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Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Indianapolis

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Official Release
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5 KYLE LARSON

Age: 31 (July 31, 1992)

Hometown: Elk Grove, California

Resides: Mooresville, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels

Standings: 2nd

No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

FIVER: Kyle Larson is second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings with five races to go in the regular season, just three points behind Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott. Larson is tied for the most wins (three) and top-five finishes (eight) this season while he tops the series in laps led (755), average running position (9.29) and pole positions (five). In fact, this is the second-most laps led for Larson through 21 races in his career, only trailing his championship season of 2021 when he paced the field for 1,441 circuits in the first 21 events.

INDY RETURN: This weekend, the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will sport Fan Appreciation livery with a touch of papaya color. It is the same paint scheme Larson was scheduled to race at Charlotte Motor Speedway earlier this year as part of the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double dubbed the #H1100. At Indianapolis, Larson posted the fastest-ever qualifying speed for a rookie in the historic event. He then finished 18th following a pit-road speeding penalty during the rain-delayed 200-lap race. The Elk Grove, California, native was voted rookie of the year for the annual Memorial Day weekend event. Images of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro can be viewed here.

BACK TO THE OVAL: In six Cup starts on the 2.5-mile oval layout at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Larson has three top-10 finishes with a best result of fifth in 2016. Sunday’s event will mark his first Brickyard 400 driving for Hendrick Motorsports.

BIRTHDAY BREAK: On July 31, during the two-week break in the Cup Series season, Larson will celebrate his 32nd birthday.

STAGE LEFT: Larson has earned 218 stage points this season, 25 more than second place. The 2021 Cup Series champion has run the most laps in the top five (2,891) while his 13.65 average finish ranks sixth. Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, the driver of the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet has 40 stage wins – 12 more than any competitor.

CHASING LEGENDS: In just his fourth year driving for Hendrick Motorsports, Larson has 20 wins for the 14-time Cup Series champions. The 2014 rookie of the year trails only team vice chairman Jeff Gordon (93) and Jimmie Johnson (83) in victories for the organization. Gordon has a record five Cup wins at the famed Indianapolis oval, while Johnson has four.

AWAY BUT ALWAYS AVAILABLE: In 2024, the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM team recognizes “home” events by wearing white firesuits and “away” with blue. Its home races come at tracks with nearby Hendrick Automotive Group car dealerships. This weekend, the No. 5 team races “away” in the Indianapolis market. However, its easy to pick up a new set of keys from any one of Hendrick Automotive Group’s 94 dealerships nationwide. Customers can also shop from the convenience of home by selecting the category, make, model and vehicle packages important to them from the nearly 30,000 new, high-quality pre-owned and certified cars, trucks and SUVs available at HENDRICKCARS.COM.

HENDRICK AUTOMOTIVE GROUP IS HIRING: Join the more than 10,000 people nationwide who work at Hendrick Automotive Group. The company is hiring technicians and other positions at its dealerships throughout the country. Positions are open for all skill levels and offer tuition and training reimbursement. Individuals who are interested can apply at HENDRICKCARS.COM.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT

Age: 28 (Nov. 28, 1995)

Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia

Resides: Dawsonville, Georgia

Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson

Standings: 1st

No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

REGULAR SEASON UPDATE: Following his strong run at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, Chase Elliott now leads the NASCAR Cup Series regular season standings by three points over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson in second. He has one win (Texas Motor Speedway), seven top-five finishes and 10 top-10s in 21 starts this season. Elliott’s 10.52 average finish leads the field and is his second-best through 21 races behind only 2022 when he won the regular season championship. He also has the third-best average running position (10.92) among full-time premier series drivers. Across the last five races, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native has garnered the third-most overall points (156).

CHASE-ING HISTORY: Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. are the only two drivers to make it to the finish of every race this season. Elliott joins Kurt Busch as the only other driver in series history to have raced all but one lap (or less) through 21 races. The spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway is the only event in which the 2020 Cup Seies champion didn’t finish on the lead lap. However, he still earned an eighth-place finish. Busch finished every lap of the first 22 races of 2016.

RETURN OF THE OVAL: This weekend, the Cup Series takes to Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s legendary oval after three years on the facility’s road course layout. Elliott has six starts in the Brickyard 400 with a best effort of ninth as well as 26 laps led. He also made three starts on the oval in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with one top-five finish and two top-10s, including a best effort of fourth in 2018.

BUILDING ON A LEGACY: If Elliott were to win Sunday, it would mark the first time a father-son duo won the crown jewel event in Indianapolis. Chase’s father Bill Elliott won the Brickyard 400 in 2002. A 6-year-old Elliott was in attendance to kiss the bricks alongside his dad.

VIEW FROM THE TOP: Veteran crew chief Alan Gustafson has plenty of experience at the 2.5-mile oval in Indianapolis, including a Brickyard 400 win in 2014 with Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and NASCAR Hall of Famer Jeff Gordon. Gordon led 40 laps en route to the victory. In addition to the win, across 16 total starts in the crown jewel event, Gustafson has led his team to five top-five finishes, nine top-10s and 163 laps led.

FASTEST FIVE: The No. 9 pit crew continues to hold the fastest average four-tire pit stop time through 21 events this season (10.683 seconds). The over-the-wall squad laid down the fastest four-tire pit stop (9.076 seconds) of 2024 at Texas in April. The 2021 Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew award-winning group is comprised of Chad Avrit (rear-tire changer), Jared Erspamer (tire carrier), John Gianninoto (fueler), Nick O’Dell (front-tire changer) and T.J. Semke (jackman).

GET UP AND GO: The white-based NAPA Auto Parts scheme is back on board the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 this weekend at Indianapolis. The Atlanta-based company has been the primary partner for Elliott in all six of his Cup Series races on the Indianapolis oval. Get a look at all the angles of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet here.

24 WILLIAM BYRON

Age: 26 (Nov. 29, 1997)

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Resides: Charlotte, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle

Standings: 5th

No. 24 Valvoline Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

POCO-YES: After securing a third-place finish in Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race, William Byron lined up on the front row for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway. After running up front for the majority of the event and scoring crucial stage points in stage one and stage two, Byron went on to pick up his seventh top-five finish of the season, crossing the line in the fourth position.

24 IN ‘24: Byron’s 2024 season started off hot with three wins (tied for the most) including the DAYTONA 500. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native has seven top-five finishes (tied for the fourth-most) and 12 top-10s (tied for the second-most). He has the second-best average starting position (9.67) and the third-best average finish (12.81). In fact, in the last five races, Byron has scored 151 points – tied for the fourth-most. After 21 races, he has moved up to fifth in the 2024 Cup Series regular season standings with 16 playoff points.

BACK AT THE BRICKYARD: With three Cup Series starts in the illustrious Brickyard 400, this weekend’s return to the oval has been circled on Byron’s calendar for a while. His best finish came in 2019 when he powered his way to a top-five result, taking the checkered flag in fourth. NASCAR has not run the oval layout since 2020.

HISTORY MAKER: In 2017, Byron made his first trip to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. While battling for a championship, he became the youngest driver to win a major race at the historic track at 19 years, 7 months and 23 days. Byron is not only the youngest driver to win a NASCAR race at the 2.5-mile oval but is the third-youngest winner in any series, behind two INDYCAR Light Series drivers.

WHAT’S IN A NUMBER?: Byron would love to kiss the bricks again this weekend, and if he does, he will add to the already lengthy legacy the No. 24 team has at Indianapolis. The No. 24 car number ranks first overall with Brickyard 400 wins at the historic track with five, all coming with Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon dating back to the inaugural race in 1994. If Byron were to capture the win this weekend, he would extend the lead the No. 24 has over the second-ranked No. 48, which has four Indy oval wins.

PIT ROAD PROWESS: After 21 races in 2024, the No. 24 pit crew continues to find success. The five-person crew ranks sixth for the fastest average four-tire pit stop (10.984 seconds). The No. 24 pit crew consists of Spencer Bishop (jackman), Jeff Cordero (front-tire changer), Orane Ossowski (rear-tire changer), Ryan Patton (tire carrier) and Landon Walker (fueler).

VALVOLINE RETURNS: Last month, Valvoline Global, a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions creating future-ready products and best-in-class services for partners around the globe, announced that it has expanded and extended its strategic partnership with 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports through 2029. The brand will increase its presence on Byron’s No. 24 from its traditional two races to eight races in 2024 and six in 2025 through 2029. This weekend’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway will be Valvoline’s fourth appearance as the primary sponsor of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in 2024. Established in 1866, the company’s heritage spans more than 150 years, during which time it has developed powerful brand recognition across multiple product and service channels. Valvoline ranks as the No. 3 passenger car motor oil brand in the DIY market by volume.

48 ALEX BOWMAN

Age: 31 (April 25, 1993)

Hometown: Tucson, Arizona

Resides: Concord, North Carolina

Crew Chief: Blake Harris

Standings: 10th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

PLAYING BACK POCONO: Coming off his eighth career win in the NASCAR Cup Series at the Chicago Street Race, Alex Bowman carried strong momentum to Pocono Raceway. Bowman led all Chevrolet drivers to score a third-place finish at the “Tricky Triangle.” On Saturday, the Ally Racing driver advanced to the second round of qualifying and scored a sixth-place starting position for the 400-mile race. Bowman ranked sixth in the first stage and seventh in the second stage, earning valuable stage points in both. In the final stage, he restarted 14th then advanced 11 positions by the checkered flag to earn his sixth top-five finish of the season.

PUSHING TO THE PLAYOFFS: Following the 21st points-paying race of 2024, Bowman joined Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott (first), Kyle Larson (second) and William Byron (fifth) inside the top 10 of the regular season standings. The 31-year-old driver currently sits 10th, 107 markers behind Elliott. With his victory from the Windy City, Bowman is all but locked in for the 2024 postseason.

BUILDING MOMENTUM: Only five races remain until the start of the 2024 playoffs, and the No. 48 Ally Racing team is building momentum. In the last five races, Bowman is in a three-way tie for the fourth-most points earned (151). He has ranked as the best-finishing Hendrick Motorsports driver in four races this season, including each of the last two. He also claims the fifth-best average finish (13.29) of 2024, his best through 21 races in any season. Bowman has one win, one runner-up finish and 17 lead-lap finishes. He is tied with Byron for the second-most top-10s (12) this year.

BACK TO THE BRICKYARD: After three seasons, NASCAR returns to the 2.5-mile oval at historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Brickyard 400. Bowman will make his sixth start in the Cup Series at the Indiana track Sunday, looking to kiss the bricks for the first time.

KOKER’S GARAGE: Koker’s garage is back! Ally Racing fans have the opportunity to design the real No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 that will compete Sept. 29 at Kansas Speedway. How? Visit kokersgarage.com to design and submit up to five paint schemes. The contest period will end on July 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Then Bowman and Danny Koker will review the submissions and choose two finalists. A public vote will be hosted by Ally on X, and the winning design will see action in the 2024 playoff race at the “Sunflower State” venue.

ADOPT LIKE ALEX: Last Friday, Bowman made a special trip to the New York SoHo Best Friends Life Saving Center to celebrate his and primary sponsor Ally’s fourth year of supporting Best Friends. The visit celebrated the more than $650,000 the pair has donated and Best Friends’ new “Bring Love Home” campaign. Not to mention, Bowman recently rescued a golden retriever mix puppy named Huck. Every race weekend, Ally and Bowman donate a total of $4,800 to help homeless pets at a local shelter. This weekend, the charitable donation will go to Lucci’s House Bully Rescue. If you’re in town for the race, check out their animals available for adoption at the shelter located less than a 30-minute drive just 15 miles southeast of Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

FOUR TIRES AND FUEL: The Ally Racing pit crew ranks ninth on pit road for the best average four-tire stop this year (11.047). The No. 48 crew is composed of jackman Allen Holman, tire carrier Brandon Grier, front-tire changer Donnie Tasser, rear-tire changer Andrew Bridgeforth and gasman Jacob Conley. Holman, Grier and Bridgeforth earned their first win in the Cup Series following the team’s victory in Chicago. Learn more about Bridgeforth’s NASCAR journey and “home race” last weekend in Pennsylvania here.

WIN YOUR WHEELS: To celebrate Hendrick Motorsports’ 40th anniversary, Ally and HENDRICKCARS.COM are giving away a special edition Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE to one lucky fan! Only 40 of these Chevrolets will be manufactured and the other 39 will be sold exclusively through select Hendrick Automotive Group Chevrolet dealerships. Enter to win at Ally.com/sweepstakes/nascar. The promotion ends Sept. 20, 2024.

HENDRICK
MOTORSPORTS /

2024All-TimeIndianapolis
Races211,36627
Wins8*309*10*
Poles6*252*5**
Top 528*1,260*27*
Top 1044*2,156*42*
Laps Led1,18380,940*1,071*
Stage Wins101081

*Most **Most (tie)

INDIANA PACER: Behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, Hendrick Motorsports owner Rick Hendrick will serve as the honorary pace car driver for Sunday’s Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Hendrick’s organization has won a record 10 NASCAR Cup Series races on the 2.5-mile oval, which is double the next-best team.

JUST THE FACTS: In addition to its all-time best 10 Brickyard 400 wins, Hendrick Motorsports holds the Indianapolis oval records with 27 top-five finishes, 42 top-10s and 1,071 laps led in Cup Series competition. It also has five pole positions, which is tied for the most with Joe Gibbs Racing.

IN THREES: Hendrick Motorsports has won three of the last nine Brickyard 400s with three different drivers: Jimmie Johnson in 2012, Jeff Gordon in 2014 and Kasey Kahne in 2017. The Cup Series then competed on the oval for three years – 2018, 2019 and most recently 2020 – before running the facility’s road course three times from 2021-2023. Hendrick Motorsports has never gone more than three Brickyard 400 races without a victory.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARIES: While Hendrick Motorsports celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2024, this weekend Indianapolis Motor Speedway will commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Brickyard 400. The inaugural race was won by Hendrick Motorsports driver Gordon on Aug. 6, 1994, marking the first of a record five for the NASCAR Hall of Famer. Gordon still ranks as the youngest Brickyard 400 winner at 23 years and 2 days old.

STAND UP: With five races remaining in the regular season, Hendrick Motorsports has all four of its teams among the top 10 in the Cup standings. Chase Elliott goes into the Brickyard 400 leading the series by three points over teammate Kyle Larson. William Byron ranks fifth and Alex Bowman 10th. Each has recorded at least one victory this season, all but locking the entire Hendrick Motorsports stable into the 2024 Cup Series playoffs.

QUOTABLE /

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the No. 5 paint scheme for Brickyard 400: “Fans were really excited for this design to run back in May (at Charlotte Motor Speedway), and I was, too. Justin (Allgaier) did a great job driving the car (filling in for Larson), but with all the build-up and merch and everything around it, I asked HENDRICKCARS.COM if we could run it this weekend at Indianapolis and give the fans a chance to see me drive it. I’m grateful they agreed. Excited to get to run the scheme to say thanks to the fans for all the support.”

Cliff Daniels, crew chief of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on returning to the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “It’s going to be a lot of fun. We loved the road course, but there is nothing more historic and special in all of racing than the Indianapolis (Motor Speedway) oval. To go back there with Kyle after his experience there this year will be fun and just cool to hear his feedback about the differences with the INDYCAR compared to the HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet. Of course, he’s been around the oval before in a Cup car, but it will be nice to have the 50-minute practice on Friday and try to execute a great race on Sunday.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on the crown jewel he’d most like to win: “That’s so tough because they are all a big deal. The one that is more meaningful to me is the Brickyard, just because I was old enough when my dad won to just very vaguely remember a few little things about it, and then to be in the photos and whatnot I thought was really cool. That one really hits closest to home for me, personally.”

Elliott on returning to the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “I totally understand why we left racing on the oval, and I think it was great to try the road course. I feel that a lot of people just felt like it didn’t have the same meaning or the same feeling as racing on the oval up there. So I’m totally good either way. I think to be able to kiss the bricks and to say you won a Brickyard event would be really cool, whether it was on the road course or on the big track.”

Alan Gustafson, crew chief of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on returning to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval this weekend: “I’m super happy to be back on the oval. It’s a place that I love to go race. I love the history. I love the track, the facility — everything about it is just top notch. So I’m looking forward to it, looking forward to the challenge, and getting up there and racing. I think that there are a lot of unknowns and a lot of things that we’re all going to have to work out, but certainly feel like we’re in a position to do really well. All the guys and gals at Hendrick Motorsports are working hard and team collaboration is at a super high level. We’re going to bring four great cars and teams to the track and compete at our best. And if we do that, then yeah, I think we have a good shot.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on his feelings of returning to the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “I’m really happy that we’re returning to the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I think it’s too iconic not to run. I liked the road course, but I think the oval is the way to go and many drivers agree. I’ve had some success there, winning my first time seeing the track in the (NASCAR) Xfinity Series. It was a bit of an adjustment when I got to the Cup level but I really think we were hitting our stride before it was taken off the schedule. Things will be a bit different now racing there with the Next Gen car, but I like the challenge.”

Rudy Fugle, crew chief of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on what he expects with running the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “I actually haven’t crew chief’d a race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the oval configuration, just the road course. I’ve been at the oval testing a long time ago but that’s it. So I don’t know a ton about all of it. I think a lot of Pocono (Raceway), like the stage lengths, the fuel mileage and the length of the track, will all be similar. The thing about Indy, though, is that the tire wear is usually higher. So we’ll have to see what that is like Friday. We’ll have a game plan for that 50-minute practice to get our car dialed in and then move forward. We’ve been studying the notes from the past few tests there to steer us in the right direction.”
​

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: “It’s going to be cool to be back at Indy. That’s going to be a really difficult race passing-wise, so track position is going to be super key. Race strategy can play a huge role in any of that, so I’m excited for the challenge and to get back there (the oval).”

Blake Harris, crew chief of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on calling the shots for the No. 48 team at Indianapolis Motor Speedway with five races to go until the playoffs: “I think this weekend at Indy will be like how Pocono (Raceway) was for us last weekend. Now that we have the win, we can take some more chances on strategy to put us in position to win. We’re also going to continue to focus on picking up stage points and continue to creep up in the regular season standings and carry a few more bonus points with us (to the playoffs).”

Rick Ware Racing: Justin Haley/Cody Ware Indianapolis Advance

By
Official Release
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JUSTIN HALEY | CODY WARE
Indianapolis Advance
Event Overview

● Event: Brickyard 400 (Round 22 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 21
● Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
● Layout: 2.5-mile rectangular oval
● Laps/Miles: 160 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 50 laps / Stage 2: 50 laps / Final Stage: 60 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / IMS Radio / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 Fraternal Order of Eagles Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Ninety-seven miles north of Indianapolis Motor Speedway sits the town of Winamac, Indiana. The seat of Pulaski County boasts a population of just over 2,300 that lives in a 1.36-square-mile area. It’s where Rick Ware Racing (RWR) driver Justin Haley grew up and started his racing career. At just 9 years old, Haley began racing quarter midgets at Kokomo (Ind.) Speedway. By 2011, he was traveling across the Midwest, racing in the CRA Late Model Series at tracks like Toledo (Ohio) Speedway and Winchester (Ind.) Speedway.

● Haley’s first break came in 2014 when he was given the chance to run a six-race stint in the ARCA Menards Series for Venturini Motorsports. He earned his first pole in his second start, at Elko (New Market, Minnesota) Speedway, and picked up his first top-five finish. Overall, he finished with four top-10s in his limited first season. He also made three starts that year in the ARCA Menards Series East (formerly K&N Pro Series East), earning a seventh-place finish at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway. Haley made the move to the East Series fulltime in 2015 and, in 2016, was name the East Series champion with two wins, 13 top-fives and 14 top-10s in 14 races.

● At 18 years old, Haley’s next move was a fulltime ride in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He had already made six starts in a truck and earned a top-10 finish at Phoenix Raceway. In his first season with GMS Racing, Haley earned three top-fives and 12 top-10 finishes, in addition to his first pole in the Truck Series, earned in October 2017 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. Haley returned to the team in 2018, won three races and made it to the Championship Four in the playoffs. He finished his final full Truck Series season third in the championship with 18 top-10 finishes over 23 races.

● Just 10 years into his racing career, Haley had already made it to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He joined Kaulig Racing fulltime in 2019, and in his five years and 104 starts in its Xfinity Series program, he earned four wins, 24 top-fives and 69 top-10 finishes. Haley also made his Cup Series debut that year and become the second-youngest Cup Series winner in Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway history when he took home the win in the July 2019 Coke Zero Sugar 400. Three years later, Haley helped Kaulig launch its fulltime Cup Series program and earned seven top-fives and 10 top-10s for the team in two seasons.

● Haley announced in June 2023 that he would join RWR fulltime for the 2024 season. In just 21 races with the team this season, he has earned two top-10 finishes – ninth-place results at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Prior to Haley joining RWR, the team had earned eight top-10s across 590 starts. Haley has also bettered or equaled the team’s best finish at nine different tracks thus far.

● The Fraternal Order of Eagles driver is set to make his first Cup Series start on the Indianapolis oval this Sunday. Haley has one previous start on the oval, which resulted in a fifth-place finish in the 2019 Xfinity Series race. The following year at the iconic Speedway, NASCAR switched to its infield road-course layout, on which Haley finished second to fellow Indiana native Chase Briscoe to mark the first time Hoosiers finished one-two at Indy. He also owns three Cup Series starts on the Indy road-course layout, earning a best finish of eighth in 2021.

Cody Ware, Driver of the No. 15 AFT Peoria Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Cody Ware will also make his first start on the Indianapolis oval after two starts on the road course layout, on which his best finish was a 24th-place effort earned in 2022.

● The No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will feature the logo for the next round of the American Flat Track (AFT) series, set to take place at Peoria (Ill.) Motorcycle Club on July 28. RWR competes in AFT with Singles riders Kody Kopp and Shayna Texter-Bauman, and Mission SuperTwins rider Briar Bauman. Nineteen-year-old Kopp is the two-time defending series champion who has already claimed five wins and nine podiums through the first 10 events of the season. He currently holds a 32-point advantage in the championship standings. Earlier this season, Kopp surpassed Texter-Bauman’s record as the winningest rider in Singles history. In Mission SuperTwins, Bauman is fourth in the standings with two podiums, including a win at Venture Short Track in Chico, California. The 25-year-old rider is looking to claim his third SuperTwins title.

● The Brickyard 400 marks Ware’s fourth start of the season. The 28-year-old driver was on track for his best finish of the season last weekend at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway when his No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse was struck with debris during a multicar accident on lap 128 while running in the top-25. Ware’s team worked quickly to repair a hole in the radiator, and he returned to the track to finish the race and secure a 26th-place finish.

Rick Ware Racing Notes

● The NHRA Drag Racing Series visits Pacific Raceways in Kent, Washington, for this weekend’s Northwest Nationals. RWR’s Clay Millican looks for his first win and fifth semifinal appearance of the season. The schedule kicks off with Friday qualifying under the lights and continues with final eliminations Sunday.

● Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age six when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), where RWR won the 2022 SX2 championship with rider Shane McElrath.

Justin Haley, Driver Q&A

You raced on the Indianapolis oval in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but being an Indiana native, have you been hoping for a chance to race on the oval in the NASCAR Cup Series?

“Yeah. I’m excited. It’s definitely going to be different than what we experience at some other places. It’s a fast track and obviously different than anything else we run. I spent a lot of time at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a lot of time racing late models and street stocks and stuff at Lucas Oil (Raceway) just down the road. I’ve always appreciated the Brickyard layout, this really big, flat track with long straightaways. It’s something that means a lot to any driver but especially those of us from Indiana. It’s a big deal to make it to the Cup Series. It’s not easy to do. But then to get to come back to Indiana and run the Brickyard is pretty cool. The track is historic and the race itself is so iconic. I mean, we have the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. You know it’s big when there’s no other name needed.”

Do you have a favorite childhood memory of Indianapolis?

“My grandpa was involved in motorsports, and he sponsored a car owned by Sam Schmidt in the Indy 500. Obviously, it’s not NASCAR, but that is one of the experiences when I think of Indianapolis that always stands out. Going there with my family and seeing my grandpa’s company on one of the cars.”

Cody Ware, Driver Q&A

NASCAR returns to the Indianapolis oval for the first time since 2020. Are you excited to be on the original layout?

“I’m super excited to be racing on the oval this weekend at Indy. I remember my first time with my dad there was back when we were in the Xfinity Series in 2012 with Jeffrey Earnhardt driving. I’ve always wanted to race the Brickyard and be there in a stock car. I’m just super stoked to get away from the road course this year, back on the Brickyard for the 400 and really excited to see how these Next Gen cars adapt to this race.”

What does it mean for a driver to be able to compete in the Brickyard 400?

“Being able to race at a place like Indianapolis is just a really awesome experience as a driver. There’s so much history there, over 100-plus years of racing between IndyCar, NASCAR, and Formula One, with the Brickyard 400 being one of the crown jewels in NASCAR for a long time, and now it’s coming back this year. So, to be able to go to one of the meccas of racing and be there in a Cup car is definitely an honor. Anytime you have a chance to race at Indy, it is definitely a really cool experience.”

PRO STOCK POINTS LEADER DALLAS GLENN RETURNS TO PACIFIC RACEWAYS FOR HOME RACE

By
Official Release
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SEATTLE (July 18, 2024) – Pro Stock points leader Dallas Glenn is ready to travel west to Seattle for his home race at Pacific Raceway for this weekend’s 35th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals.

Glenn, originally from Covington, Wash., will take on all the top names in the Pro Stock field at the NHRA Northwest Nationals as the category returns to Seattle after a year away. Glenn, for one, is ready to return to the scenic facility in his RAD Torque Systems Chevrolet Camaro for the fan-favorite event in the Pacific Northwest.

“I grew up one exit down from Pacific Raceways so to get a win here would be really awesome,” Glenn said. “I don’t know if I would call it extra pressure for what I’m feeling coming into racing at my first home track, but I would definitely call it excitement.”

Glenn currently leads the points thanks to his two wins in Pomona and Chicago and three runner-up finishes during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. His teammate Greg Anderson sits in second, thanks to his two wins in 2024. Reigning champion Erica Enders is currently third while Aaron Stanfield is fourth, thanks to his back-to-back wins in Richmond and Norwalk.

“I think we can attribute our success so far this season to just building off our awesome season last year,” said Glenn. “I know we didn’t end up as high as we wanted in the points last year after leading the majority of the regular season, but it gave me something to work towards this season. I want to lead the points, but I also want to make sure I’m doing what I can to put myself in a better position for the Countdown (to the Championship) to bring home that championship at the end of the year.”

In 2023, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) claimed victories in Seattle. This year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1 and the FOX, including eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 21. It marks the 11th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA season, kicking off the second half of the season, as the weekend in Seattle will feature all four pro classes for the first time in history and the popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge specialty race on Saturday.

Glenn made it his goal to compete in all Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenges in 2024, a feat he has achieved thus far. With his runner-up finish to Stanfield in Norwalk, he’ll again be entered into the Challenge, hoping for a win in the specialty race on Saturday.

Glenn will meet up with Mason McGaha for a rematch of the Norwalk semifinals while Stanfield will again take on Cristian Cuadra.

“I love having another race day on Saturday for the Mission #2Fast2Tasty event,” Glenn said. “I feel like it gives me another opportunity to get up on the wheel and it only benefits me for the actual race day on Sunday.”

In Top Fuel, Torrence would love a repeat win in Seattle as he takes on the likes of points leader Doug Kalitta, who is also the reigning world champion, Shawn Langdon, Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher, Brittany Force, Clay Millican and Top Fuel newcomer Tony Stewart.

Funny Car veteran Wilkerson retired after the 2023 season and handed driving duties to his son Daniel. D. Wilkerson finished runner-up in Charlotte and will be seeking his first NHRA win this weekend. He’ll be up against the likes of Funny Car points leader Austin Prock, Norwalk-winner Bob Tasca III, reigning champ Matt Hagan, J.R. Todd and multi-time Seattle winner Ron Capps.

Herrera has dominated the Pro Stock Motorcycle division and won last year’s NHRA Northwest Nationals en route to sweeping the Western Swing and winning the world title. He is undefeated in 2024, while other riders in the class to watch are the six-time champion Matt Smith, Richard Gadson, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant.

The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top drivers in the sport. The weekend includes the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout and Drag & Drive Shootout, which is a must-see for any car enthusiast.

The weekend kicks off with a fan fest at Auburn Outlets Collection on Thursday, July 18 at 5 p.m. PT, where fans can meet their drag racing heroes. On Friday between qualifying sessions, fans can take part in a special SealMaster Track Walk and an autograph power hour in the pro pits, while the nitro at night qualifying session will give fans an opportunity to win a unique wristwatch from Ben Bridge Jewelers TAG Heuer.

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 Pacific Raceways can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.

As always, fans get an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet in Seattle. Fans get a unique chance to see teams in action and service their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 3:30 p.m. and 8:15 PT on Friday, July 19 and two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, July 20 at 1:30 and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, July 21. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, 1 p.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Northwest Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com or call 800-884-6472. For more information about NHRA, 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

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., 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.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT TORONTO: Team Chevy Race Advance

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
ONTARIO HONDA DEALERS INDY TORONTO
STREETS OF TORONTO
TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
JULY 19-21, 2024

CHEVROLET HEADS TO TORONTO CARRYING MOMENTUM WITH SEASONAL SUCCESS AND PAST TRACK TRIUMPH

  • Chevrolet holds seven wins in 12 events on the 11-turn, 1.786-mile temporary street course in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
  • Team Chevy additionally holds seven earned NTT P1 pole awards on the Streets of Toronto.
  • Chevrolet has 627 laps led and 19 podium finishes at Exhibition Place in Toronto.
  • Chevrolet looks to go four-for-four in 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid technology victories at Toronto after winning the debut in Mid-Ohio, Iowa 1, and Iowa 2.

DETROIT (July 18, 2024) – After a stellar weekend in America’s heartland that saw a sweep of the doubleheader and a podium lockout in Race One and a double podium in Race Two, Chevrolet and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES head north of the border for the 13th event of the season as well as the 13th event on the Streets of Toronto in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

“Chevrolet is three-for-three on victories in the new NTT INDYCAR SERIES hybrid technology era with the 2.2-liter V6 engine, and this is certainly a testament to the hard work and dedication by our engineers, teams, and drivers, as well as collaboration by the series and manufacturers,” said Mark Stielow, Director of Motorsports Competition Programs at General Motors. “The Streets of Toronto give a tight and tricky track that will be a challenge for all competing this weekend. We’re looking forward to adding to our winning ways both this season as well as in Toronto.”

The fourth race of the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 era with hybrid technology after its debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course two weeks ago, this will be the first test of the new technology on a temporary street circuit. Chevrolet is three-for-three with victories at Mid-Ohio with Arrow McLaren’s Pato O’Ward, and Iowa with Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin and Will Power, respectively.

On the 11-turn, 1.786-mile temporary street course, Chevrolet holds seven wins in the 12 events held during the V6 era since 2012, in addition to seven NTT P1 pole awards, 19 podium finishes, and 627 laps led. Additionally, Chevrolet swept the podium three races in a row at Toronto, during 2014’s Race 1, 2014’s Race 2, and 2015.

Overall, Chevrolet holds seven NTT INDYCAR SERIES victories in the 12 events held so far this season including the prestigious Indianapolis 500, in addition to four earned NTT P1 pole awards. Team Chevy looks to Toronto to continue their streak of momentum.

The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto kicks off with its first practice on Friday, July 19 at 3 p.m. ET. Saturday sees the second practice at 10:30 a.m. ET, followed by qualifying and the Firestone Fast Six at 2:45 p.m. ET. The 85-lap, 151.81-mile main event Sunday takes the green flag live on Peacock at 1 p.m. ET. All practice and qualifying sessions are broadcast with Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 218.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“I would say having a good short oval weekend is just a confidence booster for the championship. I’d think Toronto you’re basing off of how good we did in Detroit, which we qualified in the top 10 and finished inside the top 10 as well. So, from that perspective, I’m very confident about Toronto. As far as Iowa goes, it gives you confidence because there’s four more short oval races before the season’s over. I think what is important (on street courses) is being consistent, staying out of trouble, running all the practice laps and getting a good balance on the car. Trying to minimize our mistakes. I think all of that’s really important.”

Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“We’ve been building this momentum the last few races and have been progressively getting better in the racing scenarios. Getting back in the car for Toronto, I think is the best thing for me just because when you get kicked off the saddle that hard, you want to jump back on as soon as you can — just to get back in the swing of things and keep that momentum going. I’m very excited that I get to do that this weekend.”

Larry Foyt, Team President of AJ Foyt Racing:

“It’s been a very positive season thus far. While we haven’t had any podiums or victories to solidify the overall feeling, our week-to-week competitiveness on all the different types of circuits INDYCAR offers has been a great step forward for the team. Understanding the competitiveness of Indy car racing currently, we still felt Santino and the 14 group could finish the season in the top 10 in the Championship. We have just moved into that spot, so it is still a possibility and one we are striving towards. As well, we thought it possible for the 41 group and Sting Ray to put that entry back inside the INDYCAR Leaders Circle (where they currently are). They are fighting hard for this, and it looks like it will come down to the last few races.”

Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“Toronto historically hasn’t been our best weekend, so I’m determined to create some good memories there. The last time I feel like I had a good race there was in 2018 in INDY NXT. It’s just a matter of time before we have a strong weekend in Toronto, so I’m looking forward to getting out there in this wonderful city.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m feeling good going into this weekend in Toronto. It’s one of my favorite tracks and weekends of the year. I’ve been racing here since my days in the junior series and know the track well, so it’s always nice to go to somewhere familiar. Iowa was a really good weekend, so we’re going to keep building on that and see if we can get a new best result with the No. 6 SmartStop Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m really excited to get up to Toronto for our final street course race of the year. We’ve had a lot of pace the past few events, but have struggled to get things to go our way. This weekend will be all about execution as we compete for the last round before the summer break.”

Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

“We close out this stretch of four races in three weekends with our last street race of the season in Toronto, a place I love coming back to. It’s always special getting to race in the place you grew up in, and we’re excited that we’ll have such a strong partner presence with us this weekend. We’ve strung together some strong results as of late, but as always, there’s more to find. Our aim is to continue improving each and every race weekend. As long as we do that, we’ll continue to find ourselves fighting for the top spot on the podium.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“First of all, I am excited to be back in the No. 20 GuyCare Chevrolet for Toronto! We will work to build on the momentum we have had going for the past few weekends on the road courses, we are definitely heading in a good direction. I am looking forward to going back to Toronto, it will be my first time driving there since 2019. I have good memories from there, I won my first pole position and earned my first ever Road to Indy win. A place that I am excited to go back to!”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I am very excited to go to Toronto! I like the city a lot, it’s so nice to be up there. I love the atmosphere surround the race and the track itself, there’s so much to look forward to this weekend! It feels very good to be getting back in the car so soon after we had such a such a strong weekend in Iowa. We are ready to continue the good results in Toronto!”

Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Toronto is a great city, and the fans are always outstanding. It’s also going to be our first hybrid experience on a street course and not an easy street course. A lot to learn and to work on but so far, we have done well on street course in 2024.”

Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Toronto is the last street course of the season and the first time that we will be with the hybrid system on a track of this nature. Last year was a great race for us where we finished very close to the top-10, so we are going to Canada with confidence.”

Chevrolet in Toronto (since 2012, V6 era, pre-hybrid):

Wins at Toronto: 7

2012: Ryan Hunter-Reay

2014 Race 1: Sebastian Bourdais

2014 Race 2: Mike Conway

2015: Josef Newgarden

2016: Will Power

2017: Josef Newgarden

2019: Simon Pagenaud

Earned Pole Awards at Toronto: 7

2014 Race 1: Scott Dixon

2014 Race 2: Helio Castroneves

2015: Will Power

2016: Scott Dixon

2017: Simon Pagenaud

2018: Josef Newgarden

2019: Simon Pagenaud

Number of Team Chevy Podiums at Toronto (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybrid): 19

*Chevrolet has swept the podium three times – 2014 Race 1, 2014 Race 2, and 2015

Number of laps led by Team Chevy at Toronto (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybrid): 627

2024 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:

3: NTT INDYCAR SERIES race as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

3: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration since mid-2024.

207: NTT INDYCAR SERIES races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.

115: Wins in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012.

130: Earned poles since 2012. Chevrolet holds 135 pole awards in total, with five recorded based on points for weather.

1: Earned pole in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES as V6 engine supplier with hybrid technology integration.

8: Manufacturer Championships since 2012.

7: Driver/entrant champions since 2012.

13: Indianapolis 500 victories by Chevrolet at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

6: Indianapolis 500 wins by Chevrolet since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era.

34: Number of times Chevrolet has swept the podium in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES since 2012 in the V6 2.2-liter twin turbo direct injected era. In total, a manufacturer has swept the podium 54 times since 2012.

28: Wins by Will Power since 2012 – all with Chevrolet power – most of any driver with the same manufacturer.

9: Wins from the pole by Will Power with Chevrolet power since 2012, most by any driver.

46: Pole starts by Will Power since 2012 in a Chevrolet-powered car, most of any driver.

*Will Power’s career total of 70 poles makes him the all-time pole winner in INDYCAR.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.

Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Racing: Noah Gragson Indianapolis Advance

By
Official Release
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NOAH GRAGSON
Indianapolis Advance
No. 10 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Brickyard 400 (Round 22 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 21
● Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
● Layout: 2.5-mile rectangular oval
● Laps/Miles: 160 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 50 laps / Stage 2: 50 laps / Final Stage: 60 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / IMS / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● The seeds of the Brickyard 400 were planted on Monday, June 22, 1992. It was the first of a two-day tire test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway where the viability of racing NASCAR Cup Series stock cars on Indy’s 2.5-mile rectangular oval was explored. Just a day removed from his victory in the Miller Genuine Draft 400 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Davey Allison joined eight of his Cup Series counterparts – Dale Earnhardt, Rusty Wallace, Bill Elliott, Darrell Waltrip, Ricky Rudd, Ernie Irvan, Mark Martin and Kyle Petty – to run full-bodied stock cars on a track that was specific to low-slung, open-wheel Indy cars and the iconic Indianapolis 500. On the second day of the test, the nine drivers raced in a pack to simulate drafting, all while an estimated 40,000 fans looked on. Elliott in his Ford Thunderbird was fastest on both days, yet his best lap was still 63 mph slower than Roberto Guerrero’s pole-winning speed of 232.482 mph for that year’s Indianapolis 500. The speed discrepancy didn’t matter. Big American iron thundering around the famed Brickyard whetted appetites, and on April 14, 1993, NASCAR president Bill France Jr. and Indianapolis Motor Speedway president Tony George announced that the inaugural Brickyard 400 would be held on Saturday, Aug. 6, 1994. It would be the first race other than the Indianapolis 500 to be held at the Speedway since 1916. Rising star and Indiana icon Jeff Gordon won the race to score the second of his 93 career victories, beating Brett Bodine by .53 of a second. For the next 26 years, the Cup Series raced on the oval before a three-year sojourn on Indianapolis’ 2.439-mile, 14-turn infield road course. It was not the same, and with the current-generation car putting on great shows at intermediate-style tracks across the nation, the decision to return to Indy’s 2.5-mile oval was made. The 2024 Brickyard 400 will mark the 28th Cup Series race on the big track, but the first since 2020.

● Noah Gragson doesn’t have a NASCAR Cup Series start on Indy’s 2.5-mile oval, but he does have one NASCAR Xfinity Series start on the big track. The driver of the No. 10 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing made his Indy debut in 2019 and finished third after starting 13th.

● Gragson raced at Indy three other times in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but they were all on the road course. From 2020 through 2022, Gragson never finished outside of the top-10. His best finish came in his first road-course start at Indy – third in 2020. He finished fifth in 2021 and 10th in 2022.

● Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, site of last weekend’s NASCAR event, shares some similarities to Indianapolis. Its 2.5-mile layout boasts just three corners, with its turn two, best known as the Tunnel Turn, modeled after the corners at Indianapolis, with just eight degrees of banking. Gragson has made four Xfinity Series starts at Pocono, with three finishes of sixth or better. In fact, his last Xfinity Series start at Pocono was his best. On July 23, 2022, the Las Vegas native started ninth but worked his way to the lead after 25 laps. He wound up pacing the field three times for a race-high 43 laps, including the final 22, to take the win by .281 of a second over runner-up Ty Gibbs.

● DYK?: The last NASCAR Cup Series team to win on Indy’s 2.5-mile oval was Stewart-Haas Racing. In fact, the team co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart and Haas Automation founder Gene Haas won the last two Brickyard 400s, each courtesy of Kevin Harvick. And not since 2017 has a manufacturer other than Ford won the Brickyard 400, as Brad Keselowski drove a Ford to victory lane in the 2018 Brickyard 400 before Harvick’s back-to-back Brickyard wins in 2019 and 2020.

● The “Stewart” in Stewart-Haas owns two Brickyard 400 victories. The Hoosier hotshoe grabbed a coveted Indy win in 2005 before securing a second triumph in 2007. Both victories came with Joe Gibbs Racing.

Noah Gragson, Driver of the No. 10 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Ford Mustang Dark Horse

This year marks a return to the oval at Indy. While you don’t have any NASCAR Cup Series starts on the 2.5-mile oval, you do have one NASCAR Xfinity Series start on the oval (2019, when you finished third). So, what’s it like to race on the most renown oval in all of motorsports?

“It’s tough. It’s like the Tunnel Turn at Pocono, you’ve just got to be good with your timing. It’ll be different with all the horsepower and everything in the Cup cars. We ran the high-downforce, drag package where you drafted the whole time and pretty much ran close to, if not wide open, all the way around there. Our speeds probably weren’t as high at the end of the straightaways, but definitely drafting and getting pretty tight behind guys, so some of that stuff might be applicable for this weekend. But it’s all about timing and getting around that racetrack and maximizing your corner speed.”

Indy is big, flat and fast. How do you make a fast lap around that place, and then duplicate that fast lap 159 more times?

“You’ve just got to try and maximize your exit speed and get the car to turn and pointed correctly, and get on the gas early to make straightaway speed.”

You get a 50-minute open practice on Friday of the Indy race weekend. What are you able to do in that session that you aren’t able to do in your typical 20-minute practice session prior to Cup qualifying?

“Just get way more laps on the track to get comfortable with it. You get to make some changes, more adjustments, than you normally would.”

Indiana in July is hot and humid. How do you deal with the heat, and how far out before a race weekend begins do you start preparing yourself for the heat?

“You start hydrating Wednesday, Thursday if your race is on Sunday, drink Pedialyte and just sit outside a little bit more than you would during the week. I’ve felt good during the hot races. Obviously, they’ve been hot and it takes a long time to cool off after them, but inside the car I’ve felt good, and that’s what matters.”

What’s the hottest race you’ve ever competed in? What were some of the things you were dealing with in that race?

“Probably the worst shape I’ve ever been in in a racecar, as far as, ‘Man, I don’t know if I can keep doing this,’ it’d probably be Gateway or Iowa back in 2018. It was really hot, but I think I’ve just gotten more used to it now. With my experience, I feel like I’d be able to get back in that same race and it’d probably be no big deal. I’ve definitely fine-tuned my hydration plan, and I have more reps at longer races. I don’t know if I just wasn’t acclimated back in the Xfinity Series, but it was pretty tough. With my experience and reps behind the wheel now, it wouldn’t be a piece of cake, it still would be hot, but I would be able to bear it a lot better.”

No. 10 Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Noah Gragson

Hometown: Las Vegas

Crew Chief: Drew Blickensderfer

Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Car Chief: Jerry Cook

Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

Engineer: James Kimbrough

Hometown: Pensacola, Florida

Spotter: Andy Houston

Hometown: Hickory, North Carolina

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Ryan Mulder

Hometown: Sioux Center, Iowa

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White

Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Tyler Bullard

Hometown: King, North Carolina

Jack Man: Sean Cotten

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Fuel Man: James “Ace” Keener

Hometown: Fortuna, California

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Chris Trickett

Hometown: Grafton, West Virginia

Mechanic: Beau Whitley

Hometown: Carmel, Indiana

Tire Specialist: Jacob Cooksey

Hometown: Westbrookville, New York

Engine Tuner: Matt Moeller

Hometown: Monroe, New York

Transporter Co-Driver: Steve Casper

Hometown: Salisbury, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Matt Murphy

Hometown: Augusta, Georgia

Lexus LBX Adds a New High Performance Variant, the LBX “MORIZO RR”

By
Official Release
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  • A compact car transcending its class allowing the discerning customer to return to being their true selves, offering a new value in luxury
  • A high-performance model that offers an exhilarating out-of-the-ordinary experience featuring refined performance and a sophisticated design
  • 1.6-litre in-line three-cylinder intercooled turbocharged engine (G16E-GTS), extensively developed vehicle fundamentals by racing drivers
  • A design rooted in high performance, maintaining compact yet commanding proportions
  • The “Bespoke Build” program offers a wide range of options, including yellow brake calipers, enabling customers to create a truly unique vehicle

Toyota City, Japan, July 18, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – LEXUS unveiled the Japan domestic specifications of the new LBX MORIZO RR on Thursday, July 18, which was originally exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon held in January 2024. Orders for the Japanese market will be accepted starting today, with the release planned for late August. Additionally, 100 units of the LBX MORIZO RR “Bespoke Build” will be available through a lottery. Applications for the lottery can be submitted at Lexus dealerships within Japan starting from Thursday, July 18, to Wednesday, July 31. Winners will be notified by the dealership.

The new LBX MORIZO RR was developed alongside master driver Akio Toyoda, also known as Morizo, to deliver the refined signature LEXUS driving quality and sophisticated design. This high-performance model is designed to enhance the dialogue between driver and car, evoke spontaneous smiles, and provide an exhilarating out-of-the-ordinary experience. Equipped with a 1.6L inline-three intercooler turbo engine (G16E-GTS), it delivers exhilarating torque and power. To fully utilize this power, the fundamental characteristics of the car were thoroughly refined. A dedicated platform was developed in order to achieve a balance between agility and power. To ensure a high level of control on various road surfaces, the Response-Enhancing Damping Structure (REDS), a world-first(1), was adopted on the front lower arms, enhancing responsiveness while dampening. Furthermore, in pursuit of the distinctive quietness that is characteristic of LEXUS, source control measures were thoroughly implemented to suppress noise and vibration even during sporty driving. To maximize vehicle performance, features such as a Direct Shift 8AT and a LEXUS*2 first, 6-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission), have been adopted. Additionally, an electronically controlled full-time AWD has been incorporated to enhance the sporty driving experience. In terms of design, the aim was to express both luxury and a presence transcending the size hierarchy of the LBX. Drawing from the design concept of “Premium Casual,” which encourages customers to casually use the vehicle in their daily lives, we pursued a design backed by high performance. Exterior features such as exclusive front and rear bumpers, 19-inch forged wheels, colored arch moldings and colored rocker moldings emphasize the low center of gravity and wide stance. For the interior, the aim was to create a sportier space fostering a seamless connection between the driver and car, aiming to enhance the sense of unity with the vehicle and provide an unforgettable driving experience. This was achieved by incorporating dedicated sports seats, aluminum pedals, and interior accents to enhance the joy of driving.

In the “Bespoke Build” program, customers can craft their own unique vehicle from a wide range of variations. Special custom options, such as dedicated brake calipers in Morizo’s signature yellow, are available to enhance the personalized experience for the customer. The goal was to create a casual luxury vehicle that customers would eagerly drive on weekends, much like a favorite pair of sneakers.

MAIN PRODUCT FEATURES OF THE NEW LBX MORIZO RR

Exceptional driving performance made possible by extensively developing the vehicle fundamentals alongside a racing driver

  • A dedicated platform designed to balance agility and power for a sporty AWD experience
  • A driving position and package crafted to pursue seamless unity between driver and car
  • Adoption of the world-first*1 Response-Enhancing Damping Structure (REDS) in the front lower arms
  • Distinctive quietness of a LEXUS, with a focus on source control measures to suppress noise and vibration
  • Maximized aerodynamic performance to enhance driving dynamics and design aesthetics

Delivering driving pleasure with motorsport-inspired performance and smooth acceleration

  • An intercooled turbocharged 1.6-liter engine engineered to push sports driving performance to the limits
  • Two transmission options: the Direct Shift-8AT for maximizing vehicle performance and sports driving, and a 6-speed iMT, a first for LEXUS(2)
  • Electronic control full-time AWD contributes to safe, secure, and sporty driving
  • Adoption of a braking system that maximizes driving performance potential
  • The design balances compactness and striking presence, backed by high-performance
  • Tire-conscious and dynamic proportions, unrestricted by the compact body size
  • Based on the premise of the cooling, aerodynamic and dynamic performance required when driving at the limit, such as on circuits, the special bumpers and grills focus a more dynamic and high-performance image
  • The rear design reflects a simple solid mass with low centre of gravity and dual mufflers evoke a sense of spirited driving
  • Addition of aluminum pads on each pedal to enhance sportiness
  • Specially designed front seats with integrated foam construction are adopted to provide firm support for the body even during sports driving

Customers can create their own custom vehicle from a wide range of options offered by the “Bespoke Build” ordering system

  • The “Bespoke Build” custom order system allows customers to choose interior colors, seat materials, belt colors, and stitching from a wide range of options to create a truly unique vehicle
  • Brake calipers colored in Morizo’s signature yellow are available as an exclusive option

KUNIHIKO ENDO, LEXUS LBX MORIZO RR CHIEF ENGINEER

With LBX, we aimed to transcend traditional size hierarchies, offering a blend of casual luxury that allows those who appreciate authenticity to reconnect with their true selves, driving comfortably and confidently. For the “LBX MORIZO RR,” our goal was to create a vehicle beloved by genuine car enthusiasts like Morizo―a driving companion that deeply engages with the sensory delights of sound and scent, ultimately bringing a smile to their faces. Developed extensively at the Toyota Technical Center Shimoyama and various circuits alongside professional driver Masahiro Sasaki, this car typically provides a relaxed, casual driving experience. Yet, when you press the accelerator for a spirited drive, it delivers performance that exceeds expectations. Stay tuned for this high-performance model that fosters enjoyable dialogue with the car, evoking smiles and an exhilarating sense of the extraordinary.

MASAHIRO, RACING DRIVER

If LBX’s HEV model is like a sneaker, then MORIZO RR can be likened to an all-purpose athletic shoe that you can wear anytime, anywhere―even capable of becoming spikes when you’re ready to move. You’ll feel the joy of driving and the thrill of acceleration from its powerful engine and Direct Shift-8AT, complemented by delightful sounds. With LBX MORIZO RR, our focus was on refining the motorsports based powertrain developed by GR while ensuring it is still infused with the distinctive Lexus refinement. Through agile development and extensive testing, both the car and the people involved in its creation experienced significant growth. We remain committed to crafting Lexus vehicles filled with excitement and playful spirit that car enthusiasts like Morizo will find truly exhilarating.

PROFILE

Racing driver from Iwate Prefecture. Participated in the 2019 Nürburgring 24 Hours race with an A90 Supra from TOYOTA GAZOO Racing. Since 2021, has been competing in the Super Taikyu series with ROOKIE Racing, driving the hydrogen engine Corolla Sport alongside Morizo. Involved in the development of driving performance for GR and Lexus vehicles, and helped produce the RZ special edition model “F SPORT Performance”. Also contributed as a development driver for LBX, pursuing driving experiences that bring smiles to car enthusiasts.

LBX MORIZO RR Specs

(1) World’s first application on suspension systems
(2) In the Japanese market

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/91830/

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/LexusJP | Twitter : https://twitter.com/lexusint | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/LexusGlobal

How to Handle Personal Injuries Involving Dangerous Premises

By
SM
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Photo from Unsplash.com

Personal injury is one of the most complex legal matters to navigate. It can happen to anyone anywhere. In most cases, the property owner is responsible for paying the compensatory damage dues. In the case of dangerous premises, there are even more complicated nuances that must be taken into account. Either way, personal injuries demand adequate compensation. To ensure that you get what’s yours, contact an injury and accident lawyer in Texas for a professional opinion on your case. 

Handling personal injuries that occur on dangerous premises can be a challenging and stressful experience. Whether it’s a slip and fall accident, a faulty staircase, or inadequate security leading to an assault, victims of such incidents often find themselves unsure about the appropriate course of action. In this article, we will explore practical strategies for handling personal injuries involving dangerous premises. By following these tips, individuals can navigate the legal process with greater clarity and confidence.

Understanding the Legal Responsibility

To effectively handle personal injuries involving dangerous premises, it is essential to understand who carries legal responsibility for maintaining a safe environment. In many cases, property owners or managers have an obligation to ensure their premises are free from hazards that could harm visitors or occupants. This includes conducting regular inspections, promptly addressing known dangers, and implementing reasonable measures to prevent accidents.

Seeking Immediate Medical Attention

When facing a personal injury due to dangerous premises, one of the most critical steps is seeking immediate medical attention. Regardless of how minor an injury may seem initially, it is vital to receive professional evaluation and treatment. Not only does seeking medical care ensure your health and well-being but obtaining documentation of your injuries is crucial when filing a claim later on. By doing so promptly after an incident occurs, you strengthen your case by establishing a clear link between your injuries and the dangerous condition that caused them.

Documenting Evidence

Documentation plays a pivotal role in any personal injury case involving dangerous premises. To strengthen your claim and increase your chances of receiving fair compensation for damages suffered, gather as much evidence as possible. Begin by taking photographs or videos of the accident scene if conditions permit safely doing so. Additionally, make note of any apparent hazards or circumstances that contributed to the incident resulting in your injury. This information will assist lawyers in recreating the event accurately during proceedings.

Personal Lawyer Consultation

Engaging the services of an experienced personal injury lawyer can provide invaluable support throughout your case involving dangerous premises. An attorney specializing in this area of law will assess your situation, explain your legal rights, and guide you through all necessary steps. Ensure you choose a lawyer with a proven track record in personal injury cases involving dangerous premises. This way, you can trust that your interests are represented effectively, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Filing a Claim

Filing a claim against the responsible party is often an essential part of handling personal injuries involving dangerous premises. Your lawyer will handle this process on your behalf to prevent any errors or oversights that could hinder your case. Keep in mind that statutes of limitations vary depending on your jurisdiction, so it is crucial to initiate the process as soon as possible to preserve your right to compensation. Include in your claim all relevant evidence and documentation gathered earlier to support your case strongly.

Negotiating Settlements

In some instances, the responsible party may opt for a settlement rather than going to trial. Settling can provide various advantages, such as avoiding potentially lengthy court proceedings and the uncertainties associated with trial verdicts. However, it is crucial to consult an attorney before accepting any settlement offer. Your lawyer will evaluate the proposed settlement, ensuring it adequately compensates you for incurred expenses and projected damages resulting from the incident. 

Navigating through Litigation

If reaching a fair settlement proves challenging or unachievable altogether, litigation may become necessary. At this stage, having a skilled personal injury attorney by your side becomes even more critical because they possess the expertise required to present a strong case in court. From gathering further evidence and interviewing witnesses to crafting persuasive arguments during trial proceedings, experienced lawyers navigate each step strategically while advocating on behalf of their client’s rights and interests. Throughout litigation, ensure open communication lines exist with your attorney so that together you can pursue justice effectively.

Conclusion

Handling personal injuries involving dangerous premises can be an arduous process. By understanding legal responsibility, seeking immediate medical attention, documenting evidence, and retaining a personal injury lawyer, individuals can protect their rights while pursuing fair compensation for damages incurred. Remember to file claims promptly and consider negotiation or litigation options when required. With the right support and guidance, victims of personal injury can navigate this challenging experience with clarity and confidence.

Steps to Take If Falsely Accused of Online Solicitation of a Minor in Houston, Texas

By
SM
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Photo by rivage on Unsplash

Being careful on the internet in Houston, Texas, is a slice of wisdom that’s been going around as long as the internet has existed. So, if you or someone you know has been falsely accused of online solicitation of a minor in Houston, Texas, consider getting professional legal help from a skilled Houston sex crime lawyer.

However, often even highly convincing and safe-appearing sites or chatrooms may be out to land someone in legal trouble. The issue of wrongful accusations of online solicitation of minors is becoming increasingly common, and there are entire rings dedicated to such degenerate practices.

In today’s digital era, where online interactions have become an integral part of our lives, one unfortunate consequence is the increase in false accusations, especially concerning online solicitation of a minor in Houston, Texas. 

Being falsely accused of such a serious crime can have devastating effects on an individual’s personal and professional life. It is crucial to navigate through this challenging situation with caution and act wisely by taking appropriate steps. This article aims to provide guidance and offer essential advice for anyone wrongly accused.

1. Try to Remain Calm and Composed

Facing untrue accusations is undoubtedly an emotionally distressing experience. However, it is vital to stay calm and composed throughout this process. Losing your temper or reacting impulsively can only worsen the situation. Maintain a cool head and respond thoughtfully.

2. Seek Legal Counsel from a Skilled Sex Crime Attorney in Houston, Texas

When faced with false allegations of online solicitation of a minor, it is essential to consult a knowledgeable attorney as soon as possible. A qualified lawyer will guide you through the legal system and protect your rights, providing advice specific to your case.

3. Document All Relevant Correspondences and Conversations

Gathering evidence is crucial when defending yourself against false accusations in any legal proceeding, including online solicitation cases involving minors. Document all relevant correspondences and conversations that can prove your innocence.

4. Cooperate but Exercise Caution

Cooperating with law enforcement agencies during their investigations is essential; however, it should be done cautiously in the light of legal counsel’s guidance. Avoid volunteering information without seeking advice from your attorney first; what may seem innocent in conversation could be potentially twisted against you. Weigh your statements carefully. 

5. The Pivotal Role Which Witness Statements Play in Houston Sex Crime Claims

Witness statements play a pivotal role in disproving false allegations. New testimonies or statements from family members, friends, colleagues, or even professionals who can vouch that you were elsewhere during the alleged incident are crucial pieces of evidence. Their accounts can help establish an unassailable alibi that counters the accusations against you.

6. Document Everything You Can Possibly Think Of

Every interaction and encounter related to your case should be carefully documented. Maintain a detailed record of all communication, including email chains, text messages, and social media conversations. Recording dates, times, and locations are essential information to refute any wrongful allegations.

7. Avoid Public Discussions

It’s vital not to publicly discuss your case or the accusations against you on social media platforms or anywhere else. The internet can be unforgiving, with statements being taken out of context and analyzed in ways you didn’t intend. This creates room for misinterpretation and can harm your defense. Allow your attorney’s guidance to shape public statements and ensure discussions remain confidential.

8. Protect Your Online Presence

False allegations can tarnish someone’s reputation dramatically. It is wise to review one’s online presence to make sure there is no publicly available inappropriate activity. This is in the interest of transparency, to demonstrate a clean & respectable image. If credibility carries weight, it becomes harder for baseless accusations to hold water.

9. Focus on the Legal Process

Being falsely accused often generates various emotions— anger, stress & a sense of injustice. It’s important, yet difficult, to focus on working with your legal team. Use them as advisors through the intricate legal process. They will store an objective perspective with an understanding of complex court procedures. Continue solely making posts around the nature/actions causing charge to inflate misunderstand to disadvantage.

10. Conduct a Thorough Investigation

In order to build a strong defense, it is crucial to conduct your own investigation. Look for any evidence that can support your innocence and disprove the accusations made against you. This could include gathering records of your online activity, obtaining witness statements, or seeking digital forensic analysis if required.

11. Stay Away from the Alleged Minor You Are Accused of Soliciting Online

While it may be tempting to confront the alleged victim or try to prove your innocence directly, it is best to maintain distance and adhere to legal advice. Interacting with the alleged victim outside of the legal process can complicate matters and potentially harm your case.

12. Trust in the Legal Process

It can be disheartening and frustrating when faced with false accusations, but it’s important not to lose faith in the legal system. Trust that by following proper procedures and presenting all relevant evidence, justice will prevail in due course. As you navigate through this difficult situation, remember that you are innocent until proven guilty.

Lawyer For Charges of Online Solicitation of a Minor in Houston, Texas

Being falsely accused of online solicitation of a minor is a deeply distressing and life-changing ordeal that no one should have to face. However, taking immediate action and following these steps can help protect your rights and reputation. Be sure to preserve electronic and other crucial evidence that supports your efforts to achieve an objective outcome.

The legal path may feel overwhelming, but consulting reliable legal counsel from a local law firm who specializes in untrue sex charges in Houston can be a valuable asset.

NASCAR Weekend Schedule for Indianapolis – July 2024

By
Angie Campbell
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Brad Keselowski, driver of the #6 Socios.com Ford, Daniel Suarez, driver of the #99 Freeway.com Chevrolet, and Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Verizon 200 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 13, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series and the Xfinity Series return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway 2.5-mile oval as the the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series heads to the .686-mile asphalt oval at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP).

The pressure to make the Playoffs is mounting with only five races remaining in the Cup Series regular season at Indianapolis, Richmond, Michigan, Daytona and Darlington.

Five Cup Series drivers have clinched a spot in the 16-driver playoff field – Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Ryan Blaney, and Christopher Bell.

Seven Xfinity Series drivers have secured a place in the 12-driver playoff field with seven races remaining in the regular season – Shane van Gisbergen, Chandler Smith, Austin Hill, Sam Mayer, Cole Custer, Justin Allgaier, and Jesse Love.

There are only two races to go in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series regular season. Four drivers have claimed a spot in the 10-driver playoff field with only two races remaining in the regular season – Christian Eckes, Corey Heim, Nick Sanchez and Rajah Caruth.

The ARCA Menards Series is also competing this weekend at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park on Friday with practice at 1:30 p.m. and qualifying at 2:30 p.m. The ARCA Circle City 200 is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on FS1.

All times are Eastern.

Friday, July 19
1:05 p.m.: Xfinity Series Practice
1:30 p.m.: ARCA Practice ARCA Race Center
2:20 p.m.: ARCA Qualifying ARCA Race Center
2:35 p.m.: Cup Series Practice
3:30 p.m.: Truck Series Practice (IRP) USA
4:05 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying (IRP) USA
5:30 p.m.: ARCA Circle City 200 – FS1

8:30 p.m.: Truck Series TSport 200 (IRP)
Distance: 137.2 miles (200 Laps)
Stages: Lap 60, Lap 120, Lap 200
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $672,492

Saturday, July 20
12:05: Xfinity Series Qualifying – USA
1:05 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – USA
NASCAR Press Pass: Post Cup Qualifying

3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Pennzoil 250
Distance: 250 miles (100 Laps)
Stages: Lap 30/Lap 60/Lap 100
USA/IMS Radio/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
Purse: $1,873,623
NASCAR Press Pass: Post Xfinity race

Sunday, July 21
2:30 p.m.: Cup Series Brickyard 400
Distance: 400 miles (160 Laps)
Stages: Lap 50/Lap 100/Lap 160
NBC/SiriusXM/IMS Radio
Purse: $9,596,601
NASCAR Press Pass Post Cup race

Three Entry GMG Racing Effort Ready to Resume 2024 SRO America Season this Weekend at VIRginia International Raceway

By
Official Release
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  • Kyle Washington Co-Drives New Porsche 911 GT3 R with Tom Sargent in Fanatec GT World Challenge America Powered by AWS and Solos in GT America Powered by AWS in GMG Racing’s Second No. 32 Type 992 Porsche
  • CJ Moses Returns to 2024 GT America Competition for First Time Since Long Beach for Third-Straight VIR Appearance in the No. 58 GMG Racing/CrowdStrike/AWS Audi R8 LMS GT2

DANVILLE, Virginia (July 17, 2024) – Ready to roll after SRO America’s two-month break from competition, GMG Racing and its three-car and three-driver entry of Fanatec GT World Challenge powered by AWS and GT America powered by AWS contenders returns to VIRginia International Raceway (VIR) for a full weekend of racing that kicks off the second half of the 2024 season at VIR, July 19 – 21.

First-year co-drivers Kyle Washington and Tom Sargent look to start the stretch-run of the year’s final-four race events with season-best Fanatec GT World Challenge America finishes this weekend in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R. Washington also drives solo in a second No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R alongside teammate CJ Moses in his No. 58 GMG Racing/CrowdStrike/AWS Audi R8 LMS GT2 in this weekend’s pair of GT America powered by AWS sprint races.

Washington and Sargent raced to a pair of season-best fourth-place Pro-Am-class finishes in early May at Sebring International Raceway, and reaching the podium in the doubleheader 90-minute GT World Challenge races is the main goal this weekend. In their corner will be a brand new Type 992 Porsche 911 GT3 R that will be the team’s primary GT World Challenge mount for the rest of the season.

The 992 Porsche 911 GT3 R Washington and Sargent shared in the year’s first three races now shifts to GT America where Washington will use it as his new primary car in that series. The 992’s GT America arrival is well timed as Washington still rides the lingering momentum of a season-best second-place finish in the final 40-minute GT America race in May at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), the last SRO America event weekend before SRO America’s traditional early-summer pause.

“We definitely had some momentum going with Kyle in not only SRO America competition but several others series as well throughout May,” said GMG Racing Founder and Team Principal James Sofronas. “Kyle and Tom had their best GT World Challenge America results in just their second race weekend together at Sebring. Then Kyle won a Porsche Sprint Challenge West Masters class race in Utah the week before his season-best GT America runner-up finish at COTA in the last race before SRO America’s annual break. Having a new car, like the 992 No. 32 Porsche 911 GT3 R, always brings some energy with it, and I have no doubts all of that momentum will come right back to Kyle, Tom and everybody on the team once we get back on track in Virginia.”

Moses makes his second race-weekend start of the season at VIR after making his 2024 debut last April in the GT America doubleheader at the Grand Prix of Long Beach. Moses earned a trip to Long Beach victory lane for the EBOOST Hard Charger Award for improving the most positions in Sunday’s race. He races uncontested in the GT2 class this weekend but will make the most of the VIR opportunity with some valuable seat time and on-track experience racing with both the top-tier GT3 competitors and the slower but still quick competitors in the GT4 class.

“My home track is VIR and it’s actually where I started my on track experience as a novice student with the Audi Club in 2000,” Moses said. “It is my favorite track for much the same reason as Paul Newman mentioned: it feels like heaven on earth! I enjoy it so much that my wife and I have contracted for one of the new Villas outside Turn 10. Having experience at the track and in the Audi GT2 allows me to focus on continuous improvement and enjoy the rolling countryside as fast as possible!”

Moses secured overall sixth and seventh place finishes in the GT2 Audi at VIR in 2022 after mixing it up with and even leading some GT3 competitors to the finish line in both races.

“It’s always a tough schedule for CJ to balance his busy work calendar with racing, but he had a good run at Long Beach in April and this is his third-straight year of being able to compete with us in the Audi R8 LMS GT2 at VIR,” Sofronas said. “That type of year-to-year continuity at a track is important for any driver, and we look forward to helping CJ continue to improve on what has been some steady progress over the years on his home track. Last year’s VIR race was a challenging weekend, but CJ was knocking on the door of an overall top-five two years ago and we will do all we can to help him mirror and even improve on that performance this weekend.”

The VIR race weekend also marks a milestone for GMG Racing, Sofronas, and his wife, Nargis Sofronas, as the family business is extending into the next generation with the national racing series debut of their son, Jenson Sofronas, in the Toyota Gazoo Racing North America (TGRNA) GR Cup Series. The younger Sofronas, under the watchful eye of his championship-winning father, tested the GMG Racing GR86 Cup Toyota last month at VIR and took the initial steps to earn a racing license in a USAC on-track testing and evaluation program at the Utah Motorsports Campus in May. Jenson Sofronas, 13, drives the No. 41 GMG Racing Toyota GR86 Cup in a GMG Racing collaboration with series race-winning team Lucas Racing.

All of the weekend’s racing action from VIR is livestreamed on SRO’s GT World channel on YouTube.com, beginning with the first 40-minute GT America race Saturday at 1 p.m. EDT straight through the second 90-minute Fanatec GT World Challenge race that closes out the weekend on Sunday with a 2:15 p.m. EDT green flag

About GMG Racing: Founded in 2001, GMG Racing quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning facility. What began as a small 1,200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a 30,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility located in Santa Ana, California in Orange County and with a trackside motorsports facility at 28,000 sq. ft. currently being built at The Thermal Club. The staff, attention to detail, and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. GMG, in its early years, was located directly across the street from Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). This close proximity allowed GMG to build a strong relationship with the legendary racing brand which has helped us support our customers to the highest level possible. From club racing to Sebring, Daytona and Spa, GMG can take you as far as you want to go. More information can be found at www.gmgracing.com.

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