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  • Haley wins the rain shortened Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona

    Haley wins the rain shortened Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona

    Justin Haley inherited the lead under caution when Kurt Busch made his final pit stop after NASCAR initially declared they would go back to green the next lap.  NASCAR then red flagged the race with 33 laps to go due to more lightning strikes within an eight-mile radius of the Daytona International Speedway and then later declared official due to rain.

    Haley was declared the winner of the rain delayed and rain shortened Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona.  The 20-year-old Indiana native driving for first-year team Spire Motorsports in the No. 77 Fraternal Order of Eagles Camaro ZL1 led only one lap and captured his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series win in only three starts. Haley becomes the fourth driver in the modern-era to win within their first three starts in the cup series.

    “It’s absolutely a blessing. Its pretty incredible that I have so many great people around me that have given me this opportunity to come here to this level and stage that we are performing on. Obviously Todd and my family have done a great job, but the Fraternal Order of Eagles has given me this opportunity with Spire Motorsports and its truly a blessing. I never even saw myself running a Cup race until I got a call a few months ago to do Talladega. It’s just unreal and I don’t know how to put it. I don’t know how to feel.” Haley said.

    William Byron finished second, Jimmie Johnson third, Ty Dillon fourth and Ryan Newman finished fifth.

    “It took us a little while to get to the front from the back and finish second. So that was good.” Byron said. “I would have liked to go back racing and win it the way I wanted to, but our team did a great job this week managing all the chaos and finishing second with a back-up car is pretty good.”

    Joey Logano won stage one and Austin Dillon won stage two.

    Kevin Harvick got a run in the tri-oval on Brad Keselowski with 18 laps to go in Stage 2. Harvick turned Keselowski into the outside wall, eliminating Keselowski and Daniel Suarez from the race.

    “I know we got to three-wide at the top of three and it looks like Kevin gave me a real straight push. I don’t know. It just took off on me.” Keselowski said.

    The bad weather headed in during the third and final stage of the race and the intensity also picked up.

    While running in the outside line, Clint Bowyer pulled down to pass Austin Dillon for the race lead. Dillon followed and Bowyer got into the back of him causing him to spin, collecting the front runners on lap 118.

    “I guess he didn’t want me to pass him. I don’t know. I got under him and he blocked, and we got together, I got off of him, moved down and got off of him and here he comes back down even more and just finally wrecked us all. That’s just part of racing like this.” Bowyer said.

    “Originally, off of turn four, I thought me and the 9 would be able to get by the 11. But the 9 wasn’t clear. I really thought it was urgent with the lighting and the rain coming. So I jumped up there and had a good push from the 14 and my plan as soon as I cleared the 11 was to cut left and get down again to get with my Chevy teammates. It’s really unfortunate because I had a really fast American Ethanol Chevy.” Dillon said.

    The series heads to Kentucky Speedway next Saturday July 13th for the Quaker State 400 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

    Monster Energy Cup Series Race Number 18
    Race Results for the 61st Annual Coke Zero Sugar 400 – Sunday, July 7, 2019
    Daytona International Speedway – Daytona Beach, FL – 2.5 – Mile Paved
    Total Race Length – 160 Laps – 400. Miles

    Fin Str No Driver Team Laps S1Pos S2Pos Stage3Pos Pts Status
    1 34 77 Justin Haley(i) Fraternal Order of Eagles Chevrolet 127 0 0 0 0 Running
    2 12 24 William Byron Axalta Patriotic Chevrolet 127 0 3 0 43 Running
    3 14 48 Jimmie Johnson Ally Chevrolet 127 0 7 0 38 Running
    4 23 13 Ty Dillon GEICO Military Chevrolet 127 0 0 0 33 Running
    5 18 6 Ryan Newman Roush Performance Ford 127 0 0 0 32 Running
    6 30 32 Corey LaJoie Shine Armor Ford 127 0 0 0 31 Running
    7 11 10 Aric Almirola Smithfield Anytime Favorites Ford 127 0 0 0 30 Running
    8 25 95 Matt DiBenedetto Procore Toyota 127 0 0 0 29 Running
    9 31 36 Matt Tifft # Ron Jon Surf Shop Ford 127 0 0 0 28 Running
    10 8 1 Kurt Busch Global Poker Chevrolet 127 0 0 0 27 Running
    11 33 0 Landon Cassill(i) Jacob Companies Chevrolet 127 0 0 0 0 Running
    12 37 52 JJ Yeley DriveSmartWarranty.com Ford 127 0 0 0 25 Running
    13 28 34 Michael McDowell Long John Silver’s Ford 127 0 0 0 24 Running
    14 2 18 Kyle Busch Interstate Batteries Toyota 127 0 0 0 23 Running
    15 29 43 Bubba Wallace United States Air Force Chevrolet 127 0 9 0 24 Running
    16 20 21 Paul Menard Menards/Dutch Boy Ford 127 0 0 0 21 Running
    17 22 37 Chris Buescher Scott Comfort Plus Chevrolet 127 0 0 0 20 Running
    18 24 8 Daniel Hemric # Cessna Chevrolet 127 0 0 0 19 Running
    19 39 62 * Brendan Gaughan(i) Beard Oil Distributing/South Point Hotel & Casino Chevrolet 126 0 0 0 0 Running
    20 13 42 Kyle Larson Credit One Bank Chevrolet 126 0 6 0 22 Running
    21 9 88 Alex Bowman Valvoline Patriotic Chevrolet 126 0 2 0 25 Running
    22 5 19 Martin Truex Jr. Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER ATVs & Boats/USO Toyota 126 10 0 0 16 Running
    23 17 20 Erik Jones Sport Clips Toyota 125 0 0 0 14 Running
    24 19 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Fifth Third Bank Ford 125 2 8 0 25 Running
    25 1 22 Joey Logano Shell Pennzoil Ford 125 1 10 0 23 Running
    26 6 11 Denny Hamlin FedEx Office Toyota 125 8 0 0 14 Running
    27 40 53 * Joey Gase Connected Claim Services/Action Restoration Chevrolet 125 0 0 0 0 Running
    28 35 51 BJ McLeod(i) Jacob Companies Ford 124 0 0 0 0 Running
    29 4 4 Kevin Harvick Jimmy John’s Ford 124 4 0 0 15 Running
    30 38 27 * Ross Chastain(i) Xchange of America Chevrolet 122 0 0 0 0 Running
    31 36 96 * Parker Kligerman(i) TRD 40th Anniversary Toyota 121 0 0 0 0 Accident
    32 26 47 Ryan Preece # Kroger Chevrolet 119 0 0 0 5 Accident
    33 21 3 Austin Dillon American Ethanol Chevrolet 118 0 1 0 14 Accident
    34 16 14 Clint Bowyer Mobil 1/Rush Truck Centers Ford 118 7 5 0 13 Accident
    35 7 9 Chase Elliott NAPA Batteries Chevrolet 118 5 4 0 15 Accident
    36 10 12 Ryan Blaney BodyArmor Ford 118 3 0 0 9 Accident
    37 32 15 Quin Houff The Elease Project Chevrolet 108 0 0 0 1 Running
    38 27 38 David Ragan MDS Transport Ford 86 0 0 0 1 Accident
    39 3 2 Brad Keselowski Miller Lite Ford 85 9 0 0 3 Accident
    40 15 41 Daniel Suarez Haas Automation Ford 83 6 0 0 6 Accident
  • Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona postponed to Sunday

    Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona postponed to Sunday

    The Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway that was originally scheduled for Saturday night has been postponed because of persistent rain and a bleak forecast. It has been moved to Sunday, July 7 at 1 p.m. and will air live on NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

    Rain moved into the area a couple of hours before the scheduled start time of 7:40 p.m. Although NASCAR made an effort to dry the track, the race was eventually postponed.

    Qualifying for the Coke Zero Sugar 400 was canceled Friday due to inclement weather and the starting grid will be set by based on owner points. Team Penske driver Joey Logano will lead the field to green from the pole position in his No. 22 Shell Pennzoil Ford. Kyle Busch will join Logano on the front row in the Joe Gibbs Racing No. 18 Toyota.

    Erik Jones is the defending race winner while Busch enters the race with the highest driver rating of 91.2.

    Follow @angiecampbell_ for the latest NASCAR news and feature stories.

  • CARSTAR Partners with Axalta for the NASCAR Race at Watkins Glen with Hendrick Motorsports Driver Alex Bowman

    CARSTAR Partners with Axalta for the NASCAR Race at Watkins Glen with Hendrick Motorsports Driver Alex Bowman

    No. 88 Axalta/CARSTAR Chevrolet Set to Race at Watkins Glen International on August 4

    Hendrick Motorsports Driver Alex Bowman to Wear Unique Helmet Showcasing the Winning Artwork from the “Accelerate the Cure” Design Contest with Cystic Fibrosis Chapters Across North America

    CHARLOTTE (June 17, 2019) – CARSTAR, North America’s premier network of independently owned collision repair facilities, will make its 2019 debut in the NASCAR Cup Series at Watkins Glen International. This opportunity is thanks to a joint promotion with paint partner Axalta Coating Systems, which sponsors the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports team of driver Alex Bowman.

    The No. 88 Axalta/CARSTAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will race on Sunday, August 4, at Watkins Glen. The CARSTAR logo will be featured on the roof and television panel. In addition, Bowman will wear a unique helmet in the race featuring a design created through a contest with cystic fibrosis chapters across North America.

    “What CARSTAR is doing by building awareness in the need for a cystic fibrosis cure is amazing,” Bowman said. “I’m excited to see the winning design of the ‘Accelerate the Cure’ contest and will be honored to wear that helmet at Watkins Glen. Our team plans to put on a great show for everyone at Axalta, CARSTAR and their guests.”

    “We appreciate the co-branding opportunity with one of our most important North American customers, CARSTAR,” said Seth Wilcox, Sales & Distribution Director, North America, for Axalta Coating Systems. “We’ve been partnered with CARSTAR for several years and our partnership has never been stronger. We are thrilled to go build on that relationship here and as we continue to grow together in the future. CARSTAR is one of the fastest growing MSOs in North America and we are fortunate to be their partner. We’d also like to acknowledge Alex for offering up his helmet to be custom designed in a promotion between Axalta, Hendrick Motorsports, CARSTAR and Cystic Fibrosis.”

    “This year marks our 30th anniversary and we’re doing something special every month to celebrate this tremendous milestone, ” said Michael Macaluso, president of CARSTAR. “For our August celebration we are thrilled to take the CARSTAR brand to one of North America’s top spectator sports with a young star like Alex Bowman, as he helps us raise awareness for our charity of choice – cystic fibrosis. We can’t wait to see the No. 88 Axalta/CARSTAR Chevrolet on the track and share the CARSTAR story with millions of race fans.”

    As part of the race weekend, Axalta and CARSTAR will host top CARSTAR franchise partners from across North America, along with prospective franchisees and corporate team members.

    “Accelerate the Cure” Contest Give Cystic Fibrosis Families, Race Fans a Chance to Design Bowman’s Helmet

    CARSTAR has supported the fight against cystic fibrosis for more than 20 years, and through a variety of fundraising initiatives, CARSTAR, its owners, partners and employees have raised over $3.7 million for cystic fibrosis research, care and advocacy. For the Watkins Glen race, CARSTAR is working with cystic fibrosis chapters across the U.S. and Canada to host a contest to design a special scheme for Bowman’s helmet.

    The “Accelerate the Cure” contest allows participants to illustrate what a cure for cystic fibrosis would allow them the freedom and ability to do. The contest is open to those with cystic fibrosis, their families and those affected by the disease. To participate, visit the “Accelerate the Cure” contest page www.acceleratethecurecf.com to download the helmet design template and contest rules. The contest runs June 17, 2019 to July 5, 2019.

    The winning design will be selected by representatives from Axalta, Hendrick Motorsports, CARSTAR, Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The winner will receive a special VIP race experience at the Watkins Glen race from August 2-4, 2019, including travel and accommodations and suite passes for the NASCAR Cup Series race.

    For updates on the No. 88 Axalta/CARSTAR Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 and Alex Bowman during the race weekend, visit CARSTAR.com and follow CARSTAR on Facebook and twitter.

    About CARSTAR

    CARSTAR is North America’s largest network of independently owned and operated collision repair facilities with more than 650 locations in 35 states and 10 Canadian provinces. A part of the Driven Brands family of automotive aftermarket franchise brands, CARSTAR delivers national scale, premier vehicle repairs, repeatable outcomes and the industry’s highest customer satisfaction ratings. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, CARSTAR has maintained its commitment to give back to the communities it serves through a variety of fundraising initiatives, including raising over $3 million for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and has made fighting cystic fibrosis its cause, North American wide. For more information visit www.carstar.com and www.carstar.ca and follow on Facebook, twitter and LinkedIn. CARSTAR is actively seeking new franchise partners and interested parties should contact 844-906-9764.

    About Axalta Coating Systems – Celebrating 150 Years in the Coatings Industry

    Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, the 12,800 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 100,000 customers in 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com and follow us @axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

  • Compressor World to Power David Ragan in New Hampshire

    Compressor World to Power David Ragan in New Hampshire

    Leading Air Compressor Supplier Teams up with No. 38 Ford

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 11, 2019) – Compressor World has teamed up with Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and David Ragan for the “Foxwoods Resort Casino 301” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway July 19 – 21.

    Compressor World is a worldwide online leader of selling air compressors and service for a wide range of business and industrial uses. Established in 2000, Compressor World was founded by Matthew Mazanec and Steve Bergamesca, who presently maintain its headquarters south of Boston, which holds hundreds of compressors in their warehouse for quick shipments and local service. It is said that Compressor World is a leading online retailer because they are backed by a superior customer support team, which provides the customer with confidence that they are purchasing the best compressor for their application.

    “This is a really exciting opportunity for us,” said Matthew Mazanec of Compressor World. “We’re looking forward to getting involved in NASCAR and being able to reach a new audience in our own backyard. Partnering with David Ragan and Front Row Motorsports is a great fit for our brand.”

    “It’s great to see a new partner like Compressor World come on board,” said David Ragan. “The kind of products that they offer are instrumental to our entire operation. I’m looking forward to having them on the car in New Hampshire and encourage everyone to go see what they’re all about.”

    The No. 38 Compressor World Ford Mustang will make its debut at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on Friday, July 19 for practice and qualifying. The “Foxwoods Resort Casino 301” Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race will air Sunday, July 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET on NBCSN.

    For more information about Compressor World, visit CompressorWorld.com and follow Compressor World on Facebook: Facebook.com/Compressor-World-LLC-128711186129/.

    About Front Row Motorsports

    Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields three full-time entries – the No. 34 of Michael McDowell, the No. 36 of Matt Tifft and the No. 38 of David Ragan – from its Mooresville, N.C., headquarters just outside of Charlotte. The team’s partnership base includes CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Ford Performance, Love’s Travel Stops, Select Blinds, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tunity, Surface and Speedco. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

  • Joey Logano wins in overtime at Michigan

    Joey Logano wins in overtime at Michigan

    Joey Logano started on the pole for the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway, led 163 laps, and won in overtime, claiming his second win of the season Monday evening.

    But it wasn’t quite as easy as it sounds.

    After posting the fastest time on Saturday to claim the pole, the race was postponed to Monday due to rain. Logano had the most dominant car throughout the race, winning Stage 1. Austin Dillon, however, won the second stage taking advantage of fuel strategy while the leaders had to pit.

    Early on it looked as though Kevin Harvick, a two-time winner at Michigan, might provide some competition for the No. 22 Team Penske Ford. But toward the end of Stage 1, Harvick had to pit because of a loose wheel, causing him to go a lap down. Harvick eventually received the free pass to get back on the lead lap and even led 15 laps during the race. He started seventh in overtime but it was too little too late.

    During the final pit stops which began on Lap 173, several teams tried varying strategies to gain an advantage with some drivers taking four tires, while others took two. Brad Keselowski elected to take fuel only. Logano, who only took two tires, retained the lead.

    As the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race wound down it looked as though no one could catch Logano but with five laps to go, Erik Jones had a tire go down, spinning into the grass, and bringing out the final caution which led to a 2-lap overtime restart. Logano had to hold off a hard-charging Kurt Busch and Martin Truex Jr. to capture his third victory from the pole at the 2-mile track and his 23rd series career win.

    Logano called it a “perfect day,” for both him and the fans.

    “It is so hard to have perfect days like that,” he said. “I made one mistake on the restart and let the 4 (Harvick) get to the outside of me and really made me mad at myself. I was able to make that up, which is great, we are keeping Hudson up past his bedtime. This is a good place for him to get ready for sleep I guess. It feels so good to get into victory lane. I gotta thank the fans, everyone that stuck it out through the rain yesterday and came out today to watch a great race and a wild ending. You don’t want to see cautions there at the end when you are the leader but as a fan that is like the one thing you do want to see. I am glad we got the best of both worlds.”

    Kurt Busch finished second, saying, “I had a blast. That was the tightest I ever put my belts at the end of a race because we’ve got enough stage points. Today, it was like hell, we don’t need to get anything but the win. And, we got second today. ey) Logano’s car was tough. I really wanted it to go green at the end and push (Martin) Truex, Jr. through to the No. 22 (Logano). That was my best shot at it.

    “What a day for our Camaro, Chevy and Monster. Thank you, guys. We’ll get it. We’ll get it. This gives us reason to smile and be happy. We ran up front. We were strong. We were in our manufacturer’s backyard, but got second today.”

    Truex, who finished third, was unhappy with Logano’s start in overtime. In a post-race interview, he said, “He just went way early before the restart zone, jumped it, so I don’t know how we get a no-call on that. Maybe the rules are, maybe you can just do whatever you want on restarts now. Clearly, he went way before the box so that’s the way it goes, they didn’t call it and he wins. But he had a faster car than we did anyway so it’s a kind of a moot point.”

    Daniel Suarez and Kyle Busch rounded out the top five. Brad Keselowski was sixth as Harvick, Ryan Newman, Ryan Blaney and Alex Bowman completed the top 10.

    Daniel Hemric was the highest finishing rookie in 12th. Logano leads the standings by nine points over Kyle Busch.

    The next race for the Monster Energy Cup Series will be on Sunday, June 23 at Sonoma Raceway.

    Follow @angiecampbell_ for the latest NASCAR news and feature stories.

    Monster Energy Cup Series Race Number 15
    Race Results for the 51st Annual FireKeepers Casino 400 – Monday, June 10, 2019
    Michigan International Speedway – Brooklyn, MI – 2. – Mile Paved
    Total Race Length – 203 Laps – 406. Miles

    Fin Str No Driver Team Laps S1Pos S2Pos Pts Status
    1 1 22 Joey Logano Shell Pennzoil Ford 203 1 0 50 Running
    2 7 1 Kurt Busch Monster Energy Chevrolet 203 5 4 48 Running
    3 16 19 Martin Truex Jr. Auto-Owners Insurance Toyota 203 6 3 47 Running
    4 9 41 Daniel Suarez Haas Automation Demo Day Ford 203 0 0 33 Running
    5 15 18 Kyle Busch M&M’s Hazelnut Toyota 203 0 6 37 Running
    6 8 2 Brad Keselowski Miller Lite Ford 203 10 0 32 Running
    7 3 4 Kevin Harvick Busch Light Ford 203 0 2 39 Running
    8 18 6 Ryan Newman Coca-Cola Ford 203 0 0 29 Running
    9 13 12 Ryan Blaney Menards/Wrangler Riggs Ford 203 0 0 28 Running
    10 20 88 Alex Bowman Nationwide Chevrolet 203 2 9 38 Running
    11 4 11 Denny Hamlin FedEx Freight Toyota 203 0 0 26 Running
    12 11 8 Daniel Hemric # Chevrolet Accessories Chevrolet 203 0 7 29 Running
    13 6 21 Paul Menard Menards/NIBCO Ford 203 9 0 26 Running
    14 22 42 Kyle Larson Credit One Bank Chevrolet 203 7 0 27 Running
    15 19 48 Jimmie Johnson Ally Chevrolet 203 0 0 22 Running
    16 31 37 Chris Buescher Kroger Thrill of the Grill Chevrolet 203 0 10 22 Running
    17 2 10 Aric Almirola Smithfield/Meijer Ford 203 4 5 33 Running
    18 21 24 William Byron Hendrick Autoguard Chevrolet 203 0 8 22 Running
    19 10 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. NOS Energy Ford 203 0 0 18 Running
    20 17 9 Chase Elliott NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet 203 8 0 20 Running
    21 29 95 Matt DiBenedetto Toyota Express Maintenance Toyota 203 0 0 16 Running
    22 25 13 Ty Dillon Twisted Tea Chevrolet 203 0 0 15 Running
    23 32 32 Corey LaJoie Harvest Investments Ford 203 0 0 14 Running
    24 26 36 Matt Tifft # Surface Sunscreen Ford 203 0 0 13 Running
    25 28 47 Ryan Preece # Kroger Chevrolet 203 0 0 12 Running
    26 12 3 Austin Dillon Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet 202 0 1 21 Running
    27 23 34 Michael McDowell Melling Engine Parts Ford 202 0 0 10 Running
    28 27 43 Bubba Wallace Victory Junction Chevrolet 201 0 0 9 Running
    29 30 0 Landon Cassill(i) Superior Essex Chevrolet 201 0 0 0 Running
    30 36 15 Garrett Smithley Victory Lane Quick Oil Change Chevrolet 200 0 0 0 Running
    31 14 20 Erik Jones Craftsman/Sport Clips Toyota 199 3 0 14 Running
    32 35 77 Quin Houff Spire Motorsports Chevrolet 198 0 0 5 Running
    33 34 52 Josh Bilicki(i) Chevrolet 197 0 0 0 Running
    34 24 38 David Ragan Citgard Heavy Duty Engine Oil Ford 195 0 0 3 Running
    35 5 14 Clint Bowyer Haas Automation/ITsavvy Ford 130 0 0 2 Accident
    36 33 51 Kyle Weatherman(i) Jacob Companies Ford 69 0 0 0 Accident
  • Bobby Labonte Foundation Charity Bike Ride Returns to High Point After Record-Breaking Year

    Bobby Labonte Foundation Charity Bike Ride Returns to High Point After Record-Breaking Year

    Annual Event Offers Sponsors a Chance to Make a Difference

    HIGH POINT, N.C. – (June 10, 2019) – The Bobby Labonte Foundation, founded by NASCAR champion racecar driver and High Point businessman Bobby Labonte, broke fundraising and attendance records last year for the Bobby Labonte Foundation Charity Bike Ride – and plans to do it again in 2019. Online registration is now open for the ride, which will return to High Point, N.C. on September 7, 2019 with the ever-popular cocktail party and silent auction scheduled for the night before, on September 6. 

    The Charity Bike Ride began in 2011, with the goal of advancing the Bobby Labonte Foundation’s mission to support children and families in the Triad area. This is the third year the event will be held in High Point, N.C., where the foundation was recently recognized for its outstanding support of local organizations. 

    “We are so proud to have been awarded Community Organization of the Year by Business High Point – Chamber of Commerce,” said Bobby Labonte. “The award represents the work of so many: sponsor partnerships, the volunteers and committees, the ride participants, and more. So we are excited to do something great for the community again in 2019. It’s the bicycle that brings us all together, but this is really about helping people right here in our hometown.” 

    Sponsorships are available now at varying levels, and this year’s grant recipients will be announced by June 14. Organizations requesting grant funding have already submitted their applications to the foundation. To be eligible, the organizations must be based in Davidson, Randolph, Guilford or Forsyth counties and be seeking grant funding for programs or other efforts designed to empower parents and families and build strong foundations for childrens’ future success. 

    This year, events also include the return of “The Bicycle: Art Meets Form” gallery exhibit at Theatre Art Galleries in High Point, N.C. on Thursday, September 5. A VIP ride and luncheon will be hosted by Labonte the morning of Friday, September 6, followed by an evening silent auction and cocktail party. The Charity Bike Ride starts at 7:30 am Saturday, September 7 and offers cyclists a 40 km, 60 km, or 100 km route. 

    All of the proceeds from the Charity Bike Ride, the VIP ride, and the silent auction and cocktail party will fund grants for the chosen non-profits. Last year’s recipients, including High Point LEAP, Millis Regional Health Education Center, and Ready for School, Ready for Life, shared more than $50,000 in grant money. Special awards were also presented to the High Point Boys & Girls Club and the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club. 

    To find out more about the 2019 Bobby Labonte Foundation Charity Bike Ride, to become a sponsor, or to register, visit bobbylabontefoundation.org. 

    About Bobby Labonte Foundation

    The Bobby Labonte Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by NASCAR champion, Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductee and businessman Bobby Labonte in 2003. The Bobby Labonte Foundation vision is a cohesive community in which parents and families are empowered to fulfill children’s needs and together find joy, love and happiness. The Bobby Labonte Foundation works in partnership with the local community and community organizations to empower parents, families and children to build a strong foundation for children’s futures. For more information, visit www.bobbylabontefoundation.org or follow the Bobby Labonte Foundation on Facebook.

  • Rain postpones Monster Energy Series race at Michigan

    Rain postpones Monster Energy Series race at Michigan

    Staff Report | NASCAR.com (Contributing: NASCAR Wire Service)

    Persistent rain forced the postponement of Sunday’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race to a Monday start at Michigan International Speedway.

    The FireKeepers Casino 400 is now set for Monday at 5 p.m. ET, airing on FS1, MRN Radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

    NASCAR officials made the decision to reschedule the 200-lap, 400-mile event following an attempt to get the race started after a one-hour delay Sunday afternoon. The 36-car field completed several pace laps in hopes of reaching a 3:02 ET green flag, but another rain shower forced the cars back to pit road.

    Track-drying briefly resumed, but inclement weather continued to halt the process. The track was almost dry by 4:15 p.m. when another rain cell struck. NASCAR officials made the decision at 4:30 p.m. ET to postpone Sunday’s scheduled at-track activity.

    Ryan Blaney, Bubba Wallace and Corey LaJoie passed the time during the rain delay by throwing a football, eventually lobbing it into the grandstand and playing catch with fans who braved the rain.

    Clint Bowyer, the defending winner of the race, will line up fifth as Ford drivers make up eight of the top 10 starting spots.

    Corey LaJoie-Photo by Tim Jarrold/Speedway Media.
    Bubba Wallace-Photo by Tim Jarrold/Speedway Media.

    Corey LaJoie and Bubba Wallace during Sunday’s rain delay at Michigan International Speedway.

  • Kyle Busch is victorious on the Tricky Triangle in the Pocono 400

    Kyle Busch is victorious on the Tricky Triangle in the Pocono 400

    Despite the field seeking out more speed and track position with various pit strategies, Kyle Busch led 79 laps to win his 55th career Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway in the Pocono 500, tying Rusty Wallace on the all-time win list.

    “I just can’t say enough about everybody at Joe Gibbs Racing,” Busch said in Victory Lane. “Everybody that works there works so hard to build these awesome Camrys. We’ve had an amazing roll this year here so far. We’ve been doing well.

    “We feel like we’ve kind of given away a couple of wins that we thought we had a shot for, but overall, it’s been awesome to get back to Victory Lane here. Pocono’s been a struggle, but it’s a lot better now.”

    Busch’s fourth win of the season came after beating Brad Keselowski by 2.224 seconds. He led a few laps during pit cycles, but was able to fight his way up after the final restart to get close to Busch. His No. 2 Penske Ford wasn’t quite as strong.

    “We didn’t have speed enough to pass guys, but we could run with them,” Keselowski said. “We wanted a little bit more to be able to pass everybody, but you had to be so much faster that you just try to execute the best you can and hope things fall the right way. “They fell decent, just not good enough to win today.”

    Erik Jones finished in the third position, followed by Talladega winner Chase Elliott. Clint Bowyer completed the top five.

    “I feel like if Kyle [Busch] and I had been on four tires, we would’ve been pretty even,” Jones said with a positive outlook with his third place effort after a dead last finish in last weekend’s Coca-Cola 600. “Good day overall, it would have had to really be a perfect scenario for us to win today, but we had a good car. The Dewalt Camry was fast, and it was fast all weekend.”

    “We’ve been good, but not great,” Elliott shared with FOX Sports after the race when evaluating their current overall situation.

    Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, Daniel Suarez, pole winner William Byron and Aric Almirola rounded out the top 10.

    Three front runners had struggles in the race. First, Kevin Harvick was in contention for the win, but a late race pit-road penalty changed their outcome. On Lap 124, they were caught with an uncontrolled tire and were forced to serve a pass-through penalty. Harvick dropped off the lead lap and finished his day at Pocono in the 22nd spot.

    Last week’s winner Martin Truex Jr. was victorious in three of the last five points-paying races. However, his attempt for his fourth win of the season fell short after 91 laps into the race when his Joe Gibbs Racing No. 19 Toyota went behind the wall with an engine issue. His team finished 35th for the day.

    The third driver who was a strong contender early in the race was Kyle Larson. The Chip Ganassi Racing No. 42 Chevrolet driver led 35 laps and won the race’s first two stages. On a late race restart, Larson slapped the outside wall after contact with Clint Bowyer. He was forced to pit with damage to the right rear and at risk of blowing a tire. He finished one lap down in the 26th position.

    The weekend was a rough start for Erik Jones and Chris Buescher as they failed pre-qualifying inspection on Saturday. Since cars were impounded after Busch Pole Qualifying, the inspection also served as pre-race inspection. This resulted in the car chief for both teams being ejected for the race weekend, Jason Overstreet (No. 20) and Doug Powers (No. 37). Both drivers have been coming from strong recent finishes, with Jones finishing in the top-six in two of the last three races and Buescher with two consecutive top-10 results.

    The Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series races next weekend at Michigan International Speedway on Sunday, June 9.

    Monster Energy Cup Series Race Number 14
    Race Results for the 38th Annual Pocono 400 – Sunday, June 2, 2019
    Pocono Raceway – Long Pond, PA – 2.5 – Mile Paved
    Total Race Length – 160 Laps – 400. Miles

    Fin Str No Driver Team Laps S1Pos S2Pos Pts Status
    1 2 18 Kyle Busch M&M’s Hazelnut Toyota 160 0 0 40 Running
    2 5 2 Brad Keselowski Wabash National Ford 160 3 4 50 Running
    3 4 20 Erik Jones DeWalt Toyota 160 0 0 34 Running
    4 12 9 Chase Elliott NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet 160 0 0 33 Running
    5 3 14 Clint Bowyer Haas Automation Ford 160 0 0 32 Running
    6 6 11 Denny Hamlin FedEx Office Toyota 160 0 0 31 Running
    7 16 22 Joey Logano Shell Pennzoil Ford 160 8 2 42 Running
    8 9 41 Daniel Suarez Haas Automation Demo Days Ford 160 7 10 34 Running
    9 1 24 William Byron Hendrick Autoguard Chevrolet 160 2 3 45 Running
    10 13 10 Aric Almirola Valley Technical Academy Ford 160 5 0 33 Running
    11 21 1 Kurt Busch Monster Energy Chevrolet 160 0 6 31 Running
    12 17 12 Ryan Blaney Menards/Libman Ford 160 6 0 30 Running
    13 23 8 Daniel Hemric # Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Chevrolet 160 0 9 26 Running
    14 24 37 Chris Buescher Kroger Thrill of the Grill Chevrolet 160 0 8 26 Running
    15 15 88 Alex Bowman Axalta Chevrolet 160 0 0 22 Running
    16 19 6 Ryan Newman Wyndham Rewards Ford 160 0 5 27 Running
    17 22 95 Matt DiBenedetto Toyota Express Maintenance Toyota 160 0 0 20 Running
    18 14 21 Paul Menard Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford 160 10 0 20 Running
    19 8 48 Jimmie Johnson Ally Chevrolet 160 0 0 18 Running
    20 28 34 Michael McDowell Dockside Logistics Ford 160 0 0 17 Running
    21 26 43 Bubba Wallace Victory Junction Chevrolet 160 0 7 20 Running
    22 11 4 Kevin Harvick Busch Light Father’s Day Ford 159 4 0 22 Running
    23 29 47 Ryan Preece # Kroger Chevrolet 159 0 0 14 Running
    24 32 15 Ross Chastain(i) Low T Center Chevrolet 159 0 0 0 Running
    25 34 51 Bayley Currey(i) Jacob Companies P-40 Warhawk Ford 159 0 0 0 Running
    26 7 42 Kyle Larson Credit One Bank Chevrolet 159 1 1 31 Running
    27 25 13 Ty Dillon GEICO Chevrolet 158 0 0 10 Running
    28 35 27 * Reed Sorenson VIPRacingExperience.com Chevrolet 157 0 0 9 Running
    29 36 77 Quin Houff Spire Motorsports Chevrolet 157 0 0 8 Running
    30 27 38 David Ragan ExploriaResorts.com Ford 156 0 0 7 Running
    31 31 0 Landon Cassill(i) Madison Group Chevrolet 154 0 0 0 Running
    32 18 17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Fastenal Ford 146 0 0 5 Accident
    33 30 36 Matt Tifft # Surface Sunscreen Ford 128 0 0 4 Running
    34 37 52 JJ Yeley Steakhouse Elite Chevrolet 110 0 0 3 Running
    35 20 19 Martin Truex Jr. Bass Pro Shops Toyota 91 9 0 4 Engine
    36 33 32 Corey LaJoie VisoneRV Ford 68 0 0 1 Accident
    37 10 3 Austin Dillon Dow Chevrolet 28 0 0 1 Accident
  • Roush Fenway Announces Partnership with NOS Energy Drink

    Roush Fenway Announces Partnership with NOS Energy Drink

    CONCORD, N.C. (May 29, 2019) – Coming off a strong top-five finish in Sunday night’s Coca-Cola 600, Roush Fenway Racing has announced a partnership with NOS Energy, that will see the High Performance Energy Drink serve as a primary partner with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and the No. 17 NASCAR Cup team, as well as a season long associate. The No. 17 NOS Energy Ford will make its debut on June 9 at Michigan.

    “I’m excited to have NOS Energy back on our No. 17 Ford,” Stenhouse said. “They have been a great supporter and partner of mine since 2012 on and off the track. Their support throughout the entire racing community shows their dedication and passion to all forms of motorsports. It’s great to have them back in the Cup Series.”

    Stenhouse teamed up with NOS Energy Drink in 2012 the same year that he went on to win his second Xfinity Series championship. When the two-time champion moved up to the premier NASCAR Cup series taking over the helm of the No. 17 Ford, NOS Energy followed him up through the ranks and continued their partnership through 2015.

    “Ricky, NASCAR and NOS Energy have become synonymous with one another and we couldn’t be more pleased about it,” said Lauren Albano – Marketing Director, NOS Energy. “Ricky is a proven winner and NOS Energy is high performance drink that completely mirrors the high banks, high horsepower world of NASCAR. We’re all in it to win it. A great driver, team and sport.  All of us at NOS Energy are very confident we’re going to reach for a higher gear this summer – and way beyond”

    In addition, NOS Energy Drink is a partner of Stenhouse’s No. 17 sprint car team, which competes full time in the World of Outlaws Series.  NOS Energy Drink is the title sponsor of the USAC Midget National Championship as well as the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0reX2Sun1E&feature=youtu.be

    About Roush Fenway Racing

    Roush Fenway Racing is the winningest team in NASCAR history, fielding multiple teams in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition. Moving into its 32nd season, Roush Fenway is a leader in driver development, having launched the careers for many of the top drivers in the sport. Off the track, Roush Fenway is a leader in NASCAR marketing solutions, pioneering motorsport’s first team-focused TV show and producing multiple award-winning Social Media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Roush Fenway is co-owned by Jack Roush, the winningest team owner in NASCAR history and Fenway Sports Group, parent company of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox and English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C. Visit RoushFenway.com, circle on Google+, become a fan on Facebook and Instagram, and follow on Twitter at @roushfenway.

    About NOS Energy Drink

    Based in Corona, California, NOS Energy first launched in 2005.  NOS Energy with CMPLX 6 provides High Performance Energy and Enhanced Mental Focus. Rooted in auto-culture, NOS Energy Drink is a proud partner of Ricky Stenhouse Jr, Sheldon Haudenschild and Chris Forsberg to name a few.  High Performance Energy. High Performance Athletes. For more information, visit www.drinknos.com or on social media @NOSEnergyDrink.

  • Front Row Motorsports Welcomes Exploria Resorts to Team

    Front Row Motorsports Welcomes Exploria Resorts to Team

    Exploria Resorts to Support David Ragan at Pocono Raceway and Offer Fans Sweepstakes Option to Win VIP Trip

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 28, 2019) – Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and Club Exploria, LLC.- developer of the vacation ownership Exploria Resorts brand, announced today an official partnership that will make Exploria Resorts the official hospitality partner of the racing team. As a part of this new partnership, Exploria Resorts will be the primary sponsor of David Ragan and the No. 38 ExploriaResorts.com Ford Mustang this weekend at the Pocono Raceway. Exploria Resorts will also be present all weekend at the track in the Fan Fair area giving fans a chance to win prizes and sign-up to win an Exploria Resorts vacation. Ragan will make several appearances at the Exploria Resorts booth to sign autographs and meet fans.

    In addition, Exploria Resorts will soon announce details for fans to win two VIP race experiences to the 2020 Daytona 500. The VIP race experience will include airfare, tickets and the opportunity to spend time with Ragan and the No. 38 team in the garage and pit leading up the race. Winners will stay at the beachfront Grand Seas Resort by Exploria Resorts in Daytona Beach, Florida. 

    “NASCAR fans are very passionate about their sport and enjoy traveling and spending vacation time with their family” said Thomas J. Morris, President and CEO of Club Exploria, LLC. “These interests align perfectly with our mission which is to provide a lifetime of vacation experiences for our members. We are excited about the partnership with Front Row Motorsports and David Ragan at the Poconos 400 while providing fans the opportunity to learn more about Exploria and to give them a chance to win great vacation packages.” 

    Exploria Resorts currently boasts seven destination vacation resorts and the portfolio continues to grow, most recently adding Pocono Mountain Villas. Other locations include resorts in Florida, Missouri and Tennessee. Ragan, a father of two, is excited to have the opportunity to partner with a family-friendly vacation ownership group. 

    “I think this is a great opportunity for fans to learn more about Exploria Resorts and become a member,” said Ragan. “When travelling, we’re looking to great, safe places for our family to stay and have fun. Exploria Resorts provides that at their beautiful Poconos, Daytona Beach, Gatlinburg and Orlando Properties. I’m excited about the great things they are doing, getting involved and allowing fans the opportunity to win a VIP experience to the 2020 Daytona 500.” 

    The No. 38 ExploriaResports.com Ford Mustang will make its race debut at the Pocono 400 at the Pocono Raceway. The Pocono 400 is scheduled for Sunday, July 28. The race will be televised live on Fox Sports 1 at 2:00 p.m. ET and broadcast on the Motor Racing Network and SIRIUS/XM NASCAR radio.

    About Club Exploria LLC and Exploria Resorts
    Club Exploria, LLC and the Exploria Resorts brand were built upon more than 20 years of proven success as a diversified hospitality, development, and management company. With approximately 1,200 ONE TEAM members, the Exploria Resorts brand is represented in four primary marketing and sales operations to support the collection of resorts and hotels located in family vacation destinations throughout Florida, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Missouri. With more than 85,000 owners worldwide who call Exploria Resorts home, Exploria Resorts is proud to be a partner of Shriners Hospitals for Children, supporting the organization through awareness building campaigns and donations throughout the resort portfolio and at premiere events around the country.

    About Front Row MotorsportsFront Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields three full-time entries – the No. 34 of Michael McDowell, the No. 36 of Matt Tifft and the No. 38 of David Ragan – from its Mooresville, N.C., headquarters just outside of Charlotte. The team’s partnership base includes CITGO Petroleum Corporation, Ford Performance, Love’s Travel Stops, Select Blinds, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Tunity, Surface Sunscreen and Speedco. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at Facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.