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Author: Official Release

Flying Lizard Increases Footprint as SRO America Season Resumes at VIR

ALTON, Va., (July 16, 2024) – Summer break is over for the series under the SRO America umbrella, and Flying Lizard Motorsports has another action-packed weekend ahead at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR). As the group heads into the second half of the season, the driver roster remains unchanged but Flying Lizard will expand to seven entries between the Fanatec GT World Challenge America, GT America, and GT4 America efforts.

“We can’t wait to get things going again for the second half of the season,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “It has been a bit of a long break, but it gave us time to go through the primary cars as well as prepare second cars for both Elias Sabo and Damir Hot and get some testing in. VIR is an amazing circuit, it is fast, technical, and takes a lot of commitment in the high-speed sections. We have had success here in the past and hope to break through with some podium finishes this weekend.”

Fanatec GT World Challenge America powered by AWS

Race Length: 90 minutes
Classes: Overall, Pro-Am, AM
Race Start: 7/20 at 3:10 PM EDT; 7/21 at 2:15 PM EDT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld

Elias Sabo and Andy Lee (No. 8 Aston Martin Vantage GT3) continue to be the sole Lizard entry in the top series of the SRO America organization. With six rounds complete, the pair remain on their quest to secure their first podium together at the GT3 level. Last year at VIR, the pair earned a pair of top-five finishes, showing strength on the 3.270-mile, 17-turn course.

GT America powered by AWS

Race Length: 40 minutes
Classes: SRO3, GT2, GT4
Race Start: 7/20 at 1:00 PM EDT; 7/21 at 8:45 AM EDT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld

The Lizard GT America program grows by two cars this weekend, bringing the total count to four entries. Elias Sabo (No. 48 Aston Martin Vantage GT3) and Damir Hot (No. 05 Nissan Z GT4) will join Jason Bell (No. 2 Aston Martin Vantage GT4) and Todd Parriott (No. 31 Aston Martin Vantage GT4). The team currently holds four top-five finishes in the championship reserved for bronze-rated drivers. The four-car effort will add a considerable flurry to the team’s garage this weekend but also gives the four drivers a suitable additional amount of track time to continue their racing development.

Pirelli GT 4 America

Race Length: 60 minutes
Classes: Silver, Pro-Am, Am
Race Start: 7/20 at 5:00 PM EDT; 7/21 at 10:55 am EDT
Race Stream: YouTube.com/GTWorld

After the previous four-hour endurance round at Circuit of the Americas, competitors of the GT4 America Series return to their regular two-race, 60-minute format. Todd Parriott and Tom Dyer (No. 13 Aston Martin Vantage GT4) secured a well-earned fourth-place finish in the endurance event, and will look to build on that momentum this weekend at VIR. Damir Hot and Rodrigo Baptista (No. 5 Nissan Z GT4) showed great pace at the Austin event as they entered their first race weekend as co-drivers, but the Nissan Z was forced to retire early. The new duo anxiously looks forward to this weekend’s activities at VIR, hopeful to see what they can accomplish come weekend’s end.

Event Schedule | All Times EDT

All Races Live on YouTube.com/GTWorld

Friday, July 19

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM GT America Practice 1

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM GT World Challenge Practice 1

12:00 PM – 12:45 PM GT4 America Practice 1

1:45 PM – 2:15 PM GT America Practice 2

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM GT World Challenge Practice 2

5:15 PM – 6:00 PM GT 4 America Practice 2

Saturday, July 20

8:05 AM – 8:20 AM GT America Qualifying

9:05 AM – 9:20 AM GT World Challenge Qualifying 1

9:25 AM – 9:40 AM GT World Challenge Qualifying 2

10:25 AM – 10:40 AM GT4 America Qualifying 1

10:45 AM – 11:00 AM GT4 America Qualifying 2

1:00 PM – 1:40 PM GT America Race 1

3:10 PM – 4:40 PM GT World Challenge Race 1

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM GT4 America Race 1

Sunday, July 21

8:45 AM – 9:25 AM GT America Race 2

10:55 AM – 11:55 AM GT4 America Race 2

2:15 PM – 3:45 PM GT World Challenge Race 2

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

July 16, 2024
FUNNY CAR’S ALEXIS DEJORIA IS EAGER TO GET ON TRACK AT NHRA NORTHWEST NATIONALS

SEATTLE (July 16, 2024) – After two weeks off, Funny Car’s Alexis DeJoria is ready for a swift turnaround at this weekend’s 35th annual NHRA Northwest Nationals at Pacific Raceways.

The race kicks off the second half of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and DeJoria is eager to get back on track after a month of struggles in June. After a strong start to the season in her 11,000-horsepower Bandero Premium Tequila Toyota GR Supra, including a final-round appearance in Phoenix, things didn’t go as planned over the past four races, picking up just one round win.

But there’s ample time for a turnaround and DeJoria believes it can come in Seattle, where her crew chief, Del Worsham, still holds the Funny Car track E.T. record (3.832-seconds). That came in 2016 and conditions could be ripe for stellar runs this weekend, especially as racers will compete under the lights for the first time in Pacific Raceways history on Friday.

The first-time night session in the nitro ranks is a definite highlight for the weekend and DeJoria will try to take advantage, setting the tone for what she hopes is a big event.

“We’re looking to continue our progress and have a long Sunday of going rounds,” DeJoria said. “This year at Seattle will be unique because we’ll have an evening qualifying session there for the first time. We’re scheduled for 9:15 p.m. (PT for the second round of Funny Car qualifying) so we should see some great runs in those cooler conditions.”

Last season, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Tim Wilkerson (Funny Car) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Seattle and this year’s race will be shown on FS1 and the FOX, including eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 21. It is the 11th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA season, kicking off the second half of the season, as the weekend in Seattle will feature all four pro classes for the first time in history and the popular Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge specialty race on Saturday.

DeJoria, meanwhile, is looking to right the ship as the Countdown to the Championship playoffs approach. Now is the perfect time to do so with back-to-back races in Seattle and Sonoma and the Funny Car veteran, who is currently eighth in points, could take a major leap forward over the next two weeks.

To find sucess in Seattle she’ll have to get past the likes of points leader Austin Prock, Norwalk winner Bob Tasca III, Daniel Wilkerson, defending world champ Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and Chad Green, but DeJoria always has confidence in a group that has shown it can rise to the occasion.

“We do really well under pressure,” said DeJoria., who has six career Funny Car victories. “This team has been together a long time and Del has given our Toyota Supra a worthy setup for the weekend’s conditions.”

In Top Fuel, Torrence would love a repeat win in Seattle as he takes on the likes of points leader Doug Kalitta, who is also the reigning world champion, Shawn Langdon, Antron Brown, Tony Schumacher, Brittany Force, Clay Millican and Top Fuel newcomer Tony Stewart.

Herrera has dominated the Pro Stock Motorcycle division and won last year’s NHRA Northwest Nationals en route to sweeping the Western Swing and winning the world title. He is undefeated in 2024, while other riders in the class to watch are the six-time champion Matt Smith, Richard Gadson, Angie Smith and Chase Van Sant.

The popular Pro Stock class will make its return to the Pacific Northwest this year and fans will want to keep an eye on rivals Greg Anderson and Erica Enders. Currently leading the points is standout and Seattle native Dallas Glenn, who has a pair of wins on the season.

The event also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, featuring some of the top drivers in the sport. The weekend includes the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League Shootout and Drag & Drive Shootout, which is a must-see for any car enthusiast.

The weekend kicks off with a fan fest at Auburn Outlets Collection on Thursday, July 18 at 5 p.m. PT, where fans can meet their drag racing heroes. On Friday between qualifying sessions, fans can take part in a special SealMaster Track Walk and an autograph power hour in the pro pits, while the nitro at night qualifying session will give fans an opportunity to win a unique wristwatch from Ben Bridge Jewelers TAG Heuer.

Fans will also 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 Pacific Raceways 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 Seattle. 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 3:30 p.m. and 8:15 PT on Friday, July 19 and two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, July 20 at 1:30 and 3:45 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. PT on Sunday, July 21. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, 1 p.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations on FOX at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Northwest Nationals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com or call 800-884-6472. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., 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.

July 16, 2024
Richard Childress Racing Announces Multi-Year, Multi-Car Partnership with Titan Risk Solutions

Relationship Kicks Off with Ty Dillon Driving the No. 33 Titan Risk Solutions Chevrolet in the Brickyard 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

WELCOME, N.C. (July 16, 2024) – Titan Risk Solutions will debut a multi-year, multi-car partnership with Richard Childress Racing this weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ty Dillon will race the No. 33 Titan Risk Solutions Chevrolet in the Brickyard 400. The race airs live on NBC at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Titan is a “one stop shop” for today’s trucking companies. With career trucking professionals as the founders, Titan Risk Solutions provides the very best in insurance, and insurance related services.

“We’re thrilled to be able to showcase Titan’s vast reach across the trucking industry through the relationships and platform that our race team partnership with Richard Childress Racing provides,” said Tim Smith, president of Titan Risk Solutions. “I can’t think of a better place to introduce our relationship than Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a track seeded in history and tradition, and with a race team that exemplifies the same commitment to quality and family values as Titan Risk Solutions. We’re all looking forward to cheering on Ty Dillon this weekend, as well as an exciting lineup of Titan drivers in the years to come.”

Dillon will be making his 243rd NASCAR Cup Series start this weekend. He is a former winner at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

“I’m excited to once again race on the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, especially behind the wheel of the No. 33 Titan Risk Solutions Chevrolet,” said Dillon. “Kissing the bricks at the historic track is a special moment that I’ve been fortunate enough to experience with RCR. Every time we go to Indy, the memories come back. I’m grateful for the opportunity and look forward to having a great showing while representing Titan Risk Solutions.”

This weekend’s race kicks off a multi-year, multi-car partnership between Titan and RCR.

“Titan Risk Solutions is made up of career trucking professionals with the knowledge and integrity that we look for in all of our partners,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “Their real time platform of trucking solutions aligns well with the needs of our industry and partners. We’re thrilled to welcome Titan to our sponsorship portfolio and to have the opportunity to help them achieve their business goals.”

Titan Risk Solutions, based out of Overland Park, Kansas has representatives located around the U.S. to assist those in the trucking industry. With the ability to provide insurance quotes or customer support in a matter of minutes, Titan has positioned themselves as market leaders for motor carriers across the country.

For more information or to contact Titan, visit www.titantruckins.com

For more information and all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.

Titan Risk Solutions is your one-stop shop for everything related to the trucking industry. Founded by dedicated insurance professionals that understand the frustrations of today’s marketplace, Titan was built to eliminate many of the stresses America’s truck drivers face every day. Whether you are needing help with insurance, safety compliance, factoring, or driver training, Titan is here to help! With representatives located all across the U.S. and a 24/7 service hotline, there is always a live person to assist you!

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2024 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

July 16, 2024
Kaulig Racing Weekly Preview | Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Race Notes

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Brickyard 400
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, July 21 at 2:30PM EDT
NBC | IMS Radio | SiriusXM
Team Notes
- Kaulig Racing will make its first NCS starts at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval this weekend in the Brickyard 400.
- On the Indianapolis Motor Speedway G.P. Circuit, Kaulig Racing earned its first NCS win with AJ Allmendinger in the 2021 Verizon 200 at the Brickyard.
- So far in the 2024 NCS season, Kaulig Racing has earned six top 10s, 17 top 20s and led 49 laps.
AJ ALLMENDINGER

“I can’t wait to get back on the oval at Indy. I’ve never run the Xfinity car there, but I’m excited about it. The Brickyard 400 is a staple and a big deal in the Cup Series. I feel like the mile-and-halves, two-mile racetracks have been our strength. Hopefully we go there and have a good run on both the Xfinity and Cup side and continue the tradition of kissing the bricks.” – AJ Allmendinger on Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 16 Campers Inn RV Camaro ZL1
- AJ Allmendinger has made 10 NCS starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and has led four laps and earned two top-10 finishes.
- Allmendinger has made three NCS starts on the Indianapolis Road Course and earned one win and two top-10 finishes.
- So far in the 2024 NCS season, Allmendinger has made nine NCS starts and earned three top 10 and five top-20 finishes.
DANIEL HEMRIC

“We’ve got another super iconic racetrack that we get to return to: the Brickyard. This will be my second Brickyard 400. There are certain racetracks we go to that feel extra special knowing that we’re fortunate to be a part of history, and this is one of those places. It’s a big weekend for us and Cirkul, our partner, and everyone involved. We know we’ve got quite a bit of work to do with the flatter race tracks, but everyone is working hard to keep moving this program forward. Hopefully we can do just that.” – Daniel Hemric on Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1
- Daniel Hemric has made one NCS start at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- Hemric made two NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) starts on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval and earned a top five and top-10 finish in both starts.
- So far in the 2024 NCS season, Hemric has earned three top 10s, nine top-20 finishes and has led 14 laps.
Race Details

Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Pennzoil 250
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
Saturday, July 20 at 3:30PM EDT
USA | IMS Radio | SiriusXM
Team Notes
- Kaulig Racing has made six starts on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in the NXS. The team has led three laps and earned one top five and two top-10 finishes there.
- On the Indianapolis Motor Speedway G.P. Circuit, Kaulig Racing earned one win, six top fives and seven top 10s across 12 starts.
- So far in the 2024 NXS season, Kaulig Racing has earned three wins, seven top fives, 18 top-10 finishes and led 125 laps.
DANIEL DYE

“I’m really excited to have Black Widow Trucks onboard our Kaulig Racing No. 10 Chevy this weekend at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The scheme turned out great and I know we’ll have a fast Camaro on Saturday.” – Daniel Dye on Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 10 Black Widow Trucks Chevrolet Camaro
- Daniel Dye is coming off a 17th-place finish at Pocono Raceway last Saturday afternoon in the Champion Container No. 10 Kaulig Racing Camaro.
- Saturday’s race will mark Dye’s first-career start at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- Newly announced partner Black Widow Trucks will adorn Dye’s No. 10 Chevrolet at Indy.
- Dye will also compete on Friday night in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at nearby Indianapolis Raceway Park.
JOSH WILLIAMS

”My last time running the Indy oval was during 2019. We didn’t pit at one of the cautions late, so we took the restart from the lead and maybe held it for a corner-and-a-half. It’s crazy racing there. Three wide, full throttle sometimes. Indy is also [Alloy Employer Services owner] JR Pine’s favorite race track, so we’ll hopefully put on a good show for him.” – Josh Williams on Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet Camaro
- Josh Williams has made two starts in the NXS at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s oval configuration. His best finish there (17th) came in 2019, when he led four laps.
- In three NXS races at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway G.P. Circuit, Williams achieved his best result in 2021 (15th).
- Williams sits 18th in the NXS points standings with three top 10s and 14 laps led.
AJ ALLMENDINGER

”I can’t wait to get back on the oval at Indy. I’ve never run the Xfinity car there, but I’m excited about it. The Brickyard 400 is a staple and a big deal in the Cup Series. I feel like the mile-and-halves, two-mile racetracks have been our strength. Hopefully we go there and have a good run on both the Xfinity and Cup side and continue the tradition of kissing the bricks.” – AJ Allmendinger on Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 16 Celsius Chevrolet Camaro
- AJ Allmendinger will make his first NXS start on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval in the Pennzoil 250 Presented by Advance Auto Parts.
- Allmendinger has made four NXS starts at the Indianapolis Road Course and has earned one win, four top-five finishes, three pole awards and 73 laps led.
- So far in the 2024 NXS season, Allmendinger has earned three top five and nine top-10 finishes. Allmendinger has led 32 laps and currently sits fifth in NXS driver standings.
SHANE van GISBERGEN

“Unfortunate the momentum we’re gaining on the ovals was not representative of our finish at Pocono, but we’re getting better at the ovals and continuing to learn. Having raced the road course last year at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I’m excited to race the big oval this weekend. It’s such a cool and iconic track. I’m proud of my 97 Kaulig Team, the progress we’re making and looking forward to the weekend.” – Shane van Gisbergen on Indianapolis Motor Speedway

No. 97 WeatherTech Chevrolet Camaro
- Shane van Gisbergen heads to Indianapolis Motor Speedway for his first NASCAR Xfinity career start on the historic 2.50-mile oval.
- Last year at Indianapolis, Van Gisbergen raced the 14-turn road course in Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 entry, finishing 10th in his second career NCS start.
- The Supercars Champion and his No. 97 Chevrolet will carry the white and red WeatherTech livery this weekend in Indianapolis. For decades, WeatherTech has delivered on its promise of quality and craftsmanship through a commitment to American-made auto, home and pet products. More information can be found at weathertech.com.
- Van Gisbergen and his No. 97 Kaulig Racing team lead the Xfinity Series in total wins this season (three) and currently sits 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.
July 16, 2024
Auto-Owners Insurance Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Indianapolis Advance

Martin Truex Jr.
Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Advance
No. 19 Auto-Owners Insurance Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Brickyard 400 (Round 22 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 21
● Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
● Layout: 2.5-mile rectangular oval
● Laps/Miles: 160 laps / 400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 50 laps / Stage 2: 50 laps / Final Stage: 60 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / IMS Radio Network / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Where We Stand: Truex sits sixth in the Cup Series driver standings with 640 points, 63 behind new leader Chase Elliott. All four JGR entries are currently inside the top-11 in the standings with Denny Hamlin fourth, Christopher Bell eighth and Ty Gibbs 11th as the series heads back to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval this weekend before the two-week Olympic break commences.

● As the Cup Series returns to the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the first time since 2020, Truex has one top-five finish and three top-10s and has led a total of 11 laps in 16 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at its 2.5-mile oval. Truex’s average Indy oval finish is 22.4.

● Truex had mixed results when the Cup Series raced on the Indianapolis road-course circuit the past three seasons. He earned a best road-course finish of seventh, which came last season. Back on the oval this weekend, Truex is looking to add himself to the list of Cup Series champions who have won 22 of the 27 previous Brickyard 400s.

● Looking for 35: Truex’s win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon in July 2023 was his most recent Cup Series win, the 34th of his career, tying him with 2004 champion Kurt Busch for 25th on the all-time Cup Series win list.

● Ahead at this Stage: Truex has accumulated 63 stage wins since the beginning of the stage era in 2017. He is the only driver with 10 or more stage sweeps, with his latest sweep coming at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn last August. Truex scored his third stage win of the season last weekend at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, leading the field across the line at the end of Stage 1.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Auto-Owners Insurance Toyota Camry XSE

You have run well on the Indianapolis oval over the years, but the results haven’t quite panned out how you’ve wanted them to. Is there any reason for that?

“It’s for a number of different reasons, honestly. I think there was a window in time where we actually ran really well at Indianapolis, but we always had issues. We got wrecked on pit road a few times, we had a brake rotor explode one year when we were really fast. The fastest car we had there was 2017 when Kyle Busch and I were racing for the lead on a restart and we definitely had a car we could have won with that day. We’ve definitely been close a few times, but for whatever reason, we haven’t been able to put a whole race together there. We’ve shown speed as a team and as a company there, so I think we should have a great chance to run up front this weekend with our Auto-Owners Insurance Camry. Just like Pocono, you want to be able to qualify toward the front, keep your track position and put yourself in a spot where you can race for the win. That’s the plan for this weekend.”

What will the Olympic break be like for you?

“Yeah, it’s going to be interesting. Not very often we get two weeks off. It’s definitely great for the crew guys. They work so hard, so many hours, they just don’t stop. So it’s a grind and it’ll be good for them to spend a little time with their families. As a team, you kind of regroup, recharge with the playoffs coming up, the end of the season and all that goes into that with the pressure. It’ll be a nice break for everyone. I’d say I get more of a break than those guys, so it’s nice to see they get it, as well. It should be fun.”

Anything to pinpoint for not getting some finishes you’ve deserved over the last several weeks?

“It’s been multiple things, frustrating for sure. You name it across the board, it’s happened. The last three races before Pocono, we’ve been crashed at the end by someone, and that’s frustrating. Dealt with a lot of things like rain and crazy things like that. Hopefully this is another normal, straightforward weekend. We did that to a point at Pocono last weekend, but we just didn’t have the speed late in the race to challenge for the win like we had hoped.”

Do you anticipate feeling any different as your last fulltime season winds down?

“I’m not going to approach it any differently. I don’t expect my team to, either, and they haven’t this year at all. I think it’s business as usual as far as when we’re at the track. I guess it feels a bit different knowing that I’ll be going to tracks for the last time in a Cup car now. Some of the tracks have done some cool stuff, like Pocono putting my name on the start-finish line. I’m going to try to enjoy it and we really would like to get a win here soon. We will give it our best this weekend with the Moody Blue Auto-Owners Insurance Camry at Indy.”

No. 19 Auto-Owners Insurance Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy

Hometown: Blockville, New York

Engineer: Jeff Curtis

Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Beau Morton

Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Thomas Hatcher

Hometown: Middleburg, Florida

Rear Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

July 16, 2024
Panini Racing: Josh Berry Indianapolis Advance

JOSH BERRY
Indianapolis Advance
No. 4 Panini/Caitlin Clark Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Brickyard 400 (Round 22 of 36)
● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 21
● Location: Indianapolis Motor Speedway
● Layout: 2.5-mile rectangular oval
● Laps/Miles: 160 laps/400 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 50 laps / Stage 2: 50 laps / Final Stage: 60 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / IMS / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Josh Berry and his NASCAR Cup Series competitors head to the hallowed grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this weekend to take on one of the most prestigious events in all of motorsports – the Brickyard 400. Sunday’s race marks the final stop before the series heads into the two-week break for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Berry and the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team for Stewart-Haas Racing have gelled faster than they expected so far this season. Through the first 21 points-paying races of Berry’s Cup Series rookie campaign, he’s tallied two top-five finishes, four top-10s and 78 laps led. While this weekend marks the 33-year-old’s first Cup Series outing at the Indianapolis oval, he has two prior NASCAR Xfinity Series starts on the facility’s serpentine road-course circuit in July 2022 and August 2023. Both of those outings resulted in 14th-place finishes. In the 2022 race, he started eighth before finishing the first stage in seventh, then won the second stage.

● Like he did last weekend at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway, Berry will be pulling double duty at Indianapolis as he’ll once again strap into the No. 15 Ford Mustang Dark Horse for AM Racing for Saturday’s Xfinity Series race. Last weekend at Pocono, Berry qualified 14th but could finish no better than 27th after a cut a tire early in the race relegated him to the back of the field, from where he was unable to recover. It was his first Xfinity Series race of the season.

● Berry’s crew chief Rodney Childers has a deep history of success at the oval layout in Indianapolis. In each of the last two races there, Childers and retired No. 4 driver Kevin Harvick kissed the bricks, winning in July 2020 and September 2019. The 2019 win at the Brickyard was nothing short of a dominant performance as Harvick qualified on the pole, finished the first stage third and won the second stage en route to victory, leading a race-high 118 laps along the way. Harvick’s 2019 win came from the 11th starting position with another race-high 68 laps led. In 16 starts at the oval, Childers’ drivers have tallied two pole awards, the aforementioned two victories, five top-five finishes and nine top-10s – including seven consecutive top-10s in the last seven races on the Indianapolis oval.

● With five regular-season races left before the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs, Berry is ranked 21st overall in the driver standings, 69 markers behind teammate Chase Briscoe, who currently holds down the 16th and final playoff spot. Berry sits atop the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, 28 markers ahead of second-place Carson Hocevar.

● Riding along with Berry and the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse as primary partner this weekend is Panini America, the world’s largest sports and entertainment collectibles company and the official trading card partner of NASCAR. The partnership marks Panini’s first primary car sponsorship of the 2024 season and its first at the Cup Series level since 2021. Panini had primary car partnerships from 2019 to 2023 at the Xfinity Series level. This weekend’s paint scheme features Indiana Fever rookie and WNBA All-Star Caitlin Clark. Panini has an exclusive partnership with Clark, and the paint scheme will be focused on one of her trading cards – “Raining 3s” – that is part of Panini’s recently released Caitlin Clark Collection that is now available at retailers nationwide, including Target, Scheels, Rally House, Walmart, and online beginning Wednesday at www.paniniamerica.net. As part of the partnership, Panini will also become an associate sponsor for the remainder of the season with logo inclusion on the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse and on Berry’s firesuit. Berry will also participate in several trackside marketing activations during the season.

Josh Berry, Driver of the No. 4 Panini/Caitlin Clark Ford Mustang Dark Horse

You’re making your debut on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval this weekend – what does that mean to you?

“I’ve been there before on the road course, but getting to race on the oval is really special just because of the history of the track and how important it is in our sport, right? As a kid, you look at some of those bigger tracks with the status they carry and you dream of racing there and, this Sunday, I get to make that a reality. It’s just a really cool thing for me because, a few years ago, I accepted I wouldn’t make it to this level and now I get to go race on Sundays at some of the most prestigious tracks. It’s just really cool to me.”

With five regular-season races left in the 2024 season, where do you rate your season?

“I think we have done a great job so far. Our team has established our process and how we approach each race weekend, which has been a huge part of why we have been able to be successful. The No. 4 team has a bunch of really smart guys putting together strategies, building fast cars, and giving me a chance to go race hard. We set off this year with the goal of winning the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award and we are close to that. We just have to keep betting on ourselves and trusting our process and I see no reason we can’t go accomplish the goal we set.”

Panini is coming on board this weekend to support the No. 4 team – its first race in the Cup Series since 2021. What does it mean to have Panini supporting your rookie campaign?

“I am grateful they are willing to support me and this team. Anytime I have the opportunity to meet the folks who help support my racing career, it means a lot to me because I don’t have deep financial backing, and fantastic partners like Panini, Overstock.com, Harrison’s and SunnyD make my racing career possible. I am just really thankful they believe in me.”

After this Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series is off for two weeks for the Olympics. What are your plans during that time?

“I am going to run a late-model race at Hickory Speedway the first weekend, and then head to the beach with my family to enjoy some down time. It’s unique that we get this time off and everyone, including my team that travels with me every weekend, gets to be home with family and friends, so I am going to make the most of it and recharge my batteries for the next half of the season. If we make the playoffs or not, I still want to win races, and it takes a lot of focus and energy, so I think this time away will be good for us to stay sharp.”

No. 4 Panini/Caitlin Clark Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Josh Berry

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Rodney Childers

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Robert “Cheddar” Smith

Hometown: Whitewater, Wisconsin

Engineer: Dax Gerringer

Hometown: Gibsonville, North Carolina

Engineer: Billy Kuebler

Hometown: Saline, Michigan

Spotter: Eddie D’Hondt

Hometown: Levittown, New York

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Daniel Coffey

Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Daniel Smith

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Mason Flynt

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Jack Man: Brandon Banks

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Evan Marchal

Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Tyler Trosper

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Mechanic: Chris Capaldi

Hometown: Armada, Michigan

Tire Specialist: Zac Lupien

Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Engine Tuner: Robert Brandt

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Transporter Co-Driver: Jake Zierhoffer

Hometown: Billerica, Massachusetts

Transporter Co-Driver: Stephen Mitchell

Hometown: Woodville, Ohio

July 16, 2024
Roxy Returns: Rexy’s Prehistoric Pink Sister to Take Over at Road America

ST. CHARLES, Ill., (June 16, 2024) – Roxy, the fierce but adorable T-Rex sister of Rexy, the Porsche 911 GT3 Rawr, will return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship beginning with the IMSA SportsCar Weekend at Road America, August 2-4. While Rexy enjoys a summer vacation, his sister will take over for the next few rounds of the championship.

“Rexy has had a very successful move up to GTD PRO category and has been training and racing his little arms off, so we decided to give him a little R&R,” said Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “Roxy has been chomping at the bit for her first GTD PRO appearance to help her brother out with the 2024 championship. We know Roxy has a lot of fans, so we hope everyone will follow along closely for her reappearance in IMSA.”

Roxy first made her appearance last year in the GTD class at VIRginia International Raceway. She will again grace the Alton, Virginia circuit from August 23-25, marking her first race in the GTD PRO class with drivers Sebastian Priaulx and Laurin Heinrich. The pairing has already secured two wins and two additional podiums this season. While Rexy proudly displays two gold teeth for his victories, Roxy aims to earn her own golden accolades to enhance her winning smile.

In celebration of Roxy’s return to the IMSA WeatherTech Championship, AO Racing’s dino DNA scientists have been hard at work creating a batch of delightful Roxy plushies. The new plush toy is an incredibly accurate representation of the car, complete with the purple and blue nails seen on the T-Rex’s arms adorning the car doors.

Fans can see Roxy in person at Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, from August 2-4 and at VIRginia International Raceway from August 23-25. The liveries for the remaining two races of the season are yet to be determined.

To shop for Roxy plushies and all AO team gear, visit aoracing.com/store.

About AO Racing

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

July 16, 2024
EVENT PREVIEW: Wright Motorsports Holds Points Lead Headed into Second Half of World Challenge Season

BATAVIA, Ohio. (July 16, 2024) – As the 2024 Fanatec GT World Challenge championship reaches its midpoint, Wright Motorsports sails confidently into rounds seven and eight as the championship points leaders. With a stellar record of podium finishes in all six events so far, Adam Adelson and Elliott Skeer, along with the exceptional team behind the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R, are poised to continue their performance at the upcoming two-race showdown at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR).

“Our team has worked incredibly hard this season, and our results reflect the dedication and skill of our entire group,” said John Wright, team owner of Wright Motorsports. “Adam and Elliott have shown enthusiastic consistency and determination, and we’re excited to carry this momentum into the second half of the season at VIR.”

Holding a 26-point lead over ST Racing and their BMW entries, Wright Motorsports has demonstrated remarkable consistency and excellence on and off the track. The Ohio-based team’s impressive first half of the 2024 season, marked by victories in the opening rounds and four second-place finishes, showcases their dedication and skill. The dynamic duo of Adelson and Skeer are eager to return to the top step of the podium this weekend at VIR.

Sixteen cars, representing the top automotive manufacturers in North America, will compete in the double-header event. Wright Motorsports will face off against four other entries in the PRO class with the Porsche, aiming to extend their lead in the points championship. Adelson and Skeer, who finished fourth in their previous attempt at the picturesque VIR course, now return as series sophomores, ready to leverage their experience and continue their climb to the top. They have already participated in a private test at the event in preparation of this weekend’s outing.

The striking green and yellow Porsche 911 GT3 R will take on VIR’s iconic course starting with a testing day on Thursday, followed by official practice sessions on Friday, July 19. Qualifying sessions for each driver will take place on Saturday morning, with races scheduled for Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Fans can watch both races live on YouTube at youtube.com/GTworld.

Friday, July 19

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Practice 1

3:15 PM – 4:15 PM Practice 2

Saturday, July 20

9:05 AM – 9:20 AM Qualifying Driver 1

9:25 AM – 9:40 AM Qualifying Driver 2

3:10 PM – 4:40 PM Race 1

Sunday, July 21

2:15 PM – 3:35 PM Race 2

DRIVER QUOTES

Adam Adelson

VIR is my favorite track, so I’m really looking forward to this race weekend. It’s been a great season for us so far, but the level of competition has definitely increased with the new pro class entries, so we’ll have to be operating at our best to bring home the results we want. Regardless, I’m extremely confident about our chances of standing on the top step, as there hasn’t been a challenge this year that we as a team haven’t risen to.

Elliott Skeer

This upcoming weekend is one I have been looking forward to for a long time! Last year, this was not our strongest weekend due to circumstances in and out of our control, I know as a team we are extremely focused on making sure to turn that around this year. Testing has gone extremely well, and Adam continues to drive at a new level every time out. As for me, I’m going to give it my all as always and focus on executing the plan and adapting when we need to.

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.

July 16, 2024
Ford Performance NASCAR – 2024 Indianapolis Advance

INDIANAPOLIS

Friday, July 19 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series @ LOR, 8:30 p.m. ET (FS1)
Saturday, July 20 — NASCAR Xfinity Series @ IMS, 3:30 p.m. ET (USA)
Sunday, July 21 — NASCAR Cup Series @ IMS, 2:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

Indianapolis will once again serve as the auto racing hub of America this weekend as NASCAR’s top three series makes its annual stop. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series kicks off the racing action on Friday night at Lucas Oil Raceway while the NASCAR Cup and NASCAR Xfinity Series cars will return to the IMS Oval for the first time since 2020 when Ford’s Kevin Harvick was victorious.

FORD ROLL CONTINUES

Ryan Blaney’s victory on Sunday at Pocono Raceway continued Ford’s recent hot streak that has now seen a Blue Oval win six times in the last 10 events, including Joey Logano’s triumph in the All-Star Race. Blaney led the final 44 laps to register his second win of the season and 12th of his Cup career. Ford’s winning ways started when Brad Keselowski took the checkered flag at Darlington Raceway and since then Logano and Blaney each have two wins while Austin Cindric has one.

WINNING WAYS

May 12 – Brad Keselowski at Darlington
May 19 – Joey Logano at North Wilkesboro (All-Star Race)
June 2 – Austin Cindric at WWTR
June 16 – Ryan Blaney at Iowa
June 30 – Joey Logano at Nashville
July 14 – Ryan Blaney at Pocono

HARVICK LAST OVAL WINNER

Kevin Harvick holds the distinction of being the last NASCAR Cup Series driver to win on the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after he took the checkered flag for the second straight year in 2020. Harvick came out on top following an overtime restart in a race that saw him lead 68 of the 161 laps and was delayed at the start for weather. Overall, six Ford drivers finished inside the top 10, including Aric Almirola (3rd), Brad Keselowski (4th), Cole Custer (5th), Michael McDowell (7th) and Joey Logano (10th).

JOSH BERRY: “I think Indianapolis Motor Speedway is so historic, and when you think of NASCAR at Indy, you think of the Brickyard 400 on the oval, right? So, to me, it’s a no-brainer to be there on the oval, and it’s going to be really special to run laps there. I’ve been to Indy on the road course but not on the oval. So, it’s going to be a challenge learning that, but it’s super exciting to go there and it’s going to be a challenge learning that. It’s a marquee event that we all want to run really well in.”

MICHAEL MCDOWELL: “It is cool to go back there because we won last year and there will be banners there with us in victory lane. That is cool. It is going to be fun. I know people won’t believe me when I say this, but I am. I wish we were still racing on the road course or had a doubleheader, but I believe we should be racing on the oval at Indy as well. Just its history, and it’s just different. The feel is different. It’s no different than the Indy 500 versus the Indy Grand Prix when the Indy Car guys run on the road course. It’s still a cool race and still a cool weekend, but it’s not the Indy 500. I’m excited about going back to the Oval and I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been in the sport a long time, so I have a lot of seat time there. Some other guys do, but a lot of the guys don’t. I look at that as an opportunity, and I’ve driven a lot of different packages there from low downforce to high downforce, no drag to a lot of drag, a thousand horsepower to five hundred horsepower. I feel like I’ve experienced a lot there, and I’m looking forward to getting the Next Gen car on the Indy Oval and see what it can do.”

NOAH GRAGSON: It’ll be awesome to get on the Oval. I’ve only run that Oval configuration once in my career, and that was in the Xfinity Series in 2019. It’ll be a little bit different because the Xfinity cars back then had the drafting, aero-duct package, and low horsepower. You had to draft the whole race, and it was kind of tricky to pass. I don’t know exactly what it’s going to be like. I haven’t been on there in five years, and on top of that, it’s a Cup car. It’s a different vehicle, but having some experience in the tunnel turn, turn two at Pocono, that corner is replicated off of Indianapolis, so to be able to get reps throughout the weekend before Indy is crucial to getting into a rhythm and at least having a little knowledge of what it might feel like when we get out there. I’ve done work on the simulators for Indianapolis and it’s a great track. There’s a lot of history there. The fans are awesome there. My first ever race as a spectator was going to the Indianapolis 500 in 2009 and to be able to go back there as a driver now and not a fan, you feel that presence of what the Brickyard means to you. Just being there as a fan back in the day, to be able to go there and remember everything that stuck out in my mind, it’s pretty cool to relive that.”

THREE JEWELS FOR DJ

The first time Ford found victory lane on the oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in a NASCAR Cup Series race was in 1996 when Dale Jarrett won the first of his two Brickyard 400 championships. What made the race most memorable from a Ford perspective is that it ended up being a battle between Jarrett and his Robert Yates Racing teammate, Ernie Irvan. The two ended up breaking away from the field as Irvan found himself in the lead after passing Jarrett on lap 139, but when he pushed up the track going into turn two with only seven laps to go, Jarrett was there to take advantage and make the pass. Jarrett held on to eventually win as the race ended under caution. That completed a trifecta of sorts for Jarrett, who also won the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600 earlier that season, and capped a memorable day for Ford with seven finishers in the Top 10 and 11 in the top 14.

RUDD’S BIG WIN

One of the most recent NASCAR Hall of Fame inductees, Ricky Rudd, stretched his fuel to the limit in winning the 1997 Brickyard 400 as he went the final 46 laps without stopping. That decision, along with a pair of timely cautions, enabled him to gain the lead and hold it until the checkered flag. Rudd inherited the lead on lap 147 after the yellow flag came out for debris from Robby Gordon hitting the wall. While leader Dale Jarrett and fellow contender Jeff Gordon were forced to pit for fuel under the caution, Rudd stayed out. Another caution with seven laps remaining allowed Rudd to save the necessary fuel to make it the rest of the way. In a single-file restart with three laps to go, Rudd led Bobby Labonte, Johnny Benson, Mark Martin, Jarrett and Gordon. Labonte was never able to get closer than a couple of car lengths as Rudd posted his second win of the season and biggest triumph of his career.

A MAST-ERFUL START

Another memorable Brickyard highlight came in the inaugural weekend in 1994 when Rick Mast won the pole while driving the No. 1 Ford of car owner Richard Jackson. Mast went on to lead the first lap at the speedway in official NASCAR competition, but ended up finishing one lap down in 22nd place. The pole was one of four Mast earned during his 15-year NASCAR Cup Series career.

CUSTER CLIMBING WIN LIST

Defending NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer won his first race of the 2024 season last weekend at Pocono Raceway and also increased his lead in the point standings to 51 over second-place Justin Allgaier. The win was also Custer’s 14th career series victory, moving him into a sixth-place tie with Matt Kenseth on the all-time Ford win list. The next driver on the list is Jeff Burton, who won 17 times during his career.

FORD ALL-TIME NXS WIN LIST

Mark Martin, 47
Carl Edwards, 38
Brad Keselowski, 19
Greg Biffle, 18
Jeff Burton, 17
Cole Custer, 14
Matt Kenseth, 14

TWO RACES REMAINING IN REGULAR SEASON

There are only two races remaining in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular season and two Ford drivers are currently inside the top 10 that will advance to the playoffs. Ty Majeski is the highest driver in the standings among those who have yet to win, sitting fourth, while defending series champion Ben Rhodes is fighting for one of the final spots as he goes into the weekend ninth in the standings. The top 10 drivers will make the playoffs and compete in a seven-race battle to determine this year’s champion.

FORD NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

AT THE BRICKYARD

1996 – Dale Jarrett (Oval)

1997 – Ricky Rudd (Oval)

1999 – Dale Jarrett (Oval)

2018 – Brad Keselowski (Oval)

2019 – Kevin Harvick (Oval)

2020 – Kevin Harvick (Oval)

2023 – Michael McDowell (Road Course)

FORD NASCAR Xfinity Series WINNERS

AT THE BRICKYARD

2020 – Chase Briscoe (Road Course)

2021 – Austin Cindric (Road Course)

FORD NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT LOR

1999 – Greg Biffle

2002 – Terry Cook

2003 – Carl Edwards

2006 – Rick Crawford

July 16, 2024
Meyer Shank Racing Features Canadian Rock Band The Tragically Hip for Toronto

SiriusXM’s The Tragically Hip Radio will be featured on David Malukas’ No. 66 SiriusXM Honda

Pataskala, Ohio (16 July 2024) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) and SiriusXM continue their collaborative effort to feature and bring artists to NTT INDYCAR SERIES races. With the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto set for this weekend, MSR and SiriusXM Canada are excited to welcome Canadian rock band, The Tragically Hip on the No. 66 SiriusXM Honda this weekend.

The special feature is the fourth collaboration so far this season between MSR and SiriusXM and the team is excited to extend it across borders with SiriusXM Canada for the Toronto INDYCAR weekend.

David Malukas’ No. 66 SiriusXM Honda will have a whole new look for the Toronto INDYCAR weekend. Featuring black, red and white colors, the livery pays homage to The Tragically Hip Radio (SiriusXM channel 757).

The Tragically Hip are a critically acclaimed rock band that has been a fixture in Canadian music for over 30 years and are beloved by fans across the country and the world. They’ve won 17 Juno awards and sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.

Band members Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair and Johnny Fay will attend the Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto this weekend to see the No. 66 MSR machine up close and personal in addition to meeting several of SiriusXM’s guests attending the race weekend.

“It’s really cool to see how this program has evolved this year and to be able to expand it into Canada and working with SiriusXM Canada has been awesome,” said MSR co-owner Mike Shank. “It will be great to have the band with us both Saturday and Sunday to see the car – which is a totally different look for us!”

The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto is set for Sunday, July 21st at 1:30pm ET with live broadcast coverage on Peacock TV and SiriusXM INDYCAR Nation (ch. 218).

July 16, 2024