Category: NASCAR Cup News

NASCAR Cup Series News

  • Hertz and Hendrick Motorsports extend successful partnership through 2021

    Hertz and Hendrick Motorsports extend successful partnership through 2021

    TWO-YEAR PACT CONTINUES PRIMARY SPONSORSHIP OF WILLIAM BYRON

    CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 23, 2019) – Hertz (NYSE: HTZ), one of the world’s largest vehicle rental companies, has extended its sponsorship of 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team of driver William Byron.

    As part of the new two-year agreement that runs through 2021, Hertz will continue as a primary sponsor of Byron’s No. 24 team in four points-paying Cup Series races annually and as a full-season associate-level partner. In 2020, the company’s primary events will be Auto Club Speedway and ISM Raceway in March along with the October playoff races at Talladega Superspeedway and Kansas Speedway.

    “We are excited to continue our relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and look forward to building upon this winning partnership,” said Hertz senior vice president Jayesh Patel. “William Byron is a great competitor, and we’re proud to support him and his No. 24 team.”

    Hertz began its sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 24 team in May 2018 and has heavily leveraged the partnership, including collaborating to introduce an exclusive line of Hertz-Hendrick Motorsports custom Camaro rental cars that pay tribute to Byron’s No. 24 car. Byron’s 2020 No. 24 Hertz Chevrolet paint scheme (pictured above), which is a reversed version of the custom Camaro design, was unveiled this morning in Charlotte during a promotional event for the Hertz-Hendrick Motorsports custom Camaro rental program. The new No. 24 team livery will debut this season at ISM Raceway on Nov. 10.

    “We’re thrilled to see our partnership with Hertz continue,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “From offering a special line of Camaros to rewarding high-performing employees with NASCAR experiences, Hertz has done a wonderful job with the program. In only his second year, William has shown he can run up front on any type of racetrack. The future of the No. 24 team is very bright, and we look forward to sharing that future with everyone at Hertz.”

    Byron, 21, followed his 2018 NASCAR Cup Series rookie of the year season by earning his first career playoff berth in 2019. Through 32 of 36 races this year, he has posted five pole positions, which tie him for the series lead, and set personal bests in nearly all statistical categories, including top-five finishes (4), top-10s (12) and laps led (225).

    “I’m really excited to continue building on our relationship with Hertz,” Byron said. “They came on board the No. 24 during my rookie season and have continued their awesome support as we’ve grown as a team. We’ve done a lot in a short amount of time, but there’s so much more to accomplish. I can’t wait to put the new No. 24 Hertz paint scheme on the racetrack and see what else we can do together.”

    ABOUT HERTZ:
    Hertz, one of the most recognized brands in the world and currently ranked No. 1 in Customer Satisfaction by J.D. Power, has a long-standing legacy of providing a fast and easy experience designed to make every journey special. It starts with top-rated vehicles to fit every traveler’s needs, delivered with a caring touch and personalized services including its award-winning Hertz Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program, Ultimate Choice, Hertz Fast Lane powered by CLEAR, Mobile Wi-Fi, and more. Beyond car rental, Hertz is one of the top 10 sellers of pre-owned vehicles in the United States with more than 80 Hertz Car Sales retail locations nationwide. Wherever and whenever you need to go, at Hertz, we’re here to get you there. To learn more or reserve a vehicle, visit Hertz.com.

    Hertz pioneered the car rental industry more than 100 years ago and today is owned by Hertz Global Holdings Inc., which includes Dollar and Thrifty vehicle rental brands and fleet management leader Donlen Corporation.

    ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
    Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has earned 256 points-paying race victories and a record 12 car owner championships in the premier NASCAR Cup Series. The organization fields four full-time Chevrolet teams on the Cup circuit with drivers Chase Elliott, William Byron, Jimmie Johnson and Alex Bowman. Headquartered in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs more than 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

  • NASCAR Closes Merger with ISC

    NASCAR Closes Merger with ISC

    Jim France Will Serve as Chairman & CEO, Lesa France Kennedy Will Serve as Executive Vice Chair in New, Unified Company Under Steve Phelps’ Leadership

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 18, 2019) – NASCAR today announced that it has successfully closed its acquisition of International Speedway Corporation (“ISC”), merging its operations into one, new company moving forward. The new company will remain based in Daytona Beach, Florida and will continue as NASCAR. As part of this process, ISC has been delisted from NASDAQ. 

    In leading the new, combined company, Jim France will serve as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, with Lesa France Kennedy as Executive Vice Chair. Steve Phelps has been appointed President and will oversee all operations of the merged entity.

    “The merger of NASCAR and ISC represents a historic moment for our sport,” France said. “There is much work ahead of us, but we’re pleased with the progress made to position our sport for success. Delivering for our race fans and partners is job number one and we look forward to doing that better than ever for years to come.”

    The merger represents an important step forward for NASCAR as the sport creates a unified vision to embrace its long history of exciting, family-oriented racing experiences while developing strategic growth initiatives that will drive the passion of core fans and attract the next generation of race fans.

    “This sport has meant so much to our family and we are committed to leading NASCAR through this next chapter of growth,” said France Kennedy. “Combining the two companies will allow us to capture the best aspects of both operations. Our stronger organization will allow us to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities to grow the sport over the next decade plus.”

    As part of the new organization, the Board of Directors will consist of France, France Kennedy, Mike Helton and Gary Crotty, Chief Legal Officer. Phelps’ direct reports will represent executives with deep industry experience, including Ed Bennett, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer; Jill Gregory, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing and Content Officer; Craig Neeb, Executive Vice President & Chief Innovation Officer; Steve O’Donnell, Executive Vice President & Chief Racing Development Officer; and Daryl Wolfe, Executive Vice President & Chief Operations and Sales Officer. In addition, Helton and John Saunders will serve as senior advisors under the new leadership structure. 

    “With great racing across all of our series, an exciting 2020 schedule on tap, and the Next Gen race car in development, we are better positioned than ever before to lead the sport into a new era of growth,” said Phelps. “We have a strong, experienced leadership team in place with incredibly dedicated employees at every level throughout our organization. Our best days are ahead of us and our new organization is going to allow us to better deliver great racing to our fans everywhere.”

    Advising NASCAR on this transaction were Goldman, Sachs & Co. LLC as exclusive financial advisor and Baker Botts L.L.P. as legal counsel. Dean Bradley Osborne Partners LLC served as financial advisor and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz as legal counsel to the ISC special committee. Saul Ewing Arnstein & Lehr LLP served as legal counsel to ISC and BDT & Company served as financial advisors to the France family.

    About NASCAR

    The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR consists of three national series (Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series™), three regional series, one local grassroots series, three international series and the Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, Americrown Service and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races in more than 30 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on FacebookTwitterInstagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

  • 10-Time NASCAR Cup Series Race Winner Returns to No. 14 Ford Mustang

    10-Time NASCAR Cup Series Race Winner Returns to No. 14 Ford Mustang

    Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) has extended its relationship with driver Clint Bowyer, keeping the 10-time NASCAR Cup Series race winner in the team’s No. 14 Ford Mustang for 2020.

    The 2020 season will mark Bowyer’s fourth year with SHR and his 15th in the NASCAR Cup Series. The 40-year-old from Emporia, Kansas, took over the No. 14 Ford in 2017 following the retirement of three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and 2020 NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart. Bowyer recently made his 500th career NASCAR Cup Series start last Sunday at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and he is in the NASCAR Playoffs for the second straight year.

    “Clint Bowyer is a racer to his core who brings passion and energy to our race team,” said Stewart, who co-owns SHR with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas. “He’s exactly who I wanted to drive my No. 14 car and we’re very happy to have him continue with Stewart-Haas Racing.”

    Bowyer’s renewal with SHR comes at an appropriate time. He is a proud member of the Sunflower State and it’s where the NASCAR Cup Series races this weekend with the Hollywood Casino 400 on Sunday at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

    “I’m proud to be back with Stewart-Haas Racing next year and very happy to announce it the week leading into my home race,” Bowyer said. “This is a team filled with racers who love to compete, and as a racecar driver, it’s exactly where you want to be. Great equipment, great teammates, and we’re all backed by great people, which starts at the top with Tony and Gene. They know how to build some fast Ford Mustangs and I’m the lucky guy who gets to drive ‘em.”

    Bowyer has seven top-five and 15 top-10 finishes so far this season and is currently 11th in the playoff standings. In his last NASCAR Cup Series race at Kansas in May, Bowyer qualified second and finished fifth.

    The Hollywood Casino 400 is the sixth race of the 10-race playoffs and the final race in the Round of 12. It starts at 2:30 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by NBC and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

    About Stewart-Haas Racing:

    Stewart-Haas Racing is the title-winning NASCAR team co-owned by three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation – the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The Kannapolis, North Carolina-based organization fields four entries in the NASCAR Cup Series – the No. 4 Ford Mustang for Kevin Harvick, the No. 10 Ford Mustang for Aric Almirola, the No. 14 Ford Mustang for Clint Bowyer and the No. 41 Ford Mustang for Daniel Suárez. The team also competes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with two fulltime entries – the No. 00 Ford Mustang for Cole Custer and the No. 98 Ford Mustang for Chase Briscoe. For more information, please visit us online at www.StewartHaasRacing.com, on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/StewartHaasRacing, on Twitter @StewartHaasRcng and on Instagram @StewartHaasRacing.

  • TEAM PENSKE AND PIRTEK TEAM UP FOR NASCAR CUP SERIES PARTNERSHIP IN 2020

    TEAM PENSKE AND PIRTEK TEAM UP FOR NASCAR CUP SERIES PARTNERSHIP IN 2020

    Fluid Power Systems Provider Extends Partnership with New Multi-Year Agreement

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (October 17, 2019) – Team Penske and PIRTEK, the leader in hydraulic and industrial hose replacement service, today announced a multi-year partnership that will bring PIRTEK’s familiar blue and yellow colors to the NASCAR Cup Series as a primary sponsor with Brad Keselowski and the No. 2 Ford Mustang for two races during the 2020 season.

    The new agreement builds on the existing relationship between PIRTEK and Team Penske that includes primary sponsorship of the team’s NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) program over the last two seasons. The PIRTEK colors will adorn the No. 2 for the first time at Dover International Speedway the first weekend in May, along with the final race of the regular season in August at Daytona International Speedway.

    “We value the relationship with PIRTEK and the company has been a big part of our team across several of our racing programs,” said Roger Penske. “We are excited to welcome PIRTEK to our NASCAR Cup Series program with Brad (Keselowski) and the No. 2 Ford team next season and we hope to continue to build on the partnership with PIRTEK for the future.”

    PIRTEK is the leader in onsite hydraulic and industrial hose-replacement service. There are now 90 PIRTEK franchises and a fleet of Mobile Service Vehicles throughout the country. Globally, PIRTEK has more than 400 locations and 2,000 Mobile Service Vehicles in 23 countries, all providing 24/7 service with a one-hour onsite ETA.

    “Moving into the NASCAR Cup Program is a huge step for the PIRTEK brand in the United States. The opportunity to partner with Team Penske, a world-class organization and an iconic brand in motor sports is significant to our franchise network,” said PIRTEK USA CEO, Kim Gubera. “We are especially thrilled to have Brad Keselowski represent us in the No. 2 PIRTEK Ford Mustang as we appreciate his values on and off the track.”

    PIRTEK has been a valued partner in the Penske organization for several years, working with several Penske Corporation businesses, as well as the DJR Team Penske program that competes in the Virgin Australian Supercars Championship. PIRTEK and Team Penske first announced a NASCAR Xfinity Series partnership in 2018 and the companies have continued building their relationship with PIRTEK serving as both a primary and associate sponsor for the No. 22 and No. 12 NXS Team Penske Fords this season.

    With an increased role in the NASCAR Cup Series next season, PIRTEK will continue to expand its marketing and promotional opportunities through the Team Penske NASCAR program, including at-track hospitality and social/digital engagement with the team.

    “It’s important for quality companies to build and enhance their involvement with our team and we’re excited to see PIRTEK grow with Team Penske,” said Keselowski, the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion.  “PIRTEK has helped build their brand with our team and we have seen their efforts pay off. It will be great to see the company expand to our NASCAR Cup program in 2020. That blue and yellow PIRTEK Ford will really stand out on the track and I can’t wait to represent them next year.”

    ABOUT PIRTEK

    PIRTEK USA provides the fastest hydraulic hose replacement and industrial hose repair service with onsite mobile and service centers throughout the United States. Our ETA 1-hour on-site hose service, available 24/7, is a simple solution that minimizes equipment downtime and eliminates the need for our customers to leave their job site or facility to locate new hydraulic hoses and hydraulic fittings. We’ll Keep You Operating! www.pirtekusa.com

    ABOUT TEAM PENSKE
    Team Penske is one of the most successful teams in the history of professional sports. Cars owned and prepared by Team Penske have produced more than 540 major race wins, over 620 pole positions and 36 Championships across open-wheel, stock car and sports car racing competition. Over the course of its 53-year history, the team has also earned 18 Indianapolis 500 victories, two Daytona 500 Championships, a Formula 1 win, overall victories in the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, along with a win in Australia’s legendary Bathurst 1000 race. Team Penske currently competes in the NTT IndyCar Series, the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The team also races in the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, in a partnership with Dick Johnson Racing, as DJR Team Penske. For more information about Team Penske, please visit www.teampenske.com.

  • JTG Daugherty Racing Welcomes Two-Time NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion and Winning NASCAR Cup Series Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to 2020 Driver Lineup

    JTG Daugherty Racing Welcomes Two-Time NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion and Winning NASCAR Cup Series Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to 2020 Driver Lineup

    HARRISBURG, N.C. (October 16, 2019) – JTG Daugherty Racing announced today a new driver to their two-car lineup by signing 32-year-old Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to a multi-year deal. A seasoned veteran in the NASCAR Cup Series, Stenhouse Jr. will enter his eighth full-time season and will kick it off with JTG Daugherty Racing beginning at the 2020 DAYTONA 500 alongside teammate Ryan Preece.

    “We’re very fortunate to have Ricky join us next season to continue to elevate our racing program at JTG Daugherty Racing,” team owner Tad Geschickter said. “Ricky brings a lot of experience and talent to the team, and we know we can have two Playoff-contending teams next season with him and Ryan Preece at the helm of our cars.”

    Stenhouse Jr. joins JTG Daugherty Racing following a 10-year tenure with Roush Fenway Racing.

    “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to join JTG Daugherty Racing next season,” Stenhouse Jr. said. “To be able to see what Tad, Jodi (Geschickter) and Brad (Daugherty) have built over the years says a lot about the team and the organization both on and off the track. JTG has grown from a small team in a barn to a two-car team with more than 100 employees, and I’m looking forward to joining the family. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and ready to go win races with the ultimate goal of making the Playoffs and competing for a championship.”

    Stenhouse Jr., a two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Champion, has two wins, 15 top-five finishes, 34 top-10 finishes and two pole awards in 251 career NASCAR Cup Series starts. Competing for three years in the NXS from 2010-2012, he was Rookie of the Year in 2010 and won two NXS championships consecutively the following two seasons. Stenhouse Jr. earned the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award in the Cup Series in 2013, and brought home his first checkered flag finish at Talladega Superspeedway in 2017, going on to win his second race later that year at Daytona International Speedway.

    Aside from his premier series accomplishments, the Olive Branch, Miss. native is highly decorated in the sprint car racing community. After his first Cup Series win at Talladega, he became only one of eight drivers to have won in NASCAR’s premier series as well as the USAC Silver Crown, National Sprint Car, and National Midget Series, joining drivers such as Mario Andretti, Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart.

    Stenhouse Jr. will make his JTG Daugherty Racing debut on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at Daytona International Speedway. Sponsorship and car number will be announced at a later date.

  • Next Gen Car Makes On-Track Test Debut

    Next Gen Car Makes On-Track Test Debut

    Austin Dillon Pilots New Car During Two-Day Test at Richmond Raceway

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Oct. 9, 2019) — Following more than two years of development from concept to reality, NASCAR’s Next Gen car hit the track for the first time for a two-day test at Richmond Raceway.

    The much-anticipated car, which is slated to debut at the 2021 Daytona 500, will honor stock car racing’s roots with bodies that resemble their street versions while incorporating new vehicle technology and innovation.

    “This is an important milestone for the Next Gen car and the future of stock car racing,” said John Probst, NASCAR Senior Vice President of Innovation and Racing Development. “There are so many new systems on the car from the front to the back that our main goal with this test was to log laps and put miles on them. The test has met – and even exceeded – our expectations, and we are well on our way to developing the final iteration of the car.”

    Austin Dillon was behind the wheel of the car, which was assembled by Richard Childress Racing in collaboration with NASCAR.

    “I really enjoyed driving the car,” Dillon said. “I like the way that it looks, you can see the finished product down the road. The OEMs can make the body look really good, like a street car that you see on the road today. When it comes together and they all get their cars on the track, we’re going to have something to work with that also looks really good.”

    The car is one of two prototypes currently built. The other was assembled by NASCAR and was tested in the wind tunnel for the first time on October 1. That car is scheduled to make its second trip to the wind tunnel later this week. Another on-track test is anticipated before the year concludes.

    “We have a very comprehensive test plan,” Probst said. “We will be doing extensive wind tunnel testing to ensure liftoff speeds are appropriate before moving to larger tracks. As we move into 2020, we will begin testing on intermediate tracks, superspeedways and road courses.”

    While many components on the current versions of the car will remain, some major elements – including each OEMs body design – are still in development.

  • Ally Financial extends full-season primary sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports

    Ally Financial extends full-season primary sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports

    NEW THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT GOES THROUGH 2023

    CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 4, 2019) – Less than 12 months after it first raced into NASCAR, Ally Financial has extended its full-season primary sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports and the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 team for three more years through the 2023 season.

    The agreement all but guarantees that seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson will finish his legendary full-time NASCAR career with Ally as his primary sponsor. Johnson, who is signed with Hendrick Motorsports through 2020, will announce his future plans at a later date.

    On Oct. 28, 2018, it was announced that Ally would become the sole primary sponsor of Johnson and his No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team in 2019 and 2020. This season, the leading digital financial services company has executed numerous marketing campaigns around the program. The bold design of the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which was revealed on “Good Morning America” in January, has quickly made it one of the most recognizable cars in NASCAR.

    “Our first year with Jimmie and the team at Hendrick Motorsports has been phenomenal,” said Andrea Brimmer, Ally’s chief marketing and public relations officer. “Jimmie’s the ultimate competitor, and Ally is proud to support him and the rest of the No. 48 team. We are thrilled to extend our contract and build on the incredible momentum we’ve established. This sponsorship goes way beyond just putting our logo on the car. It’s built on our shared values for doing right in the communities we race in, while growing our brand with passionate, new audiences. We look forward to many more exciting laps together.”

    With a commitment to “do it right” for its customers, Ally, a leading digital financial services provider, is changing the online banking landscape with innovative digital experiences, 24/7 service, great rates and rewarding lending products. Ally is also one of the largest auto financing companies in the United States with extensive experience in the auto industry and an unmatched suite of products and services.

    “Ally’s values are our values,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of 12-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports. “Working with integrity, being accountable to one another, and leading in both the workplace and in our communities are all core beliefs that we share. This is a tremendous relationship on many levels, and to see it have success and grow so quickly is truly meaningful. Jimmie sets the standard and is a wonderful representative for Ally. Today is a great day for all of us.”

    Johnson, 44, is one of the greatest champions in sports. His record-tying seven Cup titles, which include five straight from 2006-2010, are equaled only by NASCAR legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt. In 2009, Johnson became the first race car driver to be named Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, joining the likes of Muhammad Ali, Michael Jordan and Tom Brady. The El Cajon, California, native has earned 83 points-paying race wins and led nearly 19,000 career laps.

    “The energy Ally has brought to the No. 48 team, Hendrick Motorsports and the sport of NASCAR is contagious,” Johnson said. “They have embraced our fans, activated their program in unique ways and supported me at every turn, from racing my No. 48 car every week to running the Boston Marathon. It’s a true bond – not just a business transaction. We care about each other’s success. I’m proud to be associated with Ally and can’t wait to see what they do in the future.”

    ABOUT ALLY FINANCIAL:
    Ally Financial Inc. (NYSE: ALLY) is a leading digital financial-services company with $180.4 billion in assets as of June 30, 2019. As a customer-centric company with passionate customer service and innovative financial solutions, we are relentlessly focused on “Doing It Right” and being a trusted financial-services provider to our consumer, commercial, and corporate customers. We are one of the largest full-service automotive-finance operations in the country and offer a wide range of financial services and insurance products to automotive dealerships and consumers. Our award-winning online bank (Ally Bank, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender) offers mortgage-lending services and a variety of deposit and other banking products, including savings, money-market, and checking accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Additionally, we offer securities-brokerage and investment-advisory services through Ally Invest. Our robust corporate finance business offers capital for equity sponsors and middle-market companies. For more information and disclosures about Ally, visit https://www.ally.com/#disclosures.

    ABOUT HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS:
    Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports has earned 256 points-paying race victories and a record 12 car owner championships in the premier NASCAR Cup Series. The organization fields four full-time Chevrolet teams on the Cup circuit with drivers Chase Elliott, William Byron, Jimmie Johnson and Alex Bowman. Headquartered in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs more than 600 people. For more information, please visit  HendrickMotorsports.com or interact on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

  • Rick Ware Racing launches campaign to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund

    Rick Ware Racing launches campaign to benefit the Kay Yow Cancer Fund

    DOVER, Del.: In their effort to support to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, officials from Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and Gotta Kill It To Heal It announced today a month-long campaign to raise money in support of the fight against ALL cancers affecting women through the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

    You can register your donation by clicking HERE. (Support.kayyow.com/rickware)
    Gotta Kill It To Heal It creates apparel designed to generate awareness and financial support for the ongoing fight against cancer.

    An outdoor brand, the mission of Gotta Kill It to Heal It is about killing cancer, NOT animals. Designs incorporate sealife and beach scenes while also representing the colors symbolic of the fight against ALL cancers affecting women. Their desire is to capture the beauty and majesty of each creature through design while honoring the memory of those that have lost their lives fighting this disease, and celebrating the courage of all survivors and fighters.

    The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of Hall of Fame women’s basketball coach, Kay Yow, who fought her own battle with cancer for 22 years. To date, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $7.53 million in support of scientific research and programs that serve the underserved.

    The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to be a part of finding an answer in the fight against ALL cancers affecting women through raising money for scientific research and related projects, assisting the underserved and unifying people for a common cause.

    Beginning with this weekend’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover (Del.) International Speedway, RWR and Gotta Kill It To Heal It has pledged to support a campaign with the goal of raising $100,000 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund by the Oct. 27 running of the First Data 500 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.

    “We are very fortunate at Rick Ware Racing that our sponsor we had lined up for Martinsville, who wants to remain anonymous, decided to let us use the car for a campaign that coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” said Rick Ware Racing general manager Bryan Clodfelter.

    “We have partnered with two quality organizations, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and Gotta Kill It To Heal It, to help raise money to fight this deadly disease. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer this past year and I sat in the doctor’s office to experience firsthand what it is like to be given the news.

    “It is very devastating to go through that and hopefully, with more donations and research, one day people will not have to experience that. We are all very proud at RWR to have the support and the ability to participate in this initiative with such great partners.”

    Reaching out to the NASCAR community and their avid race fans, RWR will offer several opportunities for fans to pledge their support.

    Donation Guidelines:
    • For donations up to $250.00: Handwritten name on race car plus social media mention on Rick Ware Racing social media platforms.
    • $250 – $500: 3×3 ribbon on race car, plus social media mention on Rick Ware Racing social media platforms.
    • $501 – $1,000: 5×5 ribbon on race car, plus social media mention on Rick Ware Racing social media platforms.
    • $1,001 – $2,999: 7×5 ribbon on race car, plus social media mention on Rick Ware Racing social media platforms.
    • $3,000 and up: Two garage passes to a Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race in 2019, plus 7×5 ribbon on race car, plus social media mention on Rick Ware Racing social media platforms.

    Additionally, all donations over $100 will be entered in a drawing for two people to attend the First Data 500 race in the Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on October 27, 2019.

    Any donation over $250 will be entered in a separate drawing for two to be guests of Rick Ware Racing in the garage and pit area at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway on Oct. 27, 2019. Entries must be 18 years and older.

    • You can register your donation by clicking HERE. (Support.kayyow.com/rickware)

    “Cancer is not a seasonal disease,” added Andy Wolfe spokesperson for Gotta Kill It To Heal It. “It doesn’t start on October 1 and end October 31. It’s a 365 day a year battle that is 24 hours a day. We need help and support from everyone every single day of the year. We thank Rick Ware Racing and the NASCAR industry and fans for their tremendous consideration and support.”

    Kay Yow Cancer Fund CEO, Stephanie Glance, commented, “The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is grateful for the opportunity to be the beneficiary of Rick Ware Racing’s campaign to fight cancer. It is always inspirational to see people use their unique platform to make a difference, serve others, and give hope. Ultimately, we know the greatest race is the race we are all in to end cancer — a race we are in together.”

    The 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season continues with the Drydene 400 at Dover International Speedway on Sun., Oct. 6 at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC, the Motor Racing Network (MRN) and SiriusXM Satellite Radio NASCAR Channel 90.

    For more on Rick Ware Racing, please “like” them on Facebook (Facebook.com/rickwareracing) or visit WareRacing.com.

    Rick Ware Racing is on Twitter. Follow them @RickWareRacing.

    For additional information on Gotta Kill It To Heal It, please visit gottakillitohealit.com.

    For more on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, please visit kayyow.com.

  • Tyler Reddick Promoted by RCR to the No. 8 Caterpillar Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the NASCAR Cup Series for 2020

    Tyler Reddick Promoted by RCR to the No. 8 Caterpillar Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the NASCAR Cup Series for 2020

    Richard Childress Racing announced today that Tyler Reddick, defending NASCAR Xfinity Series Champion, will be driving the No. 8 Caterpillar Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for the 2020 season.

    Reddick, who currently pilots the No. 2 Chevrolet Camaro for the team in the Xfinity Series, has secured five wins, three pole awards, 21 top-five and 24 top-10 finishes so far this season and currently sits third in the Playoff standings. The 23-year-old Corning, California-native made his Cup Series debut with RCR in the 2019 DAYTONA 500 and made an additional Cup start at Kansas Speedway in May, during which he earned a ninth-place finish.

    “I’m beyond grateful to everyone at Richard Childress Racing for their support throughout this entire year and continued support into next year,” said Reddick.

    “It means a lot to me that Richard, his team, and Caterpillar believe in my ability to represent them both on and off the racetrack. My goal was always to get to race on Sundays, and I’m so excited to achieve that next year with RCR, ECR and Caterpillar. I’m excited to take this next step in my career with their support, but also realize I’ve still got a lot of work to do this year with my No. 2 team to bring home the Xfinity Series Championship. I can’t think of a better way to end RCR’s 50th celebration and kick off next year than by capturing that trophy.”

    Caterpillar, entering its 12th year of partnership with RCR, will serve as the primary partner on Reddick’s No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro for the 2020 season. The world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives began as a sponsor in NASCAR in 1993. Caterpillar is continuing their refreshed approach to expand their NASCAR program outside of the racetrack by leveraging their brand campaign and social channels.

    Prior to coming to RCR, Reddick secured his NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2018 with two wins, seven top-five and 20 top-10 finishes. Reddick previously completed a part-time Xfinity Series schedule in 2017, capturing one win, four top-five and six top-10 finishes, as well as three years in the NASCAR Truck Series, during which he secured three wins, 25 top-five and 40 top-10 finishes.

    Additional partnership information and team information for the No. 8 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be made at a later date.

  • Byron wins pole in 1-2 sweep for Hendrick Motorsports at Charlotte

    Byron wins pole in 1-2 sweep for Hendrick Motorsports at Charlotte

    William Byron led the way at Charlotte Motor Speedway to capture his fifth Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series pole this year and the fifth of his career. Alex Bowman qualified second for a 1-2 Hendrick Motorsports front-row sweep.

    Byron drove his No. 24 Chevrolet to a 103.198 mph lap on the 2.28-mile Charlotte Roval for back to back poles. He also qualified on the pole for this year’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte in May.

    “The guys did a great job with this car,” he said, “and it really takes every corner around this race track to get a pole. I knew we could qualify top five but I really wanted the pole and really kind of went out there and got it. So, I’m really proud of this UniFirst team. It’s going to be great to start up front.”

    His teammate, Alex Bowman, will start second after a 103.078 mph lap in his No. 88 Chevrolet.

    “That run wasn’t the best,” Bowman said. “I know it could have been better. William (Byron) just did a great job there getting through the corners. It’s definitely a positive to be starting on the front row and we just have to focus on getting stage points on Sunday. Very proud of this Nationwide #REALtirement team and the hard work they put in today.”

    Joey Logano, Jimmie Johnson and Clint Bowyer rounded out the top five followed by Kevin Harvick in sixth and Kyle Larson in seventh.  Martin Truex Jr., who has won the first two playoff races in the Round of 16, will start in eighth. Ryan Blaney, the defending race winner, qualified ninth and Paul Menard will roll off in 10th.

    Chase Elliott will start 19th after missing a downshift during his qualifying run which caused him to wheel hop and subsequently spin. Denny Hamlin was another playoff contender who will have to start from the back of the field. During the first practice session, he spun and hit the Turn 5 tire barrier damaging his primary car and had to go to a backup car.

    Erik Jones will start 15th followed by Aric Almirola in 16th and Kyle Busch in 17th as Ryan Newman qualified 24th. Kurt Busch, who won the inaugural pole on the Roval last year, qualified his Chip Ganassi Chevrolet in 23rd.

    The Bank of America Roval 400 is set for Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC with radio coverage by PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

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