Author: Official Release

COREY HEIM LOCKS SPOT IN ROUND OF 8 WITH RUNNER-UP FINISH

Taylor Gray in solid positioning heading into Kansas

BRISTOL, Tenn. (September 19, 2024) – With a stage win and a second-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway on Thursday evening, Corey Heim has officially clinched his spot in the Truck Series Playoffs Round of 8, regardless of his performance next weekend at Kansas Speedway. His TRICON Garage teammate, Taylor Gray, is also looking good to advance as he sits in seventh – 23 points above the cutline.

William Sawalich also had a day to remember as the 17-year-old claimed his second consecutive ARCA Menards Series East championship with a race win. He followed that performance with a strong run in the Truck race as he battled amongst the top-10 drivers most of the night before finishing 11th.

Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
Bristol Motor Speedway
Race 17 of 23 – 200 Laps, 106.6 Miles

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, Layne Riggs*
2nd, COREY HEIM
3rd, Rajah Caruth*
4th, Christian Eckes*
5th, Nick Sanchez*
9th, STEWART FRIESEN
11th, WILLIAM SAWALICH
12th, TAYLOR GRAY
14th, DEAN THOMPSON
22nd, TIMMY HILL
23rd, TANNER GRAY
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

COREY HEIM, No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 2nd

I know you wanted to get another Bristol win under your belt, but can you talk about this good points day?

“Yeah, congrats to Layne (Riggs). Those guys were on it all night long. Everyone at our TRICON camp did such a good job. They gave me a great Tundra. They had great pit stops – they did their job to keep me out front, just didn’t quite have it when the groove started to move around there. Every time we got a heat cycle on the tires, it felt like it got tighter and tighter. Just didn’t quite have it, but solid points day in the Playoffs – that’s what you need, so I will keep moving forward with TRICON Garage, Toyota Racing, Safelite – huge thank you to all of those guys. I’m looking forward to my favorite place next week.”

WILLIAM SAWALICH, No. 1 Starkey/SoundGear Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 11th

Great day for you – championship and win in the ARCA race and in the top-10 most of the night in the Truck. Can you talk about your day?

“Both races were really good. The ARCA race went in our favor. We had a really fast Starkey, SoundGear Toyota Camry there and led a bunch of laps and had a lot of speed. Lots of restarts so I had plenty of time to work on that, but ultimately ended up with the win and the championship – for the second year in a row, which is really cool. In the Truck race, we had a really fast Starkey, SoundGear Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. Really thankful for the TRICON guys for giving me a good truck here tonight. Ran inside the top-10 and had a lot of speed.”

TAYLOR GRAY, No. 17 A Place of Hope Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 12th

12th place finish, can you talk about your race?

“Just not the night we wanted. Our TRICON guys worked really hard. We brought a decent A Place of Hope Toyota Tundra – just needed some different stuff to be able to contend up front. If we had cleaner air and track position, it would have been different. Just struggled being able to get back through traffic and fight for somewhat of a good finish – just looking at good points getting out of here, and putting it behind us.”

How do you feel about Kansas?

“I feel good. In the past, it has been a really good track for the organization. It has been a really good track for me. I’m really excited – it has also been a really good track for Jeff (Hensley, crew chief). Just have to go as execute – unload good, qualify good and be able to run up front.”

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.

September 20, 2024
Toyota Driver William Sawalich Repeats as ARCA Menards Series East Champion

BRISTOL, Tenn. (September 19, 2024) – Camry driver William Sawalich won his second-consecutive ARCA Menards Series East championship with a win at Bristol Motor Speedway Thursday evening. Sawalich’s back-to-back title is the fourth consecutive ARCA Menards Series East title for a Toyota driver.

Coming off an impressive season last year that ended in a championship, Sawalich upped the ante in 2024, with incredibly consistent performances across all ARCA Menards Series racing. In ARCA East races, the Minnesotan captured three victories and seven top-fives in eight starts this season. He was also dominant on the national ARCA tour, winning eight races, including four in a row (Salem, Elko, Springfield and Milwaukee), and only finishing outside the top-five once.

“Winning consecutive championships is a tremendous accomplishment no matter what form of motorsports it is in, and we are thrilled for William, his family and our great partners at Joe Gibbs Racing,” said Paul Doleshal, Group Manager, Motorsports, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA). “William’s talent cannot be overstated, and we’re fortunate to have him within our development program. We look forward to William’s continued progression and are excited to be a part of the future successes he’s bound to garner.”

Alongside his ARCA success, Sawalich is also improving his race craft by making appearances in NASCAR’s Truck and Xfinity Series. The 17-year-old has already made 11 career starts in the Truck Series with TRICON Garage with a career-best finish of sixth at the Indianapolis Raceway Park in 2023. Sawalich will also compete in the Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway this evening, and he’ll make his Xfinity Series debut later this season at Homestead-Miami Speedway after turning 18.

Sawalich drives the No. 18 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in ARCA competition. This is the third ARCA Menards Series East title for the team, going along with Sammy Smith’s championship in 2021. Sawalich is the seventh Toyota driver to win the ARCA East title and the third to win the championship in consecutive years. He joins a list that includes Ryan Truex (2009 and 2010), Max Gresham (2011), Kyle Larson (2012), Harrison Burton (2017), Tyler Ankrum (2018) and Smith (2021 and 2022).

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.

September 20, 2024

PRO STOCK STANDOUT AARON STANFIELD LOOKS TO CONTINUE COUNTDOWN MOMENTUM IN CHARLOTTE

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr. aims to make late-season charge

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2024) – Following the first race of the 2024 NHRA Countdown to the Championship, the Pro Stock division has a new points leader in Aaron Stanfield. As teams head south to zMAX Dragway for this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals, Stanfield will look to increase his lead as he continues to enjoy a career-best season.

Stanfield, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance /Janac Brothers Racing Pro Stock car, is the most recent winner on the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series tour after his win in Reading, continuing what was a red-hot summer.

He has collected five wins for Elite Motorsports so far during the NHRA season – with all five victories coming in the last seven races – and as the series returns to Charlotte, Stanfield is aiming for his second career win at zMAX Dragway. Stanfield previously won the fall race in 2022 and was also the runner-up at the 4-Wide race in Charlotte in April.

“Momentum is real and things have been rolling our way,” said Stanfield, who has advanced to seven finals in 2024. “We’ve been getting the round wins when we need them. When you start second in points, you know you definitely have a shot to win. I know the equipment I’m in and how hungry my guys are to win. We definitely have a shot to win and we just need to keep our momentum rolling.”

Last season, Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Bob Tasca III (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all picked up wins at the fall race in Charlotte and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations coverage starting at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

The NHRA Carolina Nationals is the 16th event of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and second stop of the NHRA Countdown. As the playoffs marches on, competition in the loaded Pro Stock category continues to ramp up, especially in the top four.

Dallas Glenn of KB Titan Racing led the points for the majority of the season and is now second but is only nine points back of Stanfield. With three wins under his belt, he will also be aiming for his first NHRA Pro Stock championship.

Erica Enders is third following her runner-up finish in Reading to Stanfield, 35 points behind the leader, while five-time champion and NHRA 4-Wide Nationals winner Anderson is fourth, followed by the five-time champion Jeg Coughlin Jr. Anderson has ruled Charlotte as of late, winning the last two races at the track, but Stanfield is enjoying a special run heading to zMAX Dragway.

“I think I just need to go out there and try to do the same thing,” said Stanfield, who has 13 career Pro Stock wins. “It’s going to be a dogfight to the end. Dallas is a great driver and he’s got a great car. Obviously we have Erica and Greg is in there, too, and you can’t count out Jeg. There’s a bunch of us who are capable of winning it all.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Hector Arana Jr. appears to be getting hot at the perfect time, winning last weekend on his GETTRX Buell. It was the veteran’s first victory of the year, but he vaulted all the way to fourth in points, now trailing leader and reigning world champion Herrera by 60 points.

Richard Gadson and Matt Smith are also above him, but Arana impressed in Reading, defeating Herrera in the semifinals and then Gadson in the championship round. That positions him well for a furious finish and Arana is ready for the challenge this weekend at zMAX Dragway, where Herrera has won the last three races.

“I believe we have a chance (to win a championship),” said Arana Jr., who won at zMAX Dragway in 2013. “Here we are, flying under the radar and now that it’s the Countdown, it’s time to shine. We have some more power to make and we still have some catching up to do, but I like the improvements we’ve made. You’ve got to have a good, consistent bike to win the race.”

In Top Fuel, Kalitta will look to turn things around after a first-round upset in Reading. It helped send Justin Ashley into the points lead, while Antron Brown is just a point back and Shawn Langdon is only six points out of first.

In Funny Car, Tasca will try to win his second straight fall race at zMAX Dragway following last year’s success. Currently second in points, Tasca is trying to chase down leader Austin Prock, who has six wins in 2024. Others to watch include defending world champ and 4-Wide winner Matt Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and Alexis DeJoria.

Top Fuel 1. Justin Ashley, 2,1812. Antron Brown, 2,1803. Shawn Langdon, 2,1754. Doug Kalitta, 2,1485. Steve Torrence, 2,1236. Clay Millican, 2,1027. Tony Stewart, 2,0878. Tony Schumacher, 2,0859. Brittany Force, 2,04810. Billy Torrence, 2,031	Funny Car 1. Austin Prock, 2,2502. Bob Tasca III, 2,1643. John Force / Jack Beckman, 2,1514. J.R. Todd, 2,1235. Matt Hagan, 2,1136. Ron Capps, 2,1087. Alexis DeJoria, 2,0828. Blake Alexander, 2,0689.Chad Green, 2,06710. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,056
Pro Stock 1. Aaron Stanfield, 2,2092. Dallas Glenn, 2,2003. Erica Enders, 2,1744. Greg Anderson, 2,1635. Jeg Coughlin, 2,0956. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,0787. Cristian Cuadra, 2,0728. Jerry Tucker, 2,0669. Eric Latino, 2,04210. Mason McGaha, 2,037	Pro Stock Motorcycle 1. Gaige Herrera, 2,1982. Matt Smith, 2,1813. Richard Gadson, 2,1794. Hector Arana Jr, 2,1385. Chase Van Sant, 2,1026. John Hall, 2,0997. Angie Smith, 2,0968. (tie) Jianna Evaristo, 2,0638. (tie) Steve Johnson, 2,06310. Chris Bostick, 2,033

The NHRA Carolina Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers, as well as the fan-favorite Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ and Pingel NHRA Top Fuel Motorcycle Series, which wraps up its four-race 2024 schedule in Charlotte.

Fans won’t want to miss the thrilling and highly-entertaining KSFMX freestyle motocross show in the midway as well, which takes place before each round of pro qualifying on Friday and Saturday in the midway.

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

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

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two qualifying rounds at 4:00 and 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 20, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 12:30 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 22. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, and then eliminations on FS1 at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, please visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267). For more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

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

About NHRA

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

September 20, 2024

CONGRUITY NHRA PRO MOD DRAG RACING SERIES FEATURES HUGE FIELD IN CHARLOTTE AS TITLE RACE HEATS UP

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 19, 2024) – The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ “Road to the Championship” continues this weekend as part of the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway and with 27 cars slated to participate, the event will undoubtedly mark one of the toughest races of the season.

It is the eighth of 10 races during the 2024 season and the second of four events in the “Road to the Championship” as things get down to crunch time in the NHRA Pro Mod category. This weekend’s event in Charlotte is powered by Culp Lumber and action from the race will be featured on Sunday’s FS1 broadcast as well, as all the championship contenders will look to have a big weekend against a loaded field at zMAX Dragway.

Ken Quartuccio moved into the points lead after winning the playoff opener in Indy, marking a huge moment in Quartuccio’s career after taking the prestigious U.S. Nationals victory. Heading into Charlotte, Quartuccio leads Kevin Rivenbark by 47 points, with former world champion Jose Gonzalez 53 points behind in third.

Stan Shelton, who drives for this weekend’s partner, Culp Lumber, is currently in the 15th spot in the talent-filled class.

“We are thrilled to continue our support of the NHRA Pro Mod category at the NHRA Carolina Nationals. zMax Dragway is our home track and continues to be a natural fit to raise awareness for our family-owned company. Culp Lumber began in the early 1920’s by Henry W Culp Sr. and now employs over 100 employees,” said Amy Shelton, Executive at Culp Lumber.

“We are proud to be a 3rd-generation, family-owned company, situated in New London, N.C. We produce 150 million board feet of pine lumber each year. This lumber is shipped mainly to northern markets into New England and west to the Mississippi River. Our family has spent many years watching drag racing at Charlotte and even though we come from a tractor pulling background, NHRA Pro Mod is also our passion!”

Pro Mod didn’t compete at the fall race in Charlotte last year, with this weekend’s race at zMAX Dragway marking the first Pro Mod race at the state-of-the-art facility since the 4-Wide event in 2023, which was won by Justin Bond.

He is currently fifth in points, while Billy Banaka is in fourth, trailing Quartuccio by 71 points. With a massive 27-car field, just qualifying will be difficult this weekend, but others to watch in Charlotte include former world champion Kris Torne, Mason Wright, Indy runner-up Michael Stavrinos, Jason Lazic, J.R. Gray and reigning world champion Mike Castellana.

Featuring the world’s fastest doorslammer race cars, the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ offers something unique and exciting for every drag racing fan. The class continues to grow in popularity and is highlighted by historic muscle cars and a variety of late-model American muscle cars, as well as a number of different power adders.

The Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+ will kick off with two qualifying rounds on Friday at 12:30 PM and 3 PM ET, with the final two qualifying rounds set for 11 a.m. and 5:10 PM on Saturday. The first round of eliminations is slated for 1:40 PM ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, please visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267). For more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

About Culp Lumber

Culp Lumber Company is a family owned and operated state of the art sawmill located in New London North Carolina. Established in the 1920’s by Henry Culp Sr. This original portable sawmill was established for nearby lake expansion but continued to grow and stay on the cutting edge of wood manufacturing in the Southeast. Today its workforce has grown to over 100 employees. Manufacturing southern yellow pine timber into building material is the primary focus of this facility that produces on average seven hundred thousand board feet per day. Bi-products such as Pine-Mulch, Wood Chips, and Sawdust are all captured and delivered to various landscape and processing facilities to manufacture other products for the public. Culp Lumber Company…… sawing its way into the future. Visit www.culplumber.com for more!

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, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle 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.

September 19, 2024
Young’s Motorsports Bristol Motor Speedway Team Preview

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series
Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | UNOH 200

Fast Facts

No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Justin Mondeik

Primary Partner(s): El Bandido Yankee Tequila

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST

2024 Driver Points Position: N/A

2024 Owner Points Position: 28th

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Welcome To The Team: For Thursday night’s UNOH 200 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Justin Mondeik to command the team’s flagship No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for his inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series debut in Thunder Valley.

About Justin: Hailing from Gleason, Wisc. Mondeik has earned success in the Midwest in Late Model competition.

He began racing when he was just four years old. His grandfather raced snowmobiles and Mondeik followed in his footsteps by racing on ice oval tracks as a child.

He started racing asphalt stock cars in 2013 and quickly rose through the Central Wisconsin short track ranks; winning races in Mini-Mods and claiming the 2015 State Park Speedway Track Championship in Limited Late Model competition.

Since 2015, Mondeik has been a mainstay in Super Late Model competition in the Midwest, winning 60 feature wins from 2020 to 2024 at five different race tracks.

Mondeik, 28, is a six-time track champion between Golden Sands Speedway, Norway Speedway and State Park Speedway. He is also the 2022 Tundra Super Late Model champion.

The mechanical engineer degree holder is a two-time Kulwicki Driver Development Program finalist.

All-Aboard!: For the 18th of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, El Bandido Yankee Tequila will serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 200-lap race on Thursday night.

El Bandido Yankee Tequila is an award-winning, ultra-premium Tequila brand co-founded by Jim Bob Morris and Chris Chelios.

El Bandido Yankee Blanco and Reposado expressions are certified additive-free and made only with 100% Blue Weber agave in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico with a unique oxygenation process for maximum smoothness.

Justin Mondeik Truck Series Bristol Motor Speedway Stats: Thursday night’s UNOH 200 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway will mark Mondeik’s inaugural Truck Series start at the vastly popular half-mile oval.

The second race in the first round of the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series Playoffs will be part of a doubleheader on Thursday night with the ARCA Menards Series.

The duo set the tone for a huge weekend of racing from the “World’s Fastest-Half-Mile” with the Xfinity Series set to end their regular season at Bristol Motor Speedway in Friday night’s Food City 300.

On Saturday, the NASCAR Cup Series will have their shot in Thunder Valley to conclude the opening round of 16 of their Playoffs for 500 grueling laps in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Bristol Motor Speedway marks the seventh race of the second half of the 2024 Truck Series season.

Justin Mondeik Truck Series Career Stats: Entering Bristol Motor Speedway, Mondeik is poised to make his NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series debut as part of a two-truck team for Young’s Motorsports.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Bristol Motor Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ 24th and 25th NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The organization posted a team-best finish at the track of 14th with Tanner Thorson in the 2018 edition of the UNOH 200 on August 16, 2018.

Since 2012, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 24.2 and an average finish of 24.9 in 23 Bristol Motor Speedway starts overall.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 500 starts from 67 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 23.1 and an average finishing position of 22.1.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Justin Mondeik, please visit justinmondeikracing.com, like him on Facebook (DeMonRacing44), and follow him on X |Twitter (@justinmondeik44).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Justin Mondeik Pre-Race Quote:

On Bristol Motor Speedway: “Making my debut at Bristol Motor Speedway is a dream come true. It’s such an iconic track, and I can’t wait to experience the energy of the fans and the challenge of the race.

I’ve been preparing for this moment and I’m ready to give it my all on Thursday night with our No. 02 El Bandido Yankee Tequila Chevrolet Silverado!”

No. 46 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Tyler Tomassi

Primary Partner(s): Camrett Logistics

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST

2024 Driver Points Position: N/A

2024 Owner Points Position: 33rd

Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

Notes of Interest:

Welcome To The Team: For Thursday night’s UNOH 200 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, Young’s Motorsports welcomes Tyler Tomassi to steer the team’s No.46 Chevrolet Silverado RST for his inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start in Thunder Valley.

About Tyler: The Greenwich, Rhode Island native began his career on the short tracks of the Northeast, competing in Late Models against the best the Northeast can offer at just 15 years old.

Tomassi hit the ground running, earning the title of Rookie of the Year at New Waterford Speedbowl in 2020, as well as finishing third in the overall points championship.

Last year, Tomassi competed in Late Models full-time at his home track, Seekonk Speedway. He made the post-season Playoffs before finishing seventh overall.

This season, Tomassi has been racing in a variety of disciplines, from the ARCA Menards Series to the CARS Tour, Legends Car, and even the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series.

All-Aboard!: For the 18th of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races this season, Camrett Logistics will serve as the primary marketing partner on the No. 46 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the 200-lap race on Thursday night.

Camrett Logistics has been providing 3PL services and warehousing and distribution services since 1995.

They employ highly-trained personnel and smart technology to offer value-added services thereby optimizing your supply chain management and cost.

As a SmartWay Partner, Camrett Logistics commits to be more environmentally conscious and seek to reduce transportation-related emissions within our organization and the transportation companies with which we are affiliated.

Tyler Tomassi Truck Series Bristol Motor Speedway Stats: Thursday night’s UNOH 200 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway will mark Tomassi’s inaugural Truck Series start at the legendary Last Great Colosseum.

The second race in the first round of the 2024 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series Playoffs will be part of a doubleheader on Thursday night with the ARCA Menards Series.

The duo set the tone for a huge weekend of racing from the “World’s Fastest-Half-Mile” with the Xfinity Series set to end their regular season at Bristol Motor Speedway in Friday night’s Food City 300.

On Saturday, the NASCAR Cup Series will have their shot in Thunder Valley to conclude the opening round of 16 of their Playoffs for 500 grueling laps in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, Sept. 21.

Bristol Motor Speedway marks the seventh race of the second half of the 2024 Truck Series season.

Tyler Tomassi Truck Series Career Stats: Entering Bristol Motor Speedway, Tomassi has one prior NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series start, which occurred earlier this year at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in July.

He finished 31st after qualifying 31st in the No. 22 Levrack Ford F-150 for Reaume Brothers Racing.

Tomassi is poised to make his Young’s Motorsports NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series debut as part of a two-truck team for Young’s Motorsports.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series at Bristol Motor Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ 24th and 25th NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts at Bristol Motor Speedway.

The organization posted a team-best finish at the track of 14th with Tanner Thorson in the 2018 edition of the UNOH 200 on August 16, 2018.

Since 2012, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 24.2 and an average finish of 24.9 in 23 Bristol Motor Speedway starts overall.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series History: Since entering the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in 2012, the Mooresville, N.C., – based organization has logged 500 starts from 67 drivers, resulting in solid performances that include two victories (Talladega Superspeedway 2019 and 2021), seven top-five finishes and 33 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 23.1 and an average finishing position of 22.1.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Tyler Tomassi, please like him on Facebook (tylertomassiracing) and follow him on Instagram (@tylertomassi) and X |Twitter (@TomassiTyler).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Tyler Tomassi Pre-Race Quote:

On Bristol Motor Speedway: “I’m very excited for the opportunity that I have with Young Motorsports this week to go truck racing at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“Bristol is a track that I’ve always dreamed of racing at my whole racing career and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity Young’s Motorsports has given me to make that dream come true.

“I think the track will suit my short track style and we will have a solid run this Thursday Night.”

Race Information:

The UNOH 200 (200 laps | 106.6 miles) is the 18th of 23 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice begins on Thursday, September 19, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:35 p.m. Qualifying will follow from 3:35 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The 36-truck field will take the green flag later that night shortly after 8:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (ET).

Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Xfinity Series

Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway | Food City 300

Fast Facts

No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Team:

Driver: Leland Honeyman Jr.

Primary Partner(s): Ohio Logistics

Manufacturer: Chevrolet Camaro

Crew Chief: Andrew Abbott

2024 Driver Points Position: 19th

2024 Owner Points Position: 22nd

Engine: Earnhardt-Childress Racing

Notes of Interest:

Stretch Drive: In January, Young’s Motorsports announced it would graduate from the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time in 2024 with rising star Leland Honeyman Jr. behind the wheel of the team’s No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro for the entire 33-race season continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Food City 300 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

About Leland: The Phoenix, Ariz. native began honing his racing skills at the tender age of two racing Quads. By four years old, he moved into Trophy Karts and then collected three series championships in off-road racing Trophy Karts.

After an instrumental tenure in Go Karts, he moved into the Bandolero competition in 2015 and was crowned a Bandolero National Champion two years later. From there, he moved into Limited Late Models before graduating to the Carolina Pro Late Model Series division in 2021, where he earned championship-runner-up honors and picked up an astounding victory in the annual Hickory (N.C.) Motor Speedway Fall Brawl.

Honeyman, 19, returns to the Mooresville, N.C.-based organization, where he ran an impressive ARCA Menards Series East Series campaign, finishing third in the 2022 championship standings.

During the 2023 season, he made eight NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, highlighted by a 21st-place finish at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Road Course.

All-Aboard!: For the 26th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season, Young’s Motorsports welcomes back Ohio Logistics to the Mooresville, N.C.-based team as the primary partner on the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro for the 300-lap race on Friday night.

Ohio Logistics provides all of the assets and operational support necessary to meet your most sophisticated logistics requirements. ·

Its mission is to provide its customers with the best possible warehousing and transportation services while maintaining competitive and fair prices.

They accomplish this through the creative involvement of their most excellent resource, their associates.

Ohio Logistics also partnered with the team in February for the season-opening Fresh From Florida 250 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Series Bristol Motor Speedway Stats: Friday night’s Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway will mark Honeyman’s inaugural Xfinity Series debut at the Last Great Colosseum.

This weekend is part of a quadruple weekend with the ARCA Menards Series and the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series in action on Thursday night.

Honeyman and the Young’s Motorsports team have one more opportunity to be a part of the Xfinity Series Playoffs with an upset win in Friday night’s Food City 300.

On Saturday, the NASCAR Cup Series will have their shot in Thunder Valley to conclude the opening round of 16 of their Playoffs for 500 grueling laps in the Bass Pro Shops Night Race on Saturday, Sept. 21.

The Xfinity Series rookie driver will look to improve his overall short track average Xfinity finish of 22.8.

Leland Honeyman Jr. NASCAR Xfinity Career Stats: Entering Bristol, Honeyman has 33 career NASCAR Xfinity Series races to his credit, earning a career-best fourth-place finish at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway after starting 33rd in the Ag-Pro 300 for Young’s Motorsports in April 2024.

Since 2023, he has carried an average finish of 22.6.

Watkins Glen International | Mission 200 Race Recap: In the 25th race of the 2024 Xfinity Series season, Young’s Motorsports and Honeyman searched for another solid finish in the team’s inaugural Xfinity Series trip to the Finger Lakes of New York for the penultimate road course race of the season at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International.

Qualifying for the race on his qualifying speed, Honeyman started his No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro from the 32nd position and methodically began patiently working his way through the field.

His time and effort, though, would be detoured after a mid-race spin, which forced the Young’s Motorsports team to take a risk on a strategy that ultimately prevailed for Honeyman to fire back and earn a respectable 16th-place finish at the checkered flag.

The effort marks five top-20 finishes for the Mooresville, N.C.-based team in the last six races, dating back to July at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Calling the Shots: Guiding Honeyman Jr. as crew chief of the No. 42 Young’s Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is longtime crew chief Andrew Abbott.

On Saturday, he will be crew chief in his 123rd NASCAR Xfinity Series race. In his previous 122 races, he has four top-five and 13 top-10 finishes.

The season’s 26th race will be his sixth tango at Bristol Motor Speedway as crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series at Bristol Motor Speedway: This weekend will mark Young’s Motorsports’ inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway.

However, Since 2012, the Mooresville, N.C.-based Young’s Motorsports team has had an average starting position of 24.2 and an average finish of 24.9 in 23 Bristol Motor Speedway NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts overall.

Young’s Motorsports’ NASCAR Xfinity Series History: Since entering the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024, the family-owned organization has logged 25 starts and maintains an average starting position of 27.1 and an average finish of 21.7.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Leland Honeyman Jr., please visit LelandHoneymanRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Leland Honeyman Racing) and follow on Instagram (@lelandhoneymanjr) and X |Twitter (@lelandhoneyman3).

For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports), and follow them on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and X |Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

Leland Honeyman Jr. Pre-Race Quote:

On Bristol Motor Speedway: “Bristol Motor Speedway! What a unique and incredible place. To be back at the Last Great Colosseum in 2022 is gonna be exciting, especially in the Xfinity car.

“We are back to an oval this weekend and a short track, so that should be fun. I’m looking forward to having a good race with my Young’s Motorsports team.”

September 19, 2024
RISI COMPETIZIONE BACK FOR IMEC ENDURANCE IMSA RACE AT 6 HOURS OF INDIANAPOLI

Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 No. 62:

Davide Rigon (ITA)
Daniel Serra (BRA)

(Houston, Texas, September 19, 2024) … Round four of the 2024 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) Championship brings the Houston, Texas-based Risi Competizione team back to IMSA competition. The No. 62 Ferrari 296 GT3 GTD Pro team includes Ferrari factory drivers Italian Davide Rigon and Brazilian Daniel Serra.

The Tire Rack.com Battle On The Bricks for the IMSA WeatherTech Championship 6-hour race will be held at Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 2.439 mile, 14-turn road course on Sunday, September 22.

Since their last race with Risi Competizione at Watkins Glen in June, Rigon won the 6 Hours of Fuji in LMGT3 class, finished second in last month’s 24 Hours of Spa race in the AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3, as well as second at the 4 Hours of Spa European Le Mans Series (ELMS) race as he competes in the 6-race ELMS schedule.

Serra won the LMGT3 class at the 4 Hours of Spa ELMS race and was also called in to co-drive in the Conquest Racing Ferrari 296 GT3 at the IMSA sprint race at Road America in early June, where he won in the GTD Pro class. Serra is now in his 18th season in the Complete Stock Car Pro Series in his native Brazil, as well as also competing in the ELMS schedule with Kessell in the Ferrari.

The Indianapolis round of the IMSA WeatherTech series has 56 entries, including 12 in the GTD Pro class with Risi as the only class Ferrari. There are six additional Ferrari 296 GT3’s in the GTD class.

As in the previous three IMEC races, all four IMSA classes will compete at the Indianapolis road course together – Grand Touring Prototype (GTP), Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2), Grand Touring Daytona Pro (GTD PRO), and Grand Touring Daytona (GTD).

The Risi Competizione team currently stands in second place in the IMEC points championship with 28 points, just 2 points behind the leading Paul Miller Racing, as they come to Indianapolis striving to get back in the lead.

Both Ferrari drivers have previously competed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway one time each, but this will be their first time with Risi Competizione and in an IMSA race.

Risi Competizione drivers for Indy IMEC IMSA race are

L to R: Davide Rigon and Daniel Serra, posing with fans at the autograph session

Quotes:

Davide Rigon, driver, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“I’m super happy to be back with Risi at Indy. I did a race there three years ago with a different team, different guys and car, the (Ferrari) 488. I remember a little bit about the track but not exactly. I know it will come back to me when I get back on it. Let’s see because it’s not the typical American track, it’s a bit different and more European style track with more space, a long straight. Let’s see how our balance will be there once we get an idea.

“Honestly, I can’t wait to be back with Daniel and back in the car. We will try to do our best and see what result we can get but we are really focused for Indy.”

Daniel Serra, driver, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“I’m excited to be back with Risi. It’s been a while. It’s nice to be back at Indianapolis, a place with so much history behind it. I’ve been there just once and I think it was two years ago. It’s a nice track. I think the race will be good with a lot of overtaking. I’m looking forward to the race weekend. We have not been together with Risi for a while, so I’m happy to be back with the team and with Davide.”

Qualifying for the GTD Pro class will be on Saturday, September 21 at 3:40 p.m. ET for 15 minutes.

The race start is at 11:40 a.m. (Eastern) on Sunday, September 22, and the race will be televised live on NBC at 3:00 p.m. Peacock will carry live flag-to-flag streaming coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. for the full six hours. IMSA’s YouTube channel will be live for the international feed (outside U.S.). IMSA Radio will cover select sessions live on IMSA.com/RadioLeMans.com. Qualifying will be carried on Peacock and IMSA.com on Saturday, September 21 at 3:35 p.m.

Sponsors for the 2024 season for Risi Competizione include Pennzoil, Ferrari of Houston, OMP Racing and DEA.

For more information and social media about the team, please see www.risicompetizione.com and follow us on Facebook/RisiCompetizione and Twitter @RisiComp and on Instagram/RisiComp.

September 19, 2024
Marcus Armstrong Joins Meyer Shank Racing for 2025 INDYCAR Season

Pataskala, Ohio (19 September 2024) – Meyer Shank Racing (MSR) will add a new face to its 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES stable with the addition of Marcus Armstrong who will run the No. 66 MSR entry alongside current MSR driver Felix Rosenqvist.

Coming from a strong open wheel background that includes F4, Formula 3 and Formula 2, Armstrong is now looking to build on his first two seasons of INDYCAR competition as he joins MSR in 2025.

Armstrong was quick to adapt to the INDYCAR series, earning Rookie of the Year in 2023 despite only contesting the road course rounds, taking five top tens in his 12 starts.

The New Zealander added ovals to his INDYCAR calendar in 2024, running the full 17-points paying races this past season, taking three top five finishes including his first INDYCAR podium in Detroit.

“I’m very proud to be joining Meyer Shank Racing in 2025,” said Armstrong. “I had a great feeling when I met both Mike Shank and Jim Meyer, their passion for performance and meticulous work ethic was obvious from our first conversation and I want to thank them both for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone at MSR over the off-season with the goal of hitting the ground running at the first race of the season in St Pete.

“This year I got closer to where I want to be performance wise, including oval racing for the first time and I’m looking forward to continuing to push up the order with MSR. We want to be at the front, fighting for wins and I believe we have the recipe to do it.”

MSR, which will be entering its ninth season running in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, is eager to build on its momentum from the 2024 season which saw the team qualify in the top six, 15 times and finish in the top ten, 10 times. MSR team co-owner, Mike Shank is confident that with the addition of Armstrong for 2025, the team is in a position to produce consistent results next year.

“We’re very excited to welcome Marcus onboard,” said Shank. “He’s really shown a lot of growth and consistency in his first two years in INDYCAR, which is really difficult to do. This series is probably one of the most competitive series out there and he has proven himself to be a real contender. We are going to do everything we can to give him the car and the tools to produce results next year.”

With the 2024 season closing out this past weekend, MSR will begin preparations right away to be ready for the 2025 season opener in St. Petersburg in March.

September 19, 2024
NHRA AT CHARLOTTE 2: Team Chevy Race Advance | Notes & Quotes
CHEVROLET IN NHRA
2024 NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS
zMAX DRAGWAY
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA
TEAM CHEVY RACE ADVANCE | NOTES & STATS
SEPT. 20-22, 2024

CHEVROLET CONTINUES THE NHRA COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN CHARLOTTE AT zMAX DRAGWAY

Notes:
- Team Chevy heads next in the Countdown to zMAX Dragway near Charlotte for the NHRA Carolina Nationals Sept. 20-22.
- Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, strongly leads the Countdown to the Championship point standings after racing to his sixth win at Indianapolis. He currently sits in the top spot 86 points over Bob Tasca, III in second.
- Jack Beckman, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car and racing on behalf of sidelined team owner and driver John Force, joins Prock in fighting for a Funny Car World Championship, sitting third with 99 points separating he and Prock.
- Securing her spot in the Countdown to the Championship while competing at Indianapolis, Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, looks to Charlotte to rebound after a Round 1 defeat in Reading last weekend.
- After capturing his fifth win of 2024, Aaron Stanfield enters Charlotte this weekend leading the championship points standings in a tight battle with Dallas Glenn in second, separated by only nine points. Erica Enders, the six-time NHRA champion, currently sits third, 35 points behind first.
- The FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown Chevrolet COPO Camaro competitors sit idle for Charlotte, returning to action for their season finale event at World Wide Technology Raceway Sept. 27-29.
Quotes:

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

“Excited to roll into Charlotte. It is one of our nicest venues and always a pleasure to race at. Coming off a win, we have some good energy and momentum coming into the second race of the playoffs. I’m looking for another strong performance from my Cornwell Tools Chevy team.”

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

“After race one-of-six in the Countdown, our Peak Camaro already has moved from sixth to third in the points, with every expectation of continuing our climb towards the Championship. With two more races in this three-in-a-row beginning to the playoffs, it means that we need to be flawless in our approach. John’s team is up for the challenge, and I am excited for the opportunity.”

BRITTANY FORCE, DRIVER OF THE HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET TOP FUEL DRAGSTER:

“Our HendrickCars.com team is heading straight to Charlotte, North Carolina to race at zMAX Dragway this weekend! This is a track we’ve had success in the past. We have a win in 2016 and a runner-up in 2021, and we hold both ends of the track record. Currently, we’re ninth in points. Putting aside a challenging season we’re pushing through and are determined to bring home that first win of the season.”

How to Watch:

The NHRA Carolina Nationals from zMAX Dragway air first with Friday qualifying on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) at 7 p.m. ET. Sunday sees Saturday’s qualifying airing at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by Finals at 3 p.m. ET on FS1. Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS:

1,466: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time). (Six round wins and one runner-up have been captured by Jack Beckman in Brainerd, Indianapolis, and Reading while racing on behalf of Force who is currently recovering from an on-track incident).

626: Round wins for Robert Hight; 13th all-time. Cruz Pedregon (Funny Car), sits 12th, with 633.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

20: Chevrolet career Top Fuel wins in NHRA.

16: Number of Chevrolet career wins by Brittany Force.

7: Number of Funny Car driver championships.

2: Number of Top Fuel driver championships.

About Chevrolet

Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world’s largest car brands. Chevrolet models include electric and fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
September 19, 2024
Lone Star Racing Doubles Up on IMSA Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Programs for Second-Straight Year at Indianapolis
- Duo of Dan Knox and Scott Andrews Make Lone Star Racing’s IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Return Saturday in the No.79 Lone Star Racing/ACS Manufacturing Mercedes-AMG GT4
- Andrews, Salih Yoluç and Rui Andrade Resume 2024 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Campaign in the No. 80 Lone Star Racing/ACS Manufacturing Mercedes-AMG GT3 Sunday in the Inaugural Battle on The Bricks Six-Hour IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Race
INDIANAPOLIS (September 19, 2024) – Lone Star Racing and team drivers Dan Knox, Salih Yoluç, Rui Andrade and Scott Andrews combine to double up on the team’s IMSA Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing programs for the second-consecutive year this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) with dual GT Daytona (GTD) and Grand Sport (GS) campaigns at the Battle on The Bricks Weekend at the Racing Capital of the World.

Looking to build on the team’s race-winning and podium success at IMS in recent years, Lone Star Racing team owner and driver Knox makes his IMSA Pilot Challenge debut co-driving the No. 79 Lone Star Racing/ACS Manufacturing Mercedes-AMG GT4 with Andrews. Knox made history with Lone Star at Indy last October when they scored the first major North American victory for a Mercedes-AMG GT2 in a GT America sprint race. Andrews in turn nearly won the IMSA Pilot Challenge race last September in Lone Star’s Mercedes-AMG GT4, closing on the leader but settling for a second-place finish when the clock ran out in the timed race.

The renewed GT4 program runs alongside the team’s primary IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) GTD campaign in the No. 80 Lone Star Racing/ACS Manufacturing Mercedes-AMG GT3. The fourth round of this year’s five race IMEC series within overall IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, team drivers Salih Yoluç, Rui Andrade and Andrews come to Indy looking for a race result that reflects the team’s pace and performance in what has been a competitive but challenging opening three rounds. The Lone Star Mercedes-AMG GT3 program returns to Indy one year after Andrews and his co-driver made their IMSA GTD Indy debut in last year’s Battle on The Bricks weekend.

Knox has excelled on some of the biggest stages in North American motorsports in the last year’s time. In addition to the milestone Indy win last year, Knox swept the GT2 victories in this past April’s GT America doubleheader at the Grand Prix of Long Beach.

“Indianapolis Motor Speedway has been a great track for Lone Star Racing the last few years,” Knox said. “I was fortunate to win a GT2 race there last year and our GT4 team almost won the Michelin Pilot Challenge GS race. That’s one of the reasons I want to come back and give the Pilot Challenge race another shot. Scott was flying at the end of last year’s race but we had to settle for second when the time ran out. It will be great to run not one but two Mercedes-AMG entries this weekend, and we are really working hard and looking forward to a pair of great results.”

Andrews is the only one of Lone Star’s four drivers competing in both of the weekend’s featured races. He runs in both the WeatherTech Championship and Pilot Challenge races again this year, and looks for a more competitive run than last year’s GTD debut at Indy in Sunday’s six-hour WeatherTech Championship race.

“It is two years in a row at Indy that we have done the double at Indy, and it is great to do both of them with Lone Star Racing,” Andrews said. “I am excited to run GS with Dan, and with our lineup in GTD, I think we can hopefully be fighting for a podium. Dan won on this track just last year and I know he will come out and do the job that I know that he can do. It’s always good to come back to the track with Lone Star Racing as this is my main program this year. It feels like coming home in a way, and I am excited to get the best results possible.”

Yoluç and Andrade make their Indianapolis debuts but join Knox in being at their best in big events on the greatest tracks. Yoluç made history in 2017 as the first Turkish driver to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and later the first driver from his country to win the prestigious French endurance race with a GTE Am class victory in 2020.

A native of Angola, Andrade first raced in the Rolex 24 in 2022 as part of a season-long IMEC LMP2 campaign with Tower Motorsports. A third-place finish in the Daytona opener set the tone for a competitive run for Andrade in the four endurance races that culminated with a victory in the season-ending Petit Le Mans and runner-up finish in the final IMEC P2 standings.

This weekend’s highlight Battle on The Bricks six-hour endurance race on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn IMS road course begins at 11:40 a.m. EDT this Sunday, September 22. Live coverage on the flagship NBC Network picks up at 3 p.m. EDT and extends straight through the finish at 5:40 p.m. EDT. Viewers can also watch the race in its entirety with live flag-to-flag coverage on NBC’s Peacock streaming network. International viewers outside the U.S. can view the action on IMSA.tv and YouTube.com/IMSAOfficial.

The IMSA Pilot Challenge race is scheduled to go green this Saturday, September 21, at 1:05 p.m. EDT. Live streaming of the two-hour race starts five minutes earlier on Peacock with international coverage available outside the U.S. at IMSA.TV and YouTube.com/IMSAOfficial.

About Lone Star Racing: Based at Motorsport Ranch within the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area in Cresson, Texas, Lone Star Racing is competing in the No. 80 Lone Star Racing/ACS Manufacturing Mercedes-AMG GT3 in the 2024 IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup in the GTD class. Lone Star Racing and its team members have won races across North America spanning sprint and endurance racing formats. The crew has worked together on many different teams and various types of cars, developing a strong bond and proven capability that gives them a competitive and winning advantage. Lone Star Racing competes with the support of primary partner ACS Manufacturing, Inc. (www.ACSManufacturing.com). Look for Lone Star Racing and team owner/driver Dan Knox on Facebook and follow the team on YouTube at Lone Star Racing, on Twitter and Instagram at @LSRTeam and on the official team web site at www.LoneStarRacingTeam.com.
September 19, 2024

FUNNY CAR’S MATT HAGAN KNOWS MORE CHARLOTTE SUCCESS BODES WELL FOR TITLE CHANCES

CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 18, 2024) – Reigning Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan enjoyed a memorable weekend at zMAX Dragway earlier this year, picking up his 50th career Funny Car victory during the 4-Wide race in April.

Heading back to Charlotte for this weekend’s 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at the Bellagio of Dragstrips, Hagan could use another big weekend at the state-of-the-art facility.

Currently fifth in points in the NHRA Mission Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship playoffs, Hagan suffered an early first-round exit to kick off the postseason. While it doesn’t necessarily make this weekend a must-win race for Hagan and his Tony Stewart Racing team, a victory at a track that has served the four-time world champ well over the years would go a long way in trying to pick up back-to-back world titles.

Austin Prock has taken a commanding lead in the Funny Car class, with his six victories pacing the class, but Hagan, who is 137 points out of first, knows he has a seasoned group that can win in crunch time in their 11,000-horsepower Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Dodge//SRT Hellcat.

“We won at Charlotte earlier this year and have some good juju walking into that race,” Hagan said. “Hopefully, it’ll be one of those tracks that keeps treating us well. I always like getting back there with family and friends. There are a lot of people that come out and show us love. We’ll put Reading behind us and look ahead to the next.

“You have to win races in the Countdown to win a championship. This TSR team is experienced, and they know how to win titles too. We just have to keep our heads down and the wins will come to us. We know we can do that.”

It is the 16th of 20 races during the 2024 season and the second of six playoff races puts a spotlight on those looking to make a move in the championship standings. That includes Hagan, but he also has to deal with a loaded class that features Bob Tasca III in second, Jack Beckman, who is racing for John Force, in third, J.R. Todd, who is fourth and the likes of Ron Capps and Alexis DeJoria behind him.

Hagan, though, wasn’t thrilled with his performance in the playoff opener. Normally one of the best on the starting line, Hagan, who has 51 career wins, lost on a rare holeshot to Todd, leaving him determined to turn things around in Charlotte.

“It was a pretty tough weekend starting the Countdown,” Hagan said. “We obviously lost in the first round on a holeshot. The driver didn’t get the job done, so I have to get home and get back on the practice tree. We’re working on running a little harder and being more aggressive, so hopefully in the next five races, especially the two coming up, we can have some more luck.

“We will work hard and dig deep and put all we’ve got into these next (five) races. We need to have a lot of focus and drive to do the best we can. I want to get there and stay focused and do my job. I know my guys will go do their job, so we’ll see what we can get done.”

Pro Stock’s Anderson would love to repeat last year’s fall race victory as he sits fourth in points behind defending world champion Erica Enders, Dallas Glenn and points leader Aaron Stanfield, who won the playoff opener and has five victories in 2024.

Gaige Herrera has won three straight races at zMAX Dragway, sweeping both events last year. He’ll look to do the same in 2024, too, as the points leader won in the spring and aims to hold off the likes of Matt Smith, Reading winner Hector Arana Jr. and Richard Gadson.

Top Fuel1. Justin Ashley, 2,1812. Antron Brown, 2,1803. Shawn Langdon, 2,1754. Doug Kalitta, 2,1485. Steve Torrence, 2,1236. Clay Millican, 2,1027. Tony Stewart, 2,0878. Tony Schumacher, 2,0859. Brittany Force, 2,04810. Billy Torrence, 2,031	Funny Car1. Austin Prock, 2,2502. Bob Tasca III, 2,1643. John Force / Jack Beckman, 2,1514. J.R. Todd, 2,1235. Matt Hagan, 2,1136. Ron Capps, 2,1087. Alexis DeJoria, 2,0828. Blake Alexander, 2,0689.Chad Green, 2,06710. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,056
Pro Stock1. Aaron Stanfield, 2,2092. Dallas Glenn, 2,2003. Erica Enders, 2,1744. Greg Anderson, 2,1635. Jeg Coughlin, 2,0956. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,0787. Cristian Cuadra, 2,0728. Jerry Tucker, 2,0669. Eric Latino, 2,04210. Mason McGaha, 2,037	Pro Stock Motorcycle1. Gaige Herrera, 2,1982. Matt Smith, 2,1813. Richard Gadson, 2,1794. Hector Arana Jr, 2,1385. Chase Van Sant, 2,1026. John Hall, 2,0997. Angie Smith, 2,0968. (tie) Jianna Evaristo, 2,0638. (tie) Steve Johnson, 2,06310. Chris Bostick, 2,033

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway, please visit www.zmaxdragway.com or call 800-455-FANS (3267). For more information about NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

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September 19, 2024