Testing SpeedwayMedia.com

Author: Official Release

  • NABC Members GEICO and Gerber Collision & Glass Honor U.S. Army Veteran Through the NABC Recycled Rides Program at the NHRA Nationals

    NABC Members GEICO and Gerber Collision & Glass Honor U.S. Army Veteran Through the NABC Recycled Rides Program at the NHRA Nationals

    Vehicle Presentation to U.S. Army Veteran Damielle Reynolds Held Saturday, November 16 at the In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip

    POMONA, CA (November 16, 2024)– On Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at Pomona Dragstrip, the drivers weren’t the only winners. U.S. Army veteran Damielle Reynolds took home the top prize — a unique vehicle of her own, with the presentation of reliable transportation that will allow her to get to work and care of her family — thanks to the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program along with vehicle donor GEICO and collision repair partner Gerber Collision & Glass, whose team members donated their time and talent to refurbish the vehicle. It was the first time NABC® has presented a vehicle at a NHRA race.

    “It’s very exciting to be here at the Pomona Dragstrip with our partner Gerber Collision & Glass, who made this possible, GEICO, which donated the vehicle, and Enterprise, which provided additional support, amid all this horsepower and these amazing hot rods,” said Dale Ross, program director for NABC Recycled Rides®. “We are honored to present this vehicle to Damielle Reynolds and her son. We thank her for service and wish her all the best on her continued path to independence.”

    Reynolds was presented a beautiful 2018 Toyota Corolla donated by GEICO, which has provided more than 1,000 vehicles to the NABC Recycled Rides program, and refurbished by Gerber Collision & Glass of Rancho Cucamonga. She was nominated by U.S. Vets, which provides services to veterans in need. The fan presentation took place on the return road of the dragstrip with the crowd cheering for the veteran recipient.

    Reynolds is a veteran of the U.S. Army, and also a single mother to a wonderful eight-year-old son with autism. Reynolds graduated high school and left for the U.S. Army three weeks later, looking for opportunities to be successful and to serve others. She completed four years of active-duty service and then moved back home to be with family and to have support for her son while attending junior academy. With her son’s well-being always her main focus, she unfortunately fell on tough times through a series of challenging situations: Covid impacted their lives heavily because her son could no longer receive in-person therapy, undoing much of the progress he had made. Car problems resulted in a loss of a vehicle and things snowballed until they found themselves homeless, couch surfing for six months. Then with the help of US Vets, Reynolds has since been able to get back into school and is looking for a part-time job. Her son is now eligible for sports this year through his medical provider. Having a reliable vehicle will help alleviate a lot of financial burdens, like the cost of ridesharing, to get him to his activities, therapy and her to school, as she looks to learn additional skills to earn a better income. This gift of a reliable vehicle will be the hand up she needs to get back on her feet, maintain her independence and keep moving towards the best life for her and her son.

    “I have cried so many happy tears this morning,” said Reynolds. “This is such an incredible gift. When you lose everything and have to rebuild, every step is a challenge. This will make such a difference in the lives of my son and I. I am so grateful to everyone who made this possible.”

    NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated more than 3,300 vehicles valued at some $47 million.

    Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation included David Wilson’s Toyota Riverside, PPG, Martin Auto Color, Advanced Remarketing Services, Cars for Charity and Copart.

    ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL®

    The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,300 vehicles and provided extrication opportunities for some 5,500 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Community Impact program. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC® membership dollars. The NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is committed to the goal of driving change for veterans, military members, first responders and families in need, while harnessing the power of the collective membership of the collision repair industry to positively impact communities where we live and work. As demand for NABC® programs like NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC F.R.E.E.™ grows, so do the needs for resources to manage these important programs. Being able to pursue grants, gifts and donations allows NABC to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.

  • B. FORCE, PROCK, ANDERSON AND M. SMITH TAKE NO. 1 SPOTS AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

    B. FORCE, PROCK, ANDERSON AND M. SMITH TAKE NO. 1 SPOTS AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

    POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2024) – Brittany Force made the quickest Top Fuel run of the 2024 season on Saturday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, qualifying No. 1 for the fourth time in the past five races at the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.

    Austin Prock (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Matt Smith (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the last of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the sixth race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

    Force, who won the most recent race in Las Vegas, went an impressive 3.643-seconds at 336.65 mph in her 11,000-horsepower Monster Energy/Chevrolet dragster, collecting her sixth No. 1 of the season. After enduring her share of struggles this season, Force and her team have come on strong to close out the season as she looks to end the year with a second straight win. She’s 108 points out of first, giving her an outside shot at a championship as well, but Force is thrilled with how her team has persevered to get back on track.

    Steve Torrence went 3.644 just moments earlier on Saturday, but Force and her team laid down an incredible run to close out qualifying.

    “We ran a 3.64 and that’s huge. I’m very proud of [crew chief] David Grubnic and John Collins, and the whole Monster Energy team. I wanted as many bonus points as we could get,” Force said. “[The number of cars in the 3.6s] says the competition is fierce. It’s killer out there. I didn’t know how quick I ran but when I pulled off the track there were cameras in my face so I thought it might be better than it felt.

    “I’m not disappointed [in being a championship longshot]. Everything happens for a reason and it all helps pull our team together. We win as a team and we lose as a team.”

    Torrence’s 3.644 at 334.90 puts him second, while defending world champion Doug Kalitta is third after a 3.650 at 334.98. Shawn Langdon took fourth with a 3.653 at 331.45, jumping into second in points.

    He’s currently 43 behind points leader Justin Ashley, who is looking for his first world championship. Ashley will open eliminations in an epic first-round matchup against Antron Brown, who is only 46 points behind the young standout. Kalitta and Torrence are 78 and 79 points behind, respectively, while Clay Millican also remains in contention at 95 points out of first heading into the opening round of eliminations.

    In Funny Car, Austin Prock closed out qualifying with an incredible track-record run of 3.804 at 334.57 in his 11,000-horsepower AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS. Prock clinched his first career world championship in qualifying, making the quickest Funny Car run in seven years and the fourth-quickest in Funny Car history. It is his 15th No. 1 qualifier in 2024, the most in Funny Car history.

    Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson stayed alive in the championship chase, making two strong runs of 6.50 on Saturday, including a category-best 6.505 at 211.20 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. It is the eighth No. 1 qualifier of the season for the five-time world champion, who also remained in contention for the world title. He’s currently 48 points behind leader Aaron Stanfield, with a potential semifinal matchup looming between the contenders.

    He could also meet KB Titan Racing teammate Dallas Glenn in the championship round in what would be a winner-take-all final round. It’s a scenario that has the veteran and the all-time wins leader in the category excited for Sunday, as an epic championship finale could be in store at Pomona.

    “Qualifying means everything. To be able to control our own destiny on Sunday is all you can ask for,” Anderson said. “The way the ladder is set up is a prayer answered. I can’t remember a time when we had three cars within two rounds of the championship going into Sunday.

    “Win the race and win the championship. If I can pull that off, it might be the biggest thing I’ve done in this sport. We’ve got it all set up. I just hope I wake up on the right side of the bed. For the last dozen races I’ve had the strongest horse out here but I just haven’t closed the deal. Tomorrow, I hope the sun shines on me and if it doesn’t, I hope it shines on my teammate, Dallas Glenn.”

    Glenn is 29 points behind Stanfield, qualifying second with a run of 6.512 at 209.82, pulling to within a round of Stanfield heading into eliminations. He could potentially meet Stanfield in a winner-take-all final round as well, while Stanfield qualified fourth with a 6.517 at 209.98.

    Matt Smith kept Gaige Herrera from his second straight championship on Saturday, securing enough qualifying bonus – as well as the No. 1 spot – to extend the championship race into Sunday. He qualified in the top spot for the sixth time this year, going 6.721 at 202.64 on his Denso Auto Parts/Matt Smith Racing Buell. With that, he closed the gap to 119 points against Herrera, though Smith will need plenty of help to secure a seventh world championship on Sunday.

    If Herrera knocks off Clayton Howey in the opening round of eliminations, Herrera will claim his second straight world title. Smith’s only path to a championship is if Herrera loses in the first round and Smith wins the race. If that doesn’t happen, Smith would at least like to end the year with a victory.

    “We came here to try and get the win and we’re in a spot to do that,” Smith said. “We’re still alive [for the championship] but we made too many mistakes during the Countdown to battle Gaige [Herrera] for the championship.

    “Funny, but I’m going to finish No. 2 in the championship and I’ve never been No. 2 in my career. I’ve either won the championship or been third or fourth or lower. It would be huge for us to win the race tomorrow or for Angie [Smith], John Hall or Jianna [Evaristo] to win it. I’d love to see one of them win it. It would be a great way to end the season.”

    A. Smith qualified second with a 6.758 at 201.43 and Herrera is third after going 6.765 at 201.22.

    Eliminations for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals begin at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

    POMONA, Calif. — Sunday’s first-round pairings for eliminations for the 59th annual In-N-Out NHRA Finals at In-N-Out Pomona Dragstrip, the final of 20 events in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Pairings based on results in qualifying, which ended Saturday. DNQs listed below pairings.

    Top Fuel — 1. Brittany Force, 3.643 seconds, 336.65 mph vs. 16. Krista Baldwin, 3.801, 302.28; 2. Steve Torrence, 3.644, 334.90 vs. 15. Gary Pritchett, 3.750, 329.91; 3. Doug Kalitta, 3.650, 334.98 vs. 14. Ida Zetterstrom, 3.738, 323.89; 4. Shawn Langdon, 3.653, 331.45 vs. 13. Josh Hart, 3.729, 327.90; 5. Justin Ashley, 3.670, 332.59 vs. 12. Antron Brown, 3.725, 318.09; 6. Shawn Reed, 3.678, 331.69 vs. 11. Jasmine Salinas, 3.723, 332.43; 7. Tony Stewart, 3.694, 333.91 vs. 10. Billy Torrence, 3.712, 330.96; 8. Tony Schumacher, 3.694, 331.77 vs. 9. Clay Millican, 3.700, 331.36.

    Did Not Qualify: 17. Scott Palmer, 3.818, 301.47; 18. Ron August, 4.121, 229.27.

    Funny Car — 1. Austin Prock, Chevy Camaro, 3.804, 334.57 vs. 16. Jason Rupert, Ford Mustang, 5.413, 132.13; 2. Ron Capps, Toyota GR Supra, 3.821, 332.75 vs. 15. Jeff Diehl, Toyota Camry, 4.544, 191.81; 3. Jack Beckman, Camaro, 3.828, 334.82 vs. 14. Terry Haddock, Mustang, 4.041, 305.84; 4. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.838, 331.94 vs. 13. Steven Densham, Mustang, 3.983, 313.66; 5. Bob Tasca III, Mustang, 3.867, 334.82 vs. 12. Daniel Wilkerson, Mustang, 3.903, 308.92; 6. Blake Alexander, Mustang, 3.870, 336.40 vs. 11. Alexis DeJoria, GR Supra, 3.890, 308.43; 7. Paul Lee, Charger, 3.875, 328.46 vs. 10. Chad Green, Mustang, 3.889, 327.98; 8. Cruz Pedregon, Charger, 3.875, 324.59 vs. 9. J.R. Todd, GR Supra, 3.878, 326.71.

    Did Not Qualify: 17. Alex Miladinovich, 7.085, 91.17; 18. Dave Richards, 7.543, 85.50; 19. Buddy Hull, 8.320, 79.11.

    Pro Stock — 1. Greg Anderson, Chevy Camaro, 6.505, 211.20 vs. 16. Kenny Delco, Camaro, 6.620, 208.78; 2. Dallas Glenn, Camaro, 6.512, 209.82 vs. 15. Derrick Reese, Ford Mustang, 6.562, 210.34; 3. Camrie Caruso, Camaro, 6.515, 209.07 vs. 14. Chris McGaha, Camaro, 6.548, 209.26; 4. Aaron Stanfield, Camaro, 6.517, 209.98 vs. 13. Troy Coughlin Jr., Camaro, 6.546, 210.70; 5. Matt Hartford, Camaro, 6.520, 210.77 vs. 12. Fernando Cuadra Jr., Camaro, 6.541, 209.36; 6. Erica Enders, Camaro, 6.527, 209.98 vs. 11. Eric Latino, Camaro, 6.539, 209.17; 7. Jeg Coughlin, Camaro, 6.530, 210.44 vs. 10. Cristian Cuadra, Mustang, 6.536, 208.94; 8. Jerry Tucker, Camaro, 6.532, 210.11 vs. 9. Cory Reed, Camaro, 6.534, 209.95.

    Did Not Qualify: 17. Joey Grose, 6.628, 208.14; 18. Mason McGaha, 6.884, 205.47; 19. David Cuadra, 26.403, 31.61.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle — 1. Matt Smith, Buell, 6.721, 202.64 vs. 16. Aaron Pine, Suzuki, 17.388, 72.97; 2. Angie Smith, Buell, 6.758, 201.43 vs. 15. Lance Bonham, Buell, 7.248, 187.78; 3. Gaige Herrera, Suzuki, 6.765, 201.22 vs. 14. Clayton Howey, Suzuki, 7.001, 193.35; 4. Richard Gadson, Suzuki, 6.767, 199.82 vs. 13. Ryan Oehler, EBR, 6.885, 196.82; 5. Steve Johnson, Suzuki, 6.771, 196.44 vs. 12. Jianna Evaristo, Buell, 6.834, 202.09; 6. Chase Van Sant, Suzuki, 6.783, 198.96 vs. 11. Chris Bostick, Suzuki, 6.815, 198.29; 7. Geno Scali, Suzuki, 6.788, 198.55 vs. 10. Hector Arana Jr, EBR, 6.796, 199.14; 8. John Hall, Beull, 6.792, 200.53 vs. 9. Marc Ingwersen, EBR, 6.792, 197.62.

  • KODY SWANSON EARNS $50,000 PRIZE IN 100-LAP OPEN WHEEL SHOWDOWN LAS VEGAS

    KODY SWANSON EARNS $50,000 PRIZE IN 100-LAP OPEN WHEEL SHOWDOWN LAS VEGAS

    LAS VEGAS — California native Kody Swanson added another marquee victory to his incredible career, winning the $50,000 BITNILE.com Open Wheel Showdown for Winged Sprint Cars at the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday night. Bobby Santos scored a $20,000 second place while 2023 winner Aaron Willison rounded out the podium worth $10,000.

    Swanson used the choose cone to position himself for a lap 73 restart alongside Willison, swooping around the outside for the lead. When the caution flew again on lap 82, Swanson chose the outside once more and maintained his stranglehold on the top spot.

    Santos worked his way past Willison for second and had his sights on Swanson when a caution flag set up a green-white-checkered finish. Swanson would not be denied as he charged to a .881-second victory. Idaho’s Bryan Warf and California’s Eric Humphries rounded out the top-five.

    “I got schooled on the high side (in the first half) so I figured I better wisen up,” Swanson said. “It gave me a chance to keep up my momentum and do what wing things require. The big thing was I was driving the best car.

    I knew we had a chance. I’ve run some 100 lappers before. I knew I had to take care of my (tires) and be aware of that. I’m really fortunate it worked out that way and we never quit. This is special. I’ve seen so many friends and family I don’t get to see in the Midwest all year that made the trip out for this. I appreciate what everyone has done to bring this event back to Las Vegas.”

    Willison won Friday’s Pole Shuffle and led the 26-car starting grid to the green but was immediately challenged by fourth-starting Santos. Santos soared on the outside past both Swanson and fast-time qualifier JoJo Helberg of Rohnert Park, Calif. on the opening salvo, then scooted underneath Willison to lead lap three.

    Santos led Willison, Idaho’s Bryan Warf, Swanson, and Idaho’s Casey Tillman at the lap 50 break for fuel, a fresh right rear tire, and adjustments.

    Willison ran alongside Santos on the restart, crossing underneath him in turn four for a thrilling pass to lead lap 51. The move looked to be a potentially decisive one before a caution on lap 73 gave Swanson his opportunity to pounce on the top.

    Early action saw the 20-lap B-Main claimed by Indiana’s CJ Leary as well.

    The 40-lap Super Modified feature was won by 12-time champion Otto Sitterly of New York, giving the Empire State back-to-back $5,000 Super Modified hauls at the Open Wheel Showdown.

    Fellow New York pilot Matt Capara had a strong start, preserving over numerous restarts to lead the first ten laps over Sitterly and Davey Hamilton, Sr. Capara then suffered a mechanical problem that thrust Hamilton into the lead.

    Sitterly ran down Hamilton, then used the lapped car of Hall of Famer Kenny Hamilton as a pick to go outside for the lead on lap 21.

    Sitterly led the final 19 circuits followed by Hamilton and a hard-charging Frankie Volz in third. Colorado’s Cody Castor and Canadian Jimmy White rounded out the top-five.

    Las Vegas’ Aaron McMorran simply dominated the proceedings all weekend for the $5000 to win Klotz Synthetics Modifieds. McMorran led time trials on Friday night, drew the one pill, then won his Cometic Gasket heat race.

    Despite numerous incidents slowing the proceedings, McMorran was unfazed throughout the 75-lap feature. McMorran led wire-to-wire over fellow Las Vegas driver Sam Jacks. Stephen Brucker of Alpine, Calif., Shelby Stroebel of Idaho, and Kyle Jacks were the balance of the top-five. California’s Eddie Secord won the 25-lap B-Feature.

  • AUSTIN PROCK WINS HIS FIRST NHRA FUNNY CAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WITH JOHN FORCE RACING AND CHEVROLET

    AUSTIN PROCK WINS HIS FIRST NHRA FUNNY CAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WITH JOHN FORCE RACING AND CHEVROLET

    In His First Season Driving the Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, Prock Amassed Eight Victories and 15 No. 1 Qualifiers So Far on His Way to Claiming the Coveted Title

    POMONA, California (November 16, 2024) – In his first season competing behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevy for John Force Racing, clinched his first NHRA Funny Car World Championship at the famed In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, Calif.

    “Congratulations to Austin Prock and everyone at John Force Racing on winning the 2024 NHRA Funny Car World Championship,” said Mark Stielow, Director, Motorsports Competition Programs. “To win his first NHRA World Championship, in his first season behind the wheel of the Camaro SS Funny Car, shows the talent, preparation, and execution Austin and his team delivered all season.”

    Amassing eight victories, three runner-up finishes, and 15 No. 1 qualifiers, surpassing team owner John Force for the most Funny Car No. 1 qualifiers in a single season, in addition to a win-loss record of 46-11 so far this season, Prock defeated teammate Jack Beckman, racing on behalf of team owner and 16-time World Champion Force, to give JFR and Chevrolet a one-two finish in the final standings. The title is John Force Racing’s 23rd World Championship title and Chevrolet’s eighth driver championship in the category.

    The team’s performance during the 2024 season not only showcased Prock’s natural ability piloting the Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, but also the dedication and focus of his team to claim wins at Phoenix, Bristol, Richmond, Seattle, the prestigious U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Reading, Charlotte 2, and Las Vegas 2. Prock still has one more race day left, with Pomona’s In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals victory up for grabs Sunday.

    “It’s been an amazing year,” said Prock. “This team has done an outstanding job all year long and they deserve this championship. It’s been an honor to drive this Cornwell Tools Camaro, and proud to deliver a championship to Chevrolet.”

    Prock clinched the championship after Q3 Saturday that saw the team run 3.804 seconds E.T. at 334.57 mph, the quickest run in nitro Funny Car since the elimination of laid-back headers. “Everyone at John Force Racing, we’re surrounded by such great people, such great sponsors. (This team) gives you so much confidence to go after something like this. This is 19 years in the making. I started racing when I was 10 years old and all I wanted to do was be a professional race car driver. I’m so proud to drive this Chevrolet with AAA Auto Club, Cornwell Tools, and everyone that’s a part of this.”

    Formerly competing with John Force Racing in Top Fuel, Prock got his opportunity this season after teammate Robert Hight had to step out of the car for medical reasons. During the season, Prock raced to multiple track records with his father Jimmy Prock, brother Thomas Prock, and Nate Hildahl serving as co-crew chiefs, as well as capturing low elapsed times of sessions and events. Overall, Prock holds 12 wins during his NHRA career in both Top Fuel and Funny Car, as well as 18 No. 1 qualifiers heading into tomorrow’s eliminations.

    A Notes and Quotes recap will follow the race on Sunday.

    About General Motors

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

  • FUNNY CAR’S AUSTIN PROCK CLINCHES FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN DOMINANT FASHION AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

    FUNNY CAR’S AUSTIN PROCK CLINCHES FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN DOMINANT FASHION AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

    POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 16, 2024) – Funny Car’s Austin Prock clinched his first career world championship on Saturday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, securing the world title for John Force Racing during qualifying at the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.

    Prock finished as the No. 1 qualifier with a track-record run of 3.804-seconds at 334.57 mph to close out the day in his 11,000-horsepower AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS, making the quickest run in Funny Car since 2017 and the fourth-quickest in class history. It’s another magical moment in what has been an incredible and dominant first year in Funny Car for the young standout.

    He has put together one of the most impressive Funny Car seasons in history, winning eight races thus far and clinching his 15th No. 1 qualifier, the most in a single season in Funny Car history. Prock has been just as terrific in the Countdown to the Championship, culminating in his first world title and a magical moment in his young career.

    “I’ve been working towards this for 19 years,” Prock said. “I started driving race cars when I was 10 years old and all I could think of was being a professional race car driver in any manner and winning the world championship, and we got it done this year. The main job is finished, finally, but we want nine wins before we end this 2024 season, and we definitely have the hot rod to do it right now.

    “This thing’s been on kill this weekend, and in the last few years, this race car hasn’t performed all that well here in Pomona, but all the stars are aligning right now. We made three really, really quick runs and I’m doing a good job keeping it in the middle of the groove here.”

    Prock, who had previously raced in Top Fuel, winning four times and being named Rookie of the Year in 2019, got the opportunity to join his father, multi-time championship crew chief Jimmy Prock, and his brother, Thomas, on the John Force Racing Cornwell Tools Funny Car team after its normal driver, thee-time world champ Robert Hight, was sidelined for medical reasons before the season started.

    A. Prock made his presence known almost immediately, scoring a runner-up in Gainesville and collecting his first Funny Car victory in Phoenix.

    He held the points lead for the bulk of the season, taking the lead for good after finishing as runner-up to Force in Epping. Prock was the near-perfect driver to match a fast hot rod, ranking second in class average for reaction times while completing nearly 80 percent of all runs under power.

    Prock enjoyed success in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge and ran well in almost any weather conditions, picking up victories in Bristol, Richmond and Seattle in the regular season. He also won the prestigious NHRA U.S. Nationals for the first time in his career this year, rolling to playoff wins in Reading and Charlotte following that.

    He enjoyed 14 straight round wins at that point in the season, taking a commanding lead down the stretch of the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Prock followed with a victory in Las Vegas – part of a JFR double-up with Brittany Force – and finished the job in qualifying in Pomona.

    Now, Prock has a chance to cement his year as arguably the best in recent history. Only five drivers in NHRA history have won eight or more events before this season and Prock still has the opportunity to win a ninth national event, a feat that hasn’t been done since Force did it in 2000 with 11.

    “I was nervous coming into this weekend, but everything’s just working right, just like it has all year,” Prock said. “We’re looking forward to tomorrow. We’re going to do a little bit of celebrating tonight, but we’ll all be ready to go in the morning and try and go for that ninth Wally.”

    Eliminations for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals begin at 11 a.m. PT on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

  • Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Daytona Testing Report

    Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Daytona Testing Report

    DAYTONA BEACH, Florida. (November 16, 2024) – Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing completed two full days of testing at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. With the return to Cadillac Racing, the Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing stable took to the track for the first time with the two-car Cadillac V-Series.R factory effort. With over 17 hours of testing, the Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing team tallied 491 laps across the 3.56-mile, 12-turn road course.

    Onsite at Daytona International Speedway included all four full-season drivers for Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing. Ricky Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque handled the No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R alongside their IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup co-driver, Will Stevens. The No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing team logged a best time of 01:36.367 on the time charts over the two days of testing. In the No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R, co-drivers Jordan Taylor and Louis Delétraz took helm for the testing sessions. The No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing duo posted their fastest lap time of 01:36.763 around Daytona International Speedway.

    The Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing team will return to Daytona International Speedway with the 2025 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season kickoff – the Road Before the Rolex 24 – beginning on Friday, January 17th, 2025. The Roar Before the Rolex 24 will conclude on Sunday, January 19th, 2025, with qualifying for the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA. The green flag for the 63rd Running of the Rolex 24 at DAYTONA will fly on Saturday, January 25th.

    Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Driver Quotes

    Ricky Taylor, Full Season Co-Driver, No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
    “First impression of the car is that it gives you a lot of confidence. I think it follows what we expected that the car is forgiving to drive and seems to be good in all types of corners. I think there is a learning curve for us on how the systems work and how all the buttons and things work. We are all looking forward to comparing notes next week and seeing how all our different experiences between Will driving for a different manufacturer and from the other four of us and Alex Lynn who has experience in the Cadillac and also our new teammates at Action Express. All of us working together to hopefully create the best of our three different worlds throughout the year.”

    Filipe Albuquerque, Full Season Co-Driver, No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
    “It is very interesting to drive the new Cadillac V-Series.R. It is very different from when I drove the DPi. For me, the Cadillac’s highlights are always the power, The throttle response is amazing and how it deploys the power to the wheel is very, very nice and natural. Our process is obviously ongoing, and I am looking forward to more time in the car.”

    Will Stevens, IMEC Co-Driver, No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
    “This is my first time in the Cadillac V-Series.R and my first impression is very positive. I think our first day in the car was to get all the drivers through to make everyone feel comfortable. The promising thing is that everyone felt pretty comfortable pretty quickly. Always a good sign when you have a new car, and you can adapt quickly and get used to how the car feels. A big part to learn going forward is more about the systems and how they work and how they can help us manipulate car balance, so we can start to get a few driver preferences on what we like and don’t like. The car has great adjustments in the settings and the tools we have available to us to fine tune balance for what a driver wants. Overall, very productive weekend.”

    Jordan Taylor, Full Season Co-Driver, No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
    “It has been great coming back to Cadillac and driving the new V-Series.R. It definitely has its own driving style wise: the way it feels, the way you attack corners, the setup changes are different, the terminology is all different. It has been a lot to learn but nice to get a head start here in November, before the year ends. We should get a good head start from this test and go into the off season with more ideas to come back to the ROAR with. We are all excited to start the season next year. I think there is a lot of expectation on big results. Obviously, last year, we had two wins, and the team would definitely like to increase that, and I think we will have a great chance to with Cadillac.”

    Louis Delétraz, Full Season Co-Driver, No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R
    “I really enjoyed my first laps in the Cadillac V-Series.R GTP. The first lap out of Turn 6, full throttle in the banking put a huge smile on my face. On every shift and down shift you can hear that incredible Cadillac engine noise. It is really cool. I am looking forward to more laps and getting more comfortable in the car. The car is very intuitive to drive and has high grip. Putting power down is definitely great. It feels like a race car! I am really excited to work with Wayne Taylor Racing, Cadillac and Dallara because I think together, we are a very strong group and can achieve great success – that will be our objective for the 40 car next season and to challenge for a title.”

    ABOUT WAYNE TAYLOR RACING (WTR)
    Wayne Taylor Racing’s global motorsports enterprise boasts two IMSA driver championships (2013 and 2017), and back-to-back IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Championships (2020, 2021) which contributed to nine IMSA manufacturer championships for Acura, Pontiac, Corvette and Cadillac. In its brief 18-year history, WTR has accumulated multiple victories in sportscar racing’s most iconic events: Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, Mid-Ohio, Road America and the Six Hours of The Glen. With its back-to-back PRO Class Championship wins (2022, 2023), WTR currently has 14 North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship titles and a Lamborghini World Finals title.

  • Teams get head start on 2025 IMSA season

    Teams get head start on 2025 IMSA season

    New drivers impressed with the powerful Cadillac V-Series.R during Daytona test

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2024) – Louis Deletraz was duly impressed with the Cadillac V-Series.R during an introductory drive Friday.

    “The first lap out of Turn 6, full throttle in the banking put a huge smile on my face,” Deletraz said. “On every shift and downshift you can hear that incredible Cadillac engine noise. It is really cool. The car is very intuitive to drive and has high grip. Putting power down is definitely great. It feels like a racecar.”

    Nine drivers totaled 866 laps over the two days of running on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn Daytona International Speedway road course that incorporates the high-banked oval during the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship-sanctioned off-season test.

    Initially, foremost for six new drivers was learning the intricacies of the Dallara chassis powered by the purpose-built 5.5-liter V8 engine and systems of the hybrid racecar followed by prescribed test plans over the course of five sessions. More than 16 hours of track time was also a refresher for Jack Aitken and Earl Bamber, who have driven the Cadillac LMDh platform since the inception of the GTP and FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar classifications, respectively, in 2023.

    The Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing Nos. 10 and 40 entries and Cadillac Whelen No. 31 racecars were running an updated control system electronics package that will be introduced for 2025 competition across the IMSA and WEC five-car fleet with the goal of improving cohesiveness in control areas for consistency and reliability, increasing data quality. The update is the first of five development “jokers” permitted for manufacturers through the initial homologation cycle.

    “The whole program is stepping up every single year and it’s great that Cadillac continues to progress and develop and push the envelope. With this Evo joker, it will continue to help us be more successful,” said Bamber, an IMSA and WEC champion.

    Cadillac Racing teams return to Daytona International Speedway January 17-19 for the Roar Before the 24, which culminates with qualifying for the twice-around-the-clock race the following weekend. The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R earned the pole this year.

    Drugovich returns to Action Express Racing

    Felipe Drugovich, who co-drove the No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, will join Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber and Frederik Vesti for the Rolex 24 At Daytona in the Action Express Racing-run car.

    The 2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship champion, who competed in LMP2 in the 2024 European Le Mans Series, will make his IMSA debut in the January race. Drugovich got seat time during the Daytona test.

    “I am really delighted to be here in Daytona for the first time. AXR and Cadillac gave me the opportunity to do my first Le Mans 24 Hours and now they are putting me to do the other mythical 24 hours — the Daytona one in January 2025,” he said. “Hope to help the team and my fellow drivers in this exciting and unforgettable experience, starting with these tests. I feel privileged and happy to be here.”

    Vesti added for Laguna Seca race

    Action Express Racing confirmed that Vesti will sit in for Bamber for the IMSA race May 9-11 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca because of the overlap with the FIA World Endurance Championship race at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.

    Bamber is doing double duty in 2025 with full season programs in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac GTP entry and with Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA for the eight-race WEC campaign.

    Vesti, the 2023 FIA Formula 2 Championship vice-champion and reserve driver for Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team, will also contest the five endurance races in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R.

    What they’re saying

    Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 10)

    Ricky Taylor, full season driver: “First impression of the car is that it gives you a lot of confidence. I think it follows what we expected that the car is forgiving to drive and seems to be good in all types of corners. I think there is a learning curve for us on how the systems work and how all the buttons and things. We are all looking forward to comparing notes next week and seeing how all our different experiences between Will (Stevens) driving for a different manufacturer and from the other four of us and Alex Lynn who has experience in the Cadillac and also our new teammates at Action Express. All of us working together to hopefully create the best of our three different worlds throughout the year.”

    Filipe Albuquerque, full season driver: “It is very interesting to drive the new Cadillac V-Series.R. It is very different from when I drove the DPi. For me, the Cadillac’s highlights are always the power. The throttle response is amazing and how it deploys the power to the wheel is very, very nice and natural. Our process is obviously ongoing, and I am looking forward to more time in the car.”

    Will Stevens, IMEC driver: “This is my first time in the Cadillac V-Series.R. and my first impression is very positive. I think our first day in the car was to get all the drivers through to make everyone feel comfortable. The promising thing is that everyone felt pretty comfortable pretty quickly. Always a good sign when you have a new car and you can adapt quickly and get used to how the car feels. A big part to learn going forward is more about the systems and how they work and how they can help us manipulate car balance so we can start to get a few driver preferences on what we like and don’t like. The car has great adjustable in the settings and the tools we have available to us to fine tune balance for what a driver wants. Overall, very productive weekend.”

    Cadillac Whelen (No. 31)

    Earl Bamber, full season driver: “The whole program is stepping up every single year and it’s great that Cadillac continues to progress and develop and push the envelope. With this Evo joker, it will continue to help us be more successful. I think we’re on a good path and rate, so I’m excited to get out there and start racing.”

    Jack Aitken, full season driver: “We have new drivers and they’re settling in well. This time of year it’s more about taking the simple steps, checking that the basics are working and covering our bases. It’s not going to be super relevant for the race weekend when we come back here in January because conditions will be different, but everyone is settling in really well and we’re working out the kinks.”

    Frederik Vesti, IMEC driver: “I can’t stop smiling to be honest. Being with Cadillac for the first time in Bahrain was a good experience but to finally start working with Action Express Racing and the whole Cadillac family in the U.S. is really cool. I’ve been looking forward for a few months now to get going with this program and now we’re finally here. These first few days have been really positive. I feel confident and comfortable in the car, which is not a given when you jump into a new car. From Lap 1, I’ve been really confident in this car. Therefore, I’m looking forward to the future.”

    Felipe Drugovich, Rolex 24 At Daytona driver: “It’s been a good test for me getting to know the track as well. I’ve never been on any type of banking like this so it’s quite cool. I’ve been getting used to this can again as it’s quite different from anything I drive. The sound is nice. We’re getting through test items that will help us when we come back here in January.”

    Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 40)

    Jordan Taylor, full season driver: “It has been great coming back to Cadillac and driving the new V-Series.R. It definitely has its own driving style-wise: the way it feels, the way you attack corners, the set-up changes are different, the terminology is all different. It has been a lot to learn but nice to get a head start here in November, before the year ends. We should get a good head start from this test and go into the off-season with more ideas to come back to the Roar with. We are all excited to start the season next year. I think there is a lot of expectation on big results. Obviously, last year, we had two wins and the team would definitely like to increase that and I think we will have a great chance to with Cadillac.”

    Louis Deletraz, full season driver: “I really enjoyed my first laps in the Cadillac V-Series.R. The first lap out of Turn 6, full throttle in the banking put a huge smile on my face. On every shift and down shift you can hear that incredible Cadillac engine noise. It is really cool. I am looking forward to more laps and getting more comfortable in the car. The car is very intuitive to drive and has high grip. Putting power down is definitely great. It feels like a racecar. I am really excited to work with Wayne Taylor Racing, Cadillac and Dallara because I think together we are a very strong group and can achieve great success. That will be our objective for the 40 car next season and to challenge for a title.”

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

  • Crown Jewels and Blockbuster Events Highlight 2025 ASA STARS National Tour Schedule

    Crown Jewels and Blockbuster Events Highlight 2025 ASA STARS National Tour Schedule

    (Macon, IL) – Building on a season that produced several close battles and even closer competition, the ASA STARS National Tour is gearing up for a 2025 schedule that features traditional crown jewel events as well as three exciting new additions.

    The growing asphalt Super Late Model series will visit 12 different tracks in 8 different states beginning Tuesday, February 11th at the New Smyrna Speedway for the 26th running of the Clyde Hart Memorial and ending on Sunday, November 9th with the always exciting All American 400 at the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

    Following the Clyde Hart Memorial during Speedweek at New Smyrna Speedway, the series will head over to the Five Flags Speedway. The season opener for Five Flags will feature a Doubleheader weekend with the ASA STARS National Tour under the lights on Friday, March 21st, while the ARCA Menards Series East and Vores Compacts will race on Saturday March 22nd. Last year’s race at Five Flags saw Cole Butcher get his first of 3 wins enroute to his 3rd place finish in the point standings. Just 15 days after Five Flags, the ASA STARS National Tour will make its debut at the Dominion Raceway in Woodford, VA on Saturday, April 5th.

    A Memorial Day Weekend doubleheader is set to take place starting Thursday, May 22nd at the Hickory Motor Speedway for Thursday Thunder in the Foothills. Then on Saturday, May 24th, the series will head to the newly renovated Newport Speedway in Newport, Tennessee.

    The Dairyland Doubleheader is once again set for Father’s Day Weekend kicking off on Friday, June 13th at Madison International Speedway. The series will then make its debut at the World’s Fastest ¼ mile, the Slinger Super Speedway on Father’s Day Sunday, June 15th.

    Saturday, July 26th, the series will head back home to the birthplace of ASA, Anderson Speedway, in Anderson, IN. Rookie of the Year winner, Kyle Steckly, took home his first ASA STARS National Tour win at Anderson this past season in the Redbud 400. After Anderson, the series heads back to Owosso Speedway, but in 2025 it will have a little twist. The event will take place on Wednesday, August 20th.

    The final three races on the 2025 schedule are events with deep roots in short track racing. Saturday, September 13th is the 37th Glass City 200 at Toledo Speedway. The series will return to the highbanks of the Winchester Speedway on Sunday, October 12th for the 54th Winchester 400. All roads lead to Nashville for the ASA STARS National Tour season finale on Sunday, November 9th at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway for the 41st running of the All American 400.

    Recently crowned NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, Ty Majeski, was the inaugural series champion in 2023, while Super Late Model hotshoe Casey Roderick claimed this year’s championship.

    The series will again have live coverage on Track TV in addition to event replays on MavTV.

    2025 ASA STARS National Tour Schedule

    Tuesday, February 11 New Smyrna Speedway, New Smyrna Beach FL
    Friday, March 21 Five Flags Speedway, Pensacola, FL
    Saturday, April 5 Dominion Raceway, Woodford, VA
    Thursday, May 22 Hickory Motor Speedway, Newton, NC
    Saturday, May 24 Newport Speedway, Newport, TN
    Friday, June 13 Madison International Speedway, Oregon, WI
    Sunday, June 15 Slinger Super Speedway, Slinger, WI
    Saturday, July 26 Anderson Speedway, Anderson, IN
    Wednesday, August 20 Owosso Speedway, Ovid, MI
    Saturday, September 13 Toledo Speedway, Toledo, OH
    Sunday, October 12 Winchester Speedway, Winchester, IN
    Sunday, November 9 Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, Nashville, TN

    For more information, visit https://starsnationaltour.com/

    ASA STARS National Tour

    Founded by Track Enterprises President Bob Sargent, The ASA STARS National Tour for pavement Super Late Model stock cars debuted in March 2023.

    The ASA STARS National Tour is a twelve-race championship series, offering a $100,000 point fund. The tour will visit 12 different race tracks in 8 states in 2025, with the season beginning in February during Florida Speedweeks, and concluding in early November at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway.

    For those unable to attend an event, live coverage of each of the 12 events can be found on Track TV in addition to each event being re-broadcast on MavTV.

    Track Enterprises (TE) is a racing Promotions Company based in Illinois, which owns and operates the ASA STARS National Tour. In addition to the STARS National Tour, Track Enterprises owns and operates Championship Racing Association (CRA) and the ASA Midwest Tour. TE also has a strategic alliance with the ASA Southern Super Series.

    ASA Branded Tours

    ASA Branded Tours encompasses four (4) pavement super late model racing series operating under the Track Enterprises banner, and under the ASA Brand via a licensing agreement for logo and IP Rights. ASA Branded Tours include the ASA STARS National Tour; the ASA CRA Super Series; The ASA Midwest Tour and the ASA Southern Super Series.

  • AARON WILLISON WINS FRIDAY POLE SHUFFLE FOR SATURDAY’S $50,000 OPEN WHEEL SHOWDOWN

    AARON WILLISON WINS FRIDAY POLE SHUFFLE FOR SATURDAY’S $50,000 OPEN WHEEL SHOWDOWN

    LAS VEGAS — British Columbia, Canada’s Aaron Willison finds himself in a familiar position at the BITNILE Open Wheel Showdown Las Vegas, where the 2023 $50,000 race winner has earned the pole for Saturday’s 2024 edition after Willison snared the 10-lap Firstline Systems Pole Shuffle. Willison was one of six 12-lap heat race winners on the .375-mile Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Willison then outmatched Good Boy Vodka fast time qualifier JoJo Helberg of Rohnert Park, Calif. in the shuffle for the pole position.

    “Yeah that was fun. Honestly track position – we had a good draw and got to start on the pole. I just knew I had to hit my marks and not miss the bottom. It was a good time there,” Willison said. “We’re just starting to establish a trend the longer the cars have been on the track to come to a decision for a baseline for tomorrow night. It’s awesome to have this platform to race on, to have all of North America gathered in one place to duke it out.”

    Helberg led the way in time trials with a new track record, storming to a 11.572 second lap at 116.66 miles per hour. Helberg then won the opening CSI Shocks heat race one, with both Jeff Montgomery and Ryan Litt experiencing difficulties that relegated them to a C-Main position.

    Willison won the BR Motorsports heat race two while Bobby Santos of Franklin, Mass. won the Elliott’s Custom Trailers heat three. A spin for Indiana USAC champion CJ Leary will have him coming out of Saturday’s B-Main. Casey Tillman won the Wilwood Brakes heat race four and Kody Swanson of Kingsburg, Calif. won the Racing Optics fifth heat race. Jake Trainor of Medway, Mass. won the Sweet Manufacturing heat race.

    Litt made quick work of the 15-lap C-Main, presented by RX Help Centers, and will continue his alphabet soup effort on Saturday.

    Klotz Modified action was led in qualifying by Las Vegas’ Aaron McMorran, who then drew the one pill in the redraw. All three heat races were presented by Cometic Gasket, with Aaron McMorran, Kyle Jacks, and Rich Lindgren snaring coveted wins.

    Saturday action kicks off early with Modified practices at 10:30am. General Admission gates also swing open at that time, with plenty of tickets available at the gates. Supermodified time trials are also on deck. Opening ceremonies are at 1:30pm, with fans then treated to the 100-lap Sprint Car feature, 75-lap Modified feature, 40-lap Supermodified feature and B-Mains for both the Sprint Cars and Modifieds. More information available at www.openwheelshowdown.com

    Pit Passes will be sold at the gate and include grandstand access.

  • Wayne Taylor Racing Lamborghini Super Trofeo Team Earn 2024 Team Championship Title

    Wayne Taylor Racing Lamborghini Super Trofeo Team Earn 2024 Team Championship Title

    CÁDIZ, Spain (November 15, 2024) — The Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) Lamborghini Super Trofeo (LST) team has completed the North America Championship season following the final doubleheader at Jerez de la Frontera in Spain. With the completion of the LSTNA Championship, Wayne Taylor Racing has earned Team Champion honors as well as Lamborghini Palm Beach collecting the Dealership Champion accolade. From the 2024 LSTNA season, WTR collected 14 wins and nine additional podiums on the year.

    Danny Formal and Ryan Norman concluded their first campaign together as a driver pairing in the No. 101 Huracán LST. Formal placed the No. 101 on pole position for Race 1, but challenging track conditions saw the No. 101 team slide back in the running order – ending their hopes for collecting the PRO class championship. In Race 2, Formal and Norman saw their luck turned around with victory to end the LSTNA season. Co-driver Norman quickly capitalized on the start of Race 2 to place the No. 101 car in prime position to grab the top step of the podium. With the LSTNA season complete, Formal and Norman earn PRO Class Vice Champion honors, tallying two overall wins on the season and a total of five podiums.

    For Nate Stacy and Nick Persing, the No. 108 Huracán LST duo were on the prowl for their first PRO|AM Championship title entering the final two races of the LSTNA Championship. Race 1 provided a key opportunity for the pairing to capitalize on their pace to gain valuable points for their championship hopes. Stacy and Persing navigated the high-speed Jerez de la Frontera circuit in Race 1, grabbing the second step on the podium in Thursday’s race. Persing and Stacy were ready to leave it all out on the line as Race 2 approached. The pair gave it all they had, but unfortunately came up just 10 points short of the title, collecting the PRO|AM Vice Champion title. Stacy and Persing collected four wins on the year, including the PRO|AM class sweep at Circuit of the Americas.

    Anthony McIntosh and Glenn McGee can boost the AM Class Championship trophy once again, as the pair have earned their second consecutive title. McIntosh and McGee’s 2024 LSTNA AM Championship title is their first with WTR and the first AM Class accolade for Wayne Taylor Racing. The No. 169 Global Power Components duo had a comfortable points lead entering Spain for the remaining North American rounds. Like their WTR teammates in Race 1, McGee and McIntosh battled the damp track surface and earned a top five AM Class result but the championship was still up for grabs come Race 2. Friday’s Race 2 saw a clean slate for all competitors as the pair propelled themselves from starting second into the lead and that momentum led to McGee and McIntosh capturing the victory and championship title simultaneously. The No. 169 team boosted six wins and three podiums in route to their title.

    Ashton Harrison and Graham Doyle battled a competitive AM Class and were determined to end their season on high note with the doubleheader finale from Jerez de la Frontera. In Race 1, Harrison and Doyle had sights set on moving forward on the grid, however damp track conditions made it difficult to gain positions on track. For Race 2, the No. 110 DEX Imaging duo were ready for a reset and once again push their way forward. All looked promising for a podium position, however, late race contact halted the momentum for the No. 110 team. Harrison and Doyle may not have been in the championship battle, but the pair can be proud of their success from the year – especially their podium at Watkins Glen International – as well as finishing inside the top ten of the AM Class Championship standings.
    Next up for the Wayne Taylor Racing LST stable are the World Finals competition from Jerez de la Frontera. Rather than competing altogether, the fields across LST North America, Europe and Asia will be split into two groups including AM and LB Cup then PRO and PRO|AM competition. Saturday, November 16, will see qualifying to set the grid for the World Finals doubleheader as well as the first round of World Finals. The AM and LB Cup Race 1, including WTR’s No. 110 DEX Imaging and No. 169 Global Power Components Huracán LSTs, is set for 1:55 p.m. Central European Time (7:55 a.m. ET) on Saturday. No. 101 PRO and No. 108 PRO|AM entries for WTR will compete in World Finals Race 1 later Saturday at 4:15 p.m. CET (10:15 a.m. ET). The conclusion of the LST World Finals weekend will see the AM and LB Cup final race go green at 11:50 a.m. CET (5:50 a.m. ET) with the final PRO and PRO|AM race set for 2:40 p.m. CET (8:40 a.m. ET) on Sunday, November 17. Lamborghini Squadra Corse’s YouTube channel will stream all four World Finals races from the weekend.

    Ryan Norman No. 101 WTR LST (PRO): “I’m very proud of how we finished the season with a win here at Jerez! The WTR team has worked so hard this season and although we had some struggles early on in the season, we all came back stronger and even though we didn’t come out at the end with the championship, we all have a lot of great things to be proud of. It’s been such a great experience teaming up with Danny as my co-driver this season and we still have more work to do with the World Finals coming up this weekend. The car is in a great window right now and we will be giving it everything we have to go for the win in the finals.”

    Danny Formal, No. 101 WTR LST (PRO): “The North American rounds are over and we’re going home with a win in Round 12. I’m very grateful for the WTR team, it was a great year. We earned P2 in the Championship, not what we wanted but we fought hard and never gave up. The WTR team did a fantastic job. I’m super excited for the World Finals starting tomorrow.”

    Nate Stacy, No. 108 WTR LST (PRO|AM): “We fought with everything we had but, in the end, came up one spot short. It’s a brutal feeling for the guys, they all wanted this championship so badly however, we had a good racecar at the end of the race and showed promising speed throughout the race. I’m excited to see how we do in World Finals and can’t wait to give it our best shot!”

    Nick Persing, No. 108 WTR LST (PRO|AM): “Bittersweet ending to the North American championship, while I am not disappointed with second, we definitely had a chance to win. Regardless I think we exceeded the expectations we had going into the season and watching my own progression over the season has been something to be proud of. As of now though my head is down fully focused on World Finals tomorrow because I think we have a shot to win it in PRO/AM.”

    Glenn McGee, No. 169 Global Power Components LST (AM): “A great weekend! We started off strong, the weather threw us off on setup and Wayne Taylor Racing came up with an amazing setup for our race. Tony and I both qualified well. It was a little difficult in Race 1 because the conditions were damp. We knew starting eighth overall in Race 2, we had a good position and the car was amazing. We drove to the front and hung on to the leaders. I just took care of the tires and made sure the car was okay to give to Tony. Tony did an amazing job, brought it home in first place – got us the win and the championship. Wayne Taylor Racing did an amazing job all year and really proud that we could bring the North American championship for a second time and get it with the might of Wayne Taylor Racing behind us.”

    Graham Doyle, No. 110 DEX Imaging LST (AM): “Ending the US Super Trofeo season I feel as if the results don’t display the feeling in our cars performance and our pace heading into World Finals. After a challenging Race 1 in shifting conditions, we were able to make our way through the field and up into a podium position spot. in Race 2. Yet the cards weren’t in our favor and late contact from a competitor stole away our chances. Looking ahead, I feel like we are ready to take on World Finals and hope to redeem ourselves.”

    Ashton Harrison, No. 110 DEX Imaging LST (AM): “A bummer to end the North America final in the gravel. Graham had a crazy good start and gained a ton of positions and put us in contention for the podium.
    The WTR team had us set up for success, but unfortunately contact from a competitor sent us into the gravel. Heartbroken for the entire team. Heads up and refocused onto World Finals for the remainder of the weekend. Very thankful to be given the chance to drive with Graham and WTR again this year, looking forward to a successful World Finals.”
    ABOUT WAYNE TAYLOR RACING DRIVER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
    Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wayne Taylor Racing is a leader in sportscar racing, recognized worldwide for fielding championship winning racing efforts since 2007. Wayne Taylor Racing has run a stable of championship winning cars and drivers in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series for over half a decade, forming the basis of its Driver Development Program. Since its inception in 2015, the team has clinched eight North American PRO Driver, Team and Dealer Championship titles, fielded the first woman World Finals race winner and became the overall 2017 Champions at the World Finals in Imola, Italy. In addition to its Lamborghini Super Trofeo stable, Wayne Taylor Racing fields a two-car GTP program with its championship winning No. 10 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 40 Cadillac V-Series.R as well as a GTD program with the No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2.

    For more information on Wayne Taylor Racing’s Driver Development Program and how to get involved, contact Travis Houge at info@waynetaylorracing.com.