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Pressure intensifies with four races remaining until NASCAR Playoffs in Atlanta

12 drivers are locked in and four spots remain in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff field. 16 drivers will begin their quest for a championship at Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart on Sunday, Sept. 8.

HAMPTON, Ga. (Aug. 9, 2024) – As the NASCAR Cup Series returns from its two-week summer break, the pressure is rising for drivers and teams who have yet to lock themselves into the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs.

The 10-race postseason for NASCAR’s top level of competition begins with 16 eligible drivers on Sunday, Sept. 8, in the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Over the course of the regular season, full-time drivers and their teams earn a spot in the playoff field by winning races or, if there are fewer than 16 eligible winners, earning enough points through stage and race finishes.

Heading into this weekend’s action at Richmond Raceway, 12 drivers have earned playoff berths via victories in the 22 points paying races completed so far. Four races remain (Richmond, Michigan, Daytona, and Darlington) in the regular season; if each races ends with a new playoff-eligible winner, then NASCAR’s Cup playoff field would be composed entirely of race winners for the first time in the playoff era. Otherwise, any repeat winners in the remaining four races would open the door for drivers to make the field of 16 through points earned over the course of the season.

Here’s the current state of play for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, starting with the competitors who already know they’ll be pursuing a championship at Atlanta next month:

Locked In:

  1. William Byron – Byron was the first driver to effectively punch his ticket to the NASCAR Cup playoffs by winning the Daytona 500 back in February. Since then Byron has added two more victories at Circuit of The Americas and Martinsville, firmly establishing himself as a contender this fall.
  2. Daniel Suárez – The Mexican-American’s second career Cup Series win came in unbelievable fashion in the first race at AMS earlier this year. By a matter of inches, Suárez eclipsed defending NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney and two-time series champion Kyle Busch in a three-wide photo finish to earn the victory and a spot in this year’s playoffs.
  3. Kyle Larson – The 2021 series champion quickly earned a spot in the playoff field with a victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. Since then he’s tallied three more victories (Kansas, Sonoma, and Indianapolis) and vaulted to the top of the regular season standings. Those victories, paired with his high rank in the overall standings, will equip Larson with a lion’s share of playoff points to help him pursue a second title this year.
  4. Christopher Bell – With a victory at Phoenix Raceway in March, followed up with two more in the Coca-Cola 600 and at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Bell has locked into the playoffs for the fourth straight year. Bell will hope to start his playoff run right at Atlanta as he pursues his third consecutive Championship 4 appearance.
  5. Denny Hamlin – Victories at Bristol, Richmond, and Dover have perennial title contender Denny Hamlin locked into the 2024 playoff field. Currently competing in his 20th NCS season, Hamlin has long been a championship favorite but has yet to hoist the Bill France Cup at season’s end. Will this finally be the year?
  6. Chase Elliott – After a disappointing 2023 season that saw the series’ Most Popular Driver go winless, the Dawsonville, Ga., native returned to his winning ways at Texas Motor Speedway in April. While Elliott hasn’t tallied any more race wins since then, the No. 9 has been one of the most consistent cars in the field from week to week. Elliott is currently 2nd in the NCS standings, just 10 points behind his teammate Larson for the regular season championship.
  7. Tyler Reddick – At Talladega earlier this year Reddick notoriously disproved the claim that 23XI team co-owner Michael Jordan was a bad luck charm by grabbing the win and giving Jordan his first in-person victory lane celebration as a team owner in NASCAR. Reddick hasn’t taken any checkered flags since, however, much like Elliott, he has been one of the most consistent drivers this season and is currently 3rd in the regular season standings, just 15 points out of the lead.
  8. Brad Keselowski – The 2011 series champion ended a three-year winless skid at Darlington Raceway in May. The win was Keselowski’s first driving for the team he co-owns, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, and likewise will give him an opportunity to bring home a championship for the team he operates.
  9. Austin Cindric – One Team Penske driver’s misfortune was another’s fortune at Gateway in June; as Ryan Blaney’s car ran out of gas coming to the white flag, Cindric rocketed past to snag his second career NCS victory. Cindric will make his second playoff appearance this fall after earning a playoff berth in his rookie season by winning the 2022 Daytona 500.
  10. Ryan Blaney – Fortunately for Blaney, the heartbreaking missed opportunity at Gateway was made right just two races later at Iowa Speedway. The defending series champ won the inaugural NCS race at Iowa to earn an opportunity to pursue back-to-back titles and added a victory at Pocono Raceway last month for good measure. If Blaney does win the championship again this season, he would be the first driver to win consecutive titles since Jimmie Johnson won five in a row from 2006-2010.
  11. Joey Logano – After a slow start to his 2024 campaign, the two-time series champion locked into the playoffs by outlasting the field in an unprecedented five-overtime finish at Nashville Superspeedway. Logano is one of four drivers to already visit victory lane since Atlanta Motor Speedway was revamped ahead of the 2022 season; a second win at AMS could be a springboard to a third series title.
  12. Alex Bowman – Bowman expertly navigated the wet streets of Chicago to snap a winless streak that dated back to March of 2022. After missing NASCAR’s postseason last year, Bowman will be among the 16 driver field of championship contenders for the sixth time in seven years.

Almost a Lock:

Martin Truex Jr. (+80 to the cut line) – The 2017 NCS champion has had victory slip through his grasp multiple times this season, but nonetheless has performed consistently enough to be well above not only the current cut line but also his nearest competitor; he’s currently 66 points – more than a full race – ahead of his closest challenger to earn a spot in the playoff field via points accumulated.

For Truex to miss the playoffs, there would need to be new winners in all four remaining races or an improbable collapse by his No. 19 team over the next four events. It’s far more likely that Truex removes the doubt altogether by visiting victory lane himself in the next four weeks.

On the bubble:

Ty Gibbs (+42 to the cut line) – While Gibbs is still searching for his first career win in his second full-time season, he has been solid all season long and is firmly in contention for his first playoff appearance. However, unlike his teammate Truex, Gibbs does not have much room for error as things currently stand, and any new winners not named Gibbs between now and the end of the regular season will only increase the pressure.

Chris Buescher (+17 to the cut line) – If Buescher does not ultimately make the playoff field, he will undoubtedly look at two races in May as the missed opportunities that made the difference. After finishing 2nd at Kansas by the closest margin in NCS history (0.001 seconds), Buescher tangled with Reddick the following week at Darlington while battling for the win. Instead of possibly getting a playoff-securing victory, Buescher not only lost a chance to win but also plummeted to 30th in the final results, surrendering dozens of valuable points as a result. If Buescher falters – of if the cut line is moved up by new winners – those points could be the difference between Buescher racing for a championship or sitting on the outside looking in.

Ross Chastain (+7 to the cut line) – After winning the 2023 season finale at Phoenix, Chastain entered the 2024 season with high hopes to return to the playoffs and once again chase a title. If the regular season ended today, he would indeed have that opportunity, but only just – and with four races still left to compete his narrow gap to the cut line leaves no room for mistakes.

Bubba Wallace (-7 to the cut line) – Wallace is currently on the outside looking in, but within striking distance to point his way into the NASCAR playoffs for the second time in his career. New winners would make the task more difficult, however the task remains very achievable if there’s no more than two new winners and Wallace is able to take repeat his recent success at the remaining tracks. At the same time, any mishap between now and the end of the regular season would likely result in Wallace needing a victory to make the playoff field.

Winning solves everything:

There’s 17 more drivers who compete full-time and are eligible to compete in the NASCAR Playoffs, but their only realistic chance of making that happen would be by winning one of the four remaining races. These drivers are:

  • Chase Briscoe
  • Kyle Busch
  • Todd Gilliland
  • Michael McDowell
  • Josh Berry
  • Noah Gragson
  • Carson Hocevar
  • Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
  • Ryan Preece
  • Erik Jones
  • Corey Lajoie
  • Justin Haley
  • Daniel Hemric
  • Jon Hunter Nemechek
  • Austin Dillon
  • Zane Smith
  • Harrison Burton

All four remaining regular season races are opportunities for these drivers to make it happen, with the penultimate race of the regular season at Daytona perhaps being the greatest opportunity of all.

The pressure to perform will only increase over these next four weeks; the reward for overcoming it will be more pressure yet as a championship contender when the series comes to Atlanta for the first round of the playoffs.

Tickets and camping accommodations for the Sept. 6-8 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart NASCAR weekend are available at www.AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

About the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart:

The Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart kicks off the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. 16 drivers begin their quest to hoist the Bill France Cup on Atlanta Motor Speedway’s high banks on Sunday, Sept. 8.

Accompanying the Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart is the Focused Health 250 on Saturday, Sept. 7. With just three races remaining in the NASCAR Xfinity Series regular season, the rising stars of NASCAR will have added pressure to secure their place in the postseason with a trip to victory lane.

More information on the Sept. 6-8 Quaker State 400 Available at Walmart weekend and ticket availability can be found online at AtlantaMotorSpeedway.com.

Follow Atlanta Motor Speedway:

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

Advance Discount Tickets for ARCA Menards Series Owens Corning 200 at Toledo Speedway Now Available at Toledo-Area Menards Stores

TEMPERANCE, Mich. (AUGUST 9, 2024) – Advance discount tickets for the season-ending ARCA Menards Series Owens Corning 200 at Toledo Speedway are now available at 13 northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan Menards locations. As it has for the last two years, the ARCA Menards Series champion will be officially crowned following the checkered flag in the 200-lap, 100-mile race.

Toledo Speedway is the home track for the ARCA Menards Series and will be hosting its 84th race dating to its first in 1963.

Andres Perez and his Rev Racing teammate Lavar Scott will each attempt to make history as they contend for the 2024 ARCA Menards Series championship. Perez, from Mexico City, will try to become the series’ first Mexican-born champion, while Scott, from Carneys Point, New Jersey, is attempting to become the series’ first African-American champion.

Reigning series champion Jesse Love clinched the title last year at Toledo Speedway, but it was Joe Gibbs Racing’s William Sawalich who celebrated in victory lane. It marked the third straight Toledo victory for the No. 18 team, which includes wins by NASCAR Cup Series star Ty Gibbs in 2021 and NASCAR Xfinity Series standout Sammy Smith in 2022. Sawalich, who won the 2023 ARCA Menards Series East championship at just 16 years of age, will return to defend his 2023 Toledo victory.

Venturini Motorsports, which fields teams for full-time drivers Kris Wright, Amber Balcaen, and Toni Breidinger as well as two other full-time teams for a ranging cast of drivers that has included Gio Ruggiero, Isabella Robusto, Brent Crews, and Taylor Reimer, will be searching for its first victory at Toledo Speedway since Chandler Smith won in 2019. VMS scored its first Toledo victory all the way back in 1987 with team co-founder Bill Venturini at the wheel. Other VMS winners at Toledo include Justin Boston in 2014 and Todd Gilliland, who became the youngest-ever ARCA Menards Series winner in series history at just 15 years, 2 days of age in 2015.

There will be a full day of on-track activity including ARCA Menards Series practice at 11:45 am ET, following by General Tire Pole Qualifying at 1. The Owens Corning 200 is set to go green shortly after 4:30 pm. In addition, there will be a 50-lap ARCA Outlaw Late Model special event that will precede the Owens Corning 200; that race is scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm.

Fans can purchase tickets to the Owens Corning 200 for just $20, a savings of $10 per adult general admission ticket, at Menards locations in Toledo, Defiance, Findlay, Holland, Oregon, and Sandusky in Ohio, and Ann Arbor, Belleville, Jackson, Livonia, Taylor, Warren, and Wixom in Michigan.

About ARCA
The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing).

About Menards
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states. Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building. You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more. To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!

Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture. Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries. And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more.

Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too! For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

Seven teams to contest 2024 FIM World Supercross Championship season

FIM World Supercross Championship confirms seven teams for 2024 season across WSX and SX2 classes

The FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) can confirm that a total of seven teams will compete in the series’ upcoming 2024 season, fielding competitive lineups across the category’s premier WSX 450cc and SX2 250cc classes.

With four riders per team – two riders per class – a total of 28 full-time riders, plus four wildcard entries per event, will contest the campaign which will commence on 26 October 2024 with the inaugural WSX Canadian Grand Prix, held at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Following the WSX Canadian Grand Prix, the 2024 season will continue at HBF Park in Perth, Australia, where WSX will contest its first-ever double-header event (Rounds 2 and 3). The season will then conclude at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on 4 December – the same week as the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Tom Burwell, FIM World Supercross Championship CEO, said: “With seven world-class teams confirmed for our upcoming season, 2024 is shaping up very, very nicely. Alongside the return of our reigning two-time World Champion, Ken Roczen, we have a long list of riders that we’re excited to reveal, including some new names and the return of some very familiar faces from past seasons. We’re looking forward to getting our season underway in Vancouver this October, and I can’t wait to share more updates and information soon.”

For ticketing information, including pre-sale registration and access, visit: https://linktr.ee/fimwsx

FIM World Supercross Championship
The FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) is an international competition led by SX Global, a global sports marketing and entertainment company. The world governing body for motorcycle sport, Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), awarded SX Global the exclusive organisational and commercial rights to stage and promote the Championship from 2022 onwards. For further information, please visit www.wsxchampionship.com.

RCR Race Preview: Richmond Raceway

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Richmond Raceway… In 191 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has scored nine wins, led by Dale Earnhardt’s five victories (1985 – spring, both races in 1987, 1990 – fall, and 1991 – spring). Kevin Harvick won three times (2006 – fall, 2011 – fall, and 2013 – spring), while Clint Bowyer scored his first short track victory in the premier series at Richmond (2008 – spring). The Welcome, N.C.-based team owns 39 top-five and 76 top-10 finishes in Cup Series competition at the Virginia facility.

Tire Choices Incoming… Teams will have the option to use two types of tires at Richmond Raceway, either a softer “option” tire with the reward of more short-term grip balanced against the risk of less long-term durability, or a baseline “prime” tire that provides a more lasting ride with potentially less grip in its harder compound. Each team will be allotted six sets of prime tires and two sets of option tires for the race including one prime set carried over from qualifying. NASCAR has scheduled an extended practice on Saturday with one set of each tire type available to use during that 45-minute session.

Follow Sunday’s Action… The Cook Out 400 will be televised live on Sunday, August 11 beginning at 6 p.m. ET on USA and will be broadcasted live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet at Richmond Raceway… In 20 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway, Dillon’s best finish is fourth (Fall 2020). His six top-10 finishes at the track include a pair of consecutive sixth-place finishes (April 2019 and September 2018). He has 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Richmond Raceway, acquiring two top-five finishes, seven top-10 finishes, and one pole award.

Fun Fact… Dillon’s career-first NASCAR Xfinity Series start came at Richmond Raceway in 2008 driving the No. 21 Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma Chevrolet for RCR with crew chief Shane Wilson calling the shots. Dillon, who finished 26th in the race, went on to earn a Xfinity Series championship for RCR in 2012.

Shop The Fall Hunting Classic … This weekend at Richmond Raceway, Dillon’s Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet will be sporting an entirely new look. The No. 3 Chevrolet will feature a Bass Pro Shops exclusive Camo pattern while promoting the stores’ Fall Hunting Classic promotion. Trade in your old boots, optics, bows, and crossbows to save on new gear and earn 100 bonus entries into the Fall Hunting Giveaway where you could win a whitetail hunt, waterfowl hunt, or elk hunt. The Fall Hunting Classic will go on across all Bass Pro Shops Locations from August 8 to August 28. To learn more: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/fall-hunting-classic-sale

About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations, and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops united with Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations, and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with NASCAR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on returning to Richmond Raceway for the second time in 2024?

“We’ve had good results at Richmond Raceway with our No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road team. With the new tire compounds, patience will be key this weekend. Everyone will be in the same boat. Richmond Raceway is still a track that eats tires. On track and pit road, we’ll need to be aggressive. It’s easy to fall behind and even harder to catch up. If we can get in the top 10, I think we’ve got a chance. Richmond Raceway is one of the hardest short tracks we go to, and 400 laps under the lights will be fun for everyone.”

What are your expectations for Richmond Raceway this weekend with the new tire options?

“I enjoy racing at Richmond Raceway. This weekend we are going to be on the new option tires with each different hardness of the compounds. We’ll be learning throughout practice to try and make sure we can keep our car solid for the race. We’ve worked in the sim at the Chevrolet tech center on the different tire compounds but it’s very tough to recreate that until we get to the track. Our Richard Childress Racing team will work hard to get everything out of those tires to put on a great race Sunday night.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Cheddar’s Patriotic Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Richmond Raceway… Kyle Busch enters this weekend’s race with six NASCAR Cup Series victories at Richmond Raceway in 37 previous starts – the most by any active driver – and is tied for third on the all-time win list at the track. Busch won a race in four consecutive seasons (2009-2012) and swept both events at the .75-mile speedway in 2018. The Las Vegas, Nev. native has 11 top-10 finishes in the last 13 races and owns two pole positions at the Virginia short track: 2008 (fall) and 2010 (spring). Busch has also enjoyed much success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway, grabbing six wins in 23 starts.

Did You Know? Busch leads all active drivers at Richmond Raceway in every major statistical category: wins, top-fives (19), top-10s (28), most lead lap finishes (36), and average finish position (7.432).

All But One… In 37 previous Cup Series starts at Richmond Raceway, Busch has never recorded a DNF result and has completed all but one lap in those events. The veteran racer has completed 14,835 laps (99.993 percent) which equates to 11,126.25 miles.

Points Update… Busch currently holds the 18th position in the Cup Series driver championship point standings, 112 points below the Playoffs cutline.

Patriotic Colors Under the Lights… The No. 8 Cheddar’s Chevrolet will sport a special patriotic design this weekend at Richmond Raceway. The red, white, and blue scheme honors Cheddar’s employees who have served in our nation’s military.

About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen… Cheddar’s serves American classics and homestyle comfort food in a feel-at-home atmosphere. Guests get a lot, for not a lot with homemade entrees like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, homemade Chicken Pot Pie and slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs so big, they almost fall off the plate. To kick off a memorable meal, every Guest is welcomed with a warm Honey Butter Croissant on the house. Cheddar’s operates more than 180 restaurants in 27 states and employs more than 15,000 friendly and passionate team members. Cheddar’s is open for lunch and dinner, now featuring new weekday lunch specials, starting at just $8.59. For more information or to locate the nearest restaurant, visit Cheddars.com. Fans can like or follow Cheddar’s on Facebook, X , and Instagram.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

The spring race at Richmond Raceway started on wet weather tires. What can be done to make the wet weather racing better on a short track?

“I thought NASCAR did a good job getting the race started at Richmond in the spring while being on the wet weather tires. I felt like there were some guys that went hard to start and burned their tires up, while other guys came on a little bit stronger later. I would say the only thing that I didn’t like was that the run was too short for the guys that were better on the long run to shine versus those who took off and ran too hard to start.”

The start time for this race at Richmond Raceway will be in the early evening with a finish after dark. How big of a factor are those changing temperatures and track conditions?

“I think the night racing at Richmond is the best racing at Richmond. I don’t know that it’ll really make that big of a difference besides the sun going down and being a little bit blinding into Turn 3 but once you get past that into darkness, it’s just a normal Richmond race.”

This race will have a tire strategy element similar to the All-Star race. What effect do you think that will have in the race?

“I think adding in some variables and differences to some of our races isn’t such a bad thing. It will definitely lend itself to those that want to be aggressive and use their soft tires earlier versus later in the race. The other difference in how the night will flow will obviously be based off of how the natural cautions fall.”

4 Things to Expect During a Personal Injury Lawsuit

Photo by Sora Shimazaki

Many cases fall under the “personal injury” term in the United States. You can institute a personal injury claim if you sustain injuries from a mishap due to someone else’s negligence. The lawsuit may cover your medical expenses and other damages. 

You may have sustained injuries in an accident, and considering filing a personal injury claim, you may be unsure of what will transpire during the lawsuit. This piece highlights things that will likely happen during the proceedings. 

Starting the Claim

First, you must identify the party responsible for the damage and gather evidence against them. Working with a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer from the outset of the case is recommended. 

The lawyer will analyze your evidence to determine the validity of your case and itemize the appropriate steps for the best results. The attorney will also help you draft a formal complaint and file it on your behalf. 

Complaint Filing Process

Filing a complaint signals the formal commencement of the case. The complaint is a formal document that comprehensively details your lawsuit. 

It must contain the defendant’s name, explain the injury, and state why you hold the defendant responsible for the incident. Further, it should break down the damages you claim and back them up with necessary documents. 

The court will formally inform the defendant after filing the case. The court will allow the defendant to reply to your claims. Some possible actions the defendant might take include accepting responsibility for the matter, outright denial, or calling for a trial. 

They have the right to accept partial liability. It means the defendant will accept liability for a few damages you claimed and deny others. 

Negotiating Settlement

Most times, both parties agree to civil negotiation. It means they will come together to discuss a settlement. The process may involve some arguments between both parties as they work to protect their interests and reach a favorable agreement. 

Many plaintiffs prefer these negotiations because it helps them secure compensation quickly and minimize their legal expenses. Similarly, defendants prefer a settlement because it reduces some of their costs. Ultimately, no party wants to deal with a lawsuit. 

Hence, most personal injury cases do not proceed to trial. Allow your personal injury attorney to handle the negotiations to stand a chance of fair compensation. 

Discovery and Litigation

The parties involved in the lawsuit will begin with the discovery process during litigation. It means the two sides must share their proofs, statements, documentation, and other relevant materials to the case. This activity ensures a level playing field and prevents undue surprises during trials. 

You should expect the discovery process to take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the claim. The lawyers on both sides will analyze the files to help them prepare well for the trial. 

The litigation commences when parties take dispositions from all the relevant people in the issue, including the plaintiff and the defendant. The attorneys can also perform these dispositions on any relevant witnesses. The court proceedings can commence by formally reviewing the sworn statements, during which every participant will testify the recorded statement is true, complete, and accurate. 

Unfortunately, some plaintiffs think everything is straightforward, and as such, it is needless to engage an attorney. A lawyer will ensure you understand all your rights in the case and professionally assist you in getting what you deserve. The case and its complexities will determine the duration it takes. 

Damages and Compensation

Litigation will end after the judge or the jury evaluates the testimony and proof surrounding the matter. They will then make a pronouncement on the liability the plaintiff claimed in the case. 

The judge often has the final say in personal injury lawsuits. Sometimes, the jury will give you less than what a settlement would have offered. They may even deny you compensation because they believe you lack the evidence to merit it. 

The final amount you get from a personal injury case depends on the weight of your proof and the strength of your argument during negotiation. That is why you need a personal injury attorney, whether during settlement negotiation or litigation, to enlighten you on the best steps to take. 

Lawyers are experienced in such cases and will help you cover loopholes the defendant may want to exploit against you. 

Conclusion

You deserve total compensation after sustaining injuries in a personal injury accident to cover your medical expenses and other damages. However, the compensation recovery process can be tedious and complex. That is why you need a passionate and reputable personal injury attorney to guide you throughout the process. 

Beard Motorsports to Get Funky at Daytona

FunkAway to Sponsor Parker Retzlaff and the No. 62 Chevrolet in the Coke Zero Sugar 400

MT. PLEASANT, Michigan (Aug. 9, 2024) – Beard Motorsports announced today that FunkAway, a line of odor-eliminating products, will be the primary sponsor for its No. 62 Chevrolet and driver Parker Retzlaff for the Aug. 24 NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

FunkAway, the Extreme Odor Eliminator, was created by FunkAway owners Dan Zbynski and Kyle Bolke, who loved to coach and play sports but hated the odors that came with it. The pair set out to find a solution that did not just cover up odors but eliminate them completely. FunkAway eliminates odors using a unique OM Complex™ that attacks odors on a molecular level, encasing and eliminating the source of bad smells.

“Our NASCAR partnership has been a great experience and a natural fit for us at FunkAway,” Bolke said. “We’ve had a wonderful collaboration with Parker, and coming together with him and Beard Motorsports again at Daytona in the NASCAR Cup Series is a no-brainer. Daytona is one of the most prestigious events in the world of motorsports and having FunkAway be a part of it will help fans that need our products. We are very excited for the races ahead and helping everyone smell great.”

The Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be the third race of the season for the No. 62 Beard Motorsports team after having made starts earlier this year in the Daytona 500 and the GEICO 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in April, having earned a sixth-place finish in the latter event.

“The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season may very well go down as one of the most exciting for our family and this race team just because of the relationships we are having the good fortune to build,” said Amie Beard, executive vice president of Beard Motorsports. “We are very excited about this partnership with FunkAway. Being successful on the track is extremely important to our family, but equally important is making memories with our team and having fun in the process. FunkAway is a brand that marries well with our philosophy and approach to racing and we look forward to this partnership at Daytona.”

This Coke Zero Sugar 400 will be Retzlaff’s second career NASCAR Cup Series start and his first behind the wheel of the No. 62 Beard Motorsports Chevrolet. Retzlaff will make his Cup Series debut this weekend at Richmond (Va.) Raceway in the Cook Out 400.

“FunkAway has been a great partner for me the last couple years,” Retzlaff said. “They’re a great team of people and I’m really proud of that relationship. It’s an honor to have them support me and be there for this race. Superspeedway racing is something I really enjoy, and I can’t wait to get to Daytona with Beard Motorsports and FunkAway.”

The No. 62 FunkAway Chevrolet paint scheme will be revealed through social channels in the coming days.

About FunkAway

Headquartered in Waukegan, Illinois, FunkAway is a line of odor elimination products that removes the horrible effects of bad smells. Guaranteed to work on clothing, shoes, gear, pet products, car interiors and more, FunkAway allows users to renew and refresh, rather than throw away. To learn more about FunkAway, visit FunkAway.com and connect on Instagram and Facebook.

Volpi Foods Partners with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

ST. LOUIS – August 9, 2024 – Volpi Foods, a 4th-generation, family-owned leader of all natural cured meats, is thrilled to announce its partnership with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season. Through this alliance, see Jordan Anderson and the No. 32 Volpi Camaro take center stage as America’s Premium Protein™ at Daytona and Talladega.

This exciting collaboration will debut on August 23, 2024, in Daytona Beach, Florida, where fans will see the Volpi No. 32 car take on the high-stakes competition. Following this debut, the partnership will continue with another action-packed race in Talladega, Alabama, further solidifying Volpi Foods’ presence in the racing community.

Coming off a Top 5 finish in his last visit to the Daytona International Speedway, Jordan Anderson is looking to keep the momentum going with the new addition to the team. “It’s quite an honor to have a company like Volpi Foods, with their extensive history, focus on family, and national growth, join our team as we seek success both on the track and in the supermarket. Our team has been blessed to experience a journey parallel to Volpi’s – with humble roots and a pursuit of the American dream. I have no doubt that all our fans nationwide will be drawn to one of the most delicious sponsorships to hit the track.”

“We are excited to partner with Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport,” said Lorenza Pasetti, CEO of Volpi Foods. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to passion, innovation, and precision. Just as we meticulously craft our charcuterie, Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport brings the same values to the track. Together, we aim to celebrate the spirit of American excellence and bring a unique experience to NASCAR fans.”

Fans can look forward to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, interactive social media campaigns, and special promotions leading up to and during the races. This partnership will deliver a unique blend of racing excitement and gourmet experiences, highlighting Volpi Foods’ dedication to being America’s Premium Protein™.

About Volpi Foods
Founded in St. Louis in 1902, is Volpi Foods a fourth-generation, family-owned producer of award-winning charcuterie available in retailers nationwide. Slow-cured in small batches, non-GMO, gluten-free and never frozen, every product is free from nitrates, nitrites, or growth hormones. Volpi Foods is proud to preserve the ancient tradition of dry curing meat by hand, partners only with local farmers to source meat that is Raised Responsibly™ and still operates the oldest salumeria in America. To learn more, visit VolpiFoods.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Twitter.

About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport
Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport is a NASCAR Xfinity Series team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson and Bommarito Automotive Group President, John Bommarito. Established in 2017 the organization is fueled by an incredible, close-knit team of employees, fans, and sponsors with a focus on integrity in the pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to embrace the journey we’re on and to never give up – whether on the track, in the pits, or in life. To learn more about the team visit JordanAndersonRacing.com

Personal Injury Statute of Limitations in Illinois

Photo by Unseen Studio on Unsplash

One of the reasons we are careful in our actions is because they affect not only us but also others. Personal injury lawsuits typically arise because one individual or group of individuals were not mindful of their actions. It can be because they were negligent or they intentionally chose to act in a way that would hurt someone else.

Therefore, if you were hurt in any event or accident caused by someone else’s negligence in Illinois, you can take legal action. However, Illinois personal injury law gives you a certain amount of time to file an insurance claim or lawsuit.

This time is referred to as the statute of limitations; once this time elapses, you forfeit your chance to get compensation. This article, therefore, looks at the statute of limitations the state of Illinois puts on personal injury cases.

The Statute of Limitations Based on the Type of Personal Injury Claim

Generally, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim in Illinois is two years. However, that time is subject to a few factors, including the specific circumstances surrounding the case. Meanwhile, the timeframe starts running from the date you sustained the injury, meaning you have until your accident’s second anniversary to sue.

The types of personal injury claims with a two-year statute of limitations include:

  • Car accidents
  • Motorcycle accidents
  • Bicycle accidents
  • Truck accidents
  • Pedestrian accidents
  • Nursing home abuse and neglect
  • Premises liability matters such as dog bites and slip and fall accidents
  • Workplace accidents
  • Construction site accidents
  • Product liability cases
  • Wrongful death

However, while two years is the general deadline for filing a personal injury claim in Illinois, some cases may require longer. For example, cases involving workers’ compensation claims, medical malpractice, and government tort claims have a longer deadline.

Workers’ Compensation

A claim for workers’ compensation is not exactly a lawsuit, but it also fits into the personal injury law. Furthermore, the claim provides an avenue for injured workers to recover compensation for work-related illnesses and injuries.

Under Illinois law, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation benefits is three years from the date of injury. Or two years from the date you received your last benefits.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice lawsuits follow the general two-year statute of limitations in Illinois but with a slight twist. That is, the rules for when the clock starts running are different from those for medical malpractice cases.

The reason for this is that some injuries do not manifest right away, and patients will need additional time to pursue compensation. Typically, the time for these cases starts running when:

  1. You knew you were injured
  2. Received written notice of your injury
  3. Or when you should have known you were injured

Government Tort Claims

Government tort claims have the shortest statute of limitation, besides the fact that the government traditionally follows sovereign immunity. Being protected by sovereign immunity means they cannot be sued for certain types of personal injuries except under the following:

  • The Local Governmental and Governmental Tort Immunity Act and
  • Illinois Court of Claims Act

Therefore, if you were injured due to government negligence, or if it contributes to it, you can probably file a claim. You have:

  • One year from the day you were injured to file with the Court of Claims and Attorney General
  • One year from the accident date to file a lawsuit with the Court of Claims

Or, under the Local Governmental and Governmental Tort Immunity Act, you have:

  • One year for willful and wanton misconduct
  • Two years for medical negligence

Conclusion

When in doubt consult with a local personal injury attorney. Most injury attorneys off a free consultation so it never hurts to reach out with questions.

JACOB CANTER NAMED DIRECTOR OF COMPETITION AT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

  • Canter is a veteran of the motorsports industry holding influential roles with championship caliber race teams along with positions in the automotive industry
  • Bobby Kennedy to serve in a newly created role of General Manager at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

STATESVILLE, N.C. (August 9, 2024) — LEGACY MOTOR CLUBTM announced today that Jacob Canter will serve as Director of Competition. Canter joins the CLUB with more than two decades of engineering experience with a focus in the motorsports industry. It was also announced in July that long-time motorsports executive, Bobby Kennedy has joined LEGACY MOTOR CLUB in the newly created General Manager role. Both Canter and Kennedy have officially started with LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and will report directly to Chief Executive Officer, Cal Wells III.

Auto racing runs deep in the Canter family as Jacob is a third generation racer from Yakima, Wash. While continuing the family legacy of short track racing in the Pacific Northwest, Canter completed his degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Washington. Canter started his professional career as a Technical Engineer with MoTeC USA before moving to Rusty Wallace Racing to create an engineering department for the team. In 2007, Canter began a nearly 16 year tenure with Joe Gibbs Racing where he served as a Race Engineer before becoming the Research and Development Team Manager. Canter’s most recent role was with General Motors where he was the Engineering Manager of Vehicle Performance at GM Motorsports.

“I am incredibly excited to join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and embark on this new journey,” said Jacob Canter, Director of Competition for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “I am thankful to Maury, Jimmie, Richard and Cal for this opportunity. It is a competitive advantage to be a part of a team with amazing vision and leadership. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB to drive our success on and off the track with a championship mindset.”

Canter will oversee the competition department including all crew chiefs and pit crew, while Kennedy will oversee the day-to-day operations of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.

“Both Jacob and Bobby represent some of the best the world of motorsports has to offer,” said Cal Wells III, CEO of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “I’m personally honored they’ve chosen to join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. Having previous long-term relationships with Toyota Racing Development will prove invaluable as LEGACY M. C. strives towards joining the elite within the NASCAR Cup Series.”

“Bringing in people like Jacob and Bobby is what we need at this stage in the game,” said co-owner Jimmie Johnson. “This has been a difficult season and performance hasn’t been where we want it to be, so moves like this are necessary. We want to show up, be competitive, and win races. That’s the main goal.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Richmond Raceway this weekend for the Cook Out 400. The race kicks off on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. ET live on USA or you can listen on SiriusXM – NASCAR Radio (channel 90) and MRN Radio.

For more information, contact astock@legacymotorclub.com

ABOUT

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The CLUB competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Johnson. LEGACY M.C. also competes in the Extreme E Series. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King” serves as CLUB Ambassador. With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com

Red Light Violations and Personal Injury Claims: What You Need to Know

Photo by Osman Rana on Unsplash

A vehicle crash can happen for many reasons, but if research and past surveys are anything to go by, negligence is one of the biggest factors contributing to car accidents in the US. That said, negligence on the road can manifest in many ways, such as distracted driving, tailgating, and for the purpose of this blog, running a red light.

Every year, thousands of American lives are affected by red light accidents. If drivers exercised more caution and followed traffic rules, injuries could have been prevented and lives saved. But this is not the case. In 2009 alone, approximately 676 people lost their lives and more than 130,000 sustained injuries in crashes involving red light running.

In a bid to curb this growing road threat, many states have implemented red light cameras at various intersections. In this blog, we will see how these red lights work and how they can affect a personal injury claim involving a red light violation.

What Is a Red Light Violation?

In simple terms, a red light violation occurs when a vehicle crosses the white stop line after the traffic signal has turned red. The culprit may run through a red light or they may fail to stop prudently at a red light, both violations.

Red Light Cameras and Personal Injury

Red light cameras use high-grade technology to capture video and pictorial evidence of drivers running red lights. “Sensors activate the high-definition video cameras. When a driver runs a red light, the sensors trigger the cameras to record video footage and still shots of the vehicle running the red light,” says Personal Injury attorney Christopher Largey.

The footage captured by the red light cameras can serve as essential  evidence in a personal injury lawsuit. They can act as proof of liability, making it easier for victims to seek compensation. But beyond that, are the cameras effective in reducing such accidents?

When the public becomes aware that a particular intersection is equipped with red light cameras, they are more inclined to follow traffic rules as they know their actions will be documented should they choose to be negligent. So, yes, red light cameras are an effective tool in reducing red light violations on US roads.

The Role of a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you or your loved one is injured in an accident involving a red light, you should consider seeking counsel from a qualified personal injury lawyer. With such a professional by your side, the odds of winning may be in your favor as they bring a wealth of experience to the table.

They will request the red light footage of the scene of the accident to determine the liable party. They will analyze this footage with their keen investigative skills to shed light on how the accident occurred, which can help prove liability and get you the compensation you deserve.

Most personal injury lawyers use a contingency fee structure, where you do not have to pay any fees upfront to access the service. Their payment comes from the compensation you receive should you win the case. Most attorneys charge a contingency fee of about 33 percent.

With such a payment structure, personal injury lawyers are incentivized to do their best to help you win the case as their interests are aligned with yours. It is a true win-win relationship.