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  • Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Homestead-Miami Advance

    Bass Pro Shops Racing: Martin Truex Jr. Homestead-Miami Advance

    Martin Truex Jr.
    Homestead-Miami Advance
    No. 19 Bass Pro Shops 2017 Cup Series Championship Throwback Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

    Event Overview

    ● Event: Straight Talk Wireless 400 (Round 34 of 36)
    ● Time/Date: 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 27
    ● Location: Homestead-Miami Speedway
    ● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
    ● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400 miles
    ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 80 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 102 laps
    ● TV/Radio: NBC / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Notes of Interest

    ● Trip Down Memory Lane: Truex notched his lone Homestead victory in November 2017, when he led 78 laps and clinched his first Cup Series championship. This weekend, he’ll be performing an ode to that 2017 championship as he’ll be running the same Bass Pro Shops scheme he brought home during his championship seven years ago.

    ● Three To Go: After a strong sixth-place finish last weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Truex moved from 14th in 10th in the driver standings with 2,194 points heading to this weekend’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

    ● Truex has one win, seven top-five finishes and 12 top-10s and has led a total of 387 laps in 19 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Homestead. Truex’s average Homestead finish is 9.5. Truex holds the best average finish at Homestead among active drivers, with JGR teammate Christopher Bell second best among active drivers with 10.0.

    ● Looking for 35: Truex’s July 2023 win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon 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 64 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 in August 2023. Truex scored his fourth stage win of the season last month at Watkins Glen, leading the field across the line at the end of Stage 1.

    Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops 2017 Throwback Toyota Camry XSE

    What are the feelings heading back to Miami after winning a championship there in 2017 and typically running well there?

    “I always enjoy going back there and feel like it’s always been a good track for us. Going back to the Busch Series, and learning about the place, it was good then. I almost won my first race there in the Cup Series. I feel comfortable and have fun there, and it’s nice going to a track you’re not dreading and you enjoy and we hope to have some success with our Bass Pro Shops Camry this weekend. The scheme from that year was obviously memorable with what we did that year and at Homestead to win it all. Really have to thank everyone at Bass Pro Shops and Joe Gibbs Racing for bringing this scheme back to Homestead one more time.”

    What do you remember from that night when you won the championship in 2017?

    “I remember everything about it – the whole weekend, race, every lap. The only thing I don’t remember is when I crossed the finish line after the back straightaway. The party was fun, but nothing as crazy as when everyone was so happy and excited. We didn’t get to do much as I was on the track until 3 a.m. with obligations. The funniest part was a few of my crew guys and team members took a van around the racetrack. I was sitting off turn four doing an interview with Jamie Little and FOX, and we see those guys screaming in the van. Just everyone having a big time and happy for everything that happened.”

    What kind of comfort level do you have at Homestead?

    “It’s a track I feel good about. Recent success is always important. Last year we had a good run going and then we had the engine go bad, so we never really got to see what we had there for the full race. The year before, went really well and we were in position to win that race late and we had issues getting spun on pit road that took us out of it. Definitely have a lot of confidence going there with our Bass Pro Shops Camry. I feel like we have a good notebook from the last couple of years to go off of. It’s a place where I think we can make something happen.”

    What do you like most about Homestead-Miami Speedway?

    “Everything. That’s the kind of track I really like. You can run all over and it’s really low-grip and it wears tires out. You really have to manage your car and your tires throughout runs, being able to move around the track and finding lines that work for you. It’s a big challenge and I enjoy tracks like that. I love South Florida and love going down there. A lot of great fans. It doesn’t feel like fall when you go down there, it feels like summer, so that’s an added bonus.”

    No. 19 Bass Pro Shops 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

    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

  • Dempsey-Wright Motorsports, Dempsey, and Long Welcome Tanner Foust to Austin Six-Hour Effort

    Dempsey-Wright Motorsports, Dempsey, and Long Welcome Tanner Foust to Austin Six-Hour Effort

    NEXT UP: COTA SIX HOUR
    AUSTIN, TEXAS | NOVEMBER 22-23

    BATAVIA, Ohio. (October 22, 2024) – In anticipation of the conclusion of the Porsche Endurance Challenge North America championship at Circuit of The Americas (COTA) next month, Dempsey-Wright Motorsports has announced the addition of Tanner Foust to the driver lineup of the No. 98 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, joining Patrick Dempsey and Patrick Long to the season finale event.

    “It’s an incredible honor to be invited as the third driver for this powerhouse motorsports duo,” said Foust. “Pat Long and Patrick Dempsey are two of my personal heroes; they are both extremely inspirational on and off the track. To top it off, we’re hitting the iconic COTA circuit in a Wright Motorsports-prepped Porsche GT4—it doesn’t get much better than that! What makes this even more special is that, after more than 25 years in racing, this will be my official debut in an officially sanctioned sports car race.”

    As a professional racing driver, stunt driver, and television host, Foust needs little introduction. The 51-year-old holds multiple championship titles in Formula Drift, Global Rallycross, and the Americas Rally Cross Championship. He holds various national championships and world records and has held four X Games gold medals. The Circuit of The Americas event will be his first foray into the world of sanctioned sports car racing, a welcome new arena for the world-record holder to conquer with Dempsey and Long.

    “I’m absolutely blown away that Tanner is going to be racing with us,” said Patrick Dempsey. “He has such an incredible range as a driver. It’s remarkable that he’s not done any endurance racing, so to have him on board with us is really exciting and inspiring. Not only is he a talented driver, but he’s also such a great human being highly intelligent, great sense of humor and so kind and down to earth and just wonderful to be around.”

    “I have so much respect for Tanner,” said Long. “This will be a lot of fun. A big theme of this program is going racing with people we all enjoy being around and Tanner is an amazing driver and an even better human.”

    After three 60-minute rounds, the upcoming six-hour endurance event will provide the trio the perfect opportunity to showcase their skill, aided by the multi-championship winning sports car racing team. Dempsey and Long are currently second in the Cayman GT4 RS CS championship standings, following a successful three rounds. They started the season off strong at COTA with a second-place finish in round one and a fifth-place in round two. They’ll be riding the momentum of their third-place finish at Sonoma Raceway as they head into round four.

    The No. 98 Dempsey-Wright Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport is supported by esteemed partners Porsche Motorsport North America, Mobil 1, Hagerty, Dream Drives for Kids, RAFA Racing Club, and Yokohama.

    The November 22-24 event will not be open to the public, but the event will stream live for free on porschesprint.com on November 24th at 10:30 AM CT.

    Additionally, race fans worldwide will get to experience the journey as part of a four-episode docuseries, Back on Track, debuting November 11 on the Hagerty YouTube and Samsung TV Plus channels.

    “Motorsports nirvana occurs at the intersection of human performance and mechanical excellence,” said Larry Webster, Senior Vice President of Media and Editorial for Hagerty. “Patrick Dempsey, Patrick Long and Tanner Foust each embody this spirit both on and off the track — racing from a place of passion in pursuit of victory.”

    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.

  • Ford Performance NASCAR – 2024 Homestead-Miami Playoff Advance

    Ford Performance NASCAR – 2024 Homestead-Miami Playoff Advance

    HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

    Saturday, October 26 — NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, 12 p.m. ET (FS1)
    Saturday, October 26 — NASCAR Xfinity Series, 4 p.m. ET (CW)
    Sunday, October 27 — NASCAR Cup Series, 2:30 p.m. ET (NBC)

    All three of NASCAR”s top touring series are in the same spot going into this weekend’s action at Homestead-Miami Speedway as each prepares for the middle race in the Round of 8. The action kicks off with a Saturday doubleheader featuring the NASCAR Craftsman Truck and NASCAR Xfinity Series while the NASCAR Cup Series closes out the weekend on Sunday afternoon.

    LOGANO CLINCHES SPOT IN CHAMPIONSHIP 4

    Joey Logano led only six laps on Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but they were the final six and that vaulted him into the Championship 4 for the sixth time since the format was introduced in 2014. Coincidentally, all of Logano’s appearances have come in even years (2014, ‘16, ‘18, ‘20, ‘22 and ‘24). The two-time Cup Series champion will look to become the 10th driver to win at least three titles and join the likes of three-time winners Tony Stewart, Cale Yarborough, Darrell Waltrip, David Pearson and Lee Petty; four-time champion Jeff Gordon; and seven-time titleholders Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt and Richard Petty.

    BLANEY LOOKING FOR BOUNCE BACK

    Ryan Blaney’s Round of 8 got off to a rough start and it started on the second lap of practice when he ran over something on the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and punctured his left-rear tire. That resulted in him hitting the wall and being forced to a backup. He was working his way through the field, but on lap 90 he got rear end damage in a multi-car accident and lost multiple laps while his crew made repairs. The result was a 32nd-place finish that has the defending champ seventh in the standings, 47 points below the cut line. Blaney has nine career series starts at Homestead-Miami Speedway and is still looking for his first win, but he finished runner-up a year ago after leading 53 laps.

    CLIMBING THE ALL-TIME FORD WIN LIST

    Logano’s victory was the 35th of his NASCAR Cup Series career and 33rd with Ford, which is fourth on the all-time Blue Oval win list. The only three drivers ahead of him are Ned Jarrett (43), Bill Elliott (40) and Mark Martin (35).

    ALL-TIME FORD WIN LIST (TOP 5)

    43 – Ned Jarrett
    40 – Bill Elliott
    35 – Mark Martin
    33 – Joey Logano
    30 – Dale Jarrett

    PENSKE SITTING ON 99 FORD CUP WINS

    In addition to being fourth on Ford’s all-time win list, Logano has also won more races for Team Penske with Ford than any other driver. His win on Sunday marked the organization’s 99th with the manufacturer. Rusty Wallace scored the first win when he won at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, NC, in 1994. Team Penske won 27 races from 1994-2002 and then returned to Ford in 2013 with Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. Since then, they’ve added a third car with Ryan Blaney and have won 72 times. Seven different drivers have won at least one race with Team Penske and Ford with Logano leading the way (33).

    TEAM PENSKE ALL-TIME FORD WINNERS

    33 – Joey Logano
    26 – Brad Keselowski
    23 – Rusty Wallace
    11 – Ryan Blaney
    3 – Jeremy Mayfield
    2 – Austin Cindric
    1 – Ryan Newman

    RYAN BLANEY: “I love going to Homestead-Miami and I feel like if you ask any driver they love that racetrack just because it’s so unique in its shape, the surface that it has. We put a great run together there last year and had a great shot to win that race, so I really enjoy it. To me, that’s one of the more risk-reward racetracks that we go to. The closer you get to the fence, the faster you can go if you can run properly, but it’s one of those things where you inch closer and closer to it and you might hit it. I feel like the tire fall off there is a huge factor, too. You’re running inches away from the wall with no wiggle room and your tires get worse every lap, so how do you judge that as a driver going into the corner fully committed, but you can’t just do the same thing every lap. You’re always continuing to understand tire wear and things like that, so I feel like that is a huge driver racetrack. I think everyone really enjoys that part of it and I’m excited to get back to that.”

    JOEY LOGANO: “Homestead has been a good track. I think every driver loves Homestead because the racing is pretty cool. As a driver you can run right up next to the wall. You can run right on the bottom. There’s a ton of tire fall off. The strategy is pretty interesting as it goes along with the long green flag runs depending on if you short pit and try to jump some cars, but then you’re gonna lose them on the back end of the run. It’s fun to watch all of that play out, so I think if you’re a purist race fan, Homestead is your racetrack because it doesn’t have any of that gimmicky stuff. It’s just old-school racing when you go there.”

    HOMESTEAD FEELS LIKE HOME FOR ROUSH

    Car owner Jack Roush has had his share of success on intermediate speedways, but his streak of winning seven times in nine years at Homestead-Miami is arguably one of the best. Kurt Busch won the organization’s first Cup race at the track in 2002 before Greg Biffle won three straight from 2004-06. That was part of a five-year winning streak that saw Matt Kenseth and Carl Edwards go to Victory Lane in ’07 and ’08, respectively. Edwards capped the run by winning for a second time in 2010. Since then, Roush has celebrated NASCAR Xfinity Series championships at the track, twice with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (2011 and 2012) and once with Chris Buescher (2015).

    CUSTER OFF TO GOOD START IN ROUND OF 8

    Cole Custer had a solid weekend in the Round of 8 opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, qualifying second and finishing eighth. In between, he won the first stage and scored 15 stage points, so the California native finds himself third in the playoff point standings with two races remaining. Custer, who is 16 points above the cut line going into Saturday’s race, captured his first series victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2017 and also has a pair of runner-up finishes in five career series starts.

    MAJESKI ABOVE THE CUT LINE

    ThorSport’s Ty Majeski has one series victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway with that coming in 2022 and another one this weekend would automatically put him in the Championship 4. The Wisconsin native goes into the race fourth in the playoff standings, five points above the cut line. Majeski has finished in the top 10 in all three of his career series starts on the mile-and-a-half track, adding a 10th-place finish in 2020 and ninth-place result last year to his victory two years ago.

    FORD’S NASCAR CUP SERIES WINNERS

    AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

    2002 – Kurt Busch

    2004 – Greg Biffle

    2005 – Greg Biffle

    2006 – Greg Biffle

    2007 – Matt Kenseth

    2008 – Carl Edwards

    2010 – Carl Edwards

    2018 – Joey Logano

    FORD’S NASCAR Xfinity Series WINNERS

    AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

    1995 – Dale Jarrett

    1998 – Jeff Burton

    2003 – Kasey Kahne

    2006 – Matt Kenseth

    2008 – Carl Edwards

    2013 – Brad Keselowski

    2017 – Cole Custer

    2020 – Chase Briscoe (2)

    FORD’S NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES WINNERS AT HOMESTEAD-MIAMI

    1996 – Dave Rezendes

    1997 – Kenny Irwin Jr.

    1998 – Rick Crawford

    1999 – Mike Wallace

    2006 – Mark Martin

    2017 – Chase Briscoe

  • Shark Tank Winner Tenikle to Sponsor NASCAR’s Boyd at Homestead-Miami

    Shark Tank Winner Tenikle to Sponsor NASCAR’s Boyd at Homestead-Miami

    Mooresville, NC (October 22, 2024) Today, Tenikle, the innovative universal phone holder, announced its primary sponsorship of Spencer Boyd at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 26, 2024. Tenikle, known for its unique “Mounts Anywhere” design, was invented by Hans Dose who successfully pitched the product to Daymond John on the popular TV show Shark Tank.

    “I create content and engage with fans on social media 24/7,” said NASCAR driver Spencer Boyd. “Tenikle is a game-changer—it makes my life easier and helps increase both the quantity and quality of content I can produce. The truck design Hans personally created is incredible; it’s truly a piece of art. The vibrant colors capture the spirit of Miami perfectly, and I’m excited to hit the track with the octopus tentacles flapping in the wind!”

    Since its debut, Tenikle has achieved unprecedented success, nearly doubling its record-breaking sales last year. This growth is driven by nationwide retail expansion, increasing e-commerce sales, and international market penetration. Inspired by the octopus, Tenikle is the only all-in-one flexible suction mount of its kind, designed to secure devices like phones, cameras, and tablets to various objects and smooth surfaces. Its unique design merges nature and tech, making it a must-have tool for content creators on the go and solidifying its reputation as a standout in the tech accessory market.

    “I’ve always dreamed of designing a race car and Spencer gave me the green light to run with it. I documented the entire creative process, and you can check it out on our Instagram,” said Hans Dose, the inventor of Tenikle. This collaboration has already opened up so many opportunities, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next!”

    Daymond John, CEO of the brand FUBU and founder of the Shark Group will join Hans, Spencer, and the Freedom Racing Enterprises team at the race in Miami. Daymond’s investment in Tenikle on Shark Tank has helped propel the brand to record-breaking sales and a loyal following among creators.

    What Makes Tenikle Essential:

    • Mount Phones, Cameras, Tablets & More
    • Make Better Content
    • Watch Videos Anywhere Hands-Free
    • Video Chat Anywhere On-The-Go
    • Suction To Windows For Epic Natural Lighting
    • Car Mount That Does More
    • Multitask Like A Boss

    Catch Spencer Boyd driving the Tenikle-designed truck at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Playoff Race on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 12:00 PM ET. This exciting race, part of a doubleheader with the NASCAR Xfinity Series, will be broadcast live on FS1. Follow @Tenikle on social media for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage and race-day updates you won’t want to miss!

    Follow along on @Tenikle on social media to catch behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive updates.

  • Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Preview: Homestead-Miami Speedway

    Niece Motorsports NCTS Race Preview: Homestead-Miami Speedway

    NIECE MOTORSPORTS
    NCTS RACE ADVANCE: HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY
    Race: Baptist Health 200 (134 laps / 201 miles) | Race 21 of 23
    Track: Homestead-Miami Speedway
    Location: Homestead, Florida
    Date & Time: Saturday, October 26th | 12:00 PM ET
    Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | Motor Racing Network (MRN) | Sirius XM Ch. 90

    No. 41 Masked Owl Technologies / DQS Chevrolet Silverado RST
    Driver: Bayley Currey | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
    Bayley Currey
    @BayleyCurrey
    @BayleyCurrey05

    • Currey’s Homestead Stats: Bayley Currey has started two NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series races at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Currey earned his track-best finish in last year’s event with an impressive fifth-place result. In four Xfinity Series starts here, Currey’s best finish is 13th (2022).
    • Niece Motorsports’ Homestead Stats: Niece Motorsports drivers have combined to make a total of 16 NCTS starts at Homestead-Miami. The organization is the defending race winner following a late charge by Carson Hocevar in last year’s 200-mile event. Four top-fives and five top-10s have been scored by Niece at this track since 2017.
    • Rogers’ Homestead Stats: Wally Rogers has called seven NCTS races at Homestead-Miami with a stat sheet of one top-five and two top-10 finishes. Rogers earned his series-best track finish (fifth) in his first start with Matt Crafton in 2004 and finished 19th with Lawless Alan last year. Rogers has competed in five Xfinity Series races at Homestead, with highlights including one top-10 (Randy LaJoie; sixth in 2002) and one pole with Greg Biffle in ’03. He’s also made a handful of Cup starts at the 1.5-mile track.
    • On the Truck: Currey’s No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Masked Owl Technologies and DQS Solutions & Staffing.
    • Recapping Talladega: Bayley Currey and the No. 41 team had to overcome several issues throughout the day at Talladega. After qualifying 32nd, the DQS crew changed an engine before the start of the race. Having to start shotgun on the field, Currey began to pass trucks early in stage one before he ran over debris with a cut right front tire. While on pit road, his truck suffered terminal damage to the rear gear, dropping him out of the race with a 36th-place finish.
    • Points Rundown: Following Currey’s 36th-place result in Talladega, the driver of the No. 41 Chevy dropped one spot in the championship points standings. Heading into Homestead-Miami, Currey sits 19th overall, just eleven points behind Bret Holmes in 18th. Currey has a 15-point gap over Ty Dillon who is currently scored 20th.
    • Quoting Currey: Since you’re taking the same truck that you raced with in Kansas to Homestead, does that raise your expectations this week?

    “I think it does. We had a bad fast piece last time we raced this truck in Kansas and I think both tracks are similar in a sense that we have so many options in which lanes we want to run. I’m hoping that we can unload similarly and keep up with the adjustments throughout the day. It’s going to be a lot hotter this weekend, so we should be slipping around a little more and I think that will be even better for me. Last year we had another great truck and got out of there with a top-five, so hopefully we can do it again with our Masked Owl / DQS Chevy.”

    • Quoting Rogers: Thoughts on competing at Homestead-Miami Speedway:

    “I’m looking forward to Homestead especially since we are taking the same truck that we ran at Kansas. As a company, we have ran well there in the past so hopefully we can continue that this week. Tire strategy and track position will be key to having a good finish. If your truck handles well and with multiple grooves, that opens up some passing opportunities. Hopefully we can repeat what we did in Kansas and get our Masked Owl / DQS Silverado a good finish.”
    DQS Solutions & Staffing Mission Statement: The core mission of DQS Solutions & Staffing is to attain unparalleled excellence in our specialized domains, specifically staffing and security. Simultaneously, we maintain the flexibility required to collaborate closely with our clients in the creation of innovative products and services within the framework of DQS.

    No. 42 Utilitra / J.F. Electric Chevrolet Silverado RST
    Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Mike Shiplett
    Matt Mills Racing
    @MattMillsRacing
    @MattMillsRacing

    • Competition Changes: Beginning this week at Homestead-Miami Speedway, the No. 42 team will be led by a new crew chief. Mike Shiplett, an industry veteran with 26 national series wins to his credit, has assumed this new role after departing Bret Holmes Racing. Shiplett has won several NASCAR Xfinity Series races with Evernham Motorsports, Chip Ganassi Racing, and most recently, Stewart-Haas Racing. He has also won races in the Cup & Truck Series atop the box in his career of 15-plus years.

    Conversely, Jon Leonard remains with the organization to take on the crew chief role for the No. 44 team. Leonard called the first 20 races of the season for Mills and the No. 42 team which resulted in one top-five and two top-10 finishes.

    • Mills’ Homestead Stats: Matt Mills will make his first Truck Series start at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend. Mills has competed in five Xfinity Series races here, finishing as high as 24th in the second part of the double-header event in 2020.
    • Shiplett’s Homestead Stats: Mike Shiplett will call his first Truck Series race at Homestead on Saturday but has plenty of experience at this 1.5-mile track. Shiplett has made eight NXS starts here and owns one win (Kyle Larson, 2015) and one pole (Tyler Reddick, 2017). In total, Shiplett’s drivers picked up four top-fives and five top-10s in the Xfinity Series. He has also called four Cup Series races here, posting one top-five with AJ Allmendinger in 2010.
    • On the Truck: Mills’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from longtime partners Utilitra and J.F. Electric. This will be the second race of the 2024 season which sees Utilitra showcased as his primary partner on the hood.
    • Breast Cancer Awareness: There’s a new look to the No. 42 Silverado this week as the traditional red color swatches have been replaced with bright pink in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Utilitra, the woman-owned company who will serve as Mills’ primary sponsor, has been a large supporter of the American Cancer Society for several years.
    • Recapping Talladega: Matt Mills and the No. 42 team had a great showing at Talladega, but were involved in ‘the big one’. Mills qualified highest of all Niece Motorsports trucks in eighth, and jumped to the lead of the outside lane. The No. 42 held onto the lead to win stage one, marking his first-career stage victory. In stage two, Mills had a masterful save, but dropped to 16th. After a round of green flag pitstops, chaos ensued entering turn one and he was collected. With too much damage to continue, Mills was forced out in 31st.
    • Points Rundown: Leaving Talladega with a stage win in the bag, Matt Mills remains 23rd in the championship standings for another week. Mills gained ground on his nearest competitor, Timmy Hill in 22nd, with the deficit now only nine points between the two heading into Homestead-Miami. The driver of the No. 42 leads 24th-place’s Lawless Alan by a 26-point gap.
    • Quoting Mills: How much of a confidence boost did you get from winning your first stage last race in Talladega?

    “That was pretty cool. We’ve had speed all year, but to finally get a result out of it – regardless of the finish of the race, was great. It was my first stage win, and I feel like that can add to our momentum going out there with a fast truck. That was a confidence builder for me, knowing that we had the speed and what our team is capable at Niece Motorsports was definitely pretty cool.”

    • Quoting Shiplett: On his midseason transition to Niece Motorsports:

    “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work at Niece Motorsports with Matt Mills. I see a lot of talent in Matt, and I’m mainly trying to help him showcase that talent and get some better finishes to end the year here strong. We want to focus heavily on these next three races to understand what we need to work on to be stronger heading into 2025.”

    About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

    About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

    No. 44 Polkadot Chevrolet Silverado RST
    Driver: Conor Daly | Crew Chief: Jon Leonard
    Conor Daly
    @ConorDaly22
    @ConorDaly22

    • Daly Returns: NTT INDYCAR SERIES veteran Conor Daly plans to make his final NCTS start of the season on Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Daly has competed in two other races with Niece Motorsports this year – finishing 29th at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park and more recently, 17th at Kansas Speedway.
    • Daly Homestead Stats: Conor Daly will make his first start in any series at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Saturday’s Baptist Health 200.
    • Leonard’s Homestead Stats: Jon Leonard has called one prior Truck Series race at Homestead which resulted in an impressive third-place finish by Stewart Friesen in 2022. Leonard has also called two Cup Series races at this track, posting a best result of 24th with Michael McDowell in 2017.
    • On the Truck: Daly’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Polkadot. Polkadot is a digital platform designed to build a more inclusive and transparent internet, where power and decision-making are in the hands of its users. Polkadot utilizes a public governance platform to empower its community of 1.3 million members to directly control all steps of the decision-making process, even when it comes to the largest global marketing initiatives.
    • Local Partnership Connections: Daly’s primary partner, Polkadot, is a large supporter of sports teams in the Miami area. The company is the Official Global Training Partner of Inter Miami CF, a prominent team in Major League Soccer. Daly plans to visit Chase Stadium, the home of Inter Miami CF, following practice/qualifying day to film content with the team.
    • Owner Points Outlook: The part-time No. 44 truck out of the Niece Motorsports stable remains 34th in the owner’s points standings after making its fifth start of the year at Talladega. Daly, along with Danny Bohn, Bayley Currey, and Matt Gould have all shared time behind the wheel of the No. 44 entry. Currey is earmarked as the driver with the best result having finished 15th at Bristol Motor Speedway last month.
    • Quoting Daly: Do you think your experience of running up near the wall in Kansas will help you in Homestead?

    “I’m excited to get to Homestead only because I’ve watched this race so many years and it’s always been an exciting product, no matter what rank of the NASCAR ladder it is – whether its the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, or the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. It’s my last race of the 2024 season as well, so I want to finish on a strong note. I thought I learned a lot at Kansas for sure, and learned a lot about the rules as well which I can use in the future.

    We just want to try and take advantage of the practice session as quick as possible. It’s a new track for me, somewhere I’ve never driven before, but definitely ran the wall a lot at Kansas so hopefully that helps me. We want to obviously continue to try to better my best truck finish in my career and then hopefully we can slide into the top-10 this weekend.”

    • Quoting Leonard: What will be your biggest advantage in working with different drivers to end the year?

    “I’d say that opportunity will help improve my repertoire so to say. Everyone drives a bit different and uses their own set of terms, so learning those different characteristics will be useful. Whether it’s in-house at the shop, different drivers, spotters, or crew members, I’d say working with different people is a good thing. We’ll see what we can put together with the No. 44 team to close the year out on a high note.”

    About Polkadot: Polkadot is the powerful, secure core of Web3, providing a shared foundation that unites some of the world’s most transformative apps and blockchains. Polkadot is the first of its kind — modular, resilient, interoperable — but governed by its users, the biggest Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) in the world. It enables Web3’s biggest innovators to have one place and to get their ideas to market fast, with flexible start-up costs and an exceptionally flexible builder environment. Today, Polkadot attracts best-in-class teams building stand-out apps like Mythical, Frequency, Moonbeam, Astar, and more.

    No. 45 Moore’s Venture Foods Chevrolet Silverado RST
    Driver: Kaden Honeycutt | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
    Kaden Honeycutt Racing
    @KadenWHoneycutt
    @KadenHoneycutt10
    Website

    • Honeycutt’s Homestead Stats: Kaden Honeycutt has made one prior NCTS start at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where he finished 27th after qualifying in the top-15 in 2022.
    • Gould’s Homestead Stats: Phil Gould is the defending race-winning crew chief at Homestead and has made a total of four NCTS starts atop the pit box here. Including last year’s win with Carson Hocevar, Gould has two top-fives and three top-10 results in the Truck Series. In six Xfinity Series races, Gould’s best result was a 10th-place run with Brian Scott in 2014.
    • CARS Tour PLM Champion: Over the course of the final two CARS Tour Pro Late Model Series season, Kaden Honeycutt made up a sizable points deficit to propel him into the championship spotlight. Honeycutt drove to victory lane in the final two races at Tri-County and North Wilkesboro, making it three wins total on the year. He entered the finale six points behind the series leader, but put together a perfect race that enabled him to win the title in thrilling fashion.
    • On the Truck: Honeycutt’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Moore’s Venture Foods, a family-owned grocery store chain located in Oklahoma. 2024 marks the company’s 50th anniversary of the first store opening, and has been operated by the Moore family for three generations.
    • Recapping Talladega: Kaden Honeycutt and the No. 45 team played a great strategy game in Talladega, but were struck with heavy front end damage on a green flag pit stop cycle. Honeycutt qualified 18th and finished there in stage one. In stage two, the No. 45 cycled to 13th, and following pit stops, they were leading the race. Unfortunately, when the race restarted after a large crash, the damage hindered his ability to stay in the lead pack. He was credited with 19th.
    • Owner Points Outlook: Heading into the 21st race of the season, the No. 45 team is slotted ninth in the owner points standings. Honeycutt’s 19th-place finish in Talladega was good enough to gain the team a spot in points, where they now are six markers ahead of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 team in 10th.
    • Quoting Honeycutt: How much of a boost does winning the CARS Tour championship help your Truck Series efforts?

    “I am extremely confident in what we have going to Homestead for this weekend with our Moore’s Venture Foods Chevrolet. After winning the CARS Tour Pro Late Model championship, I have even more confidence in myself for the rest of the year going with this No. 45 Niece group to win races. It’s been a couple years since I’ve gone to Homestead, but I know we will have a really solid truck to start off with for me to adapt quickly and practice and qualify up front to give us a chance to win. That’s all we were wanting to do for the rest of the year. This is a building year so we can have a lot of good notes going into 2025. I look forward to Friday and Saturday.”

    • Quoting Gould: Is there anything specifically that you can do setup-wise that help minimize your tire wear here?

    “I think the biggest thing we can do is make sure that the truck is as balanced as possible. We want to try and have all four tires get to wear evenly here to get the most use out of them. Typically, we run less camber at Homestead to help with our longevity and speed throughout a full run.”

    About Moore’s Venture Foods: Moore’s Venture Foods is a family-owned grocery store chain located in Oklahoma. The chain has brick-and-mortar stores in Alva, Fairfax, Shattuck, and Tonkawa, Oklahoma, and has been operated by the Moore family for three generations. To learn more, please visit www.MooresVentureFoods.com.

    About Niece Motorsports: Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as X @NieceMotorsport.

  • RFK Advance | Homestead

    RFK Advance | Homestead

    Homestead-Miami Event Info:
    Date: Sunday, Oct. 27
    Time: 2:30 p.m. ET
    Series: NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
    Location: Homestead, Florida
    Format: 267 Laps, 400.5 Miles, Stages: 80-85-102
    TV: NBC
    Radio: MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90)

    Weekend Schedule:
    Saturday: 9:05 a.m. ET, Practice (NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
    Saturday: 9:50 a.m. ET, Qualifying (NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)
    Sunday: 2:30 p.m. ET, Race (NBC, NBC Sports App, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio)

    Pace Laps:

    • Homestead-Miami Speedway hosts its lone race date of the season this weekend with just three races remaining in the 2024 NASCAR season.
    • RFK has led laps in two of the last three Homestead events between Chris Buescher and Brad Keselowski. The two has three top-10 starting efforts in the last two races alone.
    • Jack Roush has 11 wins all-time at HMS including seven in the Cup Series.

    6 Team Info:
    Crew Chief: Matt McCall
    Partner: Consumer Cellular

    17 Team Info:
    Crew Chief: Scott Graves
    Partner: Fastenal

    Keselowski at Homestead-Miami Speedway
    Starts: 16
    Wins: —
    Top-10s: 7
    Poles: —

    • Keselowski makes his 17th Cup start at Homestead-Miami Speedway this weekend where he has a 14.5 average finish and seven top-10 finishes. His best career finish is third (2014-15), as he’s coming off a 28th-place finish last season.
    • He’s finished 10th or better in four of the last seven races at Homestead. In total he’s led in seven races at Homestead (totaling 171 laps), including 16 laps a season ago before being caught in an incident.
    • Keselowski has an 8.9 average starting position in Miami – his best among active tracks – with 13-straight starts inside the top-10 and nine starts inside the top five overall. Last season he qualified fourth.
    • Keselowski has two Xfinity wins at Homestead (2011, 2013) in eight starts, and an additional two starts in the Truck Series.

    Buescher at Homestead-Miami Speedway
    Starts: 8
    Wins: —
    Top-10s: —
    Poles: —

    • Buescher makes his ninth Cup start at Homestead-Miami where he has a 19.9 average finish.
    • He finished 21st a season ago, and 13th the year prior, his best Cup finish there to date.
    • Buescher carries a 19.1 average qualifying position with his best effort (P8) two years ago.
    • Buescher made two Xfinity Series starts at HMS in 2014-15 with a best finish of fifth in the No. 60 machine.

    RFK Historically at Homestead-Miami
    Cup Wins: 7 (Kurt Busch, 2002; Greg Biffle, 2004, 2005, 2006; Matt Kenseth, 2007; Carl Edwards, 2008, 2010)

    • Welcome to Miami: RFK has 177 combined starts at HMS, totaling 11 wins (7 NCS, 3 NXS, 1 NCWTS), 51 top-fives, 75 top-10s and eight poles. RFK drivers have led 1,900 laps at the 1.5-mile track over the years, logging more than 57,000 miles.
    • Tale of the Tape: RFK has started 91 NCS races at Homestead, recording a total of seven victories, 23 top five finishes, 32 top-10 finishes, four poles and has led 1,183 laps. Former driver Carl Edwards earned the organization’s most recent win at the 1.5-mile oval in 2010.
    • Five Straight: RFK earned five consecutive victories in the NCS at Homestead from 2004-2008 with drivers Matt Kenseth (2007), Edwards (2008) and Greg Biffle, who won three consecutive races from 2004-2006.
    • Miami Nights: In 57 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Homestead, RFK earned three wins, 22 top-fives, 32 top-10s and two pole positions. Edwards recorded the most recent victory at Homestead in the 2008 season final.

    RFK Homestead Wins

    1998 Burton NXS

    2002 Busch Cup

    2004 Biffle Cup

    2005 Biffle Cup

    2006 Biffle Cup

    2006 Kenseth NXS

    2006 Martin Truck

    2007 Kenseth Cup

    2008 Edwards Cup

    2008 Edwards NXS

    2010 Edwards Cup

    Last Time Out
    Las Vegas: Buescher led RFK with a P10 finish, but RFK had top five speed in both of its Mustangs as Keselowski was collected in an early stage two crash.

  • Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Budweiser Set for Iconic Reunion

    Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Budweiser Set for Iconic Reunion

    NASCAR Hall of Famer to Pilot Illustrious No.8 at Florence Motor Speedway

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 22, 2024) Times may change, tradition rolls on which is why Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Budweiser are reuniting to bring back one of the most recognizable paint schemes in racing history. The NASCAR Hall of Famer will drive the historic No. 8 Chevrolet with the iconic Bud King of Beers paint scheme once again for a limited series of Late Model Stock Car Races in 2024 and 2025. The paint scheme will make its return to the track for the first time in 17 years on November 23, 2024 when Earnhardt Jr. competes in the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway.

    In addition to the infamous red-and-black paint scheme, Earnhardt Jr. will return to his stylized No. 8, made famous during his tenure behind the wheel from 1999 through 2007.

    “It is an incredible opportunity for me to be able to reunite with Budweiser, and the No.8,” said Earnhardt Jr. “Budweiser and I had some great memories with that iconic scheme and number. We’ve always supported each other over the years. It’s going to be really special for me to be able to represent that brand on the racetrack again.”

    This return for Budweiser is the latest in Anheuser-Busch’s long-standing commitment to NASCAR and the motorsports industry. With driver partnerships, key event sponsorships and media investments in the sport, Anheuser-Busch has proudly supported and elevated NASCAR through Budweiser, Busch and Busch Light for more than 40 years.

    “There are names that when mentioned, draw on the significance of their place in American history. Among them, Budweiser, and Earnhardt,” said Matt Davis, Vice-President of Partnerships at Anheuser-Busch. “This return to the racetrack alongside Dale with the Bud King of Beers paint scheme is another chapter in Anheuser-Busch’s long and storied sports history.”

    Anheuser-Busch and its brands Budweiser, Busch and Busch Light have a proud history supporting NASCAR legends and growing forces in the sport – notably as the primary sponsor of Earnhardt Jr. for nine seasons, through a 13-year partnership with Kevin Harvick, and with Busch Light as the current primary sponsorship of Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain announced in 2023.

    JR Motorsports is showcasing the return of this iconic pairing with a line of Budweiser x Dale Jr. merchandise that is nostalgic of the early 2000s. Available now at shopjrnation.com.

    Stay up to date with the event by following along on the JRM X account and watching on www.FloRacing.com.

    ABOUT BUDWEISER

    Budweiser, an American-style lager, was introduced in 1876 when company founder Adolphus Busch set out to create the United States’ first truly national beer brand – brewed to be universally popular and transcend regional tastes. Each batch of Budweiser stays true to the same family recipe used by five generations of Busch family brewmasters. Budweiser is a medium-bodied, flavorful, crisp and pure beer with blended layers of premium American and European hop aromas, brewed for the perfect balance of flavor and refreshment. Budweiser is made using time-honored methods including “kraeusening” for natural carbonation and Beechwood aging, which results in unparalleled balance and character.

    ABOUT ANHEUSER-BUSCH

    At Anheuser-Busch, our purpose is to create a future with more cheers. We are committed to earning our place in the moments that matter to our consumers and making a meaningful impact in our communities across the country. For more than 165 years, Anheuser-Busch has carried on a legacy of brewing great-tasting, high-quality beers that have satisfied beer drinkers for generations.

    Today, we own and operate more than 120 facilities, including breweries, wholesaler distribution centers, agricultural facilities, and packaging plants, and have a dedicated network of more than 65,000 hardworking Americans across the United States who bring our beer to life. We are home to several of America’s most iconic beer and beyond beer brands, including Michelob ULTRA, Cutwater Spirits, Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Bud Light as well as regional brands that provide beer drinkers with a choice of the best-tasting craft beers in the industry. From our industry-leading efforts to support American farmers and our nation’s military, veterans, and first responders to emergency drinking water donations and responsible drinking programs, we are guided by our unwavering commitment to supporting the communities we call home – that’s who we are. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com or follow Anheuser-Busch on LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and Instagram.

    ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS

    JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

  • Understanding the Role of Volatility in Slot Game Payouts

    Understanding the Role of Volatility in Slot Game Payouts

    Slot games have evolved tremendously over the years, but one factor that remains key to any player’s experience is the volatility of the game. Understanding volatility, also known as variance, is essential for players looking to maximize their gameplay and manage their bankroll effectively. This article will delve into the role of volatility in slot game payouts and how it can impact your overall gaming experience.

    How Slot Volatility Affects Payouts

    Volatility plays a crucial role in determining the nature of payouts in slot games. A game’s volatility level directly impacts the frequency and size of payouts, as well as the overall player experience.

    Low Volatility: Frequent Small Wins

    Low volatility slots are ideal for players who prefer a steady stream of small payouts. These games are designed to provide consistent wins, which can help sustain your bankroll over time. However, while the frequent wins can keep players engaged, the amounts are usually smaller, meaning that it may take longer to accumulate substantial rewards.

    Benefits of Low Volatility Slots:

    • Steady payouts keep players engaged for longer.
    • Lower risk, making it suitable for casual players or those with smaller bankrolls.
    • Great for players who enjoy the thrill of frequent wins without chasing massive jackpots.

    Drawbacks:

    • Lower payouts can mean that it takes longer to build significant winnings.
    • Not ideal for players seeking large, life-changing jackpots.

    Medium Volatility: Balanced Wins

    Medium volatility slots strike a balance between the high and low categories. These games offer a mix of small and large payouts, making them appealing to a broader range of players. Medium volatility slots allow players to experience the excitement of big wins without the long dry spells typical of high volatility games at indo777.

    Benefits of Medium Volatility Slots:

    • Balanced gameplay that offers both frequent smaller wins and occasional larger payouts.
    • Suitable for players who want the excitement of bigger rewards without taking on too much risk.
    • Ideal for both casual players and those with moderate risk tolerance.

    Drawbacks:

    • While more balanced, players may experience fewer wins compared to low-volatility games.
    • Payouts may not be as substantial as in high-volatility slots.

    High Volatility: Rare Big Wins

    High volatility slots are where the big risks and big rewards lie. These games often come with large jackpots or bonus features that can lead to massive payouts. However, these wins are rare, and players may experience long-losing streaks before hitting a big win. High volatility slots require patience and a solid bankroll strategy to endure the dry spells.

    Benefits of High Volatility Slots:

    • Potential for massive payouts that can be life-changing.
    • Ideal for players who enjoy high-risk, high-reward gameplay.
    • The excitement of chasing a big win can enhance the thrill of playing.

    Drawbacks:

    • Long periods without significant wins can deplete your bankroll quickly.
    • Not suitable for casual players or those with smaller bankrolls.

    How to Choose the Right Volatility for Your Playstyle

    Choosing the right slot volatility depends on your playstyle, bankroll, and risk tolerance. If you’re unsure which type of slot game is best for you, consider the following factors:

    Bankroll Size

    Your bankroll is a key factor in determining the type of slot volatility you should play. If you have a limited budget, low or medium-volatility slots may be a better fit since they allow for longer play sessions without the risk of quickly depleting your funds. Players with larger bankrolls may prefer high volatility slots, as they can afford to wait for the big wins.

    Risk Tolerance

    Different players have different levels of risk tolerance. Low volatility slots are best suited for risk-averse players who prefer frequent, smaller wins. In contrast, high volatility slots attract players who are comfortable with taking bigger risks in exchange for the potential of a massive payout.

    Gameplay Preferences

    Some players enjoy the excitement of frequent small wins, while others prefer the thrill of chasing large jackpots. Your personal gameplay preferences will play a significant role in determining which type of slot volatility is right for you.

    Conclusion

    Understanding the role of volatility in slot game payouts is crucial for making informed decisions about which games to play. Whether you prefer the steady wins of low-volatility slots or the high-risk excitement of high volatility games, knowing the variance of a slot will help you manage your bankroll and enhance your overall gaming experience.

  • TICKETS ON SALE FOR 25TH ANNUAL GERBER COLLISION & GLASS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS IN CHICAGO

    TICKETS ON SALE FOR 25TH ANNUAL GERBER COLLISION & GLASS ROUTE 66 NHRA NATIONALS IN CHICAGO

    JOLIET, ILL. (Oct. 21, 2024) – Celebrating a special 25th anniversary in 2025, tickets are on sale for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, which takes place May 15-18, 2025, at Route 66 Raceway in Chicago.

    The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series returned to the iconic venue in 2023 and enjoyed another successful event in 2024, as fans in the Chicagoland area have been treated to action-packed races from some of drag racing’s biggest stars. Tickets are available for purchase at www.nhra.com/tickets.

    The 2025 race will be even more special, commemorating a quarter-century of unforgettable moments, incredible runs and record-breaking performances at Route 66 Raceway. Next year’s race promises the same spectacular racing – including two rounds of qualifying on both Friday and Saturday, leading into eliminations on Sunday – and a host of special festivities to celebrate 25 years of racing in Chicago, as well as a full day of racing in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series on Thursday, May 15.

    “We are thrilled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of NHRA racing at Route 66 Raceway next season,” said Kasey Coler, NHRA Vice President of Track Management and Operations. “This event holds a special place in the hearts of fans and drivers alike and we’re so excited to be back racing at this remarkable venue. We’ve had two great races back at this terrific facility and we’re looking forward to a celebratory 2025 weekend filled with incredible racing, memorable moments, and celebrations that honor our rich history in Chicago.”

    The 2024 event saw Antron Brown (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Dallas Glenn (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all claiming victories. The 25th annual Gerber Collision and Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance promises to deliver more standout racing from the stars in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

    Top Fuel pilot Brown powered his way to his fourth Chicago win when he defeated Shawn Langdon in the 2024 final round. With the win, Brown tied Kenny Bernstein with four wins at Chicago, while area native and eight-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher leads the category with five victories.

    Reigning Funny Car champion Hagan also earned his fourth Chicago win in 2024 when he defeated 16-time champion John Force in the final round. Hagan is now tied with two-time champion and NHRA on FOX analyst Tony Pedregon with the most wins at the facility.

    Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Herrera collected his second consecutive win at Route 66 Raceway when he defeated Chase Van Sant. Herrera also picked up the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge win, the popular bonus event giving drivers bonus points and bonus cash.

    A host of additional special items for the 25th anniversary race will also be announced in the coming months.

    To purchase tickets to the 25th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals presented by PEAK Performance, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. 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

    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.

  • Jak Crawford Demos Aston Martin Aramco F1 Car in Houston then Supports Team in Austin

    Jak Crawford Demos Aston Martin Aramco F1 Car in Houston then Supports Team in Austin

    19 Year Old Formula 1 Prospect Shows His Commercial Appeal in the USA for the Growing Sport of F1

    Houston, TX (21 October 2024) – To celebrate Aramco being headquartered in Houston for 50 years, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team brought their young American driver and their Formula 1 car to Houston to help celebrate their commercial relationship with Aramco.

    As Formula 1 prepared for the traditional visit to Austin’s Circuit of the Americas, Crawford was tapped for three days of activity on the ground in Houston that included a working entourage of nearly 40 personnel to support Formula 1 car showruns and demonstrations with Jak as the pilot of the car and a headline of the event.

    The events also included an Aston Martin Dealer visit, Crawford speaking on technology panels, Formula 1 Q&A events as well as meet and greets with politicians and business leaders, all of which provided a diverse range of commercial opportunities for Aston Martin Aramco to showcase Crawford, a promising talent and Texan.

    “Having Aramco based in my home town created the perfect opportunity for Aston Martin Aramco and me to come to Houston to put on an F1 show and make new friends for the brands and the sport,” said Crawford. “I was raised in the Houston metro in The Woodlands. Houston is a big city, but we all cheer for the same teams like the Astros, Rockets, Texans and our own University teams. It is nice as a racing driver to come home and have people cheering for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team and supporting my own racing career on the Formula One ladder.”

    Aston Martin Aramco has asked Jak to travel to several races this year to provide commercial and marketing support as well as imbedding him with the drivers and the engineers to learn more about what to expect during the intense Formula 1 weekends.

    Understanding the commercial/marketing appeal of Crawford as an American, Aston Martin Aramco has made sure to have him on site for key events including Miami, Austin, and later on this season in Las Vegas. The Aston Martin Aramco commercial team has jumped all in on Jak’s attraction in terms of youth, image, opportunity, and nationality. Heading into the second year with the team, this focus will only continue to grow in 2025.

    “The commercial side of the business has been so new to me,” said Crawford, who moved to Europe full-time as a 13 year old to focus exclusively on making it to Formula 1 as a driver. “I have learned a lot this year about partners, sponsors, VIPs and fans providing marketing support from talking on stage to zoom calls to sitting on panels with other professionals. There is the racing side, and there is the commercial side. You cannot have the one I love to do without the other! This year has been my main vocational training ground for the future when I am the main driver. I have been very fortunate to have been imbedded with two F1 teams now at as so young of an age. My education in the F1 world has been steep and deep.”

    Jak has been in the Formula One car on track a couple of times this year in Europe and England, with more laps planned later in the year. There are even more track days planned next year with exciting announcements yet to come in time from Aston Martin Aramco.

    “These events are nice, but at the end of it, my goal is to be a F1 driver on the grid in 2026,” said Crawford. “The time I am getting on the track in the Formula One car is important to keep learning and showing what I am capable of doing behind the wheel of the car. The feedback has been very good and I have impressed where I needed to impress. The F1 engineers on the team know my strengths. Now it is just a process of continuing to grind, succeed at what I am doing, and keep looking for my chance to show what I can do in the F1 car as a team’s main driver.”

    Crawford continued his duties with Aston Martin Aramco Racing through the COTA weekend even as he continues to prepare for a big final push to the 2024 FIA Formula 2 season with two race weekends yet to run on the championship.