Author: Official Release

  • Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix introduces 1-Day Grandstand tickets for 2025 race

    Formula 1 Crypto.com Miami Grand Prix introduces 1-Day Grandstand tickets for 2025 race

    • For the first time ever, 1-Day Grandstand tickets for the Miami Grand Prix are now available here, putting fans in the driver’s seat of their race weekend experience
    • 1-Day tickets offer greater flexibility for fans who want to enjoy premium views with Grandstand seating options across the Miami International Autodrome
    • 3-Day Grandstand Passes, which include exclusive Membership benefits, are also available
    • Taking place May 2-4, fans are guaranteed three full days of on-track action across the weekend with the return of the popular Sprint format, F1 ACADEMY and Porsche Carrera Cup North America

    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – South Florida Motorsports (SFM), promotor of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX, is thrilled to announce that 1-Day Grandstand tickets for the 2025 race weekend are now on sale here. For the first time ever, fans have the option to choose their preferred day(s) to attend – making the event more accessible and customizable to individual preferences – putting fans in the driver’s seat of their race weekend experience.

    A limited number of 1-Day tickets are available across all Grandstands at the Miami International Autodrome and all three days of action but are expected to sell out. Fans may also choose the value of a 3-Day Grandstand pass, which automatically enrolls them for exclusive perks as a Miami Grand Prix member. These new offerings reflect SFM’s commitment to providing diverse ticketing options, enabling more fans to experience the excitement of Formula 1 firsthand.

    “We’re thrilled to offer 1-Day Grandstand ticket options for the first time, allowing fans the opportunity to experience the Miami Grand Prix in a manner that best suits them,” said Tyler Epp, President of the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX. “We have listened to feedback from fans and understood their desire for single-day tickets, and this offering underscores our commitment to providing them as many amazing experiences as possible to enjoy our race. In doing so, we are excited that we will have the opportunity to welcome even more attendees to race weekend and make the sport more accessible to new motorsports fans looking to experience the high-speed spectacle of Formula 1.”

    The 2025 race weekend, taking place in Miami Gardens from May 2-4, promises three days of action-packed entertainment. Attendees can look forward to Sprint qualifying on Friday, the Sprint race and Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday, and the Grand Prix itself on Sunday. Additionally, the all-female F1 ACADEMY series and the Porsche Carrera Cup North America will return to Miami, delivering a full schedule of exciting track action each day.

    1-Day Grandstand tickets offer premium vantage points across the circuit. The Start/Finish Grandstand Presented by Gainbridge provides unparalleled views of the pre-race grid ceremonies, the dramatic ‘lights-out’ start, pit lane action, and the checkered flag. The Beach and Marina Grandstands offer a lively atmosphere with close-up views of the track, while the Turn 1 North Grandstand lets fans witness intense battles into the first corner. Meanwhile, the Turn 18 Grandstand is perfectly positioned at the end of the long DRS-enabled straight to guarantee plenty of overtaking.

    Each Grandstand includes shaded sections, reserved seating and access to the full MIA Campus. That experience includes access to the 300 level of Hard Rock Stadium, where spectators can get an exclusive view of the Formula 1 paddock ‘Team Village,’ where drivers and team personnel work throughout the weekend.

    First introduced last year, the 3-Day Grandstand Pass also gives spectators the option to customize their experience as they have the choice of a different Grandstand seat around the circuit across each of the three days. Fans purchasing a 3-Day Grandstand Pass will automatically become an exclusive Miami Grand Prix member, an exciting addition designed to enhance the fan experience. Membership benefits include special pricing for the 2026 race, extended payment plans for greater flexibility and invitations to exclusive events throughout the year. During race weekend, members will also enjoy access to exclusive areas and dedicated support from the Grandstand Membership Service Team.

    Now entering its fourth year, the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX has solidified its reputation as one of the premier events on the Formula 1 calendar. It has captivated fans with thrilling on-track battles, world-class dining, top-tier entertainment and luxury hospitality experiences, boasting record-setting, sellout crowds each year. In May 2024, more than 275,000 attendees flocked to the Miami International Autodrome to witness a landmark moment — McLaren’s Lando Norris taking his maiden Formula 1 victory.

    More information on all ticket offerings for the FORMULA 1 CRYPTO.COM MIAMI GRAND PRIX 2025 can be found at https://f1miamigp.com/.

  • AO Racing Announces Partnership with Austin Hatcher Foundation as Official Charity for 2025 Season

    AO Racing Announces Partnership with Austin Hatcher Foundation as Official Charity for 2025 Season

    DAYTONA, Fla. (December 22, 2025) – AO Racing is proud to announce its official partnership with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer for the 2025 racing season. Through this exciting collaboration, AO Racing will be partnering with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Diversionary Therapy hospital visits across the nation, merchandise fundraising efforts, and a special focus on Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month in September.

    The new partnership builds on a successful collaboration in 2024, which included fan-activated fundraising events where fans had the chance to donate and win prizes, and saw tremendous success. Fan support helped raise critical funds for the Austin Hatcher Foundation, directly benefiting children and families affected by pediatric cancer.

    “Partnering with the Austin Hatcher Foundation for the 2025 season is an incredible opportunity,” said Gunnar Jeannette, Team Principal of AO Racing. “We’ve seen the direct impact the Foundation has on children and families facing cancer, and we are honored to continue supporting this vital cause. This year, we are committed to going even further, with a deeper involvement in their programs and initiatives, and we can’t wait to see the positive change we can make together.”

    The partnership between AO Racing and the Austin Hatcher Foundation will include nationwide hospital visits, where AO Racing team members and drivers will meet with children and families in treatment, as well as the launch of new fundraising initiatives, such as exclusive merchandise designed to raise awareness and funds for AHF’s mission. A special focus on Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month will be notably impactful, highlighting the foundation’s dedication to improving the quality of life of those affected by childhood cancer.

    “Through our partnership, we aim to make a lasting impact both on and off the track,” Jeannette added.

    The Austin Hatcher Foundation

    The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer provides free, integrative, evidence-based comprehensive care to children with cancer and every individual family member navigating the challenges of pediatric cancer. Through innovative mental, behavioral and social therapies, educational resources, and family-centered programs, the Foundation empowers families to succeed beyond a cancer diagnosis. Learn more at www.hatcherfoundation.org.

    About AO Racing

    Founded in 2022 by PJ Hyett and Gunnar Jeannette, AO Racing has swiftly risen to prominence in the world of professional sports car racing. With an unwavering commitment to on-track excellence and fan engagement, AO Racing commands attention with its fun liveries and fan-friendly presence, becoming a dynamic force in the sport. Central to AO Racing’s success is its unique blend of performance and personality. The iconic liveries of “Rexy” and “Roxy,” the T-Rex Porsche 911 GT3 Rawrs and “Spike” the LMP2 Dragon have captivated fans worldwide, earning AO Racing a dedicated following. With a focus on making racing accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts of all ages, AO Racing has become a beloved favorite among motorsport lovers. The team has a global footprint, with strong efforts in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Asian Le Mans Series, European Le Mans Series, and the FIA World Endurance Championship. With passion, precision, and a touch of flair, AO Racing is writing the next chapter in the annals of motorsport history.

  • Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Persevere and Prepare at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona 

    Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Persevere and Prepare at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona 

    Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Persevere and Prepare at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 At Daytona

    DAYTONA BEACH, Florida – Five Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams persevered through the annual Roar Before the 24 test event last weekend at Daytona International Speedway (DIS) in preparation for this weekend’s 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona. America’s premier day-long endurance race once again opens the annual IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season that this year will see Mercedes-AMG and its customer racing team partners defend last year’s clean sweep of all six championships awarded in the GT Daytona (GTD) class. Returning team Winward Racing also won the GTD class in the 2024 edition of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the team’s second success in the race after scoring a victory in its debut attempt in 2021.

    The first order of business, however, will be implementing the IMSA mandated torque sensors introduced as a mandatory component beginning this season in IMSA’s GTD classes. Mercedes-AMG is the only manufacturer in a large GTD and GTD Pro field that has never had the opportunity to compete with the sensors, but progress was made at the Roar in what was Mercedes-AMG’s first experience in official international competition with the driveshaft-mounted torque-detecting componentry.

    Successfully overcoming a software data transfer issue on the first day of the Roar, Winward and the four other competing Mercedes-AMG GT3 teams were able to maximize their on-track performance on Saturday and Sunday.

    The Rolex 24 At Daytona begins this Thursday, with GTD and GTD Pro qualifying sessions running in succession beginning at 2:10 p.m. EST.
    The 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona begins this Saturday, January 25th at 1:40 p.m. EST. An opening hour of live coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. EST on the flagship NBC network, which returns for a final two hours of coverage around the race finish Sunday, January 26th from Noon to 2 p.m. EST.

    The balance of the race will be broadcast on the NBC family of networks, with USA taking over Saturday’s live coverage from 2:30 p.m. EST until 6:30 p.m. EST. The race can be seen in its entirety in live flag-to-flag coverage on NBC’s Peacock live streaming network.

    Winward defends its Rolex 24 win and IMSA WeatherTech and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) GTD championships with the returning full-season driver lineup of Russell Ward and AMG Performance Driver Philip Ellis. Indy Dontje is back as the third driver in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the five-race IMEC while AMG Performance Driver Lucas “Luggi” Auer joins the team for this weekend’s Rolex 24.

    The No. 32 Korthoff Competition Motors No. 32 Mercedes-AMG GT3 joins Winward as a returning GTD full-season team in 2025. The year-long driving duo of Seth Lucas and Kenton Koch will be joined by a pair of AMG Performance Drivers for the IMEC rounds. Returning team driver Maximilian Götz contests the full IMEC championship in the No. 32 while Daniel Morad – a co-driver on the victorious Winward team in 2024 – joins Korthoff Competition for this year’s Rolex 24.

    The third GTD entry at the Rolex 24 is returning IMEC campaigners Lone Star Racing. The trio of Dan Knox, Scott Andrews and Eric Filgueiras will contest the five endurance races with AMG Performance Driver Ralf Aron in the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the Daytona opener and his first Rolex 24 start.

    A pair of one-off Rolex 24 entries in the GTD Pro class complete Mercedes-AMG Motorsport’s five-strong customer racing effort at Daytona. Team principal and driver Kenny Habul returns with the No. 75 Team 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3 and will be joined by the AMG Performance Driver trio of Maro Engel, Jules Gounon and Mikaël Grenier. Engel and Gounon were part of the WeatherTech Racing GTD Pro winning team in 2023, and Engel also co-drove with Winward in GTD in 2021 for the first Rolex 24 At Daytona Mercedes-AMG victory.

    Bartone Bros. Racing with Team GetSpeed runs the first North American race for the successful collaboration with debuting Rolex 24 driver Anthony Bartone co-driving the No. 69 Bartone Bros. Racing with Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3 in GTD Pro. Bartone competes alongside his AMG Performance Driver teammates Maxime Martin, Fabian Schiller and Luca Stolz. Recent AMG Performance Driver addition Martin will drive at Daytona in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for the first time.

    Stefan Wendl, Head of Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing: “As expected, the Roar weekend was very intensive. In the area of torque sensors, we had to solve a communication problem with individual control units at short notice. Compared to the manufacturers who started in the FIA WEC in 2024, we lack experience in dealing with the new sensors. As a result, I don’t initially see us as favorites despite our victory last year, but I have to say a big ‘thank you’ to all the people working on this project overnight in Germany and taking the load and developing new software. Also, the whole process here integrating our guys coming from HWA Germany to help the guys from HWA in the U.S in supporting our five customer teams has been great. And a special ‘thank you’ also to all our customer teams, which remained patient. It is difficult having minimal driving time due to the issues, which was not an easy one for all of us. However, as I can rely on the strengths of the Mercedes-AMG GT3 and the professionalism of our teams, I am very confident.”

    Philip Ellis, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “We had a fantastic 2024 season with Winward Racing, and it will be difficult to top what we have achieved. As a team, we are approaching this very realistically, but also extremely motivated. Of course, the aim is to start with a win at Daytona and to defend the title. The fact that Indy, Russell and I are once again part of the line-up, supported this time by Luggi, is certainly an advantage as we have the same understanding and trust each other.”

    Daniel Morad, Driver – No. 32 Korthoff Competition Motors Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Everyone has worked hard to get the new system up and running. It’s quite a change compared to what we’ve been driving so far, but the balance of the car is pretty good. Most of the teams have raced here in recent years, the tires are the same and the track feels very consistent, so it’s really just about getting the car’s performance on track in the race.”

    Dan Knox, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “The Lone Star Racing team has been working so hard to get the car ready. There was a lot waiting around that we’ve had with all the issues that have gone on with the torque sensors, but it was just good to get back in the car. In the last session Sunday, I got into a rhythm and had a chance to really understand the track and get around it. It’s really good and I’m looking forward to the race!”

    Scott Andrews, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Obviously it’s really tough for us as a manufacturer going up against everyone who’s done the World Endurance Championship for the last year. They pretty much have a head start, so we have basically a year’s plus worth of learning to do in two days. It started off not so smooth sailing, but we got there in the end. It’s fortunate that Lone Star Racing prepared such a good car because by the time all the systems were working, everything on the car was in such a good window. We’re really happy with it and I’m really happy with that pace and the car is good on the long run. The ultimate pace is good for the car too, and all the drivers are really happy with it. By the time we were able to sort the issues out with the torque sensors and run the car as it’s intended to run, we were right there. We’re pretty happy and it’s a pleasure to be back. I’m really enjoying also just driving for Lone Star Racing, and especially now that we’ve got a year under our belt. Everything is just sort of flowing a bit better, the people are great and it’s just a pleasure to be with this group.”

    Ralf Aron, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It is my first time racing in Daytona, and I can’t wait for it. It was super cool to see so many fans already during the Roar. The weather has been challenging so far, but the race week looks to be dry. Lone Star Racing has a very quick Mercedes-AMG GT3 and obviously the expectations are pretty high. It is important to approach the race step by step. We have to make sure that we are in a good position to fight for victory right to the end.”

    Kenny Habul, Driver – No. 75 Team 75 Express Mercedes-AMG GT3: “Thanks to Mercedes-AMG, we made a big step Sunday. The car felt more like what we’re used to. Still a lot of work to do, but the car was pretty much in the window for me and was fun in the wet. We still have a lot to do just to figure out the power and spiking and different things, but we’ve come a long way from yesterday so I’m happy. We got all the superstars in the new car. We lead this race every year, and every year we come up short. I’m just hoping we stay out of trouble and the car stays together and we’re there at the end, but we have had more bad luck Daytona than we normally do, so we are hoping for that to change.”

    Maro Engel, Driver – No. 75 Team 75 Express Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “The 24-hour race is an absolute highlight on the motorsport calendar. The atmosphere, the track layout, the field of drivers, the duels, the restarts – all of this is unique. I have a strong, competitive lineup at Team 75 Express. We did some very good groundwork at the Roar, first and foremost to gain valuable experience with the torque sensors. We will only see what the relative strength actually is in the race.”

    Maxime Martin, Driver – No. 69 Bartone Bros. Racing with Team GetSpeed Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It’s quite nice to be able to drive the Mercedes-AMG GT3 finally for the first time, and I am looking forward to the race. I already feel that the base and the pace of the car are really good. There is still a lot to do until the weekend, but even with the experience of Mercedes-AMG and team GetSpeed I am pretty sure that we will have a competitive package for the race. My biggest challenge is to adapt perfectly to the new environment, but I know Daytona well, which is certainly an advantage.”

  • Cadillac fine-tuning solid base for Rolex 24

    Cadillac fine-tuning solid base for Rolex 24

    Drivers of the three Cadillac V-Series.Rs in final rehearsals for opening show

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 22, 2025) – Six test sessions at Daytona International Speedway are in the books with three remaining for the three Cadillac Racing teams and 11 drivers to prepare for the 63rd Rolex 24 At Daytona.

    Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) qualifications are scheduled for 3:25 p.m. ET Thursday on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn course that incorporates sections of the famous high-banked oval. The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R rode to the 2024 pole with a track-record lap time of 1 minute, 32.656 seconds, and the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R completed the front row lockout.

    Cadillac Racing will seek its fifth victory since 2017 in the race with an expanded lineup featuring the Nos. 10 and 40 hybrid racecars run by Wayne Taylor Racing and the No. 31 campaigned by Action Express Racing.

    “Overall, I think we are leaving the Roar excited but know we have a lot more work to do in the few days leading up to the Rolex,” said Jordan Taylor, co-driver of the No. 40 Cadillac V-Series.R.

    ”We are super excited to be back with Cadillac. I personally spent my entire career with them other than one year, which was last year, so I feel like I am back with family, a lot of familiar faces. It’s a brand-new car that I love and love to represent, especially being an American driver, so I am excited to get the week started.”

    Cadillac Racing notes leading into the 15-minute qualifying:

    • The driver roster represents 8 Rolex 24 At Daytona overall victories (6 with Cadillac Racing), 7 FIA WEC Hypercar/LM1 championships, 11 24 Hours of Le Mans overall/class victories, 6 Twelve Hours of Sebring victories (4 with Cadillac Racing), and 3 IMSA/Grand-Am prototype championships. * Four current Cadillac Racing drivers have won the Rolex 24 At Daytona with Cadillac Racing in DPi competition: Kamui Kobayashi (2018, 2019), Ricky Taylor (2017), Filipe Albuquerque (2018), and Jordan Taylor (2017, 2019).
    • Cadillac Racing won the Rolex 24 At Daytona four consecutive years (2017-2020) and placed first and second in 2017, 2018 and 2019.
    • Cadillac Racing’s victory in the 2017 Rolex 24 At Daytona was the first of five consecutive victories to start the season and led to the manufacturer, team and driver championships.
    • The No. 10 Wayne Taylor Racing entry is running the Dallara chassis that won the 2024 Petit Le Mans. The No. 40 Wayne Taylor Racing Cadillac V-Series.R is a new chassis, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R was also used in the season-concluding race at Road Atlanta.

    See the exciting Cadillac production roster

    Spectators will have the opportunity for an up-close look at the Cadillac V-Series vehicle lineup at the Cadillac display in the midway at Daytona International Speedway. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday.

    What they’re saying

    Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 10)

    Ricky Taylor, full season driver: “It was nice to get Kamui and Brendon into the team and getting them used to the car. We all, us drivers, are new to the car and program and the team is new to the Cadillac V-Series.R. So, I think we are just learning what makes the car perform and what knobs we can turn for the setup, what performs well and what doesn’t. We tried all our big changes at the Roar, that way for this week we have an idea of scale of how things work and fine tune for the conditions of the weekend. So, it was overall good.”

    Filipe Albuquerque, full season driver: “The Roar felt good. We have a lot to do on the car and we got to drive the car in the wet as well. It’s just been learning about the car and all the settings that we can play within this car; it’s a work in progress. Qualifying will be about putting the car in the window as best as possible. In terms of pace, we will have wait to see and we will give it our best.”

    Will Stevens, IMEC driver: “Overall, the Roar was fairly productive for us. The main objective is to get all the drivers through the car and being comfortable, which I think we achieved. Even having the wet session at the end, I think was a nice bonus to having driven the car in the dry and the wet. I think everyone feels comfortable in all conditions. I’d say that is the biggest box to tick. From a performance point of view, we worked through what we needed to try and learn ahead of race week to make sure we understand more of the new car we have and what it wants and needs to be able to be quick.”

    Brendon Hartley, Rolex 24 At Daytona driver: “We had a smooth Roar with little to no issues. The team and my teammates did a great job to give me all the info I needed to get up to speed. I’m feeling comfortable in the car and enjoying being back in Daytona. We have a little bit of lap time to find before the 24. We will all be working hard over the next days to see if we can squeeze some more time out of it and also make sure we are as prepared as possible for everything the next days might throw at us.”

    Cadillac Whelen (No. 31)

    Jack Aitken, full season driver: “This past week has gone OK for us. There are a few things on the car which we needed to prove out and we have a couple of guys that are new to the car as well. So, it’s been a lot of ticking boxes. I think Thursday and Friday will be more about finding the performance in the car. The qualifying run, we’ve got half an eye on it, but really our focus will be on the race. We’ve got an eye on the weather as well as it’s pretty hard to say if it’s going to be cold, wet or sunny and we’re having to prepare for all three at the moment.”

    Earl Bamber, full season driver: “I think it’s been a good build-up from the November test. The cars are super reliable. It’s good to see everyone from GM working with the evo changes that were made. We’ve got a well-handling racecar, so we just have to see where we flush out in qualifying and the race.”

    Frederik Vesti, IMEC driver: “Being four drivers with quite limited amount of running is something to get used to, but I definitely got some good laps in and I feel very prepared for the race for my first ever GTP race and my first ever race with Cadillac, which is something I’m extremely excited about. We’ve done a lot of work with the car, gone in different directions trying to explore different things ahead of the race. I think we know we have a very solid base with the Whelen Cadillac, and now we just need to sort of fine-tune it and get ready for the race. The conditions might be different to what we had this weekend. So, a bit of fine-tuning before the race will probably be needed, but that’s the same for everyone.”

    Felipe Drugovich, Rolex 24 At Daytona driver: “The Cadillac car is a pleasure to drive. I think that track is changing every time and there is not much you can see or predict from this testing. It’s just doing our job and trying to improve ourselves. I think in terms of driving or at least the driver’s perspective it is just trying to enjoy the whole experience because it’s the first time for me. It’s a pleasure just to be driving here and driving the Cadillac with this team.”

    Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 40)

    Jordan Taylor, full season driver: “After the Roar, I feel relatively good. It’s hard to look at the timing sheets. I think everyone is working on their own programs and going through what they need to learn. For us, it was the first time doing proper laps in this car and with two cars ready to go in race prep. We checked off a lot of boxes, which was good. We leave the Roar in a good spot. All the drivers are relatively happy with the car and the balance. We have a new engineer on our car, so getting communication down has been a big part of the Roar. Overall, I think we are leaving the Roar excited but know we have a lot more work to do in the few days leading up to the Rolex. We are super excited to be back with Cadillac. I personally spent my entire career with them other than one year, which was last year, so I feel like I am back with family, a lot of familiar faces. It’s a brand-new car that I love and love to represent, especially being an American driver, so I am excited to get the week started.”

    Louis Deletraz, full season driver: “The Roar was great. We learned every lap and a lot of conditions – cold, sun and even rain – so we discovered the Cadillac V-Series.R even more. I think in terms of performance it’s hard to see because everyone is having different run plans. It definitely seems like it is not easy for us, but we are great team and have great people with us. We are getting better every night and day, and we have a few more nights until the race, so I am sure we can work it out and be competitive for the race and actually be fighting for something good.”

    Kamui Kobayashi, Rolex 24 At Daytona driver: “I think being back with WTR and joining the team, we have started working properly as a team here at the Roar. I think as a team we are starting to progressively improve and try to understand what the car needs. Of course, with WTR using the Cadillac for the first time in GTP as well, I think we are still learning it. So far, we need some more work to do on the car this week. I am really happy to be back in the Cadillac with Wayne Taylor Racing again here at Daytona. We have good memories of 2019 and 2020 to win the race and obviously, we have the chance to do it again.”

    General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

  • Daytona 500 Winner and Knoxville Native Trevor Bayne Brings Racing Expertise to Flatrock Motorclub

    Daytona 500 Winner and Knoxville Native Trevor Bayne Brings Racing Expertise to Flatrock Motorclub

    The Multi-Race Winner Across Numerous Series To Serve as Head Pro and Ambassador for Tennessee Motorsports Facility

    WESTEL, Tenn. (Jan. 22, 2025) – The newly opened Flatrock Motorclub now boasts premier driving instruction to augment its status as a premier motorsports destination.

    Trevor Bayne, winner of the 2011 Daytona 500 and a racer who earned more than 400 feature victories from karting to stock cars before ascending to the top of the NASCAR Cup Series, has joined Flatrock as its head pro and ambassador. The 33-year-old from Knoxville, Tennessee, located just 30 miles east of Flatrock’s 3.5-mile, 23-turn circuit in Cumberland County, will assume a wide range of roles and responsibilities for the 800-acre facility that features exceptional garages, trackside villas and a state-of-the-art paddock with plans for a premium hotel, destination restaurants, campgrounds, brewery, winery and a natural amphitheater for hosting concerts and events.

    Bayne has already begun developing a high-level driver coaching program for Flatrock members, and he is contributing to the design and build of a karting facility that will discover and inspire champion drivers of the future. Off-track, Bayne will use his extensive motorsports network and business experience to drive commercial and operational partnerships while generating new club memberships.

    Bayne starts his new role in earnest this weekend at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, where he will be onsite throughout the Rolex 24 At Daytona, the most prestigious endurance race in North America and the kickoff for the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship.

    “This is a full-circle moment for me,” said Bayne, who began his racing career at age 5 in go-karts. “I’m proud to be a part of the team that will provide high-level motorsport experiences in my home state of Tennessee, from karting all the way to a future FIM and FIA-certified Grade 2 track.

    “Flatrock has been designed by racers for racers, featuring a challenging layout with world-class paving, alongside high-end hospitality amenities and services that make this a motorsports facility like no other.

    “I’ve wanted to be a part of Flatrock since I first heard about it, and I’m especially pumped to be back behind the wheel to help our members reach their on-track goals. I’m incredibly thankful for this opportunity and am looking forward to the years ahead as dreams continue to become reality at Flatrock Motorclub.”

    In addition to driving expertise, Bayne brings business acumen to Flatrock. Following his nine-year NASCAR career, Bayne became an entrepreneur, opening Mahalo Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee shop in his hometown of Knoxville. He also parlayed his time representing international brands and Fortune 500 companies as a racecar driver into being an expert NASCAR analyst on FOX broadcasts.

    About Flatrock Motorclub:

    Flatrock Motorclub is a premier motorsports destination featuring a world-class road course with thrilling elevation changes, premium garages, trackside villas and a state-of-the-art paddock. It offers members and visitors an unparalleled motorsports and entertainment experience, solidifying its reputation as a global leader in motorsports excellence. For more information, please visit www.FlatrockMotorclub.com

  • CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: By the Numbers

    CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: By the Numbers

    CORVETTE RACING BY THE NUMBERS AT DAYTONA

    • 0.034: As in seconds – the winning margin of victory in Corvette Racing’s 1-2 finish at the 2016 Rolex 24. Up until the 2023 LMP2 finish, it was the closest finish in race history
    • 1: Rolex 24 class win for AWA; the team won in LMP3 in 2023. Current Corvette factory driver Nico Varrone was part of that lineup
    • 2: Number of the overall winning Corvette C5-R in the 2001 Rolex 24. Ron Fellows, Johnny O’Connell, Chris Kneifel and Franck Freon completed 656 laps for 2335.36 miles in the winning effort • 4: Rolex 24 wins for Corvette Racing as an entrant (run by Pratt Miller Motorsports): 2001 overall (Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell, Kelly Collins, Franck Freon), 2015 GTLM (Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen/Ryan Briscoe), 2016 GTLM (Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler) and 2021 GTLM (Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg)
    • 5: Number of Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries for the 2024 Rolex 24 – two from Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports and one from Trackhouse by TF Sport (GTD PRO) and one each from AWA and DXDT Racing (GTD). It’s the highest number of GT-class Corvettes in the race since 2007
    • 7: Corvette factory drivers piloting the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in this year’s race: Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims, Dani Juncadella, Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg, Nico Varrone (Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller) plus Charlie Eastwood (DXDT Racing)
    • 14: IMSA Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001
    • 27: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Daytona, Detroit, Fuji Speedway, Houston, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen
    • 34: Drivers who have driven Corvette Racing entries at Daytona – Earl Bamber, Justin Bell, Matt Bell, Ryan Briscoe, Nicky Catsburg, Kelly Collins, Dale Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Charlie Eastwood, Marcel Fässler, Ron Fellows, Orey Fidani, Franck Freon, Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin, John Heinricy, Daniel Juncadella, Lars Kern, Chris Kneifel, Robin Liddell, Alex Lynn, Jan Magnussen, Anthony Mantella, Thomas Merrill, Tommy Milner, Simon Pagenaud, John Paul Jr., Andy Pilgrim, Mike Rockenfeller, Scott Sharp, Alexander Sims, Marco Sorensen, Nick Tandy, Jordan Taylor and Nico Varrone
    • 53: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. DXDT Racing’s Patrick Liddy and Blake McDonald joined the list at Indianapolis in GT World Challenge America
    • 72: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year
    • 122: Chevrolet victories across IMSA and NASCAR’s three national series at Daytona International Speedway
    • 138: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 116 in IMSA, nine at Le Mans, three in the FIA WEC and 10 in GT World Challenge America
    • 309: Event starts by Corvette Racing entries since 1999, starting with that year’s Rolex 24 At Daytona. No. 300 came in early August 2004 at Road America in IMSA
    • 62,471: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing entries at Daytona since 1999
    • 398.781.86: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. The program will surpass the 400,000-mile mark at the 2025 Rolex 24 At Daytona by completed 1,218.14 miles – or 343 combined laps by the five Corvettes in the race

    CORVETTE RACING HISTORY AT THE ROLEX 24

    1999 – No. 2 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/John Paul Jr. – 3rd in GTS

    No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Scott Sharp/John Heinricy – 12th in GTS

    2000 – No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 2nd in GTS

    No. 4 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 10th in GTS

    2001 – No. 2 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Chris Kneifel/Franck Freon – 1st in GTS (overall win)

    No. 3 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Dale Earnhardt/Dale Earnhardt Jr. – 2nd in GTS

    2014 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 10th in GTLM

    No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Robin Liddell – 5th in GTLM

    2015 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – 1st in GTLM (Magnussen fastest race lap)

    No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Simon Pagenaud – 3rd in GTLM (Gavin pole)

    2016 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 2nd in GTLM (Garcia fastest race lap)

    No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 1st in GTLM (Winner by 0.034 second)

    2017 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTLM

    No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 9th in GTLM

    2018 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 3rd in GTLM (Magnussen pole)

    No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GTLM

    2019 – No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 6th in GTLM

    No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM

    2020 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 4th in GTLM

    No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 7th in GTLM

    2021 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 1st in GTLM

    No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Alexander Sims – 2nd in GTLM

    2022 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Nicky Catsburg – 6th in GTD PRO

    No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy/Marco Sorensen – 10th in GTD PRO

    2023 – No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor/Tommy Milner – 2nd in GTD PRO

    2024 – No. 3 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Antonio Garcia/Alexander Sims/Daniel Juncadella – 5th in GTD PRO

    No. 4 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Tommy Milner/Nicky Catsburg/Earl Bamber – 8th in GTD PRO

    No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Matt Bell/Orey Fidani/Lars Kern/Alex Lynn – 21st in GTD

    No. 17 Corvette Z06 GT3.R: Nico Varrone/Anthony Mantella/Thomas Merrill/Charlie Eastwood – 18th in GTD

    About General Motors
    General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

  • BOSTON-BASED INSTRUMENTATION COMPANY SCIAPS NAMED ENTITLEMENT FOR SPRING NASCAR XFINITY SERIES RACE AT HISTORIC BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

    BOSTON-BASED INSTRUMENTATION COMPANY SCIAPS NAMED ENTITLEMENT FOR SPRING NASCAR XFINITY SERIES RACE AT HISTORIC BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

    BRISTOL, Tenn. (Jan. 21, 2025) – If there was a data analyzer used to measure fun at Bristol Motor Speedway chances are that New England-based SciAps would be the company on the leading-edge of developing and producing that technology.

    That’s why this partnership is a perfect fit for SciAps, a global leader in instrumentation and portable analytics, to be named the entitlement sponsor of a new NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway in the spring of 2025.

    The SciAps 300 is scheduled for Saturday April 12 (5 p.m., The CW and PRN Radio) on the famed all-concrete high-banked short track nestled in the hills of Northeast Tennessee. More than 30 NASCAR Xfinity Series high horsepower race cars will take the green flag that afternoon looking to earn points toward the 2025 season championship and ultimately a regular season victory.

    With the addition of the Xfinity Series race is will be the first time Bristol Motor Speedway will run all three of NASCAR’s top series in the same spring weekend.

    “We are thrilled to welcome SciAps into the Bristol Motor Speedway family of sponsors,” said Jerry Caldwell, president and general manager of Bristol Motor Speedway. “The addition of the SciAps 300 to the spring race weekend menu gives our fans what they’ve wanted for many years, an opportunity to enjoy all three of NASCAR’s top divisions of racing. We look forward to working with SciAps to help them accomplish their marketing goals and initiatives while we continue to provide our fans with the best racing and world class service available in the motorsports world.”

    SciAps casts a wide net across many segments of the tech world. Its products are used in aerospace, military, law enforcement, recycling and oil/gas, to name a few industries. This is the second consecutive NASCAR race for SciAps to sponsor in the Xfinity Series. Last year the company partnered with Bristol sister-track New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the SciAps 200 Xfinity Series race.

    “We had a great experience last year at ‘The Magic Mile’ with the SciAps 200 working with our friends at New Hampshire Motor Speedway,” said SciAps CEO Don Sackett. “As a company committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and seeking excellence in our products, we have been able to find many parallels in the precision and innovation showcased in NASCAR. We are looking forward to continuing our efforts to assist all in the quest for speed and performance this year on a totally different sized short track in Bristol Motor Speedway. We look forward to entertaining our guests and enjoying some amazing racing in the SciAps 300 at ‘The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.’”

    On the track, fans can expect to see the best drivers in the NASCAR Xfinity Series battling in thrilling fashion to earn a coveted Bristol Gladiator Sword and custom trophy. Leading that charge will be SciAps-sponsored driver Ryan Sieg, who pilots the No. 39 SciAps Ford.

    Other drivers to watch include veterans Sheldon Creed, Austin Hill, Harrison Burton, defending series champ Justin Allgaier, and hungry rising stars Jesse Love, William Sawalich, Connor Zilisch, Taylor Gray, Christian Eckes and Carson Kvapil. Bristol’s lone Xfinity race in 2024 was won by Cole Custer, who is now full-time on the Cup Series. The last driver to win a spring Xfinity Series race at Bristol was Noah Gragson in 2020.

    In addition to cheering on their favorite drivers during the weekend, Bristol Motor Speedway fans will definitely want to take advantage of so many activities to make a complete weekend of family fun. There will be great video entertainment provided by Colossus TV, the world’s largest center-hung video screen, premium VIP experiences, tailgating, on-site camping, concerts and other entertainment at the Food City Fan Zone Stage headlined by Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace and John Roberts, great food and beverages in the concession stands throughout the property, and so much more.

    The SciAps 300 is a part of a full weekend of racing activities at Bristol Motor Speedway. In addition to the SciAps 300, the weekend will feature the WEATHER GUARD Truck Race, a 250-lap race in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series under the lights on Friday, April 11 (7:30 p.m., PRN Radio), and Sunday afternoon’s historic Food City 500 NASCAR Cup Series race (April 13, 3 p.m., PRN Radio).

    About SciAps
    SciAps, Inc., is a Boston-based instrumentation company specializing in handheld portable analytical instruments to measure any element, any place on the planet. Their industry-leading X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and laser-based (LIBS) analyzers are at work across every major industry, including oil/gas, metals and mining, aerospace, battery, critical minerals, and strategic metals (lithium, rare-earth elements), scrap metal recycling, chemical and petrochemical, military, forensics and law enforcement. SciAps instruments are configured to measure elements in all types of materials, so applications are always expanding, recently including space research, food authentication, anthropology, pandemic antiviral coatings, and environmental contaminants.

    About Bristol Motor Speedway
    Forged amid the scenic mountains of Northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line, Bristol Motor Speedway is The Last Great Colosseum, a versatile multi-use venue that hosts major auto races, football games, concerts and many other captivating events, including an upcoming Major League Baseball game. The facility features a 0.533-mile concrete oval race track with 28-degree corner banking and 650-feet straightaways that offers racing in several NASCAR touring series, highlighted by two major Cup Series weekends each year. In 2025, the venue will transform into a baseball stadium to host the MLB Speedway Classic featuring the Atlanta Braves vs. the Cincinnati Reds on Aug. 2nd. In 2020, the track also served as host of the prestigious NASCAR All-Star Race, and from 2021-2023 the track converted to a temporary dirt track each spring to take the Cup Series back to its racing roots. While at the track, fans are offered a unique viewing experience courtesy of Colossus TV, the world’s largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen with a 540,000-watt audio system. The adjacent quarter-mile dragstrip, Bristol Dragway, offers more than 50 events annually, including the marquee NHRA Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals. The Thunder Valley Amphitheatre presented by Ballad Health transforms Bristol Dragway into a premier outdoor concert venue for the world’s greatest music performers. Three football games have kicked-off inside the oval, most notably the 2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol, where border rivals the University of Tennessee and Virginia Tech met before an NCAA-record crowd of 156,990. In existence since 1961, Bristol Motor Speedway was purchased in 1996 by Speedway Motorsports, a leading marketer and promoter of motorsports entertainment in the United States. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.

  • Rockingham Speedway to Host NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Test

    Rockingham Speedway to Host NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Test


    Fans Admitted Free to Grandstands

    ROCKINGHAM, N.C. (Jan. 21, 2025) – Rockingham Speedway will host an open organizational test Tuesday, Jan. 28, in preparation for the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series return to the historic one-mile oval. Track Enterprises announced in August that it reached an agreement with Rockingham Speedway ownership to bring the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series back to the venerable Richmond County speedway April 18-19, 2025.

    Dozens of teams from both the Xfinity Series and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series will fine-tune their machines throughout the course of the day. Fans will be allowed, free of charge, to watch the teams put their respective machines through their paces from the Turn 4 grandstands beginning at 9 a.m.

    The day’s on-track activities will mark the only pre-season test for both divisions and will be a valuable day-long test as teams prepare for the 250-lap Xfinity Series race and the Black’s Tire 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race.

    “We’re excited to see cars and trucks on the track and to let race fans catch a glimpse of what they can expect when NASCAR returns to Rockingham Easter Weekend,” said Bob Sargent, President, Track Enterprises. “This will be the first opportunity of the new year for a lot of these teams to work together before they head for Speedweeks in Daytona, so not only is this test important to our team, it’s equally important to all the race teams that will be here. It’s a unique situation so we’re thrilled to see them get some pre-season work in at the Rock.”

    It’s been 21 years since the Xfinity Series last visited, while the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series last competed at Rockingham in 2013.

    The Xfinity Series was a regular player at the historic venue from 1982-2004 and features a cast of some of the sport’s most respected names on its list of former winners including David Pearson, Sam Ard, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Harry Gant, Mark Martin, Terry Labonte and Jamie McMurray.

    Martin was an indomitable force at Rockingham in Xfinity Series competition throughout his career having collected 11 wins in 25 starts, including four straight during the 1996 and 1997 seasons. McMurray matched Martin’s four-peat by recording four wins in a row from 2002-2004.

    “It brings back a lot of memories, obviously, coming here,” McMurray said during a November Goodyear tire test. “I was talking to some of the other crew guys in the garage, and it’s weird, you pulled up and you don’t remember things, but then all of a sudden, how to get in, where the tunnel was, it all comes back to you. There were some incredible races that happened here, so I’m glad that they’re going to come back and give it a shot.”

    More recently, The CRAFTSMAN Truck Series raced at Rockingham twice from 2012-2013 with Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson collecting the victories for late team owner Steve Turner and Turner Motorsports. Matt Crafton, a 25-year CRAFTSMAN Truck Series veteran, is the only current series regular to have competed at the high-banked, D-shaped oval when the division last raced there almost a dozen years ago.

    Separate from Larson, current NASCAR Cup Series competitors Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Erik Jones, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace were all part of the field when the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series last tested its mettle at Rockingham.

    While he’s yet to make any laps at the famed south-central North Carolina oval, 2024 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Most Popular Driver Rajah Caruth, has next week’s test circled on his calendar and looks forward to visiting Rockingham Speedway for the first time.

    “Personally, as a massive NASCAR fan and both a student and historian of the sport, going to a historic place such as Rockingham is going to be such an amazing experience,” explained Caruth. “Seeing North Wilkesboro come back to life and being able to race there the last two years was amazing. I can’t wait to see the same type of excitement and enthusiasm surround Rockingham. The track is high banked and high speed so that’s right in my wheelhouse.

    All the times I’ve driven down to Myrtle Beach, Florence, and Darlington over the years you see the sign for Rockingham. I’ve never been down that way but always wondered what it was like, so I can’t wait to go for the first time.”

    Race tickets will be available for purchase in person at the track the day of the test. Fans can also log on to racetherock.com for continuing details, schedule updates or to purchase tickets for NASCAR’s highly anticipated return to Rockingham Speedway April 18-19.

    About Rockingham Speedway …

    Located in Richmond County, N.C., Rockingham Speedway opened as a flat, one-mile oval on Oct. 31, 1965. It was reconfigured to a one-mile (1.017 miles) high-banked, D-shaped oval in 1969.

    In 2018, a new ownership group took over the facility and renamed it Rockingham Speedway & Entertainment Complex. On Nov. 18, 2021, N.C., Governor Roy Cooper signed the 2021-2022 North Carolina state budget allocating $9 million to support reinvestment in the facility. The state funds, along with ownership investment, allowed for redevelopment of the racetrack including the racing surface and extensive repairs. Today, the facility hosts a wide variety of events including karting, road racing, endurance racing, concerts and more. In 2025, Rockingham Speedway will welcome the return of NASCAR for the first time since 2013.

    About Track Enterprises …

    Track Enterprises has been promoting motorsports events since 1985. Based in Macon, Ill., a dedicated staff, led by longtime promoter Bob Sargent, organize and promote upwards of 80 races a year across the eastern half of the United States. Track Enterprises was responsible for the highly-acclaimed return of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series to the Milwaukee Mile in 2023.

  • ROUSH YATES ENGINES AND COMETIC GASKET RENEW LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP

    ROUSH YATES ENGINES AND COMETIC GASKET RENEW LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP

    MOORESVILLE, NC – January 21, 2025 – Roush Yates Engines is proud to announce the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Cometic Gasket, a premier supplier of high-performance gaskets and engine sealing solutions. This strategic partnership continues to build on a relationship that has powered countless victories and championships in motorsports.

    The partnership renewal emphasizes the shared commitment of Roush Yates Engines and Cometic Gasket to excellence, innovation, and performance at the highest levels of racing. Cometic Gasket’s state-of-the-art products are a critical component of Roush Yates Engines, ensuring reliability and optimal performance in the most demanding conditions.

    “Cometic Gasket has been a trusted partner of Roush Yates Engines for years, and their dedication to quality and innovation is unmatched,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Their products play a vital role in our success, helping us deliver the performance and durability that our teams rely on to compete and win on the track.”

    As part of the renewed partnership, Cometic Gasket will remain the exclusive engine gasket of the Ford FR9 EFI engine in the NASCAR Cup Series and Ford FR9 Carb engine in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. When engine performance and reliability are paramount, Roush Yates Engines relies on Cometic to keep their engines sealed.

    “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Roush Yates Engines,” said Bob Gorman, Founder and CEO of Cometic Gasket, Inc. “Our relationship represents a true synergy between two organizations committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and performance. Cometic Gasket is proud to contribute to the success of Roush Yates championship-winning engines and we look forward to many more milestones together.”

    The renewal of this partnership ensures that both companies remain at the forefront of innovation in motorsports, delivering cutting-edge technology to customers and teams. For more information about Roush Yates Engines and its world-class partners, click here.

    About Roush Yates Engines
    Roush Yates Engines is a leading-edge engine development company based in Mooresville, NC consisting of two state-of-the-art facilities – Roush Yates Engines and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions. The company’s core business includes designing, building and testing purpose-built race engines for Ford Performance.

    Ford Performance in partnership with Roush Yates Engines is the exclusive engine builder of the NASCAR FR9 Ford V8 engine in the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series. Since 2024, Roush Yates Engines and Ford Performance have won over 475 races in the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity, and Truck as well as IMSA, and WEC racing series.

    About Cometic Gasket
    Cometic Gasket, Inc., is a leading worldwide supplier of gaskets and engine sealing solutions for the automotive performance, powersports, marine, original equipment and remanufactured engine Industries.
    Housed in a state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing center in Concord Township, Ohio, Cometic Gasket is an industry leader. Founded in 1989, Cometic has expanded its offerings to service the domestic automotive, sport compact, V-twin, diesel, agricultural, industrial and stationary power markets.

    Today, Cometic Gasket offers over 90,000 SKUs, shipping gaskets and engine sealing solutions across the globe.

    Cometic is committed to customer satisfaction and provides quality products, delivered on time at a competitive price, designed for each customer’s specific application.

    Cometic gaskets are the industry standard for championship-winning teams across multiple disciplines of both professional and amateur motorsports.

    For more information about Cometic, visit www.cometic.com.

  • SUNNYD Kicks Off the 2025 Regular Season with Hyak Motorsports at the Daytona 500

    SUNNYD Kicks Off the 2025 Regular Season with Hyak Motorsports at the Daytona 500

    Company Will Serve as the Primary Sponsor for the No. 47 Chevrolet Camaro for Multiple Races During the NASCAR Cup Series Season

    Harrisburg, N.C. (Jan. 20, 2025) — HYAK Motorsports welcomes back SUNNYD, part of Harvest Hill Beverage Company, as a race team partner for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season.

    SUNNYD, will serve as the primary sponsor for five Cup Series races for driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr and the No. 47 team. For the sixth race, Hungry Jack, a sister brand to SUNNYD, will sponsor Stenhouse through Hometown Food Company.

    In addition to joining the team for these primaries, SUNNYD will serve as an associate sponsor for the No. 47 team all season.

    “The 2025 season marks the tenth consecutive year that SUNNYD is a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Cup Series. We have been with Ricky since his 2013 rookie season and are excited to have him in this SUNNYD paint scheme for the Clash and Daytona 500,” said Henk Hartong, Chairman of SUNNYD. “We’re grateful to our fans and customers for their loyal support of SUNNYD and what can be considered the best paint scheme on the track. We look forward to our ongoing partnership with Hyak Motorsports and the No. 47 car and splashing SUNNYD on Ricky in victory lane.”

    This vibrant paint scheme will debut at the highly anticipated NASCAR Clash on Sunday, Feb. 2 at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., before it kicks off the regular season at the iconic Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 16, a “Crown Jewel” race in which Stenhouse is a former winner.

    “SUNNYD has been a longtime supporter of mine throughout my career,” said Stenhouse, the 2023 Daytona 500 Champion. “We’ve become family. I’m looking forward to continuing that relationship at Hyak Motorsports and trying to get them in victory lane this year.”

    After Daytona, SUNNYD will be on the car April 13 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and May 4 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. It will also adorn the hood of the No. 47 Chevrolet for the 2025 NASCAR All-Star Race on May 18 at North Wilkesboro Speedway, for which Stenhouse secured a spot in the main event by virtue of his Oct. 6, 2024 victory at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

    Brynwood Partners will also showcase Hungry Jack, part of the Hometown Food Company, on June 28 in the Saturday night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

    The NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off with the non-points paying race of the Cook Out Clash at the historic quarter-mile track of Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb. 2, before heading south for the 67th running of the Daytona 500 Feb. 16 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Live coverage of both races will air on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

    About Harvest Hill Beverage Company:

    Harvest Hill Beverage Company, based in Stamford, Connecticut, is owned by private equity firm Brynwood Partners, and acquired the SUNNYD brand from J.W. Childs in February 2016. Harvest Hill markets some of America’s most beloved beverage brands, including SUNNYD, JUICY JUICE, LITTLE HUG and DAILY’S Cocktails. SUNNYD products are widely distributed through leading retailers in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For complete nutrition facts, recipe and activity ideas, and other helpful information, visit SUNNYD.com. For more information on Harvest Hill, please visit www.HarvestHill.com.

    About Hometown Food Company:

    Hometown Food Company, based in Chicago, IL, was formed by Brynwood Partners in August 2018. The portfolio includes the exclusive U.S. rights to the iconic Pillsbury™ brand’s shelf-stable baking products, including Funfetti®, along with the Hungry Jack®, Arrowhead Mills®, White Lily®, Jim Dandy®, De Wafelbakkers®, Martha White®, and Birch Benders® brands. For more information on Hometown Foods, please visit hometownfoodcompany.com.

    About Hyak Motorsports:

    Hyak Motorsports is a race-winning NASCAR team co-owned by Gordon Smith, Ernie Cope, Mark Hughes, and Brad Daughtery as of Nov. 18, 2023. The Harrisburg, North Carolina-based organization won the 2023 Daytona 500 with driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr and has accumulated two other wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. For more information, please visit the newly rebranded team at HyakMotorsports.com and on social at Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.