its regular season while the NASCAR Cup Series has only two.

DAYTONA REPEAT?

Chris Buescher capped the hottest streak of his NASCAR Cup Series career in this race a year ago when he won the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway. That regular-season finale victory marked his third triumph in a five-race stretch and sent him into the playoffs with all the momentum in the world. Buescher goes into Saturday night’s race in 15th place, 16 points above the cut line with two races to go in the regular season.

PLAYOFF BOUND

With two races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, four Ford drivers have locked up spots in the playoffs. Brad Keselowski (Darlington), Austin Cindric (WWTR), Joey Logano (Nashville) and Ryan Blaney (Pocono) will all compete for the championship when the postseason opens in two weeks at Atlanta Motor Speedway. As noted above, Chris Buescher currently holds one of the final spots based on points.

BLANEY WINS IN WILD FINISH

Ryan Blaney endured a chaotic end to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in 2021 at Daytona as he swiftly escaped a multi-car pile-up exiting the third turn with four laps remaining. Blaney, who was running fifth in the middle row of three-wide competition, moved up the track to evade a group of spinning cars and inherited the lead. In overtime, Blaney managed to stay out front, fending off Kevin Harvick and Chris Buescher in the final laps before the race’s eighth caution, subsequently giving Blaney his third win of the season under caution.

FIREBALL ROBERTS COMPLETES ’63 SWEEP

After Tiny Lund was crowned Ford’s first Daytona 500 winner in 1963, Fireball Roberts gave the manufacturer its first season sweep at the speedway in spectacular fashion by driving his 1963 Holman-Moody Ford to a midsummer victory in the Firecracker 400. Roberts bested the likes of teammate Fred Lorenzen and Wood Brothers Racing’s Marvin Panch and a top-five that included the Mercury of Darel Dieringer as well as Ned Jarrett’s Ford. Originally called the Firecracker 250, the race was 100 laps until expanding to the current 400 miles (160 laps) in 1963. The thrilling debut of the elongated version saw 39 lead changes with Roberts beating Lorenzen by a car length.

CUSTER STILL ON TOP

Cole Custer continues to lead the NASCAR Xfinity Series point standings, holding a 12-point lead over second-place Justin Allgaier with five events remaining in the regular season. Custer took the lead following the race in Portland on June 1 and has held it ever since, although he lost 44 points last weekend after his race in Michigan ended early due to suspension damage he incurred from an accident. He has nine career series starts at Daytona International Speedway and has a pair of top 10 finishes with his best result being fifth in this event last season.

MAJESKI MOJO

Ty Majeski ended the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular season with back-to-back victories and enters the postseason as the hottest driver on the circuit. The Wisconsin native, who has led a combined 126 laps the last two races, would like nothing more than to win in front of his hometown fans and automatically secure a spot in the Round of 8. Seeing Majeski peak now isn’t anything new because all five of his career series triumphs have come in the second half of the year. Last season, Majeski finished 13th in this event as the series returned to the Milwaukee Mile for the first time since 2009.

RHODES READY TO DEFEND

Ben Rhodes has had a quiet season to this point and is still looking for his first win, but the defending series champion enters the postseason as the ninth seed. While he has some ground to make up, he’s been in this position before. A year ago he entered as the seventh seed and survived the first three events before catching fire and posting three top-5 finishes in the final four races. Rhodes, who won his first title in 2021, is looking to join ThorSport Racing teammate Matt Crafton and Jack Sprague as three-time series champions.

FORD’S NASCAR CUP SERIES

SUMMER RACE WINNERS AT DAYTONA

1963 – Fireball Roberts

1965 – A.J. Foyt

1967 – Cale Yarborough

1969 – LeeRoy Yarbrough

1970 – Donnie Allison

1983 – Buddy Baker

1988 – Bill Elliott

1989 – Davey Allison

1991 – Bill Elliott

1994 – Jimmy Spencer

1997 – John Andretti

1999 – Dale Jarrett

2000 – Jeff Burton

2003 – Greg Biffle

2007 – Jaime McMurray

2011 – David Ragan

2014 – Aric Almirola

2016 – Brad Keselowski

2017 – Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

2021 – Ryan Blaney

2023 – Chris Buescher

FORD’S NASCAR XFINITY SERIES

WINNERS AT DAYTONA

1995 – Chad Little (1)

2004 – Mike Wallace (2)

2015 – Ryan Reed (1)

2016 – Aric Almirola (2)

2017 – Ryan Reed (1)

2021 – Austin Cindric (1)

FORD’S NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT MILWAUKEE

1998 – Mike Bliss

1999 – Greg Biffle

2000 – Kurt Busch

2002 – Terry Cook

TIDAL WAVE AUTO SPA BECOMES OFFICIAL CAR WASH OF ATLANTA MOTOR SPEEDWAY

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Official Release
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HAMPTON, Ga. (Aug. 20, 2024) – Tidal Wave Auto Spa and Atlanta Motor Speedway are teaming up in a new partnership to keep the speedway’s fleet of vehicles looking sharp and ready to welcome fans to the track.

As the Official Car Wash Partner of Atlanta Motor Speedway, Tidal Wave Auto Spa will ensure the Speedway’s fleet of Chevrolet vehicles get the ultimate clean year-round with industry-leading car wash technology and exceptional customer service.

“We’re thrilled to be the car wash partner of the Atlanta Motor Speedway,” said Tidal Wave’s Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Lucas Mininger. “It’s no secret that the Speedway has an immense reach to car enthusiasts and race fans everywhere, and it’s an incredible opportunity to introduce this audience to Tidal Wave. We are committed to providing an exceptionally clean car and we’re looking forward to helping the Speedway’s fleet make the best first impression.”

Tidal Wave Auto Spa strives to provide every customer with an exceptional car wash experience with clean and attractive locations, the highest-quality car washes, and friendly customer service. The company was founded over 20 years ago in Thomaston, Ga., and has grown into a top four conveyor car wash company with over 275 locations across the Southern, Midwest and Northern United States. With its large network of locations and quality service, Tidal Wave is the top choice for customers looking to polish up the family car on their way to work, businesses with an armada of vehicles to keep looking their best, and everyone in between.

“We’re known best for our major NASCAR events like the upcoming Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend Sept. 6-8, but our facility is hosting events all year long,” said AMS Executive Vice President and General Manager Brandon Hutchison. “We rely on our fleet of 25 Chevrolet vehicles to support these events, helping us to deliver top-notch experiences for our guests. We’re thrilled to be partnered with Tidal Wave to keep our vehicles spotless and ready to impress all year long!”

In addition to its partnership with AMS, Tidal Wave is also proud to partner with Speedway Children’s Charities Atlanta for the company’s annual Charity Day event on Friday, September 20. Half of all wash proceeds made at the McDonough, Ga., location during the one-day philanthropy event will benefit SCC Atlanta, helping with their mission to advance children’s causes in the Atlanta metro area and the State of Georgia. Tidal Wave is committed to making a positive impact in the communities they serve, and has raised over $3 million for local organizations through their fundraising program and annual Charity Day event.

To learn more about Tidal Wave, including fleet services and fundraising, visit tidalwaveautospa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X for the latest news and information.

Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:

Keep track of all of Atlanta Motor Speedway’s events by following on X, Instagram, and become a Facebook fan. Keep up with all the latest news and information with the Atlanta Motor Speedway mobile app.

About Tidal Wave Auto Spa

Tidal Wave Auto Spa is an industry-leading conveyor car wash company founded in 1999 by Scott and Hope Blackstock in Thomaston, GA. Tidal Wave is committed to providing cutting-edge car care technology and exceptional customer service at each of their 277 locations sprawling 28 states across the South, Midwest, and Northern United States. In 2020, Tidal Wave partnered with Golden Gate Capital to facilitate their accelerated growth across the country. Tidal Wave is one of the top five conveyor car wash companies in the country and has been included in the Inc. 5000 list for America’s Fastest Growing Companies since 2020. The company was recognized as a 2023 Champion of Charity Honoree by Professional Carwashing & Detailing and has raised over $3 million dollars for organizations in their communities.

Meyer Shank Racing Ready For Final Road Course Event of 2024 INDYCAR Season

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Official Release
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#66: David Malukas, Meyer Shank Racing Honda

Pataskala, Ohio (20 August 2024) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) has had much of its 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES success on road courses this year and looks to expand on that during this weekend’s Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland (USA/Peacock/SiriusXM, 3:30 p.m. Sunday), which is the series’ final road-course race of the year.

The 1.964-mile, 12-turn Portland International Raceway will be the final chance of the year for drivers to turn in both directions and provides MSR an opportunity to continue moving toward the top of the standings.

The Ohio-based team’s 2024 resurgence has been built mainly via its road- and street-course results, with its drivers earning six of its seven top-10 results as well as six of its eight top-five qualifying results on road courses. The season’s non-oval events also saw MSR earn its first-ever INDYCAR SERIES pole, when Felix Rosenqvist (No. 60 AutoNation / SiriusXM Honda) paced qualifying for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach back in April.

The team’s road-course pace this season isn’t the only reason for optimism as both David Malukas (No. 66 AutoNation / Arctic Wolf Honda) and Rosenqvist head to the Pacific Northwest with strong resumes of recent successes.

Rosenqvist has two runner-up finishes in his four Portland starts with an average finish of fifth in those four events. The Swedish pilot has also finished on the lead lap in each of those four starts.

Additionally, Malukas has finished on the lead lap in his two previous INDYCAR SERIES starts at Portland International Raceway, coming from 23rd on the starting grid to place eighth a year ago. Malukas also earned a win in Portland in the 2021 Indy NXT race where he led 29 of 30 laps.

MSR’s solid work over the last three months is also showing in the standings as the season winds down. Rosenqvist jumped three spots last week and is now in a tie for 10th in the season-long driver standings while Malukas’ effort in the No. 66 machine, when teamed with results posted by Tom Blomqvist and four-time Indianapolis 500 winner Helio Castroneves, has vaulted the car to 19th in the entrant points.

This weekend’s Bitnile.com Grand Prix of Portland gets underway with a late afternoon practice session on Friday with qualifying set for 3:30 p.m. ET Eastern Time on Saturday. The 110-lap race can be seen live on USA Network and Peacock beginning at 3:00 p.m. Eastern on Sunday. All NTT INDYCAR SERIES sessions can be heard live on SiriusXM Channel 218.

Meyer Shank Racing Driver Quotes:

Felix Rosenqvist: “Portland is a track that I really like, I’ve had two second place finishes there so hopefully I can beat that this weekend. It would be a good weekend to show out potential that we have had all year. I feel like we’re back in our groove again after some bumps in the road. Super excited for the last road course of the year and heading out west again.”

David Malukas: “Each week, our team chemistry grows stronger, and our pace keeps improving, even if the results haven’t always reflected that progress. After WWTR and as we head into Portland, I’m more motivated than ever to run at the front and secure some more good results with the team.”

No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 Enter Final Sprint Race of 2024 Season at VIRginia International Raceway

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Official Release
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ALTON, Virginia (August 20, 2024) – The Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti) No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 team will finish out the sprint portion of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR). With a string of three consecutive sprint events, the No. 45 GTD team remain within the top 10 in the championship points standings.

Kyle Marcelli will return behind the wheel of the No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 alongside co-driver, Danny Formal, after missing the last round at Road America due to a minor arm injury. Both Marcelli and Formal have success at the 3.27-mile road course as the pair swept both races for the win in the 2023 Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship. Marcelli and Formal will be looking to capitalize on their familiarity with VIR as they have finished inside the top six in three of the four sprint races thus far this season.

“I am really proud of this team and drivers,” said Wayne Taylor, Team Principal. “Our organization took on a lot this year with our expansion into GTD, so to be sitting in the Top 10 in the Championship, we should be proud. We still have a few races to go, and I am excited to see what more we can achieve. With the support of DEX Imaging and Lamborghini, I am confident we will continue to show our strength on and off the track.”

The No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 team will begin preparations at VIR with practice at 2:00 p.m. ET on Friday, August 23 followed by qualifying on Saturday, August 24, at 4:50 p.m. ET. The Michelin GT Challenge at VIR is set for 12:10 p.m. ET for the two-hour, 40-minute sprint with broadcast beginning at 12 p.m. ET on USA Network and Peacock.
No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 Drivers

Kyle Marcelli: “VIR is a special place to drive. It’s a unique, old-school circuit that is high risk, high reward. The layout offers a variety of low-speed and high-speed corners along with elevation and lots of curb strikes making this place an engineering challenge, and often a give-and-take mentality. I’m excited to return to the No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini for what is the final sprint race of the season. The goal is clear, we will do everything we can to get a podium finish.”

Danny Formal: “VIR is up next – the last round of the sprint championship. It is my favorite track in the world. Just one of those tracks that commitment is everything and risking it gets the biscuit, so super excited to get back to VIR. I’m excited to get back to racing with Kyle, my teammate for many, many years. It was great to race with Sandy at Road America and it’s great to have Kyle back also. It’s going to be a hot weekend, it’s always muggy at VIR but our No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2 team is ready to go for it. It’s the last sprint round, so we are going for a podium. We really advanced the car in Road America, especially during the race, our race pace was quite good, so super excited and ready for it.”

ABOUT WTRANDRETTI
Andretti Global and Wayne Taylor Racing announced a new, long-term partnership in 2023 that combines the resources of the two championship-caliber teams to compete in IMSA’s top classes. In 2024, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti) has expanded to a two-car GTP program as well as competes in the GTD class. Coming off its 2023 championship winning effort, WTRAndretti continues its Driver Development Program competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series with a full stable.

WTRAndretti’s global motorsports enterprise boasts two IMSA driver championships (2013 and 2017), and back-to-back IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Championships (2020, 2021) which contributed to nine IMSA manufacturer championships for Acura, Pontiac, Corvette and Cadillac. In its brief 17-year history, WTRAndretti has accumulated multiple victories in sportscar racing’s most iconic events: Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, Mid-Ohio, Road America and the Six Hours of The Glen. With its back-to-back PRO Class Championship wins (2022, 2023), WTR also has ten North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship titles and a Lamborghini World Finals title.

Andretti Global, a Championship-winning motorsports organization, competes in additional racing categories worldwide, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Extreme E, Australian Supercars and the Mexico SuperCopa Championship. Additionally, the racing enterprise commits to driver development through competition in INDY NXT by Firestone and through support of Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon’s racing careers.

AO Racing Welcomes Bachler to Lineup for GT Challenge at VIR

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Official Release
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ST. CHARLES, Ill., (August 20, 2024) – Porsche driver Klaus Bachler is set to join AO Racing for next weekend’s Michelin GT Challenge at VIR in Roxy, the Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr. He will race alongside full-season driver Laurin Heinrich during the GT-only weekend as AO Racing continues its quest to maintain its championship lead in the final stretch of the season.

“We’re extremely grateful for Klaus to join us for the VIRginia International Raceway race weekend in Roxy,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “He’s one of the most experienced Porsche GT drivers in the world, and currently leading the WEC championship in the same car. We know he will do a good job in our continued push for the series championship.”

Following Sebastian Priaulx’s departure from the team last month, Julien Andlauer was the first driver to step in to fill the open seat, starting with a one-off run at Road America earlier this month. Due to a schedule conflict with the European Le Mans Series, the team sought out Bachler to be the next driver to step in. With over a decade of experience racing Porsches, Bachler is poised to be a strong addition to the team.

“I am really looking forward to joining AO Racing together with Laurin for VIR,” said Bachler. “It is the first time for me driving Roxy and I cannot wait for it. VIR is one of my favorite tracks in North America and I will give everything to help the team for their championship run.”

The Michelin GT Challenge at VIR will be a GT-only event, featuring just the GTD PRO and GTD classes. The field will take the green flag for the two-hour, 40-minute race on Sunday, August 25 at 12:10 PM ET, airing live on Peacock.

About AO Racing

Founded in 2022 by PJ Hyett and Gunnar Jeannette, AO Racing has swiftly risen to prominence in the world of professional sports car racing. With an unwavering commitment to on-track excellence and fan engagement, AO Racing commands attention with its fun liveries and fan-friendly presence, becoming a dynamic force in the sport. Central to AO Racing’s success is its unique blend of performance and personality. The iconic liveries of “Rexy” and “Roxy,” the T-Rex Porsche 911 GT3 Rawrs and “Spike” the LMP2 Dragon have captivated fans worldwide, earning AO Racing a dedicated following. With a focus on making racing accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts of all ages, AO Racing has become a beloved favorite among motorsport lovers. The team has a global footprint, with strong efforts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. With passion, precision, and a touch of flair, AO Racing is writing the next chapter in the annals of motorsport history.

Carolina Carports Set to Return to JR Motorsports in 2025

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Official Release
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North Carolina-Based Company Signs Multi-Year Renewal

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Aug. 20, 2024) – JR Motorsports announced today that Carolina Carports, an industry innovator in the manufacturing and installation of quality residential and commercial steel buildings, will return to the organization as a primary partner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in a multi-year agreement beginning in 2025.

“It’s really special for us to continue this partnership with Adela and everyone at Carolina Carports,” said JR Motorsports CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller. “It’s significant when we have partners see the value in our team and want that relationship to continue. I can’t wait to see how this partnership expands in 2025.”

Headquartered in Dobson, N.C., Carolina Carports will be featured as the primary partner for five NXS events in 2025, including three with Connor Zilisch and the No. 88 Chevrolet. The two additional primary events will be announced at a later date.

Carolina Carports’ customer-first and quality-commitment approach has made them a leader in the steel-buildings industry. Family-owned and operated since 1997, Carolina Carports offers a wide selection of steel buildings, metal carports, garages and barns for personal or commercial use, all of which include American manufacturing, installation and customer support. The company’s footprint has expanded to seven divisions covering North Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Pennsylvania and Indiana.

“Carolina Carports is proud to announce our continued partnership with the JRM team in 2025,” says CCI owner and CEO, Adela Herrera.“ Our companies align in many ways, we both share the values of teamwork and looking after team members like family. We look forward to another successful racing season.”

In addition to the extension into 2025 and beyond, Carolina Carports will be featured as the primary partner for Zilisch’s first career NXS start later this season on the road course at Watkins Glen International behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet.

Zilisch and the No. 88 Carolina Carports Chevrolet will take the twists and turns of Watkins Glen on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 3 p.m. ET on USA, MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

ABOUT CAROLINA CARPORTS:
Carolina Carports, Inc. was founded in 1997. Our primary focus is to provide the highest quality residential and commercial metal structures at the most economical price to our customers. We use the latest in technology, machinery and engineering to ensure that each unit is above industry standards. Our commitment to each customer experience from start to finish is a driving force behind the growth of CCI. With 7 divisions strategically located throughout the United States, CCI has become the single largest metal building manufacturer in the nation. We appreciate each of our dealers, employees, contractors and customers who are part of the CCI family. To start your next building project, contact us at 800-670-4262 or email us at cci@carolinacarports.com.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:

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

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