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WNBA All-Star Kelsey Plum Leads Dignitaries Prior to Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250

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Official Release
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SONOMA, Calif. (June 6, 2024) – Before the up-and-coming stars of the NASCAR Xfinity Series take center stage for the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250 at Sonoma Raceway, Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum and Zip Co.’s Chief Marketing Officer Jinal Shah will get the action started on track. Plum will serve as the Grand Marshal delivering the most famous words in motorsports while Shah will be the Honorary Starter, waving the green flag for the Saturday evening affair.

Plum has helped lead the Aces to back-to-back WNBA Championships, and has earned honors as a WNBA All Star each of the last two seasons. The former No.1 overall draft pick out of the University of Washington won a Gold Medal for the USA at the 2020 Olympic Games in Women’s 3×3 Basketball.

“It’s an honor to be a part of the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250, and I’m thrilled to get to deliver the most famous words in motorsports,” Plum said.

Shah, who has been recognized for being outspoken about elevating diversity in entrepreneurship, will be the Honorary Starter before the Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250. In her agency career, she was instrumental in helping renowned brands such as Estée Lauder, Rolex, Unilever, Macy’s, De Beers and American Express, while delivering impactful stories and experiences for existing and new audiences.

“We’re so pleased to have the opportunity to sponsor the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Sonoma Raceway, and to introduce Grand Marshal and WNBA Superstar Kelsey Plum as a Zip brand ambassador at this event,” said Jinal Shah, CMO and GM, Zip US. “Kelsey Plum has been a passionate, focused leader on the court throughout her entire career. We’re excited to hear her tell NASCAR’s racers to start their engines – and to encourage current and future customers to hit the gas on achieving their dreams through financially responsible habits – one lap at a time.”

The stars of NASCAR are back for their only points paying race in the Golden State June 7-9 to tackle one of the circuits most difficult road course with all-new paved asphalt. Be here to witness history as tickets are available for purchase at SonomaRaceway.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE [7223]. 

Season tickets for 2024 Sonoma Raceway events are available now at SonomaRaceway.com

Sonoma Raceway is a 2.52-mile and 12-turn road course and quarter-mile drag strip located at Sears Point in Sonoma County, California. Built in 1968 the track is carved into rolling hills with 160 ft of total elevation change. It is host to one of the few NASCAR Cup Series races each year that are run on road courses. It is one of the world’s busiest racing facilities, with track activity scheduled an average of 340 days a year. A complete and versatile motorsports complex, it is home to one of the nation’s only high-performance automotive industrial parks with approximately 70 tenants.

Crash Course: Selecting the Best Car Accident Lawyer

By
SM
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In Baltimore, where busy streets often bear witness to vehicle mishaps, securing the right legal representation after a car accident can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Navigating through the aftermath of an accident is stressful enough without the added pressure of handling insurance claims and potential legal battles on your own. This guide provides crucial insights into selecting a car accident lawyer who is well-equipped to handle your case with the expertise and diligence it deserves.

1. Understanding Your Needs

Before you begin your search for a lawyer, it’s essential to assess your situation thoroughly. Consider the complexities of your case, including the severity of the accident, the clarity of fault, injuries involved, and the potential for long-term repercussions. Understanding these factors will help you determine the level of expertise and specialization you need from a lawyer. A lawyer who is well-versed in state-specific traffic laws and personal injury claims can provide strategic advantages in negotiations and litigation.

2. Researching Candidates

Start your search by compiling a list of potential lawyers who specialize in car accident cases. A practical approach is to search online for highly-rated professionals in your area. For instance, if you’re in Baltimore, you might look up the keyword Baltimore’s best car accident lawyer near me on a search engine, and you’ll find a variety of experienced lawyers who are familiar with local laws and court systems. Additionally, consider asking for referrals from friends, family, or even your personal network who might have had similar experiences and can recommend a trustworthy attorney.

3. Experience in Car Accident Law

The experience of your lawyer is paramount in handling car accident cases. An experienced car accident lawyer will not only have a thorough understanding of the law but will also possess the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of your case. They should have a solid track record of handling similar cases, which often involves negotiating with insurance companies and, if necessary, arguing your case in court. Inquire about the lawyer’s experience with cases similar to yours, including their success rates and any notable settlements or verdict is achieved.

4. Reputation and Reviews

The reputation of a lawyer can be a key indicator of their professionalism and effectiveness. Research online reviews and testimonials from past clients to get a sense of what working with a particular lawyer might be like. Pay attention to comments about their integrity, responsiveness, and ability to secure favorable outcomes. Additionally, professional accolades or recognition in the field of personal injury law can further validate their reputation. However, be wary of reviews that seem overly biased or uniformly negative without sufficient explanation, as they may not provide an accurate picture.

5. Consultation and Communication

Most car accident lawyers offer a free initial consultation, which is a critical opportunity for you to evaluate their communication skills and compatibility with your needs. During this meeting, observe how the lawyer listens to your concerns and how thoroughly they explain your legal options. Effective communication is crucial in ensuring that you are informed and comfortable with the proceedings of your case. Ask specific questions about how they would handle your case and gauge whether their approach aligns with your expectations and goals.

6. Analyzing Success Rates

Evaluating a lawyer’s success rate is crucial in understanding their effectiveness in car accident cases. A lawyer with a high success rate typically has demonstrated the ability to secure favorable settlements and verdicts for their clients. When researching potential lawyers, inquire about the outcomes of previous cases similar to yours. Ask for specific examples, including the amounts of settlements achieved and the complexity of the cases they’ve handled. This information will provide a clearer picture of what you might expect in terms of results and how aggressively the lawyer pursues their clients’ interests.

7. Fee Structures

Understanding the fee structure is a vital part of selecting a car accident lawyer. This aligns their interests with yours but also means you should be clear about what percentage of the recovery they will claim. Discuss all potential costs upfront, including any expenses that might occur if your case goes to trial. Make sure there are no hidden fees and that you understand exactly what financial obligations you may face throughout the process.

8. Accessibility and Location

Choosing a lawyer who is accessible and located near you or the site of the accident can be highly beneficial. Local lawyers are more familiar with the state and local laws, as well as the tendencies of local courts and judges, which can be advantageous in your case. Additionally, it’s easier to meet with your lawyer face-to-face if they are in close proximity, facilitating better communication and a stronger client-lawtee relationship. Check the lawyer’s availability to ensure they can dedicate adequate time and resources to your case.

9. Resources and Team

A well-resourced lawyer or law firm can significantly impact the handling of your case. Assess whether the lawyer has access to a skilled team, including paralegals, administrative support, and even other lawyers who can contribute their expertise. Additionally, resources such as private investigators or medical experts can be crucial in building a strong case, especially when it comes to reconstructing the accident scene or providing professional medical opinions. Ask potential lawyers about the resources they have available and how these will be used to strengthen your case.

10. Making the Final Decision

After considering all these factors, you are ready to make an informed decision about which car accident lawyer is best for you. Reflect on your interactions, the information you’ve gathered, and how comfortable you feel with each candidate’s style and approach. Trust your instincts about who you believe will most effectively represent your interests and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Conclusion

Choosing the right car accident relief is a decision that holds substantial weight in the aftermath of an accident. By methodically evaluating each lawyer’s experience, success rate, fees, accessibility, and resources, you can select a professional who not only meets your needs but also enhances your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve. Remember, the relationship with your lawyer is pivotal, so choose someone you trust and feel confident in as you navigate this challenging time.

Top 6 Assault Rifle Skins in CS2

By
SM
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In CS2, it’s not just about strategy and tactics; it’s also a chance to show off your style during the fight. Customizing your weapon skins lets you express yourself, especially with assault rifles, which are key in the game. Let’s check out five assault rifle skins in CS2 that really let players show off their preferences.

One way to get all of these assault rifle skins is to just buy an account that has em; U7BUY has CSGO accounts for sale with many of these skins already unlocked!

AK-47 | Vulcan (Field-Tested) 

This classic piece is beloved for a reason. The combination of black and white with touches of blue gives it an elegant appearance. However, what truly stands out is the signs of use in the “Field Tested” state. It brings a sense of charm and history to the design giving off the impression of a CS2 weapon that has been through its share of battles.

M4A4 | Howl (Well-Worn) 

For Counter-Strike 2 players, the Howl skin represents the symbol of prestige. The iconic image of a howling wolf engraved on the weapon is easily recognizable. The “Worn” condition, which shows signs of wear, doesn’t diminish the skin’s impact. In fact, it can enhance its allure making it seem like a CS2 weapon, with a past. However, acquiring this piece of Counter Strike 2 history may require an investment.

M4A1-S | Hyper Beast (Minimal Wear)

If you’re looking for something one of a kind, the Hyper Beast is a choice. Its design is like a work of art filled with colors and playful creatures. In the CSGO “Minimal Wear” condition, the intricate details of the artwork are sharp and flawless. The Hyper Beast CS2 skin has been grafted for those looking to make a statement.

AK-47 | Redline (Minimal Wear) 

A popular pick among fans, the Redline balances style and affordability. Its sleek red and black design with a shine exudes power and precision. With a touch of wear in its “Minimal Wear” condition, it looks battle-appealing to players seeking that charm without breaking the bank.

M4A1-S | Golden Coil (Factory New)

For those with tastes, the Golden Coil offers an option. Its metallic finish forms a coil pattern around the CS2 weapon’s body. In “Factory New” condition, this CSGO skin is pristine and flawless, serving as a CS2 masterpiece on display. The Golden Coil is an option for gamers looking for an attention-grabbing design for their M4A1 S, all without the high price tag of the Howl.

M4A4 | Faded Zebra (Field-Tested)  

For individuals who appreciate a unique CS2 appearance, the Faded Zebra skin presents an approach to camouflage. The faded black and white stripes produce a captivating effect. The “Field Tested” state introduces a hint of usage, giving the zebra pattern a weathered look that enhances its charm. This CS2 skin serves as an icebreaker, bringing a distinct touch to combat scenarios.

Another way of getting these knife CSGO 2 skins is to open cases, but you need to rank up. Perhaps book yourself a CSGO 2 boost to rank up and get those cases?

Drivers and Cars Confirmed for IROC Event at Lime Rock Park, July 19-20

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Official Release
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CHARLOTTE (June 6, 2024) – An impressive lineup of drivers and cars have been confirmed for the first IROC event in more than 20 years. Scheduled for July 19-20 at Lime Rock Park, the IROC event will enhance an already exciting SpeedTour All-Star Race weekend. Featuring both an on-track racing exhibition and static display, the event will reunite original IROC competitors with cars raced in the legendary series.

Mark Martin, a 96-time winner across NASCAR’s top-three series, 13-time IROC race winner and 5-time IROC series champion, will be one of the drivers piloting the historic IROC cars at Lime Rock Park.

“I have always said that the crown jewel of my racing career is what I was able to achieve in IROC,” said Martin. “The event at Lime Rock Park is going to be an exciting opportunity to reminisce about those great times and to reunite with some of the best people in motorsports.”

Joining Martin as other former IROC competitors driving in the event will be Greg Biffle, Geoff Brabham (two-time IROC race winner), Davy Jones, Bobby Labonte (three-time IROC race winner and 2001 IROC Series Champion), Max Papis, Ken Schrader and Danny Sullivan (one IROC race win). In addition to this impressive list of former IROC drivers, the event will include four-time NASCAR Truck Series Champion Ron Hornaday, Grand-Am Sports Car Series and Trans Am Champion Boris Said and 1995 NASCAR Truck Series Champion Mike Skinner.

An equally exciting component of the event at Lime Rock Park will be approximately 20 authentic IROC race cars spanning over 30 years of racing history.

The oldest are a pair of 1974 Chevrolet Camaros—one driven to Victory Lane at Riverside International Raceway by Bobby Allison in 1975, and utilized again in 1976 by AJ Foyt to clinch his second IROC Championship; the other was raced by Foyt in 1975, as he finished second to Bobby Unser by just two feet, in what was the second-closest IROC finish in history.

The newest car is a 2005 Pontiac Firebird raced by four-time Indianapolis 500 Champion Helio Castroneves. In November 2005, Castroneves drove the car to a fourth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in his final IROC start.

The event will also reunite several of the original racers with their cars, as former IROC winners return. Fans will instantly recognize the lime green No. 14 Dodge Avenger, which won three times with three drivers from three different disciplines: F1’s Martin Brundle, NASCAR’s Dale Earnhardt Sr., and INDYCAR’s Al Unser Jr. However, it will be the car’s final driver who will get to reunite with it at Lime Rock Park—Mark Martin.

Fans will also recognize the red 1984 Chevrolet Camaro, which is believed to be the most period-correct 1984-era IROC Camaro in existence. Owned by Richard Childress, this car was raced by Dale Earnhardt twice in the 1980s.

Of course, there will be cars that were driven by not only the best names in motorsport, but also those of Hollywood fame. The School Bus Yellow No. 15 1978 Chevrolet Camaro was driven to victory lane by both Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip, as the two NASCAR Hall of Famers were among 31 drivers who turned laps in the car. However, that count doesn’t include actors Paul Newman, Clint Eastwood, James Brolin and Gene Hackman, who enjoyed a private test day in the car at Sonoma Raceway in December 1977.

“We have received such an overwhelmingly positive response from fans since announcing our event at Lime Rock Park and I believe this impressive lineup of legendary drivers and historic IROC cars will just keep that momentum going,” said Ray Evernham, Co-Principal of IROC Holdings. “It will truly be a unique experience for fans to get up close and personal with cars that have been driven by racing royalty. From Fittipaldi to Earnhardt, Foyt to Martin. These cars are truly time capsules that represent racing on a worldly scale. Pair that with being able to shake the hands of some of the legends that drove them and you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience for race fans.”

“We’re thrilled to have IROC join us at the SpeedTour All-Star Race,” said Tony Parella, CEO of Parella Motorsports Holdings. “As a racing fan, there was nothing better than IROC—it brought together all the best drivers from all forms of motorsports. Personally, I’m really excited to witness this all coming together—with so many of the original cars and drivers—it’s going to be great.”

Whether you want to watch IROC, the SpeedTour All-Star Race, or any of the other groups racing at Lime Rock Park, July 19-20, a single ticket will let you see all the action. Single-day and weekend tickets are available at LimeRock.com with advanced-purchase discounts for spectator tickets. Kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket, and all active-duty military and veterans with a valid military ID will be admitted free of charge. Fans are also invited to purchase their official IROC-branded merchandise ahead of the event at shop.iroc-racing.com.

ABOUT IROC:

IROC (International Race of Champions) is a series that held races from 1973 to 2006, which brought together the greatest drivers from all forms of motorsport to race identical cars on historic tracks for an all-star extravaganza. In early 2024, NASCAR Hall of Fame member Ray Evernham and former NASCAR Cup Series team owner and venture capitalist Rob Kauffman founded IROC Holdings LLC and announced they had acquired the rights to the IROC brand. The return of IROC to the track this July marks the first step in revitalizing this iconic brand.

CHEVROLET INDYCAR AT ROAD AMERICA: Team Chevy Race Advance

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Official Release
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CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES
XPEL GRAND PRIX AT ROAD AMERICA
ROAD AMERICA
ELKHART LAKE, WISCONSIN
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE
JUNE 7-9, 2024

TEAM CHEVY RACES TO ROAD AMERICA FOR THE XPEL GRAND PRIX AT ROAD AMERICA

DETROIT (June 6, 2024) – Heading north to the Wisconsin countryside for the seventh round of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, Team Chevy looks to the XPEL Grand Prix at Road America to build on their year so far.

Since 2016, Chevrolet has captured a win on the legendary four-mile, 14-turn road course three times, as well as the NTT P1 Pole Award six times. With 13 podiums and leading 293 laps, the Bowtie brand looks to add to the three wins captured so far in six races of 2024 and 114 overall in the 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 era since 2012.

“The Chevrolet INDYCAR teams are heading into the final leg of an intensive run of races. From the Indianapolis Road Course, to the Indy 500 on the famed oval, to the Streets of Detroit, and now the longest and fastest natural road course we run – Road America. Each presents its own unique set of circumstances for the Chevrolet engineers and our teams, said Rob Buckner, Chevrolet INDYCAR Program Manager. “The track requires optimum engine performance to obtain the speed needed around the four-plus mile course while maintaining the necessary handling needed through the 14 turns. The Wisconsin weather can always add another consideration in the preparation. We are prepared for the challenge and ready for the weekend.”

The 55-lap, 220.55-mile XPEL Grand Prix at Road America kicks off with the first practice on Friday, June 7 at 4 p.m. ET. Saturday sees the second practice at 11:10 a.m. ET and qualifying and the Firestone Fast Six at 3:25 p.m. ET. Race day starts with a warm-up at 12:15 p.m. ET, and the race takes the green flag at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC. All practice and qualifying sessions are broadcast with Peacock, INDYCAR Radio, and SiriusXM Channel 218.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (Quotes):

Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:

“We had a really good attempt last year (at Road America). We didn’t have a great race, but I’ve had fantastic races there in the past. Also, just the track’s layout, it’s one of my favorite road courses. It’s just a lot of fun. It’s a great track. It’s got a lot of high-speed corners, very flow-ey. It’s one of the few tracks that we go to that I think has a little bit of everything. And it also races really well. So I’m a big fan of that.”

“I think if we just have a clean weekend, kind of like we did in Detroit. We actually had a pretty clean weekend there, we didn’t have any issues. We got all our running in and it was rather successful. I think if we do the same thing in Road America we can fight for a top 10 and hopefully a top five.”

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

“We have had really good pace at the last two events and I don’t see that changing for Road America. There’s a lot to love about the track as well. Great passing opportunities and a great circuit make for good racing. It is one of my favorite races on the calendar. The weather is usually amazing and the facility is beautiful.”

“It is a very long track so it is difficult to string a full lap together at times without making a mistake. This allows consistency from lap to lap I feel like, but to get ultimate lap pace over the course of one lap is difficult.”

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

“Since this track was repaved, Road America has become one of my absolute favorite tracks. It’s a track that’s able to show everything that an NTT INDYCAR SERIES car is capable of, and the racing always seems to be great here. I can’t wait to get up there with our Arrow McLaren Chevrolet team.”

Théo Pourchaire, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I can’t wait to race at Road America. It looks like an amazing high-speed track with with a lot of straight line and hard-braking zones. It’s a lot different compared to Detroit, where I thought we had a good weekend. We were almost advanced to the Firestone Fast Six and we fought hard in the race. If we keep pushing like this, I’m sure we’ll get better and better results. I’m focused on this weekend and I can’t wait to give my best for the onsemi Arrow McLaren Chevy team.”

Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:

“I’m pretty pumped to be heading to one of my favorite tracks on the calendar to finish off this triple-header stretch. The team has been doing an amazing job lately and I hope I can reward all of the hard work with some trophies this weekend.”

Gavin Ward, Team Principal at Arrow McLaren:

“We roll into this weekend’s race at Road America with some positive momentum after a couple weekends where we executed well across all our cars. Putting together consistent, clean results is how you compete for championships, and with both Pato (O’Ward) and Alexander (Rossi) in the top five in the standings, we enter the summer with a bit of ground to make up but in the fight. Théo (Pourcharie) showed great pace and daring racecraft in Detroit as he continues to quickly get to grips with NTT INDYCAR SERIES racing. We’ve generally had great pace at Road America, and that iconic track and awesome fan base makes this weekend a highlight of the year.”

Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“I’m excited about the progression we’ve made every weekend. I am ready to carry that into Road America where hopefully we can catch a break and have a good result!”

Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:

“Road America, my favorite track! It is also the home of Direct Supply, which I am very proud to have on my car! It should be a good weekend; we were strong last year and I have a lot of trust in our road course package. I have always loved Road America, it’s so much fun to drive and has such great racing. I would love to make it back to the podium, especially at my favorite track!”

Chevrolet in Road America

Wins at Road America: 3

2016: Will Power

2018: Josef Newgarden

2022: Josef Newgarden

Earned Pole Awards at Road America: 6

2016: Will Power

2017: Helio Castroneves

2018: Josef Newgarden

2020 (Race 1): Josef Newgarden

2020 (Race 2): Pato O’Ward

2021: Josef Newgarden

Number of Team Chevy Podiums at Road America (V6 era since 2012): 13

Number of laps led by Team Chevy at Road America (V6 era since 2012): 293

2024 CHEVROLET BY THE NUMBERS:

205: NTT INDYCAR Series races as V6 engine supplier since 2012 return to INDYCAR.

114: 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.

32: 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 50 times since 2012 in the V6 era.

26: 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.

Kyle Larson Foundation Announces Auction to Benefit Urban Youth Racing School

By
Official Release
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Larson Joins Forces with Team Chevy Drivers at Sonoma Raceway

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 6, 2024) – The Kyle Larson Foundation announced today that in partnership with Chevrolet and Pristine Auction, it will be auctioning off race-worn visors following this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series doubleheader at Sonoma Raceway. There are 26 Team Chevy drivers across the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series who have committed to donating their race shield to the Kyle Larson Foundation as it raises funds for the Philadelphia-based Urban Youth Racing School. Each shield will be autographed by both Kyle Larson and the respective Team Chevy driver.

“Anytime you can use our racing platform to raise money for a great cause is a good thing,” NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson stated. “I appreciate my partners at Pristine Auction, Chevrolet, and all the drivers participating in this program to help support my friends at the Urban Youth Racing School.”

Chevrolet has been a proud supporter of the Urban Youth Racing School for 24 years, with the Kyle Larson Foundation joining as a patron since its 2021 inception. Established in 1998 by Anthony and Michelle Martin, the program is committed to teaching students about STEM through racing and providing a positive environment.

The online auction will begin on Saturday, June 8, at 9 a.m. ET on the Pristine Auction website (prstn.co/klf-visor) and it will run through Wednesday, June 12, at 10 p.m. ET. The starting bid for all visors is $25. Once purchased, the visors will be shipped to winning bidders approximately four weeks after the auction ends, along with a Certificate of Authenticity issued from Pristine Auction.

About the Kyle Larson Foundation

The Kyle Larson Foundation is dedicated to bringing people together and providing support to hands-on charitable organizations that benefit today’s youth, families and communities in need. Learn more at kylelarsonfoundation.org.

 About the Urban Youth Driving School

The mission of UYSA Center of Excellence is to provide urban youth with exposure to an educational initiative that will engage them in STEM in a more holistic way by teaching them how to think critically and independently through preparing them to embrace the depths of all academic subjects for obtaining the skills necessary for successful STEM careers. The Urban Youth Racing School offers a 10-week program for urban students ages 8-18, with the goal to teach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics via the magic of motorsports and prepare students for a fast-paced career in the competitive world of professional racing. Learn more at uyrs.com.

Ford Performance Racing School: Chase Briscoe Sonoma Advance

By
Official Release
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CHASE BRISCOE
Sonoma Advance
No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Save Mart 350k (Round 16 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 9
● Location: Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway
● Layout: 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course
● Laps/Miles: 110 laps/218.9 miles (352.3 kilometers)
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 25 laps / Stage 2: 30 laps / Final Stage: 55 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● The Save Mart 350k Sunday at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway is the second of five road-course races on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing, finished 13th in the series’ first road-course race of the year on March 24 at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. After Sonoma, the next road-course race is July 7 on the streets of downtown Chicago. The last two road-course races are Sept. 15 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International and Oct. 12 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval.

● Sunday’s Save Mart 350k will mark Briscoe’s fourth NASCAR Cup Series start at Sonoma. In his maiden Cup race at the 1.99-mile, 10-turn road course in 2021, Briscoe qualified 25th and finished 17th. He improved on that effort in his return to the track in 2022, qualifying 15th and finishing 13th. In Briscoe’s most recent Cup start at Sonoma last year, he qualified 24th and finished 29th.

● Despite a best NASCAR Cup Series result of 13th at Sonoma, Briscoe is a winner in Wine Country. On June 5, 2021 in the ARCA Menards Series West race at Sonoma, Briscoe dominated. Despite starting third, Briscoe took the lead on the opening lap and never relinquished the point, leading all 51 laps to take the victory by a whopping 3.110 seconds over his nearest pursuer, Dylan Lupton.

● Briscoe has 20 career road-course starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, with five top-10 finishes spread across COTA (sixth in 2021), Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin (sixth in 2021), Watkins Glen (ninth in 2021), the Charlotte Roval (ninth in 2022) and the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (sixth in 2023).

● Briscoe has made 11 road-course starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series – the stepping-stone division to the elite NASCAR Cup Series. In fact, it was road-course racing in the Xfinity Series that helped put Briscoe on the map when it came to his burgeoning NASCAR career, as he scored two road-course wins among eight top-10 finishes. At the inaugural race on the Charlotte Roval on Sept. 29, 2018 in what was Briscoe’s 14th career Xfinity Series start, the Mitchell, Indiana-native scored his first Xfinity Series win. Briscoe said afterward that he tapped into his dirt-track experience in wheeling his Ford Mustang to a strong 1.478-second margin of victory over runner-up Justin Marks. “It drove like a dirt track instead of a road course, and it felt like I was in a sprint car. I just tried to make sure the rear tires never spun. I had to give up a little time coming off the corner, but I’d make it back up on the straightaway, and that’s why I was always better at the end of the run.”

● Briscoe’s second Xfinity Series win on a road course came in another inaugural race – the 2020 Brickyard 150 on the road course at Indianapolis. On July 4, 2020, Briscoe started 12th and methodically worked his way to the front, taking the lead on lap 24. He wound up leading five times for a race-high 30 laps to take the victory by 1.717 seconds ahead of second-place Justin Haley. Despite the win happening during COVID restrictions, Briscoe was elated to win at his home track in a car owned by Indiana icon Tony Stewart. “Everybody knows that my hero in racing was Tony Stewart. To get to drive for him and watch him win at the Brickyard, climbing the fence was always his signature thing and I just wanted to do it. Obviously, it’s not the same prestige as winning on the oval, but we still won at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing on the oval, the road course, the dirt track or even the parking lot, it’s special when you win here. Growing up, coming here all the time, it’s unbelievable to think that I just won here.”

● In three road-course starts in the ARCA Menards Series, Briscoe has two top-fives, with his first coming in 2016 when he finished fourth at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville after starting the 67-lap race in 10th. His other top-five was his 2021 win at Sonoma

● In Briscoe’s lone road-course start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he started 18th and finished seventh in the 2017 race at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

● Ford Performance Racing School adorns Briscoe’s No. 14 Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend at Sonoma. It is the only school to wear the Ford oval, and Ford is the only full-line vehicle manufacturer to offer product-focused experiential driving programs exclusively to the owners of its complete line of performance vehicles, from cars to trucks to SUVs.

Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Ford Mustang Dark Horse

How would you rate yourself as a road-course driver?

“I feel like I’m above average. I’ve definitely had way more success in the lower series compared to Cup, where I’ve been kind of hit-or-miss. We’d run really, really good, or we were just off. Truthfully, I feel like the NextGen car has definitely hurt me quite a bit on the road-course side. I feel like the old car with just how badly it drove, you were always slipping and sliding around, it didn’t want to stop. I feel like this NextGen car certainly has closed up the gap. The guys who were typically off on road courses are definitely closer because the NextGen car is just easier to drive on the road courses – it stops better, it turns better, it just does everything better. I feel like I’ve been good on road courses from a speed standpoint, just need to find that little bit more to finally seal the deal on a road course.”

What do you work on to become a better road-course racer? Obviously, there’s sim, but does your relationship with Ford Performance Racing School also allow you to hone your road-racing techniques?

“There’s a lot that goes into road-course racing, and laps and repetition are probably the biggest keys to that. No matter what road course you’re getting on or what car you’re driving, the techniques and the styles that you run on road courses are super important. It’s been great to have that relationship with Ford Performance Racing School, to get over there and be able to run laps. Almost every single road course we go to, I’ll go to the racing school that week and just do a little bit of a warmup over there, trying to get into the mindset of road-course racing. There’s a lot that goes into road-course racing, especially to be really good at it. Braking is probably the most important thing, trying to be as efficient as you can under braking, and being able to go over to the racing school and just playing around with different types of braking, and being able to be aggressive and trying different things that at the racetrack we don’t get the opportunity to do because we don’t want to mess anything up. Plus, we don’t get a lot of time to practice, so it’s nice to be able to go over there and spend the day and really just try different things.”

You’ve got one road-course race under your belt so far this year – COTA, where you finished 13th. Does Sonoma allow you to hit the reset button when it comes to road-course racing? If so, what do you want to do differently compared to COTA?

“COTA is kind of the complete opposite of what Sonoma is. Sonoma is just a super, super small road course, super tight, super narrow. It’s always been, by far, the slickest. Now that it’s been repaved, it’s probably not going to be as extreme from that standpoint. I don’t know if you can take anything from COTA and apply it to Sonoma, just with how they drive and how they race. I feel like I’m normally a pretty good road-course racer, but every time I got to Sonoma, I feel lost. Definitely feel like that’s the one track on the schedule where I’ve been trying to put the most focus and kind of understand what I need more. Hopefully, the repave will be a nice reset for me.”

The entire Sonoma layout has been repaved. Does that mean more grip, less grip or is it a bit of an unknown?

“Typically, it seems like repaves have more grip until they don’t, and then you just barely get out of the groove and you’re on ice. It’s a challenge every time you go to a repave just trying to figure out where you can get more aggressive and where there is more grip. Definitely seems like the groove at the fresh repaves are pretty gripped up, but as soon as you get out of the groove, it’s ice. Even talking to Josh Berry (teammate) and seeing some of the video from that Goodyear test out there, a lot of guys were spinning out. It’s that same thing, they barely get out of the groove and it’s just so slick.”

When you’re at a newly paved track, how aggressive are you in finding the grip level? Do you try to sneak up on it or are you aggressive from the get-go because track time is so limited?

“With just how limited track time is, you have to be aggressive. In the past when you had a couple of hours of practice, you could sort of sneak up on it. But in today’s day and age in what we do, you have to be aggressive from lap one and you have to trust that the team is doing its job to give you the most efficient and most gripped up car, and you’ve just got to rely on your ability at that point.”

How important is qualifying at road courses? Has it become a bit like Formula One where track position is so precious that in order to finish up front, you really need to start up front?

“The road courses have definitely changed a lot. I definitely miss the days of the old car where it didn’t stop, it didn’t drive well, it had no grip, it was out of control, and it just made it a lot of fun and it definitely seemed like you could pass guys. The new car is just so good on road courses. You can get in the brakes so easily and get in the corners so deep that it’s made passing extremely, extremely hard. It definitely comes down to qualifying. It’s just one of those deals where if you don’t make the final round, you instantly know your Sunday is going to be a challenge. You throw in the aspect of the stages and things like that, and there are just a lot of variables that go into these races, but certainly qualifying is a huge start to your weekend, especially at Sonoma.”

There’s one spot at Sonoma that looks incredibly tight, at least to the TV viewer, and that’s the exit off turn four and down into “The Chute.” Cars go wide off turn four but then they have to funnel back into line to avoid hitting a wall that seems to jut out at the start of “The Chute.” Is that section of the track as tight as it seems on TV?

“I actually feel like the camera angle makes it look tight. It’s tight, don’t get me wrong, but I definitely feel like TV doesn’t do justice to how wide it is. It’s sketchy, for sure, but not as sketchy as TV makes it seem. I definitely think TV makes it look way more aggressive than it really is.”

If a guy is hung on the outside of you as that wall comes up, do you treat it like an exit ramp where you give him room to merge back into traffic, or is it more like, ‘Sorry, dude. You should’ve planned better’?

“It’s one of those deals that just depends on where they’re at relative to your car. If they’re at the tail end of your car, you just act like they’re not even there, but if the tail of their car is just barely at the front of your car and you really don’t have great position on them, you normally have to let them in and yield to them. It’s one of those deals where you’re just trying to set yourself up for the next corner – turn seven, which is super tight, heavy braking. There are only two passing zones at Sonoma and that’s one of them, so you’re really just trying to set yourself up for that corner, and just keep that in mind as you go through The Chute.”

With the speed that you carry down through “The Chute,” what do you need to do to both maintain control and not scrub off speed as you exit turn seven and head through the esses?

“That’s a great question because that’s where I suck the most. I don’t know. I feel like turn seven is my total weak spot. It seems like at Sonoma I can be on par with the best guy, then I get to turn seven and I give it all back and then some. Yeah, turn seven has been a challenge for me. I’m hoping that the repave will finally give me the feel that I’m looking for because I definitely have not done a good job in (turn) seven in my previous starts there.”

What’s OK and what isn’t when you’re racing with someone else as you head into the hairpin in turn 11?

“Turn 11, everybody knows that it’s the passing zone at Sonoma. Turn seven is kind of iffy, but 11 is really the one spot that everybody knows. So as you come through (turn) 10, everybody’s always setting each other up, and you’re trying to set yourself up to get into 11, and you see almost every single wreck at Sonoma is into turn 11 just because we know that’s the only passing zone. As frustrating as it is, I feel like everybody kind of knows that’s where you’ve got to be aggressive if you’re going to pass.”

No. 14 Ford Performance Racing School Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Chase Briscoe

Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell

Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Car Chief: J.D. Frey

Hometown: Ferndale, California

Engineer: Mike Cook

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Spotter: Joey Campbell

Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Shayne Pipala

Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Dakota Ratcliff

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal

Hometown: Holland, Michigan

Jack Man: Kapil Fletcher

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fuel Man: Corey Coppola

Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams

Hometown: Plymouth, Wisconsin

Tire Specialist: Keith Eads

Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips

Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable

Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

Transporter Co-Driver: Dale Lackey

Hometown: Taylorsville, North Carolina

NHRA’S STEVE JOHNSON AIMS TO BECOME FIRST PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE RIDER TO REPEAT AT SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

By
Official Release
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BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 6, 2024) – Pro Stock Motorcycle veteran Steve Johnson looks to become the first repeat rider at Bristol Dragway at this weekend’s 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals and turn around his 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season in the process.

The Pro Stock Motorcycle class is back in action at this weekend’s race in Thunder Valley and Johnson is the reigning Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals winner. After struggling at the first three races of the season, Johnson is seeking his first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series win of the season on his Suzuki.

But he has plenty of strong Bristol vibes as one of only three PSM winners at the legendary facility. The only two other winners at Bristol are Angelle Sampey and Jerry Savoie since the class came to Thunder Valley in 2021.

“It’s a very challenging race track for us,” Johnson said. “Where my team has been this last year and where I think we should be, it’s been exciting. The data doesn’t lie. There’s a bunch of calculations between there and you come up with gear ratios, you come up with jetting, you come up with timing, and hopefully you bring a rider, and you go throw down on the track then you come back and modify that.

“Ultimately, it is a challenge because we had very little data from that track, and it’s been really hot and it’s been super cold. It’s going to be really challenging to get down that track and especially to try to out run everybody there.”

Justin Ashley (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car), Enders (Pro Stock) and Johnson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) took home titles last year in picturesque Thunder Valley and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations beginning at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. It is the eighth of 20 races during the 2024 season and the fan-favorite Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge also takes place on Saturday, featuring semifinalists from last weekend’s NHRA New England Nationals.

Last year, Johnson handed Gaige Herrera his first runner-up finish of the season when Herrera went red in the final round. That made Johnson one of only four Pro Stock Motorcycle winners in 2023: Johnson, Hector Arana Jr., multiple-time champ Matt Smith and Herrera. With a quarterfinal finish to his credit this season, Johnson is excited to get to Bristol.

“I love what I do,” Johnson said. “I hope everyone has that fire because it takes that kind of passion to do what you do.”

Johnson and the rest of the class will have to contend with Herrera, who is undefeated thus far in 2024. He’s also won eight consecutive races – tied for the most in PSM history – and 31 straight rounds. A win in Bristol would tie Herrera, the 2023 world champ, with Bob Glidden for the most wins in a row (9) and the most consecutive round wins (35).

In the Pro Stock ranks, reigning champion Erica Enders has been hanging on in the thick of the points battle. She collected a race win in Gainesville and was runner-up last weekend in Epping. With three No. 1 qualifiers so far and two Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge wins, she is second in points and hopes the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals will to be her race to reclaim the points lead from Dallas Glenn.

Ashley has back-to-back wins from Bristol Dragway. He currently leads the Top Fuel points and will be seeking his third race win of the season. If he wants to get three wins from Bristol, he’ll be up against reigning champ Doug Kalitta, who won last weekend in Epping, two-time 2024 winner Shawn Langdon and multi-time champs Steve Torrence and Antron Brown.

Capps won his second straight Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals last season when he defeated Alexis DeJoria in the finals. He’s looking for his first win of 2024 in a loaded group that includes points leader Austin Prock, John Force, who won Sunday in Epping, Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, reigning champ Matt Hagan and Bob Tasca III.

The Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top racers in the country, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock. The weekend includes an appearance from the Legends Nostalgia Nitro Funny Cars as well. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans will also be treated to a special autograph session and fanfest at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

Fans will also be invited to the Nitro Alley Stage all weekend, which features Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Bristol Dragway can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrates each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Bristol event winners.

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

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:45 and 7 p.m. ET on Friday, June 7, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 8 at 12:30 and 3:15 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 9. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 7 p.m. ET on Friday and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations coverage at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

Weekend schedule for Sonoma Raceway

By
Angie Campbell
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Credit: SONOMA, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 11: Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota / Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 11, 2023 in Sonoma, California. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series travel to Sonoma Raceway. Martin Truex Jr. is the defending Cup Series race winner at the 1.99-mile track and leads all active drivers with four wins (2023, 2019, 2018, 2013) at Sonoma.

Denny Hamlin is the most recent Cup Series pole winner with a lap of 92.178 mph in 77.719 seconds last June.

This will be the second time the Xfinity Series has competed on the 1.99-mile course. Last year’s race winner, Aric Almirola, and pole winner, Kyle Larson, are not entered in this weekend’s event.

The Craftsman Truck Series is off and returns to completion on June 28 at Nashville Superspeedway.

All times are Eastern.

Friday, June 7
1:40 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series West Practice (All Entries) ARCA Race Center
3:10 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series West Qualifying (Timed, Impound) ARCA Race Center
4:05 p.m.: Xfinity Series Practice – All Entries (Tape delayed: 5 p.m.) F1
5:05 p.m.: Cup Series Practice – All Entries (Tape delayed: 8:30 p.m.) FS1/PRN/SiriusXM
6:30 p.m.: ARCA Menards Series West General Tire 200 – 64 Laps, 127.36 Miles FloRacing

Saturday, June 8
3:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying (Impound, Group A & B, Multi-Vehicle, 2 Rounds) FS2
6 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying (Impound, Group A & B, Multi-Vehicle, 2 Rounds) FS2/PRN/SiriusXM
Post-NCS Qualifying Press Pass
8 p.m.: Xfinity Series Zip Buy Now, Pay Later 250
Stages 20/45/79 Laps = 156.95 Miles – FS1/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $1,747,861
Post-Xfinity Race – Press Pass

Sunday, June 9
3:30 p.m.: Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350
Stages 25/55/110 Laps = 218.9 Miles FOX/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $8,426,274
Post-Cup Series: Press Pass

TeamSLR Riding Momentum to Pittsburgh

By
Official Release
-

Barry Boes Joined by Returning M1Racecars Chevy Driver Carson Kvapil
On Heels of Team’s Solid Runner-Up Performance at Lime Rock

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. (June 6, 2024) – Coming off the team’s solid second-place finish Memorial Day weekend at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Connecticut, a pair of TeamSLR M1Racecars drivers are champing at the bit to hit the track for Sunday’s Pitt Race SpeedTour, the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series’ first-ever appearance at the Pittsburgh International Race Complex.

Leading the way for TeamSLR this weekend is Barry Boes, the two-time Pro-Am Challenge-class winner this season in his No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang. He’ll be joined by recently turned 21-year-old Carson Kvapil, the Team Chevrolet development driver who’ll make his third career TA2 start this weekend after debuting in the series with TeamSLR in back-to-back races last year at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington and Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin.

Boes and Kvapil arrive at the track known as Pitt Race buoyed by the stout weekend performance at Lime Rock by 18-year-old Evan Slater in the No. 17 Cube 3/Franklin Road Apparel/Paul Racing/Tom Haas Foundation/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro. In his first race with TeamSLR and first since last August at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, the young veteran of 24 TA2 Series starts qualified on the front row and defended his position throughout the 68-lap race around the lightning-fast 1.48-mile, seven-turn Lime Rock circuit. He was beaten to the checkered flag only by polesitter Rafa Matos, the two-time series champion, by a 1.056-second margin.

Boes also appeared on his way to a solid finish at Lime Rock, having qualified a season-best seventh overall and best among Pro-Am Challenge competitors for the fourth race in a row. But on the second restart of the race, he was knocked off the track by another competitor who later was assessed an avoidable contact penalty. Boes finished the race but wasn’t able to fight his way back into the top-10 with his damaged racecar. He finished 16th and, for the first time since starting the season with back-to-back Pro-Am Challenge victories at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, finds himself second in the class point standings, trailing new Pro-Am leader Keith Prociuk by nine markers. Ironically enough, Boes and his then-teammate Misha Goikhberg ventured to Pitt Race for a hugely productive test day last summer, not even knowing at the time the track would be on the 2024 TA2 Series schedule. That experience has Boes confident he and his M1 Racecars equipment will hit the ground running this weekend.

Kvapil hopes to pick up where he left off with TeamSLR last year. The son of 2003 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Travis Kvapil certainly didn’t look like a young driver with zero road-racing experience when he qualified second and finished fifth at Mid-Ohio, then followed it up by qualifying third at Road America and moving up to second on the opening lap of the race before getting punted off track and sustaining damage beyond repair. Kvapil got a head start learning the 2.75-mile, 19-turn Pitt Race circuit when he joined TeamSLR for a test day last month and was impressed with the layout and the facility. He also brings his share of momentum into the weekend, having enjoyed success in numerous other racing disciplines already this year, including top-five finishes in two of his three NASCAR Xfinity Series races with JR Motorsports – second at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway and fourth at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway – and top-three finishes in both his starts for Pinnacle Racing Group in the ARCA Menards Series – second at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway and third at Dover. Kvapil also has a pair of wins in six races on the zMAX CARS Tour in the Late Model Stock class.

Slater was the fourth young driver to make his TA2 debut in TeamSLR M1 Racecars equipment this season in the interests of developing his road-racing craft, including a pair of 16-year-olds – Gavan Boschele and Julian DaCosta. Boschele drove the No. 28 SLR-M1 Racecars entry to finishes of 15th at Sebring, eighth at Road Atlanta and seventh at NOLA, while DaCosta’s TA2 debut resulted in a 10th-place finish from the ninth starting position at NOLA. In last month’s race at World Wide Technology Raceway outside St. Louis, 18-year-old Jake Finch, a two-time ARCA winner, drove the No. 17 Phoenix Construction/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro in his TA2 debut and was vying for a solid top-10 finish before a tire barrier bounced into the path of his racecar during a late-race incident that he otherwise would have avoided.

Riding along with this weekend’s TeamSLR drivers and their M1 Racecars, as it will all season long, is Nashville, Tennessee-based Franklin Road Apparel Company, which has been a longtime team supporter.

M1 Racecars was represented on the podium at 12 of the 13 TA2 rounds in 2023, highlighted by a pair of victories by Matos for Peterson Racing. Team SLR’s Dillon Machavern and Thad Moffitt both scored podium finishes, as did TeamSLR driver Connor Mosack at the season-opening event at Sebring, when he qualified on the pole and led the first 19 laps of the race before finishing third. At this year’s Sebring season opener, Austin Green of the two-car Peterson Racing contingent was the top-finishing M1 Racecars entry with his fifth-place result.

This weekend’s Pitt Race SpeedTour kicks off with TA2 test sessions at 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. EDT Friday, followed by Saturday’s official TA2 practice at 9 a.m. and qualifying at 1:50 p.m. Race time Sunday is 9:35 a.m. and the 36-lap, 75-minute event will be televised live by series partner MAVTV, augmented by live-streaming video on the Trans Am and SpeedTour channels on YouTube. MAVTV will air a 60-minute race show at 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, June 13.

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

Your thoughts as you head to Pitt Race for Sunday’s first-ever TA2 race there?

“I’ve never raced at Pittsburgh, but I tested there last year for a day with Misha (Goikhberg). We were only there for a day, but we had the whole track to ourselves and we ran a lot of laps. We brought two cars, we wanted to test different configurations, different setups, we swapped back and forth between cars and did all kinds of stuff. We were there not even knowing we’d be back racing there in Trans Am. Misha’s coach just thought it would be a really great track to put a Trans Am car through the kinds of paces we needed to put them through, and I have to agree, it was. I’m ready to get back into the groove there this weekend. I’ve said the last few races that this was going to be my turnaround race and it wasn’t. But I feel like this has to be my turnaround race.”

Based on your test day, describe the characteristics of the track and what you expect this weekend.

“The track definitely has sections like a lot of the tracks we go to – there are on-camber turns, off-camber turns, some really long esses. A lot of the tracks we’ve run recently have been more point-and-shoot tracks. This track is a whole lot more part-throttle, manage the balance of the car, finesse-type work. It’s a departure from really what everyone in the series has been racing on recently. Some of it flows a little like Mid-Ohio, where you have a lot of things linked together and you have to keep the car working all the time. Rubber makes a huge difference, so where everyone’s driving is going to have an impact on where we go. We found that out on the test day. When we got there, the track had no rubber on it, but as you watched the video through the day, you could see where our lines were growing rubber on the track and it was a second and a half or two seconds faster at the end of the day than it was at the beginning of the day just because of the rubber Misha and I were putting down.”

Carson Kvapil, Driver, No. 28 Team Chevrolet/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

You’re back in a TeamSLR M1 Racecars Chevrolet for the first time this season after driving back-to-back races with the team last year at Mid-Ohio and Road America. What made you decide on this weekend’s race?

“Really, the biggest thing for me is to try and get more road-course experience at any place, and I’m just trying to get as much experience at different tracks as I can. Pittsburgh just seemed to work out schedule-wise, and I think it could work out in our favor that no one else has ever been there before. I’m just excited for the weekend. The two races we did last year were a great run-up to this and I’m really excited to work with those guys. It’s really a fun program to be a part of and I just can’t wait to be back at the track with them.”

What have you been doing to prepare for this first-ever TA2 race at Pitt Race?

“We were actually able to do a test there, and that was a big gain, as you would expect. There are things that we learned that we can take to the race this weekend. We got a number of runs in and it was enough for me to learn the track and enough for Scott (Lagasse Jr.) to tune on the car a little bit. I would say it reminds me of Road America. It seems like you have to hustle it there. The pavement isn’t old but it almost seems old, and you can move around a little bit. I thought it was a blast, the place has a lot of corners. There is a good bit of elevation change, there are a lot of deep corners that you drop down into or drive up a hill. I really enjoyed it.”

You’ve had a good measure of success this year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, ARCA Menards Series, and the CARS Tour. Is there anything you gleaned from your road-racing experience with TeamSLR last year that might have helped you in those other series?

“Not directly, but at the same time, it’s just a different discipline. There’s nothing I can directly say that transfers over, but I’m sure there is, I’m sure there’s a bunch of little things that I’m just not thinking of. The braking’s different, how you approach a corner, it’s all completely different from circle track. I feel like whenever I jump back in a Late Model and go drive a circle track, obviously I drive that car how it needs to be driven, but I also take those (road-racing) tendencies and try to apply them in some ways, and it’s probably ways that I honestly don’t even know, things that I’m doing that I don’t even know I’m doing. ”

About TeamSLR:

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

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