Home Blog Page 993

Cram to Drive the No. 4 Soaky Mountain & Wilderness and Emerling Will Carry Them as an Associate on the No. 07

By
Official Release
-

Dawson Cram to Drive the No. 4 Soaky Mountain & Wilderness at the Smokies Chevy Camaro and Patrick Emerling Will Carry Them as an Associate on the No. 07 at the Tennessee Lottery 250

Mooresville, NC – June 27, 2024 – Get ready to conquer the mountain and the racetrack as Soaky Mountain Waterpark and Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort proudly sponsor NASCAR drivers Dawson Cram and Patrick Emerling at the upcoming Tennessee Lottery 250. Dawson Cram will drive the No. 4 with them as a Primary Sponsor for JD Motorsports, while Patrick Emerling will have Soaky Mountain and Wilderness at the Smokies as an associate sponsor on his No. 07 Chevy Camaro for SS Greenlight Racing. The race will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at Nashville Superspeedway, with the green flag waving at 5:00 PM ET.

As temperatures soar in Nashville, Soaky Mountain and Wilderness at the Smokies, both owned by Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks, are making a splash on the NASCAR Xfinity Series field, bringing cool vibes and exciting racing to fans nationwide. The race will be televised live on USA Networks and broadcast on PRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.

“We are thrilled to partner with Soaky Mountain and Wilderness at the Smokies for this weekend’s race at Nashville Superspeedway,” said Dawson Cram. “Their focus on providing a fun and refreshing escape from the heat is something we can all appreciate, especially during the summer months. I’m looking forward to driving the No. 4 Chevy Camaro and putting on a great show for all the fans.”

Patrick Emerling added, “It’s great to have Soaky Mountain and Wilderness at the Smokies on board as an associate sponsor. Their commitment to creating memorable family experiences is second to none, and I’m excited to represent them this weekend.”

“We’re beyond excited to have Dawson and Patrick represent our Soaky Mountain Waterpark and Wilderness at the Smokies,” said Joe Eck, Chief Operating Officer for Wilderness Resorts and Waterparks. “We know that when the heat is on they will be thinking not only about a great finish, but also sliding into a well-deserved and refreshing vacation at Wilderness at the Smokies and its sister property Soaky Mountain Waterpark just across the street from the resort.”

Soaky Mountain Waterpark and Wilderness at the Smokies are renowned for their family-friendly attractions and exhilarating water experiences, making them the perfect partners for this summer race. Their presence at Nashville Superspeedway will highlight their commitment to fun, safety, and community engagement, offering fans a glimpse into the exciting adventures awaiting them at their waterparks and resort.

After the race, both Dawson Cram and Patrick Emerling, along with their families, will be cooling down and recovering from the heat with a stay at Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort. Additionally, Dawson and Patrick will share Grand Marshal duties for the Soaky Mountain countdown to open the park, creating memorable moments for all attendees.

The Tennessee Lottery 250 is one of the most anticipated events of the NASCAR Xfinity Series, drawing fans from all over to witness high-speed racing and intense competition. With Soaky Mountain and Wilderness at the Smokies on board, this race promises to be even more memorable.

For more information about Soaky Mountain Waterpark and Wilderness at the Smokies, visit their websites at https://soakymountainwaterpark.com and https://www.wildernessatthesmokies.com.

About Soaky Mountain Waterpark: Located in Sevierville, TN, Soaky Mountain Waterpark offers a wide range of thrilling water rides and attractions for all ages. From wave pools to water coasters, Soaky Mountain provides an unforgettable experience for families and adventure seekers.

About Wilderness at the Smokies Waterpark Resort

Wilderness at the Smokies, located across the street from Soaky Mountain Waterpark also in Sevierville, TN, is a premier destination combining luxurious accommodations with indoor and outdoor waterparks. Guests can enjoy a variety of water attractions, dining options, and entertainment, making it a perfect getaway for families. Guests can also purchase discounted tickets to Soaky Mountain Waterpark as part of their stay.

About JD Motorsports

JD Motorsports is a professional stock car racing team that competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for racing, the team strives to deliver top performances and thrilling races for fans.

About SS Greenlight Racing

SS Greenlight Racing is a professional stock car racing team that competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for racing, the team strives to deliver top performances and thrilling races for fans.

Greg Van Alst Returns to Berlin Raceway Looking to Close Points Gap

By
Official Release
-

MARNE, Michigan: ARCA Menards Series veteran Greg Van Alst escaped the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course last weekend with a top-10 finish.

This weekend, the Anderson, Ind. native treks to Berlin (Mich.) Raceway eyeing a top-five finish for his team in Saturday night’s Berlin ARCA 200.

It’s been two years since Van Alst last graced the tight short nestled in the small city of Marne, Michigan, just outside Grand Rapids. On that memorable June night, Van Alst showcased his prowess with a commendable eighth-place finish, a testament to his team’s relentless pursuit of the ARCA Menards Series championship at the time.

More than 24 months later, Van Alst returns to the iconic short track, his determination burning brighter than ever. He is ready to do whatever it takes to inch closer to that championship lead and deliver his second career ARCA Menards Series victory, making the upcoming race at Berlin Raceway a potentially pivotal moment in his season.

“I feel really good heading to Berlin after our positive finish last weekend at Mid-Ohio,” said Van Alst, his voice filled with gratitude towards his team. “I am not a road course racer by any means, but the relentless hard work by my team allowed me to drive the hardest towards the end of the race and bring us our third top-10 finish of the season.

“We’ve dusted off, and now we’ll go back to Berlin – a track where I felt we were OK in 2022- and see what we deliver. Short tracks are a big opportunity for us to earn top-five finishes.”

With five career top-five ARCA finishes, most recently on a short track at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway last September, the former ARCA | CRA Series champion knows that delivering his team their second top-five effort of the season will not only reward the team with much-needed points but also give his family-owned team a nice boost.

“Other than Iowa, it’s been a pretty decent season for us,” explained Van Alst. “If we aren’t inside the top-10, we’re right there just outside the top-10 inside the top-15. That’s good, but not great.

“That being said, there’s still a lot of racing left, but we’re trying to chase an ARCA championship on a shoestring budget with a lot of heart and determination – so to be second in the championship standings is a great achievement for our team.

“Over the next month, it will be hard to close the gap because Andres (Pérez de Lara) is so good, but we feel that with our short-track program, we can compete with Rev Racing and the other powerhouse ARCA team and keep us in the hunt.”

With one of his 22 top-10 ARCA finishes delivered at Berlin Raceway, Van Alst says he believes his Anderson, Ind.-based team can return to the track and be better than they were in 2022.

“Berlin is a very unique short track,” explained Van Alst. “You feel like you are always turning. There’s little time to relax. The backstretch doesn’t have a wall and provides a little extra room for racing if needed, but it’s just hitting the balance right, especially for later in a run.

“We had a good setup – but what we learned a couple of years ago, we can apply more notes to our setup and I think we can inch closer to the top-five and keep ourselves there for 200 laps.”

This weekend, the family-owned team welcomes back CB Fabricating as the primary partner of the team’s No. 35 Ford Fusion for 200 laps of action.

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., CB Fabricating offers a complete list of fabricating from design, laser cutting, CNC punching, forming, welding, powder coating and assembly.

In addition to CB Fabricating, Zaki Ali (Injury & Criminal Trial Attorney; 1-888-649-1-ALI) and Top Choice Fence will serve as associate partners for Van Alst’s 47th career ARCA start.

“We have the same great partners like Chris Barkdull and CB Fabricating that keep us going,” added Van Alst. Without the support of CB, Zaki Ali, and Top Choice Fence, who have also been around for all eight

races this year, our second trip to Berlin might not have been possible.

“We’re still focused on completing the season. We could always use more support, but I know that running well and cutting our points deficit presents the opportunity to bring in new partners as the series approaches the halfway point of the year.

“We will keep digging and go to every race with our best intentions and hope that we’re able to deliver the results we are looking for.”

With eight races complete, Van Alst remains second in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, 37 points behind championship leader Andrés Pérez de Lara, with 11 races remaining this year.

Since 2002, Van Alst has 46 ARCA Menards Series starts to his credit, one win, five top-five and 22 top-10 finishes.

For more on Greg Van Alst and Greg Van Alst Motorsports, please visit GregVanAlst.com, like them on Facebook (Van Alst Motorsports) and follow him on X | Twitter (@GregVanAlst35).

The Berlin ARCA 200 (200 laps | 88 miles) is the ninth of 20 races on the 2024 ARCA Menards Series schedule. Practice begins Saturday, June 29th, from 4:35 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. General Tire pole qualifying in a timed session will begin a short time later at 6:00 p.m. The race is set to take the green flag later in the day shortly after 8:00 p.m. ET. The event will be televised live on the FOX Sports App and Flo Racing while airing on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) at 10:00 p.m. ET. ARCARacing.com will also stream live timing and scoring throughout the entire weekend festivities. All times are local (Eastern).

LOGAN BEARDEN PARTNERS WITH KEY HVAC AT NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY

By
Official Release
-

MOORESVILLE, NC, June 27, 2024 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Logan Bearden announced he will compete in this Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Tennessee Lottery 250 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway.

Greenbrier, Tenn.-based Key Heating and Cooling LLC will join Bearden as the primary marketing partner on the No. 35 Chevrolet Camaro of Joey Gase Racing.

“We are thrilled to partner with Logan Bearden and support his racing career,” said Trent Key, CEO of Key Heating and Cooling. “Logan’s dedication and passion for racing align perfectly with our values of excellence and innovation. We are excited to be a part of his journey.”

Key Heating and Cooling is a leading HVAC solutions provider, specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for residential and commercial properties. With a team of experienced professionals and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Key Heating and Cooling delivers reliable and energy-efficient HVAC solutions.

For over the past decade Key Heating and Cooling has had a simple mission, to become the best provider of HVAC services in the Middle Tennessee area. During this, they have expanded through the entire state of Tennessee, as well as Alabama and recently Georgia. They have been working nonstop, providing excellent customer service at competitive prices. Key Heating and Cooling is an ever growing team of HVAC professionals who have extensive experience working with all elements of full mechanical services.

“I appreciate Joey Gase giving me the opportunity to get on the track this weekend,” said Bearden. “Right now it’s all about the seat time and gaining experience on different track styles.”

“I also can’t thank Key Heating and Cooling enough for coming on board. Their support means a lot to me.”

This will be Bearden’s fourth career Xfinity Series start.

He made his Xfinity Series debut in March at Richmond (Va.) Raceway with SS-GreenLight Racing. His strong Xfinity debut earned him another opportunity with the team the following weekend at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.

He also drove for the Mooresville, N.C.-based team at the Portland International Raceway road course in June.

The Tennessee Lottery 250 (188 laps | 250.04 miles) is the 17th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice begins on Saturday, June 29, 2024, from 11:00 – 11:20 a.m. Qualifying immediately follows at 11:30 a.m. The 38-car field is set to take the green flag later in the day shortly after 4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. ET) with live coverage on the USA Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio), and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Central).

For more information on Logan Bearden, visit https://www.loganbearden.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/loganbeardenracing/), X (https://x.com/LoganBearden_) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/logan_bearden/).

What Makes PDRA Pro Stars a Must-See Event?

By
SM
-

Celebrating a decade of thrilling eighth-mile drag racing, the Professional Drag Racers Association (PDRA) continues to set itself apart with its unique format, the quality of its competitors, and its significance in the racing calendar. 

The upcoming event at Virginia Motorsports Park on July 13 promises to be a highlight of the season. Let’s delve into what makes the PDRA Pro Stars an unmissable spectacle for racing enthusiasts.

The 2024 PDRA Schedule

The 2024 PDRA season features an exhilarating eight-race schedule, introducing new tracks and revisiting popular ones. This season marks the debut of the series at Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn., while also maintaining its presence across five familiar racetracks on the East Coast and Midwest. This blend of new and traditional venues ensures a diverse and engaging experience for both drivers and fans.

Tyler Crossnoe, PDRA’s series director, has emphasized the importance of consistency in track selection. His strategic approach involves choosing tracks that can accommodate 3-second, 200-plus-MPH runs, host large motorhomes, and provide an enjoyable experience for fans. Crossnoe’s dedication to fan engagement and market presence underscores the PDRA’s commitment to delivering top-tier racing events.

Familiar Tracks and New Challenges 

The 2024 PDRA season kicks off at GALOT Motorsports Park in Benson, N.C., from April 3-6. Known for its high-speed action and competitive atmosphere, GALOT sets the tone for the season with thrilling races that captivate fans and competitors alike.

Virginia Motorsports Park in Dinwiddie hosts its first points-earning event from April 18-20. This venue, renowned for its world-class facilities, provides an excellent platform for racers to showcase their skills and earn valuable points early in the season.

Continuing the tradition, Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, will host the Memorial Day Weekend event from May 23-25. This iconic race weekend is a staple in the PDRA calendar, drawing large crowds and delivering unforgettable racing moments.

The first half of the PDRA season concludes with a high-energy event at Maryland International Raceway from June 13-15. This race marks a crucial point in the season, where drivers solidify their standings and push the limits of their performance.

The Summit Racing Equipment PDRA ProStars

The Summit Racing Equipment PDRA ProStars race, scheduled for July 13, coincides with VMP’s Night of Fire. This event features chip-drawn shootouts among the top PDRA drivers, concerts, exhibition cars, and a family-friendly festival atmosphere, making it a comprehensive entertainment experience.

Virginia Motorsports Park is set to host the thrilling PDRA Pro Stars, drawing fans from across Virginia who are eager to witness top-tier drag racing in their own backyard. For those looking to amplify their experience, engaging with Virginia sportsbooks provides exclusive access to promotions that enrich their participation, ensuring that each moment of the competition is as exhilarating as possible.

Second Half of the Season 

The second half of the PDRA season kicks off at U.S. 131 Motorsports Park in Martin, Michigan, from August 1-3. This venue is known for its passionate fan base and challenging track, promising intense competition and memorable races.

One of the most anticipated events of the season is the debut at Bristol Dragway from August 22-24. As a state-of-the-art facility within the Speedway Motorsports portfolio, Bristol offers a new and exciting chapter in the PDRA series’ history, providing a world-class racing experience.

Season Conclusion 

Following a brief hiatus in September, the PDRA season resumes at GALOT Motorsports Park from October 3-5. This event is crucial for drivers aiming to secure their final points and make a mark before the season’s end.

The season concludes with a grand finale at Virginia Motorsports Park from October 17-20. This event promises a thrilling end to the 2024 PDRA season, where champions are crowned, and fans are treated to the highest level of drag racing.

Future Announcements 

PDRA will make additional announcements regarding its 2024 season during the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Show from December 7-9 in Indianapolis. These announcements will provide further insights into the series’ future plans and developments.

A Decade of Excellence: Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead 

As the PDRA celebrates its tenth anniversary, it continues to push the boundaries of eighth-mile drag racing. The 2024 season, with its mix of traditional and new venues, promises to be one of the most exciting yet. With a focus on consistency, fan engagement, and top-tier competition, the PDRA Pro Stars event at Virginia Motorsports Park on July 13 is set to be a highlight, drawing fans from across Virginia for an unforgettable racing experience.

SYSPRO Joins RFK TeK Alliance

By
Official Release
-

CONCORD, N.C. (June 27, 2024) – RFK Racing has announced that SYSPRO has joined the RFK TeK Alliance, taking another step forward in the evolution to be tech forward. SYSPRO’s software is an industry-built Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution designed to simplify business complexity for manufacturers and distributors.

“RFK’s dedication to leveraging the latest cutting-edge technology sets a new standard for innovation in the racing industry,” said Brian Rainboth, CEO, SYSPRO Americas. “Our partnership highlights SYSPRO ERP as a crucial tool for victory, empowering the RFK team to lead with technology on the race track. RFK stands as the most forward-thinking team in racing, and we are proud to be their ERP provider and to support their endeavors both on and off the track.”

The evolution of the NextGen car in NASCAR is a key driver in the SYSPRO partnership, as managing control of inventory of more critical than ever. SYSPRO’s Cloud ERP Platform allows for a robust technology-friendly integration into many of RFK’s existing systems, a critical component the RFK team is excited to employ moving forward.

“We are thrilled to welcome SYSPRO to the RFK TeK Alliance,” said Kevin Kidd, Director of Software and Analytics. “Many people don’t realize that a modern NASCAR team is much more than just drivers, cars, and pit crews. There is an immense support team involving manufacturing, assembly, engineering, finance, and other business operations that must operate seamlessly to ensure success.

“SYSPRO’s world-class ERP software enables us to connect all these departments in ways previously impossible for our organization. This comprehensive view of our business will make us more efficient, more agile, and ultimately, more competitive on raceday.”

Forbes recently named SYSPRO a best ERP system of 2024, further proving that RFK’s efficiencies will increase from the shop floor to the finance office in the weeks and months to come.

About SYSPRO
SYSPRO is a leading, global Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software provider specializing in key manufacturing and distribution industries. For over 40 years, SYSPRO’s team of specialists have continued to address unique industry needs and enable customers to easily adapt and grow. The solution is scalable and can be deployed in the cloud, on-premises, or both, and accessed via the web on any device to provide customers with choice and flexibility.

SYSPRO remains focused on the success of partners and customers. Our evolving solutions are aligned with industry trends to leverage emerging technology that will enable partners and customers in securing a digital future.

With more than 15,000 licensed companies in over 60 countries across six continents –SYSPRO offers guidance and support every step of the way as a trusted advisor.

For more information, visit www.syspro.com.

About RFK Racing
RFK Racing, in its 37th season in 2024, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

John Cappella appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Porsche Cars North America

By
Official Release
-

John Cappella succeeds Joe Lawrence to lead operations at Porsche Cars North America

Atlanta, June 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — John Cappella has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Porsche Cars North America (PCNA), reporting to President and CEO, Timo Resch.

Joining from Porsche Cars Canada where he was President and CEO – a position held since September 2022 – John is no stranger to Porsche Cars North America having spent three years as Vice President, Area East.

He replaces Joe Lawrence, who is leaving PCNA on his own accord, effective July 2, 2024. Joe, who has spent 15 years at Porsche – 11 of which were at PCNA – will be leaving to, among other things, pursue more fully his love of the outdoors and his classic 968.

Timo Resch said: “I cannot adequately express the difference Joe has made to our business in more than a decade leading our operations. He leaves PCNA on a high, with record customer satisfaction, sales results and investment in our business. He is an enthusiast at heart and has been a great joy to work with; we know he will remain a friend to all of us for a long time to come.

Looking ahead, I am grateful that we have an extremely capable successor for Joe. John Cappella is not only acutely aware of, and experienced in, our business and our dealer operations, but also has proven his ability to build, energize and sustain a thriving team and business in his role in Canada. We look forward to welcoming John to our home in Atlanta.”

John Cappella said: “I’m honored to be rejoining the fantastic and passionate team at PCNA and to lead the operational side of the business at a fascinating time at Porsche. With four new model lines being launched so far this year, the pace and diversity of new cars being introduced is unprecedented. I look forward to supporting our dealers and our customers through every step of our bold future. I will be leaving many friends and an incredible community in Canada at a time when it’s setting new records – an experience I shall cherish and will forever be proud of.

I am thankful to Joe Lawrence – who I have known for many years – and who hands over a business in exceptional shape. The care and tenacity he’s demonstrated over the years set the benchmark, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to follow in his footsteps.”

Joe Lawrence said: “The past 15 years have been an extraordinary privilege – with profound change in that time, not least in our cars but also our business in the United States. A reassuring constant has been the team of professionals I have been fortunate to have called colleagues and friends over the years. The results we have achieved together have truly been a team effort – successes I shall always count myself as being very fortunate to have been part of. Today, we have an outstanding network of dealers who put the customers first, supported by a field team that is the best in the business. I’m looking forward to my new life, and yet I will afford myself the chance to look back with pride on what we all achieved together. John is the perfect candidate to take the next steps for PCNA – and I have no doubt our operations will continue to thrive under his leadership.”

John Cappella joined Porsche Cars Canada in September 2022 following a period of three years as Vice President, Area East, for Porsche Cars North America (PCNA). He joined the brand in 2011 as Director of Network Development at Porsche Cars Canada, Ltd. and then became Managing Director of Porsche Centre North Toronto in 2016. John assumes his new role as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Porsche Cars North America (PCNA) on July 2, 2024. His successor as President and CEO of Porsche Cars Canada will be announced in due course.

KENNINGTON RETURNS TO RIVERSIDE IN CASTROL EDGE DODGE

By
Official Release
-

June 27, 2022. DJ Kennington can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the #17 Castrol EDGE Dodge, as the NASCAR Canada Series returns to Riverside International Speedway for the first time since 2019. Fans are in for a treat this weekend with back-to-back 150-lap events scheduled for Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30.

The high-banked oval in Antigonish, NS promotes side by side racing and is a favourite among racers and fans for the excitement is creates. Kennington has scored two victories at Riverside in 2010 and 2012, his championship winning seasons. In addition, he’s recorded a total of eight podium finishes in the previous 13 races.

With a kick of concert on Friday night and fireworks displays to celebrate the Canada Day long weekend, the doubleheader event at Riverside International Speedway promises to deliver plenty of high-octane excitement.

Here’s what you need to know.

Weekend Race Event Preview
Saturday June 29th Sunday June 30th
PRO-LINE 150 & NASCAR Canada 150
Races four & five of 13 in 2024
This will be the 14th & 15th NASCAR Canada Series race at Riverside International Speedway

The Track:
3/8-mile, banked, paved oval.

Best finish: Wins in 2010 and 2012

Career Victories: 24

Most Recent Win: Race one, Sutherland Automotive Speedway, 2022

DJ Quote: “I’m really looking forward to racing at Riverside again. Obviously, we’ve had a lot of success there. I’ve had some great battles and memorable wins there; I really enjoy the side-by-side action. Our new Castrol car that we debuted last week has plenty of speed and we’re looking forward to showing what we can do and putting on a great show”.

TV & Live Streaming
All races will be streamed live on TSN+ and through FloRacing in the United States. The PRO-LINE 250 will also air on TSN Sunday on RDS2 date TBD.

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

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

Weekend schedule for Nashville

By
Angie Campbell
-
Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Worldwide Express Chevrolet, leads the field to the green flag to start the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 25, 2023 in Lebanon, Tennessee. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

This weekend the NASCAR Cup Series travels to Nashville Superspeedway for the fourth consecutive year. Chevrolet has dominated the series at the 1.33-mile concrete track. Ross Chastain is the defending Cup Series race winner as Hendrick Motorsports teammates Chase Elliott (2022) and Kyle Larson (2021) also return as previous winners.

Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race is the 25th event for the series at Nashville. But only two past winners, Justin Allgaier (2022) and AJ Allmendinger (2023), are entered in this year’s race.

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series returns to competition Friday evening after a 3-week break for the final race of the 2024 Triple Truck Challenge. Current Cup Series driver, Carson Hocevar, is the defending race winner.

Clint Bowyer will make his first NASCAR start since his retirement in 2020 and his first at Nashville Superspeedway. Bowyer will drive the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet in this weekend’s Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200.

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

All times are Eastern

Friday, June 28
4:30 p.m.: Truck Series Practice
Timed: All Entries, 20 Minutes – FS2

5 p.m.: Truck Series Qualifying
Impound: All Entries, Single Vehicle, 1 Lap – FS2

8 p.m.: Truck Series Rackley Roofing 200
Distance: 199.5 miles (150 Laps)
Stages end on Lap 45, Lap 95, Lap 150
FS2/MRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $897,631

Saturday, June 29
Noon: Xfinity Series Practice
Timed: Groups 1 & 2, 15 minutes each – USA

12:30 p.m.: Xfinity Series Qualifying
Impound: All Entries, Single Vehicle, 1 Lap – USA

2:05 p.m.: Cup Series Practice
Timed: Groups A & B, 20 minutes each
USA/PRN/SiriusXM

2:50 p.m. Cup Series Qualifying
Impound: Groups A & B, Single Vehicle/1 Lap/2 Rounds
USA/PRN/SiriusXM

5 p.m.: Xfinity Tennessee Lottery 250
Distance: 250.04 miles (188 Laps)
Stages end on Lap 45, Lap 90, Lap 188
USA/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $1,420,381

Sunday, June 30
3:3 p.m.: Cup Series Ally 400
Distance: 399 miles (300 Laps)
Stages end on Lap 90, Lap 185, Lap 300
NBC/PRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $8,915,372

Nascar Cup Series Nashville Superspeedway race stats and notes

By
SM Staff
-

NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway
Sunday, June 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET | NBC, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
View the complete weekend schedule

Track Length: 1.33 Mile Concrete Oval
Distance: 399 miles (300 Laps)
Stage 1: Ends on Lap 90
Stage 2: Ends on Lap 185
Final Stage: Ends on Lap 300

Race Notes

  • The first NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway was on June 20, 2021, and has produced three different race winners. Kyle Larson in 2021, Chase Elliott in 2022, and Ross Chastain in 2023.
  • All three winners started up front. Larson started fifth in 2022, Elliott in fourth, and Chastain from the pole. Notably, Denny Hamlin won the pole in 2022.
  • The 2023 race had 21 lead changes among 12 different leaders.
  • The 2022 race had 18 lead changes among seven different leaders.

Who to bet on

Hamlin has the best driver rating of 124.3, followed by Chastain at 123.8. Hamlin also has the best average start of 4.5 and has led 195 laps. Retiring Martin Truex Jr. has led 132 laps with an average start of with and an average finish of 12th. Hamlin also led 114 laps, the most laps of the 2022 race.

But you cannot count out Hendrick Motorsports drivers Elliott and Larson, who are currently tied in the NCS series driver standings. Both have an average finish in the top-5, and Elliott has already won the race at Nashville.

Past Race Statistics

Box Score Nashville Superspeedway – Ally 400
Provided by NASCAR Statistics at 6/17/2024 2:25:39 PM
Ally 400 From 2005-Present

No.DriverAvg StartAvg Mid RaceAvg FinishAvg PosLaps Top-15% Laps in Top-15Lap Led% Laps LedTotal RacesDriver Rating
11Denny Hamlin4.51.54.53.85949919532.52124.3
1Ross Chastain4835.855692.79916.52123.8
19Martin Truex Jr81.5123.758397.2132222117.8
9Chase Elliott910.52.5756494437.22114
5Kyle Larson5144.51052487.300298.6
20Christopher Bell15.512.57.59.14868130.5296.9
8Kyle Busch23.5141511.740667.76611293.5
24William Byron919.520.517.934357.250.8282.2
16AJ Allmendinger16.51014.513.742871.300281.2
54Ty Gibbs16101413.623277.300180.9
45Tyler Reddick9292418.426844.7335.5279.2
22Joey Logano311.51412.14387340.7277.7
12Ryan Blaney9.519.519.516.338163.510.2277.3
43Erik Jones23119.515.527245.300276.5
99Daniel Suárez7.520.513.515.133856.310.2275.8
23Bubba Wallace19.51413.516.22524200275.6
17Chris Buescher13.510.5241445275.300270.7
6Brad Keselowski23.512.52016.625542.520.3268.5
3Austin Dillon2319.513.520.711318.800263.4
2Austin Cindric2426.51724.3589.700259.1
34Michael McDowell25.516.520.5221562600257
47Ricky Stenhouse Jr26.518.51920.8264.300256
41Ryan Preece25311625.10000155
21Harrison Burton28.514.52321.910517.500252.8
51Justin Haley1218.52320.513121.800252.6
48Alex Bowman13.530.526.524.516727.891.5250.9
7Corey LaJoie2919.52023416.800250.4
10Noah Gragson30222624.518600143.5
50Ty Dillon31.527.531.528.691.540.7235.7
14Chase Briscoe2330.532.53110.200234.6
44JJ Yeley30.530.528.530.430.500234.3
15Cody Ware31272729.410.300134.3
38Todd Gilliland303029.530.86100232.8
66BJ McLeod35323233.20000126

Average Running Position – Nashville Superspeedway – Ally 400
Provided by NASCAR Statistics at 6/17/2024 2:25:39 PM
Ally 400 From 2005-Present

RankNo.DriverTeamAvg FinishAverage Place
119Martin Truex JrReser’s Fine Foods123.712
211Denny HamlinInterstate Batteries4.53.752
31Ross ChastainBusch Light For the Farmers35.772
49Chase ElliottNAPA Auto Parts2.56.955
520Christopher BellRheem7.59.102
65Kyle LarsonHendrickCars.com4.510.047
78Kyle Buschzone / Kwik Star1511.742
822Joey LoganoShell Pennzoil1412.147
954Ty GibbsMonster Energy1413.577
1016AJ AllmendingerAction Industries14.513.735
1117Chris BuescherFastenal2413.97
1299Daniel SuárezKubota13.515.11
1343Erik JonesFamily Dollar9.515.532
1423Bubba WallaceMcDonald’s13.516.19
1512Ryan BlaneyAdvance Auto Parts19.516.342
166Brad KeselowskiKing’s Hawaiian – Casey’s2016.582
1724William ByronLiberty University20.517.89
1845Tyler ReddickMcDonald’s2418.35
1951Justin HaleyMotoRad2320.493
203Austin DillonGet Bioethanol13.520.718
2147Ricky Stenhouse JrKroger / NOS Energy Drink1920.758
2221Harrison BurtonMenards Masterforce Tools2321.91
2334Michael McDowellLove’s Travel Stops20.522.042
247Corey LaJoieGainbridge/Iowa Hawkeyes2023.01
252Austin CindricMenards Moen1724.307
2610Noah GragsonBass Pro Shops Winchester2624.45
2748Alex BowmanAlly26.524.475
2841Ryan PreeceMorton Buildings1625.133
2950Ty DillonAmeriVet Securities31.528.608
3015Cody WareJacob Construction2729.383
3144JJ YeleyBeard Vet Coffee28.530.448
3238Todd GillilandRuedebusch29.530.802
3314Chase BriscoeMahindra USA 30 Years32.530.97
3466BJ McLeodTruan Equipment3233.243

BLAKE ALEXANDER LOOKS TO REPEAT FUNNY CAR SUCCESS AT THIS WEEKEND’S SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS

By
Official Release
-

NORWALK, Ohio (June 27, 2024) – Last year at Summit Motorsports Park, Blake Alexander joined an elite list of NHRA drivers to win in both NHRA nitro categories, picking up his first career Funny Car victory. He’ll look to repeat that win this weekend at the 18th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals.

Alexander, driver of the 11,000-horsepower Pronto Auto Parts Ford Mustang, won last year’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals when he beat reigning world champion Matt Hagan in the final round, making him just the 18th driver in NHRA history to claim wins in both Funny Car and Top Fuel.

The win was even more meaningful for Alexander as “America’s Racetrack” was also where he won his first Top Fuel race at Norwalk in 2018. It’s a track that has always served him well and Alexander is hopeful for more success this weekend.

“I thought it was a really special day. I guess I really didn’t recognize it at the time, that I had done something exclusively and only a few people had done before,” Alexander said. “Then as time went on, I kind of noticed the fraternity of the drivers who had done it before and that makes it a lot more significant when you speak to those drivers. A lot of people come out here and try to do this, and not many people ultimately get it done.”

In 2023, Leah Pruett (Top Fuel), Alexander (Funny Car), Matt Hartford (Pro Stock) and Hector Arana Jr. (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all took home wins at an event that will again be broadcast on FOX and FS1, including eliminations on FOX starting at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday. It is the 10th of 20 races during the 2024 season and it’s a loaded weekend that includes a spectacular fireworks show after Friday qualifying, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday.

Alexander has three semifinal finishes on the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season, including last weekend in Richmond. It’s been a solid season for Alexander and his team, led by veteran tuner Jim Head, and he’s currently 10th in points.

This semifinal appearance also locks him into this weekend’s Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday where he’ll meet up with Richmond runner-up Bob Tasca III. The other side of the ladder will see Richmond winner Austin Prock again meeting up with Hagan. Prock became the 19th driver to win in both categories earlier this year and the current points leader, while other standouts include Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, Cruz Pedregon, Daniel Wilkerson and Alexis DeJoria.

“With the Challenge on Saturdays, you have to bring even more energy,” Alexander said. “As a driver, there’s extra autograph sessions, pre-race stuff and it’s kind of like a race day when you’re involved in the Saturday event. You know you have to bring it and soon as Saturday ends, you’re back in the race-mode for Sunday. It’s a good thing and we’ll get a redemption shot against Tasca this weekend.”

Reigning champion Doug Kalitta currently leads the Top Fuel points, thanks to his three wins on the season, including last week in Richmond. Close behind is his teammate Shawn Langdon, who picked up wins in Gainesville and Phoenix and finished runner-up to Kalitta in Richmond. Also in the mix is Justin Ashley, Steve Torrence, Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher and Top Fuel newcomer Tony Stewart.

Hartford picked up his first Norwalk win last season when he defeated current points leader Dallas Glenn. To repeat that, he’ll have to get past Greg Anderson, reigning champion Erica Enders, Jeg Coughlin Jr. and Richmond winner Aaron Stanfield.

Arana was one of only four drivers to win in the Pro Stock Motorcycle class last season. Gaige Herrera, the 2023 champion, dominated for the bulk of the season, and is undefeated in 2024, winning an NHRA-record 10 straight races dating back to last year. Matt Smith, Angie Smith and Richard Gadson will try to unseat Herrera this weekend.

The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown and the new Holley EFI Factory X category. The Summit Racing Equipment Junior Drag Racing League Shootout will take place in Norwalk as well. After nitro qualifying on Friday, fans will be treated to an impressive fireworks display that has been a highlight of the event for several years.

Summit Motorsports Park also has some of the finest camping facilities and grounds on the tour, offering fans a great way to spend their weekend at the track, enjoy a memorable atmosphere and not miss a second of the action.

Fans will be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Summit Motorsports Park can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the event winners.

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

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 28 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 29 at 1:30 and 4 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 30. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, with eliminations coverage starting at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday on FS1, moving to FOX at 5 p.m..

To purchase tickets to the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, fans can visit www.summitmotorsportspark.com or call 419-668-5555. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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.

1...992993994...6,745Page 993 of 6,745