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Author: Official Release

BRIGHT LIGHTS AND FAST NIGHTS: CROWN JEWEL BASS PRO SHOPS NIGHT RACE SET TO ENTERTAIN FANS AT ICONIC BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY

BRISTOL, Tenn. (Aug. 19, 2024) – The Bass Pro Shops Night Race, one of NASCAR’s much-anticipated crown jewel races, is primed to deliver guests a weekend full of high-horsepower action, both on the track and off, when the throttle is cranked to maximum overdrive Sept. 19-21 at iconic Bristol Motor Speedway.

Since the lights were first turned on at Bristol’s late summer race in 1978, America’s Night Race has become one of the can’t-miss big events on every NASCAR fan’s calendar. Amplified greatly by the Dale Earnhardt-Terry Labonte saga, parts one and two, in 1995 and 1999, the Night Race has grown into an event that takes place with great anticipation every season.

With all of the fun to be had for thousands of passionate fans and the epic challenge on the high-banked bullring that awaits drivers in front of packed grandstands, along with all of the major NASCAR history that has been unfolded at the unique short track throughout the decades, and the strong sense of patriotism that fills the air throughout the weekend makes America’s Night Race a crown jewel unlike any other.

While racing is always the main course that’s served inside The Last Great Colosseum, guests should be aware of a full menu of memory-making opportunities guaranteed to boost the fun-meter on the overall experience.

Keep on reading so you won’t miss a minute of the fun that’s on the docket for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race weekend:

* Dale Jr. Rides Again: For the second consecutive year Dale Earnhardt Jr. will compete in the Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday evening of the race weekend. Last year he led 47 laps on the all-concrete high banks and looked like he was on his way to victory before a wire shorted-out late in the race. He ultimately finished 30th, but as a team owner he made it to victory lane to celebrate with Justin Allgaier, who drove JRM’s No. 7 Chevy to the win. This year Earnhardt will try once again to race to victory in the Xfinity Series regular season finale at the controls of his No. 88 Hellmann’s Chevy.

* Epic Anniversaries: Speaking of Earnhardt Jr., 2024 is the 20th anniversary of origin of the track’s mantra, It’s Bristol Baby! In August 2004, after winning the Xfinity Series race the night before, Earnhardt Jr. became the first driver in track history to sweep both races. He was so excited in Victory Lane after winning America’s Night Race, he let out a yell that has taken on a life of its own. When TV reporter Bill Weber asked him why winning this race was so special, Earnhardt Jr. screamed “It’s Bristol, baby!” Since then, the track has adopted that phrase and made it a part of the overall experience at Bristol. There’s a monument erected that recognizes the phrase in the track’s north lot, at BMS Entrance 1.

* Farewell, champ: Bristol Motor Speedway fans who attend the race weekend will get to wave goodbye to Martin Truex Jr., one of the best to ever put on a pair of driving gloves and race helmet. Although the New Jersey native didn’t have the best luck at Bristol in his Cup career, he was able to capture an Xfinity Series win in 2008 and tamed the dirt high banks in a Craftsman Truck in 2021. Truex, the 2017 Cup Series champion, has come close to winning a few Bristol Cup Series races, including this past March when he finished second to Denny Hamlin in the Food City 500. He would love nothing more than to go out on a high note with the Bass Pro Shops Night Race trophy in his hands.

* Dazzling Doubleheader: The race weekend will have a sizzling start with a dynamic doubleheader on Thursday evening. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics and the opening act of the Bush’s Beans 200 ARCA Menards Series will showcase some of the most talked-about up-and-coming racing talent in the world of stock car racing. If you are a new fan or a veteran fan, this race should be one that you don’t want to miss. For the low cost of $30 per adult ticket and even lower free price for kids 12 and under, it’s an absolute steal. Two of the hottest rising stars in stock car racing will pull double duty during this race, and a former winning IndyCar racer also will do the double and add to the fun. Connor Zilisch and William Sawalich will be joined by Marco Andretti, as the three will set out to accomplish what only Sam Mayer has done, sweep both races. They will be challenged by tons of talent in both series, including defending Truck champ Ben Rhodes, Corey Heim, Christian Eckes and Ty Majeski, all of whom are past Bristol winners. In the Bush’s Beans 200, Andres Perez, Lavar Scott, Greg Van Alst and Kris Wright will be the top contenders. After all the action on the track, DJ Sterl the Pearl will entertain guests into the night with the exhilarating BMS Foam Party.

* Fan Zone on steroids: There’s so much to do during the weekend around the grounds of Bristol Motor Speedway, including making a stop in the Fan Zone. There’s music, games, food, rides, exhibitions, stunts, souvenir haulers, appearances by drivers, legends and other celebrities, autograph sessions and more. Some of those attractions include Axe throwing, fan-interactive inflatables, a race car simulator, the Thunder Dome with RC cars, pit stop challenge and NASCAR arcade games and the always busy Fan City Fan Zone Stage. Guest Welcome Villages are positioned strategically to offer guest assistance.

* United We Race: You won’t find a place that’s more patriotic, that honors, celebrates and cherishes American virtues and values better than Bristol Motor Speedway. From timeless performances of the National Anthem, to powerful military flyovers, the red white and blue can be seen everywhere around BMS property. And on Saturday, the National Anthem performance featuring the MRO children’s choir is certainly a longtime Bristol tradition that shouldn’t be missed.

* Now that’s a TV: OK, it does look like a spaceship up there. Fortunately, it’s not. One of the coolest experiences when attending a race at Bristol is having the opportunity to view the unbelievable entertainment provided by Colossus TV, the world’s largest center-hung stadium video display. Completed in April 2016, Colossus TV has the highest viewing quality of any permanent outdoor stadium display in the world, featuring 2880 x 1350 lines of resolution. Compare that to the average home HD TV screen at 1920 x 1080. It currently hosts nearly 54 million LEDs and 18 million pixels. Watching Colossus TV is like sitting in your living room with the state-of-the-art digital experience, but still having the live race action going on right in front of you.

* Pre-Race Infield Experience: Country music singer and songwriter Tim Dugger will pump up the crowd on Saturday during the pre-race concert. Dugger and his band will perform on the Pre-Race Infield Experience Stage at 5:30 p.m., just before Bristol’s famed driver introductions, where each driver enters the Colosseum to the music of his choice. DJ Sterl the Pearl will provide the jams. Fans of the music and those guests seeking to get closer to all the pre-event action can now purchase the new Pre-Race Infield Experience upgrade for Saturday evening at the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. Fans will be able to access the area at 5 p.m. and can stay inside the infield until the last driver is introduced, just prior to the Bass Pro Shops Night Race green flag.

* Trackside Live gets it all started Saturday at 4 p.m.: On Saturday in the BMS Fan Zone you won’t want to miss NASCAR’s Trackside Live with hosts Kenny Wallace, John Roberts and Jose Castillo taking place on the Food City Fans Zone Stage at 4 p.m., prior to the start of the race. Trackside Live offers interviews with drivers, celebrities and other recognizable figures in the world of sports and entertainment. With Wallace and Roberts involved you never know exactly what you are going to get, but you know it’s going to be fun. The duo brought their Raceday Live show back to Bristol in the spring of 2023 and then took it on the road for several more Speedway Motorsports races. This will be their second Night Race appearance since their return.

* DJ Sterl the Pearl leads Thursday night BMS Foam Party: Speaking of entertainment, fans will get to party the night away after the conclusion of the Thursday night double-header with mic-master DJ Sterl the Pearl on the Food City Fan Zone Stage while gallons upon gallons of foam spews out onto the wild fans in the audience. DJ Sterl the Pearl, a former football player at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, brings the energy to UT football and basketball games throughout the year and he continues to pump out the jams at Bristol for what promises to be another epic Thursday night party.

* Friday night after-party features Kid Kentucky: Speaking of entertainment, following Friday night’s Food City 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race Kid Kentucky will take the Food City Fan Zone Stage by storm to entertain race fans until the early morning hours. Kid Kentucky, widely known as Kid Rock’s biggest fan, pays homage to his idol by delivering the best Kid Rock tribute experience possible. Kid Kentucky offers the total package – the music, the show, the look and the songs. It’s as close as you can get to the real thing.

* Did we say Playoffs: There’s so much fun to be had and we’ve barely mentioned the real star of the show. Yes, it’s Bristol, baby! Some of the most memorable moments in NASCAR history have taken place during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on the super-challenging .533-mile high-banked oval. NASCAR’s best drivers will beat and bang on each other – NASCAR Playoff style – and only the strongest will survive 500 laps of mayhem inside the high-banked bullring. In the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, you’ll get to see all of your favorite drivers doing what they do best. You’ll see all of the stars, including red-hot Denny Hamlin, winner of the last two Cup races at BMS. Other Playoff eligible contenders are Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Joey Logano, and Bristol All-Star Race winner Chase Elliott. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics will serve as the second Playoff race in the opening Round of 10. Regular season champ Corey Heim will lead the charge, followed by Bristol spring winner Christian Eckes, Ben Rhodes, Nick Sanchez and Rajah Caruth, to name a few. This season the Food City 300 Xfinity Series race has moved back to serve as the regular season finale and will lock in the 12 drivers who will compete for a season championship.

* Fan Track Walk always a fun stroll: The Fan Track Walk, which takes place on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m., just a few hours prior to the running of the Bass Pro Shops Night Race, returns to give enthusiasts the rare opportunity to walk along the iconic high-banked concrete track where so much NASCAR history has taken place. Fans who are a part of this upgrade activity will get to enter the stadium at 3 p.m. to enjoy their walk around the historic half-mile bullring. Just prior to the green flag, participants will have the opportunity to see, touch and feel the racing surface where all of the legends of NASCAR have battled throughout the years. To participate in the Fan Track Walk, please visit the BMS website, BMS app or call 423-BRISTOL for more information.

* Bring your own stuff: Guests are allowed and encouraged to bring refreshments and food in a soft sided cooler that doesn’t exceed 14x14x14. Fans can also bring another bag not to exceed 18x18x14 to accommodate other necessary supplies like sunscreen, hats, sun glasses, seat cushions and ear protection. To review a complete list of items that are allowed and a few that aren’t, please check the BMS website.

* Family bonding: The race is the perfect opportunity for parents to share their love of NASCAR with their children. Talk about the science of racing, pick favorite drivers, share some laughs and also some ooohs and aaahs when the powerful race cars speed around the track. And for families, BMS is offering free kids tickets on Thursday and Friday, and on Saturday kids tickets are only $10.

* Tailgating and camping: Sometimes it’s nice to just get outside and become one with nature. Bristol Motor Speedway provides you with the perfect opportunity to access your inner outdoors enthusiast during the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. BMS owns and operates five campgrounds around the facility and each provides a variety of amenities. Whether you drive a modernly-mobile RV or prefer to anchor a tent in the ground, BMS has you covered. New for this season is the Swaggerty’s Tailgate Zone, a popular spot where guests can gather to park and enjoy the atmosphere before racing begins. Once you are here camping, you will have easy access to the grounds and all of the excitement going on inside the stadium. Your ticket to fun is merely a quick walk away.

* Tickets are going fast: Demand is at an all-time high and this historic race weekend is positioned to generate one of the biggest crowds in BMS history. We hope you will be a part of it!

The weekend begins with Ben Rhodes and defending winner Corey Heim battling for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory Thursday night in the UNOH 200 presented by Ohio Logistics (Sept. 19, 8 p.m., FS1, MRN Radio). The rising stars in the ARCA Menards Series, including rising stars William Sawalich and Connor Zilisch and former IndyCar racer Marco Andretti, also will take on the challenging half-mile bullring in the Bush’s Beans 200 as part of a titan Thursday night doubleheader (Sept. 19, 5 p.m., FS1, MRN Radio).

On Friday, Sparks are sure to fly in the Food City 300, as NASCAR Xfinity Series favorites Justin Allgaier, Austin Hill, Cole Custer, Sheldon Creed and Riley Herbst will be fighting hard in the Xfinity Series regular season finale (Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., The CW, PRN Radio). Also, remember, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is also going to make his Bristol return at the Food City 300 driving the blue and yellow No. 88 Hellmann’s Chevy.

Finally, the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will take to the track on Saturday for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race (Sept. 21, 7:30 p.m., USA Network, PRN Radio), you’ll get to see all of your favorite drivers racing hard in the Round of 16 to advance in the first elimination race of the Playoffs.

To purchase tickets, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or call the BMS Ticket Sales Center at (866) 415-4158. Fans can also purchase tickets at any Food City location through Sept. 13.

August 19, 2024
RECAP: Wright Motorsports Maintains Points Lead with Double Podium Weekend

ELKHART LAKE, Wis., (August 19, 2024) – With just two race weekends remaining in the Fanatec GT World Challenge America season, Wright Motorsports leaves Road America’s doubleheader still holding onto the championship points lead. Adam Adelson, Elliott Skeer, and the team of the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R earned a second-place and third-place finish in the two rounds held at the Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin area track, effectively maintaining their gap over the competition.

“This weekend was all about consistency and resilience,” said Team Owner John Wright. “The team executed flawlessly under challenging conditions, and both Adam and Elliott delivered impressive performances. We knew the weather could be a factor, and our ability to adapt played a key role in securing these podiums. Now, with the championship still within reach, we’re focused on finishing these final races strong.”

The weather was anything but predictable for Rounds Nine and 10 of the GT World Challenge championship, and the group at Wright Motorsports knew rain would play well into their hands. A storm rolled through Road America just before the start of the race but the circuit had dried enough for competitors to start on the standard Pirelli slick race tires. Adelson took the green flag for the first race from fifth position in class, and advanced to fourth in the opening lap. He had damage to the rear of the Porsche at the hand of another car early in his stint, and when other cars pitted to assess damage or penalties, he continued on. The strategy not to pit allowed him to climb up to third place, despite damage to the rear diffuser. He made a normal planned stop at the halfway point from third. Skeer took over and engaged in an exciting late-race push for position, netting the fastest lap of the race. In the end, the team celebrated a third-place result and decent points day.

Skeer started race two on Sunday from third overall and second in class. He slid into the PRO class lead and second place overall on the start, maintaining position and keeping the rest of the field behind the Porsche. Adelson jumped in at the halfway point, fending off heavy pressure from the designated pro, Alec Udell, in the DXDT Racing Corvette. The Corvette eventually got by, but Adelson masterfully kept the Porsche near the front of the field, finishing the race in second place.

Provisionally, the team holds a 35-point lead in the championship, with 200 points still remaining to be awarded in the final three races.

Barber Motorsports Park will host the final doubleheader of the season, September 6-8 before the series faces the grand conclusion to the season: the Indianapolis 8-Hour. The eight-hour endurance race will see the team take on a third driver in a final-race, double-points showdown, October 3-8 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

DRIVER QUOTES

Adam Adelson

It was not the results that we would have hoped for. We have to be happy with how we place, but every race, we keep on doing our rain dance. The Porsche is always amazing in the rain. On Saturday, it looked like it was coming straight for us, but right before the race, the storm split into two and just went everywhere except for where we are. But it’s all about keeping the points lead and staying as close to, if not beating, the Corvette. That’s what our focus is on. The best way to do that is to just concentrate the most we can on ourselves.

Elliott Skeer

It was overall, an interesting weekend for us at Road America. We knew it was not going to be the Porsche’s strongest track, but to ultimately have the base we did was a testament to the team at Wright and what they can make this Porsche do. Saturday was grimy and messy, even without the weather hitting. We seem to be cursed when it comes to not getting rain in the races. We left Saturday very frustrated as some missed opportunities and came into Sunday prepared to do what we needed to do. I’m extremely happy with my stint, as it was one of my best so far this year. I really drove to maximize everything out of the car that I possibly could. Adam had quite a strong race there, doing what he could. I’m just super proud of the pace that he could hold either way. He drove a very strong stint. The Corvette was able to get around us and run away with it. Ultimately, though, for the next round of SRO, I’m feeling very confident about Barber. I’ve had this one highlighted for a while, and I think that we can really make our Porsche shine there.

Wright Motorsports
Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

August 19, 2024
Flying Lizard Motorsports Secures Memorable Double-Podium Weekend at Road America

ELKHART LAKE, Wis., (August 19, 2024) – Flying Lizard Motorsports experienced a weekend full of ups and downs during the SRO America races at Road America. Still, the team’s perseverance paid off, resulting in two additional podiums across their four programs.

“Although we had some big challenges this weekend, we came out of Road America with podium finishes in GT4 for both our Nissan and Aston Martin programs,” said Program Manager Darren Law. We also had a very strong showing for the new BMW GT3 with extremely competitive lap times as well as a chance at a podium finish. We look to carry the momentum into the next race weekend.”

Todd Parriott’s season finally reached a milestone with his first podium finish in GT America on Saturday. Driving the No. 31 Aston Martin Vantage GT4 in mixed conditions, Parriott skillfully navigated from his fourth-place starting position to secure third place, celebrating his well-deserved, career-first SRO America podium. In race two, he started from fifth and climbed as high as third before finishing fourth, earning another top-five result.

Damir Hot and Andy Lee experienced the highs and lows of motorsport in just a few hours following a crash during GT4 America qualifying in the Nissan Z GT4. Despite the heavy damage, the Lizard crew worked quickly and efficiently, getting the car ready just in time for the race one grid, avoiding any penalties. Fueled by adrenaline, Hot and Lee executed a remarkable comeback, gaining 12 positions to finish in second place. They continued their impressive performance in race two, climbing 17 positions to finish seventh overall after starting 23rd. This back-to-back performance earned them the Hard Charger award for most positions gained in both races.

Due to feeling under the weather, Jason Bell was unable to compete in Sunday’s race two, ending what had been a disappointing weekend for the No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT3 driver in the Fanatec GT World Challenge. Bell had been racing in the rain for a top-five result in race one when the Aston spun in the rain and accelerated on the wet grass, ending the race early for Bell. Though the car was ready to compete Sunday morning, Bell retired early, not feeling well enough to finish the weekend.

Elias Sabo and Andy Lee enjoyed a strong debut weekend in the GT World Challenge with their newly acquired BMW M4 GT3. Despite limited track time, the duo showed strong and consistent speed, improving their understanding of the car with each lap. With a strong run from the seventh place starting position in race two, Lee worked his way up to third position in the Pro-Am class, and with a well-executed pit stop, Sabo maintained this position for the majority of his stint. Their efforts culminated in their first top-five finish of the season after finishing in fifth place.

With only two race weekends remaining in the SRO America 2024 championships, the series will head to Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, from September 6-8, for a long-awaited return. For event information, visit www.gt-world-challenge-america.com.

About Flying Lizard Motorsports

Based out of Sonoma, California, Flying Lizard Motorsports is one of the most iconic sports car teams in motorsports, having celebrated ten driver and team championships, as well as competed internationally at the 24 Hours of Le Mans eight times.

The Lizards burst on the American Le Mans Series scene in 2004, competing in the GT class until 2012. In 2013, the team moved to the GTC class, still competing in legendary events such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Daytona. In 2014, the team expanded its program to include running two Audi R8 LMS in the TUDOR Championship, and in 2015, again expanded the program to include two Porsches in Porsche Club racing. Flying Lizard closed out the season with a dominating win at the 25 Hours of Thunderhill with Toyo Tires, a win they repeated in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2020 season proved the team’s most successful to date, earning four titles in the GT4 America championship. Flying Lizard Motorsports has proven to be a championship contender no matter the race series or race car. For more information, visit lizardms.com.

About 5.11
With offices around the globe, 5.11 ABR Corp. and its subsidiaries, including 5.11, Inc., work with end users to create purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear designed specifically to enhance the safety, accuracy, speed, and performance of tactical professionals and technical enthusiasts worldwide. 5.11 products exceed rigorous standards, which have allowed the brand to establish a reputation for innovation and authenticity, and become the premier choice for those who always have to be ready. 5.11 products can be purchased online, through authorized dealers and retailers, as well as at 5.11 company-owned retail stores.

Learn more about 5.11’s best-selling gear and accessories at www.511tactical.com. Find a full list of 5.11 company-owned retail stores at https://www.511tactical.com/locations/. Connect with 5.11 on Facebook, Twitter @511Tactical and on Instagram @511Tactical and #511tactical

5.11 ABR Corp. is a subsidiary of Compass Diversified (NYSE: CODI).

5.11, 5.11 Tactical and Always Be Ready are registered trademarks of 5.11, Inc. All rights reserved.

About Apex Motor Club

Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.

To learn more about the newest racing circuit in the country, visit https://apexmotorclub.com

August 19, 2024
RCR NCS Race Recap: Michigan International Speedway

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Dow MobilityScience™ Chevrolet Team Continue Momentum with Strong Effort at Michigan International Speedway

Finish: 17th
Start: 10th
Points: 29th

“Overall it was a solid day for our Dow MobilityScience™ team at Michigan International Speedway. We ran consistently inside the top-15 for the majority of it and earned extra points in Stage 2. Justin (Alexander) used pit strategy throughout the race, but a couple of those late race cautions didn’t fall our way. Before the second overtime attempt, we came down pit road for four tires and an adjustment to free up the car. We restarted in the high line and drove back up to 17th-place. At the end of the day, our No. 3 Camaro was probably a top-10 car though. We will keep building off the speed we’ve had these last couple of weeks and race for a win next weekend at Daytona International Speedway.” -Austin Dillon

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 Lucas Oil Chevrolet Team Score Fourth-Place Finish at Michigan International Speedway

Finish: 4th
Start: 13th
Points: 17th

“It was a good day overall for our Lucas Oil team. We maybe needed a tick more speed, but it was a good top eight car and we got a little bit more out of that. It was a good pit strategy by Randall (Burnett) and the guys to keep our track position and keep us up front there. We took two tires at the end and that wasn’t ideal on those short restarts. We hung on though and got a top-five finish out of it. We ran inside the top-10 for the majority of the day and won a stage so that’s good for our No. 8 team.” -Kyle Busch

August 19, 2024
Stewart-Haas Racing: FireKeepers Casino 400 from Michigan

STEWART-HAAS RACING
FireKeepers Casino 400
Date: Aug. 18-19, 2024
Event: FireKeepers Casino 400 (Round 24 of 36)
Series: NASCAR Cup Series
Location: Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn (2-mile oval)
Format: 200 laps, broken into three stages (45 laps/75 laps/80 laps)

Note 1: The race’s first 51 laps were run on Sunday, but rain forced the remainder of the race to be run on Monday.
Note 2: Race extended six laps past its scheduled 200-lap distance due to a green-white-checkered finish.

Race Winner: Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing (Toyota)
Stage 1 Winner: Ryan Blaney of Team Penske (Ford)
Stage 2 Winner: Kyle Busch of Richard Childress Racing (Chevrolet)

SHR Finish:

● Ryan Preece (Started 26th, Finished 11th / Running, completed 206 of 206 laps)
● Noah Gragson (Started 25th, Finished 12th / Running, completed 206 of 206 laps)
● Josh Berry (Started 16th, Finished 22nd / Running, completed 206 of 206 laps)
● Chase Briscoe (Started 21st, Finished 31st / Accident, completed 157 of 206 laps)

SHR Points:

● Chase Briscoe (18th with 491 points, 323 out of first)
● Josh Berry (23rd with 427 points, 387 out of first)
● Noah Gragson (24th with 425 points, 389 out of first)
● Ryan Preece (26th with 387 points, 447 out of first)

SHR Notes:

● Preece earned his seventh top-15 of the season and his second top-15 in seven career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Michigan.
● Gragson earned his 12th top-15 of the season and his first top-15 in two career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Michigan.
● Gragson has finished among the top-20 in five of the last six NASCAR Cup Series races.
● Berry led once for four laps – his first laps led at Michigan.

Race Notes:

● Tyler Reddick won the FireKeepers Casino 400 to score his seventh career NASCAR Cup Series victory, his second of the season and his first at Michigan. His margin of victory over second-place William Byron was .168 of a second.
● There were seven caution periods for a total of 41 laps.
● Twenty-four of the 36 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.
● Reddick leaves Michigan as the new championship leader with a 10-point advantage over second-place Chase Elliott.

Sound Bites:

“I think it was a good ending. I didn’t think we were going to finish 11th today. I think if everything went our way, maybe we could’ve finished 16th, 17th, so that was a net gain for us. Certainly we have some strengths. We’ve made gains, we’ve just got to continue to make gains on those weak areas, but I feel like we’re getting closer. Hopefully, these final 12 (races) we can finish out on a positive note.” – Ryan Preece, driver of the No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse

“I got kind of lucky there with that caution at the end and put tires on. It was a good rebound. We just struggled with the balance all day. It was super tight, and then we got on the other side of it and it started getting loose. Yeah, we kind of struggled all weekend. We’ll go back to the shop and look over everything and see where we can make gains and figure out how to be better for the future.” – Noah Gragson, driver of the No. 10 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

“This weekend was tough. We just missed it on the setup and had to work on it to try to get better. We started really loose and struggled to get tightened up, but Rodney (Childers, crew chief) and the team did a good job trying to get the No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse in a better spot. It just didn’t work out this weekend. We will fight hard in Daytona.” – Josh Berry, driver of the No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

“I don’t know, we were kind of ripping around the very top and then all of a sudden everybody just started spinning out up ahead of us. I don’t know what happened, to be honest with you.” – Chase Briscoe, driver of the No. 14 HighPoint.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule is the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, Aug. 24 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. The race begins at 7:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

August 19, 2024
Kaulig Racing Race Recap | FireKeepers Casino 400
DANIEL HEMRIC
No. 31 Poppy Bank Camaro ZL1
- Per the rulebook, Daniel Hemric started the FireKeepers Casino 400 in 32nd, after qualifying was canceled at Michigan International Speedway, due to inclement weather.
- Despite handling a touch tight in traffic, Hemric made his way into the top 25 and up to 23rd by lap 38, before the first caution of the day came out. Crew chief Trent Owens made the call to pit under caution for four tires and fuel, before restarting 26th with three laps to go in the stage. Hemric finished the opening stage in 25th place.
- Hemric stayed out during the stage break and was set to restart 18th, before the race was red-flagged for weather. When the race resumed on Monday, Hemric elected not to pit and restarted 16th. After falling back to 22nd, Hemric radioed that the No. 31 Poppy Bank Chevy was tighter than when the race started on Sunday. As the green-flag pit stops began, Hemric made it as high as fifth place, before making a scheduled pit stop on lap 94 for four tires and fuel. Once the green-flag stops were complete, Hemric sat 21st, before avoiding three cars with cut tires, which brought out the caution. Hemric pitted under caution from 18th place for tires and fuel and restarted in 21st on lap 115. A wreck on the following lap brought out another caution, and Hemric was forced to the grass to avoid the wreck. The second stage ended under caution, and Hemric finished 24th.
- During the second stage break, Hemric came down pit road twice to clean off the grille and work on the damaged splitter, followed by a third trip to top off with fuel. He restarted 26th on lap 126. After making up six spots on the restart, the next caution came out just 10 laps later. Hemric pitted for four tires and fuel, before restarting 20th on lap 141. As the final green-flag stops began, Hemric made it as high as third place before making his final, green-flag stop for right-side tires and fuel with 19 laps remaining. The race stayed green until six laps to go. Owens made the call to pit for fresh tires and an adjustment to finish out the race, and Hemric restarted 23rd with two laps remaining. The field went just one lap, before another, overtime-inducing wreck brought out the yellow. Hemric narrowly avoided the spinning No. 1 car and sat 18th for the second overtime attempt and went on to finish 23rd.
“We showed a lot of speed and potential throughout the weekend. Unfortunately, after avoiding a wreck at the end of stage two and driving through the grass, the splitter got messed up and grass got into the air box, so we just didn’t have the speed or power we had in the first two stages of the race.” – Daniel Hemric

AJ ALLMENDINGER
No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1
- Per the rulebook, AJ Allmendinger started the FireKeepers Casino 400 in 35th, after qualifying was canceled at Michigan International Speedway, due to inclement weather.
- The No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy quickly moved through the field, gaining 10 spots in the first 10 laps. On lap 18, Allmendinger was scored in 24th and reported the car fired off tight. Seven laps later, Allmendinger was running in 22nd and reported that the overall balance of the car was good, but he needed more confidence in the rear. The team came to pit road for four tires, fuel and a wedge adjustment during the caution on lap 39. Allmendinger went on to finish the opening stage in 18th.
- Allmendinger stayed out at the stage break to gain track position and was scored in 13th. Due to weather, the cars were brought to pit road and the remainder of the race was postponed until Monday. When the race resumed, Allmendinger restarted in 13th for the second stage. By lap 82, he reported his car was tighter than it was on Sunday and he had more rear security. As leaders began to pit under green, the No. 16 stayed on track until lap 92, when he came to pit road from sixth place for four tires and fuel. By lap 104, Allmendinger was back up to 13th place. On lap 108, the No. 16, as well as two other cars, cut a tire, and the caution came out for debris. After needing to be towed to pit road, Allmendinger was four laps down and went on to finish the second stage in 32nd.
- Allmendinger restarted the third stage in 32nd. The team battled the handling of the No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy for the remainder of the race, and Allmendinger went on to finish 30th.
“We had a really good No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevy this weekend. That was a lot of fun to drive, until we cut a tire. Proud of my guys for all their effort. We’re going to keep working hard to bring competitive cars to the track every weekend.” – AJ Allmendinger

About Kaulig Racing

Kaulig Racing™ is a full-time, multi-car NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team, owned by award winning entrepreneur, Matt Kaulig. Established in 2016, Kaulig Racing™ has earned 23 NXS wins, made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started, and won two regular-season championships. In 2021, the team competed in select NCS events, before expanding to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and adding a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. Since its first NCS start in 2021, the team has earned two wins. Kaulig Racing is currently fielding two full-time entries in the NCS and continues to field three full-time NXS entries, with a part-time fourth entry at select events. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.
August 19, 2024
Toyota Racing – NCS Michigan Post-Race Report – 08.19.24

REDDICK CLAIMS FIRST MICHIGAN WIN, DELIVERS HERTIAGE TROPHY TO TOYOTA
With the victory, Reddick takes over the points lead for the first time in his career

BROOKLYN, Mich. (August 19, 2024) – Tyler Reddick had as strong Toyota Camry XSE late in the running of the rain-delayed NASCAR Cup Series race in Michigan International Speedway and had a great overtime restart to score the victory. It is Reddick’s second victory of the season, and his seventh straight top-six finish. With the win, Reddick has taken over the points lead for the first time in his NASCAR Cup Series career. It is also the first time that 23XI Racing has ever led the NASCAR Cup Series standings.

Ty Gibbs (third) had a strong run and finished third overall and helped Reddick to the win with a great push on the final restart. With the finish, Gibbs expanded his advantage over the cutline to 39 points.

Toyota Post-Race Recap
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Michigan International Speedway
Race 24 of 36 – 200 Laps, 400 Miles

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, TYLER REDDICK
2nd, William Bryon*
3rd, TY GIBBS
4th, Kyle Busch*
5th, Brad Keselowski*
9th, DENNY HAMLIN
16th, ERIK JONES
24th, MARTIN TRUEX JR.
26th, BUBBA WALLACE
29th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
35th, CHRISTOPHER BELL
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

TYLER REDDICK, No. 45 McDonald’s Toyota Camry XSE, 23XI Racing

Finishing Position: 1st

Can you talk about how you got to the front?

“We went into Sunday night kind of scratching our heads on our McDonald’s Toyota Camry. Everyone at 23XI did a really good job. We had a good mindset coming into today on what we need. I love running high, and I couldn’t yesterday. I knew that it was important for us to work on that coming into the race today. The group did a really good job at that, and we made great adjustments. Honestly, going into stage three we had a tough go of it on pit road, but they had a great catch. Great way to get redemption from one year ago here.”

Can you talk about that last restart and how you were able to get the advantage?
“Well I was pretty pissed. The caution came out with five or six to go, and then William (Bryon) did a really good job of staying with me on the bottom with Brad (Keselowski) closing in when he did. I had to be more focused on him than side drafting William. He got control of it there. I’m really thankful for Ty Gibbs. Great teammate. The Toyota Racing family took care of each other today, that’s for sure.”

You are the points leader now. What does that mean for momentum?

“We are going to go to Daytona, and hopefully don’t crash. Last time we were there, we won the Duels, so hoping to walk away from Daytona with the points lead. If we can do that, it will set us up really good to close it out in Darlington.”

What does it mean to you to deliver the Heritage Trophy to Toyota?

“They dump so much into this sport and really just elevates all of the Toyota Camrys on the race track. They believe in me. They believe in Denny (Hamlin), Michael Jordan – the vision of this race team. It is just really great to have their cooperation and support. One final thing as well. It is really cool to get to victory lane today. Just thinking of Scott Bloomquist and his family and his friends. I think this one should be dedicated to him. He has meant a lot to me. He’s one of those that played a huge role in getting me to this stage. I wouldn’t be here without him,”

TY GIBBS, No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 3rd

Can you walk me through the final restart?
“Yeah, I feel like we definitely were in contention for sure. I needed to get up sooner off of two to clear the 24 (William Bryon). Just missed it by a little bit. After that, it takes a lap to get momentum. I appreciate my guys bringing me a great car, Interstate Batteries, Monster Energy, Toyota. Thank you to everybody that’s a part of this deal. Definitely a little frustrating, but we’ll take it. It was a good day. Thanks to everybody that helps my program out.”

You came into this race 18 points above the cut line. You leave 39 points above the cut line heading to Daytona. Does that make you sleep better?

“Yeah, for sure. It definitely is good to have a good points day.

Definitely wish we could have won and locked ourselves in. Winning usually takes care of everything. Thankful to be here and thankful to have a good day.”

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Rheem Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Finishing Position: 35th

What did you see that got you in this incident?

“Yeah, I just saw (Kyle) Larson started to spin, and you are so bunched up it is hard to get everybody to slow down at the same time, and I was just caught up in a wreck in our Rheem Camry.”

Did you see the wreck start?
“Yeah, I saw him (Kyle Larson) spin, and we were so bunched up that once one car gets sideways, there is not much that you can do.”

Was there nowhere to go?

“Yeah, I started slowing up, and if I remember right, someone else got turned from behind me, and slid into me. Just a product of restarts.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 13th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

August 19, 2024
GMG Racing Secures GT America Race Win and Fanatec GT World Challenge Pro-Am P2 Finish at Road America
- Jame Sofronas Celebrates Professional Racing Debut 30 Years Ago at Road America with First GT America Powered by AWS Race Win of the Season Sunday in the No. 14 GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2
- Kyle Washington and Tom Sargent Charge to a Second-Place Pro-Am Fanatec GT World Challenge Powered by AWS Finish Saturday in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R
ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin (August 19, 2024) – GMG Racing secured a Sunday GT America powered by AWS race win with team Founder and Principal James Sofronas and a P2 Pro-Am class podium in Saturday’s Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS race with co-drivers Kyle Washington and Tom Sargent in a competitive SRO America championships weekend at Road America.

Sofronas, who began his professional driving career 30 years ago at Road America, drove his No. 14 GMG Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2 to an emotional flag-to-flag win from the pole Sunday. The victory was the final step of successful comeback after Sofronas was sidelined for several months after a testing incident in the Audi at the SRO Road America event in 2023.

“This is where I wanted to race from day one in World Challenge,” Sofronas said. “When an opportunity came up in 1994, I took my entire savings out – $1,800 bucks – and rented a factory-supported car from an Oldsmobile team, a touring car that was actually a pretty stout piece. I was hooked, Road America is the best track in North America by far, and for me it was just the beginning of a journey that I didn’t know would take me to where I am today. The team we have right now is firing on all cylinders. That’s what I am the most proud of.”

Washington and Sargent began the weekend’s solid results Saturday with their second podium appearance in the No. 32 GMG Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R in the last three GT World Challenge races after their first series victory last month at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR). The No. 32 team rebounded from a pit stop less than 10 minutes into the race for a swap to slicks from rain tires after a pre-race rain shower subsided. Washington kept the pressure on despite falling a lap down and handed off right at the race’s 50-minute mark to Sargent, who immediately went to work in his race-closing stint.

“Tom drove amazing,” Washington said. “His drive at the end was incredible, we had a yellow flag that was very timely, and he took advantage of that and drove like an absolute star in the fight to the finish. He put it in overdrive and just rocked it.”

A typically strong pit stop by the GMG Racing crew, and the well-timed yellow flag with 12 minutes to go, not only put Sargent in a position to get the No. 32 back on the lead lap, but to also to battle for the class win in the race’s closing minutes.

“The key to race was getting past the overall leader right as the safety car came out, and that gave me the ability to unlap ourselves,” Sargent said. “I caught up to the pack and was at the back of the train for the restart. We caught the field right as we were going green, and from then on it was just a dog fight to the finish. The car was amazing all race.”

Sargent was fourth in Pro-Am and eighth overall when race was restarted with just over five minutes to go. He defended the position through the race’s penultimate lap and quickly pounced when a Pro-Am class competitor up front slid off course in Turn 1. The field bunched up to avoid the off-course car, but Sargent maintained his momentum to move from fourth to second in the span of just a few corners. He took the white flag second in Pro-Am and fifth overall and held the positions to the finish.

“We were a little conservative on the tire choice at the beginning but we wanted to give Kyle a good car for the start and let him charge,” Sofronas said. “We pitted under green to change tires and Kye was consistent, kept pushing, and then we let Tom do what he does after the pit stops. Everything unfolded with just three minutes to go. Tom is coming into his own. He is showing he is a front runner in a Porsche and in this series.

Sunday’s convincing GT America victory was remarkably the sixth race win for Sofronas since his Road America incident last year. His five other victories have come in IMSA Carrera Cup competition, including his most recent win in that series two weeks ago at Road America. This weekend’s event completed Road America’s annual August stretch of races – IMSA, Porsche Sprint Challenge and SRO – and GMG Racing was one of the few teams to compete on all three race weekends.

Even more notable was that Sofronas was the only driver, of the more than 50 race winners across all series competing at Road America this month, to score multiple race wins at “America’s Park of Speed” on different race weekends.

The Sunday victory was the first for Sofronas in SRO America competition since winning at Road America in an Audi in 2021, the third of his three GT America wins that season.

Next up for GMG Racing in SRO America is the event weekend at Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama, September 6 – 8.

About GMG Racing: Founded in 2001, GMG Racing quickly established itself as North America’s premier performance tuning facility. What began as a small 1,200 sq. ft. shop, maintaining two race cars, has grown into a state-of-the-art performance tuning, racing and service facility located in Santa Ana, California in Orange County and with a trackside motorsports facility at 30,000 sq. ft. currently being built at The Thermal Club. The staff, attention to detail, and passion are what make GMG the choice of professionals and enthusiasts worldwide. GMG, in its early years, was located directly across the street from Porsche Motorsport North America (PMNA). This close proximity allowed GMG to build a strong relationship with the legendary racing brand which has helped us support our customers to the highest level possible. From club racing to Sebring, Daytona and Spa, GMG can take you as far as you want to go. More information can be found at www.gmgracing.com.
August 19, 2024
CHEVROLET NCS AT MICHIGAN: Post-Race Report
NASCAR CUP SERIES
MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
FIREKEEPERS CASINO 400
TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE REPORT
AUGUST 19, 2024

Byron, Busch Leads Chevrolet to Overtime Finish at Michigan International Speedway
- The NASCAR Cup Series returned to Michigan International Speedway this afternoon after inclement weather forced the postponement of the Firekeepers Casino 400 with just 51 laps complete.
- Chase Elliott and the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 team lined up at the front of the field to take the green-flag for the remainder of the 200-lap event. The Team Chevy driver showed early speed in his Hendrick Motorsports-prepared Camaro ZL1, with Elliott being the only driver of those in the regular season title battle to earn points in Stage One.
- With a caution flying nearing the end of Stage Two, Hendrick Motorsports’ Crew Chief Cliff Daniels called the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Camaro ZL1 to pit road to implement a four tire strategy. Larson was the fifth car off pit road, but the first with a fresh set of Goodyear tires – lining up 11th for the restart. Shortly thereafter, Larson was caught up in an accident that forced the team’s early departure from the race.
- Following what ultimately ended up being the final green-flag cycle of the race, William Byron and the No. 24 RaptorTough.com Camaro ZL1 team cycled back up into the runner up spot when a late-race caution forced the event under an overtime finish. Byron elected to take the inside lane of the front-row for the first attempt. With a masterful start, Byron was able to surge his Chevrolet-powered machine to the front to edge out Tyler Reddick before another caution flew.
- Teetering on fuel to make it to the end, Crew Chief Rudy Fugle immediately told Byron to save fuel – ultimately choosing to forgo pit road to remain in contention for the win. At the choose cone, Byron took the top lane as the control car for the green-flag of the second overtime attempt. Lacking a push from behind, Byron fell into the second position – maintaining the spot to the checkered flag to recorded the team’s eighth top-five finish of the season.
- The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Daytona International Speedway with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, August 18, at 2:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL TOP-10:
POS. DRIVER
2nd William Byron
4th Kyle Busch7th Zane Smith
8th Daniel Suarez
10th Carson Hocevar

WITH 24 NASCAR CUP SERIES RACES COMPLETE:
Wins: 11
Poles: 7
Top-Five Finishes: 41
Top-10 Finishes: 88
Stage Wins: 13

UP NEXT: The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Daytona International Speedway with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Saturday, August 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE QUOTES:

William Byron, No. 24 RaptorTough.com Camaro ZL1

Finished: 2nd

WE HAD TWO OVERTIME RESTARTS. YOU WERE ON THE BOTTOM FOR THE FIRST AND CHOSE THE TOP ON THE SECOND. DID YOU MAYBE WISH YOU WOULD HAVE RETHOUGHT THAT AT THE END?

“Yeah, I mean ultimately, that was the difference. But he (Tyler Reddick) was really fast, and his car was really good. He did a good job on the long runs, so he had us beat. The restarts gave us a chance, but we weren’t able to make the right choice and have the right push and all that. So, I’ll always look back at that, but proud of the effort today. It was good.”

WITH THIS RESULT AFTER A SUMMER SLUMP, DO YOU THINK THIS COULD PROPEL YOU IN THE PLAYOFFS?

“Yeah, we have just been up and down. I feel like since we have come back from the break, we have had a good mindset and have been executing well. Pit crew has been doing a good job and we have been making good decisions. We’ve just been communicating well. We had a few things during the break that we could go to work on and it has just really come together. Just proud of the fact that we have stayed together through this, and I feel like we are in a good spot going into the playoffs.”

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Lucas Oil Camaro ZL1

Finished: 4th

“It was a good day overall for our No. 8 team. Maybe needed a tick more speed, but it was a good top-eight car, so we got a little bit more out of that with the Lucas Oil Chevrolet. It was a good pit strategy by Randall (Burnett) and the guys to keep our track position and keep us upfront there. We took two tires there at the end and it wasn’t going to be ideal on those short restarts. We hung on OK and got a top-five out of it.

Zane Smith, No. 71 Focused Health Camaro ZL1

Finished: 7th

“It was definitely a good recovery. I’m still mad at myself after we sped on pit road once we finally had some good track position. I knew that we were making gains on our Chevy. Once we had to start at the back, I was able to get through a lot of them right away. I felt like we learned a lot there getting back through the field, and we made our car even better. That last restart, I kind of learned something from being back there earlier in the race and was able to apply that to that last restart. I was able to get a few rows and maintain. And then obviously had help from the No. 99 (Daniel Suarez) with a push to get us to seventh there at the line. That was much appreciated.

It’s been a long weekend, but all-in-all, it was a great day with our No. 71 Focused Health Chevy. We’ll take the momentum and head to Daytona.”

Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Jockey Infinite Cool Camaro ZL1

Finished: 8th

“It was an OK day for the No. 99 Jockey Infinite Cool Chevy team. I don’t feel like I did a great job today. For some reason I feel like the car was actually very different from yesterday to today. I struggled a lot on the short runs for a while, but we got it better there at the end. I thought we had decent speed, just not quite good enough. Overall, I think the team did a good job; good calls on tires at the end and we were able to be on offense and it was a decent top-10. I feel like we deserved a top-10 today. I am happy with a top-10, but I don’t feel like I did a good job today.”

Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Premier Security / Zeigler Camaro ZL1

Finished: 10th

“We were able to get a top-10 after falling to 35th on Sunday. We had a few mechanical problems that were kind of a freak deal, but we were able to really reset and get our No. 77 Premier Security / Zeigler Chevy handling good today. We put together a really strong run for the No. 77 team. Really great to finish good at home, but also to have two top-10s, back-to-back. That’s no small feat. We were able to do it at home with a lot of friends and family. We just had a super strong car and it’s great to have good momentum heading into Daytona, where anything can happen.”

Kyle Larson, No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Camaro ZL1

Sidelined by damage sustained in an accident at the end of Stage Two.

Finished: 34th

Take us through what happened from your vantage point.

“Yeah, I just messed up. You try to get all you can on restarts. I was just trying to funnel myself up the racetrack. I didn’t want to get stuck on the bottom three-wide. Just got myself in an awkward aero spot and lost it. It’s unfortunate. I made a mistake and cost ourselves a lot of points today.”

When you’re out there, how much are you aware of what position you’re in because of the way the air changes so much. Did you feel like there was any warning of where you were at before that went around?

“Yeah, I mean you get a little bit of warning right before you start spinning. But once these Next Gen cars step out, it’s really hard to save it. I was just doing what I thought would be right to funnel our way up and just put myself in bad spot.”

You were the first car on four tires. Was that the right call?

“Yeah, I think so. If I would have just done a better job of executing the right way on that first lap, I think we would have ended up fine. Similar to the first stage, Chase (Elliott) was the first on four (tires) and did a really good job to make it up to second. I was hopeful that I could make the right decisions and have that work out, but I just messed up.”

Corey LaJoie, No. 7 Garner Trucking Camaro ZL1

Finished: 32nd

Scary incident down the backstretch. What occurred between you and the No. 10 when you went down the backstretch?

“That’s just about how the year has gone. We have a good car and I find a way to flip it upside down. Twice this year, we’ve been upside down and I hadn’t been upside down my whole career. That’s just unfortunately how the year for the No. 7 team has been all year. We’ve had speed, just haven’t been able to put it together.

The No. 10 (Noah Gragson) chopped me a couple of times, especially off (turn) two when I’d have a run. I hadn’t seen a replay yet.. if he pulled it off the wall when I was trying to get to his left rear to slow him down. But it was a ride, buddy. There were sparks, dirt and all sorts of stuff coming in. I just hate that our Garner Trucking Camaro got a little beat and banged up. I think we had a top-10 to 12 car today, but we ended up on our roof.”

When you’re racing the No. 10 (Noah Gragson), how hard was it to get off of him? I saw that coming off turn two, it’s really hard with the aero..

“Well, you’re trying to pack air on him. You’re trying to formulate runs. He closed the door pretty late on me a couple of different times, and I was trying to get by him. Just misjudged it and wrecked.”

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
August 19, 2024
RFK Teammates Lead Ford in Monday Cup Race at Michigan (Post Race Quotes)

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Firekeepers 400 NCS Post Race Quotes | Michigan International Speedway
Monday, August 19, 2024

FORD UNOFFICIAL FINISHING RESULTS

5th – Brad Keselowski
6th – Chris Buescher
11th – Ryan Preece
12th – Noah Gragson
14th – Harrison Burton
18th – Ryan Blaney
19th – Michael McDowell
20th – Justin Haley
21st – Cody Ware
22nd – Josh Berry
28th – Austin Cindric
31st – Chase Briscoe
33rd – Joey Logano
36th – Todd Gilliland

BRAD KESELOWSKI, No. 6 Castrol Edge Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Finished 5th)

WHAT HAPPENED DOWN IN TURN 1 ON THAT LAST RESTART? “Yeah, we just had a couple of issues today with the engine shutting off. It was frustrating, but it was just part of our day. We were probably that fourth or fifth-place car, and the way the race played out, the 45 got by us, and he was really fast. He deserved to win the race. We were in position, but we just really couldn’t make anything count. I am really proud of our effort. It was really good execution today and a little more speed than we have had. We just need one more step to be able to win these races.”

WE ALL KNOW HOW BAD YOU WANT TO WIN HERE. YOU WERE CLOSE TODAY. WHAT IS THE EMOTION LIKE?

“Yeah, we are just waiting for something good to happen to us. We were in position, it just hasn’t happened yet.”

CHRIS BUESCHER, No. 17 Fifth Third Bank Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Finished 6th)

YOU WERE 18TH ON THE FINAL TWO RESTARTS ALL THE WAY UP TO SIXTH: “It was a good strategy call and a good move to pit there and do something different for us. Ultimately our chance at winning this thing had gone away. I had been caught up in whatever happened in that early accident, and we have damage on all four corners of this Fifth Third Bank Ford Mustang. We were still fast but the balance was not near as good. It was a lot of fun before that. We had a chance to win this race. So it was a good call to do something different and take the right side tires and we were able to pass a ton of cars. It was wild but a heck of a way to salvage a day that should have been better.”

HOW DIFFERENT WAS THE CAR ONCE YOU GOT THE DAMAGE? “It freed up a lot and probably just sealed that splitter down to the ground. Things happen in front but to me I just feel like if you see an accident, start checking up. It seems like not a lot of people do that right now. It is just chaos when these yellows come out. That happened a little quicker than I really realized but it is still frustrating to be involved in that and take away the pace we had in this Mustang. It was just so good. I had such a fun time the first half of this race between yesterday and today and this is a heck of a recovery ultimately on the day.”

CONSIDERING HOW BAD THE DAY COULD HAVE BEEN, YOU LEAVE 16 POINTS ABOVE THE CUT LINE. HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THAT GOING INTO DAYTONA? “That is the first I have seen it. I am adamant that we are not points racers but when our chance to win this thing was gone, ultimately that was some of the mentality, to figure out how to make the best of our day. We had seen troubles from some of the other cars that were on the bubble. I wouldn’t say we weren’t aggressive on restarts, though. We were moving, but we were also trying to be smart and methodical about it and not put ourselves in a really bad spot. It was on our mind there at the end. It is what you have to do once you aren’t in contention to win the race.”

RYAN PREECE. No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse (Finished 11th)

“That was a good ending. I didn’t think we were going to finish 11th today. I thought if everything went out way we would finish maybe 16th or 17th, so that was a net gain for us. Certainly, we have some strengths and have made gains. We need to make gains on those weak areas. I feel like we are getting closer, so hopefully these final 12 we can finish out on a positive note.

JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse

(Retired early due to multi-car accident on Lap 116)

WHAT DID YOU FEEL? “We had that right-rear tire go flat right before that, which put us back there down a lap, and then I think the 5 just spun out in front of me and kind of caused a big wad and a Daytona-type crash. There was nowhere to really go. I couldn’t steer it left, so I just committed to maybe if I could slow it down enough, I could center punch it, and it wouldn’t be that bad. That was my only option there. Unfortunately, we got knocked out a little early. We were fighting for probably a top-10. We weren’t that great, if there were more wrecks we could maybe have ended up with a top-five but we will move on.”

TODD GILLILAND, No. 38 Grillo’s Pickles Ford Mustang Dark Horse

(Retired early due to multi-car accident on Lap 116)

WHAT HAPPENED? “I am not too sure. We were fighting for the Lucky Dog and I thought we were in a pretty good position. I ran to the bottom into Turn 3 and I was trying to get up all the way back to the wall. I am pretty sure I was just looking in my rearview camera, and everybody wrecked. I am not too sure. I was trying to get up into a hole, and the next thing I knew, we were all in a wreck. It is unfortunate. I thought we were clicking away.”

August 19, 2024