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NASCAR Top-10 Power Rankings: Iowa

By
Jeffrey Boswell
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Photo by Ron Olds for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Note: The quotes in this article are fictional.

1. Chase Elliott: Elliott finished third at Iowa.

“I think I can speak for Chase Elliott fans,” Elliott said, “and NASCAR fans in general, when I saw that as far as corn products go, they’d rather drink them than eat them.”

2. Kyle Larson: Larson started on the pole and led 80 laps while winning Stage 2. But contact with Daniel Suarez on Lap 220 spun Larson into the path of Denny Hamlin. Larson’s No. 5 Chevy suffered significant damage. He eventually finished 34th.

“It’s not wise to go three wide,” Larson said. “I did, and it cost me. Suarez really did a number on me. His number is ’99,’ but that number is ’86.’ In the state of Iowa, that’s called getting ‘cornholed.'”

3. Ryan Blaney: Blaney won Stage 1, took charge late and held off William Byron to win the Iowa Corn 350, Blaney’s first win of the season.

“It feels great to win,” Blaney said. “With this being the Iowa Corn 350 and me being a humble fellow, all I can say is ‘Aww shucks.'”

4. William Byron: Byron finished second in the Iowa Corn 350, posting his sixth top 5 of the season.

“Even with newer tires,” Byron said, “I still couldn’t catch Blaney. I guess his No. 12 Ford, much like his sister Erin, was out of my league.”

5. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin struggled early, but made his way into the top 10 before an accident with Daniel Suarez and Kyle Larson caused damage to the No. 11 Toyota. Hamlin finished 24th.

“We were just very inconsistent,” Hamlin said. “My car, much like Suarez’s driving, was all over the place.”

6. Christopher Bell: Bell finished fourth in the Iowa Corn 350, posting his fifth top 5 of the year.

“I thought Ryan Blaney really held up well at the end,” Bell said. “He fought off all challengers and maintained the lead under lots of pressure from William Byron and other drivers. Of course, it’s the Iowa Corn 350; you should expect to be ‘stalked.'”

7. Brad Keselowski: Keselowski finished 10th in the Iowa Corn 350.

“The street address of Iowa Speedway is 3333 Rusty Wallace Drive,” Keselowski said. “That’s because Rusty designed the race track. The track is D-shaped, and that was done in honor of Rusty’s longtime teammate Ryan Newman, who was D-headed.”

8. Ross Chastain: Chastain finished 11th in the Iowa Corn 350.

“Grimace was on Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota,” Chastain said. “Grimace was also at the track. He was the purple blob. More specifically, he was the Jimmy Spencer-shaped purple blob.”

9. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex finished 15th at Iowa.

“I announced that the 2024 season will be my last as a full-time driver,” Truex said. “If I could cap off the season with the Cup championship, it would be awesome. That way, I could say I won going away.”

10. Tyler Reddick: Reddick finished 22nd at Iowa.

“This was the first NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway,” Reddick said. “The site of the track used to be a cornfield, which makes it just like every other structure in the state.”

RYAN BLANEY SCORES INAUGURAL WIN AT IOWA

By
Official Release
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*Photo courtesy of NASCAR Media & Getty Images

NEWTON, IA – June 17, 2024 – Ryan Blaney won the inaugural Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol at Iowa Speedway on Sunday marking his first win of the season, 11th of his career, and second inaugural race win after winning the Charlotte Roval in 2018. This win also marked Ford’s 731st NASCAR Cup Series win and Team Penske’s 95th series win with Ford.

“Congratulations to Roger, Tim, Jonathan, Ryan and everyone at Team Penske on the inaugural win at Iowa,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Jonathan and Ryan started up front, carried speed throughout the race, and capitalized on pit strategy for the race win.”

“What a cool way to win here. This place means a lot to me and means a lot to my mom. We had a lot of people here tonight cheering us on, so they willed us to that one. Overall, I really appreciate the whole 12 boys. I mean, our car was really fast all night and we got a little bit better through the night and two tires was a good call there. I didn’t know how well I was gonna hold on. I started to struggle a little bit at the end, but had enough to hang on. I’m super proud of the effort. I appreciate Advance Auto Parts, Ford, Ford Performance, Menards, Discount Tire, Wurth, Snap On, DEX Imaging, Wabash – everything they do. It makes up a little bit from a couple weeks ago,” commented Blaney.

Sunday’s 350 lap race started with four Ford Performance drivers in the top-10: Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney in P2, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Josh Berry in P3, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing’s Brad Keselowski in P5, and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe in P6. A caution on lap 51 allowed Blaney to gain momentum on the outside line and win the first stage over second-place Kyle Larson. Larson and Blaney battled throughout the entire first half of the race until a wreck during the final stage. The Team Penske No. 12 made the call to take two tires on the last pit stop to restart in the front and led the final 88 laps of the race. In total, Blaney led a career-high 201 laps during the race to finish 0.716 seconds over second place William Byron. Blaney has now won at Iowa Speedway in all three NASCAR national series, having won in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2012 and Xfinity Series in 2015.

Four Ford Performance drivers finished in the top 10: Team Penske’s Joey Logano in P6, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Josh Berry in P7, and RFK Racing’s Brad Keselowski in P10.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series also raced at Iowa Speedway on Saturday. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Riley Herbst finished in P2 along with teammate Cole Custer in P6 and RSS Racing’s Matt DiBenedetto in P7.

The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series both compete this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.
39 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 462 WINS – 432 POLES

About Roush Yates Engines
Roush Yates Engines is a leading-edge engine development company based in Mooresville, NC consisting of two state-of-the-art facilities – Roush Yates Engines and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions, a world class AS9100 Rev D/ISO 13485 certified CNC manufacturing facility. The company’s core business includes designing, building and testing purpose-built race engines.

Ford Performance in partnership with Roush Yates Engines is the exclusive engine builder of the NASCAR FR9 Ford V8 engine.

With an unparalleled culture of winning and steeped in rich racing history, Roush Yates Engines continues to follow the company’s vision to lead performance engine innovation and staying true to the company’s mission, provide race winning engines through demonstrated power and performance.

Honor a Cancer Hero Online Auction Returns for Fifth Year

By
Official Release
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Bidding is now live at NASCARfoundation.org/cancerhero

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 17, 2024) – Returning for the fifth consecutive year, The NASCAR Foundation and Martin Truex Jr. Foundation (MTJF) announced that the Honor a Cancer Hero online auction presented by AdventHealth is now open and on-track to raise more than $500,000 in total for cancer initiatives.

“We are so grateful to the fans, AdventHealth, and The NASCAR Foundation for supporting our cancer hero program,” said NASCAR champion Martin Truex Jr. “I am passionate about honoring these heroes within the cancer community. It’s been inspiring to see the teams, drivers and fans get behind this program to make it a success every year. We’re looking forward to seeing how much money we can raise this year and seeing all the names of the cancer heroes riding above the drivers’ doors!”

The online auction allows NASCAR fans to display their personal cancer hero’s name on the signature panel of their favorite driver’s race vehicle during the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at Kansas Speedway in September.

Online bidding is live at NASCARfoundation.org/cancerhero and ends Thursday, June 27 at 10 a.m. EDT (7 a.m. PDT).

“This program not only celebrates courageous individuals battling cancer, but also supports vital cancer care and resources, including the development of the new Sherry Strong Integrative Wellness Clinic at AdventHealth Daytona Beach,” said Audrey Gregory, Ph.D., R.N., Executive Vice President and CEO for the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “Our commitment to health and wellness extends beyond our hospitals and into the communities we serve, including at the racetrack. It is our fourth year as the presenting sponsor and it is an honor to be a part of this meaningful program, empowering fans to celebrate their heroes and support the fight against cancer.”

Proceeds from the online auction will benefit MTJF and The NASCAR Foundation, two organizations recognized as champions for the health and well-being of others. Since 2020, the auction has raised over $400,000.

“This online auction has become such a special moment in our calendar each year,” said Nichole Krieger, Vice President & Executive Director of The NASCAR Foundation. “To honor these cancer heroes and learn how NASCAR has touched their lives and those who love them is truly both emotional and also inspiring.”

The Honor a Cancer Hero auction is one of many initiatives supported through The NASCAR Foundation’s online auctions program, which features race-used memorabilia and at-track experiences available for fans to bid on online.

For more information, including a complete list of participating drivers, please visit NASCARfoundation.org/cancerhero.

About The NASCAR Foundation

The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR® racing communities through the Speediatrics® Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. The NASCAR Foundation, designated as a 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator® for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, has contributed more than $46 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.7 million children across the country since 2006.

About MTJ Foundation

September is childhood cancer awareness month. The Martin Truex Jr. Foundation has focused their mission to raise awareness, boost advocacy, and generate financial support for underfunded cancer initiatives specific to childhood cancers. Together, we have the power to improve lives, inspire smiles and realize dreams. We will Never Give Up! For more information, please visit www.martintruexjrfoundation.org

AdventHealth

With a sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 90,000 team members across hundreds of care sites including physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, home health agencies and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care. A shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health and commitment to making communities healthier unify the system’s more than 50 hospital campuses in diverse markets throughout nine states. For more information about AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com/news.

RAFA Racing by JDX Completes Weekend Sweep With Porter, Candas on Podium in Porsche Sprint Challenge at VIR

By
Official Release
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Paige Morales Fights Back on Sunday at VIR as RAFA Racing Family Leaves With Strong Performances

DANVILLE, Virginia (June 17, 2024) – RAFA Racing by JDX kept up their winning ways in Porsche Sprint Challenge on Sunday at VIRginia International Raceway where Ian Porter swept the weekend in the Cayman Pro-Am class and Caroline Candas joined him on the podium for the second-consecutive day.

In addition to the strong showings at the front of the field, rookie driver Paige Morales showed poise on Sunday. She bounced back from an incident on Saturday that forced repairs to her No. 87 RAFA Racing Club Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport overnight to finish seventh in the Pro-Am class. Rafael Martinez joined in the success on the weekend despite a difficult Sunday, leaving VIR holding on to fifth in the season-long standings.

In a repeat of Saturday’s race, Porter started his No. 86 Grid Finder Porsche Cayman on pole and pulled away from the field at the start while Candas battled to move from third to second in the 35-minute (plus one additional lap) race.

The field was reset when the safety car was deployed on the fifth lap of the race following an incident that collected Martinez’ No. 85 RAFA Racing Club Porsche Cayman, ending his day early after a strong seventh-place finish in the Pro-Am class on Saturday.

For the second time in the race and the fifth time during the doubleheader weekend, Porter led the field to the green flag perfectly and immediately began to pull away. He would carry that advantage to the checkered flag for a 4.563-second win.

Behind him, however, Candas was on the bumper of the second-place finisher. She held the position briefly on the restart, moving into second place in the right handed Turn Two before giving it back through the next two left handed corners. She regularly turned quicker lap times despite being behind but couldn’t get her No. 84 8Twelve Wheels Porsche Cayman fully into second place and ended her day in third.

Morales, still gaining confidence at the technical 3.27-mile track, nearly matched her qualifying times during race conditions. Martinez continued to improve through the weekend despite the early end to Sunday’s race, turning his third quickest time of the entire weekend in the opening stages.

Porter leaves VIR with his fifth and sixth victories of the season through eight races, and with a pair of second-place trophies in the two races he didn’t win comfortably holds the Pro-Am point lead as the 14-race season crosses the halfway point. Candas sits securely in second after seven podium finishes to open the year and leads both the Porsche Junior point race and the Mobil 1 Porsche Female Driver Development title.

The success of RAFA Racing by JDX extended to the crew this weekend. Each of the four team cars were mechanically flawless all weekend long, and crew member Adam Roberts climbed behind the wheel during the Porsche Sprint Challenge crew member karting race on Saturday night. Roberts led most of the race before a final lap “bump and run” left him second at the finish in the team-building activity.

RAFA Racing by JDX returns to action for rounds nine and 10 of Porsche Sprint Challenge North America at Watkins Glen International, July 5-7. Prior to that, RAFA Racing’s Porsche Sprint Challenge drivers are accompanying the RAFA Racing SRO GT4 European Series team to the race at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for the team’s doubleheader June 28-30 where Martinez and Jon Lancaster co-drive in the Am class and RAFA Racing driver coach Cameron Lawrence and ambassador Jem Hepworth share a ride in the Silver class.

RAFA Racing Quote Board

Ian Porter, Driver, No. 86 Porsche Cayman: “I love it here. I wouldn’t say comfortable is the word, but I was having a lot of fun. It’s exciting around here to get the track right, but when you do it’s really rewarding. We’ve worked really hard to get six wins so far this season and it’s been a team effort for the whole RAFA Racing by JDX program. We get to go cheer on our teammates at Spa next, which is my favorite track in the world, and then come back to Watkins Glen and keep the season going.”

Paige Morales, Driver, No. 87 Porsche Cayman: “Coming back Sunday for race two had its challenges both mentally and physically. It’s never easy dealing with the aftermath of an incident like I had on Saturday, but it definitely pushes me to be more on my game and a more resilient racing driver. It’s crucial to bounce back from these situations and not let them affect me too much. Leaving the weekend, I feel happy knowing I learned a lot. Each time I got into the car I was able to set quicker lap times, showing that I’m processing the lessons from my coach.”

Caroline Candas, Driver, No. 84 Porsche Cayman: “We had a great discovery on Thursday and Friday during practice to make the car quicker and I was confident for the weekend. I was really happy with my battle with Nick Shaffer for second place. I couldn’t pass him so I was disappointed in that, but it’s good because we’re there with the two fastest guys in the class. I’m happy with that and where we are in the championship. This track is really challenging. We saw that with a lot of mistakes from other competitors. We take the esses flat, so we have to be focused. I like this type of track. Now I have my eyes on Watkins Glen and I’m looking forward to it now.”

Rafael Martinez, Driver, No. 85 Porsche Cayman: “This was a tough weekend for me. VIR is one of the toughest and highest risk tracks in the country and it’s a struggle to push the Cayman to the limit. I’ve been switching between the Cayman here in the states and McLaren in Europe, and it’s been a struggle as they are so different from each other. But that’s the challenge we signed up for! I was able to move forward in race one on Saturday, but had an incident today that shut us down early. It was tough but we learn every time out, good or bad. As a RAFA Racing program, it was a great weekend and I’m really proud of how everyone did. Now it’s off to two iconic race tracks, Spa and Watkins Glen, in the next month. I’m looking forward to dusting this one off and getting back at it to get those results we’ve been working so hard for.”

About RAFA Racing Club:

RAFA Racing, utilizing the motto “Race As Family Always,” is a motorsports club and race team founded by and made for high-performance auto drivers, supporters, and fans of all types. Started by Rafael Martinez, the Club aims to create a space for high-performance car enthusiasts to enjoy like-minded individuals, network and share ideas on and off the track, and bond as one team with a common interest. The RAFA Racing Team made its debut in 2023 with a runner-up finish in the McLaren Trophy Europe Series, and expands that footprint to include Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and SRO GT4 Europe in 2024. The Club’s off-track presence can be felt on social media and beyond, including YouTube, Instagram and Facebook and at RafaRacing.Club.

PLAYNHRA NAMED TITLE SPONSOR OF VIRGINIA NATIONALS AT VIRGINIA MOTORSPORTS PARK

By
Official Release
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DINWIDDIE, Va. (June 17, 2024) – NHRA officials announced today that PlayNHRA, a new initiative that provides fans opportunities to engage in fantasy games, gaming, and betting for NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series events, has been named the title sponsor for the upcoming Virginia Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park.

The PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals takes place June 21-23 at the standout facility just south of Richmond and serves as the ninth of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

As part of PlayNHRA, NHRA’s partnerships with leading sports books and fantasy sports providers enables fans to sign up for free and legally wager on national events and other outcomes in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Odds will be released and wagers will be accepted during the race at Virginia Motorsports Park.

“We’re extremely excited about PlayNHRA and this is another great opportunity to spread awareness about this initiative,” NHRA Vice President and Chief Development Officer Brad Gerber said. “PlayNHRA is the ideal destination for fans to make safe and regulated betting on NHRA drag racing, participate in fantasy games and feel even closer to the action.”

The PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals is also unique in that all NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series categories (Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle) will take part in three qualifying sessions on Saturday for the first time in NHRA history.

As part of a loaded two days, fans will get the chance to see 11,000-horsepower, 330-mph nitro machines in action three times on Saturday, as well as the thrilling Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge for the first time. That leads into Sunday eliminations on one of the top track surfaces on the NHRA tour.

Winners in 2022 included Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Robert Hight (Funny Car) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle). This year, the event will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 23.

Force, a two-time Top Fuel world champion, claimed the win back in 2022, obliterating track records in the process. She’s looking for her first win of the 2024 season, taking on stars Justin Ashley, Shawn Langdon, reigning champion and current points leader Doug Kalitta and former champs Steve Torrence and Antron Brown. Fans at VMP can also watch racing legend Tony Stewart make his Richmond Top Fuel debut.

Austin Prock took over Funny Car driving duties for Hight at the start of the 2024 season and has enjoyed instant success, picking up two event wins and the points lead. He’ll look to keep rolling against defending world champ Matt Hagan, 16-time world champion John Force, J.R. Todd, Bob Tasca III, three-time world champ Ron Capps.

Returning to Virginia in 2024 is Pro Stock, which is led by points leader Dallas Glenn. There’s a host of standout competitors, including reigning and six-time world champ Erica Enders, and five-time champs Greg Anderson and Jeg Coughlin Jr. No active driver in the Pro Stock ranks has won at VMP.

Former Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Smith will be seeking another win from Virginia Motorsports Park. Last year saw the reign of current champion Gaige Herrera. He won 11 races last year and is undefeated so far in 2024, racing to four race wins to. Others to watch include Chase Van Sant and Angie Smith.

Back in Richmond will be the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+. The fan-favorite class will take to the track and will be joined by top competitors in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the Pingel NHRA Top Fuel Motorcycle Series and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock

Fans will also 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 VMP 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 also get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Richmond. This opportunity gives fans a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. Fans 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 features three rounds of action on Saturday, June 22 at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. ET, with eliminations beginning at 12 p.m. on Sunday, June 23. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday. Finals coverage starts at 5 p.m. on Sunday on FS1.

To purchase tickets to the PlayNHRA Virginia Nationals on June 21-23 at Virginia Motorsports Park, visit https://nhra.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, including the full 2024 schedule, 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.

The Best Advanced Safety Features to Consider for Your Next Car

By
SM
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Photo by emrecan arık on Unsplash

When purchasing a new car, safety is often a top priority for buyers. With advancements in automotive technology, modern vehicles are equipped with a range of advanced safety features designed to protect you and your passengers. Understanding these features and how they work can help you make an informed decision and choose a car that offers the best protection on the road.

Adaptive Cruise Control

Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is an enhanced version of traditional cruise control. Unlike standard cruise control, which maintains a set speed, ACC automatically adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance from the car in front. This system uses radar or laser sensors to monitor traffic and can slow down or speed up your vehicle as necessary. This is particularly useful in heavy traffic, as it reduces the need for constant braking and acceleration, thereby decreasing driver fatigue. One common question is whether ACC can handle stop-and-go traffic. The answer is yes, many advanced ACC systems can bring the car to a complete stop and resume movement when traffic starts moving again.

Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist

Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) are systems designed to prevent unintentional lane drifting. LDW alerts the driver when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without a turn signal being activated. This alert is typically a visual or auditory warning, or a slight vibration in the steering wheel. LKA takes this a step further by gently steering the car back into the lane. These features rely on cameras to detect lane markings on the road. While they are effective in most situations, heavy rain, snow, or poorly marked roads can affect their performance.

Automatic Emergency Braking

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) is a critical safety feature that can prevent or mitigate collisions. AEB systems use sensors to detect obstacles in the vehicle’s path and automatically apply the brakes if the driver does not take action in time. This can be particularly useful in preventing rear-end collisions. Some AEB systems also recognize pedestrians and cyclists. Car buyers often ask if AEB can fully prevent accidents. While AEB significantly reduces the risk and severity of collisions, it cannot guarantee complete avoidance of all accidents, especially at higher speeds or if road conditions are poor.

Blind Spot Monitoring

Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) is designed to alert drivers to vehicles in their blind spots, areas that are not visible in the side or rearview mirrors. This system uses radar sensors to detect other vehicles and provides a warning, typically a light in the side mirror or a sound, when another car is in your blind spot. Many systems also include Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which warns of approaching vehicles when you are backing out of a parking space. While BSM greatly enhances awareness, drivers should still perform visual checks before changing lanes to avoid any liability in the event of a collision. 

Rearview Cameras and Parking Assist

Rearview cameras and parking assist systems have become standard in many modern vehicles. These features provide a live video feed of the area directly behind your car, helping you see obstacles that might not be visible through mirrors alone. Advanced parking assist systems can even take control of the steering to guide your car into a parking spot, either parallel or perpendicular. 

Traction Control and Stability Control

Traction Control (TC) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC) are systems designed to maintain vehicle stability and control. TC prevents wheel spin during acceleration by reducing engine power or applying brake force to individual wheels. ESC helps maintain control during skids or slides by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and adjusting engine power. These features are particularly beneficial in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice. Buyers often ask if these systems are necessary if they already have all-wheel drive. While all-wheel drive improves traction, TC and ESC provide additional layers of safety by actively managing wheel spin and vehicle stability.

Factor in Safety For Your Next Vehicle

When considering your next car purchase, prioritizing advanced safety features can make a significant difference in your driving experience and overall safety. While these systems are designed to prevent accidents, some are unavoidable. Getting the help from a qualified car accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for your injuries.  Each of these systems plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and ensuring that you and your passengers remain safe on the road. By understanding how these technologies work, you can make a well-informed decision and choose a vehicle that offers the best protection available.

Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Iowa

By
Official Release
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Iowa Corn 350 – Iowa Speedway
Newton, Iowa – June 16, 2024
Iowa Corn 300

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 MENARDS/MOEN FORD MUSTANG

START: 21ST STAGE ONE: 23RD STAGE TWO: 22ND FINISH: 30TH POINTS: 19TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric, driver of the No. 2 Menards/Moen Ford Mustang, finished 30th in Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350, the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway. Cindric was forced to start from the rear due to driving a backup car after suffering a blown tire in practice earlier in the weekend. By Lap 30, the Team Penske driver found himself inside the top 25 before making his first visit to pit road on Lap 51 for four tires, fuel, and an air pressure adjustment. He restarted 22nd with 12 laps to go in Stage 1, but ultimately finished 23rd in the opening segment. Having just pitted, the No. 2 team elected to stay out at the Stage break. Well into Stage 2, Cindric reported a vibration and then a right-rear chatter on Lap 148. A few laps later, the Menards/Moen Ford Mustang returned to pit road for service and a big swing of adjustments under green. A tight condition plagued Cindric’s car, and when the caution flew on Lap 183, he returned to the attention of the pit crew for tires and an adjustment to free up the car for the short run to the Stage-ending green-and-white checkered flag, in which he crossed the line 22nd. The former NASCAR Xfinity Series champion restarted 22nd with fresh tires for the third and final segment. Under caution with 91 laps remaining, Cindric, in the 20th position, was able to take the wave around to gain a lap back, but lost position over the final stint, finishing 30th in the first-ever Cup Series event at the Newton, Iowa, short track.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “Just a struggle there coming from the back. We made progress early in the No. 2 Menards/Moen Ford Mustang, and we were just kind of on that fringe of lap down, not lap down without track position. Seemed like cycles on tires were a bit of a struggle, but we got ourselves in position and missed out on the lucky dog by a lap or two. So happy for everyone on the No. 12 car, and yeah, unfortunate to have to come from behind.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 ADVANCE AUTO PARTS FORD MUSTANG

START: 2ND STAGE ONE: 1ST STAGE TWO: 4TH FINISH: 1ST POINTS: 7TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney led a career-high 201 laps to claim the checkered flag in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway Sunday night, marking his 11th-career Cup Series victory. Blaney becomes the first to win a race at Iowa in all three of NASCAR’s top national series while clinching a spot in the playoffs for the eighth-straight season. Blaney began the night battling for the lead with the No. 5 for the entirety of the first 70-lap stage as the 12-team worked to dial in the balance of the Advance Auto Parts Ford Mustang. With 10 laps to go in the segment, Blaney carried a run off turn four to make the pass for the lead and kept it out front for the rest of the run to pick up his second stage win of the season. A long green flag run to open Stage 2 saw Blaney at the point as he managed his tires over the course of the run. With the No. 9 closing in to battle for the lead, crew chief Jonathan Hassler called Blaney to pit road under green on lap 173 for a four tire stop to take them to the end of the stage. A caution on lap 182 in the middle of the green flag pit cycle shuffled the field as Blaney went from 13th to fifth prior to the restart with 22 laps remaining in Stage 2. Blaney battled through traffic with a tight-handling condition and ultimately came away with a fourth-place result in the second segment. Following a four tire stop at the stage break, Blaney lined up 10th before charging his way through the field on the ensuing run, making his way to second in the running order with 100 laps to go. A caution on lap 260 brought the leaders to pit road under yellow when Hassler made the call for right side tires only, allowing Blaney to win the race off pit road and restart from the outside of row one with 84 to go. After getting a good launch, Blaney set sail as he stretched his lead out to over a second with the laps ticking off. He went on to lead the rest of the way to capture his first win of the 2024 season in dominant fashion.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “What a cool way to win here. This place means a lot to me and means a lot to my mom. We had a lot of people here tonight cheering us on, so they willed us to that one. Overall, I really appreciate the 12 boys. I mean, our car was really fast all night and we got a little bit better through the night and two tires was a good call there. I didn’t know how well I was going to hold on. I started to struggle a little bit at the end, but had enough to hang on. I’m super proud of the effort. I appreciate Advance Auto Parts, Ford, Ford Performance, Menards, Discount Tire, Würth, Snap-On, DEX Imaging, Wabash – everything they do. It makes up a little bit from a couple weeks ago.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 SHELL-PENNZOIL FORD MUSTANG

START: 11TH STAGE ONE: 6TH STAGE TWO: 17TH FINISH: 6TH POINTS: 15TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano picked up his fifth top-10 finish of the season Sunday night in the Cup Series’ inaugural race at Iowa Speedway, coming away with a hard-fought, sixth-place result. Logano fired off from 11th in the 350-lap event and battled inside the top-10 during the opening laps of the night despite reporting changes in the balance over the course of the run. Following a caution on lap 53, Logano restarted from 12th after the 22-team’s first four tire stop of the night and made a charge towards the top-five prior to the end of the 70-lap segment, resulting in a sixth-place finish in Stage 1. After staying out during the stage break, Logano restarted from the outside of row three and settled into fourth in the running order. As the Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang began to build tight over the long run, crew chief Paul Wolfe called Logano to pit road under green on lap 176 but an untimely caution just six laps later trapped him a lap down. Although Logano was able to take the wave around under caution to rejoin the lead lap, he was mired outside the top-15 for the ensuing restart, resulting in a 17th-place finish in Stage 2. Logano began to make his way up the leaderboard early in the final stage – reaching eighth in the running order by lap 239 – before the final caution flag of the night flew on lap 260 while scored seventh. Wolfe made the call for right side tires only, allowing Logano to pull off pit road second and restart from row one with 84 laps to go. Logano battled for the top spot in the opening laps of the run but ultimately settled into second as he worked to manage his tires to the end before taking the checkered flag sixth.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “We put ourselves in position there to win the race with the two-tire call. I just didn’t re-fire good on two [tires]. I tried to race [Ryan] Blaney and couldn’t hold him off and then I just kind of got swallowed up by a couple cars pretty quick. We just didn’t have enough fire-off. I think if I could have got out front, I probably would have been OK, but I couldn’t get out there.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the USA Today 301 on Sunday, June 23. Coverage begins at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA, PRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Preparing for Your First Track Day Experience

By
SM
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Undertaking your first track day is an exhilarating experience for any automotive enthusiast. The thrill of pushing your car to its limits in a controlled environment is second to none. However, proper preparation is key to ensuring that you and your car are ready to hit the track in a safe and enjoyable way. This guide will help you know what to bring and what to expect on your first track day.

Pre-Track Day Preparation

Before you even think about what to pack, it’s crucial to make sure your car is track-ready. Check the basics: tire tread, brake pads, and fluid levels. Ensure your car is in top mechanical condition to handle the demands of track driving. It’s also a good idea to have your car inspected by a professional mechanic if you’re not confident in your ability to do so yourself.

Once your car is ready, the next step is to register for the track day and understand the rules and requirements of the particular track and event. Some tracks have specific noise limits, helmet standards, and safety gear requirements. Make sure to read all the information provided by the event organizers.

Essential Gear for the Track

When it comes to gear, there are several items that are absolutely essential for your safety and comfort on the track.

First and foremost, a quality helmet is mandatory. Ensure it meets the required safety standards, which are typically Snell or DOT approved. It’s wise to invest in a good helmet as it is a critical piece of safety equipment. An open face helmet is often used in track driving, but full face helmets offer more protection while sacrificing some comfort and visibility. 

Wear appropriate clothing. Most tracks require long sleeves and pants made from natural fibers such as cotton. Closed toed shoes are a must, but you can up your experience with driving gloves and shoes to enhance your control and comfort. Racing suits are a great investment for those who plan to participate regularly.

A tire pressure gauge is a must-have. Tire pressure can significantly affect your car’s handling, and it often needs adjusting for track conditions. A portable air compressor can also come in handy for making those adjustments on the spot.

Tools and Maintenance Supplies

Bring a basic toolkit. At the very least, include screwdrivers, wrenches, a variety of sockets, and a jack. A torque wrench is particularly useful for ensuring any of your maintenance items or track fixes are properly tightened.

Don’t forget fluids. Bring extra oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Track driving puts extra stress on your car, and having spare fluids can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

Consider bringing a fire extinguisher. While it’s unlikely you’ll need it, it’s better to be safe, especially when pushing your car to the limit.

Comfort and Convenience

Track days can be long, so it’s essential to stay comfortable and hydrated. Pack plenty of water and snacks. A cooler can keep your drinks cold and your energy levels up throughout the day.

Shade is also important. If you’re spending the day in the paddock, a pop-up canopy can provide much-needed relief from the sun. Folding chairs and a blanket are also good ideas for resting between sessions.

Documentation and Accessories

Bring all necessary documentation. This includes your driver’s license, car registration, proof of insurance, and any paperwork related to the track day event. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of the track map and the day’s schedule.

Don’t forget a phone charger. You’ll likely be using your phone for taking photos, recording videos, or using a timing app. Keeping it charged ensures you don’t miss out on any memories or data.

Consider Towing Your Vehicle

For those who are particularly serious about track days or who drive heavily modified cars, towing your vehicle to the track is a smart option. Using a truck and trailer means you don’t have to worry about breakdowns or wear and tear on the way to and from the track. It also allows you to bring more tools, spare parts, and comfort items. If you decide to tow, make sure your trailer is in good condition and you are comfortable with the towing process as poor maintenance and driver mistakes are a common cause of truck accidents. 

On the Day of the Event

Arrive early. This gives you plenty of time to unpack, register, attend the drivers’ meeting, and get a feel for the track. Walk the track if possible. It helps to familiarize yourself with the turns, braking zones, and potential hazards.

Take it easy during your initial sessions. Use these to warm up both yourself and your car, and to get a feel for the track conditions. Focus on being smooth and consistent rather than fast. As you build confidence, you can start pushing the limits.

Remember to take breaks. Track driving is physically and mentally demanding. Resting between sessions helps you stay sharp and prevents fatigue-related mistakes.

Post-Track Day Care

After a day of high-performance driving, your car will need some attention. Check your tires for wear and inspect your brake pads and rotors. Top off any fluids that may have been depleted and give your car a thorough inspection. This ensures it’s ready for your next track adventure.

In conclusion, preparation is the key to a successful and enjoyable first track day. By bringing the right gear and taking the necessary precautions, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your experience. So pack your essentials, check your car, and get ready to hit the track with confidence. Happy racing!

Keselowski Paces RFK with Top-10 in Iowa

By
Official Release
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No. 6 King’s Hawaiian Ford Finishes P10, Chris Buescher 18th in Fastenal Ford

NEWTON, Iowa (June 16, 2024) – Brad Keselowski paced RFK Sunday night at Iowa Speedway with a top-10 finish while Chris Buescher overcame a cut tire and finished 18th in the inaugural Cup race at the 7/8-mile track.

Both RFK Fords led laps at three different points, Keselowski earned stage points in both stages, and Buescher picked up stage points in stage two in the 350-lap race as varying strategy proved to be critical.

“Not bad,” Keselowski said following the race. “We just kind of ran in that eighth to 10th place spot for pretty much the whole race and sometimes a little worse. That’s kind of what we had and we just executed around it. Our car was really good on the long runs. I liked that long run, but the short runs we just didn’t have enough speed.”

Tire wear proved to be the storyline of the weekend as the track recently underwent a repave, one that provided plenty of drama beginning in Friday’s full practice session. Saturday’s qualifying was condensed to a single round due to rain, with both RFK drivers taking advantage of a late run in the session as Keselowski put the King’s Hawaiian Ford fifth, and Buescher 15th in the Fastenal Mustang.

6 Recap
Rolling off the grid fifth, Keselowski and the No. 6 team quickly used opposite strategy to advance into the top-10. After the second yellow in the opening 51 laps, Keselowski stayed on track while the field pitted, putting him P2 on the ensuing restart. He went on to finish eighth in the opening stage of 70 laps, earning three stage points.

He fired off 17th for stage two following his first stop of the day under the stage break, then ran nearly 100 laps in a long green flag run to inherit the lead. Crew chief Matt McCall kept the No. 6 on track for the duration of a pit cycle before a yellow flew in the team’s favor with Keselowski in the lead.

Keselowski pitted for service in the caution and restarted 10th, before going on to finish ninth in the stage. Then, McCall elected to put right side tires on in the stage break, improving his track position to P3 on the restart. Keselowski held onto the top five position for the next several laps, eventually pitting for the final time at lap 263 for four fresh tires.

From there on the final restart at lap 266, Keselowski restarted 12th before going on to finish 10th, his ninth top-10 of the season.

17 Recap
Buescher fired off from 15th Sunday afternoon in the scorching Midwest heat as one of a handful of drivers in the race with a previous Iowa win. He pitted early at lap 53 for the first time of the day and went on to finish 29th in the opening stage.

As the team went to work early on the handling of the Fastenal Ford, Buescher restarted 26th for stage two, and finally gained track position just a pair of cautions later. He restarted 22nd at lap 86, which preceded a green flag run of 96 laps where he advanced all the way to sixth. After pitting from that spot, he restarted 11th with 28 laps remaining in the stage.

He went on to finish seventh in stage two before staying out in the stage break, putting the No. 17 to the point on the stage three start. He led 13 laps in that sequence (and later led three more laps) as he and the No. 4 car had a healthy battle for the lead.

Unfortunately, some 33 laps later, the No. 17 had a right front tire go down – one of many on the day – as he ran fifth at the time. The team quickly managed any damage though, putting Buescher back on track but lacking track position.

From there he began his march forward on the race’s final restart at lap 266, and went on to pick off multiple positions to finish 18th.

Up Next
New Hampshire Motor Speedway hosts the 18th race of the season next weekend. Race coverage Sunday is set for 2:30 p.m. ET on USA, with radio coverage on PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 37th season in 2024, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

Rick Ware Racing: Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol

By
Official Release
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RICK WARE RACING
Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol
Date: June 16, 2024
Event: Inaugural Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol (Round 17 of 36)
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Iowa Speedway in Newton (.875-mile oval)
Format: 350 laps, broken into three stages 70 laps/140 laps/140 laps)

Race Winner: Ryan Blaney of Team Penske (Ford)
Stage 1 Winner: Ryan Blaney of Team Penske (Ford)
Stage 2 Winner: Kyle Larson of Hendrick Motorsports (Chevrolet)

RWR Race Finish:

● Justin Haley (Started 19th, Finished 13th/ Running, completed 350 of 350 laps)
● Kaz Grala (Started 28th, Finished 33rd/ Running, completed 345 of 350 laps)

RWR Points:

● Justin Haley (30th with 234 points)
● Kaz Grala (35th with 140 points)

RWR Notes:

● Haley earned his sixth top-20 of the season.
● Haley finished 10th in Stage 2 to earn one bonus point.

Race Notes:

● Ryan Blaney won the inaugural Iowa Corn 350 powered by Ethanol to score his 11th career NASCAR Cup Series victory and his first of the season. His margin of victory over second-place William Byron was .716 of a second.
● This was Ford’s 731st all-time NASCAR Cup Series victory and its third of the season.
● There were eight caution periods for a total of 49 laps.
● Only 14 of the 36 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.
● Chase Elliott leaves Iowa as the new championship leader with a eight-point advantage over second-place Kyle Larson.

Sound Bites:

“We had a really good MotoRad Ford Mustang Dark Horse and a lot of speed early in the race before the pit road penalty. I’m glad we were able to recover pretty quickly and show just how strong our car was. Once the sun started to go down the car was just a little too tight for me to hold onto the top-10, but still a really strong showing for us that we can keep building on.” – Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 MotoRad Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the USA Today 301 on Sunday, June 23 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. The race begins at 2:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by USA and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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