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  • United Rentals Racing: Ryan Preece Michigan Advance

    United Rentals Racing: Ryan Preece Michigan Advance

    RYAN PREECE
    Michigan Advance
    No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    Event Overview

    ● Event: FireKeepers Casino 400 (Round 24 of 36)
    ● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Aug. 18
    ● Location: Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn
    ● Layout: 2-mile oval
    ● Laps/Miles: 200 laps / 400 miles
    ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 45 laps / Stage 2: 75 laps / Final Stage: 80 laps
    ● TV/Radio: USA / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Notes of Interest

    ● Sandwiched between the tight confines of Richmond (Va.) Raceway last weekend and the wide-open speedfest two weekends hence at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway is Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, where Ryan Preece and his fellow NASCAR Cup Series competitors will get to stretch their racing legs this weekend before heading to “The World Center of Racing” for the penultimate race of the regular season.

    ● The driver of the No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Stewart-Haas Racing will be making his sixth career NASCAR Cup Series start on the 2-mile, D-shaped oval nestled in the Irish Hills of Michigan, where he owns a best Cup Series finish of seventh, earned in August 2019 behind the wheel of a JTG Daugherty Racing entry. In his first start there for Stewart-Haas in August 2023, Preece started 37th and finished 22nd.

    ● Outside of the NASCAR Cup Series at Michigan, Preece has one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the track, a 19th-place finish from the 24th starting position, driving for team owner Johnny Davis in June 2016. Preece had a pair of stout Xfinity Series outings at Michigan’s former sister track, the 2-mile, D-shaped oval at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, where he started eighth and finished ninth in March 2018 for Joe Gibbs Racing, and started seventh and finished eighth in March 2019 for JR Motorsports.

    ● Joining Preece at Michigan is United Rentals, Inc. (NYSE: URI), the largest equipment rental company in the world. United Rentals has an integrated network of 1,449 rental locations in North America, 13 in Europe, 27 in Australia and 19 in New Zealand. In North America, the company operates in 49 states and every Canadian province. The company’s approximately 24,700 employees serve construction and industrial customers, utilities, municipalities, homeowners and others. The company offers approximately 4,700 classes of equipment for rent with a total original cost of $19.3 billion. United Rentals is a member of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index, the Barron’s 400 Index and the Russell 3000 Index®. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut. Additional information about United Rentals is available at UnitedRentals.com.

    Ryan Preece, Driver of the No. 41 United Rentals Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    Michigan is a fast, 2-mile, D-shaped oval. Do you feel the sensation of speed there more than you do at other tracks?

    “It’s all pretty relative. In my eyes, it doesn’t matter if you’re at Texas or Michigan. The speed is the speed, I would say, just the amount of throttle you carry through the corner. With how wide the corners are, you still don’t feel it, though. Hopefully we’re pretty good.”

    Michigan marks a return to a high-speed, high-banked, intermediate track after running a variety of tracks through the summer. Can the knowledge learned early in the year at Las Vegas – or even at places that we’ve raced at more recently like Kansas and Charlotte – be applied to Michigan? Or were those races so long ago that it’s no longer applicable?

    “Things are changing constantly. I think the fundamentals of it all are the same, but at the same time you’re trying to get the car as low to the ground as possible without hitting the right-rear limiter. At that point, it’s how much travel can you get.”

    We’ve heard the adage, “Slow down to go fast,” and that seems to be used a lot at Michigan. What does that mean and how does it apply to Michigan?

    “In my opinion, it’s just car capability, aerodynamics. We’re all dealing with kind of the same things. Nobody’s car is typically ever perfect, but if a car is capable of carrying that extra 3 or 4 miles an hour through the center of the corner – which sounds slow but it’s really not when you’re going 170 or 175 miles per hour through the center of the corner – to me, at a place like Michigan, it’s about having a car that’ll roll good speed through the center. That way you can make your straightaways as long as possible.”

    Oftentimes, Michigan races have come down to fuel mileage. How does a driver try to save fuel inside the racecar when they’re still trying to outrun other racecars?

    “That’s a great question. I think there are multiple ways to try and do it, whether it’s efficient or not I don’t know. But at a place like Michigan, where you’re on the throttle a lot, I think it’s more or less trying to carry 70 or 80 percent throttle instead of going full throttle, and really just depending on how much fuel you need to save. That’s why the guys on top of the box have to coach you and really help you understand how much fuel you need to save and what’s the most efficient way to do it without losing lap time.”

    Has there been a fuel-mileage race where at the end of it you’ve said, “I did a really good job of saving fuel and got us the best finish possible?” Or have there been races where you’re left scratching your head wondering what you could’ve done differently?

    “I thought at Pocono in 2021 we ended up seventh or so by saving fuel, doing some of those things, as well as Michigan in around the same period, I think I ended up seventh, as well. Fuel saving isn’t as much of an issue as long as you understand the entire picture and how much you need to be saving.”

    When you’re trying to save fuel, is it easier to make a mistake because you’re sort of out of your rhythm, or do you just adapt into a new rhythm?

    “You just adapt to a new rhythm. It’s something to where you find different ways to make speed, where if you’re giving up some of that straightaway speed, you’re upping your corner speed and making the same lap time. A little less brake here and there and a little less throttle down the straightaway, but at the same time carrying a little more through the corner at a smaller throttle percentage. Those little things matter.”

    Do you put an asterisk next to a fuel-mileage win, or are you of the opinion that a win’s a win, no matter how you get it?

    “A win’s a win no matter how you get it. Doesn’t matter if you run 25th all day long and make a strategy call to be on the front row for a green-white-checkered, at the end of the day you’ve still got to do your job, so I don’t care how you do it.”

    No. 41 United Rentals Team Roster

    Primary Team Members

    Driver: Ryan Preece

    Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

    Crew Chief: Chad Johnston

    Hometown: Cayuga, Indiana

    Car Chief: Jeremy West

    Hometown: Gardena, California

    Engineer: Marc Hendricksen

    Hometown: Clinton, New Jersey

    Spotter: Tony Raines

    Hometown: LaPorte, Indiana

    Over-The-Wall Members

    Front Tire Changer: Devin Lester

    Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

    Rear Tire Changer: Austin Chrismon

    Hometown: China Grove, North Carolina

    Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons

    Hometown: Tyler, Texas

    Jack Man: Sherman Timbs

    Hometown: Indianola, Mississippi

    Fuel Man: Dwayne Moore

    Hometown: Griffin, Georgia

    Road Crew Members

    Mechanic: Joe Zanolini

    Hometown: Sybertsville, Pennsylvania

    Interior Mechanic: Robert Dalby

    Hometown: Anaheim, California

    Tire Specialist: Matt Ridgeway

    Hometown: Carrollton, Georgia

    Engine Tuner: Jimmy Fife

    Hometown: Orange County, California

    Transporter Co-Driver: David Rodrigues

    Hometown: Santa Clarita, California

    Transporter Co-Driver: Charlie Schleyer

    Hometown: Youngsville, Pennsylvania

  • Spire Motorsports FireKeepers Casino 400 Race Advance

    Spire Motorsports FireKeepers Casino 400 Race Advance

    • In 10 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) starts at Michigan International Speedway (MIS), Spire Motorsports has logged one top-15 and three top-20 finishes. Corey LaJoie, driver of the No. 7 Garner Trucking Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, earned a team-best 15th-place finish in 2023 at the two-mile oval. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NCS with LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
    • The FireKeepers Casino 400 from Michigan International Speedway will be televised live on USA, Sunday, Aug. 18th, beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). The 24th of 36 races on the 2024 NCS schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. Countdown to Green on USA will take the green flag at 2 p.m. EDT.

    Corey LaJoie – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

    • Corey LaJoie will pilot the No. 7 Garner Trucking Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
    • In 10 previous starts in the Irish Hills, the 32-year-old has recorded one top-15, two top-20 and six top-25 finishes. In the rain-delayed 2023 event, LaJoie started 31st and earned a venue-best 15th-place finish.
    • Garner Trucking is a family-owned and -operated business started in 1960 by Vern and Jean Garner. In 2012, daughter Sherri Garner Brumbaugh became President/CEO/Owner. Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, Garner is a woman-owned dry-van truckload, retail and distribution for-hire motor carrier. Garner is known for its excellent safety record and on-time delivery performance. Since 2017, Garner Trucking has been named a Best Fleet to Drive For trucking company in North America, recognized in 2022 as the overall Best Fleet for small carriers becoming Hall of Fame status in 2023 and 2024.
    • The Ohio-based trucking company will be featured on the hood of the No. 7 Camaro for the fifth time and for the second of two appearances in 2024. In four previous starts in the black and red Garner colors, the third-generation racer has logged four top-20 finishes and completed all 1,098 laps.
    • Last time out, LaJoie started 24th and finished 34th at Richmond Raceway.
    • The 32-year-old’s best finish on a two-mile oval came in the series’ last stop at the Auto Club Speedway in 2023. LaJoie qualified 12th and brought home a 14th-place finish on that February afternoon.
    • Over 259 NCS starts, the father of three has earned four top-five and nine top-10 finishes and led 161 laps in NASCAR’s premier division.

    Corey LaJoie Quotes
    You brought home a solid finish in last season’s trip to Michigan. How do you look to build on that this time around?
    “Last year we finished 15th, and had some speed in our No. 7 Chevy. I’ve had a lot of solid runs there in the past, so I’m looking forward to getting out there. Thanks to Sherri (Garner) and everyone at Garner Trucking for hopping on board this weekend. Hopefully we can bring home a good finish for them.”

    Zane Smith – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

    • Zane Smith will make his first NASCAR Cup Series appearance at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday driving the No. 71 Focused Health Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports.
    • Last week at Richmond Raceway, the California native rolled off 20th and crossed the line in the 23rd position.
    • The 25-year-old scored his first NASCAR national series victory in NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series competition at MIS in 2020. After rolling off seventh, he made a last-lap pass on Christian Eckes to take the checkered flag in his GMS Racing Silverado. Smith has also made two ARCA Menards Series starts at the two-mile D-shaped oval.
    • Over the last five races, the California native has scored the 20th-most points of all Cup Series drivers.
    • Focused Health is a national health insurance agency that assists consumers and employers in navigating the myriad of health insurance options in the government programs space. The company partners with payors and employers to deliver health insurance solutions for individuals and families. For more information visit AtFocusedHealth.com.
    • Crew chief Stephen Doran is no stranger to Victory lane at MIS. During his tenure as an engineer for Kevin Harvick at Stewart-Haas Racing, Doran racked up five wins and 11 top-five finishes.
    • Join Smith for a Q&A at the NASCAR Experience Stage in the midway on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. local time.

    Zane Smith Quotes
    Michigan is the site of your first NASCAR national series victory. How special is the venue to you and your career?
    “It’s going to be awesome to get back to Michigan this weekend. I haven’t been back there since my first Truck Series win in 2020. That track is a special place to me, and it holds a lot of great memories that I will always remember. I’m really excited to race there in the Cup car and see what my No. 71 Focused Health Spire Motorsports team can accomplish. Looking forward to Sunday’s race.”

    Carson Hocevar – Driver, No.77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

    • Carson Hocevar will make his first Cup Series start at Michigan International Speedway in Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400, piloting the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Spire Motorsports. The effort will be backed by two Michigan-based companies, Premier Security and Zeigler Auto Group, in a co-primary role.
    • Last week at Richmond Raceway, Hocevar rolled off the grid 19th and brought the No. 77 Camaro home in eighth, matching his NCS career-best finish. The finish marked his third top 10 of the year.
    • In his first and only race behind the wheel at MIS, Hocevar started seventh in the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series event. The Portage, Mich. native was involved in a Lap-12 incident while positioned within the top 10. His No. 77 Premiere Security Chevrolet would suffer extensive damage, but he continued to battle throughout the day, ultimately finishing 32nd.
    • From the famous bricks of Saginaw Street in Flint, Mich., to industrial, residential, and commercial sites across North America, Premier Security Solutions has built an unmatched standard of security. Today, Premier has taken steps to advance technology and utilize new tools to combat theft and become an anti-crime organization. Premier’s Global Security Operations Center is a state-of-the-art facility, working around the clock to protect assets, corporations, schools, and families. Premier deploys more than 1,000 guards around the country and protects homes, families, executive- level leaders, and major corporations. Premier’s team of retired law enforcement professionals protects more than 50 school buildings and high net-worth families, delivering an unparalleled level of service. Premier prides itself on a standard of service ensuring its customers receive the protection and peace of mind they deserve.
    • Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers. Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,500 people, ranking among the top one percent of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2023. The family-owned and -operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2024, and among Glassdoor’s top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance.
    • LoJack, a Solera brand, redefines vehicle security with cutting-edge solutions. Our advanced tracking ensures swift recovery, seamlessly integrated with smart devices. With unrivaled cybersecurity, we set the standard in safeguarding vehicles. The user-friendly interface and expanded global coverage showcase our commitment to unparalleled security. LoJack delivers a powerhouse of innovation, providing unmatched peace of mind to vehicle owners worldwide.
    • Over the last 10 races, Hocevar has compiled an average finish of 15.4, a six-position improvement from the opening 13 races on the year (21.6).
    • The youngest NCS driver in the field ranks 22nd in the division’s championship point standings. Over the course of the season’s first 23 races, Hocevar has notched three top-10 and seven top-15 finishes.
    • Hocevar made his name in Super Late Model competition at nearby Berlin Raceway. He is a two-time winner of the Money in the Bank 150, taking the crown in back-to-back years in 2020 and 2021. Earlier this month, he scored his first victory in the Tekton 250 Battle at Berlin, holding off Erik Jones and Late Model stand out Bubba Pollard. In 2018, he started on the pole and finished fourth in his lone ARCA Menards Series start at the 0.4375-mile oval.
    • Crew chief Luke Lambert was atop the box for four top-10 finishes at Michigan during his time at Richard Childress Racing, highlighted by a fourth-place finish with Ryan Newman in Aug. of 2017. He also chiefed Noah Gragson to a third-place finish after starting on the pole in the 2022 Xfinity Series event.
    • Zeigler and LoJack will be hosting a meet and greet with Hocevar on Friday, Aug. 16 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Zeigler Motorsports, located at 5001 Park Circle Drive, Kalamazoo, Mich.
    • Fans can receive a Carson Hocevar autograph at the NASCAR Classics merchandise trailer on Saturday from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m.
    • Sunday Turn 4 Club ticket holders will have an opportunity to meet Hocevar from 11 to 11:15 a.m.

    Carson Hocevar Quotes
    Sunday will mark your first NCS race at your hometown track. What are your expectations and what are you looking to accomplish?
    “Michigan is a place that has been calling my name for a while. I love the thrill of racing there. Last year, I only got a few competitive laps in the Xfinity race before a wreck, but I have been having a blast in the simulator getting ready for this weekend. We’ve put a ton of effort into this race, especially with setup. Hailing from Michigan, and with Ziegler Auto Group and Premier Security involved, there’s a lot of hometown pride. We know anyone can win on the right day, so we’re giving it our all. Our cars are strong, and if we can get the perfect setup and opportunity, nothing can hold us back.”
    From the Top of the Box

    Ryan Sparks – Crew Chief, No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

    • Ryan Sparks serves in a dual role as both Spire Motorsports competition director and crew chief for driver Corey LaJoie and the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro in the NCS.
    • Sparks, a Winston-Salem, N.C., native, has been paired with LaJoie since 2020.
    • Combined, Sparks and LaJoie have earned four top-five and seven top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Daytona 500.

    Stephen Doran – Crew Chief, No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

    • Stephen Doran is in his first full season as a Cup Series crew chief leading Zane Smith and the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team.
    • In 2006, Doran got his start in NASCAR at Petty Enterprises.
    • Prior to his arrival at Spire Motorsports, Doran worked at Stewart-Haas Racing as an engineer, most recently on the No. 4 car driven by Kevin Harvick.

    Luke Lambert – Crew Chief, No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

    • Luke Lambert is the crew chief for Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 team with 2024 NCS Rookie of the Year candidate Carson Hocevar.
    • The 2005 North Carolina State graduate has led the competition efforts for some of the sport’s most notable names including Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler and Chris Buescher.
    • In 2014, Lambert led Newman to a berth in the Championship 4, and ultimately a runner-up finish in the NCS championship point standings.

    About Spire Motorsports …
    Spire Motorsports is a NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2024, Spire Motorsports campaigns the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively. The team also fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. An all-star driver lineup will rotate throughout the 2024 season in the No. 7 Chevy. Rajah Caruth drives the No. 71 entry and Chase Purdy rounds out the team’s fleet of Silverados in the No. 77.

    Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on April 12, 2024, when Kyle Busch took the checkered flag in the SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway.

  • JR Motorsports — NXS Michigan Preview

    JR Motorsports — NXS Michigan Preview

    JR Motorsports Team Preview
    TRACK – Michigan International Speedway (2-mile oval)
    NXS RACE – Cabo Wabo 250 (125 laps / 250 miles)
    TUNE IN – USA, MRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 3:30 p.m. (ET)

    Sam Mayer

    No. 1 – 10X Health Chevrolet

    Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 20

    Wins: 2

    Top 5s: 7

    Top 10s: 10

    Laps Led: 118

    Avg. Finish: 16.8

    Points: 12th

    Sam Mayer returns from the three-week break as he heads to Michigan International Speedway for his fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series start at the D-shaped speedway.

    In the three previous NXS starts, Mayer tallied one top five that came in last season’s run where he scored a fifth-place finish after qualifying fourth to start the event.

    In five starts on tracks measuring two miles in length, the 21-year-old driver has earned two top-five and three top-10 efforts, with his best coming in California in 2023, where he locked in a runner-up finish.

    The driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet will carry the white, red and black color scheme of 10X Health for the company’s fourth race riding along with Mayer.

    Sam Mayer

    “The break was much needed, but I am for sure ready to get back to work and plow through these next 13 races to hopefully end up battling for a Championship again. This No. 1 JRM team has put in so much effort and time, not just these past three weeks, but all season long. I know Mardy (Lindley, crew chief) and the guys are putting together a competitive package for Michigan so I am ready unload and see what we can do there. Super stoked to have 10X Health back on board and I am ready to put them in contention for the win at Michigan.”

    Justin Allgaier

    No. 7 Hellmann’s / Meijer Chevrolet

    Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 20

    Wins: 1

    Top 5s: 6

    Top 10s: 12

    Laps Led: 517

    Avg. Finish: 13.3

    Points: 2nd

    In 12 career starts in the NXS in Michigan, Justin Allgaier has scored a combined three top fives and seven top 10s.

    Allgaier’s best finish at the 2-mile oval came in this event in 2022, when the Illinois native came home in the runner-up position.

    Allgaier heads into the resumption of NXS competition following the Olympic break on a high note, having placed ninth or better in each of the last five NXS events dating back to New Hampshire Motor Speedway in June.

    With six races remaining in the NXS regular season, Allgaier currently sits second in the Playoff Grid, 56 markers out of the point lead.

    Justin Allgaier

    “Having the last few weeks off has been great, but we are definitely ready to be heading back to the track. Michigan has been a strong place for us in recent years and I feel really confident it will continue to be this weekend with our Hellmann’s / Meijer Chevrolet. I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and all the guys on this No. 7 team are ready to go and I can’t wait to see what we can do when we get on the track on Saturday.”

    Sammy Smith

    No. 8 Allstate Peterbilt Group Chevrolet

    Smith 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 20

    Wins: 0

    Top 5s: 3

    Top 10s: 10

    Laps Led: 55

    Avg. Finish: 16.2

    Points: 11th

    Sammy Smith has two NXS starts at MIS in which, he has qualified in the top 10 both times and scored a best finish of 12th in 2022.

    The 20 year-old currently sits a mere three points below the playoff cutline going into the last six races of the regular season.

    In 13 NXS starts on tracks two miles or greater, Smith has earned a best finish of sixth, coming at Pocono Raceway last season.

    Allstate Peterbilt Group, a Minnesota based company in its 53rd year of business, joins the No. 8 JRM Chevrolet for their second race of the season together.

    Sammy Smith

    “It’s been great to have the last three weeks off. It’s allowed my team and I to reset and refresh before we run the next 13 weeks to the championship in Phoenix. I’ve had good qualifying runs in the past at Michigan but haven’t finished at the top so I’m looking forward to bringing it full circle in my Allstate Peterbilt Chevrolet with my JRM team.”

    Brandon Jones

    No. 9 Menards / NIBCO Chevrolet

    Jones 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 20

    Wins: 0

    Top 5s: 1

    Top 10s: 5

    Laps Led: 20

    Avg. Finish: 18.9

    Points: 14th

    Brandon Jones has made seven NXS starts at the 2-mile D-shaped oval in Michigan and has only one finish outside the top 10. Jones holds a best finish of second, which came during the 2021.

    Jones’ 7.4 average finish in the Irish Hills is his personal best among active tracks in the NXS.

    In his previous position as lead engineer for the JRM No. 9, crew chief, Philip Bell has tallied one pole and three top five finishes.

    NIBCO, a worldwide manufacturer of flow control system solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, marine and irrigation markets, will be making its second appearance of the season on the hood of Jones’ No. 9 Chevrolet.

    Brandon Jones

    “It was great to have a few weeks off to rest and reset, but now I am ready to get back in the car. Michigan is a track I have run well on in the past and this No. 9 team has been working hard to build a fast race car, so hopefully we will be battling our way towards the front at the end.”

    Carson Kvapil

    No. 88 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet

    Kvapil 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 6

    Wins: 0

    Top 5s: 3

    Top 10s: 4

    Laps Led: 38

    Avg. Finish: 8.7

    Points: 28th

    Carson Kvapil returns to the No. 88 Clarience Technologies Chevrolet this weekend and will make his first NXS start at Michigan.

    In his six starts so far this season, Kvapil has earned three top-five and four top-10 finishes, while additionally pacing the field for 38 laps.

    The 21-year-old driver will make his second NXS start on a track measuring two miles or more in length. In his first, Kvapil earned a 10th-place result at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    Crew chief Andrew Overstreet has guided the No. 88 team to four top-five and seven top-10 finishes in nine starts this season with Kvapil, Connor Mosack and Bubba Pollard behind the wheel.

    Carson Kvapil

    “Heading to Michigan, it’s a different kind of track for me. It’s big and fast with a lot of banking, so I’m looking forward to getting laps and learning the lines. It’s the same thing I’ve been doing all season, just learning. Andrew (Overstreet, crew chief) and this No. 88 Clarience Technologies team have given me good cars and a good plan every week and it’s been a great season so far.”

    JRM Team Updates

    JR Motorsports at Michigan International Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Michigan International Speedway a combined 47 times in the NXS since its first trip there in 2006. In those starts at the 2-mile speedway, the organization has recorded two wins, 20 top-fives and 33 top-10s, with an average finish of 9.4.

    Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, and Carson Kvapil will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, Aug 17 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET.

  • Kaulig Racing Weekly Preview | Michigan International Speedway

    Kaulig Racing Weekly Preview | Michigan International Speedway

    Race Notes

    Michigan International Speedway
    FireKeepers Casino 400
    NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
    Sunday, August 18 at 2:30PM EDT
    USA | MRN | SiriusXM
    Team Notes

    • Kaulig Racing has made four NCS starts at Michigan International Speedway, earning a best finish of 17th.
    • So far in the 2024 NCS season, Kaulig Racing has earned six top 10s, 17 top 20s and led 49 laps.

    AJ ALLMENDINGER

    “I’m looking forward to running both races at Michigan this year. On the Cup side of it last year, I had a lot of fun driving the car. It’s a lot of speed, a lot of on throttle time and if you get the car right, you’re running wide open. It’s a race track you definitely have to get you courage up for. We had good speed last year, so I’m looking forward to that. On the Xfinity side of it, winning in 2021 will always be a great memory. This year will be a little different with the aero package. It will be new with learning what we have to do to race the racetrack but it’s a fun place, I always enjoy going there and I think we can have a couple of good runs.” – AJ Allmendinger on Michigan International Speedway

    No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Camaro ZL1

    • AJ Allmendinger has made 22 NCS starts at Michigan International Speedway. Allmendinger has an average finish of 21.4 and has led one lap.
    • So far in to 2024 NCS season, Allmendinger has made 10 NCS starts and earned three top 10s, five top-20 finishes and led 13 laps.

    DANIEL HEMRIC

    “Michigan is a place that we all look forward to going to. It’s a track where you get to truly feel the speed, grip, and all the things that make NASCAR racing what it is. This will be my first trip there in this car, so I’m really excited to get on track. It’s always a battle of manufacturers and bragging rights, so hopefully all of us on team Chevy can do our part.” – Daniel Hemric on Michigan International Speedway

    No. 31 Poppy Bank Camaro ZL1

    • Daniel Hemric has made two NCS starts at Michigan International Speedway, earning a best finish of 12th.
    • So far in the 2024 NCS season, Hemric has earned three top 10s, nine top-20 finishes and has led 14 laps.
    • This weekend, Hemric’s No. 31 Camaro ZL1 will feature Poppy Bank’s premier online savings account.
    • Poppy Bank’s premier online savings account starts with a 5.50% Annual Percentage Yield (currently the highest in the nation) and is available online to any qualifying individual in the United States (terms and conditions apply). For more information, visit Poppy Bank‘s website.

    Race Details

    Michigan International Speedway
    Cabo Wabo 250
    NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
    Saturday, August 17 at 3:30PM EDT
    USA | MRN | SiriusXM
    Team Notes

    • Kaulig Racing has made 13 starts Michigan International Speedway in the NXS. The team has earned one win, one top five and seven top-10 finishes.
    • The team achieved its victory at Michigan in 2019, when AJ Allmendinger led 70 laps en route to the win.
    • So far in the 2024 NXS season, Kaulig Racing has earned three wins, eight top fives, 21 top-10 finishes and led 129 laps.

    DANIEL DYE

    “I’m excited to go back to Michigan after a couple years, and represent Race to Stop Suicide again on our Kaulig Racing No. 10 Camaro. I enjoyed racing the ARCA car there, and hope to use the experience of that to help me this weekend. It will be interesting running the same package as we did at Indy, but I’m glad to have had the experience to run it before.” – Daniel Dye on Michigan International Speedway

    No. 10 Race to Stop Suicide Chevrolet Camaro

    • Daniel Dye will make his first-career NXS start at the 2.0-mile oval at Michigan International Speedway this weekend.
    • The Daytona Beach, Florida native has one previous start at Michigan in the ARCA Menards Series, where he finished third in 2022.
    • Dye is coming off a career-best NXS finish of seventh at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20 with Kaulig Racing.
    • The 20-year-old driver recently clinched a position in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Playoffs, where he competes full-time in 2024.

    JOSH WILLIAMS

    “We had some decent runs at Michigan in ARCA. It’s a high-horsepower kind of track, so you need a fast motor to get good finishes there. I’m looking forward to working with [new No. 11 crew chief] Eddie [Pardue] for the rest of the season.” – Josh Williams on Michigan International Speedway

    No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet Camaro

    • Josh Williams has made seven starts in the NXS at Michigan International Speedway. His best finish there (18th) came in 2021.
    • Williams earned two top 10s in five starts in the ARCA Menards Series at Michigan.
    • Williams sits 18th in the NXS points standings with three top 10s and 14 laps led.

    AJ ALLMENDINGER

    “I’m looking forward to running both races at Michigan this year. On the Cup side of it last year, I had a lot of fun driving the car. It’s a lot of speed, a lot of on throttle time and if you get the car right, you’re running wide open. It’s a race track you definitely have to get you courage up for. We had good speed last year, so I’m looking forward to that. On the Xfinity side of it, winning in 2021 will always be a great memory. This year will be a little different with the aero package. It will be new with learning what we have to do to race the racetrack but it’s a fun place, I always enjoy going there and I think we can have a couple of good runs.” – AJ Allmendinger on Michigan International Speedway

    No. 16 Campers Inn RV Chevrolet Camaro

    • AJ Allmendinger has made two NXS starts at Michigan International Speedway. Allmendinger won his first NXS start at Michigan in 2021 and has since earned an additional top-10 finish. He has led a total of 77 laps and has an average finish of fourth.
    • So far in the 2024 NXS season, Allmendinger has earned three top five and 10 top-10 finishes. Allmendinger has led 36 laps and currently sits sixth in NXS driver standings.

    SHANE van GISBERGEN

     ”The [Olympic] break was nice, but I’m excited to get back on the track this weekend! Michigan is another oval that I haven’t raced yet, so there will be lots of learning to do, but that’s the fun in it. Excited to have SafetyCulture on board with us this weekend and hopefully have another good showing Saturday afternoon.” – Shane van Gisbergen on Michigan International Speedway

    No. 97 Safety Culture Chevrolet Camaro

    • Shane van Gisbergen heads to Michigan International Speedway for his first NXS start on the 2-mile, D-shaped track.
    • At Indianapolis Motor Speedway, before the two-week Olympic Break, Van Gisbergen finished 4th, securing his second top-five finish on an oval this season.
    • The three-time Supercars Champion and his No. 97 Chevrolet will carry the SafetyCulture livery for the first time this season in Michigan. SafetyCulture is a global technology company that empowers working teams to drive daily improvements across their organization. Our mobile-first operations platform gives you the knowledge, tools, and processes you need to work safely, meet higher standards, and improve every day. To learn more visit safetyculture.com.
    • Van Gisbergen and his No. 97 Kaulig Racing team lead the NXS in total wins this season (3) and currently sit 13th in driver standings heading into the weekend.

    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.

  • NHRA AT BRAINERD: Team Chevy Race Advance | Notes & Quotes

    NHRA AT BRAINERD: Team Chevy Race Advance | Notes & Quotes

    CHEVROLET IN NHRA
    2024 LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS
    BRAINERD INTERNATIONAL RACEWAY
    BRAINERD, MINNESOTA
    TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE | NOTES & STATS
    AUGUST 17-19, 2024

    CHEVROLET AND JOHN FORCE RACING CARRY STRONG MOMENTUM TO BRAINERD’S LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS

    Notes:

    • Team Chevy heads to the 2024 Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals with John Force Racing for the 13th round of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Aug. 17-19.
    • Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, heads to Brainerd already locked into the Countdown to the Championship after being the first driver in Funny Car to clinch this season at Seattle.
    • Making a splash in his first season in Funny Car after transitioning from Top Fuel to fill in for sidelined teammate Robert Hight, Prock has already raced to the Winner’s Circle four times this season in NHRA and a fifth at the season-opening exhibition PRO Super Star Shootout event.
    • Jack Beckman, a 2020 U.S. Nationals winner as well as the 2003 NHRA World Champion, has been tapped to compete on behalf of John Force, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, starting in Brainerd.
    • Beckman, who is a decorated winner and Funny Car competitor, returns to the seat after a hiatus since 2020 and will accumulate points on behalf of the 16-time champion and is seeking a 17th championship title for Force.
    • While still seeking her first victory since Las Vegas 2 in 2022, Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, looks to carry momentum into Brainerd with her match race event win at Norwalk’s Night Under Fire and semifinal finish in Seattle.
    • Both competing in the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge after finishing in the semifinals at Seattle, Prock will face Bob Tasca, III in Funny Car and B. Force will face Antron Brown in Top Fuel.
    • The Chevrolet teams in Pro Stock and Factory X return to competition this weekend at Brainerd after a brief break, while the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown COPO Camaros return at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis Labor Day weekend.

    Quotes:

    AUSTIN PROCK, DRIVER OF THE CORNWELL TOOLS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

    “I’m excited to get back in my Cornwell Tools Chevy Camaro SS. The team has been busting their tails making sure we are in check for the later part of the season. I always love going to BIR and am excited to see what it’s all about in a Funny Car! We are hoping to turn on a few more win lights than Sonoma (after finishing in the semifinals).”

    JACK BECKMAN, DRIVER OF THE PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR:

    “Brainerd will mark a literal “second chance” in many ways. I am thrilled to be a part of the return of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS back to NHRA competition. It has been nearly four years since I made a run that earned championship points, and more than sixteen years since driving a Funny Car while also working a full-time job.”

    JACK BECKMAN ON FILLING IN FOR FORCE, SUPPORTING THE TEAM, AND THINKING OF JOHN…

    “I, along with thousands of fans in Minnesota, will have John (Force) in my heart this weekend. His team and I will do everything we can to make PEAK, our partners, the fans, and John proud.”

    BRITTANY FORCE, DRIVER OF THE MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET TOP FUEL DRAGSTER:

    “We head into Brainerd coming off of a big win in last week’s Night Under Fire race (at Norwalk) for this Monster Energy, Cornwell Tools Chevy Dragster team. We have two races until the Countdown kicks off so doing well in Brainerd is going to be critical. We have shown improvement in qualifying, but our focus needs to be going rounds on race day to pick up the most points to move us up out of the number ten spot. The tenth spot is a risky position this late in the regular season and we need to move up into a safer spot before the Countdown resets. I’m very confident in this David Grubnic/John Collins-run team. We have a lot of work to do but it will be worth it when we get there.”

    How to Watch:

    The NHRA Mission Foods Racing Series from Brainerd International Raceway airs first with qualifying on Friday, August 16 at 8 p.m. ET, with Saturday seeing the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge air on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET. Sunday’s race day kicks off with Saturday’s qualifying airing at 1 p.m. ET followed by Finals on FOX at 3 p.m. ET. Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

    TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

    1,460: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time).

    626: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 631.

    167: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for John Force (1st all-time).

    165: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins since 1967.

    84: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time). Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel) is fifth with 88.

    85: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins with the Camaro SS body.

    47: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Brittany Force.

    28: Number of NHRA championships Chevrolet holds as a manufacturer since entering the first in 1966. This is the seventh consecutive award and ninth in 11 seasons. No other manufacturer has won it more than Chevrolet.

    26: Wins by John Force in a Chevrolet-bodied Funny Car.

    20: Chevrolet career Top Fuel wins in NHRA.

    16: Number of Chevrolet career wins by Brittany Force.

    7: Number of Funny Car driver championships.

    2: Number of Top Fuel driver championships.

    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.

  • “FIVE THINGS TO WATCH” AT THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES BOMMARITO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 500

    “FIVE THINGS TO WATCH” AT THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES BOMMARITO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 500

    • NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns from three-week break following the Olympics
    • Two-time series champion Alex Palou still chasing first career oval victory
    • Arrow McLaren Racing’s Alexander Rossi cleared to return following thumb surgery

    MADISON, Ill. (August 14, 2024) – The Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at World Wide Technology Raceway represents the much-anticipated return of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES following the Olympics break and one of the final five races in the 17-event season that will determine the series champion.

    Following a three-week layoff, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES is center stage once again with its first race since Sunday, July 21, when Colton Herta of Andretti Global with Curb/Agajanian won on the streets of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

    Saturday’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline will be the first of four oval races in the final five events of the season. The series will head to the only road course in that stretch next week – Portland International Raceway on Aug. 25 – before closing out with a doubleheader at The Milwaukee Mile (Aug. 31 – Sept. 1) and the season finale at Nashville Superspeedway (Sept. 15).

    World Wide Technology Raceway could be an early indicator on which drivers will have the edge on short ovals, especially those in contention for the championship.

    The two-day show opens Friday with a pair of NTT INDYCAR SERIES practices and pole qualifying to set the field. The series will begin with a one-hour practice beginning at 11:45 a.m. CT and follow with knockout-style qualifying at 3:20 p.m. The INDYCAR stars return in the evening for a final one-hour practice beginning at 7:30 p.m.

    The weekend culminates with Saturday evening’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline, beginning at 5:30 p.m. (TV: USA, Peacock, Radio: INDYCAR Radio Network, SiriusXM).

    Here’s “Five Things To Watch” for the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline:

    1. Two-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou is in position for a third title, but will have to successfully navigate a run of four ovals in the final five races, beginning with the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline at World Wide Technology Raceway’s 1.25-mile layout.

    Despite two championships, 11 wins and 30 podiums in 76 career races, the fifth-year superstar with Chip Ganassi Racing has yet to win on an oval. In 23 career oval starts, Palou has just four podium finishes, but has made progress with half of those coming this season (fifth at the Indy 500, second at Iowa Speedway). However, he has been very consistent top-10 finisher with 14 of those efforts.

    The first challenge comes at World Wide Technology Raceway, where he has a pair of top-10 finishes in five career starts. Those have come in his last two visits, with a ninth in 2023 and seventh last season. However, he has started among the top 10 just once (fifth in 2022) and has yet to lead a lap.

    Palou’s two closest competitors in the championship – Team Penske’s Will Power and CGR teammate Scott Dixon – have combined for 35 oval victories in their respective careers and are previous winners at World Wide Technology Raceway.

    Power, who trails Palou by 49 points, owns 10 oval wins, including one at World Wide Technology Raceway in 2018. Dixon, who is 53 points behind his teammate, has 25 oval victories, including a pair at this track. His first came in the 2020 doubleheader and the six-time series champion added another last season. The latter was a dominant performance as Dixon’s 22.2256-second margin of victory established the track record for an INDYCAR race.

    Colton Herta of Andretti Global with Curb/Agajanian is fourth in the series championship, trailing Palou by 57 points. He is coming off his first win of the season at Toronto and, like Palou, is still seeking his first career oval victory.

    1. Team Penske’s Josef Newgarden has found a second home in Madison, Ill.

    Since the NTT INDYCAR SERIES returned to World Wide Technology Raceway in 2017, Newgarden has dominated the 1.25-mile oval with four wins in eight career starts over that span. His inaugural one came in that first season back and then he added three in a row from 2020 (second race of the doubleheader) to 2022.

    Newgarden only has finished outside of the top seven twice, including last year when he finished 25th due to contact after leading 98 of the 210 laps he completed. He has led 48 or more laps in all but two of his starts and holds the track mark for that category with 582.

    Newgarden also has recorded two poles, the most recent coming last season, and has started outside the top three just once (sixth, 2020-1st race).

    1. Arrow McLaren Racing’s Alexander Rossi, who missed the previous race at Toronto due to a fractured right thumb, has been cleared by the INDYCAR medical team to compete in this weekend’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline.

    Rossi sustained the injury during a July 19 practice incident at Toronto and was replaced for the remainder of the race weekend by Theo Pourchaire, who finished 14th. Rossi, in the meantime, underwent successful surgery and took full advantage of the break in the schedule to recover.

    Prior to missing Toronto, Rossi had been on a bit of roll with finishes of eighth or better in six of his previous eight races, including a season-best third at Laguna Seca. He is ninth in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship standings, one point behind Josef Newgarden.

    Arrow McLaren announced in early July that Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing’s Christian Lundgaard would be replacing Rossi in the No. 7 Chevrolet beginning next season. Rossi is expected to be a highly sought-after free agent and his ability to return and exhibit that he is fully recovered from the injury should only enhance his value to another organization.

    In last season’s Bommarito Automotive Group 500 presented by Axalta and Valvoline, Rossi qualified seventh and finished fourth. It was his third top-six finish in eight starts at World Wide Technology Raceway.

    1. Two drivers to keep an eye on who have yet to win at World Wide Technology Raceway are Arrow McLaren Racing’s Pato O’Ward and Meyer Shank Racing’s David Malukas.

    O’Ward has been so, so close with runner-up finishes in three of his last four starts at World Wide Technology Raceway. He also is a perfect five-for-five in his career for top-five finishes at the venue. O’Ward has started among the top seven in every visit, including a best of second in the first race of the 2020 doubleheader.

    Malukas only has made two previous appearances – both with Dale Coyne Racing with HMD Motorsports – and posted podium finishes in both. He finished runner-up in 2022 and followed with a third-place performance last season. The second-place finish remains a career-best performance for the third-year driver.

    Also, Malukas put an end Tuesday to the speculation of where the free agent was going to wind up for the 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. AJ Foyt Racing announced that the organization has signed the 22-year-old American to a multi-year deal.

    1. Team Penske has swept the ovals thus far this season, with Josef Newgarden winning the Indianapolis 500 and teammates Scott McLaughlin and Will Power taking the doubleheader at Iowa Speedway.

    Newgarden and McLaughlin, along with Pato O’Ward, are the only drivers to record podium finishes in two of the three oval races, but there is just one driver who has been able to post top-five finishes in all three.

    Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon opened with a third-place finish in the Indy 500 and added fourth-place performances at Iowa.

    Dating to the 2021 season, Dixon is just one of three drivers with multiple wins in the 17 oval races competed during that span, which includes this year. Newgarden dominates with nine while Dixon and O’Ward have two each.

  • Erik Jones Foundation to Host Third Annual ‘3 Reasons to Race’ Event at Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club

    Erik Jones Foundation to Host Third Annual ‘3 Reasons to Race’ Event at Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club

    Charlotte, NC (August 14, 2024) – For the third year in a row, the Erik Jones Foundation (EJF) will host the ‘3 Reasons to Race’ event to raise awareness about EJF and its three core pillars – igniting children’s passion for reading, encouraging early cancer detection and care, and promoting animal welfare. This year’s event will be held at Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club in Clarkston, Michigan, on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.

    “As we continue to grow the Erik Jones Foundation, the ‘3 Reasons to Race’ event has become a big part of our fundraiser initiatives each year,” said Jones. “To be able to go back home to Michigan and showcase not only where I grew up, but the track and racing that got me started and helped me get to where I am today, it’s special. As I’ve progressed in my career, the community has always been super supportive of me and that’s no different when it comes to the foundation. I’m excited to get back home for this event, see familiar faces, have some fun and most importantly, raise funds to support our programs.”

    No stranger to Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club, Jones cut his teeth racing quarter midgets on the Clarkston, Michigan track as a member of the MMRA Quarter Midget Club. A new venue for the ‘3 Reasons to Race’ event, Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club will prove to provide the perfect location for this year’s event. In addition to a silent auction, this year’s event will highlight the next generation of racers with a quarter midget exhibition race where Jones will wave the green flag. Jones will also provide rides in a Toyota Supra on the Waterford Hills Road Course and recording artist Myron Elkins will perform throughout the event.

    “The thing I like about our ‘3 Reasons to Race’ event is that anyone can join us,” said Brent Nickola, Executive Director of the Erik Jones Foundation. “We always have a great turnout of racing fans for this event. We are excited to be at the location where Erik started his career and hope we see many new faces.”

    Interested in becoming a sponsor? Sponsor Information and Package Options

    To purchase tickets to the event: 3 Reasons to Race Event Tickets

    About the Erik Jones Foundation:

    Established in 2021 by Byron, Michigan native and NASCAR driver, Erik Jones, the Erik Jones Foundation has three main pillars: igniting children’s passion for reading, encouraging early cancer detection and care, and promoting animal welfare. The three areas of focus all have a special meaning to Jones and have each played a role in his life.

    For more on the Erik Jones Foundation, please visit www.erikjonesfoundation.org.

  • TPC Racing Scores P2 Podium Finish with Chambers and Season-Best Race Results with Kerr in Road America Porsche Sprint Challenge Cayman

    TPC Racing Scores P2 Podium Finish with Chambers and Season-Best Race Results with Kerr in Road America Porsche Sprint Challenge Cayman

    • Chloe Chambers Finishes Second Sunday in the No. 77 Monoflo International Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport for Her Third Top-Two pro-Am Result in Four 2024 Races
    • Tom Kerr Secures Season-Best Masters Class Finishes Topped by Seventh in Class and 11th Overall Sunday in the No. 74 TPC Racing Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

    ELKHART LAKE, Wisconsin (August 13, 2024) – TPC Racing scored a Pro-Am-class second-place finish with Chloe Chambers in the No. 77 Monoflo International Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport and a pair of season-best results for Masters Class competitor Tom Kerr in his No. 74 TPC Racing Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport this weekend in USAC Porsche Sprint Challenge North America Cayman competition at Road America.

    Making her second return appearance this year after helping TPC Racing win the 2023 Cayman Class Sprint Challenge Team Championship, Chambers rebounded from a rare off-podium result in Saturday’s opening 35-minute race for the fast P2 run on Sunday. Chambers started on the outside front row and after momentarily dropping to second on the opening race lap, regained the position and quickly took the fight to the race leader.

    Chambers set the fastest lap of the race on the fourth circuit. She was closing on the leader, but a yellow flag with 10 minutes to go, and a second caution late in the race that resulted in the field finishing under dual checkered and yellow flags, never let her complete a charge to the front.

    In the pair of guest appearances with TPC Racing this season, Chambers secured the P2 and P4 finishes at Road America and a double-win sweep last April at Barber Motorsports Park.

    In just his fourth race weekend in his new Cayman GT4 RS, Kerr broke through for a pair of season-best Masters class finishes. After recording a single top-10 finish in his first six races this season, Kerr showed a sign of things to come on Saturday with a ninth-place result in the stacked Masters class.

    Kerr quickly built on Saturday’s result and improved to a season-best seventh overall on Sunday while recording a solid 11th place overall result. Prior to finishing 15th overall on Saturday and the P11 on Sunday at Road America, Kerr’s overall results in the year’s first sixth races were between 17th and 19th.

    The Porsche Sprint Challenge weekend was the first event of two-in-a-row for TPC Racing at Road America. This weekend on the 4-mile Wisconsin road course, TPC debuts a new McLaren Artura GT4 in SRO GT America powered by AWS competition. The TPC Racing with Dream Racing No. 102 McLaren Artura GT4 and driver Alan Grossberg will make the first race starts of the season in the new car in this weekend’s twin 40-minute GT America sprints.

    Harris Levitas, TPC Racing Director of Race Operations: “It was a really great weekend. We started off and things were a bit hectic, but we were able to chase a few problems early on in the week. We learned a lot in the two test days heading into the weekend, and it really showed for Tom Kerr. Big congratulations to Tom, we are thrilled for him and his performance for his best race finishes to date in the Masters Class in this new Cayman Clubsport RS GT4. And huge congratulations to Chloe for really putting on a good fight Sunday and scoring second place. It was a good first weekend at Road America, we had a podium finish with Monoflo International, which is always great, and we are looking forward to getting started in our new venture with the McLaren Artura GT4 next week with Alan Grossman and our partners at Dream Racing.”

    Chloe Chambers, Driver, No. 77 Monoflo International Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport: “I think that I would’ve had more of a chance to make a move for the lead on Sunday if we hadn’t had that first caution. It’s a little unknown though because it’s pretty difficult to pass in these cars since the draft doesn’t have quite as big of an effect. A bit of a development weekend since this was a new car since Watkins Glen. I’m proud of the work the team put in through all of it and the determination of everyone to get the car the best we could. By race two, we got the car to a spot that I was able to finish in second place, which I’m happy with considering what we overcame.”

    Tom Kerr, Driver, No. 74 TPC Racing Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport: “It was really a combination of things. Number one, we have a great car after having some trouble with it earlier in the year. Two, I have a great coach with Mike Skeen, who helps me tremendously, and three, the TPC Racing team helps me a lot. Between Harris and the crew that I have with my Crew Chief Trevor Griffin, everybody did everything great. So, it was really a series of fortunate events for me. Road America is one of my favorite tracks, and I love being there, but it’s quasi-dangerous. The last time I was there before this weekend two years ago, and I totaled my Lamborghini and broke my back. So, I had a little bit of PTSD from the last time I was there and I started off a little more skittish than I would have been. I just did Watkins Glen with TPC in the Cayman, and back-to-back races helps me the most. I don’t get much seat time because I work so much, so it’s a rarity to get this much time behind the wheel. That, along with the car, the coaching and the team all kind of came together.”

    About TPC Racing: TPC Racing is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier maintenance, service, tuning and modification center dedicated solely to Porsche sportscars. TPC Racing specializes in R&D and sales of high-performance modifications for Porsche sports cars and race cars, offering a wide range of vehicle upgrades. Best known for a line of forced induction solutions for the Porsche 911, Cayman and Boxster, a long-time focus on only one make, Porsche, has enabled TPC Racing to become experts in Porsche service, tuning, and racing. In 2000, TPC Racing began entering races under its own banner, scoring an SGS-class Championship in 2004 in the Grand-American Rolex Series and was a class winner in the 2006 Rolex 24 At Daytona, and captured the 2013 and 2016 IMSA Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge USA Gold Cup Championships. More information can be found at www.TPCRacing.com.

  • TOP FUEL POINTS LEADER DOUG KALITTA SET FOR 600TH CAREER RACE AT LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS IN BRAINERD

    TOP FUEL POINTS LEADER DOUG KALITTA SET FOR 600TH CAREER RACE AT LUCAS OIL NHRA NATIONALS IN BRAINERD

    BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 13, 2024) – After winning his long-awaited first NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series world championship, there’s been no slowing down Top Fuel fan-favorite Doug Kalitta during the 2024 season.

    The longtime standout is the points leader with a commanding advantage this year and he is set to make more history at this weekend’s 42nd annual Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at festive Brainerd International Raceway, becoming the first Top Fuel driver in NHRA history to make his 600th career appearance.

    Kalitta’s storied career began in 1998 and race No. 600 will come this weekend in Brainerd in his 11,000-horsepower Mac Tools Toyota dragster. All these years later, Kalitta is still going strong, winning three races, advancing to five finals rounds and qualifying No. 1 five times in 2024 heading into the penultimate race of the regular season.

    “It’s been an interesting ride and I didn’t realize nobody else has made it to 600 (in Top Fuel). It’s been a cool ride and a great opportunity for me, competing for as long as I have,” Kalitta said. “I still enjoy driving the cars and surrounding myself with great teams and great people. It’s been amazing driving for Connie (Kalitta, team owner) and I’ve been very fortunate to have so many great people around me. I’m still enjoying it and as long as we can continue to drive up front, that’s what drives me to keep going.”

    Last season, Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Ron Capps (Funny Car) and Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) powered to the winner’s circle at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. This year, the event will again be broadcast on FS1 and FOX, including eliminations action on FOX on Sunday, Aug. 18 at 3 p.m. ET. It is the 14th of 20 races during the 2024 season and Kalitta will attempt to pick up his third career win in Brainerd and first since the 2005 campaign.

    The weekend also includes the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday in the three pro categories, though it will mark a rare occasion that Kalitta won’t appear in the bonus race this year. He suffered a surprising first-round loss in Sonoma and will look to get back on track as the Countdown to the Championship playoffs get closer.

    That’s where Kalitta got hot a year ago, winning three playoff races to pick up his first world championship, including a winner-take-all final round in Pomona. The team’s momentum is stronger than ever with what has been a brilliant 2024 thus far, but Kalitta knows the challenges will only get more different in the stretch run while facing off against a star-studded lineup that includes Kalitta Motorsports teammate Shawn Langdon, Brown, four-time champ Steve Torrence, Tony Schumacher, Clay Millican, Brittany Force and Top Fuel newcomer Tony Stewart.

    Kalitta, though, has weathered those challenges this year, proving to be a dynamic duo with standout crew chief Alan Johnson and the rest of his Kalitta Motorsports team. They’ve made a strong impression at nearly every race this year, only losing in the first round on two occasions, but Kalitta hopes there’s no slowing down with this team as he makes his 600th Top Fuel appearance this weekend in Brainerd.

    “It’s definitely a dogfight right now,” Kalitta said. “Brainerd is always a great place to go and I look forward to it every year. It’s always entertaining and the place is always packed. It’s just one of those very entertaining races to go. It’s just a special place to race. Our car has been running well and hopefully we can have another great weekend. It’s been fun to be a part of this and we’re just keeping our heads down, trying to make it happen. When you catch a wave like this, you want to stay on it as long as you can.”

    In Funny Car, Capps is certainly no stranger to the Brainerd winner’s circle in Funny Car, picking up seven wins in his career. The Funny Car field is loaded with competition this season thanks to the efforts of points leader Austin Prock, Sonoma winner Bob Tasca III, reigning champ Matt Hagan, Gainesville winner J.R. Todd, rookie Daniel Wilkerson, Alexis DeJoria and Chad Green.

    Glenn currently leads the Pro Stock class, but Elite Motorsports has been dominant as of late, winning six straight races. That’s a group that includes Jeg Coughlin Jr., Sonoma winner Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Erica Enders, while other top names include five-time champ and area native Greg Anderson, Deric Kramer and Eric Latino.

    The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Mountain Motor Pro Stock.

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

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

    NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4 and 6:15 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 16 and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Aug. 17 at 12 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. CT on Sunday, Aug. 18. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, as well as coverage of the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge on Saturday at 6 p.m. ET on FS1, qualifying action at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and eliminations on FOX at 3 p.m. ET Sunday.

    To purchase tickets to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway, fans can call 866-444-4455. For more information on the NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

    About Mission Foods

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

    About NHRA

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

  • Experience is key as ABEL Motorsports heads to World Wide Technology Raceway

    Experience is key as ABEL Motorsports heads to World Wide Technology Raceway

    All four team drivers have raced on the oval before – though three will see their first action in an INDY NXT car at the Madison, Ill. track

    Taylor Ferns set for the “double” – contesting both the USAC Silver Crown race and the INDY NXT event

    SPEEDWAY, Ind. (August 13, 2024) – ABEL Motorsports will field its largest team of the season in this weekend’s INDY NXT by Firestone’s OUTFRONT Showdown at World Wide Technology Raceway, with four cars set to take the green flag Saturday afternoon.

    Jacob Abel (Louisville, Ky.), Yuven Sundaramoorthy (Oconomowoc, Wis.), Taylor Ferns (Shelby Township, Mich.) and Jordan Missig (Joliet, Ill.) all have experience on the 1.25-mile oval, located just across the Mississippi river from downtown St. Louis, Mo.

    Abel has three USF Pro 2000 races and two INDY NXT races on the oval and has delivered improving results each season, with four top 10s finishes, while Sundaramoorthy and Missig both raced at WWTR two years ago in USF Pro 2000. Missig will make his INDY NXT oval debut this weekend.

    While Ferns will race the No. 55 ABEL Motorsports Dallara at WWTR for the first time, the USAC veteran has raced at the 1.250-mile oval twice (2022 and 2023, and she tested there at age 16), all in her Silver Crown car. In 2022, she was pacing in the top three and looking for a podium, but a radiator issue with six laps remaining put her back in ninth at the checkered flag.

    All four drivers tested on the Nashville Superspeedway last week, which puts them back into the oval mindset following the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ “summer break” during the Paris Olympics (broadcast on NBC).

    “It’s not your typical oval, because the two ends of the track are obviously pretty drastically different,” noted Abel. “Turns 1 and 2 are very tight and you end up lifting and downshifting, whereas 3 and 4 are two of the highest speed corners we race on. But it should be close to flat the whole race, which will be interesting. It presents a unique challenge because you need a different balance for both. We were good there last year, and we raced strong. We’re ready to get going after this break, with the first race of this final stretch, setting up a strong finish for the end of the season.”

    “It’s nice that I’ve raced there several times before,” said Sundaramoorthy. “Of course, it would have been nice to test there, but I think we’ll still be pretty fast, the car was fast last year. It’s just going be the same as everywhere else: head down, just figure it out. The track has raced well in the past – two years ago, I was able to go two and three-wide, so it should be a good race.”

    “I’m looking forward to going back there – it’s a good track for my oval debut,” said Missig. “I like the big ovals and I’m excited to see what it’s going to be like in the INDY NXT car, compared to the USF Pro 2000 car. I know there will be a substantial difference, but I know the ABEL Motorsports guys will be ready. I’m looking forward to getting some oval experience now with an eye toward next season, so that is one of the keys. Having the test last week at Nashville helped get me into the oval mindset, since it’s a very different driving style, so that gives us just that little bit more confidence going into this weekend.”

    “I’m excited to get there and get more seat time in the INDY NXT car,” said Ferns, who will look to build on her Iowa INDY NXT debut last month. “I know it’s going to be much different than racing in the Silver Crown car – from the racing lines to the driving style. I’m excited to try that out and I’m ready for the challenge.”

    Ferns is also ready for the challenge of competing in two very different races on the weekend. She will contest Friday’s 75-mile Ranken Technical College Silver Crown Shootout Presented by Welsch Heating & Cooling, and Saturday’s 75-lap INDY NXT by Firestone OUTFRONT Showdown.

    “Racing is my passion, so I just didn’t feel right not doing it in the end,” said Ferns, who finished fourth in the Silver Crown main event last Saturday at Jennerstown (Pa.) Speedway. “The INDY NXT car is my focal point, but I think there’s just a natural intuition with the Silver Crown car – so I am skipping Silver Crown practice and qualifying in order to focus on the INDY NXT sessions, then doing Friday night’s race from the back of the field. I don’t have a problem passing cars so hopefully we can put on a good show.”

    ABEL Motorsports thanks partners ABEL Construction Company, Advance Ready Mix, Boyd Cat®, S Team Motorsports and OMP for their continued support.

    The INDY NXT by Firestone’s OUTFRONT Showdown takes the green flag Saturday at 4:05 p.m. ET. The race will be streamed live in the U.S. on Peacock, while international viewers can watch via INDYCARLIVE, with INDYCAR Radio available at indycar.com and on Sirius XM.

    About ABEL Motorsports: Team principal Bill Abel began racing motocross in 1972, earning numerous championship titles as he continued the family tradition. In 2015, ABEL Motorsports was launched, starting in the USF2000 series and building up the junior open wheel ladder. The team captured the inaugural Formula Regional Americas Championship with driver Kyle Kirkwood in 2018.

    ABEL Motorsports currently competes in the INDY NXT by Firestone series, the official development series for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, led by third-generation driver Jacob Abel. The team made its INDYCAR debut in 2023 with driver RC Enerson in the Indianapolis 500. For more information visit the official team website at abelmotorsports.com.

    About ABEL Construction Company: ABEL Construction specializes in general contracting and construction management, design build, IPD and facilities maintenance. Based in Louisville, Ky, ABEL is one of the largest contractors in the Kentuckiana region and has helped build some of the area’s most recognizable landmarks.

    ABEL Construction was founded in 1938 and is now a fourth-generation, family-owned business, recognized for its experience, stability and capabilities, and focused on relationships and trust. That’s the ABEL way. abelconstruct.com/.

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