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KENNINGTON WRAPS UP EXCITING DIRT TRACK RACE AT OHSWEKEN

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Official Release
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DJ Kennington racing the #17 Super Clean Dodge at Ohsweken Speedway. Photo Credit: Matthew Manor

July 12, 2024. DJ Kennington, driving the #17 Super Clean Dodge, took on the challenge of the only dirt track event of the NASCAR Canada Series season at Ohsweken Speedway on Thursday evening. Making his annual switch from the traditional Castrol EDGE colours to the vibrant Super Clean scheme Kennington and the team put in a determined effort.

In practice, Kennington demonstrated his skills posting the fifth-fastest time. In his he heat race to set the starting lineup Kennington finished in fourth place, securing an 11th position start for the 100-lap feature event.

As the race commenced, Kennington quickly gained several positions, solidifying his place in the top ten during the early stages. However, as the track conditions evolved, Kennington faced challenges with the car’s handling. Despite these obstacles, he managed to bring the #17 Super Clean Dodge home in 11th place.

DJ Kennington Quotes: “Racing on dirt is always a unique challenge, but I’m proud of the effort our team put in today. We had good speed in practice, and I was able to make some moves early in the race. Unfortunately, the changing track conditions caught us out a bit. But we’re headed out west now, we’ve picked up some victories there in the past and that’s what were focused on now.”

Next up:
DJ Kennington and the Castrol Edge Dodge team are headed west and return to action Saturday, July 20that Sutherland Automotive Speedway in Saskatoon, SK.

TV & Live Streaming
The Freshstone Dirt Classic will be broadcast on TSN Saturday, July 20th at 2PM and on RDS2, Saturday, July 27th at 5:30PM. All races are streamed live on TSN+ and through FloRacing in the United States.

Race fans can follow DJ Kennington and the #17 Castrol Edge Dodge team on their official social media platforms:

Twitter www.twitter.com/@djkracing
Instagram www.instagram.com/djkracing
Website www.djkracing.ca
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DJKenningtonRacing/

RCR Race Preview: Pocono Raceway

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Official Release
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Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Pocono Raceway… In 177 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Pocono Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has earned two wins, both by Dale Earnhardt. In 1987, Earnhardt rallied from a 16th-place starting position to win, one of 11 victories he would claim during the season. Earnhardt won again in 1993, edging Rusty Wallace for the victory. RCR and Earnhardt won the Cup Series championship in both seasons where the team won at Pocono. Both Tyler Reddick (second) and Austin Dillon (10th) scored top-10 finishes at Pocono in 2022. The Welcome, N.C., based team has 17 top-five and 59 top-ten finishes at the ‘Tricky Triangle.’

A First for RCR at Pocono… In 2023, Austin Hill became the first RCR driver to win a NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway. He led the final two laps of the race and won the event when the caution flag waved on the final lap in NASCAR Overtime. Since the NASCAR Xfinity Series began competing at Pocono Raceway in 2016, RCR has made 19 starts at the 2.5-mile track. RCR has had at least one driver claim a top-10 finish in all eight previous races at Pocono. The team has racked up six top-five and 13 top-10 finishes entering Saturday’s race.

Catch the Action… The Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 at Pocono Raceway will be televised live on Saturday, July 13 beginning at 3 p.m. ET on USA. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway will be televised live on Sunday, July 14 beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET on USA Network and the NBC Sports App. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

This Week’s No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway… Austin Dillon has 18 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Pocono Raceway and has led 10 laps of competition at the track. Dillon earned his best Pocono finish in the Cup Series in July 2022 when he finished 10th after starting 15th. He has one NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Pocono, a 10th-place effort in 2019. He has made four NASCAR Truck Series starts at the 2.5-mile speedway, scoring a top-10 finish in each race, including a win in 2014.

About Boot Barn… What started out as one store in 1978 has since become the largest western and work wear retailer in the nation. We say that our customers feed America, build America, and protect America. With an uncompromising desire to support the local communities we serve, we proudly offer the broadest selection of cowboy boots, work boots, western wear, workwear, western-inspired fashion, and outdoor gear. It is an honor to support the varying lifestyles of the people who make our country so great.

Meet Austin Dillon… Dillon is scheduled to participate in a Q&A session alongside teammate Kyle Busch on the Team Chevrolet stage in the Pocono Raceway Fan Midway on Sunday at 11:20 a.m. ET.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on Pocono Raceway?

“Pocono Raceway is a fun, fast track and I feel like we’ve built a good notebook there. I’m excited to get to the Tricky Triangle this weekend in the No. 3 Boot Barn Chevrolet.”

What has been the biggest challenge for you at Pocono Raceway?

“The Tunnel Turn is the biggest challenge at Pocono Raceway. It’s a high-speed turn, and over the years, it’s gotten rough with the track’s tunnel underneath it. The bumps going over the Tunnel Turn are noticeable, and you need your car balanced well through that turn. There are three different corners at Pocono, making it difficult to solve. You know you’ll have to give up some on one end to be better at the other.”

What is the key to a strong race at Pocono Raceway?

“To have a car that handles average in all three turns is key. We’ll have to be aggressive on fuel strategy and have a clean day on pit road to have a shot at a win or a top-five finish.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 zone Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway… Kyle Busch will make his 37th NASCAR Cup Series start at Pocono Raceway this weekend. Busch has four wins at the 2.5-mile Pennsylvania speedway (2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021), the second-most among active drivers. The driver of the zone Chevrolet won three times in four races from 2017 through 2019 and led 218 laps (545 miles) in the process. His first win in 2017 came in dominating fashion, where he also won the pole and led the most laps (74 of 160). The Las Vegas, Nev., native enters this weekend with 11 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes in 36 Pocono starts. He has three wins in six NASCAR Truck Series races at Pocono and one victory (2018) in two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the Long Pond, Pa., facility.

Starting Up Front at the Tricky Triangle… Busch leads all active Cup Series drivers will four pole positions at Pocono Raceway (2010, 2015, and both races in 2017).

History Making Victory… Busch’s 2023 NASCAR Truck Series victory at Pocono Raceway was the 100th for Kyle Busch Motorsports, the most by any organization in the series. Busch is the all-time wins leader in Truck Series history with 66 victories.

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About GetGo… GetGo is an innovative, food-first convenience store experience with approximately 270 locations throughout western Pennsylvania, Ohio, northern West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana. GetGo offers food in a variety of models – from open-concept stores to stand-alone kiosks. GetGo Café + Market locations feature an extensive menu of high-quality, made-to-order foods and a market stocked with ready-to-eat meals, packaged goods, and convenience items. Many sites offer touchless and tunnel WetGo car washes. GetGo is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and operated by Giant Eagle, Inc. More information, including site maps and menus, is available at www.getgocafe.com.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

Which end of the racetrack in Pocono Raceway is most critical for a good lap?

“Pocono Raceway has three very distinct corners and you need to be fast in each one in order to have a fast race car and to have a good day. I would say the biggest compromise between turns is between Turn 1 and Turn 3.”

Last year at Pocono Raceway, the track had a huge crowd. Do you think that’s because the facility has just one race a year?

“I was pleasantly surprised to see such a good crowd at Pocono Raceway last year. I do believe it has to do with us only going there once a year. When we go to some of these tracks twice a year, fans will decide which one they want to go to, instead of just knowing that they only have one chance to go so they better get their tickets as soon as they can.”

There’s a lot of shifting at Pocono Raceway. Would you be in favor of NASCAR making a rule change to limit that or is that something that you enjoy?

“I think at Pocono Raceway, since the track is so big and with the three corners being as different as they are, it needs shifting. I think shifting at Pocono is an okay thing. What I don’t agree with is when we have to shift when we go to a short track.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet Camaro SS at Pocono Raceway… Jesse Love will make his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut at Pocono Raceway on Saturday. The 19-year-old has completed two ARCA Menards Series races at the “Tricky Triangle”, crossing the finish line first one season ago. In 2023, Love started from the second position, led 40 of 60 laps, and captured the victory.

Impressive Rookie Campaign… Through 18 races of his rookie campaign, Love has posted one win (Talladega Superspeedway), three poles, five top-five and nine top-10 finishes. The Menlo Park, California native is the current Sunoco Rookie of the Year points leader and sits fifth in the Xfinity Series driver championship point standings.

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

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

With winning the ARCA Menards Series race at Pocono Raceway last season, what is the outlook heading to the track for the first time in the Xfinity Series car?

“I look forward to getting back to Pocono Raceway. I had a strong race there last season in the ARCA car, leading the majority of laps and running up front the entire time. It’s such a fast racetrack and a unique configuration with each turn being different. With the speed that we continue to bring each week in our Whelen Chevrolets, I have no doubt that our No. 2 car will be fast from the moment we hit the track for practice. We should be in contention for the win and if we put ourselves in position, I feel confident that we can get back to Victory Lane. As I said last week after the Chicago Street Race, everything that we are working on now is to set us up for the Playoffs. Our Richard Childress Racing team is grinding to be better each week and make sure we are ready for the final push.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Global Industrial Chevrolet Camaro SS at Pocono Raceway… Austin Hill has made three career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Pocono Raceway, claiming his first victory at the 2.5-mile speedway last season in dramatic fashion while piloting the No. 21 Global Industrial Camaro. The Winston, Georgia native also has eight NASCAR Truck Series races on his resume at the Long Pond, Pennsylvania track, earning one pole, two top-five, and three top-10 finishes.

100 Starts… Saturday’s race at Pocono Raceway will mark Hill’s 100th career Xfinity Series start. Through his first 99 events, the 30-year-old has posted eight wins, five poles, 36 top-five, and 60 top-10 finishes. Hill was also the 2023 Regular Season Champion.

Global Industrial Home Race… Located 2.5 hours from Pocono Raceway, Global Industrial’s headquarters are based in Port Washington, New York. During Saturday’s race, Global Industrial will have more than 300 associates and guests at the track cheering on Hill and the Richard Childress Racing team. Prior to arriving in Pennsylvania, Hill made a visit at the Global Industrial Distribution Center in Robbinsville, New Jersey to meet and sign autographs for associates.

Military Charities on Board… Global Industrial, RCR, Bennett Transportation & Logistics, and United Rentals have teamed together to support and raise awareness for four special military-focused charities at Pocono Raceway. The decklid of Hill’s Global Industrial Camaro will feature the logos of K9s for Warriors (Global Industrial), Wreaths Across America (Bennett), Turns for Troops (United Rentals), and Toys For Tots (RCR).

K9s for Warriors… Through its corporate social responsibility program, Partnerships With Purpose, Global Industrial has expanded its service initiative to raise awareness for veterans through its support for K9s for Warriors – a non-profit organization that provides highly-trained service dogs to U.S. military veterans suffering from post-traumatic brain injury and/or other forms of trauma related to military service. On Saturday, leadership, veteran, and canine members of the K9s For Warriors team will join Hill and the Global Industrial associates at Pocono Raceway.

About Global Industrial Company… Global Industrial Company (NYSE:GIC), is a value-added distributor. For 75 years, Global Industrial has gone the extra mile for its customers, currently offering hundreds of thousands of industrial and MRO products needed to run businesses and facilities. Global Industrial is committed to its customer-centric strategy, and utilizes a team of subject matter experts, Global Industrial Exclusive Brands™ products and national vendor relationships to help customers succeed. Global Industrial. “We Can Supply That®”.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTE:

As defending race winner, explain returning to Pocono Raceway and how last season’s race unfolded.

“It’s always nice to go back to a track that you won at the last time you were there. Last year, we didn’t have the best car, but we did make our Global Industrial Chevrolet better throughout the race. I thought we were a top-five or top-seven car. On the last restart late in the race, Josh (Berry) drove into Turn 1 and got really loose on entry. We drag raced down the backstretch and once I cleared him, I knew I just had to hit my marks. We were really saving fuel on that last run and didn’t know if we were going to make it. It was definitely on my mind going into the Tunnel Turn that I had to get back to the start-finish line. Thankfully, it all worked out and I even had enough fuel to do a burnout. It was a special win, especially for Global Industrial, so hopefully we will be in position to repeat this weekend.”

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing faces a new challenge with full strength

By
Official Release
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2024 GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID
2024 GR YARIS Rally1 HYBRID

TOKYO, July 12, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – TOYOTA GAZOO Racing World Rally Team is preparing to take on a new challenge at Rally Latvia on July 18-21 with a full four-strong driver line-up in search of victory.

This will be Latvia’s debut in the FIA World Rally Championship, taking over the place in the schedule held in recent seasons by neighbouring country Estonia. Based upon Rally Liepāja, a round of the FIA European Rally Championship, the event will be run over fast gravel roads similar to those found in Estonia, but is sure to provide its own particular challenges for the drivers, most of whom have not competed there previously.

One driver arriving with previous experience in Latvia will be reigning world champion Kalle Rovanperä, who began his rally career in the country as a teenager, winning the national championship title in 2016 and 2017. Fresh from their remarkable victory at Rally Poland following a late call-up, Rovanperä and co-driver Jonne Halttunen will be making their 50th start with TGR-WRT since stepping up to the top level with the team in 2020.

Sébastien Ogier and Vincent Landais are set to make a welcome return to action in Latvia, after they were forced to miss Rally Poland following an accident during the reconnaissance. It will be the first time Ogier has competed in Latvia, as it will be for Elfyn Evans. Their respective co-drivers did take part in Rally Liepāja previously – Scott Martin tasting victory alongside the late Craig Breen in 2015 – but only when it ran as a winter rally on snow and ice. Evans and Martin will be looking to build upon a strong second place finish in Poland which saw them close to within 15 points of the championship lead.

While Evans, Rovanperä and Ogier will push to close the 10-point gap to lead of the manufacturers’ championship, Takamoto Katsuta will also be targeting a strong result upon his return to Latvia for the first time since 2015, when he contested just his third rally in Europe there as part of the TGR WRC Challenge Program.

There are five GR Yaris Rally2 cars entered in WRC2 in Latvia. Ahead of his Rally1 debut with TGR-WRT at next month’s Rally Finland, Sami Pajari has the chance to claim the championship lead after back-to-back class wins in Sardinia and Poland in his Printsport-run car. He’s joined in action by fellow Finn Mikko Heikkilä (TGS), Estonia’s Gregor Jeets (RedGrey) and two drivers making their first start in a GR Yaris Rally2: Rakan Al-Rashed (Printsport) of Saudi Arabia and Canadian Brandon Semenuk (Sports Racing Technologies), a double American national champion.

While the service park is located in the southern coastal city of Liepāja, the capital city Riga will host the start of the rally on Thursday evening, with an opening super special stage taking place at the nearby Biķernieki circuit complex. Friday’s route is the longest of the rally with 120.92 competitive kilometres and takes the crews north-west from Riga with no mid-day service, just tyre-fitting zones before the morning and afternoon loops. Some of the stages are run just once, as is the case also on Saturday, where the action runs closer to Liepāja and is separated by mid-day service. A pair of stages run twice rounds out the event on Sunday.

For more information, visit https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2024/rd08-preview/.

About Toyota

Toyota strives to be a strong corporate citizen, engaging with and earning the trust of its stakeholders, and to contribute to the creation of a prosperous society through all its business operations.

Our corporate principles form the basis of our initiatives, reflect values that enable action, and drive our mindset.

News URL: https://www.acnnewswire.com/press-release/english/91758/

URL: https://plus.google.com/+toyotaglobal | Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/ToyotaMotorCorporation/ | Twitter : https://twitter.com/TOYOTA_PR/ | Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/toyotajpchannel/ | Linkedin : https://linkedin.com/company/toyota

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams and Mercedes-AMG Begin Second Half of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Season

By
Official Release
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Leading All Possible GT Daytona (GTD) Class Championships

BOWMANVILLE, Ontario, Canada – Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams and Mercedes-AMG begin the second half of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GT Daytona (GTD) season with season-high points leads across all three GTD championships heading into this weekend’s event at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP). Round 6 of this year’s 10-race GTD championship, Sunday’s featured two-hour and 40-minute race on the fast circuit just East of Toronto is scheduled to start at 11:05 a.m. EDT. Live race coverage begins five minutes earlier on the USA Network and NBC’s online offering Peacock starting at 11 a.m. EDT. In addition to the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Racing Teams also compete at CTMP in Saturday’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge two-hour race and in a weekend doubleheader schedule of IMSA VP Racing SportsCar Challenge sprints Saturday and Sunday.

Mercedes-AMG Motorsport’s stellar season to date this year has been anchored by Winward Racing’s remarkable run of four GTD-class victories in the year’s first five races. The near perfect win record is the best of the season to date in the overall WeatherTech Championship this year with no teams in the series’ three other classes winning more than two races.

The No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 has been the top team in the WeatherTech series this year with victories in the season’s first three endurance races at Daytona, Sebring and Watkins Glen and a sprint race win at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Full-season team drivers Russell Ward and Philip Ellis have been part of all four victories and were joined by Indy Dontje for the trio of endurance victories and Canadian driver Daniel Morad as the team’s fourth and ultimately race-closing driver at the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

The success has seen the Winward No. 57 and its drivers lead the WeatherTech Championship GTD team and driver point standings all season. The fourth win at the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen three weeks ago boosted Winward’s championship leads to season-high totals coming into this weekend’s only race of the season in Canada.

Ward, Ellis and the Winward No. 57 added more than 100 points to their championship leads with The Glen victory and return to CTMP this weekend a season-high 305 points ahead of the second-place competitors, 1,745 – 1,440, in both the WeatherTech GTD driver and team championships.

Mercedes-AMG has an even larger lead in the GTD manufacturer championship battle with 1,837 points, a full season-high 344 tallies ahead of the second-place competitor’s 1,493 points.

Winward’s success has consistently contributed to the stout Mercedes-AMG manufacturer points lead, but the second Mercedes-AMG Motorsport customer team competing this weekend at CTMP has also played a major role keeping the Silver Star on top of the standings.

The No. 32 Korthoff Preston Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 of Mike Skeen and Canadian Mikael Grenier stepped up to earn championship points for Mercedes-AMG at the Grand Prix of Long Beach with a third-place finish. The No. 32 Korthoff team’s first victory lane visit of the season matched its first IMSA sprint-race podium finish last year at CTMP and an additional third-place finish two races later at Road America.

​A pair of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport customer racing contenders are also entered in Saturday’s Michelin Pilot Challenge race in the top-tier Grand Sport (GS) class.

Morad and co-driver Bryce Ward – Russell Ward’s father – co-drive the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4 while Morad’s Canadian countryman Jesse Webb and teammate Michai Stephens co-drive the No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4. The JMF team is a Canadian operation based in Elmira, Ontario, Canada, less than three hours from CTMP and West of Toronto.

Bryce Ward, Morad and the No. 57 entry moved to second in the GS driver and team championship standings after Watkins Glen, trailing the first-place team and drivers by 240 points, 1,500 – 1,260. Winward’s title-contending season has been fueled by three podium finishes in the year’s opening five races, led by a second-place finish in the season-opening four-hour race at Daytona and back-to-back third-place finishes at Laguna Seca and Mid-Ohio SportsCar Course.

A winning Mercedes-AMG GT4 team in its first year in IMSA GS competition, JMF, Webb and Stephens have been on pace with Winward in the first half of the season but have endured more than their fair share of bad luck on-track. Season-best finishes of seventh at Sebring and Mid-Ohio are not indicative of the on-track performance of JMF and its drivers, but all look for a turn around this weekend on a more than familiar CTMP circuit.

In the VP Racing SportsCar Challenge, Thaze Competition, which also has some Canadian connections, carries the Mercedes-AMG Motorsport flag at CTMP with a two-car Mercedes-AMG GT4 entry for the second straight race weekend.

Josh Green returns for both the Saturday and Sunday 45-minute sprints in the No. 78 Thaze Competition Mercedes-AMG GT4 after a pair of GT4-class second place finishes one race ago at Mid-Ohio. The second-place finishes are the top results to date for Thaze in its select schedule of VP SportsCar and Pilot Challenge races this year.

Green races alongside Thaze teammate Eddie Killeen who looks to continue his solid entry into motorsports competition at CTMP and build on a pair of eighth-place Bronze division finishes at Mid-Ohio in the No. 37 Thaze Competition Mercedes-AMG GT4.

A three-day weekend event, Friday’s schedule at CTMP includes practice for all three series in addition to VP Racing SportsCar Challenge qualifying at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Saturday starts with VP Challenge qualifying at 8:20 a.m. EDT, which will be immediately followed by the first 45-minute VP Challenge sprint at 8:50 a.m. EDT.

The two-hour Michelin Pilot Challenge race starts at 1:25 p.m. EDT with GTD qualifying wrapping up the day for Mercedes-AMG Motorsport customer teams at 4 p.m. EDT.

Sunday’s main on-track activity is the two-hour and 40-minute WeatherTech Championship race that goes live on USA and NBC’s online Peacock Network starting at 11 a.m. EDT, five minutes before the green flag is scheduled to fly.

Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “I’m actually looking forward to this race quite a bit. Canadian Tire is one of my favorite tracks on the calendar. It is a very fast and flowing track, which is always nice for us drivers, but on the other hand makes it very hard to pass. So, track position is key, and we will need good qualifying and good strategy and pit stops, of course. In the last few years, we have shown good pace, finished second a couple of years ago, and last year we were running in second until a late tire issue. It will be a super tough competition once again, but so far, we have had a close to perfect first half of the season. We will just continue to do what we did in the previous races, do what we can, keep our heads down, have a look at our risk management and just take the race as it comes. We are going to grab as many points as we can and go race by race from now on. That’s what we have been doing the last couple of races, it worked out well, so we are not changing any of our approaches. We will just do the same thing again.”

Mike Skeen, Driver – No. 32 Korthoff Preston Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Canadian Tire Motorsport Park has always been one of my favorites. I have won a bunch of races there over the years in different series, and we were on the podium last year with our Korthoff Preston Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3. The fast sweeping turns really suit the Mercedes-AMG GT3, so I think we should have a strong program there again. We have a good place to start, based on the setup from last year, so hopefully that will all still apply, and we will have some good weather and good racing.”

Daniel Morad, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT4: “Canadian Tire Motorsport Park is one of the most iconic tracks in the world. It still has an old-school feel to it, but because it is my home track, and I am so close to it, I sometimes forget to appreciate just how awesome it is. It is one of the quickest race tracks in the world, and it is always so nice to drive there and have the support from everybody at home, but the support around the world has been growing every single weekend because of the social media influence and being so active online. It is incredible just to see how big the support network has become in Japan, Belgium, everywhere, but when you are going to your home track it is still a little bit special. You have your friends and family there, so much local support, and it really does make a huge difference. I won at CTMP in 2018 in a Mercedes-AMG GT3, but I haven’t really raced there much since 2019. Last year with Winward was actually my first time there since then, and my first year in a Mercedes-AMG GT4, but I didn’t actually get to drive in the race after an early issue. We have a challenging weekend ahead but will focus on good strategy, pit stop timing and keeping it clean, which worked for us in some races in the first half of the season. We will build on that success by getting the car in a more competitive window and making less mistakes overall. That’s how you win championships.”

Jesse Webb, Driver – No. 34 JMF Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT4: “For everyone at the JMF Motorsports team, every curveball that we get, every challenge overcome is a lesson learned at the end of the day. We only come back stronger, more knowledgeable and more experienced. We are looking to push forward in the second half of the season, starting at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. The pace and performance are there, but the results just aren’t there yet. We are getting quite unlucky, but we are on the doorstep of getting a great result and we are all going to push forward. Everyone is doing a fantastic job. When we get some luck on our side, they will see us at the front.”

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
-

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
-
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
-
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.

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