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A Beginner’s Guide to NASCAR

By
SM
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The History, Mechanics and Legends of NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, most commonly known as NASCAR, is one of the most popular and exciting motorsports in the United States. It’s known for its high-speed races, roaring engines, and thrilling finishes, so it’s unsurprising that NASCAR has a rich history and a dedicated fan base. 

But what exactly is NASCAR, and how does it work? Well, we’re going to start off by giving you an overview of the basics of NASCAR and how the sport works before diving right into the origins of the sport, including the history of NASCAR and some of its most legendary drivers.

So, buckle up because you’re in for a wild ride!

The Fundamentals of NASCAR

NASCAR is primarily for its stock car racing, which involves cars resembling standard street vehicles but specially modified for high performance. Thus, it’s unsurprising that it’s so popular – in a way, it feels more relatable for ordinary people than something like Formula 1. 

In the most basic sense, the season involves several series of races throughout the year, in which different drivers and teams compete for titles. 

Like American Football, NASCAR is a mostly American sport. Therefore, it operates several national series within the United States, the most prominent of which are the NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

  • NASCAR Cup Series: The premier series in the sport, featuring the very best teams and drivers.
  • NASCAR Xfinity Series: Generally considered the stepping stone to the Cup Series – like Formula 1’s equivalent of Formula 2 – showcasing upcoming talent in the sport.
  • NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: Possibly the most stereotypically American of them all, it features modified pickup trucks, offering drivers, racing enthusiasts, and general viewers a unique racing experience. 

These races typically involve several stages in which drivers compete for points, which contribute to their overall standing in the season. Eventually, the season culminates in the NASCAR Playoffs, a series of elimination rounds that determine the champion. 

How Do NASCAR Races Work?

Races take place on different types of tracks, including oval tracks, superspeedways, and road courses. 

We’re going to tell you how a typical race works:

  1. Qualifying: This determines the starting positions of the drivers in the actual race (or at least the first stage). Intuitively, the fastest driver to qualify starts at the front – this is called “pole position”, just like in other racing leagues like Formula 1. 
  2. Race Stages: Most NASCAR races are divided into three different stages. At the end of each stage, the drivers earn points based on their position. 
  3. Pit Stops: At some point during the race, drivers can make pit stops during which they can refuel, change tires and make other adjustments to their vehicles (within a strict set of rules). 
  4. Checkered Flag: At the very end, the first driver to cross the finish line at the end of the final stage wins the race. 

Drivers are awarded points based on the positions in which they finish as well as their stage wins, all of which contribute to the overall championship standings. 

The top, most successful drivers and teams compete for a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs, which is the ultimate fight for the championship title. 

Where It All Started: The History of NASCAR

NASCAR was founded in 1948 by Bill France Senor in Daytona Beach, Florida. The sport was initially born out of the popular practice of “bootlegging” during Prohibition—drivers would modify their cars to outrun the police while transporting illegal alcohol. Eventually, these modified cars led to organized races, paving the way for the eventual formalization of the NASCAR league that we know and love today.

Here are some key milestones in the history of NASCAR:

  • 1949: The first-ever official NASCAR race hosted at the Charlotte Speedway in North Carolina.
  • 1959: Ten years later, the Daytona International Speedway was opened, becoming home to the Daytona 500.
  • 1979: The sport gained popularity dramatically when the first NASCAR race was nationally televised. 
  • 1994: The inaugural Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was added to the NASCAR calendar. 

Since its inception, the sport of NASCAR has grown exponentially, becoming a major spectator sport with millions of fans around the world and numerous high-profile races every year. 

Famous NASCAR Drivers

In its 70-odd years of history, NASCAR has seen many drivers become legends, known for their skill and charisma. 

Here are some of the most famous NASCAR drivers who have significantly impacted the legacy of the sport:

  • Dale Earnhardt: Known for his aggressive style of driving, Dale Earnhardt earned the nickname of “The Intimidator”. He won seven championships, and his legacy now continues through his son, Dale Earnhardt Junior. 
  • Richard Petty: Nicknamed “The King”, Petty has a record of 200 NASCAR Cup Series wins and a whopping seven championships.
  • Jeff Gordon: Four-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, Gordon helped popularise NASCAR throughout the ‘90s and early 2000s. 
  • Tony Stewart: Known and loved for his incredible versatility, Tony Stewart won championships in both NASCAR and other racing series, too.
  • Jimmie Johnson: Johnson dominated NASCAR in the 2000s, earning seven championships, tying the record already held by Earnhardt and Petty. 

Along with many others, these drivers have left an indelible mark on the sport, inspiring new generations of racers and fans alike. 

The Cars and Technology

NASCAR cars are highly specialised machines that are designed with speed, performance and safety in mind. They may outwardly resemble street cars, but they are extensively modified for racing. Like other technological marvels like Casino Grand Bay, they look simple from the outside, but they are extremely complex on the inside.  

Key components of the cars include:

  • Engines: Powerful V8 engines that can produce over 750 horsepower.
  • Chassis: Sturdy and aerodynamically designed to be able to handle impacts and high speeds.
  • Safety Features: These days, NASCAR cars include HANS devices (for head and neck support), roll cages, and SAFER barriers (energy-absorbing walls) to protect the drivers while they race. 

As technology advances, so too do these features and the cars themselves. However, the sport, at heart, remains an adrenalin-fest for fans and drivers alike. 

Jak Crawford gets second opportunity to test Formula 1 car

By
Official Release
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Back behind the wheel of Aston Martin AMR22 at Silverstone

SILVERSTONE, England (11 July 2024) – Jak Crawford took advantage of a break in the FIA Formula 2 schedule to successfully test an Aston Martin Formula 1 car at Silverstone this week.

The 19-year-old Texan again impressed as he drove over 75 laps in an Aston Martin AMR22 in his second test in an F1 car as part of the Aston Martin Aramco Young Driver Development Program. The Silverstone outing marked his second time on board the AMR22, having previously tested with it at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring in June.

“I did all my testing in the afternoon, cramming a full day in a five-hour session,” Crawford said. “It was raining in the morning and I only did one installation lap in Aston Martin’s F1 car from two years ago. The F1 car felt good, and it was amazing to drive.”

Only three days earlier, Crawford was the first driver to take the checkered flag in Silverstone’s F2 Feature Race, ultimately being classified as third due to a five-second time penalty.

Capturing his first F2 Feature Race victory two weeks earlier at Barcelona for DAMS Lucas Oil, Crawford is looking forward to continuing his strong form as the F2 season enters the second half of the season

“I had just driven the F2 car at Silverstone in the race over the weekend,” Crawford said. “Driving the F1 car was a lot different. It’s really fast. I got up to speed well and felt confidence with the car.

“I think the team is happy,” he added. “I know they’re happy with the long-run pace, which has been a strength of mine this year.”

Currently, Crawford has no F1 testing scheduled until the end of the Grand Prix season.

“At the moment, my next time in the Formula 1 car will be the Young Driver Test at Abu Dhabi in December,” he said. “But you never know. There could be opportunities arising in the upcoming months, but at the moment nothing else is set.”

Crawford returns to F2 action on July 20-21 with a pair of races at the Hungaroring near Budapest, Hungary.

When a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership is the RIGHT Choice For You

By
SM
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Photo by Crosby Hinze on Unsplash

Buying a car is a big decision and often a stressful process, especially if traditional financing options are not available to you. If you’re struggling with bad credit or have other financial barriers, a Buy Here Pay Here (BHPH) dealership might be the solution you need. In this guide, we’ll explore when opting for a BHPH dealership is the right move for your car purchase.

What is a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership?

Let’s start with the basics. A buy here pay here dealers offers both the car and the financing directly. This is different from traditional dealerships that require you to get a loan through a bank or credit union. At a BHPH dealership, you make your payments directly to the dealership. This setup is designed to help individuals who have difficulty securing loans through conventional means due to credit issues or other financial constraints.

Benefits of Choosing a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

Accessible Financing for Credit-Challenged Buyers

If you have a low credit score or no credit history, getting approved for a loan from a traditional lender can feel impossible. BHPH dealerships specialize in working with customers who face these challenges.

Advantages:

  • No Credit Checks: Most BHPH dealerships do not require a credit check, making it easier for those with poor credit to qualify for a loan.
  • Credit Building Opportunity: Some BHPH dealerships report your payment history to credit bureaus, which can help you build or rebuild your credit over time.

2. Simplified Car-Buying Process

The process at a BHPH dealership is generally more straightforward than at traditional dealerships. Since the dealership itself is the lender, the approval process is quicker and involves less paperwork.

Advantages:

  • Quick Approvals: Loan approvals can happen within hours, allowing you to drive away the same day.
  • Less Hassle: Fewer documents are required, making the process faster and less cumbersome.

3. Flexible Payment Plans

BHPH dealerships typically offer flexible payment options that can be customized to fit your budget. This flexibility is particularly helpful if you have irregular income or specific financial needs.

Advantages:

  • Customizable Payment Schedules: Options for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly payments to suit your financial situation.
  • Variety of Payment Methods: You can pay in person, online, or set up automatic withdrawals.

4. Lower Initial Costs

Many BHPH dealerships offer vehicles with low down payments, making it easier to afford a car without needing a significant amount of money upfront.

Advantages:

  • Affordable Down Payments: Start driving with a minimal initial payment.
  • Trade-In Value: Use your current vehicle as a trade-in to reduce the down payment even further.

Situations Where Buy Here Pay Here Might Not Be Ideal

While BHPH dealerships offer numerous benefits, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some considerations to keep in mind before making a decision:

Higher Interest Rates

Interest rates at BHPH dealerships tend to be higher than those offered by traditional lenders. If you have good credit, you might find better rates and save money over time by securing a loan elsewhere.

Limited Vehicle Selection

BHPH dealerships often have a smaller inventory compared to traditional dealerships. If you are looking for a specific make or model, you might have more options at a conventional dealership.

Shorter Loan Terms

Loans from BHPH dealerships usually have shorter repayment periods, leading to higher monthly payments. If lower monthly payments are essential, a traditional lender offering longer loan terms might be a better fit.

Tips for Choosing the Right Buy Here Pay Here Dealership

If you decide that a BHPH dealership is right for you, it’s important to choose a reputable one. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Research the Dealership

Look for reviews and ratings online to see what other customers have to say about their experiences. A reputable BHPH dealership will have positive feedback and a history of customer satisfaction.

Understand the Loan Terms

Ensure you fully understand the loan terms, including the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any additional fees. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek clarification if something is unclear.

Inspect the Vehicle

Thoroughly inspect the vehicle and take it for a test drive before making a decision. Ensure that the car is in good condition and meets your needs.

Check for Warranties

Some BHPH dealerships offer warranties or service contracts. Having a warranty can provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected repair costs.

When a Buy Here Pay Here Dealership is the Right Choice

Now, let’s discuss scenarios where a BHPH dealership could be your best option:

Struggling with Bad Credit

If you’ve been denied a loan from traditional lenders due to bad credit, a BHPH dealership can offer the financing you need. These dealerships are more lenient with credit requirements, focusing more on your ability to make payments than your credit history.

Need a Car Quickly

BHPH dealerships often provide same-day approvals, allowing you to drive away in your new car much faster than traditional methods. If you need a vehicle urgently, this quick turnaround can be a significant advantage.

Desire for Flexible Payment Options

If you need flexibility in your payment schedule due to irregular income or other financial commitments, BHPH dealerships can offer tailored payment plans that align with your budget.

Limited Upfront Cash

If you don’t have a lot of cash for a down payment, BHPH dealerships typically offer low down payment options, making it easier for you to get the vehicle you need without a significant upfront investment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right financing option is crucial when purchasing a car, especially if you have credit challenges or other financial constraints. A Buy Here Pay Here dealership can provide accessible financing, a simplified buying process, flexible payment options, and lower initial costs, making it a viable solution for many buyers.

However, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully and ensure that a BHPH dealership is the right fit for your specific situation. By researching and understanding the terms and conditions, inspecting the vehicle, and choosing a reputable dealership, you can make a well-informed decision.

If you’re considering buy here pay here dealers, explore reputable options like Frank’s Auto Credit. With the right approach, you can find a reliable vehicle and a financing plan that meets your needs and budget.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT IOWA: Team Chevy Race Advance

By
Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
HY-VEE HOMEFRONT 250 & HY-VEE ONE STEP 250
IOWA SPEEDWAY
NEWTON, IOWA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
JULY 12-14, 2024

CHEVROLET SHIFTS GEARS TO IOWA SPEEDWAY FOR THE HY-VEE DOUBLEHEADER WEEKEND

  • In the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 era since 2012, Chevrolet holds 11 wins in 14 events at the 0.875-mile Iowa Speedway.
  • Since 2012, Team Chevy has also captured the NTT P1 Pole Award in 13 of 14 events.
  • In the V6 era since 2012, Chevrolet has led 3,519 laps at Iowa Speedway of the 3,850 total laps, for 91.4%.
  • Chevrolet additionally has swept the Iowa Speedway doubleheader weekend in the three events it has hosted, including 2020, 2022, and 2023.
  • Team Chevy has swept the podium at Iowa Speedway in six of the 14 events, including 2012, 2013, 2016, 2022 Race 1, 2022 Race 2, and 2023 Race 1.
  • Team owner and driver Ed Carpenter returns to the Team Chevy lineup, driving the No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway this weekend.

DETROIT (July 11, 2024) – With momentum gained from Pato O’Ward and Arrow McLaren’s victory in the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid technology debut at Mid-Ohio this past weekend, Chevrolet looks next to the 0.875-mile tri-oval of Iowa Speedway to continue their hot streak in the first of two doubleheader weekends on the NTT INDYCAR SERIES schedule.

The 10th and 11th rounds on tap in the hunt for the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship, Chevrolet holds a stellar record at “The World’s Fastest Short Track,” with 11 wins in the 14 events held during the V6 era since 2012. Locking out the podium six times as well as qualifying on pole in 13 of the 14 events, Team Chevy has swept the previous three doubleheader weekends at Iowa, including 2020 (Simon Pagenaud and Josef Newgarden), 2022 (Josef Newgarden and Pato O’Ward), and 2023 (Josef Newgarden in both). Combined, Chevrolet has led 3,519 laps at Iowa of the 3,850 turned in competition during the V6 era since 2012, for 91.4%.

“It was a successful start to the V6 hybrid era with Pato (O’Ward) and Arrow McLaren securing the first victory with the new technology on board in Mid-Ohio for Chevrolet,” said Mark Stielow, Director of Motorsports Competition Programs for General Motors. “Shifting forward to Iowa this weekend, it’s a demanding oval both mentally and physically on our Team Chevy drivers, and mixing in the July heat with the new hybrid technology during a doubleheader, it will be a challenge that we are ready for. Iowa has been a great proving ground for Chevrolet, a place to showcase our strong success, dedication, and hard work, and we’re looking forward to potentially adding a 12th and 13th win on the oval there this weekend.”

After the successful Mid-Ohio debut of the V6 engine with hybrid technology, Iowa Speedway will be the first oval for the new tool in competition after extensive collaboration, research, and testing by the series and both manufacturers.

Of the V6 era since 2012, including the hybrid technology debut, Chevrolet holds 116 wins since 2012 in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES in 208 race events, as well as 130 earned NTT P1 Pole Awards, eight manufacturer titles, and six Indianapolis 500 victories.

The doubleheader weekend at Iowa Speedway kicks off with practice on Friday at 3:35 p.m. ET, transitioning then to Saturday with qualifying and Firestone Fast Six at 3:45 p.m. ET. The first 250-lap event of the weekend, the Hy-Vee Homefront 250, takes the green flag live on NBC at 8 p.m. ET. Sunday sees the second of the two races, with the Hy-Vee One Step 250, airs live at 12 p.m. ET Sunday on NBC. All practice and qualifying sessions broadcast with Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 218.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“It was really good to have both not only the Iowa hybrid test but the Milwaukee hybrid test as well because it gave us a head start on a car setup, and really figuring out what I like as a driver and what I don’t like, I think that that’s really important. Also, James (Schnabel) is still learning me as a driver, so getting the car comfortable for me to be fast is crucial. And we were able to do that at the hybrid test.

“I think it’s definitely going to be a different experience using (the hybrid technology) in Iowa. I think that the hybrid is less effective on the short oval just because of the minimum speeds and how we carry the corners. So, I don’t think I’ll really using the hybrid much other than maybe for starting qualifying off and you know being able to play defense and offense but for normal running, I probably won’t be using much of it. I do enjoy racing at Iowa and I’ve had a lot of fun, fun races there. I love the fact that it’s normally two to three lanes. Unfortunately, I don’t think that’s going to be the case this year, but we’re gonna have our fingers crossed for the highline practice so we can make sure we have a two-lane racetrack.”

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

“The repave completely changed the track. The increase in grip means less tire wear and more fatigue for the drivers. There will need be different demands on the car than we initially thought too. Making a “quali” [qualifying] car and a car to last the race will be interesting.

“(Running two races so close together is physically) incredibly difficult. I expect this to be the most physical weekend of the year. This is due to the temperatures at the track, plus the increase in grip over past years here. Good sleep, lots of food, and lots of hydration I think will be some key points for the weekend. I think it could be a fun race with a good car where we are competitive. I know the race can be won and lost on pitlane on such a short oval like Iowa, so those will be one of the main focuses through the weekend to nail down. “

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

“We have a big doubleheader this weekend coming off the win at Mid-Ohio. This weekend at Iowa Speedway is probably going to be one of the most physical races weekends of the season. The hybrid system and repave should keep things interesting. I hope we come out of Iowa with better results than we did last year and keep some positive momentum rolling.”

Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“It’s a big shift going into short track racing now, but I’m really excited. It’ll be the first oval race with the hybrid system, so there is still a lot to learn. Historically, Arrow McLaren has always been super strong on ovals, so I’m really excited to do my first oval with the team. We had a successful test there a couple weeks ago and I think we’re going to have a strong car and a solid shot at it this weekend. I’m excited to see what we can do and start building better results.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I can’t wait to get back to Iowa for the first doubleheader of the year. It’s going to be a hot and intense weekend, but I think we’ll have strong cars and I can’t wait to get going.”

Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

“The win last weekend in Mid-Ohio definitely provided a boost of confidence for the team heading into the second half of the season. We’ve been strong at Iowa Speedway in the past but, as we found at our recent test here, the repave has really changed the characteristics of the track. We’re hoping to pull together everything we learnt from the test and roll off the trucks with a competitive package for all three cars. The atmosphere at this race is so cool with the concerts and IndyCar short oval racing is hard to beat. As a team our focus remains one of continual improvement and enjoying the process of competing at the highest level. If we can keep doing that, the results will take care of themselves.”

Ed Carpenter, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“The Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend has become a highlight of the calendar for me. I have always really enjoyed racing at Iowa Speedway and it has turned into a really fun and unique event! For sure, it will be a challenge with the new surface and somewhat unknown tire and downforce package. The team has really been coming on strong the second half of the season. I am excited to pick up where Christian (Rasmussen) left off at Mid-Ohio and get more great results for the team!”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I am excited for Iowa, such a cool track! It will be interesting with the new surface to see how the racing will be, and there have been some changes made in downforce levels and tire compounds since the test. But we had good speed during the test! This is kind of the start of the oval season, so that’s pretty cool. Two races and one at night, which will be exciting. I love night races! I am just looking forward to bouncing back in a strong way this weekend and working back towards the Top 10 in points!”

Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“Iowa is a fun little racetrack where the races were awesome in the past. There has been a few changes made to the track so we will see how that plays out for us. We will try to start our oval season pretty well in Iowa with two races.”

Agustin Canapino, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:

“We arrived in Iowa, which is a very important weekend because it is double (race). It is an oval that last year we had very good potential, and we were satisfied with the tests carried out a few days ago. We are going to try to have a great weekend and take many points.”

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

Wins at Iowa: 11

2012: Ryan Hunter-Reay

2013: James Hinchcliff

2016: Josef Newgarden

2017: Helio Castroneves

2019: Josef Newgarden

2020 (Race 1): Simon Pagenaud

2020 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

2022 (Race 1): Josef Newgarden

2022 (Race 2): Pato O’Ward

2023 (Race 1): Josef Newgarden

2023 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

Earned Pole Awards at Iowa: 13

2013: Helio Castroneves

2014: Scott Dixon

2015: Helio Castroneves

2016: Simon Pagenaud

2017: Will Power

2018: Will Power

2019: Simon Pagenaud

2020 (Race 1): Conor Daly

2020 (Race 2): Josef Newgarden

2022 (Race 1): Will Power

2022 (Race 2): Will Power

2023 (Race 1): Will Power

2023 (Race 2): Will Power

Number of Team Chevy Podiums at Iowa (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybrid): 31

*Chevrolet has also swept the podium six times, including 2012, 2013, 2016, 2022 Race 1, 2022 Race 2, and 2023 Race 1.

Number of laps led by Team Chevy at Iowa (V6 era since 2012, pre-hybird): 3,519 of 3,580, or 91.4% of all laps in the V6 era since 2012.

2024 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:

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

1: 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.

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.

33: 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 53 times since 2012.

27: 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.

Weekend schedule for NASCAR at Pocono Raceway – July 2024

By
Angie Campbell
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Photo by Jeff Clemmons for SpeedwayMedia.com.

NASCAR heads to Pocono Raceway this week for a full schedule of racing. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series headlines Friday evening, followed by the Xfinity Series Saturday at 3 p.m. On Sunday afternoon the Cup Series takes center stage with The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VisitPA.com.

With Alex Bowman’s win at the Chicago Street course, 12 Cup Series drivers have secured a place in the 16-driver Playoff field – Bowman, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez and Austin Cindric.

Six Xfinity Series competitors have earned a spot in the 12-driver Playoff field via wins, including Shane van Gisbergen, Chandler Smith, Austin Hill, Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier and Jesse Love. Cole Custer (the current points leader) is also eligible for the Playoffs, leaving 5 open spots.

Only four Truck Series drivers have guaranteed their place in the 10-driver Playoff field with wins – Christian Eckes, Corey Heim, Nick Sanchez and Rajah Caruth -leaving six remaining spots

NASCAR Press Pass will be live post-qualifying for the Cup Series and post-race for all series.

All times are Eastern.

Friday, July 12
2 p.m.: Truck Series Practice
Timed/All Entries/20 minutes – FS2

2:30 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying
Impound/All Entries/Single Vehicle/1 Lap – FS2

5:30 p.m.: Truck Series CRC Brakleen 175
Stages 15/30/70 Laps = 175 Miles
FS1/MRN/SiriusXM
2023 race winner: Kyle Busch
Purse: $757,128

Saturday, July 13
10 a.m.: Xfinity Series Practice
Timed/All Entries/20 minutes – USA

10:30 a.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying
Impound/All Entries/ Single Vehicle/1 Lap – USA

Noon: Cup Series Practice
Timed/Group A & B – 20 Minutes Each Group
USA/MRN/SiriusXM

12:45 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying
Impound/Group A & B/Single Vehicle: 1 Lap/2 Rounds
USA/MRN/SiriusXM

3 p.m.: Xfinity Series Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 race
Stages 20/40/90 Laps = 225 Miles
USA/MRN/SiriusXM
2023 race winner: Austin Hill
Purse: $1,439,558

Sunday, July 14
2:30 p.m.: Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.com
Stages 30/95/160 Laps = 400 Miles
USA/MRN/SiriusXM
2023 race winner: Denny Hamlin
Purse: $7,776,907

The Domino Effect and Transition of Stewart-Haas Racing’s Drivers in 2024

By
Andrew Kim
-
Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.

In a span of three weeks during the 2024 summer stretch, three-quarters of Stewart-Haas Racing’s (SHR) current driver lineup in the NASCAR Cup Series division have found new teams to call home for the 2025 season. The change in teams that include rising stars Josh Berry, Chase Briscoe and Noah Gragson are all pieces of a domino effect that center towards the rapid, downsizing transition of SHR’s program for the foreseeable future.

The domino effect of SHR during the 2024 season originated on May 28th when co-owners Gene Haas and Tony Stewart announced the decision that the organization, which has notched two Cup Series championships and 69 victories in 15 seasons, would cease operations at this season’s conclusion. The news ignited a shockwave across the NASCAR community that left many involved with SHR, including the competitors across the Cup and Xfinity Series divisions, uncertain about the future.

Nearly a month later on June 20th, Gene Haas flipped the script by announcing that SHR would be rebranded to Haas Factory Team. The brand change for SHR would result in Haas retaining one of its four Cup Series charters and field one Cup and two Xfinity teams for the 2025 season. It did not, however, guarantee all SHR competitors a landing spot for either ride as all were left to pursue new opportunities while balancing their mentality on the track for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Then on June 26th, Chase Briscoe emerged as the first SHR competitor to land a new home for the 2025 season after he inked a multi-year deal with Joe Gibbs Racing to pilot the No. 19 Toyota Camry XSE entry. Briscoe, who is currently ranked in 16th place in this year’s driver’s standings as he bids to make the 2024 Playoffs, is set to replace Martin Truex Jr., the 2017 Cup Series champion who is set to retire from full-time competition after this season. Ironically, Briscoe succeeded veteran Clint Bowyer in SHR’s No. 14 entry when Bowyer announced his retirement from full-time racing after the 2020 season just as Briscoe was commencing his Cup campaign driving for SHR and his childhood hero, Tony Stewart.

Briscoe’s transition to Joe Gibbs Racing occurs as the Mitchell, Indiana, native is currently competing in his fourth consecutive full-time season in the Cup Series, all behind the wheel of SHR’s No. 14 Ford entry. His top accomplishment as a Cup SHR competitor is notching his first career victory at Phoenix Raceway in March 2022, where he became the 200th competitor overall to win in NASCAR’s premier series. The Phoenix victory guaranteed Briscoe a spot into the 2022 Cup Playoffs, where he would transfer from the Round of 16 to 8 before he settled in ninth place in the final standings.

In addition to making 128 current Cup starts while logging in a total of 27 top-10 results and two poles, Briscoe has 11 career wins in the Xfinity Series, all with SHR from 2018-20. During the 2020 season, where he won nine races, the Hoosier native transferred all the way to the Championship 4 round and contended for the series’ title at Phoenix Raceway before settling in fourth place in the final standings. Before his success in the Xfinity circuit, he scored his first Craftsman Truck Series career victory in the 2017 finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and claimed the 2016 ARCA Menards Series championship. With all of Briscoe’s current stock car success occurring while sporting the Blue Ford Oval logo in front of his entries, the Ford racing family will be minus one star as Briscoe will be piloting a Toyota for the first time in 2025 since the 2013 ARCA Menards Series West season.

Photo by Chad Wells for SpeedwayMedia.com.

Eight days after Briscoe’s announcement on July 3rd, Josh Berry was selected to pilot the iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry for the Wood Brothers Racing organization. Berry’s news comes as he is campaigning in his first full-time season both in the Cup Series and in the No. 4 SHR Ford entry, where he replaced the 2014 Cup champion Kevin Harvick after Harvick retired from full-time racing following the 2023 season. The 33-year-old Berry from Hendersonville, Tennessee, is currently leading the 2024 Cup Rookie-of-the-Year standings and is ranked in 21st place in the driver’s standings on the strength of two top-five results and four top-10 results through 20 starts.

Before competition in the Cup Series, Berry scored five victories in the Xfinity Series and made the Championship 4 field during the 2022 season, all while driving for JR Motorsports. He is also the all-time wins leader in the CARS Tour and CARS Late Model Stock Car Tour at 22 and is a former champion in both the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series and the CARS divisions.

Berry, who became the second competitor to pilot SHR’s No. 4 entry, is set to become the 48th competitor overall to make at least one start for the Wood Brothers in 2025, with the organization still pursuing its goal of achieving 100 victories in NASCAR’s premier series. Berry is also set to replace Harrison Burton, a third-year Cup Series competitor for the Wood Brothers and the 2020 Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year whose plans for the 2025 season remain uncertain.

Recently on July 10th, Noah Gragson removed his name from this year’s Silly Season list after it was announced that he would be joining forces with Front Row Motorsports for the 2025 season. Gragson, a 25-year-old native from Las Vegas, Nevada, is competing in his first full-time Cup season with SHR and in the No. 10 Ford after having his 2023 Cup campaign evaporating midway into the season following an off-track social media action that resulted in him being suspended and spending a month completing NASCAR’s sensitivity training program, RISE, before his suspension was lifted, all while competing for Legacy Motor Club. Currently, Gragson is ranked in 23rd place in the 2024 driver’s standings after recording six top-10 results through 20 scheduled starts. His best result in a Cup race is a third-place run generated at Talladega this past May.

Before the 2024 season, Gragson was competing with Legacy Motor Club prior to his mid-season suspension. Previously, he made select Cup starts between Beard Motorsports, Kaulig Racing and Hendrick Motorsports during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He is also a 13-time race winner in the Xfinity Series and a two-time Craftsman Truck Series race winner, where he has finished a career-best runner-up in the final standings for both seasons.

Gragson, who is set to become the 44th competitor overall to make at least one Cup start with Front Row Motorsports, is set to be teammates with Todd Gilliland as part of the team’s three-car stable lineup for the 2025 season. Ironically, Gragson and Gilliland were teammates in the Truck Series during the 2017 and 2018 seasons, where both drove for Kyle Busch Motorsports. Front Row Motorsports’ third driver for the third Cup entry is yet to be determined as Michael McDowell, the 2021 Daytona 500 champion who is in his seventh season with the organization, is set to join Spire Motorsports for next season.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

As Berry, Briscoe and Gragson prepare for new adventures in 2025, Ryan Preece, the fourth Stewart-Haas Racing competitor, has yet to secure a new ride at this season’s conclusion. Preece, the 2013 Whelen Modified Tour champion from Berlin, Connecticut, is currently campaigning in his second full-time season with SHR and in the No. 41 Ford entry, where he is ranked in 26th place in the driver’s standings on the strength of two top-10 results and a strong fourth-place run at Nashville Superspeedway in late June.

Through 171 current starts in the Cup Series, Preece’s highlights include winning his first pole position at Martinsville Speedway in April 2023, where he would lead a race-high 135 laps, and notching a total of four top-five results. Additional highlights for Preece across NASCAR’s top three national touring series include winning twice in both the Xfinity and Truck Series apiece, all while he continues to pursue his first Cup victory and that would enable him to be a force to be reckoned with in the Cup division for years to come.

Preece is not the only SHR competitor who is a free agent looking ahead to the 2025 NASCAR season. SHR’s two full-time Xfinity Series competitors that include Cole Custer and Riley Herbst have also yet to establish their plans for the future.

Custer, the reigning Xfinity Series champion and the current 2024 regular-season points leader from Ladera Ranch, California, is currently competing in his fifth full-time season in the Xfinity circuit, where he is piloting the No. 00 Ford Mustang, and second in a row since returning from full-time Cup Series racing from 2020 to 2022. During Custer’s three-year Cup campaign, he notched his first career victory at Kentucky Speedway in July 2020 following a four-wide pass for the lead on the final lap. Custer’s Kentucky victory automatically guaranteed him a spot in the 2020 Cup Playoffs. Despite ending up in 16th place in the final standings, Custer claimed the 2020 Rookie-of-the-Year title. To go along with one Cup career victory, Custer has also accumulated 13 victories in the Xfinity circuit and two in the Truck circuit, where he holds the record for being the youngest winner in the latter series at age 16. With Custer’s father, Joe, set to become the president of Haas’ rebranded team in 2025, Cole Custer is widely rumored to claim the seat of Haas’ lone Cup program entry, though an official announcement has yet to be made.

Meanwhile, Herbst, a one-time Xfinity Series race winner and driver of the No. 98 Ford Mustang from Las Vegas, Nevada, is left with uncertainly looking ahead to next season despite being on track to contend in this year’s Xfinity Playoffs as he is ranked in sixth place in the regular-season standings. Herbst is currently campaigning in his fifth consecutive full-time season in the Xfinity circuit and fourth with SHR amid an eventful career where he has recorded 79 top-10 results in 160 Xfinity starts and made the series’ Playoffs from 2020 to 2022. In addition to racing full-time in the Xfinity Series, Herbst has made seven Cup starts over the previous two seasons, including three between Rick Ware Racing and Front Row Motorsports. With a variety of stars left with uncertainty ahead of the 2025 season, it all but creates a variety of opportunities for Herbst to land a new home for the foreseeable future.

Photo by John Knittel for SpeedwayMedia.com.

With Stewart-Haas Racing set for major downsizing changes in 2025, the organization’s 2024 NASCAR season continues with the series’ lone visit to Pocono Raceway. SHR’s Xfinity Series program competes at Pocono for the Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 this Saturday, July 13th, at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network while SHR’s Cup program competes in The Great American Getaway 400 this Sunday, July 14th, at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

Exciting Sprint format to return for the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX in 2025

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Official Release
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  • Miami International Autodrome chosen by Formula 1 as one of six venues to host the popular Sprint race next year
  • Exciting format returns to Miami Gardens after a successful 19-lap debut in the May 2024 event
  • The Sprint weekend guarantees fans will experience three days of competitive action with an extra Sprint Qualifying session on Friday afternoon and an exciting shorter-distance race on Saturday, ahead of the Grand Prix on Sunday
  • Next year’s race in Miami Gardens will take place the weekend of May 2-4, 2025

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – South Florida Motorsports (SFM), promoter of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX, is thrilled to announce the popular Sprint format will return for next year’s event. The additional dash-to-the-flag race on Saturday guarantees fans will experience three exciting days of on-track action at the Miami International Autodrome across the weekend of May 2-4, 2025.

Earlier today, Formula 1 confirmed six venues will feature a Sprint in 2025 with Miami joining China, Belgium, Austin, Brazil and Qatar on the schedule to host the additional, shorter-format race. This will be Miami’s second time hosting a sprint race. In May 2024, over 275,000 spectators attended the Miami International Autodrome as the event held a Sprint race for the first time. With two Qualifying sessions, the Sprint and Grand Prix itself on the Sunday, fans were treated to a competitive spectacle across all three days.

“We are thrilled to once again have the opportunity to host a Sprint race in 2025, which brings tremendous excitement and added energy to the race track and ultimately to the fans,” said Tyler Epp, President of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. “The Sprint guarantees all three days will have competitive sessions, and the drivers and teams have to be on the pace right away. It was a huge success for us in 2024, and we can’t wait for the opportunity to deliver another world-class spectacle next May.”

First introduced in 2021, the Sprint is a 100km (62.14 mile) dash to the checkered flag, which is roughly one-third the distance of a standard Grand Prix. Five different winners have taken the top spot in the 15 Sprints to have been held in the past three years — with seven different pole position holders. There are no mandatory pitstops and eight points are awarded for the winner, descending to one point for eighth place. Both drivers and teams score points for their respective championships.

In May, two winners were crowned across the weekend in Miami Gardens as Max Verstappen triumphed for Red Bull Racing in the 19-lap Sprint on Saturday, while McLaren’s Lando Norris memorably took his first-ever Formula 1 victory at the 57-lap FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX on Sunday.

The FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2025 will be the fourth race to be held in Miami Gardens on a 3.36-mile track within the complex of Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. Each year, Miami is the first of three F1 races to be held in the United States and has developed a reputation as an event that combines the fun and culture of Miami with a fan-focused experience, unrivaled food and beverage offerings and luxury hospitality. Fans interested in attending next year’s race on May 2-4, 2025 are encouraged to sign up for more information on tickets at https://f1miamigp.com/.

About the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX

The FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX, established in 2022 on the FIA Formula 1 World Championship calendar, is the premier culmination of world-class racing, fan experience, entertainment and hospitality. Located in the heart of Miami Gardens, Florida, the event was recognized as Best New Event of 2022 by Sports Business Journal and the event’s promoter South Florida Motorsports (SFM) was recently awarded the prestigious FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation rating for its overall sustainability and environmental management efforts. Now entering its fourth year, the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX is hosted by SFM at the Miami International Autodrome, a 19-turn, 3.36-mile track within the complex of Hard Rock Stadium, the home of the legendary Miami Dolphins NFL team.

In its third edition, the race boasted more than 275,000 attendees and a record-breaking average audience of 3.1 million viewers on ABC – a mark previously held by the inaugural FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX – making it the largest live US television audience on record for a Formula 1 race. The event has generated more than $1 billion in economic impact to South Florida over its three years. SFM and Formula 1 have also worked closely to engage with and support the local Miami Gardens community, providing thousands of tickets annually for residents, creating a STEM education program through F1 in Schools, offering event internships for local students and featuring several community-owned restaurants on Campus during race weekend each year.

For more information please visit: https://media.f1miamigp.com/

About Formula 1®

The history of Formula 1® began in 1950 and is the world’s most prestigious motorsport competition and the world’s most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1 and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship™.

Formula 1 is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK, BATRA, BATRK, FWONA, FWONK) attributed to the Formula One Group shares.

The F1 FORMULA 1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula One company. All rights reserved.

For more information about Formula 1® visit: www.formula1.com

Rick Ware Racing: Justin Haley/Cody Ware Pocono Advance

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Official Release
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JUSTIN HALEY | CODY WARE
Pocono Advance

Event Overview

● Event: The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com (Round 21 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 14
● Location: Pocono (Pa.) Raceway
● Layout: 2.5-mile triangle
● Laps/Miles: 160 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 30 laps / Stage 2: 65 laps / Final Stage: 65 laps
● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Justin Haley, Driver of the No. 51 Walmart Health and Wellness Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● After looping the streets of downtown Chicago, the NASCAR Cup Series treks to the Pocono Mountains for Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com. The 2.5-mile, triangle-shaped Pocono (Pa) Raceway first hosted NASCAR on Aug. 4, 1974, nearly 50 years ago. The first Ford driver to visit victory lane at the “Tricky Triangle” was Bill Elliott on June 9, 1985. Six weeks later, Elliott won the second Cup Series visit to Pocono to complete that year’s sweep for Ford.

● Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 Walmart Health and Wellness Ford Mustang Dark Horse, looks to become the 25th driver to win for Ford at Pocono in his fourth Cup Series start at the track. He has a best Cup Series finish of 21st at Pocono, earned in 2021. In three Xfinity Series races, Haley has a best finish of ninth, earned in his first series start at the track in 2019.

● The Cup Series’ return to Pocono lands just shy of a year since Haley announced that he would join Rick Ware Racing (RWR) fulltime beginning in 2024. Since then, Haley has equaled or bettered the team’s previous best effort at eight different tracks, and earned RWR’s best finish on a non-superspeedway-type track with his ninth-place finish at Darlington on May 12. He matched that with another top-10 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois on June 2. Two weeks later, Haley said he’s committed to owner Rick Ware and his team for as long they will have him – “Without Rick, I wouldn’t even be in the Cup Series right now. Whatever Rick wants my future to be, you know, if that’s for me to stay for 5 to 10 years, I’ll stay for 5 to 10 years just because he gave me the opportunity when no one else would. I kind of owe everything to him.”

● In 2017, Haley pulled double duty at the Tricky Triangle. He started the weekend by winning his third ARCA Menards Series race and second of the season after starting second and leading 28 laps. The next day, he drove to a 10th place finish in his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Pocono. He returned the following year to finish fifth in the Truck Series race.

● Haley is fresh off a 16th-place finish in last weekend’s Chicago Street Race. It was his sixth top-20 in the last nine races and moved the No. 51 team to 29th in the driver standings.

Cody Ware, Driver of the No. 15 Jacob Construction Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Cody Ware returns to the No. 15 Jacob Construction Ford Mustang Dark Horse for his third start of 2024. He has four previous starts at Pocono with a best finish of 25th, earned in 2021.

● Ware’s first start this season came at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway on April 21. The 28-year-old driver started 34th and steadily worked his way toward the top-20 throughout the race. He was on pace for a top-20 finish when the leaders made contact on the final lap and collected several cars in the aftermath, including Ware’s. He took the checkered flag in 24th for his second-best career result at Talladega.

Rick Ware Racing Notes

● The Progressive American Flat Track (AFT) series wrapped its 10th event of the season last weekend at the DuQuoin (Ill.) Mile. AFT Singles rider and defending class champion Kody Kopp finished second by .001 of a second to earn his ninth podium of the year. He holds onto the top spot in the championship standings by 32 points. Mission SuperTwins rider Briar Bauman just missed out on a podium finish with a fourth-place result and is currently fourth in the standings with two podium finishes, including a win at the Ventura Short Track in Chico, California.

● 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

Why is Pocono so “tricky?”

“I’ve really enjoyed racing at Pocono in the past. I’ve had really good finishes there – a win, and also some pretty big hits. There are just so many things that it takes to be good there. Track position will be important, as it always is, but we’re really going to have to try to get the car driving well in every corner. They’re all different, so you know that there’s probably going to be one or two corners where the car isn’t doing exactly what you want. We’ve also seen Pocono turn into a strategy race, which has helped us at a few other places this year. It’ll just come down to making the right calls and having a fast car. The Rick Ware cars have been really strong lately, so we just need to keep that going.”

It’s been about a year since you announced your decision to move to Rick Ware Racing. Is there anything that stands out when you reflect on that time?

“I think a lot of people were confused and didn’t understand why I was making the decision. I knew why. I think that’s become pretty clear by now, that in my conversations with Rick (Ware) and Robby (Benton), they gave me what I needed to know improvement was coming. They put in the work to invest in people and commit to being better, and I’ve done the same for them. It’s a team and we all work together to find that success. We’re a small group but we’re competing right alongside teams with a lot more resources than we have, and it’s working. I owe everyone in that shop a lot and I’m glad I can go out and give them the finishes that they work hard for.”

Cody Ware, Driver Q&A

In your last two starts, you really focused on getting comfortable in the car and trying to better your previous performances. Is that the goal for this weekend?

“I think so. It takes a couple of laps to get refamiliar with the car, especially at a place like Pocono. You carry so much speed down the straightaways and really have to hit your marks, so the quicker I can get reacclimated, the quicker I can give the team feedback that can help us keep the car dialed in throughout the race. The team has been doing really well lately. They’ve been showing a lot of speed and I’m excited to see what we’re able to do on a bigger track like Pocono.”

Other than only having only three turns, what makes Pocono such a unique track?

“The shape is certainly unique, but having three very different corners with long straightaways on top of everything else that makes a race tough can lead to a long day. Your car will never handle perfectly, but if it’s close enough and you can get off of each corner the way you need to, your biggest battle is probably going to be dirty air or whatever else is going on around you.”

21 Team Hoping for Strong Run at Pocono

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Official Release
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Harrison Burton and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team are headed to Pocono Raceway hoping to build on their strong run a year ago on the 2.5-mile track known as the Tricky Triangle.

“I’ve had Pocono circled on the schedule after looking back at Harrison’s results from 2023,” said crew chief Jeremy Bullins. “He brought the 21 car home eighth last year at this race, and I’m hoping for more of the same this year.”

Pocono is a special place for Bullins as he got the first of his nine Cup wins as a crew chief at Pocono in 2017 with Ryan Blaney driving the No. 21 Ford.

Bullins pointed out that the No. 21 DEX Imaging team has had some promising runs in recent weeks, and he hopes that continues this weekend.

“We’ve had a couple of opportunities lately to bring home some good finishes, and hopefully this week we can do just that with our DEX Mustang,” he said.

Practice for The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPa.com is set for Noon on Saturday (Eastern Time) to be followed by qualifying at 12:45 p.m.

Sunday’s 160-lap, 400-mile race is expected to get the green flag just after 2:30 p.m., with Stage breaks at Laps 30 and 95.

USA Network will carry the TV coverage all weekend.

About DEX Imaging
DEX Imaging is the digital document imaging division of Staples, the world’s largest business solutions provider. DEX sells and services the broadest selection of copiers, printers and data management solutions, such as HP, Konica Minolta, Canon, Kyocera and numerous others.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES:
Reducing Operating Costs
Reducing Paper Consumption
Increasing Productivity

DEX Imaging has been the recipient of virtually every industry award since the company’s inception, including the JD Power & Associates Award for Best Customer Experience, the prestigious ProTech Service award by Konica Minolta, the Diamond Premier Dealer Award by Kyocera, and the Elite DEALER Award by ‘ENX’ magazine. Other accolades include being named ‘Best Place to Work’ by numerous business journals in the markets DEX serves.

Wood Brothers Racing
Wood Brothers Racing was formed in 1950 in Stuart, Va., by Hall of Famer Glenn Wood. Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest active team and one of the winningest teams in NASCAR history. Since its founding, the team won 99 races (including at least one race in every decade for the last seven decades) and 120 poles in NASCAR’s top-tier series. Fielding only Ford products for its entire history, the Wood Brothers own the longest association of any motorsports team with a single manufacturer. Glenn’s brother, Leonard, is known for inventing the modern pit stop. The team currently runs the Ford Mustang driven by Harrison Burton in the famous No. 21 racer.

4 Crucial Safety Tips for Automotive Repair Shops

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SM
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Image by Artem Podrez on Pexels

Safety is a major concern in automotive repair shops. Working in these shops requires using materials and machinery that cause specific safety risks. They include bodily injuries caused by the use of heavy machinery and fire hazards from highly flammable chemicals. There’s also a risk of slips and falls, repetitive motion disorders, and other injuries. With the proper safety measures, you can prevent the likelihood of injuries. Outlined below are four crucial safety tips for automotive repair shops.

  1. Use PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Having the correct PPE is key to maintaining safety in automotive repair shops. The specific protective gear required to prevent injuries include:

  • Eye protection: Safety goggles or glasses are a must-have because they protect your eyes from chemicals, flying debris, and other dangers
  • Respiratory gear: Dust, vapor, and fume inhalation in automotive repair shops can result in severe respiratory concerns. You should wear a quality mask or respirator and ensure perfect fitting
  • Hand safety: Premium gloves can prevent burns, cuts, and harmful chemical exposure. There are various glove types meant for different tasks. For instance, nitrile gloves, such as raven gloves, enhance gripping power while delivering superior puncture and chemical resistance
  • Protective clothing: Quality long pants and long-sleeved shirts can prevent skin abrasions and burns. Overalls offer extra protection. Steel-toed boots safeguard your feet from sharp edges and heavy objects   
  • Hearing protection: Wear earmuffs or earplugs when working with machinery, engines, or tools with high decibel levels
  1. Avoid smoking near or in automotive repair shops

Automotive repair shops have many vehicles filled with explosive and flammable chemicals or liquids. This means they can catch fire in case they come in contact with hot ash from cigarettes or open flames. Ensure no smoking happens anywhere close to where vehicles are being worked on. Instead, create a designated smoking zone away from the automotive repair shop and make it a rule for team members who smoke to use it during their breaks.

  1. Keep your automotive repair shop clean and organized

Keeping your automotive repair shop clean and organized not only makes the workplace more efficient but safer. It minimizes the risk of accidents. Fluids, oil, and grease are dangerous slip-and-fall hazards in messy automotive repair shops. Trip hazards, such as hoses, trailing wires, and stray tires or tools, also increase the possibility of injuries.

The inability to find safety equipment such as fire extinguishers in case of emergencies further endangers your staff members. Prompt spill cleaning, maintaining a tidy shop, and arranging equipment and tools for easy access provide sure footing to your workers while removing any hazards that they might otherwise slip on or trip over.

  1. Provide safety and equipment training for automotive repair shop employees

People working in automotive repair shops must acquire safety and equipment training to ascertain that they can safely handle their work duties. Find safety training programs or courses designed to equip your automotive repair shop employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to reduce risks while maintaining safe working environments.

Working on cars is hazardous, and automotive repair shop technicians must use tools and equipment safety. Equipment training enables auto repair workers to spot potential dangers and take action to prevent accidents. 

Endnote

Working in an auto repair shop involves using heavy machinery and hazardous chemicals, which can compromise safety. However, implementing tips like wearing PPE, avoiding smoking, keeping the shop clean and organized, and providing safety and equipment training can help improve automotive repair shop safety.

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