Category: NASCAR Cup PR

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Cup Series
Championship Race Qualifying | Saturday, November 9, 2024

Ford Performance Qualifying Results:

2nd – Joey Logano
9th – Harrison Burton
11th – Austin Cindric
12th – Chase Briscoe
17th – Ryan Blaney
20th – Corey LaJoie
21st – Noah Gragson
24th – Chris Buescher
27th – Brad Keselowski
31st – Kaz Grala
32nd – Todd Gilliland
33rd – Ryan Preece
35th – Michael McDowell
38th – Chad Finchum
39th – Josh Berry

JOEY LOGANO, No. 22 Shell/Pennzoil Ford Mustang Dark Horse – ARE YOU HAPPY WITH BEING ON THE OUTSIDE FRONT ROW? “I wanted to beat the other guys, so yeah. It’s all about beating the other ones and we did that, so that’s a good start. I wish we were on the pole, but we were close enough to see it, so I think we’re in good shape. I don’t know where the other ones ended up, but I know we’re in front of them.”

HARRISON BURTON, No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse – “It was a really good day. Obviously, you get in the top 10 and 12th in practice. The last two weeks have just been really good and Vegas before that was really good for us. Homestead, we kind of missed it as a company a little bit, except for Blaney, but I just can’t express enough what it means for my race team to bring me fast race cars even when I’m on my way out and it sucks because we know we can do it. We’ve done it the last two weeks, showing that we’re fast enough. Obviously, a mechanical failure last weekend took us out, but this is a good enough team to be a winning Cup team, so it’s bittersweet and really sad to be leaving but really proud of the effort and how we keep fighting. It’s really special.”

WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FOR TOMORROW? “Just have a good day. I think we’re gonna have a good race car after practice. We were a little bit tight and I think that bodes well for long runs in the race. I want to run as good as I can, hopefully up front, and try to win this thing.”

Toyota Racing – Martin Truex Jr.
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

AVONDALE, Ariz. (November 9, 2024) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. was made available to the media on Saturday prior to practice for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway.

MARTIN TRUEX JR., No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Has this weekend felt any different?

“Yes and no. I guess a little bit. I don’t really know the significance of it – I guess it hasn’t really sunk in yet, but I’m excited for the weekend. I had a good practice yesterday and I think as far as preparation it’s been the same as usual, so we’ll see how it goes. I’m not sure it’s really sunk in yet and I’m not sure really the emotions. I’m not super emotional I guess, so we’ll see what happens after the race. I’m looking forward to having a fun weekend and hopefully a great day tomorrow.”

Did you have any input on this weekend’s scheme?

“It was a surprise to me. I had no idea. I’m very grateful for it though. It was one of my favorites for sure throughout my career that I’ve had. It doesn’t quite look exactly the same as vinyl, it used to be paint back in the day. When that car was painted it was metallic so a little bit different but it looks amazing. A big thanks to everyone at JGR and Bass Pro for putting it together. It’s really special.”

What do you have planned tomorrow and looking back at your career what are you most proud of?

“People that are coming are my family and I’m not sure aside from them. Just my close family. I’m not sure if there’s any surprises or anything crazy happening. I would guess not. Nice and relaxed and normal. My career, I think, I’m most proud of is not a high probability I guess of doing the things I was able to do. Being able to be around in the Cup Series and in this garage as long as I have. The way it started and the way it ended are two completely different stories I think. Just the perseverance I think. The hard work and how none of it came easy. My success in the Cup Series was certainly very, very difficult to achieve and so I’m very proud of that. But, I’m also very thankful for the opportunities and the people I’ve gotten to work with. Just feel really grateful and lucky to be able to do what I did and have the success that we did.”

Do you take pride in being such a clean driver?

“Yeah, for sure. I don’t know that it was – that I put a great effort into it. I think it just came naturally and that’s just kind of the way I did things. I’m certainly proud of that. I think times have changed a lot since I learned to race with Mark Martin, Tony Stewart and the guys when I came into the Cup Series with. They didn’t put up with things, so you had to learn quickly. That’s just kind of my style and the way I like to do it.”

How emotional do you think you will be leading into the race tomorrow?

“I don’t think I will be. I think I’m focused on what we’re doing, and I think if anything it will all come afterwards. As a driver, you’re trained to put the blinders on, right? And not worry about outside distractions and emotions and all the things that could potentially derail what you’re trying to do on the weekend or on the race day. I think if anything, it probably not really set in until after.”

Can you finally say what you wrote in the champions journal now?

“I don’t think you’re supposed to discuss these things. It’s for insiders only. There’s some cool stuff in there. I will say that. It was one of the neatest things I’ve ever seen in my life to be able to read that and see what past champions have written to each other. I wish it went back in time further. That would’ve been really cool. There was some good stuff there and no I won’t share.”

Can you imagine what a win tomorrow would mean?

“It would be a storybook that’s for sure. It’s not going to be easy. I think we had pretty good speed yesterday but certainly not what we need to win yet so hopefully they can find some magic in the adjustments and the things we’re allowed to do to these cars these days so we’ll see.”

What has Phoenix Raceway meant to you throughout your career?

“Just I enjoy these types of tracks. It’s kind of like a little bit of Richmond and a little bit of Loudon mixed together. I think it’s been a good track for me over the years and being able to win here is definitely big. You want to be able to win at all different types of tracks and honestly you want to be able to win everywhere so it’s definitely cool to get this one checked off.”

Do you think you would do some grassroots racing and what race or track would you like to do still in the future?

“I’ve talked about it in the past few years, and I’d go back to my home track first which is Wall Stadium. They have a big Thanksgiving race every year, the Turkey Derby, and I won it when I was 19. It’s a big race up in that area so I’d like to do it again. Maybe not this year. I’ve talked about it but I’m kind of raced out for the year so I’ll take Thanksgiving with the family this year and then next year I’ll probably be bored so I might do it then.”

Any chance we will see you in Xfinity or a Truck next season?

“Yeah, for sure. I’ve got to talk to Coach (Joe Gibbs, owner and founder, Joe Gibbs Racing) about the Xfinity car (laughter). We will see what the options are there. I would like to run a few of those next year for sure. I haven’t really looked into Trucks at all – not sure about that – but I’m open to doing some things, so hopefully can have some fun next year and that will include some racing, so we will see how that all plays out.”

How is your emotion and have you felt from the reception from the fans this weekend?

“I haven’t really gotten too emotional about it yet. I was telling them earlier; I think it will be more so after the race – you know? We are all so focused on what we are doing and trying to do a good job and have a good weekend, so you really can’t let all of the outside stuff come in and the emotions of it all. I’m trying to block that out. We will see after the race, but as far as the fans and the people in the sport, a lot of people have reached out that mean a lot to me and that’s been cool. Very, very proud of that and the fans have been great – it has been fun.”

Have you talked to Barney Visser at all yet?

“I have not talked to Barney (Visser, former team owner, Furniture Row Racing) yet. I’m sure I’ll hear from him, in his kind of way (laughter).”

What memories do you have from your first Cup race?

“It didn’t go very well. I remember that. I think we blew a right front tire and hit the wall, but just the memories of how it all came. Back in those days, I was really so new to the NASCAR scene, and I couldn’t believe how quickly – I was just getting my feet kind of settled in the Busch Series and things were going well there, and I was winning some races and I was feeling like I kind of belonged in that arena and we were like hey, let’s do a Cup race. It all happened really fast, is what I remember the most, and it was a crazy year and a half in my life, just moving to North Carolina and doing the things that I was doing to being in a Cup car. It all happened really fast.”

Do you think because you know that you will still compete in races next year that has helped your level of emotion?

“Yeah, I would say that is probably something to be said for that. I’m really excited about the future and next year, and just going to have fun again, so yeah, that is part of that. I don’t know. I don’t know what tomorrow will feel like. It will be different for sure knowing that you are not full-time in the Cup Series and all that comes with that, but I’m excited about it, so maybe I’m more happy than anything.”

Has Dale Jr. poached you to try to do any CARS tour stuff yet?

“Not yet.”

Do you think it is coming?

“I’m not sure. It would be fun to race with him again, so if he can’t do any Xfinity races, I might have to jump over there and do that.”

Do you have any idea of what your consumption of racing content will be like going forward?

“I’m not sure, honestly. I’ve got a pretty bad habit of watching everything all of the time, so I don’t know if that will change much. I think I will try to keep up with what is going on, and hopefully have some kind of interaction with the guys at JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) again – the guys that I’ve worked with. We will see. Again, I don’t have any solid plans, I’m just going to go with the flow, and do what feels right and do what I feel like doing, it is going to be interesting, that’s for sure.”

Do you have a goal of what a successful final full-time race would be?

“I want to win, honestly. We come here every single weekend trying to win, I know that this year has not gone the way that we thought that it would, that’s for sure, but the guys are still working really hard, trying everything they can, and I’m doing the same. This is another weekend that we are business as usual and trying to be the best that we can.”

Has the second half of the season felt any different to you?

“No, it has felt pretty normal, really. I mean, you realize the opportunities are slipping away to go back to victory lane and get that last win, so we only have one more shot – that has been the only thing that has been on mind. It has been disappointing at times – at times, we’ve probably wanted it too much and tried too hard and beat ourselves. That is something that happens in this sport, quite often, but I don’t know just been trying really hard and want it really bad, so hopefully tomorrow we can come up with some magic.”

What would be your parting words to the current and up-and-coming drivers?

“That could take hours, I don’t know (laughter). It is honestly – this sport has changed so much, everything about it. From the cars, and the way you go about racing, and try to find speed, and practicing and testing. Everything has just changed so much; cars are so different. A lot of young drivers now – it is just not the same. It is different. It is still very exciting. There is still a lot of people interested, obviously, but it is definitely a lot different. I don’t know if there is any advice other than don’t lose connection to your roots, and try to keep the racing real, and figure out a way that the best drivers and teams win races.”

Who was your favorite owner from your career, and if you answer that, I’ll kill you because I think I was going to be fifth (laughter)? (question asked by Joe Gibbs, owner and founder, Joe Gibbs Racing)

“I don’t think so.”

JOE GIBBS: “I just want to say to everybody that this guy – many times in our meetings and days after – tough things happen, and that guy’s personality and the way he handles things was the real champion. We all just really appreciate him and looking forward into whatever we can talk him into doing next year. Really a class act, and I hope everyone here – I know everyone here – has looked at him the same way, so thank you, Martin (Truex, Jr.).”

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 nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s 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 30 electrified options.

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

Toyota Racing – Denny Hamlin
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

AVONDALE, Ariz. (November 9, 2024) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin was made available to the media on Saturday prior to practice for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway.

DENNY HAMLIN, No. 11 FedEx Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Christopher Bell was clear he feels cheated and that there was race manipulation going on, did you see that and think that your teammate was cheated out of a spot in the Championship 4?

“I do. I agree with him (Christopher Bell). I think that – but it’s hard to put truthfully a whole lot of fault on those that did it because they’re kind of doing what they’re told and what they’re typically even not told. They just know kind of the protocol in which it goes by so it’s really tough obviously. Certainly, the 24 (William Byron) was in a bad spot and obviously going to lose many spots until they let up. It is what is it and there were penalties. Whether that deters stuff going forward, that’s still TBD.”

Do you still believe that the 23 had a tire going down at Martinsville?

“Yeah, I feel that – we looked at the right rear tire and there was no pinholes left. There was no pinholes at all so the tire had gone completely bald. Very similar to what Carson Hocevar’s did earlier in the race. He had the same thing happen to him late in a run. But it’s water under the bridge and certainly we’re moving on.”

What is the next step for 23XI after losing the ruling yesterday?

“The first part is, we’re obviously pleased with the ruling that the judge sees merits in the case. He’s going to move forward to expedite it and expedite the discovery side of it, which is a reverse from what he had before. Obviously, judging on it without prejudice and obviously giving us an opportunity to refile once the situation changes because he knows that things will change over the next few months. Obviously, he understands the complexity of it and obviously understands that this situation is fluid, and we obviously could see some pretty bad harm coming up.”

Do you have any indication of what will happen with the charter?

“No, I don’t have any indication of it – I don’t.”

What will you be watching or saying to Tyler Reddick as a team owner as he competes for a championship tomorrow?

“Just for him, I think it’s just taking a breath, going day by day, right? Not getting too wound up over one practice session or one qualifying session. The Championship is a long way from being crowned, right? We’ve got lots of laps around this place and I certainly think that he’ll have a great shot when it’s all said and done. But, just enjoying it. Truthfully, I think that my first time having a shot in the last race I didn’t enjoy the moment quite as much as I should have because I was nervous and certainly, it’s hard not to get nervous. But I certainly think that he was probably wound a little bit tight yesterday, and I think today is a new day.”

As a competitor or team owner, what would you like to see the Playoff format become if they make changes?

“Just a bigger sample size. That’s the biggest thing. However, you come about it, I think that there’s tons of discussion on ways that could improve it. I agree the Playoffs will never go away which is quite alright, but certainly the small sample size is really tough because obviously you’ve seen the data and could argue the first four out, the first four in. The sample size was so small there that it certainly jumbled up the results a little bit. Look at this weekend, right? The 7 (Justin Allgaier), an innocent bystander has got to go to a backup car which is probably not going to be as good as his primary. Racing has so many variables to it, you have to create a larger sample size to get the true answer. So, I just believe we don’t live in a one-on-one sport, we don’t get a seven-game series or anything like that – we live in a world where in our sport only when our competition makes a mistake, it can cost us. Usually, in any other sport, competition makes a mistake you capitalize, and you score, or it benefits you. Our sport is not like that so you must create a bigger sample size to get the right answer, and I just think that right now we’ve just narrowed it down to try to get these exciting moments week in and week out and I just think there’s a long-term negative effect to that.”

Have you given any more consideration to what can be done to lessen the manufacturer’s involvement on race day?

“I haven’t put any more thought into it, but we all have to realize that the manufacturers are probably these team’s biggest sponsors. And so, they’re going to do what their sponsors want them to do because we are a sponsor driven sport. So, I just don’t know how you’re going to avoid it. We can try to come up with finding ways to not say it over the radio, but there will be so many code words you’ll never understand it and it will be too hard to prove. I hate to say it – we’re never going to stop looking out for our sponsors.”

Can you speak on the driver and person Martin Truex Jr. has been to you over the years?

“I’ve got a lot of great memories with Martin (Truex Jr.), but just really overall I’d just say he’s just an awesome person and one of the best teammates that you’ll ever have. I aspire to have a career like him where in my final race I have a chance to win, and he does. He just – I like that he’s kind of going out on his way in his time under his terms. I really kind of admire his independence as a person and certainly really admire his professionalism as a teammate.”

What are the ups and downs of going through the lawsuit compared to the ups and downs as a race car driver?

“Yeah, I mean, truthfully, I hadn’t been in a courtroom since maybe I was 11. I got sued. I was riding my bike as a kid and a car hit me and they ended up suing me. I know, they lost (laughter). Her brother owned a law firm, so – but anyway. It’s been a while. My adrenaline was pumping because obviously you hear the arguments and what not and of course we feel very adamant on our side of things. Certainly, when you wake up on Friday morning and you know something is coming, you’re nervous because obviously I’ve poured a lot into this sport in multiple ways and certainly financially over the last four years. I’ve put back a lot of the money I got out of it back into it and certainly all could wiped away pretty quickly. Certainly, it’s a nervous time for me and we just hope that this thing gets resolved in a peaceful manner or in a correct manner to fix it. I’m just – it’s got its ups and downs for sure, but it’s difficult because you can’t control it right? I can’t rely on my instincts or things like that to change the outcome or the results. It’s just the facts are the facts. I’ve just never been a part of anything like this, but certainly hate that we’re in the situation that we’re in after everything that we’ve put into the support over the last four years.”

Do you remain confident that you’ll have cars at the Clash and Daytona 500?

“I think it’s all TBD. There’s certain things that we’re going to have to navigate so I hope so.”

What were you sued for when you were a kid?

“Like, mental stress or distress.”

What do you need to do between now and when we roll out at Daytona to be a contender again?

“Between now and Daytona, I’m really not sure there. Certainly, I thought that as an organization we had lost a little bit of the speed in the summer. It’s just people talk a lot about kind of peaking too early and things like that but I don’t believe that. I think that when you hit it, you hit it. It just seemed like the field got a little faster throughout the summer and we were obviously firing off really, really well. In the Round of 8, I finished third, fifth and eighth. I lowered my average finish from the regular season to the Playoffs – I lowered it by two or three spots. So, every year in the Playoffs, except for maybe very, very few, I’ve been better in the Playoffs than I do in the regular season, but we heard Christopher (Bell) say it, when you have three bottom guys win, I didn’t have enough bonus points to be part of the picture for that last points spot. I don’t know, you’ve just got to have circumstances fall in a better fashion for me. Is there anyone that thinks Justin Allgaier’s not a deserving Xfinity Champion, but it just hasn’t happened, right? For various reasons. It’s just – this sport is weird.”

How big of a dynamic is it for NASCAR if 23XI wins the championship tomorrow but can’t race in 2025?

“Furniture Row did it. They ceased to exist after a championship. I think that depending who you ask, I think on one side they could care less whether you’re here or not and for us, we certainly have got a lot of people that have put their heart and souls into this team and want to see it succeed. And certainly, we’ve got an obligation to our team to try to do everything we can to have a fair system. So, we’re just one of the ones that got stuck on the front line and so it’s part of it. Trust me, there’s nothing more we want than to win this weekend. Certainly, there’s a lot of emphasis on trying to win this race and Tyler’s (Reddick) is going to give it his best go. This is a really, really new team and certainly it was an accomplishment to get to this point.”

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 nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s 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 30 electrified options.

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

Toyota Racing – Christopher Bell
NASCAR Cup Series Quotes

AVONDALE, Ariz. (November 9, 2024) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell was made available to the media on Saturday prior to practice for the NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix Raceway.

CHRISTOPHER BELL, No. 20 Interstate Batteries/DEWALT Toyota Camry XSE, Joe Gibbs Racing

Do you still feel the same way about your move on the last lap?

“Yeah, I think that. I hate calling the last lap a move, because it was not a move. My intentions were never to ride the wall. I didn’t gain an advantage riding the wall, so it was not a move. I don’t believe that I broke the rule.”

How do you process the last week for yourself?

“I feel cheated. I feel cheated out of a chance to compete for a championship. It all stems from what happened earlier – 15, 20 to go, whenever the race got fixed, and manipulated by Chevrolet, that forced our hands to do what we did and ultimately, it forced me into a mistake on the last lap to get into the wall. I feel like I should have never been in that situation had the race been ran fairly, the 24 (William Bryon) would have lost enough spots to get me into the final race.”

Do you feel like you should be in the Championship 4? Do you feel like Bryon should be penalized?

“I feel like I should be in the Championship 4 – yes. So, in the race, when the manipulation happened – it was clear that I needed a position. With the 23 (Bubba Wallace) falling back, we got that position and whenever we crossed the finish line, the 20 car was in. So, with the cards that were dealt, the 20 car was in position to make the championship event, and we are not in it.”

If you win on Sunday, will it be the most conflicting win you’ve ever felt?

“Yeah, it is definitely going to be tough. No matter how it goes. You want to do well, and we are going to put our best foot forward to do well, but if we do well, and have a successful weekend, then it is going to be even more of bummer and a disappointment, so yeah, it is a very perplexing feeling going into this weekend, and one that I hope I never have again.”

What is the motivation this weekend then?

“The motivation is simple. There is still a lot on the line, there is a lot of money on the line, and we have partners that have paid to be on the 20 car for this race. The list just goes on and on, right? We have – whatever it is – 600 employees at Joe Gibbs Racing that put effort into this race car, and so, it is unfair if I, and my team, don’t put our best foot forward to try and do the best that we can. There is a lot on the line and there should be more on the line.”

At what point were you made of the points situation?

“I was not aware of the points situation until the closing laps. I was informed with probably 20-25 to go that the 24 (William Bryon) was bleeding positions and it appeared at that point that we were going to be fine and be good on points. As the run continued, I actually got visuals on the 24 car, and saw him backing the field up, and it was probably 10 to go when I realized what was going on, and that the 24 was indeed done bleeding positions, so I thought at that point that my race was over – I didn’t know that the 23 (Bubba Wallace) car was a spot for me until the last lap. I knew that I had to pass him, and I got by him into turn three and unfortunately, I slid into wall.”

Could you see the manipulation going on?

“I could very clearly see the race manipulation and the race fixing that was going on.”

With you feeling cheated, how long is this feeling going to stick with you?

“Yeah, it is tough. This has been one of the hardest things that I have had to go through as a race car driver. I believe cheated is the right word. We go through sessions at the beginning of the year to make sure that we don’t do this, and that unfortunately, is what happened, and I was on the losing side of it.”

Is it fair to say that you have a chip on your shoulder and how long is it going to last?

“I mean, yeah, I’m bummed and disappointed, so yeah, I guess, I have a little bit of a chip on my shoulder. It is just for this weekend. That is one thing that I’m grateful of – it’s not the Round of 8. It’s not the Round of 12, so I don’t have to go weeks after this. As soon as Sunday is over, I can close the book, and we can focus on 2025 and trying to be in a better position going into that championship race or the cutoff race at Martinsville. I’m incredibly bummed that it came down to that.”

Is there anything that you can say to NASCAR or anything you want to hear?

“It’s definitely – I don’t know how to answer that question. We all know how and if we are putting 100 percent effort into a race, and I don’t know what the answer is, but something has to change to get us out of this box that we are in of manufacturer help and manipulating races to help guys get certain positions. It is not right racing, and it is not fair.”

Will what happened affect how you race in Daytona and Talladega?

“I don’t envy the situation that we are in because talking about team racing, that has been a staple of speedway racing for a long time, and I don’t know what the answer is, especially when it comes to the superspeedway races, but I don’t know have the answer to that, but it definitely happens a lot in those races as well. We saw the same thing at Talladega as well with the 5 (Kyle Larson) lifting coming into the tri-oval, so there is a lot of it that goes behind the scenes.”

Do you think the drivers should have been suspended?

“I don’t think it is my place to speak on what should or shouldn’t happen with the penalties, but the penalties didn’t make right by me, who lost out on the actions that happened on the track.”

Do you think there should have been an opportunity for you to appeal the ruling?

“I think that the rule language needs to be a little bit more clearly defined, and less gray area. I think it needs to be more clearly defined and less gray area.”

What do those sessions include?

“It is just about keeping the sport’s integrity intact, and not manipulating races to change the outcome of the race.”

Is that a NASCAR thing or a Toyota thing?

“No, that is a NASCAR thing. It is not an OEM thing. It is a NASCAR thing.”

Format wise, do you think there is anything that could be done there to help the situation that happened last weekend?

“I think there are a lot of changes that can happen format wise to help the way the races play out. I think all of them need to be looked at and changes need to be made.”

Any specific solutions do you want to offer?

“I think there needs to be a lot of thought into what happens, but certainly, I feel like the wins are – I don’t know – the fact that we had three bottom tier winners in the round of 8 that led to the Championship 4 that we have today. I don’t know what the answer is, but I think a lot of thought needs to be put into it, but I do feel like changes need to be made.”

How will you reflect on the 2024 season?

“Finally, a positive question (laughter). This 2024 season has been the best in my career across all forms of the statistics – more top-10’s, more top-fives, more laps led. That is something that we tried to put emphasis on going into 2024, coming off our 2022, 2023, being in the championship race, but feeling like we didn’t perform at our highest. Even leaving 2024, I feel like it is more the same, that I feel like we left a lot on the table. I’m happy and pleased that I’ve set career highs for myself, and I’m hopeful and optimistic that I can keep breaking those barriers – winning more races, leading more laps, winning more stages, more top-10s, more top-fives.”

How do you handle this weekend?

“At least from standpoint – I’m not going to speak on the team – but for me, it is really easy. It doesn’t matter what my mental state, whenever I put the helmet on and get in the car, I have been able to turn off everything that is going on around me, and focus on the task at hand, and frankly, I look forward to that. Practice was fun. Practice was fun. I got to get into my zone and drive a race car. Qualifying will be fun, and then the race will be fun. It is all of the stuff outside of the car where you are not in race car driver mode that is not fun, and heartbreaking and disappointment. I look forward to putting my helmet on and getting out of the world and getting in my race car.”

If there was extended penalties that could have come as part of race manipulation, would they not have also extend to you and your team?

“Yeah, absolutely, but we shouldn’t have ever been in that spot in the first place, and that is what I go back to. If the race had been run fairly, there would not have been any manipulation on either side. Our hands were forced by hands of our other competitors, and yeah.”

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 nearly 64,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and trucks at our 14 manufacturing plants. In 2025, Toyota’s 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 30 electrified options.

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

NASCAR CUP SERIES: CHAMPIONSHIP RACE AT PHOENIX RACEWAY

PRACTICE REPORT

AVONDALE, Ariz. (Nov. 8, 2024) – The NASCAR Cup Series and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB makes their way to the desert and Phoenix Raceway for the final race of the 2024 NASCAR season. This weekend, a 50-minute practice session took place on Friday afternoon, giving all the teams extra time to work on their vehicles. Qualifying to set the grid for the final race takes place on Saturday afternoon. Below is a look at how each of the three LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entries of Jimmie Johnson, John Hunter Nemechek and Erik Jones fared during practice.

PRACTICE RECAP:

Fastest in practice: No. 12 Ryan Blaney – 27.174 Seconds | 132.480 MPH

Best 10-Lap Avg: No. 12 Ryan Blaney – 131.161 MPH

No. 42 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE Driven by John Hunter Nemechek

• Best Time: 27.759 Seconds | 129.688 MPH (Lap 4)
• Overall Practice Rank: 34
• 10-Lap Avg.: 128.866 MPH | Rank: 30
• Total Laps Run: 39

No. 43 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE Driven by Erik Jones

• Best Time: 27.452 Seconds | 131.138 MPH (Lap 31)
• Overall Practice Rank: 18
• 10-Lap Avg.: 129.490 MPH | Rank: 21
• Total Laps Run: 39

No. 84 Carvana Toyota Camry XSE Driven by Jimmie Johnson

• Best Time: 27.908 Seconds | 128.995 MPH (Lap 16)
• Overall Practice Rank: 35
• 10-Lap Avg.: 127.624 MPH | Rank: 35
• Total Laps Run: 36

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING:

John Hunter Nemechek: “Glad that we had an extended practice today, the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB guys threw a lot at our Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE. We were able to find a decent balance but we still have some work to do before qualifying tomorrow. We’ll debrief with the rest of the team and come up with a good plan for both Saturday and Sunday.”

Erik Jones: “Thought it was an ok practice. The speed was not bad from the start. We gained a little bit, but we learned from good stuff for tomorrow, so I think we have some choices to make. We were on both sides of the balance being free and being tight and just need to find that happy medium.”

Jimmie Johnson: “Interesting day here in Phoenix. We got an hour of practice with this awesome looking Carvana Toyota. I certainly learned a lot and man, is it different than what I raced here last. I’m looking forward to tomorrow and qualifying and of course the season finale on Sunday.”

TUNE IN ALERT:

Tune into the NASCAR Cup Series: Championship Race qualifying on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. EST live on USA or listen on SiriusXM – NASCAR Radio (Channel 90) and MRN Radio. The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race takes place on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. EST live on NBC or listen on SiriusXM – NASCAR Radio and MRN Radio.

ABOUT

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice “Maury” J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson. The CLUB competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series fielding the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE of John Hunter Nemechek, the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE of Erik Jones, and the No. 84 limited schedule entry for Jimmie Johnson. Seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Petty “The King” serves as CLUB Ambassador. With a unique title signifying a nod to car clubs of past eras, LEGACY M.C. is an inclusive club for all motorsport enthusiasts to celebrate the past and future legacies of its members, while competing for wins and championships at NASCAR’s elite level. To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ on Facebook, X, Instagram and at LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com

ABOUT MOBIL 1: For 50 years, Mobil 1 has been trusted by drivers to keep their engines running longer. Our products combine the latest technology and innovation to exceed the toughest standards of vehicle manufacturers and tuning shops—so consumers can get the most out of their time behind the wheel, both on the road and on the track. Turn every day into an adventure with Mobil 1, the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand. Learn more at www.mobil1.us or and follow @Mobil1Racing on Instagram and X. Join us. For the love of driving.

ABOUT CARVANA: Carvana’s mission is to change the way people buy and sell cars. Over the past decade, Carvana has revolutionized automotive retail and delighted millions of customers with an offering that is fun, fast, and fair. With Carvana, customers can choose from tens of thousands of vehicles, get financing, trade-in, and complete a purchase entirely online with the convenience of home delivery or local pick up in over 300 U.S. markets. Carvana’s vertically integrated platform is powered by its passionate team, unique national infrastructure, and purpose-built technology. Carvana is a Fortune 500 company and is proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Employers.

ABOUT DOLLAR TREE, INC.: Dollar Tree, a Fortune 200 Company, operated 16,622 stores across 48 states and five Canadian provinces as of October 28, 2023. Stores operate under the brands of Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar Tree Canada. To learn more about the Company, visit DollarTree.com

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway… In 141 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway, Richard Childress Racing has scored six victories, led by Kevin Harvick with four wins (including a sweep of both races in 2006 plus fall races in 2012 and 2013). Ryan Newman was victorious in the 2017 Spring event. Dale Earnhardt won in 1990 to claim his ninth victory of the season enroute to his fourth of seven Cup Series championships.

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Phoenix Raceway… Richard Childress Racing has three NASCAR Xfinity Series wins by three different drivers at Phoenix Raceway: Elliott Sadler (2012), Clint Bowyer (2007) and Harvick (2006). The victory by Sadler ended a 91-race winless streak, while Bowyer led the most laps (120 of 200) on the way to the Winner’s Circle. The win by Harvick was one of nine victories he claimed on the way to his second Xfinity Series title with RCR. Both Jesse Love (second) and Austin Hill (fourth) claimed top-five finishes in March at Phoenix Raceway.

Championship 4 Weekend… Hill is competing for the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship on Saturday afternoon at Phoenix Raceway. Hill is seeking his first series title competing against AJ Allmendinger, Justin Allgaier, and Cole Custer. Richard Childress Racing is contending for its sixth Xfinity Series owner championship and will be racing against Joe Gibbs Racing (No. 20), Kaulig Racing (No. 16) and JR Motorsports (No. 7).

Did You Know? Richard Childress Racing has won five Xfinity Series driver championships (2001, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2019) – tied with RFK Racing for the most all-time. RCR has also won five Xfinity Series owner championships (2001, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2019) – second-most all-time.

Catch the Action on Saturday… The NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway will be televised live on Saturday, November 9, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on the CW. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Follow Sunday’s Action at Phoenix Raceway… The NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway will be televised live on Sunday, November 10, beginning at 3 p.m. ET on NBC. The race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway… Austin Dillon has 21 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Phoenix Raceway to his credit, earning two top-10 finishes. Dillon finished 12th in 2023’s fall event at the Arizona track. The North Carolina native has 11 starts at the one-mile oval in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, with a career-best finish of second in November 2016. Dillon has three top-10 finishes and one top-five finish in three starts in the NASCAR Truck Series at Phoenix Raceway.

Dow brings a science and engineering crew who is driven by limitless curiosity to the RCR Team… Dillon and the RCR team are again supported by Dow’s materials science expertise and technologies this season. Backed by the power of data analysis and virtual modeling, Dow develops and manufactures high-performance components and materials custom-made for the No. 3 car. Dow and RCR’s partnership has expedited innovation and shortened testing time in the automotive industry by using one of the most extreme environments – the racetrack – as a real-time testbed. After 11 years of collaboration, Dow scientists and RCR engineers are continuing to work together to make the No. 3 car faster, safer, and more precise. Stay up to date with Dow’s exciting developments at www.dow.com/sports, and follow them on X (@DowSports) and LinkedIn (Dow Sports Marketing Solutions).

Dow Salutes Veterans… More than 2,000 U.S. Military Veterans will “ride” with Dillon at Phoenix Raceway this weekend. His patriotic No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet features the names of U.S. Military Veterans and active-duty military members. The 2024 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet highlights Dow’s Military Degree Equivalency (MDE) program. The MDE program provides an opportunity for individuals with extensive military background to bring their broad scope of training and education, experience in leadership, and understanding of performing in high pressure situations into a successful career at Dow. 2024 marks the 10th consecutive year that Dow has partnered with RCR to honor U.S. Military veterans. The program began with just over 350 veterans in 2015.

Meet Dillon… Dillon and his RCR teammate, Kyle Busch, are scheduled to make an appearance on behalf of RCR partner BetMGM at the BetMGM Sportsbook at Gila River Resort & Casino – Vee Quiva (15091 S. Komatke Lane Laveen Village, AZ 85339) on Friday, November 7th at 7 p.m. local time. On Sunday, November 10 at 8:45 a.m. local time, Dillon is scheduled to visit the Team Chevy Stage in the Midway at Phoenix Raceway.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:

What are your thoughts on racing at Phoenix Raceway this weekend?

“The last few years Phoenix Raceway has seen changes, and I think it’s made the track more challenging, which makes it fun for drivers. It’s is a tough short track and one of those places where you hit it or don’t. Phoenix Raceway could be a good place for the No. 3 Dow Salutes Veterans Chevrolet team on Sunday. We have a long practice on Friday. The goal is to get a good starting position on Saturday and finish out the season on a high note.”

How special is it to you personally to have the names of more than 2,000 veterans on the car this weekend?

“This Dow Salutes Veterans program is so special, and it’s especially meaningful to be able to ride with these military heroes on Veterans Day weekend. Dow’s emphasis on supporting their employee veterans is a shared core value that directly correlates to the patriotism of everyone at RCR and within NASCAR. It’s been amazing to see the spiderweb-like growth of the Dow Salutes Veterans program. The names on the car grow each year, as does the impact and scope this program has on Dow employees worldwide. It means a lot to me, personally, to meet a lot of the veterans who are featured on the car each year and to have a chance to honor our Nation’s true heroes – veterans and active-duty military – for their service and dedication.”

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 3CHI Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway… Kyle Busch will make his 39th career Phoenix Raceway start in the NASCAR Cup Series this weekend. Busch has three wins at the track (2005, 2018, and 2019), which ranks second among active drivers. He also has 12 top-five finishes. His 26 top-10 finishes are the most by any active driver at Phoenix, and Busch has logged a top-10 in 68.42 percent of his starts. Busch has won four pole positions and is tied with Ryan Newman for most poles all-time at the Arizona track. The driver of the 3CHI Chevrolet is also the all-time lap leader at one-mile oval (1,190).

Did You Know? Busch holds the record for both the youngest race winner and pole winner in track history at Phoenix Raceway. Busch captured his first Phoenix victory in November 2005 (20 years, 6 months, and 11 days) and won his first pole in March 2006 (20 years, 11 months, and 20 days).

3CHI Blazed the Trail for Another Industry First… 3CHI began with roots as a CBD producer and quickly became a pioneer in science-based hemp and cannabis innovation. The company was the first to commercially develop and market Delta 8 THC, and today, 3CHI is an industry leader with unsurpassed product quality and purity as verified by top independent labs and benchmark organizations. 3CHI products are sold in a majority of the United States, and the company produces and markets a variety of gummies, tinctures, lotions, edibles and vape products. All 3CHI products meet federal requirements for full legal compliance, with a commitment to promoting responsible adult use. See 3CHI.com for more information.

KYLE BUSCH QUOTES:

Do you race the drivers in the Championship 4 any differently at Phoenix Raceway? Do you try to give them extra room?

“You definitely don’t want to put yourself in a spot where you take out a Championship 4 contender. It’s important to be mindful of everything going on around you but you’re also not just going to just layover and give positions away.”

How important is it to end this season on a positive note with a strong run at Phoenix Raceway?

“I’m not sure that I would put any more emphasis on Phoenix Raceway than I would at any other week prior because I think every race is important. Phoenix is a track and this is a race that you want to be ready for when it becomes your turn to be in the Championship 4, so building all of your notes this weekend is really important.”

Jesse Love and the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway… Jesse Love has made one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Phoenix Raceway, earning a runner up finish earlier this season while piloting the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet. Despite only having one Xfinity Series outing at the Arizona oval, the 19-year-old has completed over 1,000 laps at the one-mile track. Love has one NASCAR Truck Series start at Phoenix Raceway, earning a fourth-place result (2023) in just his third series event. In addition, Love has seven starts in ARCA Menards Series competition at the facility, posting a best finish of second (2022) and three top-10 results.

Rookie of the Year… Love enters the final race of the Xfinity Series season atop the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings. Love has mathematically clinched the 2024 honors but will not be officially awarded until the Menlo Park, California native finishes the season in good standing, per the program guidelines and eligibility.

Season in Review… Through 32 races of the 2024 Xfinity Series season, Love has claimed one win, five poles, seven top-five, and 17 top-10 finishes. The rookie has led a total of 335 laps and completed 97.8 percent (5006 of 5116) of the laps competed.

About Whelen Engineering… Whelen Engineering is a family-owned company with a pioneering spirit and a passion to protect the lives of those who protect and serve others. The company mission is to provide industry-defining safety solutions around the world, while creating a community of problem-solvers who are inspired to push boundaries and continue our legacy of delivering ground-breaking innovation. As a global leader in the emergency warning industry, Whelen has been trusted to perform since 1952, when George Whelen III invented the first rotating aviation beacon. Whelen now encompasses two state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Connecticut and New Hampshire with over 750,000 square feet of engineering and manufacturing space and the largest design staff in the industry. Every part of every Whelen product is proudly designed and manufactured in America. We embrace quality as our foundation, we celebrate innovative engineering in every product we produce.

Meet Love… On Saturday, November 9 at 3:15 p.m. local time, Love is scheduled to sign autographs at the RCR Merchandise Trailer located in the Midway at Phoenix Raceway. Stop by to meet the RCR Xfinity Series young gun and purchase new gear.

JESSE LOVE QUOTE:

With one race remaining, describe your season as a whole.

“I’m proud of the effort and year that our No. 2 team has had. Everything might not have turned out exactly like we hoped, and we had a stretch during the summer months that didn’t produce the best results, but we learned a lot throughout the season. There is a lot to be proud of for our group. With capturing our first win as a team, and also Whelen’s first win, and running consistently week in and week out, we put ourselves in position to earn Rookie of the Year honors. We obviously hoped to be running for a championship this weekend at Phoenix Raceway, but we still have a job to do. We had a strong race here earlier this season and if we do everything right, we should have an opportunity to compete for the race win again this weekend. That would be a nice way to enter the offseason and come back even stronger in 2025.”

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation and Logistics Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway… Austin Hill has five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Phoenix Raceway, earning a best finish of fourth earlier this season while piloting the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet. In addition, Hill has five NASCAR Truck Series starts at the Arizona speedway, notching one pole (2019) and one top-10 result (2021).

Championship Chasing… Hill is making his first career Championship 4 appearance this weekend. After earning regular season championship trophies in both the NASCAR Truck Series and the Xfinity Series, the 30-year-old currently chases his first season title. The 2024 season marks Hill’s third Xfinity Series Playoff appearance.

Rearview Mirror… Through 32 races of the 2024 Xfinity Series campaign, Hill has captured four wins, one pole, 11 top-five, and 19 top-10 finishes. The Winston, Georgia native has led a total of 240 laps and completed 95.1 percent (4865 of 5116) of laps competed.

About Bennett Family of Companies… McDonough-Ga. based Bennett Family of Companies is a woman-owned, Women’s Enterprise Business Council (WBENC) certified, diversified transportation and logistics company. Through its 14 affiliated operating companies, the Bennett Family of Companies delivers integrated transportation and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Bennett has 4,625 drivers/owner-operators, over 1,000 employees and 600 agents located across the United States. For more information, visit www.bennettig.com.

AUSTIN HILL QUOTES:

What is your mindset heading into Phoenix Raceway, where you will race for your first NASCAR championship?

“Throughout my career, I’ve always said that I just want a chance. I simply wanted a shot at the final four and to fight for a championship, and we now have that chance. My mindset is to put it all on the line. The No. 21 team has the confidence and ability to win at Phoenix Raceway, just as good as anyone else that we are racing against. Everyone at Richard Childress Racing and ECR Engines deserves this opportunity. It hasn’t been the smoothest season for us. We’ve had our share of ups and downs, but we are confident going into championship weekend. I’m doing my best to soak in all the moments.”

Were you surprised that it took three years for you to make it to the Championship 4 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series?

“A little bit, just because we have had speed each and every year. Last season, we won the regular season championship, had the extra bonus points, and felt good about each of the tracks in the Playoffs, but it still didn’t work out. It goes to show how hard it is to make it to the final four and what a privilege it is. I can tell you all the scenarios of why we should have been in the Championship 4 the last two years, but this one all came together for us. I’ve definitely learned things from the last two years that I’ve applied to this season though. At the end of the day, you have to be perfect in the Playoffs. You can’t afford to have bad days. And if you do have a bad day, you have to execute and win the race the next weekend.”

What are your chances entering Phoenix Raceway?

“I feel really good about it. I’ve been prepping – watching film and in-car cameras from last year’s championship race – since the Monday after winning at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Our No. 21 team is putting in the work both in the shop and in the simulator to be as prepared as possible. 100% of our efforts are focused on this weekend. When we strap in for 200 laps on Saturday, we will give it our best shot. If that ends up with us as the champion, great. If that ends up with us as fourth out of four, we are still going to hold our heads up high, because we know that we had a shot at it. We have a stout group to go up against, so we have to bring our A game.”

Phoenix Raceway
Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024
1-Mile Tri-Oval
3 PM ET
Location: Avondale, Arizona
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series (Race 36 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 32 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Week: 3rd (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: 6th

No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2024	Cup Career	Phoenix
Races	34	365	20
Wins	6	29	1
Poles	5	21	2
Top 5	14	118	8
Top 10	17	181	12
Laps Led	1,687	9,243	382
Stage Wins	12	62	3
Average Finish	13.2	14.1	11.4

• Kyle Larson has run a NASCAR Cup Series-best 4,634 laps in the top five through 35 events in 2024 while his 10.18 average running position also tops NASCAR’s premier series.
• The 32-year-old driver has 12 stage wins in 2024 – one more than any other competitor. Larson’s 1,687 laps led is the most by 685. The driver of the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet will finish the year with the most wins and most laps led.
• In November 2021 at Phoenix Raceway, Larson won the pole and led a race-high 107 laps – including the final 28 – en route to victory to secure his first Cup championship.
• Since joining Hendrick Motorsports in 2021, the Elk Grove, California, native has 23 wins – 11 more than any other driver.
• Larson has recorded nine top-10 finishes in his last 11 starts at Phoenix.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
 Age: 28 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last week: 2nd (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 7th
 
No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2024	Cup Career	Phoenix
Races	35	321	16
Wins	1	19	1
Poles	—	12	1
Top 5	11	104	5
Top 10	18	170	8
Laps Led	424	5,519	546
Stage Wins	2	38	2
Average Finish	11.8	12.9	12.6

• At Martinsville Speedway last weekend, Chase Elliott and the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts team nearly punched their ticket to the Championship 4 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs after winning stage one and leading 129 laps en route to a second-place finish.
• With his runner-up finish at Martinsville, Elliott, the 2020 champion, became the only driver to finish all seven short track races this season inside the top 10. Both his average finish (4.6) and average start (5.0) across those seven events are best in the field.
• Elliott’s 18 top-10 finishes in 2024 are tied for fourth best and his 11 top fives are tied for sixth best. His average running position of 11.47 ranks third and he’s spent the fourth-most laps inside the top 10 this season (5,135).
• While Elliott will not be competing for the championship this weekend, he has a victory at Phoenix Raceway. In 2020, the Dawsonville, Georgia, native captured the race win his first Cup Series title.
• The 28-year-old driver’s 546 laps led at the desert tri-oval are his second-most on active tracks in NASCAR’s top series.
• No. 9 crew chief Alan Gustafson has four wins at Phoenix with four drivers (Kyle Busch, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon, Mark Martin and Elliott). Two of his wins were record-setting with Busch being the youngest Cup driver to win at Phoenix (20 years, 6 months, 11 days) and Martin being the oldest (50 years, 3 months and 9 days).

24 WILLIAM BYRON
 Age: 26 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Week: 6th (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: T-1st

No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2024	Cup Career	Phoenix
Races	35	251	13
Wins	3	13	1
Poles	1	13	1
Top 5	12	53	2
Top 10	20	103	7
Laps Led	338	2,959	186
Stage Wins	2	23	3
Average Finish	13.2	15.2	11.8

• In the final race of the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 8 at Martinsville Speedway last Sunday, William Byron qualified third, matching his best qualifying effort at the venue. He picked up critical stage points in stage one and two and went on to collect a sixth-place effort – his sixth consecutive top-six finish.
• Byron locked himself into the Championship 4 for this weekend at Phoenix Raceway. It will mark his second consecutive appearance in the Cup Series final four.
• So far in the 2024 playoffs Byron has an average running position of 7.48 and an average finish of 9.33 – best in both categories of the four remaining drivers.
• Byron has a previous win at Phoenix Raceway, claiming the 2023 spring race. He also has three stage wins – tied for his second-most at a single track – and seven top-10 finishes – his most at a single track. In his last four starts at Phoenix, Byron has three finishes of sixth or better.
• While in the Next Gen era, Byron has led 171 laps at the 1-mile facility which is the fourth most, and collected 198 points, good enough for second-most.
• In 2024, Byron has 12 top-five finishes – tied for the third most – and 20 top 10s – tied for the second best

48 ALEX BOWMAN
 Age: 31 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Week: 13th (Martinsville)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 8th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

2024	Cup Career	Phoenix
Races	35	324	18
Wins	1	8	—
Poles	1	5	1
Top 5	8	40	2
Top 10	17	96	3
Laps Led	66	1,367	195
Stage Wins	1	7	—
Average Finish	14.8	19.4	22.4

• Last Sunday at Martinsville Speedway, Alex Bowman rolled off seventh and battled a power steering issue in the second half of the race. He still managed to secure a 13th-place finish.
• The Ally Racing driver has executed a strong season in his seventh year with Hendrick Motorsports. The 31-year-old earned his eighth win in the sport’s premier series at the Chicago Street Course and finished as the runner-up in the DAYTONA 500. His eight top-five finishes in 2024 are tied for his most ever in a season (2021) and 17 top 10s are his most ever.
• The No. 48 driver qualified for NASCAR’s Cup Series playoffs for the sixth time in his career. Bowman advanced to the Round of 12 for a fifth time. He has run 4,097 laps in the top 10, ranking ninth most amongst Cup Series drivers. Despite falling just shy of the Round of 8, Bowman has finished ninth or better in five of nine playoff races.
• This weekend, Bowman will strive to make his first trip to victory lane at his home track, Phoenix Raceway. In the Tucson, Arizona, native’s previous 18 starts at the one-mile tri-oval, Bowman has led 195 laps, earned two top-10 finishes and completed 95.4% of the laps.
• For four years, Bowman and Ally have teamed up to support Best Friends Animal Society and its vast network of partners. The pair has donated close to $750,000 to date. Every race weekend, the pair donates $4,800 to help homeless pets. This weekend, the charitable donation will go to Home Fur Good located in Phoenix.
• Bowman has also stayed busy away from the race track, participating in five financial literacy readings this season, teaching elementary school students the significance of money in race markets including in North Carolina, Texas, Michigan, New York and Florida. In May, ahead of Memorial Day, Bowman and his team held a USO packing event to give to deploying service members who were awaiting assignment. In June, the No. 48 team joined Bowman in Nashville, Tennessee, for community service efforts in public spaces and at a local resident’s home. In October, Bowman visited the Best Friends Life Saving Center in New York and helped Ally host its sixth-annual “Fueling Futures” event, an interactive program that offers high school students the chance to learn more about the educational path and career opportunities within motorsports.

Hendrick Motorsports

2024	All-Time	Phoenix
Races	35	1,380	56
Wins	11*	312*	13*
Poles	7	253*	15*
Top 5	45*	1,277*	56*
Top 10	72*	2,184*	102*
Laps Led	2,515	82,272*	3,530*
Stage Wins	17	115	7

*Most
**Tied for most

• Heading into this weekend’s finale in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs at Phoenix Raceway, Hendrick Motorsports has won five of the last nine races on the West Coast and seven of 16 in the Next Gen era.
• The organization leads in most statistical categories at the 1-mile tri-oval, including wins (13), poles (15), top-five finishes (56), top 10s (102) and laps led (3,530). A Hendrick Motorsports entry has won at least one stage at Phoenix in four of the last six events.
• A Hendrick Motorsports Chevy has sat on the pole in four of the last five short track races. The organization’s drivers have combined to lead 39% of laps on short tracks this season.
• With 11 victories in 2024, Hendrick Motorsports eclipsed the 10-win mark for the fourth straight season, matching the longest such streak in the organization’s history (1995-1998). This year also marked the fourth straight season in which the company led the Cup Series in victories, also tying an organization high.
• Hendrick Motorsports has gone to victory lane 60 times in playoff races, 23 more than any other team.
• All four Hendrick Motorsports pit crews rank in the top six in terms of average time for a four-tire pit stop. The No. 24 over-the-wall squad of William Byron leads the organization and is second in the Cup Series at 10.8 seconds.

 QUOTABLE /
 
Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on going to Phoenix Raceway: “We’ve had a great year – although with a lot of ups and downs. We’ll head to Phoenix with the same mindset we’ve had all year and that is to win. Hopefully, we can finish the year out strong with William (Byron) also bringing home the championship for Hendrick Motorsports.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on coming up short at Martinsville Speedway and looking ahead to Phoenix Raceway: “It’s a bummer, but we’ll try to build on it and learn from some mistakes and go to work out at Phoenix. Try to go out there and have a good run. Obviously, it’s an extremely important racetrack. While it doesn’t really matter this year, it will one day. So, we’ll go out there and give it our best effort.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on being a part of the Championship Four at Phoenix Raceway: “It’s a short week for sure, you’re not home much because of obligations and just prepping for the weekend. It’s a lot of fun though. I enjoyed being a part of it last year. I feel like I learned a lot, not just for on-track but also off-track and what my routine would be going back this year. It’s something as a competitor you want to be a part of.

“For us, we had really good qualifying last year. We qualified on the pole which was awesome. We just need to continue and improve for sure. We want to try to be better through out the whole race though, especially the last run. That’s the part of the race that means the most, you don’t get paid for the first two stages, only the end.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, on racing at Phoenix Raceway: “It’s always nice returning to my home state (Arizona). Of course, I wish our No. 48 team was racing for a championship this weekend, but we still have plenty to compete for. We’ve been carrying some good momentum and it would mean a lot to visit victory lane at Phoenix. We still have a Hendrick Motorsports teammate to cheer on (William Byron) in efforts to secure a 15th Cup Series Championship title for Rick (Hendrick). Our Ally Racing team has had a solid season, but the year isn’t over yet and we aim to finish 2024 strong.”

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE
Phoenix Raceway

 The 2024 season will come to an end this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series head west to Phoenix Raceway to crown each of their respective champions. Chevrolet will have the opportunity to race for the coveted title in all three divisions, with CR7 Motorsports’ Grant Enfinger and McAnally Hilgemann Racing’s Christian Eckes representing the Bowtie brand in the Truck Series; Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill, Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger and JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier in the Xfinity Series; and Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron in the Cup Series.

 CHEVROLET’S CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENDERS

Chevrolet’s storied NASCAR history includes a series-leading driver championship record in all three series, with the manufacturer heading into the 2024 season finale weekend with 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, 21 NASCAR Xfinity Series Driver Championships and 14 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver Championships. From series veterans to some of the sport’s rising starts – each of Chevrolet’s six remaining title contenders will be vying to become a first-time champion in their respective series.

Byron Leads the Bowtie in the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Four:

William Byron has been a familiar face in NASCAR Cup Series playoff competition in recent years – earning a postseason bid in all but one of his seven full-time seasons in the division. The 2024 season marks his second-consecutive trip to the series’ Championship Four, with the 26-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina, native earning a career-best third-place finish in the final points standings one year ago. Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team punched an early ticket into the playoffs by picking up the win in the 66th running of the Daytona 500 – capping off Chevrolet’s sweep of the season-opening weekend. Byron went on to add a road course and short-track victory within the first eight races of the season (Circuit of The Americas – March 2024; Martinsville Speedway – April 2024), making an early statement as a leading championship contender. The No. 24 Chevrolet team’s postseason performance really took off at the start of the second round – earning results no worse than sixth in the final six races leading into the title-deciding race, including a trio of podium finishes in the Round of 12. Phoenix Raceway has produced different winners in each of its five races in the Next Gen era, including title contender Byron and the No. 24 Chevrolet team with their victory in the March 2023 event.

Team Chevy Takes Three Positions in NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Four:

Closing out on yet another strong season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, three drivers from three different Chevrolet organizations will compete for their first career title in the NASCAR national ranks.

Making his first appearance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Four, Richard Childress Racing’s Austin Hill will enter the title run as the top-seeded driver. The regular season saw the No. 21 Chevrolet team make three trips to victory lane, including back-to-back victories in the series’ first two races to open the season. The 30-year-old Winston, Georgia, native went on to grab his series-leading fourth victory of the season at Homestead-Miami Speedway to guarantee his spot in the Championship Four

AJ Allmendinger and the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet team head into the title-deciding race as the No. 2 seed. The 42-year-old Los Gatos, California, native ended the 26-race regular season by tallying 14 top-10s and five top-fives en route to his third career Xfinity Series playoff appearance. A staple moment in Allmendinger’s postseason run came in the Round of Eight opening race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with the Kaulig Racing driver making his first trip to victory lane of the season – a triumph that also delivered the team the first guaranteed bid into the Championship Four.

The 2024 season marks Justin Allgaier’s ninth appearance in the Xfinity Series playoffs, with the series’ veteran continuing to hold the record as the only driver to compete in each season’s playoff competition since the format was introduced to the series in 2016. Among his playoff runs includes another series-leading record of seven appearances in the Championship Four – two of which ended with a runner-up finish in the final points standings (2020, 2023). The 38-year-old Riverton, Illinois, native was a strong force at the top of the points standings through much of the regular season. Narrowly missing the regular season championship title, the JR Motorsports driver found his way back to the top of the standings – entering the playoffs as the top-seeded driver. Despite a disappointing opening round, the No. 7 Chevrolet team strung together a trio of finishes no worse than eighth in the Round of Eight – including a podium finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and a top-five result at Martinsville Speedway. Of the remaining title contenders, Allgaier is the only two-time winner at Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 2019; March 2017).

Enfinger, Eckes Representing Team Chevy in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series

Championship Four:

The top-two seeded drivers in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Four come from the Chevrolet camp: CR7 Motorsports’ Grant Enfinger and McAnally Hilgemann Racing’s Christian Eckes.

In their first full-season campaign together, Grant Enfinger and the No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet team have proven to be a force to be reckoned with for the championship title. A runner-up finish at North Wilkesboro Motor Speedway in May quickly turned their season around, with the team tallying top-four results in five of the final seven races to close out the regular season. While narrowly advancing into the second round, the series’ veteran had a monstrous run in the Round of Eight – earning back-to-back victories at Talladega Superspeedway and Homestead-Miami Speedway to punch a ticket into his third career Championship Four appearance.

McAnally Hilgeman Racing’s Christian Eckes has put together a career season en route to his first appearance in the series’ Championship Four. The 23-year-old Middletown, New York, native tallied top-10 results in all but one of the first 16 races – including three trips to victory lane – en route to his first career regular season championship title. The young Chevrolet driver went on to extend his top-10 streak through the postseason to 20-straight, including his fourth win of the season last weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Out of the four remaining title contenders, Eckes is the only driver to have found victory lane at Phoenix Raceway, with the No. 19 Chevrolet team returning as the series’ most recent winners at the track.

 BY THE NUMBERS: PHOENIX RACEWAY

Chevrolet owns the most wins at Phoenix Raceway in two of NASCAR’s national touring series, heading into the season finale weekend with 27 victories in the NASCAR Cup Series and 18 victories in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Sunday’s championship race will mark the 57th all-time race for NASCAR’s top division at Phoenix Raceway. Chevrolet made its first trip to victory lane at the Arizona venue in just the series’ third appearance at the track (Nov. 1990) – courtesy of NASCAR Hall of Famer, Dale Earnhardt, and the No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet team. The Bowtie brand hit a strong stride in Nov. 2005 when a win by Kyle Busch and Hendrick Motorsports started a stretch of 10-straight trips to victory lane for the Bowtie brand – a record-setting streak that still stands today. Since the Next Gen car was introduced to the series, two drivers have added to Chevrolet’s win record at Phoenix Raceway, with Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron and Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain sweeping last season’s events.

In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Chevrolet owns over half of the victories in the series’ 33-race history at Phoenix Raceway, with title contender, Christian Eckes, delivering the manufacturer its 18th all-time victory at the track one year ago. The manufacturer’s longest streak of wins came in the series’ beginning years, with Mike Skinner and Jack Sprague tallying a combined five-straight victories in the series’ first-five races at the Arizona oval (Feb. 1995 – April 1997). Another notable victory for Chevrolet at Phoenix Raceway came in Nov. 2020, with Sheldon Creed and the No. 2 GMS Racing Chevrolet team making a monstrous run in the final three laps to take the win and deliver the Bowtie brand its 14th NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Driver Championship.

In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Chevrolet has made nine trips to victory lane at Phoenix Raceway, including the series’ inaugural visit to the track in Nov. 1999 with Jeff Gordon and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team. The manufacturer’s last four wins at the Arizona venue have come with a JR Motorsports-prepared Chevrolet – two of which came with current title contender, Justin Allgaier, behind the wheel (Nov. 2019; March 2017).

 BOWTIE BULLETS:

• With 90 races complete across NASCAR’s three national series this season, Chevrolet has earned a winning percentage of 50% with 45 victories (NASCAR Cup Series – 15 wins; NASCAR Xfinity Series – 18 wins; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – 12 wins).
• In 17 tripleheader weekends this season, Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to earn a weekend sweep – accomplishing the feat four times (Daytona International Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway).
• Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Phoenix Raceway:

Kyle Busch – three wins (2019, 2018, 2005)
Ross Chastain – one win (2023)
William Byron – one win (2023)
Kyle Larson – one win (2021)
Chase Elliott – one win (2020)

• In 56 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Phoenix Raceway, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 27 victories – including a sweep of the 2023 events with William Byron (March) and Ross Chastain (November).
• In 107 points-paying races in the Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 52 victories – a winning percentage of 48.6%.
• With its 42 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 866 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

 
FOR THE FANS:

• Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Phoenix Raceway.
• Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles including: Corvette ZR1, Blazer EV RS, Equinox EV, Equinox Activ, Tahoe RST, Silverado 1500 RST, Silverado 1500 Trailboss, Silverado 2500HD, Traverse Z71, Colorado Trailboss.
• Fans can also view William Byron’s No. 24 Camaro ZL1 show car.

Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:

Friday, Nov. 8

· Nick Sanchez: 11 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.

· Rajah Caruth: 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

· Grant Enfinger: 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

· Bayley Currey, Matt Mills and Stefan Parsons: 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

· AJ Allmendinger: 1 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9

· Sammy Smith: 12p.m. – 12:15 p.m.

· Justin Allgaier: 12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

· Shane van Gisbergen & Connor Zilisch: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.

· Brandon Jones: 12:45 p.m. – 1 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10

· Austin Dillon: 8:45 a.m. – 9 a.m.

· Carson Hocevar: 9 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

· Alex Bowman: 9:35 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.

· Ross Chastain & Daniel Suarez: 9:50 a.m. – 10 a.m.

· Kyle Busch: 10 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

· Chase Elliott & Kyle Larson: 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

· William Byron: 10:30 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation:

Friday, Nov. 8: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 9: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 10: 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
 

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 1275
Ford: 1235 (-40)
Toyota: 1227 (-48)

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 1193
Toyota: 1138 (-55)
Ford: 1032 (-161)

Manufacturer Points Standings

Chevrolet: 825
Toyota: 769 (-56)
Ford: 740 (-85)
 
TUNE-IN:

NASCAR Cup Series Championship

Sunday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. ET

(NBC, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship

Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. ET

(CW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship

Sunday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. ET

(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

 
QUOTABLE QUOTES:

ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 BUSCH LIGHT CAMARO ZL1

It’s been a season now that you’ve had Busch Light as a partner, how does that feel?

“It’s been a great year with Busch Light and being with an iconic brand. It’s been a fun year doing all sorts of different things with them and seeing my face places that I never dreamed of seeing it. I’m looking forward to continuing the partnership with them and we have one win this season and we’re hoping to get another this weekend at Phoenix. Obviously, we had success at this race last year and I hope to repeat it.”

JUSTIN HALEY, NO. 7 PARITY WEEK BY GAINBRIDGE CAMARO ZL1

What are your thoughts heading to Phoenix?

“I enjoy going out to Phoenix. It is definitely a one-of-a-kind race track, and I have always felt comfortable there. I’m excited to see the speed our No. 7 team unloads on Friday. We’ve had speed since I came back to Spire, but something has prevented us from getting the finish we deserved. Hopefully we will get the run we have been looking for heading into the offseason.”

What do you take away from these final six races of the season, and what have you learned going into next year?

“There has been a learning curve for sure, especially in familiarizing myself in the processes and how they execute. Things will obviously be different with Rodney (Childers) and other guys coming in at the end of the year, but it is still good to get inside the building and start to familiarize myself.”

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 3CHI CAMARO ZL1

Do you race the drivers in the Championship 4 any differently at Phoenix? Do you try to give them extra room?

“You definitely don’t want to put yourself in a spot where you take out a Championship 4 contender. It’s important to be mindful of everything going on around you but you’re also not just going to just layover and give positions away.”

How important is it to end this season on a positive note with a strong run at Phoenix?

“I’m not sure that I would put any more emphasis on Phoenix than I would at any other week prior because I think every race is important. Phoenix is a track and this is a race that you want to be ready for when it becomes your turn to be in the Championship 4, so building all of your notes this weekend is really important.”

ZANE SMITH, NO. 71 FOCUSED HEALTH CAMARO ZL1

Last race of the season this weekend, how are you feeling as you head to Phoenix for one last ride with your No. 71 Spire Motorsports Team?

“This track (Phoenix Raceway) is such a special place to me and it’s definitely going to be a bittersweet weekend. I’m proud of my No. 71 Spire Motorsports team for all the hard work they put in this season, especially the second half of the season. We’ve all fought hard to prove what this team is capable of. Huge thanks to Focused Health for all their support this year and I hope that we can get a great result and finish on a high note.”

CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 77 DELAWARE LIFE CAMARO ZL1

You’ve put together some of your best races of the year at tracks like Gateway and New Hampshire, which are similar to Phoenix. How do you expect the weekend to go?

“I like Phoenix. We ran well in the spring and made the second round of qualifying for the first time in my career. We’ve run well at some similar tracks to it, so we have a little bit of a notebook all around heading in. Phoenix is one of the first races next year, so running well is going to be important in getting the momentum rolling to carry into next season.”

The No. 77 team has made significant strides from last season. The team finished 33rd in owner points a year ago, and it looks like the team will finish 21st this year with a nearly identical crew. What will be your key takeaways from the season?

“It’s cool to be the leading rookie contender, and to be where we are in points. We are one spot behind Kyle Busch, who won three races last season and has two championships to his name. Every car ahead of us has had a deep playoff run in recent seasons, so it is cool to be where we are. I’m proud of the work Luke (Lambert) and all the No. 77 crew have done this year, and how far we’ve come this season. We put together the results very quickly. But we are all still hungry and know we can do even better next year. The goal now is to compete for wins and earn a spot in the playoffs.”

DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 FREEWAY INSURANCE CAMARO ZL1

What are your thoughts on your 2024 season?

“Unless you win the championship you aren’t going to be satisfied. So we aren’t happy with how it went but that doesn’t mean we didn’t have some good moments. We are proud of winning Atlanta, running well, and advancing in the playoffs. But until we come to Phoenix as part of the four drivers battling for the title, we won’t be totally happy. We have a lot of work to do in this off-season. We will take some time to rest, work hard and improve then be ready for 2025.”

 
Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics

Manufacturers Championships:

Total (1949-2023): 42

First title for Chevrolet: 1958

Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)

Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023

Drivers Championships:

Total (1949-2021): 33

First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)

Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)

Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021)

Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021

Event Victories:

Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)

2024 STATISTICS:

Wins: 15

Poles: 10

Laps Led: 3,516

Top-Five Finishes: 69

Top-10 Finishes: 143

Stage Wins: 23

· Chase Elliott: 2

· Kyle Larson: 12

· Ross Chastain: 2

· William Byron: 2

· Shane van Gisbergen: 1

· Daniel Suarez: 1

· Kyle Busch: 1

· Alex Bowman: 1

· AJ Allmendinger: 1

CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:

Total Chevrolet race wins: 866 (1949 to date)

Poles won to date: 753

Laps led to date: 252,671

Top-five finishes to date: 4,367

Top-10 finishes to date: 9,003

Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:

       General Motors: 1,200

       Chevrolet: 866

       Pontiac: 154

       Oldsmobile: 115

       Buick: 65



       Ford: 839                                                           

       Ford: 739

       Mercury: 96

       Lincoln: 4



       Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467

       Dodge: 217

       Plymouth: 191

       Chrysler: 59



       Toyota: 189

 

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.

Phoenix Raceway Competition Notes

 MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 6, 2024) – It’s the final race on the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series schedule, and for Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team, it’s one final race to capture a win. Boozy Jerky will partner with Gilliland for the event.

Currently, Todd Gilliland sits 23rd in points, having earned four Top-10 finishes and leading 129 laps this season. Gilliland and crew chief Ryan Bergenty head to the Phoenix Raceway looking to capture not only a win, but stage points in hopes of improving their points position.

The NASCAR Cup Series will have practice on Friday, November 8th 6:00 PM ET. Qualifying will take place on Saturday, November 9th at 5:00 PM ET. Fans can watch both sessions on the USA Network. Sunday’s 312-lap event is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET. Fans can watch the race live on NBC or listen in via the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM channel 90.

No. 38 Boozy Jerky Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:

“I like Phoenix, I always have a lot of family come out and support. While I’m excited for the off-season, there’s still work to do this weekend. I’m proud of this 38 team and what we have accomplished. We have had good cars this year that have shown a lot of speed. I think we have a pretty good shot at a solid run this weekend, we just need to qualify up front and execute all race. I think we can do that.”

CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY:

“We’re all excited for the off-season, but we still have one more race left. I want to get on the plane home Sunday knowing we gave it our all and left the Phoenix Raceway with as many points as possible and a good result.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

COREY LAJOIE | KAZ GRALA
Phoenix Season Finale Advance
Event Overview

● Event: NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale (Round 36 of 36)
● Time/Date: 3 p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 10
● Location: Phoenix Raceway
● Layout: 1-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 312 laps/312 miles (502 kilometers)
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 60 laps / Stage 2: 125 laps / Final Stage: 127 laps
● TV/Radio: NBC / MRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Corey LaJoie, Driver of the No. 51 Mighty Fire Breaker Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Corey LaJoie, driver of the No. 51 Mighty Fire Breaker Ford Mustang Dark Horse, will make his 272nd-career NASCAR Cup Series start in Sunday’s season finale at Phoenix Raceway. It will be his 15th start at the 1-mile oval and seventh with Rick Ware Racing (RWR).

● LaJoie’s best Cup Series finish at Pheonix is an 18th-place result earned in the final race of the 2022 season. He also owns two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the track with a best result of 22nd in November 2017.

● LaJoie enters the final race of the season with one top-five, three top-10s and nine top-15 finishes. The 33-year-old from North Carolina joined RWR prior to the Sept. 29 race at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City. He finished 15th in this first start with the team and totaled three top-20 finishes in six starts.

● Mighty Fire Breaker LLC is a leading provider of environmentally safe and sustainable solutions for proactive wildfire defense. The Mighty Fire Breaker portfolio includes EPA Safer Choice Certified Citrotech® wildfire inhibitors, mobile and stationary spray application systems, and GPS-tracking, recording and mapping technologies that support intelligent proactive wildfire defense management practices.

Kaz Grala, Driver of the No. 15 Meat N’ Bone Ford Mustang Dark Horse

● Sunday’s race marks Kaz Grala’s 31st-career Cup Series start and his second at Phoenix. The driver of the No. 15 Meat N’ Bone Ford Mustang Dark Horse finished 30th in his debut at the 1-mile track on March 10.

● Grala has five NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Phoenix, resulting in two finishes inside the top-15 with the best being a 10th-place outing earned in November 2023. He also has two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts with a fifth-place finish earned in his last outing in November 2022.

● In 22 starts this season for RWR, Grala has three top-20 finishes. His best was a 14th-place effort in the Feb. 25 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Grala enters Phoenix with 6,110 of 6,572 available laps completed (93 percent) and an average finish of 28.3.

● Meat N’ Bone is an online butcher shop offering premium quality meats delivered locally and shipped nationally. Customers can order from more than 300 products, including USDA Prime and Wagyu A5, and have it delivered fresh to their door. Meat N’ Bone also offers local pickup and a personalized retail experience in its boutiques.

Rick Ware Racing Notes

● The Mission Foods NHRA Drag Racing Series visited Las Vegas for the penultimate event of the 2024 season and RWR Top Fuel driver Clay Millican made his eighth semifinal appearance of the year. The Drummonds, Tennessee, native went up againt eventual winner Brittany Force in the third round of eliminations, falling short by .0487 of a second. Millican sits sixth in the playoff standings, 93 points out of first, as the series prepares for the NHRA Finals at Pomona (Calif.) Dragstrip Nov. 14-17.

● Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age six when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. More than a decade later, injuries would force Ware out of the driver seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that fields two fulltime entries in the NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning successful teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX), where RWR won the 2022 SX2 championship with rider Shane McElrath.

Corey LaJoie, Driver Q&A

How would you evaluate your time with RWR and the 2024 season as a whole?

“I’ve really enjoyed working with everyone at Rick Ware Racing. I feel like we’ve had some good races and some tough weekends, but we keep going. As far as the season, it’s about the same. Ups and downs, but we’ve got one more race to go out and have a strong run. I’d like to finish the year on a high note and give everyone something to be proud of.”

Phoenix doesn’t look like a tricky track, but that all changes when the race goes green. What makes it so challenging?

“Like a few other tracks we go to, it can be hard to get your car driving good at both ends. The turns are very different, and then you add in the challenge of restarts and it’s just a lot of layers to putting together a good run. I think we’ve seen good racing at Phoenix recently and we’ll see the same this weekend. And with how Martinsville played out, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a little more hectic than it typically is.”

Kaz Grala, Driver Q&A

How would you evaluate the 2024 season?

“My goal for 2024 was to learn these NextGen cars and be able to maximize our weekend results by the end of the year. I feel like those boxes have absolutely been checked and I’ve been able to get everything out of this second half of this season. I’m looking forward to going back to Phoenix again and ending this year strong with RWR.”

There is a high level of aggressiveness that is often on display at Phoenix. Will you let those drivers competing for a championship have at it, or do you expect to be in the mix and taking the same risks?

“Phoenix certainly rewards pushing hard and taking some risks, so that’s what the plan will be for this weekend. While we’re not in the championship fight, we feel like we have just as much to race for as everyone else does. There’s nothing better than ending a season with a satisfying result. I was able to finish last season with a top-10 at Phoenix, so we have our sights set on capping this year off on a high together once again.”