Kaulig Racing took to social media to reveal that veteran AJ Allmendinger will be returning to the NASCAR Cup Series as a full-time competitor with the organization in 2025.
The news comes as the 42-year-old Allmendinger from Los Gatos, California, is currently competing on a full-time basis in the Xfinity Series with Kaulig after spending the previous season in the Cup Series with the organization. Through 20 scheduled starts this season, Allmendinger has recorded three top-five results, 10 top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 13.9, where he is ranked in sixth place in the regular-season standings. In addition to his full-time Xfinity role, Allmendinger has made 10 starts in Kaulig’s No. 16 “all-star” entry, where his best results are three sixth-place results, including this year’s 66th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
Allmendinger, a former Champ Car competitor, made his Cup Series debut with Red Bull Racing at Bristol Motor Speedway in March 2007. Since then, he has made a total of 440 career starts in NASCAR’s premier series from 2007 to 2023, with his previous starts coming with Michael Waltrip Racing, Richard Petty Motorsports, Team Penske, Phoenix Racing, JTG Daugherty Racing and Kaulig Racing, which he began making Cup starts with the latter organization in 2021.
Throughout the 440 starts at the Cup Series level, Allmendinger notched his first career victory at Watkins Glen International in 2014, which also marked the first victory for JTG-Daugherty Racing, and went on to qualify for his first Cup Series Playoffs before settling in a career-best 13th place in the final standings. Seven years later, the Californian capitalized on an overtime shootout to score his second victory and the first for Kaulig Racing in the Cup level at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course as a part-time competitor. This past October, he piloted Kaulig’s No. 16 entry to his third and latest Cup victory at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course.
In addition to having three Cup Series victories within his resume, Allmendinger has accumulated four poles, 20 top-five results, 78 top-10 results, 635 laps led and an average-finishing result of 20.7 in NASCAR’s premier series. He has also made 14 starts in the Craftsman Truck Series and won 17 races in the Xfinity Series, 15 of which came while driving for Kaulig between 2019 and 2023.
With Allmendinger set to be elevated back to full-time Cup racing in 2025 in the No. 16 Chevrolet entry, the rest of Kaulig’s racing program for next season, including the Xfinity Series teams and the No. 31 Cup Series entry that is currently being piloted by Daniel Hemric, have yet to be determined.
For this upcoming weekend at Michigan International Speedway, Allmendinger is set to pull double duty between the Xfinity and Cup Series divisions for the 10th time this season and his 11th Cup start of the 2024 season. In 22 previous Cup starts at Michigan, Allmendinger’s best results are a pair of 11th-place finishes, which occurred in June 2010 and August 2011. He recorded an Xfinity victory at Michigan in August 2021 with Kaulig Racing in a season where he notched a career-high five victories, made the Championship 4 round and finished in a career-best fourth place in the final drivers’ standings.
With his plans for next season set, AJ Allmendinger’s 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign continues this Saturday, August 17, at Michigan International Speedway for the Cabo Wabo 250, where the event’s broadcast time will commence at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. Allmendinger will then make his 11th of select Cup starts the following day, August 18, for the FireKeepers Casino 400 which will air at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Aug. 15, 2024) – Haas Factory Team has hired Aaron Kramer to be the crew chief for driver Cole Custer and the No. 41 NASCAR Cup Series team in 2025.
Kramer will come to Haas Factory Team at the conclusion of the 2024 season from RFK Racing, with whom Haas Factory Team will have a technical alliance. The 35-year-old from Wellsville, New York, is currently the lead race engineer for Cup Series driver Chris Buescher and the No. 17 team.
Kramer has been with RFK since 2016, rising from an electrical and data systems engineer who oversaw the team’s 8-post advanced track simulator rig to lead race engineer on RFK’s No. 60 NASCAR Xfinity Series team in 2018. Kramer was promoted to Cup in 2019, working as the secondary race engineer for two years with the No. 6 team and driver Ryan Newman before moving to the No. 17 team in 2021 with Buescher.
Kramer was on the pit box for Buescher’s first Cup Series win with RFK on Sept. 17, 2022 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway before becoming the lead race engineer for the No. 17 team in 2023. Since then, Kramer has won three more races with Buescher and helped orchestrate his career-best finish of seventh in last year’s championship standings.
“Aaron’s engineering pedigree and his history with RFK Racing are great assets for Haas Factory Team. We’re proud to have him join our team,” said Joe Custer, president, Haas Factory Team. “NASCAR, and the Cup Series in particular, has become very engineering-driven. Limited track time and the nuances of the NextGen car have put a premium on simulation and data, and to really maximize all that information, you need people who can apply that information to the car and work closely with the driver to fine-tune the car. Aaron is that person, and we’re confident he can build a team of like-minded people who will have our race team ready to go for 2025.”
Kramer earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) in 2016. Throughout his college years, Kramer was immersed in racing. After being the car chief at K-Automotive Motorsports for driver Brian Keselowski in 2010, Kramer joined Max-Q Motorsports in 2011. He was the front-end mechanic for the team’s No. 37 Cup Series entry during his freshman year at UNCC. From 2012 through the midpoint of 2015, Kramer built engines at Arrington Racing Engines. He spent the remainder of 2015 with BorgWarner Turbo Systems as a commercial vehicle application engineer. Kramer joined Penske Technology Group in 2016, providing wind tunnel support and operating the team’s 7-post rig with cars from Team Penske’s NASCAR and INDYCAR operation. That time with Penske paved Kramer’s path to RFK.
“This is a great opportunity and I’m very grateful for it,” Kramer said. “I’ve been working toward the crew chief position since I was racing go-karts in high school. It’s a proud moment to have it come with Haas Factory Team. Their alliance with RFK makes the learning curve a little less steep because I’m very familiar with the people and processes at RFK.
“Having Cole as the driver is a huge asset. He’s highly motivated and dedicated to his craft. He puts in the time away from the track so that he’s ready every time he climbs into the racecar. That’s what you want as a crew chief. We’re going to push each other and support each other to get the best results possible.”
Custer is the reigning Xfinity Series champion and current Xfinity Series point leader who secured his spot in the NASCAR Playoffs with a victory July 13 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. Custer’s move to Haas Factory Team in 2025 brings the 26-year-old back to the Cup Series, where he was the 2020 Rookie of the Year and a race winner in just his 20th career start – July 12, 2020 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta.
“I’m very happy to have Aaron join Haas Factory Team,” Custer said. “Crew chief is a crucial piece in the makeup of a race team and Aaron brings a lot to our program. His background will really be a plus for me and our whole organization. Both of us still have jobs to do this year, but it’s reassuring to know that he’ll be my guy on top of the pit box next year.”
CHASE BRISCOE Michigan Advance No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Event Overview
● Event: FireKeepers Casino 400 (Round 24 of 36) ● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 18 ● Location: Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn ● Layout: 2-mile oval ● Laps/Miles: 200 laps / 400 miles ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 45 laps / Stage 2: 75 laps / Final Stage: 80 laps ● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Notes of Interest
● The FireKeepers Casino 400 is round No. 24 on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, and it will mark Chase Briscoe’s fourth career start at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The driver of the No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang has made three previous starts at the 2-mile, D-shaped oval, with his best result coming in his first Cup start at the track in 2021 when he finished 11th. Luck has been fleeting in the Irish Hills region of Michigan since then, with Briscoe logging results of 20th and 31st in his last two Cup starts at the track.
● Briscoe enjoyed solid results at Michigan prior to racing there in the NASCAR Cup Series. He has three starts at Michigan outside of the Cup Series – one each in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series. He scored top-10 finishes in all of them, with his best result coming in his Michigan debut when he finished second in the 2016 ARCA race, where he also led 31 laps. When Briscoe returned to Michigan in 2017, he was driving a Ford F-150 for Brad Keselowski Racing. Despite going from a Ford Fusion in ARCA to an F-150 in the Truck Series, Briscoe maintained his front-running ways by finishing ninth after leading four laps. His last Michigan start before getting promoted to the Cup Series came in the Xfinity Series in 2019 when he finished seventh in a Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas. In those three non-Cup Series starts at Michigan, Briscoe completed 100 percent of the 225 laps available.
● Joining Briscoe at Michigan is HighPoint.com, a leading provider of technology infrastructure solutions that is headquartered in Sparta, New Jersey. HighPoint has been a partner of Briscoe and Stewart-Haas since 2020 when the company supported Briscoe’s NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign, a collaboration that netted a season-best nine victories and earned Briscoe a promotion to the NASCAR Cup Series. HighPoint has climbed the NASCAR ladder with Briscoe and has helped Stewart-Haas maximize its IT investments. Said Briscoe about the partnership: “Even though we race stock cars, there’s nothing stock about what we do. The science of our cars is impressive, but the technology that goes into building our Ford Mustangs and then making them perform is even more advanced. Our IT needs are pretty complex, and we demand a lot from our technology every day, whether it’s at the shop or at the track. HighPoint provides efficiency and security. They’re more than just a sponsor – HighPoint is a partner that helps us perform.” As an IT Solutions Integrator focused on all things that connect, HighPoint helps its customers with the selection and supply of network infrastructure, mobility, collaboration, data center, security solutions and the risk-mitigated implementation and management of their technology. The company, founded in 1996, is a minority-owned business that serves markets in its nearby Tri-State Region (New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware) and the southeastern United States via its presence in Charlotte, North Carolina, as well as globally with offices in Amsterdam and London. To learn more about HighPoint’s solutions, please visit HighPoint.com.
● The story of how HighPoint.com came together with Briscoe and Stewart-Haas is one that could’ve been scripted in Hollywood. In November 2019, while walking to dinner after attending the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Kevin Briscoe was stopped by a stranger who noticed his No. 98 Stewart-Haas hat. The man was Mike Mendiburu, founder and CEO of HighPoint.com, and he said he was a big fan of Chase Briscoe, then a young NASCAR Xfinity Series driver from Mitchell, Indiana, who was driving the No. 98 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas. Kevin informed Mendiburu that Chase was his son and the two carried on a conversation like they were old friends. The two walked away with Kevin accepting Mendiburu’s business card, just in case the Briscoes ever needed anything. Months passed and Chase Briscoe was told that he may not have a ride in the No. 98 for the 2020 season if funding couldn’t be found. So, Stewart-Haas was given Mendiburu’s information and an agreement was reached for HighPoint.com to sponsor Briscoe. That chance encounter in Las Vegas led to a nine-win season in 2020. In October of that year, midway through the playoffs, Briscoe arrived at Tony Stewart’s house in Indiana for what he thought was a discussion with his team owner about whether HighPoint.com would be returning as his sponsor for the next season. The group sat down for dinner and Briscoe, joined by his parents, was informed a decision had already been made – he would be leaving the No. 98 Xfinity Series program to become the next driver of the team’s No. 14 Cup Series entry, the car Stewart himself wheeled during his driving tenure at Stewart-Haas. “I wouldn’t have a career if it wasn’t for Mike and everyone at HighPoint.com,” Briscoe said. “Going into 2020, I was going to be done. They literally came in the fourth quarter with 30 seconds left on the clock and kept things going. Without them, I think my career would’ve been over.”
Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang
Michigan is a fast, 2-mile, D-shaped oval. Do you feel the sensation of speed there more than you do at other tracks?
“It definitely feels like you’re hauling the mail at Michigan. Michigan is one of those places where you know you’re going fast and if you hit something, it’s not going to feel good. It definitely gets your attention.”
Michigan marks a return to a high-speed, high-banked, intermediate track after running a variety of tracks through the summer. Can the knowledge learned earlier in the year at Las Vegas – or even at places that we’ve raced at more recently like Kansas and Charlotte – be applied to Michigan, or were those races so long ago that it’s no longer applicable?
“I think you can take a little bit from those races, but Michigan is kind of different than all the other ones. It’s not got a lot of tire falloff, it’s extremely fast, it’s smoother through the corners, and the banking and things are different, so Michigan is kind of its own racetrack that stands out among the rest. You can apply some of the stuff you’ve learned at mile-and-a-half racetracks from an aero standpoint, but when you go to Michigan, all that stuff is amplified, so you’ve got to be really on your game from an aero standpoint and an engine standpoint. It has been a while since we’ve run a mile-and-a-half-style track. I feel like it’s always a fresh reset when we get to Michigan and try to figure out who’s going to be good.”
We’ve heard the adage of, “Slow down to go fast,” and that seems to be used a lot at Michigan. What does that mean and how does it apply to Michigan?
“Because you’re going so fast down the straightaway driving in, and the straightaways are so long there that you’re really just trying to set up for the exit of the corner, so sometimes when you try to start slowing down, you start backing your entry up and you start getting on the gas earlier and making the straightaway longer, and you end up going faster. It’s funny, a lot of times you see guys actually start going faster when they’re saving fuel there just because they’re making the straightaways a lot longer. I’m pretty guilty of driving in too deep there. Hopefully, this year I can do a lot better job of that.”
Oftentimes, Michigan races have come down to fuel mileage. How does a driver try to save fuel when they’re still trying to outrun other racecars?
“It’s a hard balance trying to keep those guys behind you. I think the biggest thing is just being a lot smoother on the gas pedal and not only pushing it down, but even letting up, and then just lifting earlier in the corner, getting back to the throttle a little bit later. There are a lot of things you can do, including shutting it off. Guys will even do that sometimes under green getting into the corner. There are a lot of things you can do, fuel mileage-wise, especially at the bigger racetracks like Michigan. There are a lot of games played, for sure, on the fuel side.”
Has there been a fuel-mileage race where at the end of it you’ve said, “I did a really good job of saving fuel and got us the best finish possible?’, or have there been races where you’re left scratching your head wondering what you could’ve done differently?
“Nashville earlier this year would definitely be one where I thought I was doing a really, really good job of saving and doing everything I needed to do, and somebody who had essentially three laps less fuel than me made it and I didn’t. I don’t know, it’s definitely hard. I think the big thing is you can save all you want under caution, but sometimes under green you’re burning more if you’re faster, or you’re burning less if you’re a little bit slower than some other guys. So, it’s just hard to say really what you’ve got. Nashville would certainly be the one that stands out above the rest. I thought I did a really good job under caution, and even looking back at stuff, I thought I did a really comparable job to everybody, but then you still don’t have enough at the end.”
When you’re trying to save fuel, is it easier to make a mistake because you’re sort of out of your rhythm, or do you just adapt into a new rhythm?
“I feel like you just adapt. You’re always doing something different trying to get more and more fuel saved. It’s easier to drive the car when you’re fuel saving just because you’re not pushing the car as hard, but there’s still a rhythm and a technique of trying to maximize your time while saving fuel. It’s kind of a new rhythm that you find, but it’s also constantly evolving as you’re trying to save more fuel.”
Do you put an asterisk next to a fuel-mileage win, or are you of the opinion that a win’s a win, no matter how you get it?
“They all pay the same amount of points and pay the same amount of money. For me, from a pride standpoint, it’s a little bit different if you know you lucked into one in the sense of fuel mileage. But at the same time, you still did a better job than everybody else. A win’s a win in my book. You still get to take home a trophy and enjoy victory lane, so it doesn’t really matter to me how you get them, it’s just a matter of getting them.”
JUSTIN HALEY | CODY WARE Michigan Advance Event Overview
● Event: FireKeepers Casino 400 (Round 24 of 36) ● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 18 ● Location: Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn ● Layout: 2-mile oval ● Laps/Miles: 200 laps / 400 miles ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 45 laps / Stage 2: 75 laps / Final Stage: 80 laps ● TV/Radio: USA Network / MRN Radio / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 Fraternal Order of Eagles Ford Mustang Dark Horse
● Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 Fraternal Order of Eagles Ford Mustang Dark Horse, will make his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start Sunday at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The 25-year-old has completed 599 of 600 available laps in his three previous starts at the 2-mile, D-shaped oval with a best finish of 17th earned in August 2022.
● In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Haley competed at Michigan twice, earning a 10th-place finish in his first race there in 2019. Haley also owns two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts there, leading three laps in 2017 en route to a 10th-place finish, then returning in 2018 to finish ninth.
Cody Ware, Driver of the No. 15 Parts Plus Ford Mustang Dark Horse
● Cody Ware will also make his fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at Michigan. Ware finished 22nd in his last race at the track in 2022 – his best finish and the best result for RWR in 24 total starts at Michigan.
● The Parts Plus brand, part of The Pronto Network, is the largest and the most diverse automotive program distribution group in North America, will make its debut on the No. 51 Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend as co-primary partner. Parts Plus began 2024 with an expansion of its partnership with RWR and its Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series Top Fuel driver Clay Millican.
Rick Ware Racing Notes
● The Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series returns to action this weekend at Brainerd (Minn.) International Raceway. RWR’s Top Fuel driver Clay Millican is currently seventh in the standings. In the most recent event July 26 – 28 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, Millican was the second-fastest qualifier but wasn’t able to advance past the first round of eliminations. However, at the Northwest Nationals the week prior at Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, the Parts Plus dragster was knocked out of contention for the Wally after advancing to the semifinals.
● American Flat Track takes a week off after two events last week. In Tuesday’s event at Black Hills Speedway in Rapid City, South Dakota, AFT Singles rider Kody Kopp finished third, his 11th podium finish to that point. He followed that up on Sunday with his sixth win of the season, extending his podium streak to eight straight top-three finishes and increasing his lead to 34 points in the championship standings. Mission SuperTwins rider Briar Bauman finished second to earn his fourth podium of the year and advance to third in the standings.
● Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age six when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), where RWR won the 2022 SX2 championship with rider Shane McElrath.
Justin Haley, Driver Q&A
What are some of the characteristics of racing at Michigan?
“Fast and edgy. You really have to commit when you’re headed into turn one. It’s so fast and the groove isn’t as wide as some other places, so that’s usually where you’ll see guys have problems. You get just a little bit out of line and it could be bad. We haven’t been terrible on the bigger tracks, so I feel like we’ll be OK this weekend and hopefully we can get back on track with top-20 results.”
Ford has won nine consecutive Cup races at Michigan. Does that add a bit of confidence?
“It’s like going to superspeedways. The Fords were always so good and it was something I was really looking forward to when I moved over to the Ford camp. It does add some confidence to know that Ford is the one to beat, but you also know everyone is trying to match that and take the win this time.”
Cody Ware, Driver Q&A
What are your expectations for the No. 15 team heading to Michigan?
“Michigan is a place where we have had decent success as a small team in the past, so I’m looking forward to seeing how we have progressed there with our RFK Racing alliance. Staying clean on restarts is the most important thing, because that’s where 99 percent of the chaos happens there.”
There are just three races before the playoffs begin and there seems to be more desperation among drivers sitting below the cutline. Do you have to adjust your race plan to account for more aggressive driving throughout the field?
“I don’t think so. We still want to run our own race and be as aggressive as we can without making mistakes. Obviously, if we see certain cars around each other, we probably want to be on our toes, but other than that I feel like our strategy at Michigan will be pretty straightforward. We just need to get the best finish possible and bring home a clean car.”
Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are working hard to put on a strong performance this weekend as NASCAR’s Cup Series races at Michigan International Speedway, the home track of Ford Motor Company.
More than any other race on the schedule, Sunday’s Firekeepers Casino 400 is looked on as a manufacturer vs. manufacturer contest, since the Michigan track is not only home to Ford, but also to the other domestic auto makers.
Jeremy Bullins, crew chief of the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang Dark Horse, said the fast, two-mile Michigan oval is the perfect place for a manufacturer’s duel.
“Michigan is one of the most fun intermediate-sized tracks we race at as far as I’m concerned,” he said. “It’s got so many lane options that you can move around and race around each other.
“It’s still very hard to pass, and track position is huge, but it’s also been a place where you can stay out or put two tires on and hang on to the track position you gain.”
Bullins said having several good options on pit stops makes the race somewhat unpredictable.
“I think that’s good for the racing,” he said.
But the most important aspect of the race for him and the rest of the No. 21 team is making Ford and Motorcraft/Quick Lane proud.
“Racing in the backyard of Ford Motor Company we definitely want to be fast and have a good weekend with our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang,” he said.
Practice for the FireKeepers Casino 400 is set for Saturday at 12:35 p.m. Eastern Time and will be followed by qualifying at 1:20.
Sunday’s 200-lap, 400-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 2:30 p.m. Stage breaks are planned for Lap 45 and 120.
USA Network will carry the TV coverage all weekend.
About Motorcraft® Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.
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About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for customers and deepen their loyalty. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, along with connected services. The company does that through three customer-centered business segments: Ford Blue, engineering iconic gas-powered and hybrid vehicles; Ford Model e, inventing breakthrough EVs along with embedded software that defines exceptional digital experiences for all customers; and Ford Pro, helping commercial customers transform and expand their businesses with vehicles and services tailored to their needs. Additionally, Ford is pursuing mobility solutions through Ford Next, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 177,000 people worldwide. More information about the company and its products and services is available at corporate.ford.com.
About Ford Performance Ford Performance is based in Dearborn, Mich. It is responsible for Ford’s performance vehicle development and major racing operations globally, including NASCAR, IMSA, SRO British GT, FIA World Rally Championship, Supercars Championship, World of Outlaws, Ultra4, SCORE-International, FIA Rally-Raid, Formula Drift, NHRA, Rebelle Rally, Thailand Super Series and our latest commitment in Formula 1 with RedBull Ford Powertrains. Ford Performance also maintains a constantly evolving fleet of electric performance demonstrators to showcase the limits of electrification technology. In addition, the organization also oversees the development of Ford’s racing engines, as well as the outreach programs with all Ford Clubs and Ford enthusiasts. For more information regarding Ford racing’s activities, please visit Performance.Ford.com or follow @FordPerformance on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok and YouTube.
Wood Brothers Racing Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.
BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 15, 2024) – After nearly four years away, Jack Beckman is thrilled to return to Funny Car racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and he is even more excited with the opportunity in front of him, which begins with this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway.
Beckman was named the fill-in driver for 16-time Funny Car champion John Force following Force’s crash at Virginia Motorsports Park in late June. Beckman will now pilot the 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS for the final eight races of the 2024 campaign, earning points – and a possible 17th championship – for Force.
The magnitude of the moment isn’t lost on Beckman, a former world champion and 33-time event winner, who is thrilled to get behind the wheel for the first time since 2000 at this weekend’s event in Brainerd.
“Brainerd will mark a literal ‘Second-Chance’ in many ways,” Beckman said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the return of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS back to NHRA competition. It has been nearly four years since I made a run that earned championship points, and more than 16 years since driving a Funny Car while also working a full-time job.”
Last season, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) powered to the winner’s circle at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. This year, the event will again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, including eliminations action on FOX on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. ET. It is the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 season, but the first of the year for Beckman, who will start his year sixth in points.
Before the crash, Force had enjoyed a banner year, winning twice and advancing to three final rounds. That gives Beckman confidence knowing the car had been running well, but there’s also a big adjustment from not being in a car for several seasons.
Beckman raced in the car last weekend, which was helpful, and he hopes to use that momentum this weekend in Brainerd.
“We learned a couple things about the car. Remember, John and I don’t weigh the same (and) our driving styles are a little bit different,” Beckman said. “The crew and I are going to have to meld our styles together to where everything is predictable again for them (like) it was when John was driving.
“The biggest thing is now I know how to go home and visualize exactly what this car looks like, feels like, sounds like and responds like. I’ll be better when we get to Brainerd.”
Beckman’s first race back is certainly a riveting story as well, with the fan-favorite returning for the legendary Force to try and help the iconic driver win another world championship. It’s an inspirational and heart-warming story, and Beckman is eager to make the most of it.
He’ll face off against a loaded Funny Car class that also includes John Force Racing teammate and points leader Austin Prock, as well as reigning world champ Matt Hagan, defending event winner Capps, J.R. Todd, rookie Daniel Wilkerson, Cruz Pedregon and Alexis DeJoria. It’s a tough challenge, but Beckman has embraced the moment.
“I, along with thousands of fans in Minnesota, will have John in our hearts this weekend,” Beckman said. “His team and I will do everything we can to make PEAK, our partners, the fans, and John proud.”
Top Fuel’s Brown is after back-to-back Brainerd wins and comes in on a hot streak, winning the most recent race in Sonoma. He’ll face off with points leader and defending world champ Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, Brittany Force, Steve Torrence and racing legend Tony Stewart.
Glenn currently leads the Pro Stock class, but Elite Motorsports has been dominant as of late, winning six straight races. That’s a group that includes Jeg Coughlin Jr., Sonoma winner Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders, while other top names include five-time champ and area native Greg Anderson, Deric Kramer and Eric Latino.
The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock.
Fans will be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Brainerd International Raceway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.
As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Brainerd. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4 and 6:15 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 16 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 18. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, as well as coverage of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on FS1, qualifying action at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and eliminations on FOX at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.
To purchase tickets to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, fans can call 866-444-4455. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.
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.
MICHIGAN MAN: Kyle Larson earned his first NASCAR Cup Series victory at Michigan International Speedway in 2016, a win that was part of a streak of three consecutive triumphs in the Irish Hills (the last three wins for Chevrolet at this track). In his 15 starts at Michigan, Larson has three victories, seven top-five finishes, nine top 10s, has led 222 laps and completed 2,770 of 2,876 laps run.
WIN-DIANAPOLIS: In July, Larson earned Hendrick Motorsports’ record-extending 11th Brickyard 400 victory, his first on the famed oval and his series-high fourth win of 2024. With 27 career victories, Larson now ranks 32nd on the Cup Series wins list. The crown-jewel win at Indianapolis marked his 11th victory in the Next-Gen car, tying him with Hendrick Motorsports teammate William Byron for the most.
FOLLOW THE LEADER: With three races remaining in the regular season, Larson leads the Cup standings by five points. The Elk Grove, California, native, tops the series with four wins, five poles and 28 playoff points. He is tied for second with nine top-five finishes and is in second alone with 780 laps led. That total is the second highest through 23 races in Larson’s career, behind only his 2021 championship season in which he paced the field for 1,468 laps in the first 23 events.
UP FRONT IN THE GREAT LAKE STATE: The driver of the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet has a streak of four consecutive top-10 finishes at Michigan. In that span, he has an average finish of 4.5 while pacing the field for 72 laps.
WELL DEFENDED: Last weekend at the Knoxville Nationals, Larson led all 50 laps to capture his third victory in the famed sprint car event. It marked the second consecutive year he led wire-to-wire at Knoxville Raceway.
AWAY BUT ALWAYS AVAILABLE: In 2024, the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM team recognizes “home” events by wearing white firesuits and “away” with blue. Its home races come at tracks with nearby Hendrick Automotive Group car dealerships. This weekend, the No. 5 team races “away” in the Irish Hills market. However, it’s easy to pick up a new set of keys from any one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 94 dealerships nationwide. Customers can also shop from the convenience of home by selecting the category, make, model and vehicle packages important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks and SUVs available at HENDRICKCARS.COM.
HENDRICK AUTOMOTIVE GROUP IS HIRING: Join the more than 10,000 people nationwide who work at Hendrick Automotive Group. The company is hiring technicians and other positions at its dealerships throughout the country. Positions are open for all skill levels and offer tuition and training reimbursement. Individuals who are interested can apply at HENDRICKCARS.COM.
9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 28 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 3rd
No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
SEASON UPDATE: With three races remaining in the NASCAR Cup Series regular season, Chase Elliott heads to Michigan International Speedway third in points, only six markers behind the leader, Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson. The 28-year-old has one win (Texas Motor Speedway), seven top-five finishes and 12 top 10s. Elliott’s 10.43 average finish leads the field and is the second-best mark through 23 races in his career behind only the 2022 season in which he won the regular season championship. He also has the third-best average running position (10.98) and the fourth-most laps spent inside the top 10 (3,410).
HISTORY MADE: With his ninth-place finish last weekend at Richmond Raceway, Elliott is the first driver in Cup Series history to complete all but one lap through 23 races in a season. The previous record was all but two laps, a mark set by Kevin Harvick (2020), Greg Biffle (2012) and Matt Kenseth (2003). The only race this season in which Elliott didn’t finish on the lead lap was at Bristol Motor Speedway in the spring, though he still finished eighth.
IRISH HILLS READY: Elliott holds the best average finish (10.15) among active drivers with more than three starts at Michigan and the third-best all-time behind Carl Edwards (9.4) and Cale Yarborough (9.61). He has placed inside the top 10 in 10 of his 13 career Cup Series starts at the 2-mile oval – tied for his third-most top 10s on active tracks behind Kansas Speedway and Martinsville Speedway (11 each). The Dawsonville, Georgia, native has also led 144 laps and collected three top-five finishes at the Irish Hills track – all of which were runner-up results.
STOUT GROUP: Elliott is in good company as one of five drivers with three or more runner-up finishes at Michigan before earning a win. Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon earned three second-place results before visiting victory lane at the 2-mile oval in 1998. Elliott joins Brad Keselowski and NASCAR Hall of Famer Terry Labonte with three runner-up results without a win at Michigan. Martin Truex Jr. has four.
700 STARTS FOR AG: On Sunday, Alan Gustafson is set to make his 700th start in his 20th season as a Cup Series crew chief. The 49-year-old is the longest tenured crew chief in the history of Hendrick Motorsports. He has earned 39 premier series victories – tied for the second-most among active crew chiefs – 201 top-five finishes and 349 top 10s with over 11,000 laps led. In addition to Elliott, Gustafson has worked full seasons with NASCAR Hall of Famers Gordon and Mark Martin as well as Kyle Busch and Casey Mears. The Ormond Beach, Florida, native captured the 2020 Cup Series championship with Elliott.
GREAT GUSTAFSON: Gustafson will call his 36th Cup Series race at Michigan on Sunday. In 35 prior starts with five drivers, Gustafson has collected two wins (Martin in 2009 and Gordon in 2014), five top-five finishes and 17 top 10s, with 370 laps led. Gordon started from the pole in 2014 and his qualifying lap stands as the fastest qualifying speed that did not occur at a superspeedway.
FASTEST FIVE: With 23 races complete, the No. 9 pit crew holds the fastest average four-tire pit stop time (10.687 seconds). The over-the-wall squad laid down the fastest four-tire pit stop (9.076 seconds) of the season at Texas in April, according to data from Racing Insights. The 2021 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew award-winning group is comprised of Chad Avrit (rear-tire changer), Jared Erspamer (tire carrier), John Gianninoto (fueler), Nick O’Dell (front-tire changer) and T.J. Semke (jackman).
GET UP AND GO: NAPA Auto Parts is back on the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 this weekend. The Atlanta-based company has been the primary partner for Elliott for all but three of his Cup starts on the 2-mile oval, including all three of his runner-up finishes. Get a look at all the angles of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet here.
24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 26 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 7th
No. 24 RAPTOR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
24 IN ‘24: William Byron’s 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season started off with three wins in the first eight races including the DAYTONA 500. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native has seven top-five finishes (tied for fourth) and 12 top 10s (tied for third). Byron ranks 10th in laps spent in the top five with 1,406 and eighth with 2,894 laps in the top 10. With three races remaining in the regular season, Byron is seventh in the Cup Series points with 16 playoff points.
MICHIGAN MINUTES: Byron will make his 12th NASCAR national series start at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday. Of those 11 races, nine came in a Cup car with a best starting position of third in 2019 and a best finish of second in 2021. The 26-year-old has one Xfinity Series start at the 2-mile D-shaped oval, qualifying fourth and coming home second in 2017. He also made a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series appearance in 2016, starting third and finishing fourth with crew chief Rudy Fugle on the box.
OH SO CLOSE: Sunday will mark Fugle’s fourth Cup Series event at Michigan. The Livonia, New York, native has a track-best finish of second coming with Byron in 2021. Fugle has seven Truck Series starts at Michigan with has six top-five showings including three runner ups. His only finish outside the top four came in a 15th-place result in 2019. Fugle’s drivers have an average starting position of 5.4 and an average finish of 4.6 at Michigan in the Truck Series.
PIT ROAD PROWESS: After 23 races, the No. 24 crew ranks fourth for the fastest average four-tire pit stop (10.892 seconds). The squad, consisting of Spencer Bishop (jackman), Jeff Cordero (front-tire changer), Orane Ossowski (rear-tire changer), Ryan Patton (tire carrier) and Landon Walker (fueler) had the fastest four-tire stop during last week’s race at Richmond at 9.442 seconds.
RAPTOR® TOUGH: Byron will sport his Raptor paint scheme that will run the majority of the season on the No. 24 Chevy. RAPTOR® is a durable protective coating that is designed to tolerate the toughest climatic conditions and can be applied to a wide range of items, including truck beds, lawnmowers, outdoor furniture and more. With 16 pre-mixed colors available, it’s easy to personalize anything you want to protect. RAPTOR® is available at local paint distributors, auto parts stores and online retailers.
48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 31 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Resides: Concord, North Carolina
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 10th
No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
THREE TO GO: With three races remaining in NASCAR’s regular season, Alex Bowman’s eighth career NASCAR Cup Series win at the Chicago Street Course locked the No. 48 Ally Racing driver into the postseason. Following the completion of 23 points-paying races this season, Bowman has six top-five finishes and 17 lead-lap finishes. His 12 top 10s are tied for third most and are already more than he recorded in 2023. Following competition at Richmond Raceway, Bowman continues to defend the 10th spot in the point standings, 164 markers behind leader and Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson.
MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY: This Sunday, the Tucson, Arizona, native will make his 15th start at Michigan International Speedway. In 14 previous starts, Bowman has three top 10s, and 19 laps led. He has also completed 93.5% of the laps run in those events. Bowman’s best Michigan finish came in a ninth-place showing in 2022.
BIKING AT WATKINS GLEN: On Aug. 14, Bowman made a special trip to Watkins Glen International Speedway for “Bike at the Glen.” He joined fans and took a lap around the 2.45-mile historic New York road course on a bicycle. He also spoke to fans and guests about his racing career, making healthy choices, and his passion for helping rescue animals. Read more about the event here.
BOOKS WITH DETROIT GIRL SCOUTS: On Friday, Aug. 16, Bowman will visit the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan headquarters. The No. 48 team’s primary sponsor Ally, a digital bank, is an advocate for financial literacy, especially when it comes to youth. Ally volunteers read to thousands of kids each year. Bowman will read with children for a third time this year, picking up “Emma and the Cosmophone” to share with a group of Daisy and Brownie scouts. Bowman will then lead a round of “Jeopardy!” to encourage active learning and boost the scouts’ financial fundamentals. Previous readings this year included a visit to Clara Love Elementary School near Texas Motor Speedway and University Meadows Elementary School in Charlotte, North Carolina.
ALEX IN THE FAN ZONE: On Sunday, fans can visit Bowman in the fan zone at the Ally Activation footprint. At 11:05 a.m., the driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro will participate in a Q&A. While in Ally’s space, fans can play games to win “Bowman Bucks” for prizes and enter to win the “Win Your Wheels” sweepstakes sponsored by Ally and HENDRICKCARS.COM.
ANYONE CAN WIN WITH ALLY: To celebrate Hendrick Motorsports’ 40th anniversary, Ally and HENDRICKCARS.COM are giving away a special edition Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE to one lucky fan through the “Win Your Wheels” sweepstakes. Only 40 of these Chevrolets will be manufactured and the other 39 will be sold exclusively through select Hendrick Automotive Group Chevrolet dealerships. Enter to win at Ally.com/sweepstakes/nascar. The promotion ends Sept. 20, 2024.
MAKE A FURRY FRIEND IN MICHIGAN: Over four years, Bowman and Ally have donated over $650,000 to Best Friends shelters and their vast network of partners. Every race weekend, the pair donates $4,800 to help homeless pets at a shelter local to the track. This weekend, the charitable donation will go to Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, a shelter in north Michigan serving pets and the people who love them since 1951.
ALLY RACING PIT CREW: The Ally Racing pit crew joins Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 9 team and No. 24 team pit crews in the top 10 for the best average four-tire stop this year (11.031). The 14-time championship winning organization’s No. 48 crew is composed of jackman Allen Holman, tire carrier Brandon Grier, front-tire changer Donnie Tasser, rear-tire changer Andrew Bridgeforth, and gasman Jacob Conley.
FIRST LAP: This Sunday, Ally Financial, the Official Consumer Bank of NASCAR, will invite a group of first-time racegoers to Michigan. In conjunction with Ally Racing’s First Lap program – a unique experience where Ally partners with local community groups to invite new, diverse fans into racing – Ally welcomes their Diverse Abilities Employee Resource Group (ERG) to the track. This group consists of over 1,600 members nationally who are committed to raising awareness and acceptance for persons with disabilities or other physical/mental differences within the workplace. In the U.S., around 1 in 4 adults have some type of disability – including 12% who have difficulty with walking or climbing stairs, 6% who have difficulty with hearing and nearly 13% with cognition difficulties. There are also more than 40 million American adults who have an anxiety disorder, and nearly 53 million people serving as a caregiver.
HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS /
2024
All-Time
Michigan
Races
23
1,368
77
Wins
9*
310*
8
Poles
6*
252*
11*
Top 5
29*
1,261*
55
Top 10
48*
2,160*
111*
Laps Led
1,214
80,971*
2,697*
Stage Wins
10
108
1
*Most **Most (tie)
MICH-AGAIN: On Sunday, Hendrick Motorsports will seek its ninth Michigan International Speedway win and the team’s first at the track since 2014. Five drivers have won NASCAR Cup Series races for car owner Rick Hendrick at the 2-mile venue: Jeff Gordon (three wins), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (two), Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin and Ricky Rudd. Gordon recorded Hendrick Motorsports’ most recent win there on Aug. 17, 2014, nearly 10 years ago to the day.
THE HALL CALLED: The NASCAR Hall of Fame has launched “Hendrick Motorsports: 40 Years,” an exhibit presented by NAPA Auto Parts that showcases the history of the 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions. The exhibit brings the organization’s storied history to life by providing an in-depth look at the race team and the people who built it. Milestones from its earliest days to the current 2024 season are showcased through the artifacts and photographs, many of which have never been seen by the public. Six cars, six 80-inch video monitors, descriptive graphic panels, more than 75 individual artifacts, and 160 photographs comprise the exhibit, which will be on display through May 2025. Click here to learn more.
LEADER OF THE PACK: A Hendrick Motorsports driver has led the Cup Series regular season standings following 17 of 22 races thus far in 2024. The organization has also seen its drivers ranked 1-2 eight times this year. Hendrick Motorsports is the only team with four drivers inside the top 10 in regular season points.
THE LAST 35: Over the last 35 Cup Series events, Hendrick Motorsports has not gone more than three races without a win. In that span, the team has logged 13 victories (most by five), 42 top-five finishes (most by three) and 73 top 10s (most by 10). At least one Hendrick Motorsports driver has finished inside the top 10 in 34 of the 35 races.
QUOTABLE /
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at Michigan International Speedway: “I’ve always enjoyed racing at Michigan and I’ve had a lot of success there, including my first Cup win. We have three races left in the regular season and we’re working hard to win the regular season championship and get those 15 extra points that go along with it. I would love to get another victory at Michigan — for the HENDRICKCARS.COM team and for Chevrolet in their backyard.”
Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on outlook at Michigan International Speedway: “We’re looking forward to going back to Michigan – an intermediate track with a lot of speed. It’s a great track to showcase all the good things of Hendrick Motorsports. We’ve got great Hendrick horsepower and our cars are competitive. Kyle is always great here and, again, we’re just looking forward to getting back to a big, fast place. Strategy, how you call the race and the very last green-flag pit cycle are always very important.”
Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on what it would mean to win at Michigan International Speedway: “I’ve never done it, but I have to imagine it’d be pretty cool, with it being a home race for Team Chevy and with Michigan being what it is. I think that would be a huge deal and I’d love to check that box for them. And I know every driver does for every manufacturer, whoever you’re driving for. It would be a really cool thing, and I’d love to add that to the list of accomplishments.”
Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the keys to performing well at Michigan: “The biggest thing about Michigan is you have to have stability. You have to be able to really carry a lot of pace with this car into the corner and really have comfort to do that. And if you can do that, you can kind of load the car and the exit is important. The old car was a little bit opposite. You wanted to get this real big arc and this huge drive off and this big run down the back straightaway. It seems this car has transitioned to where we carry a lot of throttle down into the corner. That was always the irony about Michigan. If you can use a lot of throttle you burn a lot of gas and that’s why I think that races traditionally come out to a fuel mileage race or can be, because the guys who are really good are just in the gas a lot so burn a lot of fuel, use a lot of throttle. That always comes into play.”
William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the importance of winning at Michigan International Speedway: “This is always a big race for us being in Chevrolet’s backyard. Everyone wants to be able to bring the win home for them at Michigan. It’s about bragging rights for the manufacturers and we want to be the ones that help them do that. We’ve had decent success there before but I think we have a good setup to bring there this time around. I’m excited to get there and see what we can do, especially to build momentum before we get started in the playoffs.”
Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on why he enjoys racing at Michigan International Speedway: “Michigan is one of my favorite race tracks. It’s a track where sometimes the fastest car doesn’t always win and you can have some different strategy plays that can happen. Overall though it’s a really wide race track with multiple grooves. You usually want to be good on the bottom and then move to the middle-to-high lane which becomes the fastest as your tires wear out. It means you really need to bring your A-game, and what better place to do it the Detroit area where the manufacturers are located.”
Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at Michigan International Speedway: “It will be nice to get back to Michigan International Speedway. We were super-fast there last year before the No. 48 crashed, so looking forward to getting back there and hopefully we are even stronger there than we were last year.”
Blake Harris, crew chief of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on competition at Michigan International Speedway: “We return to the track this weekend looking to build some momentum. We had a rough weekend in Richmond, so we look to come back better in Michigan. We ran a pretty good pace last year. Unfortunately, we were having to call the race to either win or not. We currently sit in a pretty tight points battle remaining in the top 10 for (the) regular season. We want to collect as many playoff points as possible and hopefully go for another shot to win on Sunday.”
A new number and a new ride for Henry Drury in this weekend’s doubleheader at Road America
MILLVILLE, NJ (August 15, 2024) – Precision Racing LA w/PT Autosport and Henry Drury head back to Road America this weekend, with Drury moving behind the wheel of the SEGRA-sponsored No. 44 GR86 for the Toyota GR Cup doubleheader, part of the SRO Motorsports America event.
The weekend will be a single-car effort for Precision Racing LA w/PT Autosport, which moves the 24-year-old English born, Tampa, Fla. resident into the blue SEGRA livery. The weekend marks the first Toyota GR Cup event at a track Drury has raced at before, having driven a Spec Boxster in a Porsche Club of America event in his last race of the 2023 season – and missing out on his first victory by the slimmest of margins. But despite everything Road America and the surrounding area has to offer, when the 24-year-old English born, Tampa, Fla. resident thinks about Road America, he thinks about…
“Cheese,” said Drury. “Completely serious response. I mean, one of the billboards has a cheese company on it (Sargento, based in nearby Plymouth)! And, of course, it’s a pretty awesome track, one of the “big boy” tracks – the kind of place you grow up wanting to race at, like Watkins Glen or Indianapolis. It was only my third race ever in 2023 so I’m looking forward to going back with the knowledge I have now, to see what The Kink is like in a Toyota GR86. Last year, Alex (Sedgwick, Porsche Carrera Cup driver and Drury’s driver coach) said that Road America was ‘always fast, sometimes scary’ but I think it might always be scary!”
Every racer looks forward to a Road America weekend, and PT Autosport team principal Jason Myers is no exception.
“We’re excited to be back in Elkhart Lake for the second time in three weeks!” said Myers. “It’s such a historic track, beautiful area, and the most amazing fans. It was packed for the IMSA weekend and I’m hoping the same for SRO.
“Henry had a great drive at VIR and was running P6 in the first race until an unfortunate clutch failure. I think that him and Alex running together was a great learning experience for Henry, and I think Alex had fun as well – and it’s always good to have race seat time! PRLA has been delivering us a consistent quality car all season and we look forward to tackling Road America in our GR86, and to see how Henry does here now that he has a good deal more experience under his belt compared to last year.”
The Toyota GR Cup series will contest two 45-minute races at Road America – race one will take the green flag Saturday at 2:55 p.m. ET, with race two Sunday at 1:15 p.m. Both races will be broadcast live at www.grcup.com.
PT Autosport would like to thank partners STEAM Sports Foundation, Classic Car Club Manhattan and New Jersey Motorsports Park.
About PT Autosport — Discover Unique Talent. Develop Champions.
PT Autosport, based at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ, campaigns rising star Alex Sedgwick (UK) in the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup North America series with JDX Racing, 2022 Aspiring Driver Shootout winner Henry Drury (UK) in the Toyota GR Cup North America series with Precision Racing LA, and 2023 Aspiring Driver Shootout winner Brenna Schubert (USA) in select SPEC-MX5 races for the 2024 season.
PT Autosport is dedicated to providing merit-based motorsport industry opportunities for diverse individuals with high integrity, grit, and coach-ability, achieved through a development program for young aspiring drivers, engineers, mechanics, and other professionals. The first step of this process is applying for the annual Aspiring Driver Shootout, in which aspiring drivers aged 18-23 can compete for a team racing partnership with the team.
A rigorous evaluation process of applicants determines the final competitors for the driver shootout. The winner earns financial support of up to $250,000 ($50,000 guaranteed) to pursue their racing career. The review process also provides the team the chance to identify unique talent for other roles in motorsport, including race engineers, mechanics, and professionals.
PT Autosport is building a community that fosters the development of young talent to find a place where they can make an impact in the motorsport community as a career.
· NCS/NXS: Michigan International Speedway – Aug. 17-18 · NHRA: Brainerd International Raceway – Aug. 16-18 · ARCA: Michigan International Speedway – Aug. 16
Illinois State Fairgrounds – Aug. 18
PLANO, Texas (Aug. 14, 2024) – NASCAR is back in the Midwest and Michigan International Speedway where the Cup and Xfinity Series take battle as both regular seasons continue to wind down. The ARCA Menards Series holds two races this weekend, one at Michigan on Friday and the other at the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Sunday. The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is back in action at Brainerd International Raceway with two races remaining before the Countdown to the Championship.
NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS
Reddick, Hamlin make up ground on points lead … The fight for the all-important regular season championship is heating up with just three races remaining before the Cup Series Playoffs. After their top-five finishes at Richmond Sunday night, Tyler Reddick (second) and Denny Hamlin (fourth) both made up ground to the points lead heading to Michigan this weekend. Reddick is now just five points behind the championship lead, while Hamlin sits just 21 points back. Christopher Bell jumped a few spots to sixth in the points standings after a Stage 1 win Sunday night and is joined by Martin Truex Jr. (eighth) and Ty Gibbs (11th) inside the provisional playoff field. Bubba Wallace also continued his strong run of late with a fourth-place finish at Richmond and is now inside the playoff field, sitting three points above the cutline.
Reddick continues his top-10 streak … With his strong third-place run at Richmond, Reddick now has six consecutive top-10 finishes and nine in the last 10 races as he’s methodically carved his way up the points standings to second position, which is a career-best. In total, he has 16 on the season, the most in the Cup Series. Another such finish this weekend in Michigan may propel the California-native to the points lead depending on how the race shakes out.
Hamlin seeks another strong Michigan run … Like most tracks on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, they bode well for Hamlin and the No. 11 Camry XSE team, and Michigan is no different. The 43-year-old has six consecutive top-10s at Michigan International Speedway and 11 in the last 16 races heading into the weekend. Like Reddick, another such finish or better would be monumental as Hamlin looks to cement himself as the regular season champion in a few weeks’ time.
Smith, Creed still well within Xfinity Playoffs … As the Xfinity Series returns for the first time since the Olympic break, Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing’s Chandler Smith and Sheldon Creed are both well within the Playoff field with six races remaining in the regular season. Smith is already locked in the Playoffs with his two wins earlier this season and sits fourth in the points standings, while Creed sits in eighth position, 69 points above the cutline.
Earnhardt back in No. 26 GR Supra … For the first time since Talladega Superspeedway, Jeffrey Earnhardt is back behind the wheel of the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing. Earnhardt has made two starts so far this season in the No. 26, including an eighth-place finish at Atlanta back in February. Saturday will be Earnhardt’s 171st career Xfinity Series start and his sixth at Michigan International Speedway.
NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series
Breaking barriers … Across the two ARCA Menards Series races this weekend, Venturini Motorsports will be making NASCAR history with four female drivers piloting their Toyota Camrys, the first time four women drivers have raced for the same team in the same race. Toni Breidinger and Amber Balcaen will partake in both races with their full-time duties, while Isabella Robusto and Taylor Reimer will challenge the Illinois State Fairgrounds race on Sunday. For Reimer, this will be her second career ARCA Menards Series start, making her debut at the fairgrounds last year and finishing eighth. She’s also coming off a late model race win at Hickory Motor Speedway last weekend. Robusto makes her third ARCA Menards Series start on Sunday, looking for her third top-10 finish of the season also.
Sawalich looks to continue winning ways … In his eight ARCA Menards Series starts this season, William Sawalich has five victories, including three-in-a-row heading to the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Sunday. The Minnesotan has also finished inside the top-five in all but one race so far this season. He makes his second start at the fairgrounds this weekend where he finished fifth a season ago.
NHRA – Top Fuel | Funny Car
Kalitta makes history at Brainerd … This weekend marks a monumental occurrence for Doug Kalitta, Kalitta Motorsports and the NHRA as the defending Top Fuel world champion makes his 600th career start, the first time anyone has reached that number in Top Fuel history. Kalitta seeks to make the milestone weekend another triumphant one, going for his fourth win of the season and to extend his category points lead, which currently stands at 125 over teammate, Shawn Langdon, with just two races before the Countdown to the Championship.
Brown, Capps seek Brainerd repeats … Antron Brown and Ron Capps roll into Brainerd International Raceway with hopes of repeat victories in Top Fuel and Funny Car this weekend. Both former world champions currently sit fifth in their respective points standings, and a win by either or both would be enormous as they look to build momentum heading into the U.S. Nationals and the Countdown to the Championship.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.
The NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series travel to Michigan International Speedway this weekend with only three races to go in the Cup Series regular season and six to go in the Xfinity Series.
The ARCA Menards Series will get the racing action started Friday evening with the Henry Ford Health 200.
Six active Cup Series drivers have previous wins at the 2-mile track: Joey Logano – 3 Kyle Larson – 3 Denny Hamlin – 2 Chris Buescher – 1 Kyle Busch – 1 Ryan Blaney – 1
Only two previous Xfinity Series winners are competing at Michigan – AJ Allmendinger (2021) and John Hunter Nemechek (2023). But it’s much more likely that we will see a new driver in Victory Lane as there have been 13 different drivers in Victory Lane, dating back to 2010.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is off and returns to competition on August 25 at Milwaukee Mile Speedway.
Friday, Aug. 16 1:30 – 2:15 p.m.: ARCA Practice/All Entries/No TV 2:30 – 2:50 p.m.: ARCA Qualifying/All Entries/No TV – Canceled due to rain Impound/Timed/20 Minutes
3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Practice (NBC Sports App) All Entries/Group 1 and 2 – 15 Minutes Each Group 4:10 p.m.: Xfinity Qualifying (NBC Sports App) Impound/All Entries/Single Vehicle /1 Lap
6 p.m. — ARCA Henry Ford Health 200 race 100 laps, 200 miles FS1, FloRacing, MRN, SiriusXM
Saturday, Aug. 17 12:35 p.m.: Cup Series Practice Group A & B/20 Minutes Each Group USA/MRN/SiriusXM
1:20: Cup Series Qualifying (Impound) Group A & B: Single Vehicle /1 Lap /2 Rounds USA/MRN/SiriusXM
3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Cabo Wabo 250 race Stages 30/60/125 Laps = 250 Miles Purse: $1,367,917 USA/MRN/SiriusXM
Sunday, Aug. 18 2:30 p.m.: Cup Series FireKeepers Casino 400 race Stages 45/120/200 Laps = 400 Miles Defending Race Winner: Chris Buescher Purse: $7,902,750 USA/MRN/SiriusXM
