Home saunas are becoming increasingly popular as more people seek to create personal wellness retreats within their living spaces. A dedicated sauna space at home not only provides a sanctuary for relaxation but also offers numerous health benefits. WeAreSauna, a leader in sauna design and technology, provides everything you need to design the perfect home sauna space, combining luxury, functionality, and aesthetics. If you’re looking for an outdoor infrared sauna, check out our collection.
Benefits of Having a Home Sauna
Having a home sauna offers extensive health benefits, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Regular sauna use promotes detoxification, improves circulation, and aids in muscle recovery. Mentally, it helps reduce stress, promotes relaxation, and improves sleep quality.
The convenience of having a personal sauna means you can enjoy these benefits any time without the need to visit a spa or gym. Additionally, a well-designed home sauna can increase the value of your property, making it a wise long-term investment in both health and home equity.
Choosing the Right Sauna for Your Home
Selecting the perfect sauna involves considering various factors. The first step is to decide on the type of sauna that best suits your needs. Traditional saunas offer the classic experience with high heat and low humidity, while infrared saunas provide deep heat penetration at lower temperatures, making them ideal for those who prefer a milder heat. Steam saunas are another option, offering high humidity for a more intense experience.
Key considerations include the size of the sauna, the design, and the ideal location in your home. Customization options allow you to tailor the sauna to fit your personal preferences, ensuring it complements your lifestyle and home decor.
It’s also important to be aware of potential considerations related to infrared sauna risks, especially for individuals with certain medical conditions or sensitivities, so understanding how different heating methods affect the body can help you make a safer and more informed choice.”
We Are Sauna’s Top Brands for Home Saunas
We Are Sauna offers a variety of top-quality brands, each bringing unique features and benefits to your home wellness space:
ALEKO: Known for affordability and reliability, ALEKO saunas are easy to install and use, making them a great choice for those new to home saunas.
Dundalk Leisurecraft: This brand focuses on eco-friendly and stylish designs, perfect for homeowners looking to combine sustainability with aesthetics.
Finnleo: Renowned for luxury and advanced technology, Finnleo saunas provide a high-end experience with innovative features.
Finnmark: Offering robust and durable saunas, Finnmark is ideal for long-term use and consistent performance.
Scandia: Providing spa-like experiences at home, Scandia saunas emphasize comfort and relaxation.
Designing Your Home Sauna Space
Creating the perfect home sauna space involves careful planning and design. Start by selecting an ideal location that offers privacy and convenience. Common choices include basements, bathrooms, or a dedicated wellness room.
Incorporate elements that enhance relaxation, such as soft lighting, calming sounds, and pleasant aromas. These elements create a soothing environment that promotes mental and physical well-being. Ensure the sauna’s aesthetic aligns with your home decor, creating a cohesive look that enhances the overall ambiance.
Enhancing the Sauna Experience
To further elevate your sauna experience, consider adding accessories and features that boost relaxation. Sauna stones and essential oils can enhance the atmosphere and provide additional health benefits. Integrating modern technology, such as smart controls, allows you to customize your sauna sessions easily, adjusting temperature and duration to your liking.
Comfort features, like ergonomic seating and towel warmers, add a touch of luxury, making each session more enjoyable. These additions ensure that your sauna space is not only functional but also a true sanctuary for relaxation.
Real-Life Testimonials and Success Stories
Hearing from individuals who have successfully created home sauna spaces can provide inspiration and insights. For example, Emma from Los Angeles shared how her Finnleo sauna transformed her home into a peaceful retreat, helping her manage stress and improve her sleep. John from New York noted significant health improvements and increased relaxation after installing a Dundalk Leisurecraft sauna.
These testimonials highlight the positive impact of having a home sauna, showcasing the real-life benefits experienced by satisfied We Are Sauna customers.
Maintaining Your Home Sauna
Maintaining your sauna is essential to ensure its longevity and consistent performance. Regular maintenance includes cleaning the sauna, checking the heating elements, and ensuring proper ventilation. WeAreSauna provides excellent customer service and support, helping you maintain your investment for years to come.
Proper care not only ensures that your sauna remains a beautiful feature in your home but also that it continues to provide the health benefits you seek.
Conclusion
Designing the perfect home sauna space is a worthwhile investment in your health and well-being. By choosing the right sauna, incorporating elements of relaxation, and maintaining your space, you can create a sanctuary that offers both physical and mental benefits. Explore the diverse offerings from WeAreSauna and discover how you can transform your home into a wellness retreat. A well-designed sauna space is not just a luxury—it’s a testament to the value of relaxation and health in your daily life.
Getting ready for a journey in a Tesla electric vehicle (EV) is a convenient way to travel because of its high technology innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. An electric vehicle can give you the confidence to go anywhere you want without any hassle of locating a regular gas station and such.
In this article, explore the basics of a Tesla charger, and its benefits during your travel with an electric vehicle.
What are Tesla Superchargers?
Tesla Superchargers are Level 3 DC fast chargers specifically designed for Tesla electric vehicles (EVs). These are capable of delivering high-power charging, allowing Tesla owners to charge their vehicle’s battery quickly.
One of the advantages of Tesla Superchargers is their ability to add significant range in a short amount of time. For instance, a Tesla vehicle can gain approximately 200 miles in 15 minutes of charging at the station. This rapid charging capability enables drivers to minimize their charging stops and continue their journey with minimal interruption.
Finding Tesla Superchargers
If you are looking for an EV charger installation for your home, then you can buy a level 1, or level 2 charger, just don’t expect the speeds of a supercharger!
Locating Tesla Supercharger stations is convenient and straightforward, thanks to various tools provided by Tesla:
1. Tesla Navigation System: Tesla vehicles come equipped with a built-in navigation system that seamlessly integrates with the Supercharger network. Drivers can easily locate nearby Supercharger stations by accessing the navigation menu on the car’s touchscreen display. The system automatically plans routes based on the location of Superchargers along the way, ensuring a hassle-free charging experience.
2. Tesla App: The Tesla mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices, offers another convenient way to find Supercharger stations. Users can open the app and use the map feature to locate nearby Supercharger stations. Additionally, the app provides real-time information on station availability and charging status, allowing drivers to plan their charging stops effectively.
3. Tesla Website: Tesla’s official website also provides a comprehensive map of Supercharger locations worldwide. Users can visit the website and use the interactive map to search for Supercharger stations based on their current location or destination. The website offers additional details such as station amenities, charging rates, and operational hours.
It’s important to note that while Tesla Superchargers are strategically positioned along major highways and in urban areas, there may be limitations on where you can find them. The Supercharger network primarily focuses on facilitating long-distance travel, so stations are predominantly located along highways and major travel routes. As a result, drivers planning routes in remote or rural areas may encounter fewer Supercharger options and should plan their journeys accordingly.
Using Tesla Superchargers (Optional)
Using Tesla Superchargers is a straightforward process that can be broken down into the following steps:
1. Locate a Supercharger Station: Use the Tesla navigation system, mobile app, or website to find the nearest Supercharger station along your route.
2. Park at a Charging Stall: Upon arrival at the Supercharger station, park your Tesla vehicle in an available charging stall. Ensure that your vehicle’s charging port is easily accessible and aligned with the charging cable.
3. Open the Charging Port: Press the button on the charging port cover or use the Tesla mobile app to open the charging port door on your vehicle.
4. Connect the Charging Cable: Retrieve the charging cable from the Supercharger station and plug it into your Tesla’s charging port. The connector should easily slide into place, and you may hear a confirmation click once it’s securely connected.
5. Initiate Charging: Depending on the Tesla model, you may need to initiate the charging process using the vehicle’s touchscreen display. Follow the instructions to select the desired charging rate and start the charging session.
6. Monitor Charging Progress: While your Tesla is charging, you can track the progress on the vehicle’s touchscreen display or through the Tesla mobile app. The display will provide real-time information about the charging rate, remaining time, and estimated range added.
7. Unplug and Depart: Once your Tesla has reached the desired charge level or you’re ready to continue your journey, simply unplug the charging cable from your vehicle’s charging port. Ensure that you securely stow the cable back at the Supercharger station and close the charging port door on your vehicle.
8. Exit the Supercharger Station: After charging is complete, exit the Supercharger station and continue your journey with confidence, knowing that your Tesla is ready to go the distance.
Charging Speed and Costs
Tesla Superchargers come in two main types: V2 (Version 2) and V3 (Version 3), each offering different charging speeds and capabilities.
1. V2 Superchargers: V2 Superchargers are capable of delivering up to 150 kW of power to Tesla vehicles. They feature a shared architecture, meaning that power is split between adjacent charging stalls when multiple vehicles are charging simultaneously. While V2 Superchargers provide rapid charging, they may experience reduced charging speeds during peak usage times or when sharing power with other vehicles at the station.
2. V3 Superchargers: V3 Superchargers represent the latest advancement in Tesla’s charging infrastructure, offering even faster charging speeds compared to V2 Superchargers. With a peak power output of up to 250 kW per vehicle, V3 Superchargers can add significant range in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, V3 Superchargers utilise a dedicated power cabinet for each charging stall, eliminating the need to share power with adjacent stalls. This ensures consistent charging speeds regardless of the number of vehicles charging simultaneously.
Charging costs at Tesla Superchargers are determined by various factors, including location, time of day, and any applicable idle fees:
1. Location: Charging costs can vary depending on the geographical location of the Supercharger station. Tesla adjusts pricing to account for factors such as electricity rates, taxes, and other regional considerations.
2. Time of Day: Tesla may implement time-based pricing, where charging rates fluctuate based on the time of day. Charging during off-peak hours may result in lower costs compared to peak demand periods.
3. Idle Fees: To encourage efficient use of Supercharger stalls, Tesla may impose idle fees for vehicles that remain parked at a charging stall after their charging session is complete. These fees incentivise drivers to move their vehicles promptly once charging is finished, freeing up stalls for other users.
Additional Considerations
As of now, Tesla Superchargers are primarily designed for use with Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) and are not compatible with other EV brands. However, Tesla has initiated pilot programs in some regions to explore the possibility of allowing non-Tesla EVs to utilise Supercharger infrastructure. These pilot programs aim to evaluate the feasibility and potential implications of opening up Supercharger access to a broader range of electric vehicles. While these initiatives are still in their early stages and may vary by location, they signify Tesla’s commitment to promoting electric vehicle adoption and fostering collaboration within the EV community.
Supercharger etiquette plays a crucial role in ensuring a positive charging experience for all users. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Parking: When using a Supercharger station, always park your vehicle in a designated charging stall. Avoid parking in spots designated for non-charging vehicles, as this can obstruct access to charging infrastructure for other users.
2. Charging Priority: Be mindful of other drivers who may be waiting to use the Supercharger station. Once your charging session is complete, promptly move your vehicle to allow others to use the charging stall.
3. Unplugging When Finished: Upon completing your charging session, disconnect the charging cable from your vehicle and return it to the charging pedestal. This ensures that the charging equipment is available for the next user and helps maintain the efficiency of the charging process.
4. Avoiding ICEing: ICEing refers to the practice of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars at the EV charging stations, thereby blocking access to electric vehicles. While Tesla Supercharger stations are typically reserved for Tesla vehicles, it’s essential to remain vigilant and report any instances of ICEing to Tesla or relevant authorities.
Conclusion
Tesla Superchargers are very useful for car owners who travel long because they are convenient and can be found easily in places that are not hard to locate. This also ensures a smooth and short travel time for people who are in a hurry to reach their destination.
Maintaining a high-end car involves more than just standard check-ups; the sophisticated accessories also need special attention. These accessories, like turbochargers, LED headlights, and custom spoilers, are crucial for performance and style.
To keep them in top shape, you need to understand what each accessory does, perform regular inspections, clean them properly, seek professional repairs when needed, and invest in quality replacement parts.
Keep reading for some essential tips to help you maintain and repair the accessories that make your luxury vehicle stand out.
Understanding Your Car’s Accessories
To properly maintain and repair your high-end car accessories, you first need to understand what each accessory does and how it enhances your car’s performance.
Say, you’ve got a turbocharger. It’s not just a pricey embellishment, it’s designed to boost your engine’s power.
Or your LED headlights, they’re not only stylish but also provide better illumination for safer driving at night.
Your spoiler isn’t just for show, it improves aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.
Regular Inspection and Maintenance
Regular check-ups and maintenance of your high-end car accessories can extend their lifespan and ensure optimal performance.
It’s crucial to inspect everything from your Mercedes steering wheel and heated seats to your GPS system on a regular basis. Look for signs of wear and tear, and immediately address any issues.
If you’re not well-versed in the technical aspects, it’s wise to hire a professional. They’ll keep your accessories in top shape and can spot potential problems early. Remember, preventive maintenance is always cheaper than repairs or replacements.
Proper Cleaning Techniques
First, always use products designed specifically for car accessories. Off-the-shelf cleaners may be too harsh and damage the delicate finishes. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently clean surfaces, avoiding scratches.
For leather accessories, use a conditioner to prevent cracking and fading. Dust your car’s interior regularly to avoid buildup. Don’t neglect small areas like air vents and buttons; a soft brush can reach these spots.
Always dry thoroughly to prevent moisture damage. Lastly, remember never to use excessive force while cleaning.
Proper care and gentle cleaning can keep your high-end accessories looking their best.
Professional Accessory Repairs
If your high-end car accessories need more than a simple clean, it’s best to seek out professional repairs. Don’t risk causing further damage by attempting to fix complicated issues yourself.
Professional repair services have the necessary expertise and equipment to handle your accessories with care. They’re familiar with the intricate details of high-end car accessories, ensuring the job gets done right.
Even if you’re handy with DIY tasks, remember that high-end accessories often have specific requirements that only trained professionals can understand fully.
Moreover, professional repairs often come with warranties, providing you with peace of mind.
Investing in Quality Replacement Parts
Cheap alternatives might seem attractive initially, but they’ll likely fail sooner, costing you more in the long run. Your luxury vehicle deserves nothing but the best.
Quality parts not only last longer but also enhance your car’s performance. They’re specifically designed to match your vehicle’s make and model, ensuring a flawless fit and function.
So, when choosing replacement parts, don’t let price be your sole guide. Look for reputable brands known for their durability and compatibility with your car model. It’s worth paying a bit more upfront for parts that will last.
After all, your car’s longevity and performance depend on it.
The world of sports betting is no longer a spectator sport. Gone are the days of simply picking your favorite driver or team and hoping for the best. Today’s bettors, whether revving their engines for the roar of Formula One or cheering on their favorite baseball team, are a data-driven breed. And with no shortage of resources available, they’re armed with the information needed to make informed wagers and potentially score big wins.
Baseball’s Statistical Sweet Spot
Let’s take Major League Baseball (MLB) for example. The “No Run First Inning” (NRFI) wager has become a popular option for savvy bettors. Here, the bet hinges on whether a game will see no runs scored in the opening frame. To make informed NRFI decisions, statistics like a team’s average runs scored in the first inning or a pitcher’s strikeout rate become crucial.
Sites where you can get NRFI bets stats offer a treasure trove of data for bettors. They compile historical statistics, team trends, and even weather analysis, which can significantly influence a team’s offensive output. By combining this information with their knowledge of the game, bettors can leverage NRFI wagers with a greater sense of confidence.
Imagine a scenario where a team with a notoriously slow start faces a pitcher known for his dominance early in games. By looking at historical NRFI rates for both teams and the pitcher’s performance in the first inning, a bettor can make a calculated decision about the likelihood of a scoreless first frame.
Motorsports: Where Precision Meets Prediction
Now, let’s shift gears to the high-octane world of Formula One (F1). Here, milliseconds separate victory from defeat, and teams rely on a staggering amount of data. From tire wear and engine telemetry to weather conditions and driver biometrics, every detail is meticulously tracked.
This data, once the exclusive domain of race engineers, is now fueling a betting revolution. Sportsbooks are using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) to access real-time F1 data, allowing for innovative in-play wagers. Imagine predicting a pit stop based on live tire sensor readings or betting on a safety car deployment based on real-time weather data! These in-play wagers add a whole new layer of excitement for bettors who crave the thrill of split-second decisions based on the latest information streaming directly from the track.
Beyond the Basics
But the influence of data goes far beyond simple NRFI bets and pit stop predictions. Both MLB and F1 offer a wealth of statistics that can be used to create complex betting models. In baseball, for example, a bettor might analyze a pitcher’s “whiff rate” (the percentage of swings that result in a missed strike) alongside a hitter’s “strikeout rate” to predict the likelihood of a quick first inning.
Similarly, in F1, a bettor might analyze a driver’s historical performance on a specific track, combined with the car’s recent lap times, to predict their qualifying position.
The Rise of Analytics Experts
This ever-growing sea of data has also given rise to a new breed of sports betting expert: the data analyst. These individuals leverage their knowledge of statistics and programming languages to create sophisticated models that analyze past performance and predict future outcomes. While these models can’t guarantee success, they can provide valuable insights that can give bettors an edge.
When Stats Don’t Tell the Whole Story
However, it’s important to remember that statistics don’t paint the whole picture. Intangibles like a team’s momentum, a driver’s mental state, or even a lucky bounce can all play a role in the outcome of a game or race. The best bettors understand this and use statistical analysis as a tool, not a crutch.
The Future of Sports Betting
The future of sports betting promises even deeper integration between data and fan engagement. Imagine using virtual reality to experience the thrill of a Formula One race from the cockpit, all while placing real-time bets on the outcome of the pit stops. Blockchain technology could further revolutionize the industry, offering secure and transparent transactions along with the potential for micro-betting on specific milestones within a game or race.
The Bottom Line: Betting on a Data-Driven Future
The convergence of motorsports and baseball betting through advanced data analysis is just the beginning. Whether you’re a die-hard F1 fan analyzing tire wear or a baseball enthusiast dissecting pitching matchups, the future of sports betting is all about harnessing the power of data to make smarter, potentially more profitable wagers.
However, it’s crucial to remember that responsible betting practices remain paramount. Setting limits, understanding the risks involved and enjoying the thrill of the competition are all key components of a positive betting experience. So, buckle up, baseball fans and gearheads alike – the data-driven future of sports
In a season mired with only a single top-five result and nine results outside the top 20 through 14 races, Austin Cindric achieved good fortunes under the Gateway Arch, racing his way into Playoff contention after taking advantage of teammate Ryan Blaney running out of fuel on the final lap to win the third annual running of the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway on Sunday, June 2.
The 2022 Daytona 500 champion from Mooresville, North Carolina, led three times for 53 of 240 scheduled laps in an event where he started on the front row alongside pole-sitter Michael McDowell and raced competitively towards the front. As the event quickly became a race of execution in pit strategy within the field, Cindric, who accumulated a bevy of stage points during the event’s two stage periods and led for the first time on Lap 97, made his final pit service with 63 laps remaining under green flag conditions, one lap after teammate Ryan Blaney pitted. Cindric then spent the remainder of the event navigating his way around the Gateway course and methodically climbing the leaderboard as more front-runners pitted. Amid his drive back to the front, he was also trying to keep pace with Blaney, who would prevail in a late battle of his own against Christopher Bell.
Then after being initially poised for a runner-up result behind Blaney with two laps remaining, Cindric struck gold after Blaney ran out of fuel and quickly fell off the pace through the frontstretch. Having the lead to his advantage for a final lap, Cindric was able to have enough fuel and horsepower within his No. 2 Team Penske Ford Mustang Dark Horse entry to cycle back to the frontstretch and claim his second NASCAR Cup Series career victory in his 94th series start along with his first win in two years.
With on-track qualifying that determined the starting lineup occurring on Saturday, June 1, Michael McDowell achieved his third Cup pole position of this season and of his career after posting a pole-winning lap at 138.598 mph in 32.468 seconds. Joining him on the front row was Austin Cindric, who clocked in the second-fastest qualifying lap at 138.134 mph in 32.577 seconds.
When the green flag waved and the event commenced, McDowell jumped his No. 34 Siteman Cancer Center Ford Mustang Dark Horse ahead from the outside lane and he led the field through the first two turns and through the backstretch. With Christopher Bell navigating his way into the runner-up spot and the field behind fanning out to multiple lanes, McDowell proceeded to lead the first lap from Bell. Behind, Ryan Blaney was up to third place while teammate Austin Cindric dropped to fourth place as he was racing in front of Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace and Brad Keselowski.
The following lap, Wallace, who was battling Keselowski for seventh place, bumped into the side of Keselowski as Keselowski got loose and briefly went up the track through Turns 1 and 2, but he managed to keep his car running straight despite dropping out of the top 10 on the track. Then prior to the third lap, the event’s first caution period flew after John Hunter Nemechek and Cody Ware both spun in Turn 2.
During the next restart period on the seventh lap, McDowell and Bell dueled for the lead through the first two turns until McDowell just managed to clear Bell’s No. 20 DeWalt Toyota Camry XSE through the backstretch. As the field behind fanned out to multiple lanes for a second time, McDowell retained the lead by a narrow margin over Bell as Team Penske’s Blaney and Cindric battled for third place in front of Toyota drivers Reddick, Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs and Wallace. William Byron and Keselowski would trail in the top 10 along with Kyle Busch, Joey Logano and Kyle Larson while McDowell led the Lap 10 mark by three-tenths of a second over Bell.
Through the first 15 scheduled laps, McDowell was leading by half a second over Bell followed by Blaney, Cindric and Hamlin while Reddick, Gibbs, Byron, Wallace and Logano were scored in the top 10. Behind, Larson occupied 11th place ahead of Keselowski, Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch while rookie Josh Berry, Ross Chastain, Martin Truex Jr., rookie Carson Hocevar and Austin Dillon trailed in the top 20.
Shortly after, the event’s second caution period flew after Cody Ware was involved in a second two-car spin in Turn 2, with his latest one including Kaulig Racing’s Derek Kraus. During the caution period, select names led by Keselowski and including Busch, Truex, Austin Dillon and Josh Berry pitted while the rest led by McDowell remained on the track. Amid the pit stops, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who pitted, was penalized for speeding while Keselowski pitted for a second time to address a loose wheel to his No. 6 Solomon Plumbing Ford Mustang Dark Horse.
As the event restarted under green on Lap 22, McDowell and Bell battled dead even for the lead through the first two turns until McDowell managed to muscle ahead from Bell from the outside lane. McDowell proceeded to lead the proceeding lap from Bell as he had both lanes in his control while Blaney was trying to fend off Cindric, Hamlin and a hard-charging Byron for third place. Behind, Wallace and Logano battled fiercely for ninth place in front of Alex Bowman, where Wallace blocked Logano through the frontstretch before Logano prevailed and overtook Wallace from the inside lane through the first two turns. Amid the early battles, McDowell retained the lead by three-tenths of a second over Bell by the Lap 25 mark.
Through the first 30 scheduled laps, McDowell continued to lead by two-tenths of a second over Bell followed by Blaney, Cindric and Hamlin as Byron, Gibbs, Reddick, Logano and Chase Elliott trailed in the top 10. Wallace, Larson, Bowman, Erik Jones and Ross Chastain trailed in the top 15 while Ryan Preece, Todd Gilliland, Carson Hocevar, Justin Haley and John Hunter Nemechek followed suit in the top 20. Meanwhile, a bevy of top names including Kyle Busch, Truex, Berry, Chase Briscoe, Noah Gragson, Austin Dillon, Chris Buescher, Keselowski and Daniel Suarez trailed the lead outside the top 20 on the track.
Just past the Lap 35 mark, the top three competitors on the track were separated by less than half a second as runner-up Bell and third-place Blaney slowly began to close in on McDowell for the lead. At the same time, however, Blaney would start to challenge Bell for the runner-up spot while fourth-place Cindric trailed by two seconds. Bell would then make two different attempts to overtake the leader McDowell from the inside lane through the Lap 40 mark, which he prevailed after running McDowell up the track through Turns 1 and 2. As McDowell tried to fight back from the outside lane, Bell maintained both his racing line on the inside lane and the lead during the proceeding lap.
When the first stage period concluded on Lap 45, Bell, winner of last weekend’s rain-shortened Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, captured his fifth Cup stage victory of the 2024 season. McDowell held off Blaney to retain second followed by Cindric and Hamlin while Byron, Gibbs, Reddick, Logano and Elliott were scored in the top 10 on the track. By then, all but one of 36 starters were scored on the lead lap.
Under the stage break, a majority of the field led by Bell pitted while the rest led by Todd Gilliland, including those who pitted during the second caution period, among which included Kyle Busch, Berry, Austin Dillon and Stenhouse, remained on the track. Following the pit stops and amid mixed strategies, Ryan Preece exited pit road first with two fresh tires ahead of Truex while Bell, the first competitor with four fresh tires, followed suit along with McDowell, Cindric, Chase Briscoe, Blaney, Hamlin, Gibbs and Keselowski.
The second stage period started on Lap 54 as Gilliland and Busch occupied the front row. At the start, Gilliland and Busch briefly dueled for the lead until Busch rocketed his No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 into the lead through the first two turns. As the field fanned out to multiple lanes and jostled for spots through the backstretch, Busch led Gilliland and teammate Austin Dillon back to the frontstretch. Behind, Berry occupied fourth place while Stenhouse was in fifth ahead of Bell, Preece, Truex, Cindric and Elliott.
Just past the Lap 56 mark, Gilliland dropped from second to seventh on the track. This enabled Dillon to move his No. 3 DOW/Rivers are Life Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 into the runner-up spot behind teammate Busch while Berry, Stenhouse, Bell and Truex followed suit. Preece would then move into eighth place while Briscoe and Cindric battled fiercely for 10th place. With a multitude of battles ensuing around the circuit and between those with fresh tires versus those with none, Busch maintained the lead by eight-tenths of a second over teammate Dillon by Lap 60.
At the Lap 70 mark, Bell, who was charging his way to the front on four fresh tires, overtook Busch to move back into the lead. Behind, Dillon trailed in third place by a second and a half while Truex and Berry followed suit in the top five as they trailed the lead by three seconds.
Ten laps later, Bell was leading by more than a second over Busch followed by Dillon, Truex and Berry while Elliott, Stenhouse, Cindric, Blaney and Preece were racing in the top 10 ahead of Hamlin, Larson, Wallace, Briscoe and Gibbs. Meanwhile, McDowell, who restarted 10th at the start of the second stage period, was down in 16th ahead of Logano, Keselowski, Gilliland and Bowman as Byron, Chastain, Reddick, Haley and Buescher trailed outside the top 20.
Another 10 laps later, Bell extended his advantage to more than three seconds over Busch as Dillon, Truex and Berry continued to run in the top five. Elliott, Stenhouse, Cindric and Blaney also continued to race from sixth to ninth, respectively, while Hamlin occupied 10th place in front of Larson, Wallace, Preece, Gibbs and Briscoe.
Then during the next lap, select names including Richard Childress Racing’s Busch and Dillon pitted under green along with Gilliland. Berry, who was running fourth, pitted his No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse under green during the proceeding lap along with Stenhouse, Haley and Derek Kraus while Bell continued to lead. Soon after, a cycle of green flag pit stops slowly commenced on Lap 94 as Larson pitted his No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 from the top 10 and only for two fresh tires. The leader Bell, along with Hamlin, Chastain, Reddick, Elliott, Erik Jones and Nemechek would pit during the proceeding laps as Berry was penalized for speeding on pit road.
By Lap 100, Austin Cindric was one of many who had yet to pit and was leading by nearly a second over teammate Blaney as Wallace, Preece and Gibbs followed suit in the top five. Gibbs would then pit under green along with Wallace, Byron, McDowell, Preece, Daniel Suarez, Buescher and Bowman over the next five laps while Cindric continued to lead.
Then on Lap 109, Truex, who pitted earlier under green, pitted his No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE for a second time after he lost his left-rear tire. Amid Truex’s issues, the event remained under green flag conditions as Truex lost two laps in the process. The caution, however, flew on Lap 111 after Berry lost a left front tire and slid dead straight into the outside wall in Turn 4 as his event came to an end. By then, 17 of 36 starters were scored on the lead lap while a multitude of names led by the leader Cindric, many of whom were anticipating a caution, have yet to pit as part of their strategic move. During the caution period, a majority of the lead lap field by Cindric, including those who have to pit, pitted while the rest, led by Bell and including Elliott and Larson, remained on the track.
When the event restarted under green on Lap 119, Bell and Elliott dueled for the lead through the first two turns until Bell rocketed ahead from the outside lane through the backstretch. Bell would maintain the top spot and lead the halfway mark on Lap 120 while Busch was trying to close in on Elliott for the runner-up spot. In addition, Cindric battled Larson for fourth place in front of Blaney as the rest of the field behind jostled for spots.
By Lap 130, Bell stretched his advantage to more than two seconds over Cindric, who was battling Elliott for the spot. Behind, Blaney occupied fourth place in front of a side-by-side battle between Busch and Logano while Keselowski, Larson, Briscoe and Hocevar were in the top 10 ahead of Dillon, Harrison Burton, Hamlin, Daniel Hemric, Gibbs, Zane Smith, Noah Gragson, Corey LaJoie, Byron and Reddick.
Then on the final lap of the second stage period, the caution flew after Larson, who was battling fiercely with Busch amid close-quarters racing and contact through the frontstretch for seventh place, got loose and slid up the track into Busch, with Busch sliding and hitting the outside wall hard while Larson continued to slide sideways towards the outside wall. The incident between Busch and Larson, which ended Busch’s strong run in the garage and spoiled his bid to win for two consecutive years at Gateway, concluded the second stage period on Lap 140 as Bell captured his sixth Cup stage victory of the 2024 season as he also swept both stages of the day. Cindric settled in second ahead of Blaney, Elliott and Keselowski while Logano, Briscoe, Hocevar, Dillon and Hamlin were scored in the top 10.
During the stage break, mixed strategies ensued within the field as some led by Bell pitted while the rest led by Cindric, including his Team Penske teammates Blaney and Logano, remained on the track.
With 92 laps remaining, the final stage commenced as teammates Cindric and Blaney occupied the front row. At the start, the field quickly fanned out through the frontstretch as Briscoe attempted to make a three-wide move on both Cindric and Blaney for the lead through the first two turns. Cindric, however, muscled his No. 2 Freightliner Ford Mustang Dark Horse ahead from the outside lane through the backstretch while Blaney and Logano muscled back ahead of Briscoe into the top three. Hocevar then battled Logano for third place while more jostling of spots ensued within the middle of the pack during the following lap. Amid the battles and as Bell was trying to navigate his way back towards the front, Cindric retained the lead with 90 laps remaining.
Down to the final 80 laps of the event, Cindric was leading by six-tenths of a second over teammate Blaney while teammate Logano trailed in third place by two seconds. Behind, Hocevar retained fourth place ahead of Hamlin and a hard-charging Bell as Briscoe, Dillon, Chastain and Keselowski trailed in the top 10 ahead of Reddick, Hemric, Haley, Zane Smith and Elliott. Meanwhile, Stenhouse occupied 16th place ahead of Byron, Buescher, Burton and Gragson while Gilliland, Preece, Larson, Wallace and Gibbs occupied the top 25 in front of Erik Jones, Bowman, Suarez, McDowell and Nemechek.
Fifteen laps later, Cindric maintained the lead by six-tenths of a second over teammate Blaney while teammate Logano continued to trail in third place by five seconds. As Hocevar surrendered fourth place to pit under green, Bell cycled his way up to fourth place, where he trailed the lead by six seconds, while teammate Hamlin moved up to fifth place.
Another lap later, however, pit strategies amongst the front-runners started to occur as Blaney pitted his No. 12 Menards Ford Mustang Dark Horse from the runner-up spot before the leader Cindric, Hamlin and Zane Smith pitted another lap later. Logano would then pit his No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse along with Dillon, Briscoe and Byron with 63 laps remaining as Bell returned atop the leaderboard. With Stewart-Haas Racing’s Preece and Gragson pitting not long after, Bell was leading Keselowski by more than four seconds as Reddick, Haley and Chastain followed suit in the top five with 60 laps remaining.
With less than 50 laps remaining, Bell, who has yet to pit, continued to lead by more than five seconds over Keselowski as Reddick, Haley and Chastain continued to race in the top five. Meanwhile, Blaney and Cindric, both of whom managed to pit and remain on the lead lap ahead of Bell, were mired back in 18th and 20th, respectively. Bell would then pit from the lead with 47 laps remaining along with Reddick and Chastain as Keselowski cycled into the lead. With Haley, LaJoie and Stenhouse pitting not long after, Keselowski, who has yet to pit, continued to lead by more than nine seconds over Elliott as Larson, Gibbs, Gilliland, Wallace, McDowell, Bowman, Erik Jones and Nemechek trailed in the top 10 with 40 laps remaining. By then, Blaney, Cindric and Bell, all of whom had enough fuel to complete the event’s scheduled distance, had cycled their way just outside the top-10 mark.
Down to the final 30 laps of the event, Keselowski retained the lead by 11 seconds over Larson before he pitted a lap later. By then, Elliott had pitted his No. 9 NAPA Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 while Larson cycled into the lead. Then as Gibbs also pitted a few laps later, Blaney cycled his way up into the runner-up spot while Bell, Wallace and Cindric followed suit. As Blaney and Bell battled for the runner-up spot and potentially for the victory, Larson, who has yet to pit, retained the lead by 13 seconds with 25 laps remaining.
Then with 24 laps remaining, Larson surrendered the lead to pit, which moved Blaney into the lead by a mere margin over Bell as Bell continued to pressure Blaney for the position. Behind the two leaders, Cindric was up to third place while Wallace and McDowell were in the top five. Amid Bell’s continuous challenges through the turns and from the inside lane, Blaney managed to prevail through the straightaways from the outside lane as he led with 20 laps remaining.
Bell then led the following lap after he moved in front of Blaney through the straightaway, but Blaney responded with a crossover move on Bell through the frontstretch and entering Turn 1. Bell then pulled a crossover move of his own underneath Blaney, who barely slipped up the track, through the backstretch, but Blaney moved in front of Bell to block him and remain ahead of him as he returned to the lead with 18 laps remaining. Bell then slowly began to fall off the pace through the backstretch as he reported an engine issue to his car, which allowed Cindric to catch up and overtake him for the runner-up spot with 16 laps remaining while Blaney pulled away with the lead.
With 10 laps remaining, Blaney retained the lead by two seconds over teammate Cindric. Behind, Hamlin navigated his way up to third place while Bell, who was trying to nurse his car to the finish, settled in fourth while Keselowski trailed in fifth place by eight seconds. Keselowski and Reddick would catch and overtake Bell for positions while Blaney stabilized his advantage of less than two seconds over teammate Cindric, who was trying to navigate his way through lapped traffic, with five laps remaining.
Then as Blaney was about to cycle his way back to the frontstretch to start the final lap of the event, he quickly fell off the pace after he ran out of fuel, which allowed Cindric to zip by him with the lead through the frontstretch. As Blaney was trying to coast his No. 12 Ford around the circuit for a final time, Cindric was able to cruise his No. 2 Ford around the Gateway circuit smoothly for a final time as he returned to the frontstretch with enough fuel underneath his tank and victorious for the second time in his career.
With the victory, Cindric, who notched the second victory in three races for the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse stock car, became the 142nd competitor overall to achieve multiple victories in the Cup Series and he snapped an 85-race winless drought since he notched his first Cup career victory in the 2022 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.
In addition to becoming the ninth competitor to win through the 2024 season’s first 15-scheduled events and guaranteeing himself a Playoff berth for this season, Cindric also delivered the first Cup victory of the season for Team Penske and the first ever for crew chief Brian Wilson, who celebrated an Xfinity Series championship with Cindric in 2020 and was moved to the No. 2 team from the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing team midway into the 2023 season.
Photo by Simon Scoggins for SpeedwayMedia.com.
“Honestly, I’m heartbroken for the No. 12 team,” Cindric said. “I don’t know what happened to them at the end of the race, but they deserve to win this race. Ryan’s [Blaney] been a hell of a leader on this team. This weekend was a great weekend for everybody involved, but to have two cars in the fight, an eventual one, two [finish] there. Like I said, I’m heartbroken for those guys, but this is huge for me. This is huge for this team. I’m so glad I was able to get a win with [crew chief] Brian [Wilson] as my crew chief in the Cup Series. You never know when it’s going to happen again. Just drove my butt off and hope for the best.”
“[The win]’s everything, it’s absolutely everything,” Cindric added. “The funniest thing about it is that this Freightliner Ford Mustang’s probably one of the best-looking cars on the racetrack. I have had terrible races every single time with this car and it’s great to win with a great paint scheme. Great to win front of an amazing crowd. This racetrack does an amazing job of putting on events. Just proud to be able to do it. Proud to bring it home for these [No. 2] guys. They deserve it.”
As Cindric celebrated on the frontstretch, teammate Blaney was left dejected on pit road after ending up in 24th place in the final running order as he continues to seek his first Cup victory of the 2024 season.
“No, I didn’t think so [of running out of fuel],” Blaney said. “[I] Never thought in my mind we were short, but one of those things. Proud of the No. 12 boys. [I] Had my work cut out for me holding off Christopher [Bell]. That was a fun battle. Yeah, one lap short. That stinks, but congrats to the No. 2 team. They did a good job all day, so it’s a props for them, Austin [Cindric]. Proud for Team Penske and Ford. Really happy with our showing today. I don’t know what I got to do to get some luck on our side. Gosh, [I] wrecked the last two points races and thought we had a great shot to win today. Ended up bad. Appreciate the effort, just got to keep sticking with it.”
Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin piloted his No. 11 Yahoo! Toyota Camry XSE into the runner-up spot while Brad Keselowski, Tyler Reddick and Joey Logano came home in the top five.
Austin Dillon settled in sixth place followed by Bell, who had enough power to finish despite leading a race-high 80 laps, while rookie Carson Hocevar, Justin Haley and Kyle Larson finished in the top 10.
There were 16 lead changes for 10 different leaders. The race featured five cautions for 32 laps. In addition, 24 of 36 starters finished on the lead lap.
Following the 15th event of the 2024 Cup Series season, Denny Hamlin continues to lead the regular-season standings by 21 points over Kyle Larson, 27 over Chase Elliott, 44 over Martin Truex Jr. and 36 over William Byron.
Results.
1. Austin Cindric, 53 laps led
2. Denny Hamlin
3. Brad Keselowski, 17 laps led
4. Tyler Reddick
5. Joey Logano, one lap led
6. Austin Dillon
7. Christopher Bell, 80 laps led, Stages 1 & 2 winner
8. Carson Hocevar
9. Justin Haley
10. Kyle Larson, seven laps led
11. Ty Gibbs
12. Ross Chastain
13. Chase Elliott
14. Chris Buescher
15. William Byron
16. Todd Gilliland, six laps led
17. Chase Briscoe
18. Daniel Hemric
19. Zane Smith
20. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
21. Bubba Wallace
22. Noah Gragson
23. Daniel Suarez
24. Ryan Blaney, 20 laps led
25. Michael McDowell, one lap down, 40 laps led
26. Erik Jones, one lap down
27. John Hunter Nemechek, one lap down
28. Alex Bowman, one lap down
29. Ryan Preece, one lap down
30. Derek Kraus, one lap down
31. Harrison Burton, one lap down
32. Corey LaJoie, one lap down
33. Cody Ware, two laps down
34. Martin Truex Jr., three laps down, one lap led
35. Kyle Busch – OUT, Accident, 15 laps led
36. Josh Berry – OUT, Accident
Next on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway in Sonoma, California. The event is scheduled to occur next Sunday, June 9, and air at 3:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Date: June 2, 2024 Event: Enjoy Illinois 300 (Round 15 of 36) Series: NASCAR Cup Series Location: Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois (near St. Louis) Layout: 1.25-mile oval Format: 240 laps, broken into three stages (45 laps/95 laps/100 laps) Race Winner: Austin Cindric of Team Penske (Ford) Stage 1 Winner: Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota) Stage 2 Winner: Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
RWR Race Finish:
● Justin Haley (Started 21st, Finished 9th/ Running, completed 240 of 240 laps) ● Cody Ware (Started 34th, Finished 33rd/ Running, completed 240 of 240 laps)
RWR Points:
● Justin Haley (31st with 205 points) ● Cody Ware (39 with 17 points)
Haley Notes:
● Haley earned his second top-10 and fifth top-20 of the season and his first top-10 in three career NASCAR Cup Series starts at WWTR. ● Haley matched his best finish of the season – ninth, first earned May 12 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway. It is his second top-10 in the last three points-paying races and matched the best result on a non-superspeedway-type track for RWR. ● Haley’s ninth-place finish bettered his previous best finish at WWTR – 14th, earned in June 2022. ● The result is a new team-best for RWR at WWTR. The previous best was 24th, earned in June 2023 by J.J. Yeley.
Ware Notes:
● This was Ware’s second start of the season. ● Ware’s 33rd-place finish bettered his previous best finish at WWTR – 35th, earned in June 2022.
Race Notes:
● Austin Cindric won the Enjoy Illinois 300 to score his second career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his first of the season and his first at Gateway. His margin of victory over second-place Denny Hamlin was 3.844 seconds. ● This was Ford’s 730th all-time NASCAR Cup Series victory and its second of the season. ● This was Ford’s second NASCAR Cup Series win at Gateway. Joey Logano won the track’s inaugural race for the Blue Oval in 2022. ● There were five caution periods for a total of 32 laps. ● Twenty-four of the 36 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap. ● Hamlin remains the championship leader after Gateway with a 21-point advantage over second-place Kyle Larson.
Sound Bites:
“It was a really good race for the MotoRad 51 team. I’m really proud of the strategy that the Rick Ware Racing team brought. It was a fast competitive car, and we were able to stay with it all day and make positive adjustments. When the final stage started, we really started picking up speed and had a lot of pace in the car. We had some good strategy and ran out of fuel right there at the line, but still got a top-10 and now we’ve got solid momentum going to Sonoma.”– Justin Haley, driver of the No. 51 MotoRad Ford Mustang Dark Horse
“It was a tough day for the No. 15 team. I didn’t start off great for us but once I got settled in, we had really good pace. We were running top-10 speeds by the end of the race. I felt like it was good overall improvement for me, for only my second race this year. It’s been encouraging to see how much the organization is improving and building. We’ll keep working and learning.” – Cody Ware, driver of the No. 15 Jacob Construction Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Next Up:
The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Save Mart 350k on Sunday, June 9 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Jacob Abel brings the No. 51 home in fifth position to retain the points lead
Yuven Sundaramoorthy holds the quickest race lap time for much of the race before a late incident puts him back in the field
DETROIT (2 June 2024) – At the end of a chaotic 500th INDY NXT by Firestone series race, ABEL Motorsports had retained the points lead and posted solid runs with both team entries in Sunday’s 45-lap Grand Prix of Detroit.
Jacob Abel (Louisville, Ky.) and Yuven Sundaramoorthy (Oconomowoc, Wis.) both endured incidents on track that left their respective Dallaras with damage, but each driver fought hard to the end, with Sundaramoorthy coming home in 14th and Abel in fifth – retaining the championship lead by 25 points over race winner Louis Foster.
Abel started on the front row for the fifth straight race, while Sundaramoorthy took the green in a season-high fourth. Abel held off the cars behind who tried to go three-wide through the turn 1 hairpin but on lap two, Caio Collett was able to make the inside pass stick, with Abel slotting right behind in third.
Sundaramoorthy jumped on the throttle through the first three corners, taking seventh by laps end. But on lap three, a car hard into the Turn 7 wall brought out the race’s first yellow.
Going green once again on lap nine, another three-wide group of cars through Turn 1 saw Sundaramoorthy stuck on the inside of Callum Hedge and slide back to eighth – but only momentarily, as a car ahead went into the turn 1 runoff. Meanwhile, Abel held his position and managed his push-to-pass ahead of Michael d’Orlando behind.
On lap 20, d’Orlando moved alongside, and as the pair went down the back straight side-by-side, d’Orlando spun, catching Abel’s left rear wheel and sending the No. 51 sideways. Abel kept his composure as the ABEL team confirmed to him that the tire was fine, though Abel was left with a resulting shift in balance that caused an increase in rear tire wear. He held onto third while Sundaramoorthy took advantage of the slowdown behind them to take sixth as the yellow came out.
On the restart, Abel continued to fight the balance issue, finding himself pinwheeled through the hairpin back into fourth. Sundaramoorthy tried to follow his teammate through turn 4 but tagged the car ahead and damaged his front wing, sending him back to ninth.
Nursing his damaged car, Abel couldn’t hold off Myles Rowe and fell to fifth, while Sundaramoorthy, with the damaged front wing affecting aero, went into the turn 1 runoff, coming back on track a lap down. A late incident ended the race under caution, with Abel fifth and Sundaramoorthy in 14th.
For ABEL Motorsports team manager John Brunner, the hectic race was as expected, given Detroit’s tight corners – but he takes away many more positives than negatives at the end of the race weekend.
“There aren’t many places to pass here so drivers have to be aggressive,” said Brunner. “Yes, we’re disappointed, but that’s what happens when you finish on the podium in every race up to this point – so if this turns out to be our worst race, we’re in for a pretty good year. Yuven drove an outstanding race, just one mistake that ruined his day, but other than that, the run he had throughout the day was outstanding. He did a really, really good job out there. Yes, Jacob had a tough run, but a lot of teams had a worse day than that. And we’re still leading the championship.”
While both drivers were disappointed, both were also happy to leave the streets of Detroit with cars engendering limited damage.
“We lacked a bit of pace, but I was also driving too conservatively,” said Abel. “The other drivers were more aggressive and took advantage of the situations better than I did, so there’s no reason we shouldn’t have been on the podium. But we finished in the top five and still have the points lead with a bit of damage, but we still brought it home. I was lucky in the incident with Michael to come away with minimal damage, but I did really have to hang onto it there through the end.”
“We were fast, the team gave me a great car,” said Sundaramoorthy. “Hopefully this speed translates going forward. But I feel bad that I gave it up there. I should have defended better but when I lost the position to Hedge, I got really mad at myself and made a move that probably wasn’t there, so I feel bad for Jamie. I’m going to have to just put that behind me as I head to my home race (at Road America).”
Abel’s No. 51 Dallara sported a new color scheme this weekend that represents the new BlueOval SK pair of facilities: a six square mile auto production complex in Tennessee and a pair of plants in Kentucky that will manufacture the next generation of electric vehicle batteries. The BlueOval SK Battery Park in Glendale, Ky. is ABEL Construction Company’s largest project to date.
ABEL Motorsports thanks partners ABEL Construction Company, Advance Ready Mix, Boyd Cat®, S Team Motorsports and OMP for their continued support.
Next up for ABEL Motorsports and the INDY NXT by Firestone will be the Grand Prix at Road America, June 9 at 1:05 p.m. ET. The race will be streamed live in the U.S. on Peacock, while international viewers can watch via INDYCARLIVE, with INDYCAR Radio available at indycar.com and on Sirius XM.
About BlueOval SK BlueOval SK is the joint venture between Ford Motor Company and SK On to produce batteries for future Ford and Lincoln electric vehicles. SK On is a subsidiary of SK Innovation and has deep expertise in battery production. BlueOval SK will operate twin battery manufacturing facilities in Glendale, Kentucky and one battery plant in Stanton, Tennessee starting in 2025. BlueOval SK will electrify the future of mobility with innovative technology.
About Abel Construction Company: ABEL Construction is one of the largest general contractors in Kentucky, holding licenses in thirteen states. The company has offices in Lexington, Kentucky and Indianapolis, Indiana, with the corporate office in Louisville. Their expertise spans many areas, including general contracting, construction management, design-build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and facilities maintenance.
Abel Construction has helped build some of the region’s most recognizable landmarks. Their projects cover diverse sectors, including automotive, healthcare, post-secondary education, commercial, food/beverage, tech, and industrial/manufacturing. They prioritize client satisfaction, focusing on efficient project delivery regardless of size or cost. The company’s skilled professionals utilize cutting-edge technology and software to ensure successful outcomes. abelconstruct.com/.
About ABEL Motorsports: Team principal Bill Abel began racing motocross in 1972, earning numerous championship titles as he continued the family racing tradition. In 2015, ABEL Motorsports was launched, starting in the USF2000 series and building up the junior open wheel ladder. The team captured the inaugural Formula Regional Americas Championship with driver Kyle Kirkwood in 2018.
ABEL Motorsports currently competes in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, the official development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, led by third-generation driver Jacob Abel. The team made its INDYCAR debut in 2023 with driver RC Enerson in the Indianapolis 500. For more information visit the official team website at abelmotorsports.com.
ABEL Motorsports social media
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EPPING, N.H. (June 2, 2024) – John Force finished off an impressive double-up weekend in front of another sellout crowd on Sunday at New England Dragway, as the 16-time Funny Car world champion outran teammate Austin Prock in the final round of the 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals.
Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel) and Troy Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock) also won the seventh of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. It was the second straight sellout for the NHRA this weekend.
In an all-John Force Racing Funny Car final round, Force went 4.081-seconds at 319.29 mph in his 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS in the finals to slip past Prock’s 4.096 at 316.38. It gave the legendary driver his second victory of the season, third at New England Dragway and 157th in his career.
He reached the finals by defeating Buddy Hull, Blake Alexander and J.R. Todd, holding off Prock in a thrilling side-by-side duel. Force also won the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday, with Sunday’s double-up victory pushing him to second in points in what has truly been a remarkable season for the longtime star.
“I love the crowds. For three days they packed them in. I came here 40-something years ago and this place is special,” Force said. “We had a good race car and what keeps me alive is driving this hotrod and all these fans.
“I’m down right now because don’t like beating my teammate in the final. He is the future. I love that kid. He’s going to be here for a long time and Robert [Hight] will be coming back. I’m not being dramatic, but my time is up. It was up when I was 65. Hell, it was up when I turned 50. The world is changing for me and I’ve got to do some real thinking. I’m not quitting today. I’m going to Bristol, but I just know I’m not what I used to be.”
Prock, who jumped back into the points lead in the category and was also the No. 1 qualifier, went to the championship round for the fourth time in 2024 and 12th time overall with wins over Mike Smith, Chad Green and Daniel Wilkerson.
In Top Fuel, Doug Kalitta enjoyed his own special moment on Sunday at New England Dragway, defeating Tony Schumacher in the final round with a pass of 3.802 at 332.92 in his 11,000-horsepower Mac Tools/Toyota dragster. The victory clinched an impressive mark for the reigning world champ, as Kalitta now has a win at every track on the NHRA circuit. It’s another remarkable achievement for the veteran, who has been riding high since clinching his first world title last year.
On Sunday, Kalitta, who also qualified No. 1 and ran well all weekend, defeated Scott Farley, Tony Stewart and Kalitta Motorsports teammate Shawn Langdon to reach the finals. He powered past Schumacher in the championship round, earning his second win of the season – and vaulting to second in points – and the 54th in his career.
“Coming in here, my goal was to try and get the win. This is the last place haven’t won. I didn’t want to put a lot of attention on it, but it’s hard not to,” Kalitta said. “This was incredible. We’ve been digging hard and I was just trying not to screw it up.”
“Then on Saturday, we got set up for our tribute to Scott [Kalitta]. It’s great to have an opportunity to have a good meal with a lot of the teams and I know it means a lot to Connie. He loves this sport. It was a good time to be able to pull off this win. It was super special.”
Schumacher advanced to his second final round of the season and the 159th of his career after defeating Brittany Force, Josh Hart and Clay Millican. Justin Ashley stayed in the points lead, though Kalitta closed the gap to just 26 points on Sunday.
Troy Coughlin Jr. turned in a stellar day on Sunday in Pro Stock, capping things off with a holeshot victory over reigning world champion and Elite Motorsports teammate Erica Enders in the final round. Coughlin went 6.584 at 210.05 in his JEGS.com/White Castle Pro Stock car, holding off Enders’ hard-charging 6.563 at 210.54 on the strength of an impressive .013 reaction time. It is Coughlin’s first win of the 2024 season – and first at New England Dragway – and also the fifth Pro Stock victory in his career.
After qualifying second, Coughlin reached the final round for the first time this season by defeating Brandon Miller, Aaron Stanfield and points leader Dallas Glenn. That set up a marquee final round, but Coughlin’s strong reaction time was just enough to ward off the six-time champion.
“It was definitely a wonderful day,” Coughlin said. “Erica is fast. She hits the tree well and it’s an honor just to race her. When I practice every week on a simulator, you’re asking nothing more of yourself than you do each week on the track. You’re just racing yourself and you need to be that way when you’re running a champ like Erica.
“In the final I just tried to crush it and make my best lap. I got there by four thousandths of a second and here we are.”
Enders, who was the No. 1 qualifier, reached her 81st career final round thanks to wins against Fernando Cuadra Jr., Deric Kramer and Jerry Tucker, coming up just short in the bid for her 50th career national event win.
The 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returns to action June 7-9 with the 23rd annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn.
NHRA Agate from Epping, N.H.
EPPING, N.H. — Sunday’s final results from the 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway. The race is the seventh of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:
Top Fuel — Doug Kalitta, 3.802 seconds, 332.92 mph def. Tony Schumacher, 4.307, 201.43.
Funny Car — John Force, Chevy Camaro, 4.081, 319.29 def. Austin Prock, Camaro, 4.096, 316.38.
EPPING, N.H. — Final round-by-round results from the 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway. The race is the seventh of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:
FINALS – T. Coughlin 6.584, 210.05 def. Enders 6.563, 210.54
EPPING, N.H. – Points standings (top 10) following the 11th annual NHRA New England Nationals at New England Dragway. The race is the seventh of 20 in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series:
Top Fuel
Justin Ashley 566; 2. Doug Kalitta 540; 3. Shawn Langdon 534; 4. Steve Torrence 467; 5. Antron Brown 428; 6. Clay Millican 391; 7. Billy Torrence 390; 8. Tony Schumacher 359; 9. Tony Stewart 345; 10. Brittany Force 302
Funny Car
Austin Prock 580; 2. John Force 558; 3. Matt Hagan 512; 4. J.R. Todd 502; 5. Bob Tasca III 455 6. Dan Wilkerson 389; 7. Ron Capps 360; 8. Alexis DeJoria 339; 9. Chad Green 317; 10. Blake Alexander 295
Pro Stock
Dallas Glenn 619; 2. Erica Enders 575; 3. Greg Anderson 569; 4. Jeg Coughlin Jr. 449; 5. Aaron Stanfield 430; 6. Jerry Tucker 401; 7. Troy Coughlin Jr. 387; 8. Cristian Cuadra 334; 9. Brandon Foster 265; 10. David Cuadra 254
NASCAR CUP SERIES WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY ENJOY ILLINOIS 300 TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE REPORT JUNE 2, 2024
Dillon, Hocevar, Larson Lead Chevrolet to the Finish at World Wide Technology Raceway
Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Dillon led Chevrolet to the checkered-flag in the NASCAR Cup Series Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway – driving his No. 3 DOW / Rivers for Life Camaro ZL1 to a sixth-place result.
The finish marks Dillon’s first top-10 result in three career NASCAR Cup Series starts at World Wide Technology Raceway.
Returning to the site of his first career NASCAR Cup Series start, Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar piloted his No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Camaro ZL1 to a season-best eighth-place finish.
The result marked Hocevar’s second top-10 finish this season as the 21-year-old Michigan native competes in his rookie campaign in NASCAR’s top division.
Despite a spin in the closing laps of Stage Two, Kyle Larson and the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Camaro ZL1 team rallied back to a 10th-place finish – giving the Bowtie brand three different Chevrolet organizations represented in the top-10.
Among the six drivers to collect points in both stages of the race included Chase Elliott and the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 team.
The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Sonoma Raceway with the Toyota / Save Mart 350 on Sunday, June 9, at 3:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL TOP-10: POS. DRIVER 6th Austin Dillon, No. 3 DOW / Rivers for Life Camaro ZL1 8th Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Camaro ZL1 10th Kyle Larson, No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Camaro ZL1
TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE QUOTES:
Austin Dillon, No. 3 DOW / Rivers are Life Camaro ZL1
Finished: 6th
“Man, just thank you to the good lord above. That was a huge run for this team. I didn’t expect it after practice, but the guys made some great adjustments and our No. 3 DOW / Rivers are Life Chevy, with Ducks Unlimited on the side of the car, was really solid all day long, even in traffic. It was just a solid day for the No. 3 Chevy team that we really needed.”
“I’m super proud of this top-10 finish. After the spin, I wasn’t expecting that. The car kind of came to life. The No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevy team did a good job on our strategy. We were on offense there the last 25 laps or so.
It went as well as it could, given the circumstances. I’ll take it.”
Kyle Busch, No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Camaro ZL1
Sideline by damage sustained in an accident in the closing laps of Stage Two.
Talk about the contact with Kyle Larson.
Finished: 35th
“It looked like he (Kyle Larson) got loose down the front straightaway into turn one. He was on older tires and trying to get us for a spot. I’m not sure what that single point would mean for him, but it certainly hurt us a lot. It took that point away, as well as the others that we would get for the stage and then also the rest of the day. It’s very frustrating. We can’t afford days like that. The No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Camaro wasn’t what it was last year, but it was a top-10 car and we were going to finish there. Now we’re not going to finish at all.”
Busch on all the different pit strategies:
“We were kind of holding our own. I know (Kyle) Larson was on older tires and caught me from a couple car links back after I got by him. So I would say once we could equal back out on tires, I would say we would probably be top-10.”
Daniel Hemric, No. 31 Poppy Bank Camaro ZL1
Finished: 18th
“I think we learned a lot collectively as a team today. Our Poppy Bank Chevy struggled early on, but Trent [Owens] kept plugging away and made great changes. We caught a lucky break during stage two, which gave us great track position to start the final stage. I’m proud of how much we improved throughout the day.”
Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Camaro ZL1
Finished: 8th
“This No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevy team did a really good job with everything all race long. We had a really slow stop at the beginning of the race with a lug nut coming off. That really put us behind. We knew we had a great Chevy, so we just did everything we could. We played strategy a little bit to make sure we were on the right end of it. We caught the caution right, but then after that, our car was really good. We ran as high of fourth and we were catching third. Our lights were off, so we were a little slow down pit road. That was probably the difference of getting a top-five finish or not. All-in-all, it was just a really good job by this No. 77 team.”
About Chevrolet
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STEWART-HAAS RACING Enjoy Illinois 300 Date: June 2, 2024 Event: Enjoy Illinois 300 (Round 15 of 36) Series: NASCAR Cup Series Location: Gateway International Raceway in Madison, Illinois (near St. Louis) Layout: 1.25-mile oval Format: 240 laps, broken into three stages (45 laps/95 laps/100 laps)
Race Winner: Austin Cindric of Team Penske (Ford) Stage 1 Winner: Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota) Stage 2 Winner: Christopher Bell of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
● Chase Briscoe (15th with 358 points, 176 out of first) ● Josh Berry (20th with 264 points, 270 out of first) ● Noah Gragson (23rd with 255 points, 279 out of first) ● Ryan Preece (29th with 211 points, 323 out of first)
SHR Notes:
● Briscoe’s 17th-place result bettered his previous best finish at Gateway – 24th, earned in the inaugural race at the 1.25-mile oval in 2022. ● Briscoe finished seventh in Stage 2 to earn four bonus points. ● Gragson’s 22nd-place result bettered his previous best finish at Gateway – 33rd, earned last year.
Race Notes:
● Austin Cindric won the Enjoy Illinois 300 to score his second career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his first of the season and his first at Gateway. His margin of victory over second-place Denny Hamlin was 3.844 seconds.
● This was Ford’s 730th all-time NASCAR Cup Series victory and its second of the season.
● This was Ford’s second NASCAR Cup Series win at Gateway. Joey Logano won the track’s inaugural race for the Blue Oval in 2022.
● There were five caution periods for a total of 32 laps.
● Twenty-four of the 36 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.
● Hamlin remains the championship leader after Gateway with a 21-point advantage over second-place Kyle Larson.
Sound Bites:
“I’m not really sure what all happened. I know there were a lot of different strategies there and I don’t know what played out and how it played out. Our car was OK. It definitely seemed like we struggled a little more on the long run than some of the other people, and we were lacking overall grip. Kind of a worst-case scenario for us, how it all played out. But I thought we definitely made our car way better from yesterday. We’ll learn from that and go to Sonoma.” – Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse
“We just struggled all weekend with the balance, and struggled with speed, struggled with take-off pace, struggled with long-run speed. Everything was just stuck in dirty air and couldn’t go on new tires, just struggled. Appreciate all these SERVPRO guys. Our 10 team, we’re frustrated, it’s not to our standard today. We’re going to go back to work and figure it out for Sonoma.” – Noah Gragson, driver of the No. 10 SERVPRO Ford Mustang Dark Horse
“I really don’t know what happened. Obviously, with what our past has been with the rotors here, it kind of makes you think that. I went over and looked at the rotors and it looked like they were still on it, so it’s either that or a tire. For where we started, we moved up into the top-15 pretty quickly. The car was pretty good and I was learning a lot. We pushed the exit on the last section a little too hard and got the penalty there. We were still passing cars, though, and it would’ve been another good day.” – Josh Berry, driver of the No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse
Next Up:
The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Save Mart 350k on Sunday, June 9 at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. The race begins at 3:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
