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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes – Brickyard 400 Media Availability (Josh Berry)

By
Barry Albert
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Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Brickyard 400 Media Availability | Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Friday, July 19, 2024

Josh Berry, driver of the No. 4 Panini Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing met with media members Friday afternoon at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

RACING ON THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME, KIND OF WHAT ARE YOUR IMPRESSIONS, WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THIS PLACE, HEADING HERE?

“I’m obviously really excited to be here and be in the Cup Series, get to compete on Sunday in what is one of the most prestigious races that NASCAR’s always done, that we’ve missed the last couple years. So it definitely feels different coming here to run the oval than it did the road course. I think just getting to take in the oval and just the history behind it is something that’s going to be really fun. So yeah, this is my first time up here, so I was checking things out a little bit, but it’s definitely exciting to be back on the oval and hopefully we can put on a good race Sunday.”

YOU’RE ONE OF 10 FULL-TIME CUP DRIVERS WHO HAVE NEVER RACED THE OVAL IN THE CUP SERIES, BUT YOU IN PARTICULAR HAVE NEVER RACED IT, PERIOD. SO WHAT’S THAT GONNA BE LIKE?

“It’s definitely a unique scenario. It’s probably one of the only ovals that I haven’t been to yet that we go to. So, thankfully, I have an opportunity to race in the Xfinity race. I think that will be useful to get on track and practice in that and then obviously have that race under my belt by the time Sunday comes around so that hopefully I can get some needed experience in that race. Other than that, I feel like we’ve prepared the best we can, and having a 50 minute practice will help too. So, put all those things together, it should be alright. I think that this place will race similarly to maybe Pocono or Michigan where we’ve had some pretty good cars. So hopefully everything goes to plan.”

THE FACT THAT IT’S THE FIRST TIME THAT THE NEXTGEN RACES ON THE OVAL HERE TOO, DOES THAT EVEN IT OUT AT ALL DO YOU THINK?

“Yeah, I think even the guys that haven’t been here or raced the old style car here probably still have some of the same feelings that I have approaching this again with the NextGen. So it’ll be a learning experience for all of us. But like I said, with a little bit of extended practice, that should help. And we’ll go out there and do it and see what happens.”

YOU HAVE A PRETTY ICONIC PERSON ON YOUR CAR. HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CAR WHERE YOU’VE HAD SOMEBODY OF THE CALIBER OF CAITLIN CLARK, OR EVEN JUST A PHOTO OF A PERSON ON YOUR PAINT SCHEME?

“No, I don’t think so. It’s been a fun week for sure. Obviously starting our partnership with Panini has been really cool. They have a huge presence in NASCAR and in sports in general. For them to use the hood of our race car to draw attention to the Caitlin Clark collection that’s out now is really cool. I think it’s been a popular week on social media for our 4 car, which is the point of all this and it’s been pretty fun.”

WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION WHEN YOU INITIALLY SAW THE SCHEME, THE DESIGN?

“I think over the last couple of weeks we knew this was kind of coming together and was ironing out all the details. So it’s just, it’s cool, right? I think that’s the biggest thing about it. It’s a great way to bring everything together and start this partnership with Panini and having her on the car is a great way to start. She has had a tremendous trajectory the last couple of years. So to be able to be a part of that is pretty cool.”

HAVE YOU HAD A CHANCE TO TALK TO HER ABOUT IT AT ALL?

“I have not, no.”

SHE’S OBVIOUSLY A WORLDWIDE FIGURE, BUT IS CENTERED HERE IN INDIANAPOLIS. HOW COOL IS IT TO HAVE SOMEONE LIKE THAT REPRESENTED WHEN WE GET BACK ON THE OVAL HERE AT SUCH AN ICONIC RACETRACK?

“It’s a great opportunity for us to have to have Panini and then Caitlin on the car as well. Just the amount of attention that the car has gotten this week through social media and everything’s been really cool and I’m sure it’ll continue to build through the weekend. Hopefully we can have a good race and make them all proud.”

THIS IS PROBABLY A STUPID QUESTION, BUT IS IT DISTRACTING AT ALL TO HAVE A FACE LIKE RIGHT THERE WHEN YOU’RE DRIVING?

“No, you really can’t see it too much.”

IS THERE A TURN OR CORNER THAT YOU’RE MOST FOCUSED ON WHEN YOU GO OUT THERE FOR THE CUP CAR?

“It seemed like in our normal prep that turn one is the hardest corner to get through. I don’t really know why that is. I talked to Rodney (Childers) a little bit about that and he felt that that was a similar experience when they raced here with the old car. So I don’t know if it’s just the angle or the visuals or whatever that that seems like turn one and two kind of expose you know your car a little bit more in the simulator just how it turns and everything so I don’t know, we’ll find out if that’s real or not I guess here soon.”

YOU JUST MENTIONED RODNEY, HAVE YOU LEANED ON HIM A LOT IN PREPPING FOR THIS OR ARE YOU EXPECTING TO LEAN ON HIM A LOT THIS WEEKEND?

“I think obviously he’s really excited to get back here, being that they won the last two Brickyard 400s. I feel like we’re leaning on each other and communicating like we always do. Even still, it’s a totally different car as well, so we’re all going to be learning this together. The team’s got a little extra confidence this week for sure.

YOU HAVE A YOUNG DAUGHTER. YOU HAVE ANOTHER GIRL ON THE WAY, SO I’M CURIOUS, HAVING CAITLIN CLARK ON THE CAR, IS THAT ANY MORE SPECIAL OR MEANINGFUL JUST AS FAR AS A ROLE MODEL AND, YOU KNOW, FEMALES CAN ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING KIND OF THING TO PREACH TO YOUR DAUGHTERS?

“For sure. It really is a great opportunity to have her on the hood of our race car, and the amount of reach and popularity she’s gained over the last couple of years has been really amazing to watch and just how it’s transcended women’s basketball. Being a girl dad, I guess, you don’t necessarily put the two together right now but as she grows older, I’m sure that it’ll definitely be a pretty cool thing to look back on as she continues her career.”

YOU’VE GOT PANINI FOR THIS RACE HERE. WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE DOWN FOR THE FUTURE AND WHAT DOES 2025 LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

“The Panini partnership, they’re going to be an associate for us the rest of the year and hopefully on the car again. I think we’re working through all that. For 2025, I’m headed to the Wood Brothers to drive the 21 car, so I’m excited about that, but we still have a lot of racing to do with the 4 team.”

The Critical Role of Network Access Points

By
SM
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Photo by NASA on Unsplash

Network access points (NAPs) today serve as crucial gateways that facilitate the flow of information. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a business owner, or simply someone who relies on the internet for daily tasks, understanding the importance of NAPs is more than a technical requisite—it’s a necessity to thrive in this digital age. 

In this article, we’ll examine how these pivotal elements influence everything from internet speed to global communications.

The Heartbeat of Digital Connectivity

Network access points are akin to the heartbeat of digital connectivity. They are the physical locations through which Internet service providers (ISPs) connect and exchange traffic. This exchange point is where your data meets the data of others, merging on a network that spans the globe. 

When you send an email, stream a video, or download a file, your data packets travel through these access points, bouncing from one network to another until they reach their destination.

Understanding the role of NAPs can demystify why sometimes your internet is slower than usual. For instance, if a major NAP is congested due to high traffic—much like a jammed freeway during rush hour—your data takes longer to reach its destination. 

This congestion can affect everything from a webpage’s loading time to the quality of your video call. Thus, knowing the pathways of your data can inform choices about the best times for high-bandwidth activities or even the best service providers based on NAP efficiency.

Boosting Business Operations with NAPs

The strategic use of network access points can be a game changer for businesses. Businesses can significantly enhance their operational efficiency by optimizing how they connect to these points. Networking software, a key component for managing these connections, ensures your company can maintain fast and reliable access to necessary online resources.

Consider an e-commerce platform that handles thousands of transactions per hour. Effective use of NAPs, facilitated by sophisticated networking software, can ensure that customer transactions are processed quickly, inventory updates are instantaneous, and user experience remains smooth. 

This reliability can boost customer satisfaction and trust, which are critical for customer retention and business growth.

Enhancing Security at the Access Point

Security at network access points is paramount. These junctions, where data flows from one network to another, are potential targets for cyber attacks. However, there’s a solution. 

Networking software that monitors and manages access points can detect unusual patterns that may indicate a security breach. By implementing advanced security protocols at NAPs, ISPs can prevent the spread of malware, defend against DDoS attacks, and ensure that sensitive data remains confidential. 

This means that when you transmit sensitive data, whether a credit card number or personal information, it’s safeguarded through secured pathways.

The Future of Digital Infrastructure and NAPs

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so will the role and function of network access points. With the advent of technologies like 5G, IoT (Internet of Things), and the increasing demand for cloud-based services, the efficiency and security of NAPs will become even more critical. 

Staying informed about how these technologies integrate and utilize network access points will be crucial. Expanding NAPs to handle more data and provide better coverage will likely lead to enhanced services—faster internet speeds, more reliable connections, and even new types of digital services that can transform how you live and work.

Conclusion

Network access points are more than just technical infrastructure; they are the pillars of the digital world. Understanding the importance of NAPs is not just about appreciating the complexities of modern networking—it’s about recognizing how vital they are to maintaining the flow of information that’s become crucial to everyday life. 

Ultimately, developing and managing these access points will dictate the pace of digital advancements and define the security and efficiency of our global network ecosystem.

RCR Race Preview: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

By
Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Richard Childress Racing has earned three wins at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: Dale Earnhardt (1995), Kevin Harvick (2003), and Paul Menard (2011). The team has two pole positions at the storied facility with Harvick (2003) and Jeff Burton (2006). The Welcome, N.C., organization has racked up 12 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes in 73 starts.

RCR in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Ty Dillon scored his first NASCAR Xfinity Series victory in 2014 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Dillon, a rookie, finished just .833 seconds ahead of Kyle Busch. The victory came in Dillon’s 31st career start in the series and in his second at Indy. RCR has nine top-five and 19 top-10 finishes. Entering Saturday’s race, at least one RCR driver has led a lap in all eight NXS races at Indianapolis.

Did You Know? Richard Childress is the only NASCAR Cup Series car owner to win races on both the oval and road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. RCR driver Tyler Reddick won on the road course design at Indianapolis in 2022.

Catch Saturday’s Action at the Brickyard… The NASCAR 250 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be televised live on Saturday, July 20 beginning at 3:30 p.m. ET on USA. The event will be broadcast live on the IMS Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Follow Sunday’s Action in Indianapolis… The Brickyard 400 will be televised live on Sunday, July 21 beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC. The race will be broadcast live on the IMS Radio Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 SENIX Tools Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Austin Dillon has competed at the Brickyard 400 eight previous times in the NASCAR Cup Series, earning a best finish of ninth in 2016. Dillon finished 18th at the most recent Brickyard 400 on the oval configuration in 2020. He also has five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at IMS (four on the oval configuration, and one on the road course configuration), with a best finish of fifth in 2012. Dillon grew up attending races at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway track with his grandfather, car owner Richard Childress.

At SENIX, we break barriers and shatter expectations by redefining and manufacturing outdoor power equipment and power tools with edgy innovation and relentless passion… Whether you’re an arborist, a landscaper, or a fearless DIY enthusiast, SENIX tools have been crafted with you in mind. SENIX understands the grit, determination, and artistry that go into your craft, and that’s why they’ve designed products that seamlessly extend your skills. With cutting-edge technology, performance, and eco-friendly design options, SENIX empowers you to conquer any task at hand.

SENIX, the Official Power Tools of RCR continues to grow and bring new products to market at a rapid pace. Based in Huntersville, North Carolina the SENIX team has increased its staff by more than 20% since the start of 2024 and launched 20+ new products to their line of battery-operated tools!

The standout of their latest products lies in the X6 60Volt Max Outdoor Power Tools, with particular emphasis on their award-winning 810CFM handheld leaf blower, recognized for its best-in-class performance and honored with the Retailer’s Choice Award! Notably, this is the same blower trusted in all four of the RCR pit stalls! Every item in the SENIX X6 60Volt Max Outdoor Power Tools has best in class features! Be on the watch for more exciting innovations coming from SENIX Tools in the back half of 2024!

Meet Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to appear at the Team Chevrolet Stage for a Q&A session in the Fan Midway at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday at 10:30 a.m. ET. He’s also scheduled to stop by the RCR Merchandise hauler in the fan midway on Sunday at 10:50 a.m. ET. Stop by to meet the driver of the No. 3 Chevrolet and get new merchandise to wear on race day.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:

What are your expectations going back to Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

“I’ve always enjoyed the oval at Indianapolis. The prestige behind it, the history. To me when you win the oval, that’s one of the crown jewel races of our sport. It’s a giant racetrack that you know has so much history and you get to cross the bricks. The celebration that comes along with it. It’s a long race, it’s a lot of fun. My fondest memory of The Brickyard is probably when I was in Victory Lane with Kevin Harvick when he won the Brickyard 400 in 2003 and with Paul Menard in 2011. My brother won his Xfinity race there in 2014. I love those moments.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Cheddar’s Patriotic Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Kyle Busch will make his 17th NASCAR Cup Series start this weekend on the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Busch owns two Cup Series victories at the historic 2.5-mile oval, in consecutive races (2015 and 2016). He scored one of the most dominating victories of his illustrious career in 2016, leading 149 of 170 laps, which is a Brickyard 400 record. His average running position was a sizzling 1.22 and Busch was one of just three drivers to lead a lap in the 400-mile event. His first victory at Indianapolis came in 2015 when he passed Joey Logano with two laps to go. The driver of the Cheddar’s Patriotic Chevrolet has 12 top-10 finishes in 16 previous starts – the most among active drivers – and has claimed a top-10 finish in 75 percent of his starts on the historic oval. The Las Vegas, Nev., native has racked up five top-five finishes at Indy. Busch also leads all active Cup drivers in poles (2) and laps led (324) at the 2.5-mile oval. The Xfinity Series record for Busch at Indy is also impressive. He has four wins in seven starts, with all four victories coming from the pole position (2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019). In 2016, Busch led 62 of 63 laps on the way to scoring the victory.

A Milestone at The Brickyard… Busch will be making his 700th NASCAR Cup Series start at The Brickyard 400, the most starts among active drivers in series. Busch made his Cup Series debut at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2004.

Did You Know? Busch swept pole positions and race victories in both the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series races on the oval at Indy in 2016. He became the first driver in NASCAR history to accomplish the feat. He scored dominant victories in both races, leading a combined 211 of 233 laps (527.50 miles, or 90.55 percent of the possible laps).

Points Update… Busch enters this weekend 18th in the NASCAR Cup Series Driver Standings, 102 points below the Playoffs cutline.

Patriotic Colors at Indy… The No. 8 Cheddar’s Chevrolet will sport a special patriotic paint scheme this weekend at Indianapolis. The red, white, and blue design honors Cheddar’s employees who 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:

What are your thoughts about returning to the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

“I would like to think that we’ll be good out of the gate going back to Indy but who knows. It’s definitely a tough racetrack. It is so challenging to get right. I’ve had some really good runs and some that were not so good, but the latest stretch, at the end of the oval time frame that we had in NASCAR, I was right there. I had a shot to win all of them, so I feel really good about going back. I just want to make sure that our Cheddar’s Patriotic Camaro is as fast as it can be when we get there.”

In 2016, you won poles and races for both NXS and Cup races at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the first time in NASCAR history a driver has accomplished the feat. You also dominated the weekend, leading 211 of a possible 233 laps. How much pride do you take in that accomplishment?

“The 2016 weekend was huge at the Brickyard for me. Being able to win the pole and the race for both the Xfinity and Cup Series races just showed our strength as a team, but also my strength as a driver in figuring out what it takes to be good at Indy. That was certainly a highlight for me on the track during that period of time.”

Could you tell a big difference in the way the Next Gen car handled at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

“There was a difference in the way the NextGen car handled at Indy. The Next Gen car likes to be driven off the right-front tire and you can’t slip the right-rear. But at Indy, as you go through a tire run, you typically continue to get tighter so you need to be on the free side at the start of a run. When you do that with the Next Gen car, it can make it very easy to crash.”

Ty Dillon and the No. 33 Titan Risk Solutions Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Ty Dillon has made four NASCAR Cup Series starts on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval. In those four events, the 32-year-old has never finished worse than 21st and captured two top-15 results. In addition, Dillon has competed in six NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the historic speedway, earning the 2014 victory, two top-five and five top-10 results all while driving for Richard Childress Racing.

Welcome, Titan Risk Solutions… Earlier this week, RCR announced a multi-year, multi-car partnership with Titan Risk Solutions. With career trucking professionals as the founders, Titan provides the very best in insurance and insurance related services. Titan, based out of Overland Park, Kansas, has representatives located across the U.S. to assist those in the trucking industry. With the ability to provide insurance quotes or customer support in a matter of minutes, Titan has positioned themselves as market leaders for motor carriers across the country.

Meet Dillon… On Sunday, July 21 at 12:00 p.m. local time, Dillon is scheduled to participate in a fan question and answer session at the Team Chevy Display in the Midway at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Stop by to ask a question or get an autograph from the North Carolina native.

About Titan Risk Solutions… Titan Risk Solutions is your one-stop shop for everything related to the trucking industry. Founded by dedicated insurance professionals that understand the frustrations of today’s marketplace, Titan was built to eliminate many of the stresses America’s truck drivers face every day. Whether you are needing help with insurance, safety compliance, factoring, or driver training, Titan is here to help! With representatives located all across the U.S. and a 24/7 service hotline, there is always a live person to assist you. For more information or to contact Titan, visit titantruckins.com.

TY DILLON QUOTE:

What are your thoughts and emotions with returning to Richard Childress Racing and competing at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

“It has been a long time coming to be back behind the wheel of a RCR Chevrolet in the Cup Series. And to be able to do it at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is a dream come true. Kissing the bricks at the historic track is a special moment that we’ve been fortunate enough to experience together. Every time we go to Indy, the memories come back. I’m incredibly grateful to be able to race again for the company that has meant so much to my life both on and off the track. It’s an honor to represent all of the men and women who work at RCR. Our goal is to have a solid weekend and give Titan Risk Solutions a great first outing.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Chevrolet Camaro SS at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Jesse Love will make his inaugural start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this Saturday. The Menlo Park, California native has never competed at the famed speedway, so Friday’s practice will mark his first laps on the Indiana surface.

Honoring Fallen Officers… For Saturday’s Xfinity Series race, Whelen Engineering and RCR have teamed up with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) for the third consecutive season to honor fallen law enforcement officers. The No. 2 Chevrolet will sport a new design, featuring the NLEOMF logo predominantly on the hood and sides. The decklid will carry the names of 282 officers killed in the line-of-duty, all of whom were recently added to the walls of the national law enforcement officers memorial earlier this year. At the memorial monument in Washington, D.C., there are currently 24,067 names of fallen officers engraved, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, federal law enforcement, and campus and military police agencies.

Move Over… The NLEOMF special design also highlights the Move Over Law, which requires motorists to slow down and change lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle that is parked on a roadway to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers.

Meet Love… On Saturday, July 20 at 10:15 a.m. local time, Love and his RCR teammate Austin Hill will answer fan questions at the Team Chevy Display in the Midway at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Immediately following at 10:35 a.m. local time, the 19-year-old driver is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Midway at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Stop by to meet Love before he takes the green flag at the historic venue.

About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund… Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all 24,067 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, the NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLOEMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.com) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

With making your first start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, what are your thoughts and expectations for the race?

“Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the best tracks in the world. As an open wheel guy who looked up to Jeff Gordon growing up, it has been a place that I’ve looked forward to racing at. In the GM simulator, it seemed that you could hold the car wide open. We will see if you can do that in real life. I expect there to be a lot of drafting, which bodes well for our RCR Chevrolets. Austin (Hill) and I should both be up front. I expect our Whelen-National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Camaro to be fast. There is a lot of emotion behind the design and racing for something bigger than yourself is an honor. Definitely looking forward to making those families proud.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet Camaro SS at Indianapolis Motor Speedway… Austin Hill has made one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval, earning a ninth-place result in 2019. Driving for Hattori Racing Enterprises, the Winston, Georgia native started from the 17th position, completed every lap, and captured a top-10 finish.

Meet Hill… On Saturday, July 20 at 10:15 a.m. local time, Hill and his RCR teammate Jesse Love will make an appearance to answer fan questions at the Team Chevy Display in the Midway at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Immediately following at 10:35 a.m. local time, the eight-time Xfinity Series winner is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Hauler in the Midway at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Come meet Hill and purchase new Bennett Transportation & Logistics gear before the green flag waves.

About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

What are the expectations returning to the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway?

“I’ve only made one start on the oval configuration at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, but I’m excited to go back and race on the oval again. Unfortunately, I’m not sure how much from that race in 2019 will translate given the package that we are running this weekend. In 2019, the race was a drafting race and handling didn’t matter. I personally think this time around, handling could be an issue. Since the Xfinity Series has never competed on the oval with this particular package, there isn’t a ton to go off of. We’ve spent time in the GM simulator to prep for this weekend, but there isn’t film to watch other than 2019 just in case it turns out differently than we are expecting. Given this package is the same as we ran at Atlanta Motor Speedway earlier this season, I think track position is going to be key. Qualifying will be a top priority.”

Set Sail with Captain Jack Casino: Your Ultimate Online Gambling Adventure!

By
SM
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Welcome aboard the Captain Jack Casino, where excitement and treasure abound! Launched in 2008, Capitan Jack has carved a niche in the bustling world of online gambling with its distinctive pirate theme. Offering more than just a gaming experience, it immerses players in a world filled with treasure maps, mysterious islands, and substantial jackpots. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a curious newcomer, this review will navigate you through everything Captain Jack Casino has to offer, from its thrilling games and generous bonuses to its robust security measures. All hands hoay—let’s dive into the world of Captain Jack!

🏴‍☠️ The Legend of Captain Jack Casino

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🎲 Pros and Cons of Betting with Captain Jack

Every treasure hunt has its highs and lows, and gambling at Captain Jack Casino is no different. Here’s what to expect:

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NHRA ANNOUNCES 2024 SWEEPSTAKES FEATURING SIX MAJOR PARTNERSHIPS

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Official Release
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INDIANAPOLIS (July 19, 2024) – NHRA officials announced today the 2024 NHRA Sweepstakes, which features a variety of prizes from NHRA partners.

Camping World, K&N Performance, A-iPower, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Summit Racing Equipment and RevZilla are all part of this year’s NHRA Sweepstakes, which is offering more than $25,000 worth of prizes winnings to lucky NHRA fans.

One grand prize winner will be awarded a 2024 Keystone Coleman 17B travel trailer from Camping World.

Six first-prize winners will each be awarded a K&N Performance Cold Air Intake System.

One second-prize winner will be awarded an A-iPower GXS7100iRD Dual Fuel/Remote Start Inverter Generator

One third-prize winner will be awarded a certificate that is good for one set of four passenger or light truck tires from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

One fourth-prize winner will be awarded a $1,000 SummitRacing.com gift card. The gift card is only valid at summitracing.com and is subject to the terms and conditions of Summit Racing.

One fifth-prize winner will be awarded a $1,000 RevZilla.com gift card. The gift card is only valid at RevZilla.com and is subject to terms and conditions.

To enter, fans may visit the NHRA Sweepstakes landing page to complete the online entry form. Please visit NHRA Sweepstakes Official Rules for terms and conditions. The sweepstakes will begin at 9 a.m. ET on July 19, 2024, and end at 11:59 p.m. ET on December 6, 2024. No purchase necessary. Terms and conditions apply.

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.

Choosing the Right Car Ship Company for Supercar Owners

By
SM
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Photo by beuwy.com Alexander Pütter on Unsplash.com

Are you thinking of selling your exotic car to a buyer in another state, or maybe you need to transport it safely and securely to a high-class car show? 

Indeed, shipping a supercar is quite challenging as these luxury vehicles require utmost attention, specialized care, and meticulous handling as compared to standard car transport. So, if you are a supercar owner, you must choose the right car shipping company that ensures nothing but the ultimate care for your valuable assets

That is why we are here to give you all the essential information you need to pick the right car shipping company. Want to ensure your high-end vehicle reaches its destination safe and sound? Let’s get started!

Understanding the Importance of Experience in Car Transport Services

When dealing with the transportation of high-value vehicles like supercars, the experience of the car shipping company cannot be overstated. 

Unlike ordinary vehicle transport, moving such luxury or even performance vehicles demands more advanced expertise and precision in handling their unique needs appropriately. 

Thus, it’s essential to choose a company with a proven track record of safe handling for these super vehicles. These cars have low ground clearance, are made up of materials like carbon fiber, and have fragile bodywork. 

So, experienced car shippers know precisely how to deal with the delivery of a supercar, and carry the tools and equipment to lock it down correctly. 

Many of these companies will have choices like an enclosed car transport service that protects from weather elements, road debris, and any other related dangers. 

And more experienced transporters are likely to carry comprehensive insurance, which should ease your mind that your investment is protected. 

Evaluating Car Shipping Quotes for Luxury Vehicles 

With an investment like your supercar, enclosed car shipping is not only needed to keep the elements and possible damage away but also to ensure your vehicle arrives in its original condition at its destination.

Here is a close look at what to consider for car shipping quotes:

  • Inspect what the quoted price entails. Will this service deliver your car door-to-door? What kind of insurance coverage does it offer? These, among other things, you need to consider most when shipping vehicles of high value.
  • Ensure the shipping company is duly licensed, bonded, and insured. 
  • Lastly, see the reasons behind the price quote for the service. Mostly, the higher quotation stated by the car shipping companies entails a higher level of service providing more security and safety that your high-end vehicles will need.

After reviewing all the above points, make sure to compare at least two to three different providers’ quotes before you decide on a car ship.

Key Factors in Selecting a Car Ship Company

The following key elements are very important in choosing a car shipping company ensuring the safe and effective delivery of your supercar, maintaining its pristine condition throughout.

Consider Their Reputation

The first thing to consider is their reputation as it will help you save from potential scams. Good reviews and client testimonials would usually endorse a credible shipping service.

Search For A Company That Offers Services For Luxury Vehicles

It is also vital to identify a business that specializes in the shipment of luxury vehicles. These companies are well aware of the unique needs and requirements of high-value cars. 

Look For Companies With Comprehensive Insurance

Ensure you check on the insurance offered by the shipping company. Enough insurance is pretty vital to help protect your vehicle in case it gets damaged while en route.

Ask For Hidden Fees

Ask the company about the extra fees or charges. These additional charges can be storage fees, pick-up & delivery fees, and fuel surcharges, etc. Asking beforehand will save you from unexpected charges later on.  Additionally, request a copy of the contract.

Read the Regulations

Research the regulations governing the transport of vehicles. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) govern the general operation of commercial motor vehicles in the United States. 

How to Ship Car to Another State: Special Considerations for Major States

Shipping your car to another state like California, Texas, New York, and Florida comes with specific regulations and challenges that may influence the shipment process. Please do your proper research and read the regulations given by FMCSA.

Photo by Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash

Apart from this, there are some general things that you need to consider while shipping a luxury car to another state. First, you will have to decide about the type of shipping between enclosed offering maximum protection or any other shipment option.

Now that you have decided on a type of shipment and chosen a car transport company, the next thing on your list should be to get your car ready for shipment. 

Preparing Your Car For Shipping

Follow these general guidelines when preparing your vehicle before shipping:

1. Make sure the gas tank for the supercar is a quarter full to reduce weight.

2. Empty your supercar, there should not be any loose items such as additional antennae or ornaments that may fall off. You should also switch off the alarms so they do not go on and off during transportation.

3. Give your luxury vehicle a good cleaning to make the scratches, dents, or damages more visible.

4. Take pictures of the interior and exterior of your vehicle to provide maximum detail concerning the condition before it is transported. This is particularly useful in case there is an issue with damage after the shipment process. 

6. Above all, as warned by FMCSA, beware of possible scams. There have been reports of auto transport scandals. Always check the qualifications and reviews of the shipping company you select.

Benefits of Car Delivery with a Specialized Provider

Regardless of the shipping type you are choosing for your supercar, there are numerous benefits of choosing specialized car delivery services that not only streamline but also secure the transport of your vehicle.

  1. Adhere to The Industry Standards

Firstly, specialized providers deal in vehicle logistics, and maintain the highest standards in their industry. This gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle is in safe hands. 

  1. Trained Personnel and Insurance

Furthermore, they have a trained workforce managing the entire process of shipping. But that’s still not all—the added security with comprehensive insurance coverage protects your vehicle against any unforeseen issues. 

  1. Saves Your Time And Money

Apart from that, delivery of cars with a specialized service often allows customers to save money and time. These service providers utilize route optimization and logistics management skills to ensure your vehicle remains in as good of condition as possible.

  1. Customized Solutions

These service providers often include tailored solutions to make shipping easier, such as door-to-door delivery and adjustable scheduling. This personalization of the shipment process will reduce much of the stress involved in shipping.

Conclusion: How to Choose the Best Car Ship Company for Your Needs

When it comes to choosing the best car shipping company for your needs, it is necessary to do thorough research to ensure a smooth and secure transport process. Make sure to consider the key factors mentioned above – including experience, service options, insurance coverage, and reputation, to minimize the risks and protect your precious vehicle during its transit.

Ultimately, speaking with a professional vehicle shipping company like Nexus AutoTransport will help clear up all the finer details of vehicle transportation—what types of protocols and paperwork to use—and ensure that your luxury car is adequately prepared for transportation.

Greg Van Alst Ready to Embrace Busy Indianapolis Weekend

By
Official Release
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CLERMONT, Ind: Greg Van Alst will be busy this weekend.

The Anderson, Ind. native will not only continue to chase an ARCA Menards Series championship in Friday night’s Circle City 200 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, but the avid racer will also make a return to the NASCAR Xfinity Series and compete on Saturday afternoon’s Pennzoil 250 at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

It may seem that Van Alst will be running around the grounds of the famed Indianapolis short track in complete chaos, but rest assured, Van Alst has spent the past couple of weeks making sure his busy weekend will launch without a hitch.

“It’s going to be busy, but I am ready,” Van Alst said with a chuckle. “This is a big weekend for me, our team, and our partners. I am running both the ARCA and Xfinity races this weekend, and we will also have a second car at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

“It’s a lot for sure, but I’m fortunate enough to have some good people around me that have helped make sure this weekend goes smoothly. The goal is simple: to have strong efforts in both races and make sure our second car sees the checkered flag so we can place that program in a good place for more ARCA races later this season.”

Van Alst is returning to Lucas Oil Raceway set for his third ARCA Menards Series start at the 0.686-mile short track. After finishing 10th in his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2022, the veteran ARCA driver returned a year later and picked up back-to-back top-10 finishes with a seventh-place finish last August ahead of his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut the same night with Young’s Motorsports.

With an emphasis on his ARCA short track program this year, Van Alst hopes his family-owned team can continue progressing at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park.

“I’m optimistic about Friday night,” added Van Alst. “It’s vital for us to have a good run and to keep us within grasp of the ARCA Menards Series championship. We’re at the halfway point of the 2024 season, and while our year has been productive – we still have work to do.

“We have a good idea where we need to fire off on Friday afternoon; we just need to ensure we keep going forward and not rolling backward. Nonetheless, I’m just excited to get the weekend underway.”

Once the season’s 10th ARCA Menards Series race is complete, Van Alst will turn his full attention to his third career NASCAR Xfinity Series race, but first for SS-GreenLight Racing at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“It’s been my dream to race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” explained Van Alst. “As an Indiana native and a race car driver, I do not think there is anything more glorious than being able to race at such an iconic venue. I’m grateful to Chris (Barkdull) and CB Fabricating for stepping up to the plate and helping make more dreams come true.

“I’ll start the day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and get things right at the big track with practice and such. Then, I’ll rush over to IRP and get in the ARCA car. I will try to get some laps in practice before qualifying and then focus on 200 laps of racing.

“Of course, we want a good night on Friday, but there’s equal excitement about Saturday, too. I want a strong and steady weekend while showcasing to everyone in the NASCAR Xfinity Series that I can get the job done.”

Zaki Ali (Injury & Criminal Trial Attorney; 1-888-649-1-ALI) has returned to the winning ARCA Menards Series operation as the primary partner of the team’s No. 35 Ford for the highly contested 200-lap race on Friday night.

In addition to Zaki Ali, CB Fabricating and Top Choice Fence will serve as associate partners for Van Alst’s 48th career ARCA start.

With nine races complete, Van Alst remains second in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, 40 points behind championship leader Andrés Pérez de Lara, with 10 races remaining this year.

Since 2002, Van Alst has 47 ARCA Menards Series starts to his credit, one win, five top-five and 23 top-10 finishes.

Isaac Johnson returns in a second car for Greg Van Alst Motorsports at Lucas Oil.

Johnson will drive the No. 34 Endress | Hauser Ford for his third career ARCA start. Johnson will also return to the organization next weekend at Salem (Ind.) Speedway and Kansas Speedway in September.

“Going back to a track I’ve run before [IRP] will be a great stepping stone into the other two races,” said Johnson. “Ideally, getting top-10s in all three races is my main goal. Anything beyond that would be a bonus and create a ton of momentum for 2025.”

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on X | Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

The Circle City 200 (200 laps | 137 miles) is the 10th of 20 races on the 2024 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Friday, July 19, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. General Tire pole qualifying in a timed session immediately follows beginning at 2:30 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag later in the day shortly after 5:30 p.m. ET. The event will be televised live on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) with the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (XM channel 391 | online channel 981) handling the radio waves. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (ET).

Viking Bags, The Sleek 30L – Voyage Large Motorcycle Backpack Review

By
SM
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Viking Bags Backpack
Photo by Speedwaymedia

Motorcycle enthusiasts understand the importance of gear that combines durability, functionality, and style. Space is a premium when motorcycling, and the Viking Bags 30L – Voyage backpack aims to meet these demands. The Voyage backpack offers a robust solution at a reasonable cost of $124.99 at the time of writing.

Exterior Analysis

Upon initial visual inspection, the Voyage backpack is extremely well-made with no visible defects. It is black in color and features numerous attachment points and a sleek overall design. Noteworthy features include its hard shell and high-quality straps.

Storage

The backpack boasts a total of six storage pockets and/or pouches accessible from the outside. There are two symmetrical pockets on each side, each of decent size capable of holding items such as wallets, keys, snacks, etc.

The standout exterior storage features are the two top pouches. Both are easily accessible, with one made of softer material ideal for glasses and delicate objects, while the other, though firmer, is perfect for storing important documents like insurance and registration.

Hard Shell

The front-facing side of the backpack features a semi-hard shell, offering a level of firmness akin to sturdy Tupperware rather than rigid plastic. This shell provides added protection for vulnerable items such as electronics.

Viking Bag, Photo of Backpack straps.

Straps

The Voyage backpack includes six straps for versatile use. It features a pair of traditional backpack straps, two Velcro strips, and two pair of straps at the bottom on the front and back for securing it to a motorcycle.

The backpack straps allow for traditional wear during recreational activities or travel and can be neatly stowed inside a top pouch for a streamlined look. The Velcro straps are designed to secure the backpack onto a backrest or sissy bar, complementing the bottom straps to ensure a secure attachment to the motorcycle.

Miscellaneous

Additionally, the backpack offers four attachment points on the hardshell front and a well-made handle, albeit unremarkable.

Interior Analysis

Similar to its exterior, the interior of the backpack is well-crafted, primarily using a textured gray material that is pleasing to both the eyes and touch. There is no lingering manufacturing odor, and the overall aesthetic is impressive. Upon opening, we discovered an instruction manual, and a high-quality rain cover included for weather protection.

Viking Bag, Opened with Shelf

Shelf

The Voyage backpack can fully open like a shelf, a feature that greatly enhances accessibility and ease of cleaning—a significant quality-of-life improvement, pictured above.

Size

The backpack itself is generously sized, with ample interior space capable of accommodating clothing and supplies for a weekend trip. Advertised as a 30-liter bag, it easily fulfills this capacity.

Sleeves

Inside, there are five sleeves of varying sizes. Two smaller sleeves are ideal for storing phones or other small items. Behind these are two larger sleeves capable of securely holding items like an iPad or large laptop, situated against the hard shell for added protection. On the opposite side, a larger sleeve provides ample room for bulkier items such as clothing, camping gear, or even a small hammock or tent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Viking Bags Voyage 30L backpack has exceeded our expectations and comes highly recommended. Upon receiving and using this backpack, it stands head and shoulders above others we’ve tested, making it a lasting investment for years to come.

Visit the Viking Bags website to purchase your own or explore their range of motorcycle accessories and storage options.

Star-Studded Lineup for TeamSLR at Lime Rock

By
Official Release
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Ken Schrader, Greg Biffle and Scott Speed Join Barry Boes, Connor Mosack and 13-Year-Old Newcomer Tristan McKee for SpeedTour All-Star Race

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (July 18, 2024) – This week’s Major League Baseball midsummer classic might be in the rearview mirror, but the all-star spirit lives on this weekend when TeamSLR takes a stout, three-car contingent to Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, for Saturday’s non-points SpeedTour All-Star Race featuring the driving trio of Ken Schrader, Greg Biffle and Scott Speed.

They’ll be part of a 20-car, 40-driver field of Cube 3 TA2 Series entries in which all-star drivers will be paired with road-racing regulars for a 60-minute race with a $50,000 winner-take-all prize on the line.

The TeamSLR lineup features Schrader paired with former fulltime TeamSLR driver Connor Mosack in the No. 28 Cube 3 Architecture/Franklin Road Apparel/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro, Biffle with current TeamSLR fulltimer Barry Boes in the No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang, and Speed with one of his young Team Chevrolet development drivers, 13-year-old Tristan McKee, in the No. 17 Cube 3 Architecture/Franklin Road Apparel/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro.

While the 69-year-old Schrader will be behind the wheel of a TA2 car for the first time, he returns to the 1.48-mile, seven-turn Lime Rock circuit where he dominated the inaugural ARCA Menards Series East (formerly known as NASCAR Busch Series North) race held there in 1993, qualifying on the front row and winning by a two-second margin over Kenny Wallace, leading a race-high 37 of 50 laps along the way. Since running his last of 984 races across NASCAR’s top three series (Cup, Xfinity and Truck) in 2017, Schrader continues to compete on a weekly basis, running primarily modified and occasional stock car events for his own race team. Saturday’s All-Star Race will be his 39th event of the year.

Mosack returns to TeamSLR after TA2 championship-contending seasons in 2021 and 2022, during which he posted a pair of victories, 18 top-fives and 23 top-10s. The 25-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, moved up to a mixed bag of NASCAR Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Menards Series and CARS Tour races the past two seasons and is a two-time ARCA winner.

Biffle, the 55-year-old from Vancouver, Washington, who scored championships in NASCAR’s Truck Series in 2000 and Xfinity Series in 2002, will also be competing in a TA2 car for the first time and will be getting his first live look at the Lime Rock circuit. He’ll be sharing the cockpit with Boes, who eight races into his first season with TeamSLR sits atop the TA2 Pro-Am Challenge class standings.

Speed, the 41-year-old Californian who over the years has left his mark in a variety of racing disciplines, including Formula One, NASCAR, Global Rallycross and Formula E, had the chance to lap the Lime Rock circuit in TeamSLR M1 Racecars equipment during a test day earlier this year alongside McKee. Lime Rock holds a special place in Speed’s heart as it was the last American track he raced at as a 19-year-old Skip Barber School scholarship winner before heading to Paris to compete in and win the Red Bull Runoff, launching a longstanding relationship that ultimately took him to Formula One, the NASCAR Cup Series, and throughout his various off-road endeavors. Speed relishes the chance to work with McKee in their respective TA2 race debuts. The young driver from Williamsburg, Virginia, joined Mosack and the rest of the Chevrolet driver development stable at the outset of 2024 and has shown his racing brilliance. He’s been a regular in the Pro Late Model division of the popular CARS Tour, where a year ago he became the series’ youngest winner at the age of 12. McKee also won the series’ most recent event July 3 at Caraway Speedway in Sophia, North Carolina.

The SpeedTour All-Star weekend kicks off Friday with a 40-minute TA2 practice session set for 11:10 a.m. EDT, followed by qualifying at 3:50 p.m. Saturday’s All-Star main event is set for 1 p.m. with live television coverage by series partner MAVTV, augmented by live-streaming video on the Trans Am channel on YouTube.

Scott Lagasse Jr., Owner, TeamSLR/M1 Racecars:

Some very well-known drivers and longtime friends of yours will get their first chance to drive your M1 Racecars equipment in this weekend’s non-points All-Star event at Lime Rock. What does this event mean to the team and to the Trans Am Series?

“First, I want to thank our year-long sponsors for making this three-car effort possible – Cube 3 Architecture, Franklin Road Apparel, Accio Data – they really stepped up to make it happen. This is going to be a lot of fun. When Tony (Parella, SVRA and Trans Am owner) told me about it, I thought it was a great idea and we immediately jumped on board to be a part of it. We’re fortunate that the group of people in our organization wanted to do it and are as excited about it as I am. It’s a nice change of pace, timing-wise, seeing that we’re in the middle of an eight-week hiatus on our schedule. It’ll be a great chance to catch up with some old friends and see what we can do together on the racetrack.”

Talk about your lineup of All-Stars mixed with your full-season driver Barry Boes, your former full-season driver Connor Mosack, and young Tristan McKee.

“(Greg) Biffle and I were teammates at one point, he’s an amazing talent to have. Add Scott Speed, Tristan, Connor, (Ken) Schrader and Barry, we have quite a squad and it’s going to be a lot of fun. Schrader for me is special. He was one of the guys I looked up to as a kid. He was one of the first NASCAR guys I met when Dad made the transition from the road-course stuff over to the NASCAR side. Schrader is the guy who took him under his wing, and I have lots of memories of the annual Schrader Christmas party (laughs). Dad’s always thought the world of Schrader and always thought of him as a real racer, someone who’ll race anything, anytime, anywhere. Having Scott Speed race with us will make it fun to close that loop in terms of the driver development we’ve done with him and the young guys like Tristan and Connor. It’ll be a really good learning experience for me in terms of how we can make our development program even stronger. You lean on a Scott Speed and he’s actually in one of our cars for a race, it’s going to add value to our program and our mutual understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish with all these young drivers in our racecars.”

Barry Boes, Driver, No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

You’ll be rubbing elbows with some of the biggest names in motorsports for this weekend’s one-of-a-kind event at Lime Rock. Your thoughts on the event?

“I think it’s going to be a cool event, I’m very excited about doing it. I’m not necessarily the guy who’s got the whole fangirl thing about meeting some of the best guys in the business, but it is very cool. I’m going to get to drive with one of the guys and see what he does and look at his data and chat with him, so I’m excited to be able to do that. This race format’s a little bit different and it’s always fun when we mix things up. I’m going to have to do better than I did the last time at Lime Rock because there are some driver pairings and teams out there that are going to make things very challenging.”

Your co-driver Greg Biffle will be behind the wheel of a TA2 car for the first time, and the two of you will have to share just 40 minutes of practice time before he is tasked with qualifying your car. Any particular concerns there?

“The Lagasses have known him for a really long time and they say he’s fantastic, so there aren’t any particular concerns there except learning this particular track. He’s won championships in NASCAR and has raced and done well on road courses in those bigger, heavier racecars. He’s a pro and shouldn’t have much if any trouble figuring it out. It’ll be interesting to hear what he’ll have to say about driving these TA2 cars.”

Greg Biffle, Driver, No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

The last time you’ve competed in a racecar was two years ago in the SRX summer all-star series. Your thoughts about this weekend’s event at Lime Rock?

“I’ve never driven a Trans Am car and I’ve never been to Lime Rock, but I’m ready to go and have some fun. Any time you have a chance to get behind the wheel and compete, and especially competing against all of the guys in this race – there’s a pretty stellar list of people and I’m just happy to be included in that and get a chance to go race against Ron Fellows and Boris Said and Ron Hornaday, a big, big list of guys. Those are the guys I grew up around and know. I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel and brushing the dust off. I’ve known Scott (Lagasse Jr.) for a long time and this was a natural pairing based on our history and I’m really looking forward to it. The biggest thing is I hope I don’t get hooked, or else I’ll find myself out there buying myself a TA2 car and a transporter and so on (laughs).”

Are you concerned with having just limited practice time to learn the M1 Racecars TA2 car and the Lime Rock track for the first time?

“I pick things up pretty fast at new tracks and new places. At least when I raced in the Trucks and Xfinity, I did pretty well and won at places I went to for the first time. I was on the pole at Watkins Glen and won. I always enjoyed and loved road racing, but the situation didn’t present itself a whole lot. So this weekend I’ll be discovering new things and new corners. The best thing to do is get behind a Paul Menard or a Boris Said, someone like that who’s been there before because it’s easier to chase the rabbit, and I can feel confident that I can pick up the track pretty quickly that way versus trying to discover it yourself.”

Scott Speed, Driver, No. 17 Cube 3 Architecture/Franklin Road/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

After working with TeamSLR in helping to develop your young Chevrolet development drivers over the years, you finally get a chance to hop into one of the team’s M1 Racecars and have a little fun, co-driving with one of your young prodigies. Your thoughts on the weekend?

“This is a really special, cool event that Tony (Parella) is clearly really passionate about and, for me, that’s what hooked me on it. Obviously, number one, I want to get Tristan seat time in a race situation and, being able to have this unique opportunity where I can race, as well, he can see what that looks like and it’s going to be a great resource and experience for him. Outside of that, Tony’s passion for this deal and how excited he is about it was really endearing. I’m really thankful that they’re understanding of Tristan’s situation, being only 13 years old, but having really an enormous experience level and a really high ability level for his age, to give him a waiver to compete with these guys. I did a couple of laps testing at Lime Rock a couple of months ago with Tristan and it was super fun. The car is nice. It has enough horsepower to where you can use the throttle a little bit. It’s going to be a cool race there at Lime Rock.”

How would you describe your relationship with TeamSLR and the results they are able to generate for your young drivers?

“The Lagasses have been great to work with. They do a great job of getting these kids good instruction, getting them good cars to race every weekend. Scott’s a racer. He’ll call me and wear me out talking setups and strategies and making sure these kids get the best opportunity. Their equipment is in a good place. And for us, Trans Am is a great opportunity for our guys to get experience behind a heavier car with horsepower. These cars really provide an environment for these kids to learn road racing, to learn braking, to be able to manage horsepower, so it really ticks a lot of boxes for us as far as really valuable experience for these kids to get.”

Tristan McKee, Driver, No. 17 Cube 3 Architecture/Franklin Road/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

After spending the first half of this year learning all about driving a TA2 car in testing, you will get your first racing experience this weekend co-driving with one of your Team Chevrolet mentors. Your thoughts?

“I’m excited. We’ve put a lot of effort into this. We’ve been preparing a lot and doing a lot to make sure we’re completely prepared for what’s going to happen. I’m excited to have Scott Speed racing with us as the pro driver. I feel like this will be a pretty good combo. We work with each other a lot, I like him a lot, he’s a great driver, so I’m excited for this opportunity and I’m looking forward to this weekend.”

You’ve driven a variety of racecars in a number of different series, including the CARS Tour the past two seasons. How does the TA2 car compare with other cars you’ve driven, and how has your experience been testing with TeamSLR?

“I’ve never actually driven a super (late model), I’ve driven a pro late model, but everybody says the TA2 car is a lot like a super, which has about 600 horsepower, and the tires can spin pretty easily, so they’re a lot of fun to drive. They’re definitely one of my favorite cars to drive. It’s been great so far this year. We’ve had a lot of good times and the team has been super helpful to me just teaching me different stuff about these cars, changing my driving style or telling me to try different things for how the car’s driving. And teaching me how to drive a car that maybe isn’t handling great or, if it is handling well, what I need to be doing, just different stuff that I need to change, they help with that a lot.”

Ken Schrader, Driver, No. 28 Cube 3 Architecture/Franklin Road/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You’ll be stepping into a TA2 car for the first time this weekend, but you have experienced success at Lime Rock Park, albeit back in the day. What are your expectations for the weekend?

“I was excited to be asked to participate. It’ll be my first time in a Trans Am car, but I’ve been racing a lot – this will be our 39th race this year, so I was racing this weekend, it was just a matter of where. I think the concept is neat. I’m excited about it. We’ll see what happens. I met Scott Sr. in maybe 1995, the first year of the Truck Series. He drove for Mr. (Rick) Hendrick, and I remember when Scotty was just a little kid. I’ve been around them forever. He’s driven for me before. I’m excited getting to do the opportunity with them. As for the car, to me the TA2 car is a short-track pavement car, basically. I’ll be going in cold turkey this weekend, but we do know how to win at Lime Rock. The one and only time we’ve been there was for the old Busch North series in 1993. We qualified on the front row and won the race.”

You’re primarily a circle-track driver. How would you describe your driving when it comes to road racing?

“When I started Cup racing, I despised road racing, and if you don’t like something or some place, you don’t do well. So I decided I was going to like it and we started doing more of it. We took an ARCA car to Topeka and we won, we took the Busch North car to Lime Rock and won, we won at Riverside in a Southwest Tour car, we won at Sonoma in our own Southwest Tour car. I just started putting them on our schedule and became a fan. The Lime Rock track, out of the ones I’ve run, is like a bullring road course. But it’s in such a beautiful part of the country, like a lot of the road courses are. Any time I think about Lime Rock, I remember Rodger Ward winning a road race up there in a midget back in 1959. He took a midget to Lime Rock to race against the sportscars and kicked their tails. That was an amazing deal.”

Connor Mosack, Driver, No. 28 Cube 3 Architecture/Franklin Road/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You get to take a break from the points-paying Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series season by taking part in this weekend’s SpeedTour All-Star race. How are you going to approach the weekend?

“I’d say I go into the weekend the same way you would approach a normal race, you still prepare as best you can. And the vibe once you get there might be a little bit different, but still from my end I’ll approach it the same way. I think it’ll be more of a fun race and a chance to hang out with some really cool people and just go out and have a good time. Hopefully we have a good race and take home that cash prize.”

What do you think about the All-Stars who will be part of the three-car TeamSLR entry this weekend?

“I work with Scott Speed pretty regularly from week-to-week with the Josh Wise Team Chevrolet program, so that’ll be cool to actually be in a TA2 car side-by-side with him. Greg Biffle has obviously been a big name in the Cup Series and it’ll be good to get to know him, as well. Ken Schrader raced in NASCAR a little before my time, but from everything I hear, he’s a great guy and fun to be around. I’m looking forward to it.”

About TeamSLR:

TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s newly renamed Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

Josh Berry Returns to AM Racing for Indianapolis Motor Speedway Xfinity Series Race

By
Official Release
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SPEEDWAY, Ind: Building off their NASCAR Xfinity Series debut together last weekend at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, NASCAR Cup Series rookie Josh Berry will drive the No. 15 AM Racing Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s Pennzoil 250 presented by Advance Auto Parts at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Together, the Statesville, N.C.-based team and driver will tackle the 2.5-mile Indianapolis Motor Speedway, eyeing the team’s second top-10 finish in the last three Xfinity Series races.

Last weekend at Pocono, Berry showcased speed in the team’s No. 15 Viva Tequila Seltzer Ford Mustang, practicing inside the top-15 and delivering the team’s best qualifying effort of the season in 14th.

Unfortunately, the team was plagued with a series of flat tires early in the race, which hindered the team’s track position and ability to climb back through the field. Still, many positives were gained by exiting the “Tricky Triangle,” which the team looks forward to capitalizing on in the 20th Xfinity Series race of the season.

“I’m really excited to get to Indianapolis and experience the oval for the first time,” said Berry. “I feel like we showed a lot of potential at Pocono and can apply things we learned there to Indianapolis to have a solid day and finish.”

The Henderson, Tenn. native eyes his 97th career Xfinity start filled with five wins, 28 top-five and 52 top-10 finishes.

Team partner Klutch Vodka will support Berry in his Xfinity Series debut at Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval for their third primary partnership role with the family-owned team this season.

“We are happy to continue to support AM Racing and be paired with Josh Berry behind the wheel of the No. 15 Klutch Vodka Ford Mustang at Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” offered Klutch Vodka CEO Anthony S. Quattrochi and his Co-Founder, fiancé Brandy Wong.

“His experience and talent, which he has showcased in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will continue to be a great asset to the AM Racing team this weekend. Indianapolis is such an iconic race facility and will undoubtedly introduce the Klutch Vodka brand to new race fans.”

Last July, AM Racing earned a 10th-place finish after starting 23rd with Brett Moffitt on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course.

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Josh Berry, please visit joshberryracing.com, like his Facebook page (Josh Berry), or follow him on Instagram (@joshberry88) and X | Twitter (@joshberry).

The Pennzoil 250 presented by Advance Auto Parts (100 laps | 250 miles) is the 20th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice begins on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 1:05 – 1:55 p.m. Qualifying follows on race day, Saturday, July 20, at 12:05 p.m. The 38-car field is set to take the green flag later in the day, shortly after 3:30 p.m. ET, with live coverage on the USA Network, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

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