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  • AM Racing | Dylan Lupton Las Vegas Motor Speedway Xfinity Series Race Preview

    AM Racing | Dylan Lupton Las Vegas Motor Speedway Xfinity Series Race Preview

    AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
    Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway | Ambetter Health 302

    Fast Facts
    No. 15 AM Racing Team:
    Driver: Dylan Lupton
    Primary Partner(s): Lupton Excavation | AirBox
    Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
    Crew Chief: Ryan “Pickle” London
    Spotter: Michael Fisher
    Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. X-006
    Engine: Roush-Yates Engines

    Notes of Interest:

    Final Stretch: Veteran race car driver Dylan Lupton will pilot AM Racing’s No. 15 Ford Mustang for the final four 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, including Saturday afternoon’s Ambetter Health 302 at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway.

    Lupton, a graduate of the NASCAR Next initiative, will also drive the team’s Ford Mustang at Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway, Martinsville (Va.) Speedway, and the season finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway on Nov. 9, 2024.

    The former ARCA Menards Series West winner returned to NASCAR Xfinity Series competition for the first time since Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway last year on Oct. 5, 2024, at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway.

    Driving the No. 15 Sentinel Foundation | Nine Line Apparel Ford Mustang for AM Racing, Lupton contended for a top-10 finish before being collected in the “Big One” with three laps to go.

    To jumpstart his stock car racing career this year, Lupton returned to the ARCA Menards Series at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in mid-September when he piloted the No. 30 Lupton Excavation | Rette Jones Racing Ford Mustang to a top-10 finish in the General Tire 100 at The Glen.

    The Wilton, Calif. native has spent most of 2024 competing in select Late-Model events on the West Coast and in a limited Trans Am Series XGT Class schedule.

    The Californian has two career starts for AM Racing at Talladega and the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Road Course respectively.

    Lupton has 62 starts across all three of NASCAR’s national divisions, with one top-five and five top-10 finishes.

    Welcome Aboard: For the 30th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, AM Racing and Lupton welcome Lupton Excavation to the team as the primary partner on the No. 15 Ford Mustang for the 201-lap race on Saturday afternoon.

    Lupton Excavation Inc. was founded in 1987. The company provides excavation work and digs foundations.

    Serving Sacramento, Calif., and surrounding areas, Lupton Excavation Inc. also specializes in Earthwork and plumbing.

    Giving You Peace of Air: For the penultimate speedway race of the season, AirBox will serve in an associate partnership role on Lupton’s No. 15 Ford Mustang in Saturday afternoon’s Ambetter Health 302 at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway.

    In 2017, AirBox was established to focus on building the world’s best air purifiers for indoor occupied spaces. This coincided with people starting to wake up to issues with indoor air quality. With new challenges to air cleanliness, such as COVID-19 and wildfire smoke, people are looking for effective and proven solutions to ensure they receive cleaner air, at last.

    Their history in delivering clean air systems and services gives them an expertise that is unmatched. AirBox uses some of the most effective air filtration technologies that exist with Certified HEPA and Advanced Molecular Adsorption. Coupled with their Indoor Air Quality Assessment, AirBox is the total solution for all indoor air quality needs, ensuring their customers meet and exceed current and future ventilation standards.

    Today, AirBox filtration systems are used across the country, purifying the air and capturing harmful irritants to create healthier, safer spaces. They’ve become the trusted choice for hospitals, educational centers, offices, warehouses, construction zones, public assembly, sports facilities, and more.

    They’re proud to build all products to the highest standards in the USA at their North Carolina production facility. Every day, AirBox is working hard to give the American people the safer learning, working, and living environments they deserve — helping people breathe easy and live better.

    Dylan Lupton NASCAR Xfinity Series Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Ambetter Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will mark Lupton’s third career start at the 1.5-mile track located in Sin City.

    In his two previous efforts, Lupton finished a track-best 35th after starting 25th in the 2021 edition of the Alsco Uniforms 302 for Sam Hunt Racing.

    In addition to his two Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas, Lupton also holds three NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series race starts for TRICON Garage and Reaume Brothers Racing respectively.

    In 2019, Lupton delivered his Truck Series track-best finish of 10th after starting 17th in the World of Westgate 200 for TRICON.

    He will look to improve his overall speedway average Xfinity finish of 26.0.

    Dylan Lupton NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In 43 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, Lupton has a career-best ninth-place finish after starting 16th for Athenian Motorsports at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in August 2015.

    In addition to his Xfinity Series starts, he has achieved four NASCAR Cup Series starts and 15 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts to his credit.

    Thanks For Your Support: With 88 percent of the 2024 Xfinity Series season complete, AM Racing and Dylan Lupton would like to thank their marketing partners for their support: AirBox, Flying Circle, Mechanix Wear, Mobil 1 and WIX Filters.

    Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Road Course | Drive for the Cure 250 Race Recap: The 29th race of the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season kicked off in a return trip to Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway to tackle the track’s fall ROVAL layout on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

    Building off a 50-minute practice on Saturday morning, Lupton and the AM Racing team continued to find speed with their No. 15 Lupton Excavation | AirBox Ford Mustang.

    Starting the race from the 36th position, Lupton quickly picked off several positions on the initial start. By the end of Stage 1, Lupton’s car stumbled.

    At the beginning of Stage 2, Lupton continued to post top-20 lap times but was trapped by track position. During the stage, he was also collected in a Turn 17 melee, which collected more than a half dozen race cars.

    The damage was not terminal with the AM Racing team doing a great job and keeping Lupton on the lead lap despite all the repairs.

    Lupton was beginning his climb back through the field and had climbed to 23rd when he got a flat tire and had to limp all the way around the course and pit under green.

    The unscheduled stop cost the team two laps, but through perseverance, Lupton and the team were able to earn one of their lost laps back and overtake three competitors in NASCAR overtime to earn a hard-fought 27th-place finish.

    From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Ryan “Pickle” London is Dylan Lupton’s crew chief.

    He will be crew chief for his 30th NASCAR Xfinity Series race and his first at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

    In his previous 29 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected two top-10 finishes, including a career-best ninth at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International with Joey Logano in September 2024 for AM Racing.

    Follow on Social Media: For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

    For more on Dylan Lupton like him on Facebook (Lupton Racing) and follow him on Instagram (@luptondylan) and X | Twitter (@LuptonDylan).

    Dylan Lupton Quoteboard:

    On Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway: “I’ve always enjoyed racing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway but have had terrible luck in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. I’m looking to change that statistic on Saturday afternoon.

    “The AM Racing team had a lot of speed with their race car in the spring and I’m hoping we can unload and pick up right where they left off. We’ve showcased potential in our first two races, just haven’t had the luck we needed to deliver the finishes we deserve.

    “Hopefully, we unload fast and have a productive race where we can continue to work on the balance and contend for a strong finish.”

    Race Information:

    The Ambetter Health 302 (201 laps | 301.5 miles) is the 30th of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will occur on Friday, October 18, from 3:35 p.m. to 4:05 p.m. Qualifying will immediately follow, beginning at 4:10 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag on Saturday, October 19, shortly after 4:30 PT (7:30 p.m. ET), with live coverage on the CW Network, the Performance Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Pacific).

    About AM Racing:

    AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

    Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

    The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

  • Texas A&M University Racing: Chase Briscoe Las Vegas Advance

    Texas A&M University Racing: Chase Briscoe Las Vegas Advance

    CHASE BRISCOE
    Las Vegas Advance
    No. 14 Texas A&M University Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    Event Overview

    ● Event: South Point 400 (Round 33 of 36)
    ● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Oct. 20
    ● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
    ● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
    ● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400.5 miles
    ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 80 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 102 laps
    ● TV/Radio: NBC / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Notes of Interest

    ● The South Point 400 Sunday at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will mark Chase Briscoe’s eighth career NASCAR Cup Series start at the 1.5-mile oval. His best finish is a fourth-place drive in October 2022, but the track has proven to be challenging otherwise with Briscoe scoring just one other top-15 result – 14th in September 2021.

    ● In the City of Lights, Briscoe was lights out at Las Vegas when it came to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In five career Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas, Briscoe won twice and had two other finishes of 11th or better. In fact, Briscoe left Las Vegas in the best way possible. In his final two Xfinity Series starts at the track, he won both times by sweeping the slate of races in 2020, leading 253 of the 400 laps available (63.3 percent).

    ● In his lone NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start at Las Vegas in September 2017, Briscoe was strong and consistent, qualifying third, leading 40 laps, and then finishing third.

    ● Texas A&M University has partnered with Briscoe and the No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing team this weekend at Las Vegas. The collaboration provides a platform for Texas A&M to share its story of nearly 150 years of advancing knowledge and human achievement, preparing students to be lifelong learners and leaders, and its rich military heritage. Las Vegas marks the first of two races where Texas A&M will be featured on cars prepared by Stewart-Haas, as Briscoe’s teammate, NASCAR Cup Series rookie-of-the-year contender Josh Berry, will carry Texas A&M colors on his No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the season finale Nov. 10 at Phoenix Raceway with a livery reflective of Texas A&M’s commitment to celebrating and serving our nation’s veterans. Said R. Ethan Braden, vice president, chief marketing and communications officer at Texas A&M, about the partnership: “With millions of engaged fans, this partnership with Stewart-Haas Racing represents a fantastic opportunity to put the Aggie Spirit front and center and further show the nation what Texas A&M University stands for. We look forward to cheering on Chase Briscoe in Aggie Maroon at Las Vegas and Josh Berry at the season finale in Phoenix, where we’ll showcase Texas A&M’s appreciation for our country and our military prior to Veterans Day. Texas A&M has a rich history of leadership and selfless service, and we are committed to serving well those who have served.”

    ● Texas A&M University is driven by a tradition of excellence and passion to continually improve. It is a destination of choice for those who serve or have served to pursue higher education. The link with NASCAR is an appropriate one as the sanctioning body has long honored its nation’s service members, most notably with its annual NASCAR Salutes program, a tenured initiative featuring important associations with Honor and Remember, which recognizes fallen service members and their families, and Sound Off, a nonprofit organization that works to reduce veteran suicide through free and anonymous mental health for veterans and service members.

    ● Recently named the top university in Texas and the No. 11 public university in the nation by The Wall Street Journal, Texas A&M’s forward momentum is evidenced by a number of recent recognitions. In a testament to its dedication to academic excellence and innovation, the College of Engineering was named a top-10 public engineering school by U.S. News & World Report, with the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering ranked best in the nation. The college also secured the top spot for engineering research expenditures in fiscal year 2023, with $444.7 million in spending. The Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering – part of both the College of Engineering and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences – is also ranked No. 1 in the nation.

    ● In addition to providing an exemplary student experience, the university is also educating the next generation of leaders who will put Texas A&M’s Core Values into practice, as reflected by the remarkable number of Aggies leading America’s companies. Texas A&M is tied for No. 1 among the nation’s public universities and No. 5 overall for the number of graduates serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies today.

    Chase Briscoe, Driver of the No. 14 Texas A&M University Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    You raced at Kansas Speedway three weeks ago and it bears a close resemblance to Las Vegas. Did your run at Kansas provide any insights on what you need to work on for Las Vegas?

    “Kansas was probably our worst race and, thankfully, I think Vegas and Kansas are quite a bit different. Vegas is really, really rough, where Kansas is probably the smoothest mile-and-a-half we have. I don’t know if you can really take a whole lot from it, so hopefully nothing really correlates. Maybe we’d learn from what not to do at Kansas that that would apply. But, yeah, I think that they’re pretty different in a lot of ways. They’re obviously the same in length, but their characteristics are quite a bit different.”

    Your prior race at Las Vegas took place back in early March. In the seven months that have passed since that race, how has the racing at intermediate tracks evolved?

    “I don’t think the style of racing or what you look for or expect is any different. I think all that’s the same, but I definitely think the teams have figured different things out. The manufacturers, you look at the beginning of the year, the Fords were definitely struggling a little bit more, and now I feel like we’re in a much better spot. I feel like we’re just smarter from that standpoint. Everybody’s made their stuff better, so the bar is constantly changing? But I think if you took what you ran there the first race, it’s probably not even going to be close this time around.”

    The first Las Vegas race was the first true test of the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse. With almost a full season under your belt with the Dark Horse, have you discovered ways to get the most out of it, or at least more ways than you knew back in March?

    “For sure, the beginning of the year we didn’t know what to expect with it. But I think we quickly learned that, from a performance standpoint, it was going to be better. There were a lot of things that were different on it and just the things we had to do to kind of wake it up and things like that were totally different than with the old car. It probably took us all a little bit longer than we would’ve liked to get the Dark Horse going, but I feel like once we all kind of figured it out, we’ve been way closer to where we need to be.”

    What do you need to be fast and consistent throughout a race at Las Vegas?

    “Obviously, you have to have a good-driving racecar, and typically that means getting through the bumps really good there. You have to have a car that can kind of maneuver around. There are a lot of different grooves you can run at Las Vegas. You have to be able to have good short-run speed because restarts are so important, but then you have to have a car that’ll kind of hang on for the long run. It seems like we always have really long runs there with a lot of green-flag pit stops, so it’s one of those races that kind of just takes a little bit of everything from a car standpoint and an execution standpoint.”

    Is Las Vegas also a momentum track?

    “It’s definitely high-speed, and I would say it’s a lot less momentum-based than a place like Kansas, but it’s still track where we’re running a 195 miles an hour. So momentum and not losing speed is still a big part of it, but certainly I feel like the mechanical balance at Vegas is always a crucial part of it, just with how rough it is and the things you kind of fight there.”

    You enjoyed a fourth-place run at Las Vegas in October of 2022, but it’s been tough sledding there since. What does it take to have a good day at Las Vegas?

    “That’s been a place where, in the Xfinity Series, I was able to have pretty good success. And then in the Cup car in 2022 I was able to run pretty good there. So I feel like I know what I need to get around that racetrack and it’s always been a racetrack that I’ve really enjoyed going to and just feel comfortable at. It was definitely a tough road last year. We just couldn’t ever seem to get the balance of the car quite right. Hopefully, this year we can get back to the winning ways we had in Xfinity and the up-front running we had there in 2022, and if we do that, we’ll obviously be in the mix. So, that’s what we’ve got to go there and do. It’s just a matter of putting all of those things together and, hopefully, all of our tools and everything will lead us down the right direction and we can unload really quick and just put our whole weekend together.”

    When your car isn’t right, what do you do behind the wheel to get the best finish possible?

    “At Vegas, you at least have some options if your car isn’t running good. There are some tracks you go to where it’s really hard to do anything, it’s so one-lane, or one groove is really more dominant than the other. At Vegas, depending on the weather, you can definitely move around and try different things, more so in turns one and two than three and four. In three and four, it seems like the bottom has become the place to be. Vegas is very rough compared to a lot of the tracks we go to, so how you hit the bumps and things like that, you can kind of manipulate your car and manhandle it in certain ways to get it to do what you want it to do, to a certain extent.”

    You were lights-out at Las Vegas in the Xfinity Series, winning two races there – swept them in 2020 – and two other finishes of 11th or better. What made those Xfinity Series races so good and productive at Las Vegas?

    “Our car was just really good there. I think you’ll continue to see that with Stewart-Haas on the Xfinity side. They’ve always had a really good package at Vegas. Look at Riley (Herbst) getting his first win there last year. Our cars always drove really well there, so it always made my job really easy. It was really good for us to be really good at Vegas, truthfully, in the Xfinity stuff. It always started your season. It was one of the first races, so to be able to go there and win early was always good. And, obviously, it was always in the playoffs where you could set yourself up for a Championship 4 run. For us in 2020, it was important to be good there, just to get ourselves into the playoffs early, but then also to be able to try to go to the Championship 4. It’s the same this year. It has the same amount of significance in the Cup Series. You go there early in the year trying to set the groundwork for the summer, and also you go there in the playoffs to try to set yourself up for a Championship 4 run.”

    Talk about the difference between the Xfinity Series and the Cup Series, both in terms of the cars but also in terms of the caliber of talent through the field.

    “The cars are definitely different, more so now than ever with the NextGen car. But for sure the biggest thing when it comes to Cup racing and how it differs from Xfinity is the competitive side of things. If you’re driving for one of the top teams in the Xfinity Series, you can have a bad day on pit road or even make mistakes on the racetrack and you’re still going to be able to recover for a top-10 day, or right around there. The number of cars that can win is a lot smaller, where on the Cup side, there are 30 cars that can go win and 20 of those cars are typically pretty close on speed, so you can’t afford to have a little mistake. You’re not going to be able to go to the back of the field and drive back through the field. When you look at the Cup Series, every team is incredibly strong, and then every racecar driver in the field has won at every level that they’ve been at. On the Xfinity side, you don’t have as many guys who are incredible racecar drivers capable of winning any weekend in any series that they go run. I think that’s the one thing that stands out most about the Cup Series – it’s probably the most competitive racing series in the world when it comes to not only the number of teams that can win, but the number of drivers who can win.”

    No. 14 Texas A&M University Team Roster

    Primary Team Members

    Driver: Chase Briscoe

    Hometown: Mitchell, Indiana

    Crew Chief: Richard Boswell

    Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

    Car Chief: J.D. Frey

    Hometown: Ferndale, California

    Engineer: Mike Cook

    Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

    Spotter: Joey Campbell

    Hometown: Berlin, Connecticut

    Over-The-Wall Members

    Front Tire Changer: Daniel Coffey

    Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

    Rear Tire Changer: Daniel Smith

    Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

    Tire Carrier: Mason Flynt

    Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

    Jack Man: Brandon Banks

    Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

    Fuel Man: Evan Marchal

    Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

    Road Crew Members

    Underneath Mechanic: Stephen Gonzalez

    Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

    Interior Mechanic: Trevor Adams

    Hometown: Plymouth, Wisconsin

    Tire Specialist: Keith Eads

    Hometown: Arlington, Virginia

    Shock Specialist: Brian Holshouser

    Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina

    Engine Tuner: Jon Phillips

    Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri

    Transporter Co-Driver: Todd Cable

    Hometown: Shelby, North Carolina

    Transporter Co-Driver: Dale Lackey

    Hometown: Taylorsville, North Carolina

  • SCOTT BRAND AND STENHOUSE JR. LOOK TO ROLL TO VICTORY AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

    SCOTT BRAND AND STENHOUSE JR. LOOK TO ROLL TO VICTORY AT LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

    LOCUST, N.C. (October 16, 2024) – Another trusted brand from Kimberly-Clark’s portfolio takes over the No. 47 Camaro wheeled by 2023 DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION and recent NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race winner, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Kimberly-Clark’s SCOTT® Brand will adorn the side of the No. 47 as the series heads back west and Stenhouse Jr. hopes he and the Kroger Racing team can roll the dice and make the calls to get to victory lane for a second time this season.

    “We learned some things at Vegas earlier this year,” said Stenhouse Jr. “We ran in the top 20 much of the race, but our team has really been working hard and getting some strong finishes on intermediate tracks as the season has progressed. Of course, the momentum coming off the Talladega win is still alive with me and our guys so we’re hoping to carry that to Las Vegas with SCOTT Brand on our No. 47 Camaro.”

    Kimberly-Clark is a longstanding partner of the Kroger Racing team and is one of the founding partners of the program.

    “Similar to NASCAR, life happens fast, and Scott Brand is here to help consumers get the most out of it,” said Amber Smith, Scott Brand® senior brand manager. “We are proud to support the Kroger Racing team and wish Ricky the best of luck this weekend!”

    Several parts of the country have recently been impacted by severe weather, specifically Hurricane Helene, which caused catastrophic damage to western North Carolina. Kimberly-Clark has donated more than $2M in cash and supplies to relief efforts in the region. Stenhouse Jr. is also continuing to raise money for hurricane relief through the sales of a #NCStrong t-shirt through his website www.slidejobranch.com where he will match the money raised through sales of the shirt to help those impacted by the storm.

    Kimberly-Clark and the SCOTT Brand will also participate in a Smith’s store appearance on Friday, October 18 prior to the weekend’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Fans can visit the store at 9710 W Skye Canyon Park Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89166 where they can get free product samples and meet Stenhouse Jr. between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM PST.

    Live coverage of the South Point 400 begins on Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 PM ET on USA, PRN and SIRIUSXM NASCAR Radio.

    About Kimberly-Clark:

    Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people’s most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what’s important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies(R) by Ethisphere for the sixth year in a row. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company’s 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

  • Toyota Racing Weekly Preview 10.16.24

    Toyota Racing Weekly Preview 10.16.24

    This Week in Motorsports: October 14 – 20, 2024

    NCS/NXS: Las Vegas Motor Speedway – Oct. 19-20

    PLANO, Texas (Oct. 16, 2024) – NASCAR heads back out west to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the second time in 2024. Both the Cup and Xfinity Series begin the Round of 8 in the Playoffs, with Toyota Racing drivers in the thick of championship battles in both series.

    NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS

    Toyota reaches 600 races in the Xfinity Series … Saturday’s Ambetter Health 302 at Las Vegas marks the milestone 600th event for Toyota in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Toyota’s road in the Xfinity Series began in February 2007 at Daytona International Speedway, with its first win coming later that season at Indianapolis Raceway Park by the late Jason Leffler. To date, Toyota has won four manufacturer’s championships and earned 211 victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, most recently with Aric Almirola’s win with Joe Gibbs Racing in Kansas.

    Bell, Reddick and Hamlin onto Round of 8 … Once the checkered flag flew Sunday in Charlotte, Christopher Bell, Tyler Reddick and Denny Hamlin found themselves in the Round of 8 that begins this weekend in Las Vegas. Bell and Reddick both start this Playoff round in second and third position in the points, 13 and 10 points above the cutline, respectively, while Hamlin begins in sixth position, eight points below.

    Toyota Camry XSE drivers return to favorable Las Vegas … Las Vegas Motor Speedway has been a strong track for the Camry XSE drivers, especially of late for Martin Truex Jr, Reddick and Hamlin. Truex comes into the weekend with eight consecutive top-10s at Las Vegas and 16 in the last 20 races, which includes two wins in 2017 and 2019. Similarly, Reddick has five top-10 finishes in the last six Las Vegas races, and for Hamlin, he has six such finishes in the last eight races around the mile-and-a-half circuit, that includes his triumph in 2021.

    Bell continues top-10 streak … With his runner-up finish last weekend, Bell has finished inside the top-10 in nine of the last 11 Cup Series races, and currently has four-in-a-row. With the current streak, Bell now has more top-10 finishes than any other driver this season with 20. He’s also finished inside the top-10 in four of his nine starts at Las Vegas, meaning another such finish could be in the cards for the Oklahoma native to begin the Round of 8.

    Smith’s championship push rolls into Round of 8 … Chandler Smith has brought his No. 81 GR Supra team into the Round of 8 in the Xfinity Series, which begins Saturday in Las Vegas. The 22-year-old begins the round in fourth position, eight points above the cutline. And like his Toyota compadres in the Cup Series, Smith has been strong at Las Vegas, finishing inside the top-five in all three of his starts – including the spring race where he led 74 laps and finished third.

    No. 20 GR Supra seeks Las Vegas sweep … That same race where Smith led 74 laps in the spring, the No. 20 GR Supra and John Hunter Nemechek captured the first Xfinity Series victory of the season for Team Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing. This weekend, that team aims for a sweep at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with Almirola behind the wheel, who seeks his third win of the season after triumphs at Martinsville and Kansas. Another victory would be the ninth of the season for the No. 20 team and be paramount in their mission to capture the Xfinity Series owner’s championship, as they are currently leading by six points.

    About Toyota

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

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

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

  • Mobil 1/Take 5 Racing: Josh Berry Las Vegas Advance

    Mobil 1/Take 5 Racing: Josh Berry Las Vegas Advance

    JOSH BERRY
    Las Vegas Advance
    No. 4 Mobil 1/Take 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    Event Overview

    ● Event: South Point 400 (Round 33 of 36)
    ● Time/Date: 2 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Oct. 20
    ● Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
    ● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
    ● Laps/Miles: 267 laps/400.5 miles
    ● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 80 laps / Stage 2: 85 laps / Final Stage: 102 laps
    ● TV/Radio: NBC / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Notes of Interest

    ● Rolling the dice, upping the ante and winning big are things that happen in Las Vegas, whether in a casino or behind the wheel of a racecar. Just ask Josh Berry, who in six NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for JR Motorsports was on a roll from 2021 to 2023, tallying two wins, a pole position, four top-five finishes and five top-10s, an average start of 7.6, an average finish of 5.0, and completing all but one of the 1,203 laps available. In September 2021, Berry started 15th, led 38 circuits, and took the checkered flag 4.398 seconds ahead of runner-up Justin Algaier. Berry’s second victory came in October 2021 when he started 12th, led 65 laps and beat now-Stewart-Haas Racing NASCAR Cup Series teammate Noah Gragson by 1.125 seconds. Berry added a pole position in his most recent Xfinity Series start at the track last October, leading 11 laps on his way to an 11th-place finish. Stewart-Haas Xfinity Series driver Riley Herbst drove to his first career series victory in that race.

    ● Berry made 10 NASCAR Cup Series starts in 2023 as a substitute driver – five for an injured Chase Elliott and three for an injured Alex Bowman at Hendrick Motorsports, then two in place of Gragson at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. The first of those 10 races came in the March race at Las Vegas, when Berry started 32nd and finished 29th.

    ● The 1.5-mile Las Vegas oval has been the site of two NASCAR Cup Series wins for crew chief Rodney Childers and the No. 4 team. Among his 24 Cup Series races atop the pit box, Childers’ drivers have tallied three pole positions, five top-five finishes, 10 top-10s, an average starting position on 11.7 and an average finishing position of 15.1 with just two DNFs (Did Not Finish).

    ● This week, the No. 4 Ford Mustang Dark Horse will don the iconic colors of Mobil 1 and Take 5. Mobil 1 has partnered with Take 5 Oil Change®, the quick-lube service that features a unique drive-thru concept that allows customers to never leave the comfort of their car. Mobil 1 is available at Take 5 locations nationwide, and the expanded availability of Mobil 1’s range of products is being highlighted on Berry’s No. 4 Mobil 1/Take 5 Ford Mustang this Sunday.

    ● The Mobil 1 branding on Berry’s No. 4 Ford Mustang goes more than skin deep as the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand gives Berry an added advantage. Mobil 1 products are used throughout his racecar and they extend beyond just engine oil. Power steering fluid, transmission fluid, gear oil and driveline lubricants from Mobil 1 give Berry a technical advantage over his counterparts by reducing friction, heat and rolling resistance. Mobil 1 is a sponsor whose technology makes Berry’s No. 4 Mobil 1 Ford Mustang faster.

    Josh Berry, Driver of the No. 4 Mobil 1/Take 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    Las Vegas has historically been a solid place for you in the Xfinity series. Moving up to the NASCAR Cup Series, what was the most difficult thing to overcome?

    “The cars are different and that is the obvious answer, but it really boils down to the guys I’m competing with each weekend. These guys, from top to bottom, are all really good drivers. If you look at even qualifying, the top-10 guys are separated by sometimes hundredths of a second whereas the Xfinity gaps are larger. Getting used to competing with just a higher level of competition has been the biggest hurdle.”

    Has it begun to sink in that you are a few races away from your rookie season coming to an end?

    “I honestly don’t think so. I think Sunday right before the last race I may feel like it feels like the end, but not yet. We, as a group, feel like we’re just focused on taking the season one week at a time, even in the unusual circumstances of the season. It takes a lot of resiliency, and Rodney (Childers, crew chief) has done a really good job of just helping me navigate those rookie-year distractions and keeping me focused, and I really appreciate everybody on the No. 4 team for continuing to work hard and showing up, despite all of our challenges this year.”

    What is one of your biggest takeaways from this season that you will help you in year two of your fulltime NASCAR Cup Series career?

    “I think it’s just trusting myself. I’ve raced a lot in my life and the one thing that has gotten me here has always been believing in myself and my ability to drive anything I get in. I know my career has been helped by a lot of great people like Dale (Earnhardt Jr.), and Mr. (Rick) Hendrick, who gave me a chance to fill in with the No. 9 and No. 48 last year, but I bet on myself in those situations and, without that, I’m not sure what my career would look like.”

    No. 4 Mobil 1/Take 5 Team Roster

    Primary Team Members

    Driver: Josh Berry

    Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

    Crew Chief: Rodney Childers

    Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

    Car Chief: Robert “Cheddar” Smith

    Hometown: Whitewater, Wisconsin

    Engineer: Dax Gerringer

    Hometown: Gibsonville, North Carolina

    Engineer: Billy Kuebler

    Hometown: Saline, Michigan

    Spotter: Eddie D’Hondt

    Hometown: Levittown, New York

    Over-The-Wall Members

    Front Tire Changer: Shayne Pipala

    Hometown: Frankfort Square, Illinois

    Rear Tire Changer: Dakota Ratcliff

    Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

    Tire Carrier: Jon Bernal

    Hometown: Holland, Michigan

    Jack Man: Kapil Fletcher

    Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

    Fuel Man: Corey Coppola

    Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

    Road Crew Members

    Mechanic: Tyler Trosper

    Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

    Mechanic: Chris Capaldi

    Hometown: Armada, Michigan

    Tire Specialist: Zac Lupien

    Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

    Engine Tuner: Robert Brandt

    Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

    Transporter Co-Driver: Jake Zierhoffer

    Hometown: Billerica, Massachusetts

    Transporter Co-Driver: Stephen Mitchell

    Hometown: Woodville, Ohio

  • Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Unveils 2025 Schedule

    Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Unveils 2025 Schedule

    The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin championship will celebrate its 20th season of racing in 2025 and will once again feature a stellar schedule of seven doubleheader events totaling 14 races across a mix of familiar road courses, rovals and street circuits.

    For the fifth season in-a-row, the Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season will kick off at Daytona International Speedway as part of the Rolex 24 At Daytona event weekend. The roval configuration of the legendary speedway has rapidly developed into a must-watch event, producing some of the most thrilling finishes in series history.

    Mazda MX-5 Cup stays in Florida for Rounds Three and Four as it joins the kickoff of the INDYCAR season on the streets of St. Petersburg, Florida, February 28 – March 2.

    After taking the month of April off, MX-5 Cup will rejoin INDYCAR at Barber Motorsports Park May 2 – 4. The series returns to the beautiful circuit outside Birmingham, Alabama, for the first time since 2019 for Rounds Five and Six.

    Back with IMSA for Rounds Seven and Eight, the series heads to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, June 6 – 8. Rounds Nine and 10 take place north of the border at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, with the series’ only trip outside of the U.S. happening July 11 – 13 as part of the IMSA WeatherTech event.

    August 22 – 24 MX-5 Cup returns to the rolling green hills of VIRginia International Raceway in Alton, Virginia, for Rounds 11 and 12. As it has since 2021, the MX-5 Cup season will wrap up at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, October 8 – 11, during IMSA’s Petit Le Mans finale.

    “The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Cup schedule has a great combination of consistency and novelty,” Mazda Motorsports Senior Program Manager Jonathan Applegate said. “We couldn’t imagine starting our season anywhere else than Daytona, where the MX-5 Cup races have become an iconic part of the Rolex 24 event and the sentiment is similar for closing the championship at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta during Petit Le Mans. Returning to St. Petersburg and Barber Motorsports Park gives the 2024 season a nice refresh.”

    Having had the championship once again come down to the final race of the season this year with Gresham Wagner claiming the title and $250,000 prize from Mazda, the 2024 season still has one more MX-5 Cup race left to go; a non-points race at Martinsville Speedway on October 26. The series’ first-ever oval race will be streamed live on IMSA’s YouTube channel.

    For more info on Mazda MX-5 Cup and the 2025 season visit www.mx-5cup.com.

    About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

    Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

  • JR Motorsports — NXS Las Vegas Motor Speedway Review

    JR Motorsports — NXS Las Vegas Motor Speedway Review

    JR Motorsports Team Preview
    TRACK – Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.5-mile tri-oval)
    NXS RACE – Ambetter Health 302 (201 laps / 301.5 miles)
    TUNE IN – CW, PRN, SiriusXM Channel 90 at 7:30 p.m. (ET)

    Sam Mayer

    No. 1 – 10X Health Chevrolet

    Mayer 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 29

    Wins: 3

    Top 5s: 8

    Top 10s: 12

    Laps Led: 224

    Avg. Finish: 18.3

    Points: 5th

    • Sam Mayer heads to Las Vegas Motor Speedway as the most recent winner in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, having scored the victory in dramatic fashion last weekend in Charlotte to secure his place in the Round of 8.
    • The young driver has six previous starts at the 1.5-mile tri-oval, where he has totaled one top-five and three top-10 finishes, with a best of fifth coming in this event last season.
    • In 20 starts on tracks measuring 1.5 miles in length, Mayer has earned two victories, eight top fives and 13 top 10s.
    • Following the win last weekend, the Franklin, Wis. native currently holds the fifth position in the NXS Playoff Grid, at 18 markers behind leader and teammate Justin Allgaier, heading into the first race of the Round of 8.

    Sam Mayer

    “The win last week was a true testament to how hard this team works. We knew we had one job and we did just that to keep ourselves in contention for the championship. Vegas has been hit or miss for me in the past but it is a fun track to run at and I think we have great momentum to keep up the speed and effort to have a solid finish in the end. Happy to have 10X Health back on board for the first race of the Round of 8 and I hope we can be in the running to get them to Victory Lane.”

    Justin Allgaier

    No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet

    Allgaier 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 29

    Wins: 2

    Top 5s: 7

    Top 10s: 16

    Laps Led: 663

    Avg. Finish: 14.8

    Points:1st

    • Justin Allgaier heads into the opening race in the Round of 8 in the NXS Playoffs as the points leader, seven points ahead of second and 10 points above the cutline with three races remaining in the round.
    • In 20 NXS starts at Las Vegas, Allgaier has amassed 10 top fives and 17 top 10s.
    • Allgaier on four separate occasions has finished in the runner-up position in “Sin City,” including in this event in 2018 and 2021.
    • This year on 1.5-mile tracks, the Illinois native has earned a best finish of third, coming at Texas Motor Speedway in April.

    Justin Allgaier

    “It’s great to be here in the Round of 8. That first round didn’t go quite how we were hoping, but we know what is waiting ahead of us and I know that everyone on this BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet is ready to go. Las Vegas has been a strong track for us over these last couple of years, so I feel really confident that we are going to be just as fast again when we unload on Friday. This whole group is ready and I can’t wait to get out there and see what we can do this weekend.”

    Sammy Smith

    No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet

    Smith 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 29

    Wins: 1

    Top 5s: 6

    Top 10s: 15

    Laps Led: 60

    Avg. Finish: 14.8

    Points: 8th

    • Coming off a win and a top 10 in the past two races, Sammy Smith heads west to Las Vegas for the first race in the Round of 8 in the NXS Playoffs.
    • Smith’s best finish in three races at Las Vegas with the NXS came this spring when he finished eighth.
    • The 20-year old Iowa native has 35 NXS starts on his resume at tracks that are at least 1.5 miles in length. Of those, he has one win, eight top fives, and 20 top 10s.
    • Super T Transport will ride on the TV panel of the Pilot Flying J Chevrolet this weekend. Super T originated in 2007 in Idaho Falls, ID as a small transportation fleet. It has since grown into a global-scale operation, partnering with other transportation companies to provide the best service.

    Sammy Smith

    “I’m excited to get this next round of the playoffs started, especially with two of my teammates going into the fight with me. We’re still feeling the momentum from our Talladega win and everyone on this Pilot Flying J Chevrolet team is focused on what we need to do to have strong and consistent runs the next three races.”

    Brandon Jones

    No. 9 Menards / Pelonis Chevrolet

    Jones 2024 NXS Stats

    Starts: 29

    Wins: 0

    Top 5s: 1

    Top 10s: 8

    Laps Led: 34

    Avg. Finish: 19.2

    Points: 14th

    • Brandon Jones has made 15 starts in the NXS at Las Vegas and has tallied two top-five and 11 top-10 finishes, with a best of third coming during the 2019 and 2021 seasons.
    • In addition to his 15 starts in the NXS, the 27-year-old Georgia native has recorded two starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series at the 1.5-mile tri-oval.
    • Of current active tracks in the NXS, Jones average finish of 9.9 in Las Vegas is the third best for the 27-year-old.
    • Pelonis, a trusted brand in home comfort for over 25 years, will be making its final appearance on the hood of Jones’ Camaro this weekend. This will be the brand’s first appearance in “Sin City” with Jones.

    Brandon Jones

    “This team has had speed over the last few weeks and hopefully this weekend is more of the same. We ran well at Vegas in the spring, so this team has been working hard to make sure we have similar success. With only a few races left in the season it would be great to get this Menards/Pelonis Chevrolet in Victory Lane and give these guys the finish they deserve.”

    JRM Team Updates

    JR Motorsports at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at Las Vegas Motor Speedway a combined 80 times in the NXS since its first trip there in 2006. In those starts at the 1.5-mile tri-oval, the organization has recorded three wins, including the first for the organization with Mark Martin in 2008, 33 top fives and 54 top- 0s, with an average finish of 10.9.

    Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. PT.

  • Porsche celebrates 25 years of the 911 GT3

    Porsche celebrates 25 years of the 911 GT3

    The motorsport-derived 911 variant debuted 25 years ago

    Atlanta, Oct. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A quarter of a century ago, Porsche introduced a new model that would go on to become a legend: the 911 GT3. Named after a class of endurance racing cars, the motorsport-derived variant prioritized track performance and a particularly visceral driving experience by offering motorsport technology for the road. A high-revving, naturally-aspirated flat-six engine closely related to the engine used in motorsport, rear wheel drive, lightweight construction, upgraded aerodynamics, and a track-focused suspension and brake systems have been defining characteristics of this model throughout its 25 year history.

    The beginnings:
    The first 911 GT3 model was introduced to the European market in 1999 as part of the 996 generation. It was one of the first production cars to officially lap the legendary Nürburgring-Nordschleife in less than eight minutes, with rally legend Walter Rӧhrl going around the famous track in just 7:56.33 minutes – a sensation at the time. The car distinguished itself from rear-wheel drive 911 Carrera models through a 30 mm reduction in ride height, a pronounced front fascia, visible side skirts and a fixed rear wing – all designed to reduce lift while still delivering a very efficient 0.30 drag coefficient. The angle of attack of the rear wing is adjustable for use on closed-course tracks.

    The original 911 GT3 was powered by a 265 kW (360 PS) 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated flat six engine that was derived from the Le Mans-winning Porsche 911 GT1 race car and revved up to 7,800 rpm. Mated exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission carried over from the 911 GT2 (993 generation), the first 911 GT3 reached a top track speed of 187 miles per hour. The track-focused model also featured staggered 18-inch wheels and tires, larger brakes compared to the 911 Carrera, a standard limited slip differential, and an upgraded suspension that allowed for greater mechanical adjustment of anti-roll bars and suspension geometry for closed-course track setup. Taking advantage of weight savings measures such as the deletion of air-conditioning and rear seats, the 911 GT3 weighed just 2,976 lbs. (1350 kg).

    The successor:
    Four years later, the 911 GT3 received significant updates, and was offered in North America for the first time. Based on the facelifted 996 generation 911, horsepower grew to 381, torque increased from 273 to 285 lb.-ft., and the redline climbed to 8,200 rpm. This was possible by updating the engine with longer titanium connecting rods, lighter pistons, the VarioCam variable camshaft adjustment system, and lighter intake and exhaust valves. As a result, the 2004 model year 911 GT3 accelerated from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds and achieved a top track speed of 190 miles per hour. The car remained paired to a six-speed manual transmission, albeit with modified ratios for gears five and six. In addition to restyled fasciae, a new rear wing and updated wheel design, this model featured wider front and rear tires. Underscoring the effort of the Motorsport department to save weight wherever possible, the new wheel/tire combination saved 2.2 lb despite the increase in size thanks to flow-formed wheel technology. Larger front brake rotors, up from 330 mm to 350 mm, and six-piston calipers increased pad-to-rotor contact by about 40 percent. As an option, customers could choose Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) with carbon-ceramic brake rotors as an option for the first time in the GT3, taken from the 996-generation 911 GT2.

    Third generation of GT3 arrives:
    Based on the 997-generation of 911, a new 911 GT3 model was unveiled in 2006. Still powered by a 3.6-liter naturally-aspirated flat six, horsepower now crossed the 400 threshold, rising to 415. The engine was now capable of revving up to 8,400 rpm. The 2007 911 GT3 sprinted from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.1 seconds and reached a top track speed of 193 miles per hour. The six speed transmission offered 15 percent shorter shift throws and a reduction of ratios for gears two through six, pairing well to power delivery of the engine. To make full use of the increase in power, the suspension was enhanced with divided control arms offering greater camber angle adjustment. Additionally, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) was offered as standard for the first time on the GT3, offering the capability of electronically adjusting the dampers. Wheel diameters grew to 19 inches, the size of the standard rear cast iron brake rotors increased to 350 mm, the optional PCCB rotors grew to 380 mm at the front axle, and Ultra-High Performance tires (UHP) were mounted to further increase grip.

    The 997 became the first 911 GT3 model to be equipped with a traction control system (TC), which complemented the standard limited slip differential by giving the driver greater control, particularly on slippery surfaces. The car was also fitted with a “SPORT” button for the first time, reducing backpressure in the exhaust and putting the traction control system in a more dynamic mode. In spite of the added technology and safety equipment such as new Sport Seats with side airbags, the car tipped the scales at just 3,075 lb (1395 kg) thanks to new weight-saving aluminum doors and luggage compartment lid. The 911 GT3 of the 997 generation was characterized by new styling, with cues such as the air outlet in front of the luggage compartment lid designed to extract air from the front center radiator and increase downforce at the front axle. This was also the first model to feature center-mounted tailpipes for the exhaust. The interior offered new features such as an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, hand brake lever and gearshift lever.

    Larger engine, faster lap times:
    For the 2010 model year, the 911 GT3 received not only a visual update as part of the facelifted 997 generation, but also a number of significant technical changes. For the first time, the engine displacement of the race-derived flat six was no longer 3.6, but 3.8 liters. 435 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque propelled the new model from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds and on to a top track speed of 194 miles per hour while reaching engine speeds of up to 8,500 rpm. The 911 GT3 of this generation featured even more technology directly adopted from motorsport, such as the new center lock hubs for the 19-inch wheels which increased driving performance with lower rotating masses. by allowing deactivation of those systems in two stages The first stage deactivates stability control while leaving traction control turned on, allowing a skilled driver to corner more aggressively on a racetrack. The second stage deactivates both systems. An optional front axle lift system was introduced for the first time, offering an additional 1.2 inches (30 mm) of ride height at the front axle to clear driveways and speed bumps. Ultimately, the most impressive trait of this 911 GT3 was its improved track performance. With the latest generation of UHP-tires and PASM calibration as well as optional dynamic engine mounts, it lapped the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in just 7 minutes and 40 seconds.

    The 991 generation GT3:
    Introduced in 2013 for the 2014 model year, the 911 GT3 based on the newly introduced 991-generation adopted one of the biggest advancements in performance and technology ever seen on a road car: the seven-speed Porsche dual-clutch transmission (PDK). It had already been available on the 911 Carrera and Turbo variants of the previous generation, but was significantly modified to suit the characteristics of this race-bred model and fitted as standard. Lighter gear sets reduced the weight of the unit by about four pounds compared to the standard 911 Carrera models, and the gear ratios were shortened to suit the high-revving nature of the naturally-aspirated 475 hp 3.8-liter flat six which featured direct injection for the first time and revved to an impressive 9,000 rpm. Top track speed was 195 mph, reached in seventh gear. Due to the Launch Control feature and lightning quick shifts of less than 100 milliseconds, the 0 to 60 mph time dropped significantly to just 3.3 seconds.

    The track performance of this latest 911 GT3 also benefited from the new 991 platform. Track widths and body stiffness increased, PASM system advanced, and standard center-lock wheels were made of forged aluminum for the first time and increased to a 20-inch diameter. They were fitted with the latest generation of UHP tires, and rear axle steering was added for the first time to the GT3. This innovative technology, shared with the 918 Spyder and 911 Turbo, steered the rear wheels in opposite direction of the front wheels at speeds of up to 31 mph to increase agility and reduce the turning circle. Over 50 mph, the system steered the rear wheels in tandem with the front wheels to promote stability, for example during a lane change at higher speeds. The system was included as standard equipment. The size of the cast iron brake rotors grew to 380 mm front and rear, while the optional PCCB system, now in its third generation, featured 410 mm rotors up front and 390 mm rotors at the rear. Despite the significant expansion in onboard equipment, the latest 911 GT3 kept weight in check at 3,153 lbs. Equipped with all these enhancements, and clad in a new body that provided a significant increase in downforce compared to the 997-generation models, the 2014 911 GT3 completed a lap of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7 minutes and 25 seconds.

    Yet, in the subsequent generation (991.2), the team in Flacht continued to find room for improvement. 7:12.7 minutes: The lap time of the 991.2 911 GT3 represents roughly 45 seconds of improvement at the ‘Ring compared to the original model. A world of difference. Engine displacement grew in this generation to 4.0 liters, developing 500 hp and a healthy 346 lb-ft of torque. A new crankshaft, larger main bearings, thicker connecting rod bearings, plasma-coated cylinder liners as well as a new oiling system to supply oil directly into the feeder bore of the crankshaft took the durability of the engine to new heights. Like on a racing powertrain, valve train clearance is set at the factory using shims and does not require adjustment.

    Breathing of the engine improved thanks to larger ram air ducts on top of the rear decklid cover. Downforce grew 20 percent compared to the previous model to a total of 340 lbs. (155 kg) at the top track speed of 198 mph. This improvement was made possible by a new front fascia featuring lateral air blades, a special front spoiler lip, a new rear underbody diffusor, and a prominent rear wing sitting 0.8 inches higher than before. Special lightweight touches include front and rear fasciae made of lightweight polyurethane and a rear decklid made of carbon fiber composite, including the hinges.

    Catering to the purists, a six-speed manual transmission was re-introduced as a no-cost alternative to the standard seven speed PDK. The 911 GT3 with Touring Package was also introduced for the first time as part of this generation. That configuration was available exclusively with the six-speed manual transmission. It retained the engine and suspension from the 911 GT3, but deleted the fixed rear wing in favor of an automatically controlled rear spoiler from the 911 Carrera Cabriolet models, fitted with an additional Gurney flap. Optional Chrome accents and cloth seat inserts replaced the Alcantara upholstery of the standard model to lend a more subdued touch to the model.

    Today:
    Following a familiar theme, the newest 911 GT3 (992) is even more track capable than its predecessor and, once again, relies on technologies forged in motorsport to achieve that goal. Consequently, the car managed to clock a Nürburgring-Nordschliefe lap time below seven minutes; 6:59.93 on the current, official configuration or 6:55.34 on the historically relevant 12.8-mile configuration. For a sense of where that pace places the current 911 GT3, Porsche 918 Spyder became the first road car to clock a “sub-seven-minute” lap time at the famous German track in 2013. At the time this was a jaw dropping achievement. For the 911 GT3, a car with comparatively modest power, to achieve such a result is evidence of how capable the car is.

    Learnings from prior generations – rear axle steering, adjustable camber, toe, ride height, and sway bar setting and an extensive use of rosebud joints in the suspension, among many others – remain a part of the recipe. This leap in performance was possible through a combination of implementing new technologies and continued discipline in avoiding weight gain. The result is a car that weighs 3,126 lbs. with the six-speed manual transmission and 3,164 with the seven-speed GT Sport PDK. In both cases this represents an increase of only about 11 lbs. compared to the prior generation.

    Meanwhile, the car gained a new double-wishbone front axle; the first of its kind on a roadgoing 911 and a development based on the 911 RSR LM GTE race car. The new design replaced the MacPherson strut setup of other 911 road cars, offering greatly improved camber stability during high-load cornering.

    Aerodynamics are another are of significant improvement in the current GT3. Changes include a redesigned rear wing attached to a pair of swan neck supports. This wing and the pair of corresponding front diffusers are manually adjustable to adjust the amount of downforce the car generates. The car makes between 50 and 150 percent more downforce than its predecessor depending on the position of the manually adjustable front diffusers and rear wing. A revised rear diffuser and underbody air guides also contribute significantly to the overall improvements in aerodynamics.

    For the first time on a 911 GT3 (non-RS model), Porsche also offered a road-legal track tire: the ultra-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R. While these tires are approved for road use, their primary mission is to shave seconds from lap times and are only offered through approved retailers after initial delivery.

    Beyond the improvements, the GT3 remained true to its roots with a motorsport-derived, naturally aspirated flat-six. As with the preceding generation, it has a 4.0-liter displacement and revs to 9,000 rpm. But other improvements significant enough to justify a totally separate engine code took place in the years intervening between the two generations. Perhaps most notably, the engine how uses individual throttle bodies for each cylinder, improving the efficiency of the combustion cycle and achieving a better air-fuel mixture to create more power. The rotating assembly, oiling system and engine mounts all represent weight savings compared to the preceding model.

    Starting with the 992 generation 911 GT3, customers in the United States are also able to order a kit from Manthey-Racing for the first time. Founded in 1996 and responsible for running factory GT competition for Porsche Motorsport since 2013, Manthey are based in Meuspath, Germany, beside the Nürburgring. In addition to competing actively in sports car racing, they develop performance kits for roadgoing Porsche sports cars. While the kits differ from model to model, the goal is always the same: they aim to inspire confidence in the driver through targeted changes, generally focusing on aerodynamics, chassis, brakes, and lightweight wheels.

    In the 992 911 GT3 that is exactly the case. The kit, which is available for order and installation on any 992 generation 911 GT3 improves aerodynamics and makes the car visually recognizable. A larger spoiler lip and side flaps are fitted at the front of the car. In conjunction with the modified air guide elements on the underbody, they increase the downforce on the front axle. The modifications at the rear are even more pronounced. The swan-neck-supported wing of the 911 GT3 is wider, and now features a Gurney flap. The end plates with their distinctive Manthey logos have also been enlarged, as has the wing’s angle of attack. The fins of the rear diffuser are extended and are now made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Aerodiscs on the rear wheels – also made of CFRP –further enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

    Braided steel brake lines help to maintain consistent pedal feel under extreme conditions, and four-way coilover dampers offer compression and rebound adjustment for track specific adjustments without using tools. Optional lightweight wheels save a total of approximately 16 lbs. compared to the standard GT3 wheels to reduce unsprung mass. In the hands of a pro driver, the results were clear: the car – equipped with the PDK – was more than four seconds quicker around the Nürburgring than the standard car.

    More capable and diverse than ever before, the 911 GT3 represents the beating heart of Porsche’s commitment to building pure, uncompromised sports cars.

  • Statement from Kaulig Racing on the crew chief for the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

    Statement from Kaulig Racing on the crew chief for the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet

    Statement from Kaulig Racing:
    Travis Mack will no longer serve as crew chief for the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet, effective immediately. We appreciate the commitment Travis made to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season and wish him well in the future. Darian Grubb will serve as the No. 16 crew chief this weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with driver Shane van Gisbergen. More announcements regarding the position will be made in the near future.
     
    About Kaulig Racing

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

  • Stewart-Haas Racing: Las Vegas NXS Advance (Cole Custer | Riley Herbst)

    Stewart-Haas Racing: Las Vegas NXS Advance (Cole Custer | Riley Herbst)

    COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST
    Las Vegas NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
    NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

    • Event: Ambetter Health 302 (Round 30 of 33)
    • Date: Saturday, Oct. 19
    • Location: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
    • Layout: 1.5-mile oval
    • Time/TV/Radio: 7:30 p.m. EDT on CW/PRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

    Cole Custer Notes of Interest

    • Cole Custer is focused as he heads to the first race of the Round of 8 of the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs, Saturday’s Ambetter Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He finished third in this race last year after winning the first stage and leading 62 laps. He followed that with a runner-up finish after qualifying on the pole in his return visit to the 1.5-mile oval in March. Custer arrives at Las Vegas second in the playoff standings, just seven points behind Justin Allgaier and 11 points above the top-four cutline. A win this weekend would propel Custer into the Championship 4 Nov. 9 at Phoenix Raceway. In his previous four fulltime season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Custer has made it to the Championship 4 in all but his rookie season in 2017, when he finished fifth in the standings. He hopes to make a Championship 4 appearance once again as he tackles the tracks that make up this year’s Round of 8 – Saturday at Las Vegas, Oct. 26 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, and Nov. 2 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.
    • Saturday’s Ambetter Health 302 will mark Custer’s ninth Xfinity Series start at Las Vegas and his 17th overall. He has seven NASCAR Cup Series starts at the track and a lone NASCAR Truck Series start. In his seven previous Xfinity Series starts at the track, he’s never finished outside the top-12, and he qualified on the pole for three consecutive races prior to his return to the Xfinity Series this season – September 2018, and the March and September races in 2019 – all of which resulted in top-10 finishes. His second-place finish in March was his best at the track. Custer’s Truck Series outing at Las Vegas in October 2016 resulted in a third-place finish from the third starting position, driving the No. 00 entry for JR Motorsports.
    • Custer’s history on intermediate tracks has been strong, and the Round of 8 takes place at two of Custer’s best tracks on the NASCAR Xfinity Series circuit. In his 80 starts on intermediate tracks, Custer has won seven races and earned 58 top-10 finishes. One of those wins came at Homestead came in November 2017. It was his first career win. He also has two runner-up finishes at Homestead in November 2018 and 2019. In his three Xfinity Series starts at Martinsville, Custer qualified in the top-three for each race and earned two top-10s, with a best finish of third after starting on the pole in April 2023.
    • Riding along with Custer and his No. 00 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is 3D Systems, the leading additive manufacturing solutions partner that brings innovation, performance, and reliability to every interaction – empowering its customers to create products and business models never before possible. Thanks to its unique offering of hardware, software, materials, and services, each application-specific solution is powered by the expertise of 3D Systems’ application engineers who collaborate with customers to transform how they deliver their products and services. The company’s solutions address a variety of advanced applications in healthcare and industrial markets such as medical and dental, aerospace and defense, automotive, and durable goods. More information on the company is available at www.3dsystems.com.

    Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

    • Riley Herbst is heading home for Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The 25-year-old Monster Energy driver grew up in the Entertainment Capital of the World before moving to North Carolina at the age of 17. The Herbst family name is well known in Las Vegas motorsports circles due to its competitiveness in another form of racing particularly popular in the Desert Southwest. His grandfather Jerry, uncles Tim and Ed, and father Troy are all Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame inductees as championship-winning off-road racers. While Herbst has been continuing to pursue his dream of racing fulltime in the NASCAR Cup Series like his West Coast childhood heroes, he’s made appearances in the off-road racing world – in the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Baja 1000 events. In his most recent Baja 1000 last November, Herbst drove the second and middle leg of the journey and ended up sharing the victory in the Trophy Truck Spec class with his Terrible Herbst Motorsports co-drivers Troy Herbst and James Dean.
    • Herbst is looking to defend his first career Xfinity Series victory at Las Vegas last October as he heads back to his hometown. He qualified eighth for that race but was sent to the rear of the starting grid for unapproved adjustments made to his Ford Mustang prior to the race. From there, a determined Herbst mounted a charge toward the front, finishing 10th in Stage 1, then passing teammate Cole Custer on the final lap of Stage 2 on his way to his second career stage win. Herbst then dominated the final stage, leading 102 of the final 111 laps and taking the checkered flag 14.959 seconds ahead of runner-up John Hunter Nemechek. Herbst’s margin of victory was the third largest in the Xfinity Series, and the largest since Ford driver Jeff Burton bested Michael Waltrip by 10.493 seconds in the October 2002 race on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway oval. Herbst’s margin of victory was also the largest by a first-time Xfinity Series winner since Mike McLaughlin beat Mike Wallace by 23.280 seconds in the June 1995 race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway.
    • Saturday’s race will be Herbst’s 11th career Xfinity Series start at Las Vegas. His first career Xfinity Series win last October is among his two top-fives and five top-10s in 10 previous starts at the 1.5-mile oval. He also finished eighth in last year’s March race, preceded by back-to-back ninth-place outings in September 2019 and February 2020. He returned to the track in March to earn a fifth-place finish. In addition, the No. 98 team has won three races at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. With Chase Briscoe behind the wheel, the No. 98 team swept both Xfinity Series races there in 2020. Briscoe started second, led a race-high 89 laps, and beat runner-up Austin Cindric by 2.874 seconds in the February race. He backed up that victory in September by qualifying on the pole, leading a race-high 164 laps, and beating runner-up Noah Gragson by 1.370 seconds.
    • Herbst has nothing to lose and everything to win in the final four races of the 2024 season. Bad luck in last Saturday’s race on the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Roval put him below the top-eight cutline for the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. While the heartbreak stung, Herbst knows that he still has four races left to try and add to his victory total in the 2024 season with the No. 98 team that has been behind him since 2021. Last October’s victory at Las Vegas came as a non-playoff driver, and was followed by his runner-up finishes at Homestead solidified this as he bested all of the playoff drivers despite not being a part of the 2023 playoff field. He went on to finish second at Homestead-Miami Speedway and Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.

    Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 3D Systems Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    SHR dominated at Las Vegas last October, with you winning Stage 1, your teammate Riley Herbst winning Stage 2 on his way to his first career win, and the two of you combining to lead 165 of the 201 race laps. What are your expectations for this weekend after the speed the team has shown at the end of last season and so far this year?

    “Vegas is definitely a track that both of the SHR Xfinity Series teams have had circled on their calendar after last year. We were just so strong there last October and in March. Our cars were super fast and we were able to run up front. The fall race there is just so much different than the spring race, though. Honestly, it’s more fun as it tends to be a little cooler. I’m really looking forward to heading back to Vegas this weekend to kick off the second round of the playoffs. This one should be a good one for us. After the success that Riley (Herbst, teammate) had there last year and the speed that we had, as well, this October Vegas race has been one that I’ve really been looking forward to. Our mile-and-a-half package has been so strong over the past two seasons, so we’re hoping to continue to see that again this weekend after two rough weekends at Talladega and Charlotte.”

    Las Vegas kicks off the Round of 8, which is the final round before the Championship 4 race at Phoenix. How have you prepared for this track specifically?

    “I think overall at the intermediate tracks, we know as a team that we have a really good package, but this is such an important round for the championship run. You have two intermediate tracks in the Round of 8 with Vegas and Homestead. So it’s all about going over the details we had from last year and trying to be just a little, tiny bit better. If you kick the round off strong at Las Vegas, you can collect more points to help you get to that final race. If you can win, that puts all the worries to rest. It automatically propels you into the final race and that’s what we’re looking to do. Sure, you don’t want to overthink it and throw away a good points day. You’re always going to try and make things better and better every time you go to a track you’ve done well at in the past. I think we have a really good chance this weekend and next to win. We just have to cross all of the T’s and dot all of the I’s and have a fast car.”

    Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang Dark Horse

    You’re heading back home and to the site of your first career Xfinity Series victory. How are you feeling heading to a track where you not only scored that long-awaited win, but also dominated?

    “I’m pumped to head home again. Obviously, Charlotte was hard for us. We didn’t advance to the Round of 8 and that stung. When you get back to the shop on Monday, though, you have to put it behind you and realize that there are still four races left to try to win. We’re the defending winners of this Vegas race. Not only am I going home, but I’m also going to a track that means the world to me. I started my racing career just next to the big track at the Las Vegas Bullring. My win last October meant everything. I had waited so long for it and, honestly, it just made it that much more meaningful to get it at my home track. My whole family was there to celebrate and it was in front of the people who had probably seen me racing for years. There’s definitely confidence going into this race, not only from me, but from the entire No. 98 Monster Energy team. We’ve had speed pretty much all season, and I know we can go out and contend for the win again if we can just look forward. We still have to do everything right, but I’m confident in this team.”

    Does it add any extra pressure to you knowing that you’re the defending October race winner at Las Vegas?

    “Yes and no. I think when we were in the playoffs, it put a lot more pressure on us, but now we’re going there with a playoff-prepared car just looking to win. We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to win now. We put pressure on ourselves every week to go out and win, and to us this is just another race weekend to try to do that. With that said, I know people are going to be watching and seeing what we do this weekend just because of how fast we were last year and in March. We can only do the best that we can do, but obviously we’ve had a strong intermediate program over the past few years. You hope to see that same success, but nothing is guaranteed in this sport. I’m excited for this weekend, though.”