Category: NASCAR Cup PR

• In nine NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Spire Motorsports has logged two top-20 finishes. Corey LaJoie, driver of the No. 7 Chili’s Grill & Bar Chevy Camaro earned a team-best 17th-place finish in the 2023 Coca-Cola 600. The Mooresville, N.C., team fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NCS with LaJoie, and fellow drivers Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively.
• The Coca-Cola 600 from Charlotte Motor Speedway will be televised live on FOX Sunday, May 26, beginning at 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. NASCAR’s annual Memorial Day Weekend 600-mile classic will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NASCAR RaceDay’s pre-race coverage on FS1 will take the green flag at 4:30 p.m. EDT and shift to FOX at 5:30 p.m.

Corey LaJoie – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

• Corey LaJoie heads to Charlotte Motor Speedway behind the wheel of the No. 7 Chili’s® Grill & Bar, Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.
• Sunday’s annual Memorial Day Weekend 600-mile classic will mark LaJoie’s 11th NCS start at Charlotte Motor Speedway and 250th career NCS start.
• This week, Spire Motorsports and Chili’s announced a partnership extension for three additional NCS races in 2024 aboard LaJoie’s No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 beginning with this weekend’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
• In addition to this weekend’s annual 600-miler, Chili’s will also be showcased as LaJoie’s primary sponsor at World Wide Technology Raceway on June 2 and again at Darlington Raceway Labor Day Weekend. The extended partnership includes associate sponsorship on LaJoie’s No. 7 machine for the rest of the 2024 season.
• In keeping with the tradition of honoring fallen service members during NASCAR’s annual Memorial Day Weekend festivities, LaJoie will be racing in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Jeremie S. Border, of Mesquite, Texas, who died September 1, 2012, by small arms fire while conducting combat operations in Ghazni Province, Afghanistan.
• Border’s name will be displayed on the windshield of LaJoie’s Chevy Camaro throughout the race weekend. Border is the brother of long-tenured Chili’s team member DeLaynie Peek, who will be at Charlotte Motor Speedway as NASCAR and its teams honor Gold Star Families for the seventh consecutive year.
• LaJoie has logged 10 previous NCS starts at the legendary 1.5-mile Concord, N.C. oval and earned a venue/race-best 12th-place finish in the 2019 running of NASCAR’s longest race. Last May, the third-generation racer started 25th and finished 17th.
• Lajoie started 13th and finished 12th in last weekend’s NASCAR All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
• In addition to his extensive experience in the NCS at Charlotte, LaJoie has also made two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Concord, N.C., native recorded his venue-best Xfinity Series effort October 7, 2017 in the Race for the Cure 300 where he finished 17th.

Corey LaJoie Quotes
NASCAR and Charlotte Motor Speedway put on an incredible event every Memorial Day Weekend and for the seventh year in a row, teams honor a fallen service member. Who will you honor aboard your Chili’s Chevy Camaro?
“Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway is an event I look forward to each year. Honoring those that served our country and hosting Gold Star families is a privilege that I take seriously. I will have United States Army Staff Sgt. Jeremie S. Border, who sacrificed his life for our great country, riding along with me for 600 miles. My Spire Motorsports team is ready to have a good night in Staff Sgt. Border’s memory.”

The Coca-Cola 600 will mark your 250th-career NASCAR Cup Series start. What does that journey look like for you?
“Hard to believe this week will be 250 Cup series starts. It’s definitely been a journey of persistence and overcoming challenges. I’m very thankful for the partners, friends, fans and teammates that have supported me along the way. We’ve stacked a lot of pennies over 250 starts and we’ll continue to stack ‘em for however many more there are ahead.”

Zane Smith – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

• Sunday will mark Zane Smith’s third NASCAR Cup Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway but his first driving the No. 71 Focused Health Chevrolet Camaro for Spire Motorsports.
• Last year, Smith made his first Cup Series start at the 1.5-mile oval, in the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports entry. He started 29th and finished 10th, recording his first top-10 finish in NASCAR’s premier division
• Smith owns four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) career starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He’s led 80 laps and posted three top-10’s in NCTS competition.
• Smith’s car will carry the name of Marine Staff Sgt. Chris Diaz, 26, of Albuquerque, New Mexico on Sunday. Diaz followed in his older brother’s footsteps and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2003. During his eight years of service, he did tours in Iraq, Israel, and Afghanistan. In 2011, Diaz was serving as a military-working dog handler with 1st Marine Special Operations Battalion conducting a combat control patrol in the Upper Gereshk Valley of the Helmand Province in Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. As he was clearing a reported improvised explosive device from inside a checkpoint, a team member was severely injured by an explosion. Diaz immediately began to treat and evacuate the teammate when a second explosion killed him and two others.
• The No. 71’s Coke 600 grey and orange paint scheme will also pay tribute to the United States Air Force. Focused Health CEO, Shawn Holt, is a retired Air Force Veteran.
• Focused Health is a national health insurance agency that assists consumers and employers in navigating the myriad health insurance options in the government programs space. The company partners with payors and employers to deliver health insurance solutions for individuals and families. For more information visit AtFocusedHealth.com.
• Race fans can meet Smith at the Trackhouse Racing merchandise trailer for an autograph on Sunday, May 26th at 2:15 p.m. ET.
• Fans can also join Smith at Spire Motorsports Fan Day, Thursday, May 23 starting at 11a.m. ET.

The Coke 600 is a huge weekend for everyone. How are you feeling going into such a long race, but a race where you had success last year?
“It’s a privilege to have Staff Sargent Chris Diaz’ name on my car this weekend. One of the coolest things about the weekend is hearing the families talk about the soldiers who have died for our country. The pre-race ceremony gives me chills with all the military presence and standing next to family members during the national anthem is really moving. Their sacrifices have allowed us to live our lives the way we want to live them whether it’s driving a race car, working on a crew or doing anything else in life. I can’t say thank you enough.

“Charlotte is also a home race for all of us, so you see a lot of friends and family and you always want to do well in front of them. Last year I raced a Cup car at Charlotte for the first time and got a top-10. That was a great feeling and of course we want to do that again on Sunday.”

Carson Hocevar – Driver, No.77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

• Carson Hocevar will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Zeigler Auto Group Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
• Hocevar started and finished 10th in last Sunday’s All-Star Open at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
• In three NCTS starts at the 1.5-mile oval, Hocevar has logged an 8.3 average start and a 7.3 average finish. He led 105 laps and completed all 411 laps contested.
• In his lone NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Hocevar started 15th and raced his way to an eighth-place finish in last May’s Alsco Uniforms 300.
• Zeigler Automotive Group is one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the U.S. with 84 franchises across 41 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. Vehicle brands represented include all the domestic and the majority of the imported manufacturers. Founded in 1975, the organization employs over 2,500 people, ranking among the top one percent of automotive dealers in the nation with estimated annual sales of $2.2 billion for 2023. The family-owned and -operated company is well known for its commitment to both customer service and employee satisfaction. Zeigler is regularly recognized as one of the Best and Brightest Companies to Work for in the Nation, also earning similar accolades in Wisconsin, Chicago, and Michigan. Besides these prestigious accolades, Zeigler is also one of Glassdoor’s 100 Best Places to Work in the U.S. for 2024, and among Glassdoor’s top 10 U.S. companies for work-life balance.
• Hocevar’s car will carry the name of United States Navy Commander Robert “Bobby” Ramirez, of San Diego, Calif., on Sunday. Ramirez, a highly decorated SEAL Team One Commander, received five Bronze Stars, including two with “V” for Valor, during his 12 deployments, nine of which were combat-related. He enlisted in the Navy and later rose through the ranks to become an officer through the Seaman to Admiral program. He served his country in the Navy for 26 years first as enlisted, then being accepted for the Seaman to Admiral program and becoming an Officer. He sustained multiple traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from explosions during training and combat. Despite these injuries, Ramirez remained a successful and respected Naval Commander. The invisible wounds of war ultimately led Ramirez to take his own life. A Department of Defense brain study later confirmed physical damage consistent with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and astroglial scarring related to the blasts he experienced. Ramirez was married for 23 years to his high school sweetheart and is survived by his wife, four children, and a large extended family.
• The Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender is currently 25th in the division’s championship points. Over the course of the season’s first 13 races, Hocevar has notched one top-10 and three top-15 finishes.
• Hocevar will join Adam Alexander, Michael Waltrip and Phil Parsons on FS1 for Friday night’s NC Education Lottery 200 NCTS broadcast.
• Hocevar will be featured as a pit reporter in Fox Sport’s Annual Drivers Only broadcast for Saturday’s Xfinity Series BetMGM 300 at 12:30 p.m.
• Race fans can meet Hocevar for an autograph session at the Camping World in Concord, N.C., Friday at 10 a.m.

Carson Hocevar Quotes
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a track you’ve done well at in both NCTS and NXS, does this give you some confidence for the Coca-Cola 600?
“Charlotte is my favorite racetrack on the schedule. I feel like I’ve had a shot or two at winning a race each time I’ve been there. I was fast in the Xfinity race last year and was running third before we ran out of fuel. I am really excited to run here in a Cup car for the first time and hope we can mimic my past performance and speed.”

What does it mean to you to have Robert Ramirez riding with you as the fallen service member on your windshield?
“It means a lot, even if this is something big or small, we can do for them, they deserve so much for their sacrifice to this country. I want to be able to do him and his family justice for the sacrifice he’s made protecting us and our country for as long as he did. The connection my crew chief Luke Lambert has to Commander Ramirez and his family, this just makes a lot of sense to us to honor him this way.”

Luke Lambert Quotes
What does it mean to you to have Commander Ramirez on the No. 77 this weekend?
“I’m honored. Bobby Ramirez is a true American hero, and he was close to a very good friend of mine, who’s also a hero who served in the Navy Seals. Having the opportunity to show our respect and gratitude to the service that Bobby provided us, to his family and to the world, is truly an honor for me. I’m thankful for NASCAR and Spire Motorsports for getting on board to honor him during this spectacular event.

“The Coke-Cola 600 has always been a special event for me. There is so much symbolism behind this event. It’s the longest race on the Cup schedule and also being Memorial Day weekend, it gives us an opportunity to pay respect to so many who lost their lives and sacrificed as individuals and also sacrificed loved ones for the freedoms we get to enjoy here in the United States. I’m thankful for all those that serve and certainly honored to be able to carry a name during this race. Commander Ramirez is a very worthy person to be honored for this event.”

From the Top of the Box

Ryan Sparks – Crew Chief, No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

• Ryan Sparks serves in a dual role as both Spire Motorsports competition director and crew chief for driver Corey LaJoie and the No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro in the NCS.
• Sparks, a Winston-Salem, N.C., native, has been paired with LaJoie since 2020.
• Combined, Sparks and LaJoie have earned four top-five and seven top-10 finishes, including a fourth-place finish in the 2024 Daytona 500.

Stephen Doran – Crew Chief, No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

• Stephen Doran begins his first full season as a Cup Series crew chief leading Zane Smith and the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team during the 2024 season.
• In 2006, Doran got his start in NASCAR at Petty Enterprises.
• Prior to his arrival at Spire Motorsports, Doran worked at Stewart-Haas Racing as an engineer, most recently on the No. 4 car driven by Kevin Harvick.

Luke Lambert – Crew Chief, No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1

• Luke Lambert is the crew chief for Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 team with 2024 NCS Rookie of the Year candidate Carson Hocevar
• The 2005 North Carolina State graduate has led the competition efforts for some of the sport’s most notable names including Jeff Burton, Ryan Newman, Elliott Sadler and Chris Buescher.
• In 2014, Lambert led Newman to a berth in the Championship 4, and ultimately a runner-up finish in the NCS championship point standings.

About Spire Motorsports …
Spire Motorsports is a NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race team co-owned by long-time NASCAR industry executives Jeff Dickerson and Thaddeus “T.J.” Puchyr. In 2024, Spire Motorsports will campaign the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1s in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Corey LaJoie, Zane Smith and Carson Hocevar, respectively. The team will also field the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. An all-star driver lineup will rotate throughout the 2024 season in the No. 7 Chevy. Rajah Caruth will drive the No. 71 entry and Chase Purdy rounds out the team’s fleet of Chevrolets in the No. 77.

Spire Motorsports earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado to its inaugural NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win on April 7, 2022, at Martinsville Speedway. The team’s most recent win came on April 12, 2024, when Kyle Busch took the took the checkered flag in the SpeedyCash.com 250 at Texas Motor Speedway.

JOSH BERRY
Charlotte Advance
No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Event Overview

● Event: Coca-Cola 600 (Round 14 of 36)
● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 26
● Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/600 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 100 laps / Stage 2: 100 laps / Stage 3: 100 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● This Sunday, the NASCAR Cup Series takes on the grueling, 600-mile challenge of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway. Josh Berry will be making his first career Cup Series start on the 1.5-mile oval and brings with him a short but impressive history there, having driven his way to victory lane in just his second career Charlotte start as a NASCAR Xfinity Series competitor in May 2022. In that race, Berry started fourth, won the first stage, finished second in the second stage, and led 89 of 200 laps. In his Charlotte debut, Berry was involved in an on-track incident that relegated him to a 32nd-place finish in the May 2021 Xfinity Series race. Last May, he started 14th and finished 15th.

● During All-Star Race festivities last weekend at North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, Berry was charged with having to race his way into the main event via the All-Star Open. He lined up seventh on the Open grid per the NASCAR rule book after qualifying was rained out. He fought a loose-handling No. 4 Ford Mustang but used his knowledge of the track from past starts running Late Models there and found speed by running the top lane in turns one and two. Berry was eighth at the halfway mark of the 100-lap Open, when he made a mandatory four-tire pit stop. Lightning-quick work by the No. 4 pit crew gained him three spots, placing him fifth for the lap-56 restart. From there, he maneuvered to third by race’s end, narrowly missing the All-Star Race by just one position.

● Crew chief Rodney Childers is no stranger to speed at Charlotte as the shot-caller during his Cup Series career. Childers’ drivers have scored pair of wins there (David Reutimann in 2009 after starting the race 21st, and former No. 4 Stewart-Haas driver Kevin Harvick in 2014). In his 30 previous starts atop the pit box, Childers’ drivers have amassed nine top-five finishes, 18 top-10s and four pole awards. His drivers have an average starting position of 10.8 and an average finish of 14. Charlotte Motor Speedway is truly Childers’ home track as he hails from Mooresville, North Carolina. His first racing experience came at age 12 during a trip to a local go-kart track. His friend raced and, as Childers looked on, he was instantly hooked. He knew he wanted to race and asked for a go-kart, but money was tight. That was until Childers’ mother Brenda, who at the time used her handiwork to create intricately patterned quilts to earn extra money for the family, started a new quilt to help buy Childers a go-kart for Christmas. When Childers started racing, he would set up his go-kart and load it into the back of the family pickup truck. He and his mom would go to the racetrack each weekend. She would help by warming up his engine before the race and then cheer for him in the stands. Childers proved to be a natural behind the wheel, and it wasn’t long before others took notice. Within a year, Childers reached a deal to drive for a go-kart shop with financial backing.

● Berry heads to Charlotte this weekend leading the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, 19 points ahead of Carson Hocevar. Berry is currently ranked 21st in the overall Cup Series standings.

● As part of NASCAR’s 600 Miles of Remembrance program, Berry and the No. 4 team will honor United States Marine Corps Corporal Jennifer Parcell, who hailed from Bel Air, Maryland. She was assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 3, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, Okinawa, Japan. CPL Parcell died while participating in the Corps’ Lioness program. The Lioness program utilized female Marines from different military occupational specialties to search Iraqi women at checkpoints. CPL Parcell was killed in action on Feb. 7, 2007, when an Iraqi woman she was searching detonated an explosive vest she was wearing. CPL Parcell graduated in 2004 from Fallston

(Maryland) High School, where she excelled in math. She ventured to Parris Island to watch the Marine Corps graduation ceremonies for her older brother, Joseph. That was when she decided she wanted to be a Marine. She joined the Corps in January 2005 and became a landing support specialist for combat operations. CPL Parcell was a petite dynamo and always on the go. Even while in Iraq, she was taking an online course at University of Maryland, and spent her free time in yoga classes. Helping others was also something she made a point to do. She sponsored an African child through a mission charity and, when an earthquake devastated Pakistan last year, she and others in her unit were dispatched to the scene – she earned the Humanitarian Service Medal for her efforts. March 1, 2007, was when she was scheduled to leave Iraq and return to Okinawa. Parcell loved the water-related activities, including boating and scuba diving. She planned to leave the Marines and attend college fulltime when her tour was scheduled to end in 2009.

● Overstock.com adorns Berry’s No. 4 Ford Mustang at Charlotte, but with a patriotic twist. This vibrant red and white scheme adds hints of blue and white stars to celebrate and pay tribute to Memorial Day weekend. The partnership amplifies the recent relaunch of Overstock.com, home of crazy good deals that offer quality and style for less. Overstock.com is for the savvy shopper who loves the thrill of the hunt and it includes product categories customers know and love, like patio furniture, home furniture and area rugs, while reintroducing jewelry, watches and health-and-beauty products.

Josh Berry, Driver of the No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse

What does it mean to carry CPL Parcell’s name on the No. 4 Overstock.com Ford Mustang Dark Horse this weekend for Memorial Day weekend?

“It means a lot to be able to give back to CPL Parcell’s family and honor the sacrifice she made to this county. Without brave people like her protecting our country and freedom, I wouldn’t be able to race on Sundays, and to be able to pay such a small tribute to her this weekend is really special to not only myself, but everyone on the No. 4 team. Hopefully we can carry her to victory lane this weekend. I know our whole team is even more motivated to run well for her.”

You have back-to-back third-place finishes in the last two Cup Series events you ran. What does that say about the progress you and the No. 4 team have made this season?

“To me, it proves that we are continuing to grow as a team and that we can run up front. I said it from the start of the year, this team is really solid and can run up front. We all knew it would take some time to gel and sync up as a team, but the back-to-back third-place finishes give us all the sense that we are on the right track with our process and that if we continue to work hard, study hard, and come to the track prepared, we can be just as competitive as any team on pit road. I don’t think we have reached our peak, yet, and we have the rest of the season to find victory lane.”

Talk about your May 2022 Xfinity Series win at Charlotte. You had a really strong showing, starting fourth before winning the race. What made the biggest difference that day?

“Honestly, that was probably the best car I ever drove. We unloaded at Charlotte with a ton of speed and knew that we would be contenders. My team did a really good job of putting together a good strategy and making the right adjustments in the race and kept me in the battle with Justin Allgaier that day. It was just an awesome day for our group.”

The Coca-Cola 600 is the longest race of the year and it’s the first under the lights this year. Does that play into your favor when looking at this weekend, knowing mile-and-a-halves are typically some of the more racy places you visit?

“Having a longer race like that gives us the opportunity to learn which has been our mantra since the start of the year. We have improved little by little each time at intermediates. It’s also two-fold because we can try a lot of things and see what helps and what doesn’t in order to build a better notebook. Ford gave us a new body this year with the Dark Horse, and I think having 600 miles to work on it and learn will help us with our understanding of what we can do to create speed throughout a race. I have to keep the car clean and execute on my end and hopefully we can have a shot at getting the No. 4 team a win.”

No. 4 Overstock.com Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Josh Berry

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Rodney Childers

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Car Chief: Robert “Cheddar” Smith

Hometown: Whitewater, Wisconsin

Engineer: Dax Gerringer

Hometown: Gibsonville, North Carolina

Engineer: Billy Kuebler

Hometown: Saline, Michigan

Spotter: Eddie D’Hondt

Hometown: Levittown, New York

Over-The-Wall Members

Front Tire Changer: Daniel Coffey

Hometown: Granite Falls, North Carolina

Rear Tire Changer: Daniel Smith

Hometown: Concord, North Carolina

Tire Carrier: Mason Flynt

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Jack Man: Brandon Banks

Hometown: High Point, North Carolina

Fuel Man: Evan Marchal

Hometown: Westfield, Indiana

Road Crew Members

Mechanic: Tyler Trosper

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Mechanic: Chris Capaldi

Hometown: Armada, Michigan

Tire Specialist: Zac Lupien

Hometown: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Engine Tuner: Robert Brandt

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Transporter Co-Driver: Jake Zierhoffer

Hometown: Billerica, Massachusetts

Transporter Co-Driver: Stephen Mitchell

Hometown: Woodville, Ohio

Ford Mustang Dark Horse

Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Competition Notes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 22, 2024) – It’s a home race for Todd Gilliland and the No. 38 Ford Mustang Dark Horse team as they travel just 30 minutes south to the Charlotte Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600. This will be Gilliland’s third attempt at the Crown Jewel race with a career best of 16th in the race.

Quincy Compressor returns with Front Row Motorsports and Gilliland for the 400-lap event and will bring along their partner, Warthog Air Compressor Store, in a special Memorial Day weekend scheme.

Track activity for the NASCAR Cup Series will begin on Saturday with practice and qualifying at 5:00 p.m. ET. Sunday’s 600-mile race is set to take place at 6:00 p.m. ET and will be televised live on FOX. Fans can also listen in on the action from the Performance Racing Network and Sirius XM channel 90.

No. 38 Quincy/Warthog Air Compressor Store Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

DRIVER TODD GILLILAND:

“Charlotte is always a fun race. Yeah it’s long, but with being on the road for the majority of the season, it’s nice to sleep in my own bed and have all of my family join us at the track. It’s a very demanding race, I have to be physically and mentally prepared for whatever comes my way. I know Ryan (Bergenty) and the team will bring me a fast Quincy/Warthog Air Compressor Store Ford Mustang Dark Horse, I just have to execute and do the best I can do”

CREW CHIEF RYAN BERGENTY:

“600 miles is no joke. You have to be not only physically tough, but mentally tough as well and not just from a driver stand-point. It’s a long race, so we have to be ready for anything to give Todd (Gilliland) the best chance at 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.

Charlotte Motor Speedway Competition Notes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 22, 2024) – Memorial Day weekend is among us, and Michael McDowell and the No. 34 team are ready to race 600 miles in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

With a patriotic paint scheme, Walmart Stores and RTIC Outdoors come on board his Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Founded in 2014, RTIC’s mission has been to provide high-quality, affordable products for all. In April 2023, RTIC became the Official Cooler and Drinkware sponsor of NASCAR, offering officially licensed NASCAR Drinkware and Coolers at rticoutdoors.com. As part of their commitment to continue providing quality, affordable products directly to consumers, RTIC has expanded into 3,800 Walmart stores nationwide.

This will be McDowell’s 31st total start at the Charlotte Motor Speedway, which includes an 8th-place finish in the 2022 May race.

The weekend kicks off Saturday, May 25th with practice and qualifying starting at 5:00 p.m. ET on FS1. Sunday, May 26th, the Coca-Cola 600 will begin at 6:00 p.m. ET with coverage on FOX. All the coverage will also be available on SiriusXM Channel 90 and the Motor Racing Network.

No. 34 Walmart / RTIC Ford Mustang Dark Horse:

DRIVER MICHAEL MCDOWELL:

“I can’t wait to showcase the Walmart / RTIC Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The Coca-Cola 600 is a great race to being the partnership with them and a special race on the NASCAR calendar. Everyone in the shop is working hard getting the No. 34 ready for 600 miles. It is also a huge honor to have Sergeant Andrew P. Southard riding along on the windscreen. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for this country and this weekend is about remembering our heroes.”

CREW CHIEF TRAVIS PETERSON:

“This week is another crown jewel race, one that everyone wants on their resume. We have good momentum coming to Charlotte, coming of a few Top-10s, hopefully we can keep that up and give ourselves a chance to be there at the end. The 600 is a long race and everyone has to stay focused all night and execute perfectly to win.”

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.

Race Notes

Charlotte Motor Speedway
Coca-Cola 600
NASCAR Cup Series (NCS)
Sunday, May 26 at 6:00PM EDT
FOX | PRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

• Kaulig Racing has made four Coca-Cola 600 starts and earned two top-15 finishes in 2023.
• So far in the 2024 NCS season, Kaulig Racing has earned four top 10s, 10 top-20 finishes and led 34 laps.

SHANE van GISBERGEN

“The Cup car at Charlotte is going to be another massive challenge for me, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity! I’m excited to run the 600, one of the crown jewels of NASCAR. We have 400 laps to learn and hopefully come home with a straight car and good finish on Sunday night.” – Shane van Gisbergen on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 16 WeatherTech Camaro ZL1

• Shane van Gisbergen will make his fifth-career Cup series start this weekend driving the No. 16 WeatherTech Camaro.
• This weekend, the No. 16 will honor Master Sergeant Thomas Donald Maholic. Sergeant Maholic was part of the United States Army 2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group based at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Master Sergeant Maholic lost his life in Afghanistan on June 24, 2016.
• The No. 16 Chevrolet is a collaboration between Trackhouse Racing and Kaulig Racing.
• Van Gisbergen’s start at Charlotte will be the third of eight scheduled Cup Series starts in 2024 for the three-time Supercars Champion
• Van Gisbergen has led laps in three of his four career NASCAR Cup Series starts.

DANIEL HEMRIC

“Every time I get a chance to race at my home track where I grew up and made so many memories throughout my younger days of racing is super special. There was a time I didn’t know if I’d ever run another Coke 600, so I’m not taking it for granted. The way that race goes from late day to night, the track transition, and the multiple grooves you have to run, just makes for one of the most fun endurance races of the year.” – Daniel Hemric on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1

• Daniel Hemric has made one Coca-Cola 600 start, where he led a total of seven laps at his home track.
• This weekend, the No. 31 will honor Captain David “Seth” Mitchell. Caption Mitchell was part of the Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, and I Marine Expeditionary Force in the United States Marine Corps. Captain Mitchell lost his life in Afghanistan on October 26, 2009.
• So far in the 2024 season, Hemric has earned two top 10s, five top-20 finishes and has led 14 laps.

 
Race Details

Charlotte Motor Speedway
BetMGM 300
NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS)
Saturday, May 25 at 1:00PM EDT
FOX | PRN | SiriusXM
Team Notes

• Kaulig Racing has made 18 NXS starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The team has earned two top fives, five top-10 finishes and led 70 laps.
• So far in the 2024 NXS season, the team has earned two top fives, seven top-10 finishes and led 63 laps.

JOSH WILLIAMS

“Charlotte’s a fun track. It’s super rough and has only gotten rougher over the years. It’s got multiple grooves, and I’m pretty excited to get back there.” – Josh Williams on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 11 Alloy Employer Services Chevrolet Camaro

• Josh Williams has made six starts in the NXS at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
• Williams’ best finish at the track was 14th, which he achieved in the NXS’ lone race on the oval in 2020.

AJ ALLMENDINGER

“Always good to be racing at home. I feel like we haven’t had good results at Charlotte, but we’ve actually had pretty good speed there so I’m looking forward to going back there. Our mile-and-a-half program on the Xfinity side has been probably our best so it’ll be fun to go back there and hopefully have a good run.” – AJ Allmendinger on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 16 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet Camaro

• AJ Allmendinger has made three NXS starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway and has led two laps.
• So far in the 2024 season, Allmendinger has earned one top five, five top-10 finishes and led 31 laps. Allmendinger currently sits seventh in the NXS driver standings.

SHANE van GISBERGEN

“It’s going to be a lot of fun being able to race at home here in Charlotte this weekend. I’m starting to get a little more comfortable on mile-and-a-half ovals and I’m looking forward to trying to figure out Charlotte this weekend. We have a pretty cool paint scheme and I appreciate Focused Health coming on board this with us.” – Shane van Gisbergen on Charlotte Motor Speedway

No. 97 Focused Health Chevrolet Camaro

• Shane van Gisbergen and his No. 97 Focused Health team have a home race this weekend as the Xfinity series heads to Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway for their annual Memorial Day Weekend stop.
• This weekend in Charlotte, the Focused Health livery will make its second appearance on the three-time Supercars champions Chevrolet. The paint scheme pays tribute to the US Air Force in which Focused Health CEO Shawn Holt is a retired Veteran. Focused Health is a national health insurance agency formed by long-time industry veterans Shawn Holt and Larry Cassar. Focused Health assists consumers and employers in navigating the myriad of health insurance options in the government programs space.
• In his last start on a 1.5-mile oval at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth back in April, Van Gisbergen started 33rd and finished 18th.
• Two weeks ago, at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway, Van Gisbergen started 17th and finished 15th in his debut at the track “Too Tough to Tame”.
• Van Gisbergen and his No. 97 team currently sit 15th in the driver standings heading into the weekend in Charlotte.

About Kaulig Racing

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

This Week in Motorsports: May 20 – 26, 2024

· NCS/NXS/NCTS/ARCA: Charlotte Motor Speedway – May 24-26

PLANO, Texas (May 22, 2024) – NASCAR is back at Charlotte Motor Speedway this Memorial Day weekend with all three national series, culminating with the Coca-Cola 600 Sunday night. The ARCA Menards Series also takes to the 1.5-mile oval on Friday for the series’ sixth race of 2024.

NASCAR National Series – NCS | NXS | NCTS

Johnson also attempts “The Double” … One NASCAR Cup Series driver is making headlines this month attempting “The Double” in racing both the Indianapolis 500 and Coca Cola 600, but Jimmie Johnson is doing his own version as well. The seven-time Cup Series champion will be part of the broadcast crew for the Indianapolis 500 and then fly to Charlotte to contest the 600-mile race in his LEGACY MOTOR CLUB No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. This will be Johnson’s 39th start on the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval where he has eight wins, 16 top-fives and 22 top-10s.

Toyota seeks another Coke 600 triumph … The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the crown jewels in NASCAR, to which Toyota seeks its seventh victory in the famed race. The last victory for Toyota in the 600 came from Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing in 2022, and the first coming from David Reutimann in 2009.

Hamlin returns to favorable Charlotte Motor Speedway … Along with his 2022 Coke 600 win, Hamlin has found immense success around the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval. The Virginia native has nine top-10s in the last 12 Coca-Cola 600s, along with 17 in the last 22 total races around the 1.5-mile oval.

Thompson makes Xfinity Series debut in triple duty effort … NASCAR Truck Series veteran, Dean Thompson, will make his Xfinity Series debut Saturday in the No. 26 GR Supra with Sam Hunt Racing. Thompson is in his fourth Truck Series season, where he’s made 57 career starts. The California native will be doing triple duty at Charlotte this weekend, also running in the Truck Series race for TRICON Garage and the ARCA Menards Series race for Venturini Motorsports.

Smith seeks another top-10 run … Currently third in the Xfinity Series points standings, Chandler Smith will push for another solid run this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway as he attempts to close the gap to first. The Georgia native has eight top-10s, including two victories, in the 11 Xfinity Series races so far this season and will make his second Xfinity Series start at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Heim closes points gap after win … Following his win at North Wilkesboro last weekend, his second victory in three races and third on the season, Corey Heim is now just four points behind the top spot of the series points standings heading to Charlotte this weekend. The TRICON Garage driver comes to Charlotte Motor Speedway looking to improve upon a second-place finish in his lone start at the 1.5-mile oval last year.

Gray looks to continue Charlotte qualifying success … Tanner Gray enters the weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway with three top-10 starting spots in his four starts there, including sitting on the pole last year. Gray will do double duty this weekend, also running in the ARCA Menards Series race for Joe Gibbs Racing.

NASCAR Regional Series – ARCA Menards Series

Balcaen the lead Toyota Camry in series points … Heading back on track this weekend in Charlotte, Amber Balcaen looks to close her deficit to the ARCA Menards Series points lead in her second start at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Canadian currently sits third in the points standings after five races, just 13 points behind the second position and 19 points back of the lead.

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th 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 28 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.

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

Martin Truex Jr.
Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Advance
No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE for Joe Gibbs Racing

Event Overview

● Event: Coca-Cola 600 (Round 14 of 36)
● Time/Date: 6 p.m. EDT on Sunday, May 26
● Location: Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway
● Layout: 1.5-mile oval
● Laps/Miles: 400 laps/600 miles
● Stage Lengths: Stage 1: 100 laps / Stage 2: 100 laps / Stage 3: 100 laps / Final Stage: 100 laps
● TV/Radio: FOX / PRN / SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Notes of Interest

● Where We Stand: The New Jersey native sits second in the driver standings with 456 points, 30 behind leader Kyle Larson. Three of the four Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) entries are currently inside the top-10 in the standings, with Denny Hamlin sitting third and Ty Gibbs seventh as the series heads back to points-paying races this weekend with the annual Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

● As part of #NASCARSalutes and the 600 Miles of Remembrance initiative during the Coca-Cola 600, the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Camry will be honoring First Lieutenant Harold Ring, who lost his life on Feb. 23, 1969, in Vietnam. Ring was assigned to the 7th Battalion, 11th Artillery Regiment (7/11), of the 25th Infantry (“Tropic Lightning”) Division (the 25 ID) in the Vietnam war. On Feb. 23, 1969, his platoon hastily retreated to better cover in a ditch along a road, which they had just crossed. One man was left alone about 20 yards from the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) machine gun nest. It was at that point that the unit’s FO (1st Lieutenant Ring) began working its way toward the lone infantryman and the NVA machinegun nest. He also began calling artillery fire on NVA trenches and bunkers, from which the enemy had opened fire along a broad front. Ring was awarded the Silver Star for valor that day because his actions were instrumental in suppressing NVA fire and allowing the platoon to survive. Bass Pro Shops and Truex are honored to have 1Lt. Ring riding along on the No. 19 at Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 and remember the bravery of 1LT Ring and all those who have served our country this weekend and every day.

● In addition to 1st Lieutentant Ring’s name on the windshield, Bass Pro Shops is honoring 34 additional fallen soldiers, as they will be riding along on the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Camry with its patriot Red, White, and Blue paint scheme in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.

● Truex has three wins, eight top-five finishes and 14 top-10s and has led a total of 1,059 laps in 32 career NASCAR Cup Series starts at Charlotte. Truex’s average Charlotte finish is 13.7.

● Truex notched his most recent Coca-Cola 600 win in May 2019, when he led 116 laps en route to his third victory at the 1.5-mile oval. Truex’s other Charlotte wins came in May 2016 and September 2017. The Bass Pro Shops driver’s most memorable of two Coca-Cola 600 wins came in his first win there in 2016, when Truex led a whopping 392 laps, the most miles any driver has ever led a NASCAR Cup Series race to date in one of the most dominating performances of the modern era of NASCAR.

● Looking for 35: Truex’s win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon last July was his most recent Cup Series win, the 34th of his career, tying him with 2004 Cup Series champion Kurt Busch for 25th on the all-time Cup Series win list.

● Ahead at this Stage: Truex has accumulated 63 stage wins since the beginning of the stage era in 2017. He is the only driver with 10 or more stage sweeps, with his latest sweep coming at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn last August. Truex scored his second stage win of the season at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway last month, leading the field across the line at the end of Stage 1.

Martin Truex Jr., Driver of the No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Toyota Camry XSE

What is your favorite thing about the Coca-Cola 600?

“My favorite thing about the Coke 600 is how much the track changes and how long the race is. It’s such a big challenge to get prepared for and get through the whole race. We’ve been fortunate to win it a few times. For whatever reason, it’s been a really good race for me and my Bass Pro Shops team the past eight or nine years. I always look forward to the challenge – it’s a grind and I love that. Always honored to not only have a fallen soldier riding along with me, but also for all the work Bass Pro Shops does with the USO and all their great work with our military heroes.”

What is it like winning the Coke 600?

“When you win the 600, you get to go upstairs in the Speedway Club and get the jacket – you get a ring and a jacket – it’s a big deal, it’s not like winning a normal race. Any time you get to do those things, it’s really special and you definitely savor the moment. For me, leading 492 miles or whatever back in 2016, it was a great trip up there after. The most laps and miles led in a NASCAR race, it was an incredible deal to be able to do that.”

What does it mean to you, all the things that are done for the families of fallen service members during the weekend?

“It’s obviously special to honor a fallen service member on all of our windshields with 1LT Ring on our car this weekjend, but also just to meet the family members who get to come to the track. And just to see their excitement and their appreciation for what NASCAR does to put that on and honor the family members. It makes them feel very special, and for us it’s just a huge honor. To do the break during the race is special, too. It’s just part of the whole day to honor those who have made so many sacrifices for our country, and to have the halfway break is very moving.”

Would you say the 2016 Coca-Cola 600 was a day that lined up for you the most perfectly in your career, and are there others that have been that good that maybe not everyone would know like that day?

“Certainly that 2016 Coke 600 was a special day. We started on the pole and led almost every lap, and the only laps we didn’t lead were when we were pitting. Essentially led every lap we were on the track racing. To do that in a 600-mile race, the longest of the year, to do that was as close to perfection as it gets. But, I feel like there were other races that I might have had a better performance by me, just because I know when I make mistakes and do the little things here and there. The Coke 600 that year, it got pretty sketchy a couple of times for as easy as it looked from the outside. I’ve had a couple of Darlington races where I think I had better performances. Last year, we led with 30 to go and had the belt issue and didn’t end up winning, I felt like that was one of my best races ever, even though we didn’t win. There have been a few along the way where I felt like I didn’t make any mistakes and I got everything I could, but certainly that Coke 600 was as dominant as we’ve been as a team.”

No. 19 Bass Pro Shops Team Roster

Primary Team Members

Driver: Martin Truex Jr.

Hometown: Mayetta, New Jersey

Crew Chief: James Small

Hometown: Melbourne, Australia

Car Chief: Chris Jones

Hometown: Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia

Race Engineer: Jaik Halpainy

Hometown: Blockville, New York

Engineer: Jeff Curtis

Hometown: Fairfax Station, Virginia

Spotter: Drew Herring

Hometown: Benson, North Carolina

Road Crew Members

Underneath Mechanic: Ryan Martin

Hometown: Mechanicsburg, Virgina

Mechanic: Todd Carmichael

Hometown: Redding, California

Interior/Tire Specialist: Tommy DiBlasi

Hometown: Annapolis, Maryland

Engine Tuner: Beau Morton

Hometown: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Transporter Driver: Kyle Bazzell

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Transporter Driver: Eddie DeGroot

Hometown: Baldwinsville, New York

Over-The-Wall Crew Members

Gas Man: Matt Tyrrell

Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Jackman: Caleb Dirks

Hometown: Riverside, California

Tire Carrier: CJ Bailey

Hometown: Outer Banks, North Carolina

Front Tire Changer: Lee Cunningham

Hometown: Leaf River, Illinois

Rear Tire Changer: Mike Louria

Hometown: Gibraltar, Michigan

Austin Dillon to Race the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet at Darlington Raceway in September to Highlight America’s Premier Children’s Christmastime Charity and Year-Round Giving

WELCOME, N.C. (May 21, 2024) – Marine Toys for Tots®, America’s premier children’s Christmastime charity, is partnering with Richard Childress Racing to highlight the charity’s year-round programs to help underprivileged children, both during the Christmas season and beyond. The dynamic, multi-year partnership includes primary race sponsorship of the No. 3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet for select races, kicking off with the NASCAR Cup Series race at Darlington Raceway this September. The race is scheduled to air live on USA Network beginning at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 1.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Car,” said LtGen Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “This collaboration is a powerful way to drive the message of giving and community support across the finish line, reaching millions of NASCAR fans who can help significantly impact disadvantaged children’s lives during the holiday season and beyond.”

Established in 1947, Toys for Tots is the U.S. Marine Corps’ premier community action program and America’s most popular children’s Christmastime charity. Toys for Tots is the combined efforts of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Toys for Tots’ mission is to provide hope and emotional support to economically disadvantaged children through toys, books, and other gifts at Christmastime and throughout the year. Because needs aren’t seasonal, Toys for Tots has evolved into a year-round force for good – ensuring that no child is forgotten any day of the year.

Dillon, a two-time NASCAR Champion and the 2018 Daytona 500 Champion, joins a long list of celebrity ambassadors who have contributed their time and efforts to assist Toys for Tots. Dillon and RCR will help highlight Toys for Tots’ charitable campaigns throughout the year.

“Toys for Tots is an incredible organization, and we could not be more excited to build a relationship with them and the U.S Marine Corps Reserve,” said Torrey Galida, president of Richard Childress Racing. “We are honored to be able to debut the No.3 Toys for Tots Chevrolet and are eager to work closely with Toys for Tots to highlight their Christmastime charitable efforts and year-round commitment to ensuring that no child is forgotten.”

For more information on Toys for Tots and to find a chapter in your community, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/.

Toys for Tots, a 77-year National charitable Program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides year-round joy, comfort, and hope to economically disadvantaged children across the Nation through the gift of a new toy or book. Providing toys, books, and other gifts to disadvantaged children offers recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Since 1947, the Program has evolved and grown exponentially, having delivered hope and the magic of Christmas to over 301 million children in need. Because the need isn’t just at Christmastime, the Marine Toys for Tots Program also provides support year-round to families experiencing challenges and exceptional circumstances, thus fulfilling the hopes and dream of millions of disadvantaged children beyond the holidays. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not-for-profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2024 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Jesse Love (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

CLUB ENTRY LIST

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
POINT STANDINGS: 24th

ERIK JONES
POINT STANDINGS: 27th

JIMMIE JOHNSON

CLUB NOTES

A new look: The No. 43 entry for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB will be wrapped in a patriotic scheme to celebrate Memorial Day. This weekend, the Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE will feature the traditional Family Dollar red along with navy blue and white stars to mimic the nation’s flag this weekend, a nod to those who serve and made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

EJF at CMS: This weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Erik Jones Foundation will work with team sponsors Dollar Tree and Family Dollar and their supplier, Edgewell Personal Care, to distribute over 4,000 sun safety bags. The EJF will hand out Banana Boat sunscreen samples and sun safety materials to fans enjoying the Memorial Day race weekend, encouraging them to keep their skin safe throughout the weekend.

JJ’s House: Throughout Jimmie Johnson’s career, he practically resided in victory lane at Charlotte (then Lowe’s) Motor Speedway. Johnson has won on the speedway oval a record eight times across a span of 38 starts. Johnson won four races in a row at the 1.5-mile speedway, including two Memorial Day Coca-Cola 600’s during the 2004 and 2005 race seasons. In the 2004 600-mile event, Johnson dominated the field by leading a whopping 334 out of 400 total laps. In addition to the eight wins, Johnson has 16-top five, and 22 top-10 finishes while leading 1,936 laps around the circuit

A double of his own: Johnson never lets the grass grow under his feet for too long. He signed a deal with NBC Sports to do a ‘double’ of his own on Sunday, May 26. Johnson will practice and qualify the No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE at Charlotte and then hop on a plane to Indianapolis, Ind. Bright and early, Johnson will have production meetings and rehearsal, and the broadcast will start at 9 a.m. ET. Johnson joins NBC veteran analysts Mike Tirico, Danica Patrick, Leigh Diffey, Townsend Bell and James Hinchcliffe to cover storylines of the Indianapolis 500. Johnson will head back to Charlotte at a pre-determined time in order to make the driver’s meeting and introductions, before strapping in to drive 600 miles in the Coca-Cola 600. He will most likely beat NASCAR points leader Kyle Larson to the track as Larson has a chance to win two races on Sunday as Larson takes on 1,100 miles in the true driving double.

Street cred in the booth: Johnson is no stranger to the Indy 500. He competed in the 2022 event, starting 12th before crashing with six laps to go in the event. He was crowned the 2022 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. The Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year is awarded annually by vote to the racing driver deemed to have been the best-performing rookie in the Indianapolis 500. Criteria include drivers’ performance during practice, qualifying, and the race, their relationship with fans and the media, their sportsmanship, and having a positive impact on the race.

Do-over from Kansas: Johnson is hopeful this weekend goes according to plan, as he had a fast Toyota Camry in the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway earlier this month before his day ended early in a crash. He and the No. 84 team were making gains throughout the race and showed top-10 potential before the day ended early.

Boys and Girls Club: Team partner Family Dollar will host the Boys & Girls Club of America this weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Family Dollar works with the Boys & Girls Club of America to outfit youth with the proper tools and resources to support their communities. The program with Family Dollar is focused on helping children think, learn, and create change. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB entries will support this program by hosting a group from the Boys & Girls Club of America at the track, along with a decal near the roof numbers on No. 42 and No. 43 entries. To learn more about this program, click here.

Operation Homefront: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and team partner Dollar Tree will host guests from “Operation Homefront” at Charlotte Motor Speedway this weekend. Operation Homefront is a nonprofit organization that aids military families in their growth and development with resources such as housing and financial assistance. In 2023, the organization helped over 1,400 military families who applied for critical financial assistance, with over $4 million in support. Operation Homefront will be represented on the roof of Nos. 42 and 43 throughout the weekend.

EJ in the Booth: Jones will join Fox for the annual “Drivers Only” broadcast team to call this weekend’s Xfinity race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Jones will be in the booth as an analyst along with Ryan Blaney and Austin Cindric. Fellow competitors Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano, Carson Hocevar, and Josh Berry will round out this year’s broadcast as studio hosts, pit reporters, and play-by-play commentary.

Xfinity Success: Jones has earned nine wins, 15 pole positions, 37 top-five, and 50 top-10 finishes across 79 attempts in the Xfinity Series. Jones competed in the Xfinity Series between 2014 and 2021, only running one full-time season in 2016. He earned four of his nine wins during the 2016 season.

Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma: Last week, two-time Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year and multi-platinum award-winning star Luke Combs released a new music video to accompany his new single, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”. The video features tornado storm chasers and is the theme song for the summer blockbuster movie release of “Twister”. The music video starred Combs and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s Nemechek through the partnership with OLIPOP. To see the full video visit, www.lukecombs.com or on Nemechek and LEGACY M.C.’s social media channels.

That Jones Baby: Jones and his wife Holly announced late last week that the family will be expanding with a new addition to the Jones family. The two shared through their social media accounts that the family is expecting their first child in November of this year, just in time for the off-season.

NBC and JJ: In addition to this weekend’s Indianapolis 500, Johnson will also serve as an analyst on NBC Sports’ NASCAR coverage of the events at Daytona International Speedway on Aug. 24 and Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, one of three Cup Series Playoff races in the Round of 12. Johnson will also contribute to NBC Sports’ coverage for select NASCAR races in which he is competing this year, including the NASCAR Cup Series Championship from Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10.

Better Half Dash: On Wednesday evening, May 29, the “better halves” of the NASCAR industry will be competing for great causes in the Better Half Dash event hosted by Motor Racing Outreach (MRO). The go-karting event will take place at Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville, N.C. This year, John Hunter’s wife, Taylor Nemechek, will be competing for the second time, while raising money for a special cause that is near to her heart, the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. To support Taylor in finding a cure for this terrible disease, visit, www.go2mro.com/bhd-drivers/taylor-nemechek

Keeping fans safe: Jones will make several public service announcements throughout the weekend that will play on the big screen at Charlotte Motor Speedway reminding fans to stay sun safe. May is “Melanoma Awareness Month”, and the Erik Jones Foundation (EJF) has been working hard to raise awareness for the most common type of cancer found in adults. This is a cause close to the Jones family, as Erik’s father, Dave Jones, passed away from melanoma in 2016.

JHN and the Longest Race of the Year: Nemechek’s first and only attempt at the longest race of the year came back in 2020. At the end of the 405-lap affair, Nemechek finished in the 16th position. Nemechek is no stranger to Charlotte Motor Speedway with multiple starts across the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series where he won in 2021.

Thinking of DC8: All LEGACY M.C. entries will run decals through the Charlotte Motor Speedway race in support of the Dollar Tree Distribution Center 8 (DC8) in Marietta, Okla. DC8 was impacted by the devastating tornadoes that hit the Oklahoma region last weekend. Although the distribution center was severely damaged, fortunately, none of the 456 associates employed by the distribution center were injured by the disaster.

Pit Crew: The Coca-Cola 600 is one of the most unique races of the year for not only the drivers but also the over-the-wall crew. LEGACY MOTOR CLUB pit crew members are expected to make 10-12 pit stops throughout the race, which will prove to be a marathon of precision and efficiency. All three CLUB entries will have plenty of opportunities to showcase their true athleticism and teamwork during the 600-mile marathon.

Going for G.O.L.D.: Partners Dollar Tree and Family Dollar will honor store #5424 this weekend as a part of the company’s “Go for G.O.L.D.” (Grand Opening Look Daily) program. The Dollar Tree and Family Dollar primaries will highlight these stores on the deck lid of all three LEGACY M.C. entries throughout the race season. Store #5424 is located in Charlotte, N.C.

CLUB members who served: Carl Garcia, the interior mechanic on the No. 43 for LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, served in the military from 1997-2000. Garcia was a member of the 82nd Airborne Infantry Regiment and worked as an E-4 during his service at Fort Bragg, N.C. Earl Barban, Jimmie Johnson’s longtime spotter served from 1983-1988 in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and is a Navy Achievement Medal recipient. No. 42 mechanic Zach Casada served in the U.S. Army from June 2008 to April 2016.

CLUB QUOTES

John Hunter Nemechek, Driver of the No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE:

“This is your second Coke 600, what do you like about Charlotte and how important is it to stay on top of your Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE throughout the race?

“This is my second 600, and I ran well in the first one. I like Charlotte a lot, it has a lot of characteristics and bumps while trying to get your car to work. They’re spraying resin in the top groove this year so that’s going to be interesting to see how that plays out. It’s a long day to night race so the track is going to change a lot, so relying on Ben for notes and past experience during the 600 to kind of figure out what we need balance wise just so I myself as a driver can understand what I feel like I need. Not knowing how much it changes and kind of the balance that you’re looking for I think that’s the hardest part about the 600. You see a lot of guys that are really good early in the race, and you see a lot of guys that are good at the end of the race, and part of that is because the track changes so much, trying to keep up with adjustments during that is very hard. Charlotte hometown!”

During the Coke 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway and everyone at NASCAR does a great job of honoring the men and women that serve this country, what does it mean to represent the fallen soldier [Spc. Dustin J. Feldhaus] and all the families that will be there at the track as well as all of the men and women that will be watching from afar?

“It means a lot to be able to represent a fallen soldier and without them fighting for our country and for our freedom we wouldn’t be able to do the things that we love to do and that’s race every Sunday during the year and be able to have the freedom that we do, so I think that being able to honor and remember them on Memorial Day weekend for the Coke 600 it’s such a big celebration and remembrance of not only the soldier that’s going to be on our card but every single one that has fallen and given their life to our country and fighting for freedom

Ben Beshore, Crew chief of the No. 42 Dollar Tree Toyota Camry XSE:

What are the keys to a strong run at the Coke 600?

“This track is a mix of handling and aerodynamics. It’s a fast track but the bumps get a little bit worse every year. So, blending a setup that has good aero platform but gets through the bumps well is a big part of making a fast car at Charlotte.”

With the Coke 600 being the longest of the year and it going from day to night, how important is it to stay on top of the changing conditions and adjustments for the car?

“It’s very important. The track will go through a couple transitions, so we’ll have to have a plan in place ahead of time to be able to adapt and try to be ahead of the adjustments we need as the sun sets and the track cools off.”

Each team will have a fallen soldier’s name riding along with them on the car, what does it mean to be able to represent the name that is on the car, the surviving families and all the men and women that serve our country?

“Seeing the Gold Star Flags this time of year is always a reality check. We are very privileged to be able to do the things we do because of all the brave soldiers who made great sacrifices for this country. It means a lot to the team to have one of those soldiers riding with us during the race to be able to tell their story of that sacrifice.

Erik Jones, Driver of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:

What makes the 600 such an important race for the sport and how does the length of the race change your strategy as a driver?

“The 600 is one of my favorite races of the year, and it’s obviously our longest; that challenge is unique to Charlotte. The sport does a really great job of giving us the opportunity to honor those who served on Memorial Day, and it is always neat to see those names ride along with us. I always get excited for this weekend; it is obviously a unique race in the way that it starts in the day and goes into the night; the track changes so much, and you see so many guys come and go in the last few years with this car that race has seemed to get pretty wild as the day goes on. Charlotte has been a good race for me, and for us at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB, we showed some pretty good speed but ran into some unfortunate circumstances last year. So, hopefully, we can get our 1.5-mile stuff rolling and get the result that we want.”

Dave Elenz, Crew chief of the No. 43 Family Dollar Toyota Camry XSE:

How does the 600 miles of racing change your strategy and where can you find success?

“I think Charlotte is always a fun race, 600 miles gives you the opportunity to really get into a rhythm during the race, and it really brings out the most prepared drivers, and you’ll see those teams rise to the top. It is pretty fun to see how the stages are broken up, it’s four 100-lap stages that make things easier to get into a rhythm for each one of those and set up for the runs that entail from those. We look forward to it. We had a lot of speed there last year, so hopefully, we can bring a great car again.”

Jimmie Johnson, Driver of the No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE:

“I’m ready to get back on track after Kansas. It was the best I felt in these cars and I really hate we couldn’t finish that race. We have 600 miles to sort it out on Sunday night and I’m here for it. The opportunity with NBC to call the pre-race and participate in the broadcast for the Indianapolis 500 is just so cool. The first time I did the broadcast I got the itch to run the 500 (laughs) and we made that happen in 2022. It will be a long day on Sunday as we hit the airwaves bright and early, but I really can’t wait. It’s one of the greatest days in auto racing. Also, the 600 is so special with the Gold Star family of SSG James “Jimmy” Patton joining us. It’s an honor for his family to be with us for this event and we want to do well for Jimmy.”

Jason Burdett, Crew chief of the No. 84 AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE:

“The good thing about Charlotte is that Jimmie ran last year’s 600 in this NextGen car, so he already has a starting point of where he needs to be and what he will want out of the AdventHealth Toyota. It’s only been two races since he has been out of the car so the momentum we had in Kansas should carry into Charlotte. The format of stages is like four races in one race for us. So we plan to take it stage by stage – it’s a long night but a great racetrack for us.”

PETTY 75TH ANNIVERSARY

ABOUT PETTY 75th: The 2024 season marks a significant milestone in the history of the Petty family as they have helped define stock car racing for 75 years. Their commitment to the sport and the people who make it possible – behind the wheel, under the hood, in the back office, and beyond – has shaped the growth and success of NASCAR. Their LEGACY lives on with the countless fans, drivers, technicians, and team members they touched. Throughout 2024, LEGACY M.C. will celebrate the Petty family and share countless memories with friends and fans at race tracks across the country.

The First: Lee Petty was a part of NASCAR’s first race at the short track of Charlotte Speedway in 1949. The eldest Petty qualified ninth in a car that he borrowed (or rumored to have stolen) from the service station where he worked. Petty was collected in a wreck on Lap 102 and finished 17th in the race. This race kickstarted the passion for the Petty family to compete in NASCAR.

Career Win for Petty: Adam Petty won in his first career ARCA start in 1998 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Petty qualified sixth and led 27 of the possible 67 laps in the No. 45 entry for Petty Enterprises. Petty only had two starts in his ARCA career, and his second attempt came at Talladega Superspeedway that same year.

Lee Petty in Charlotte: Lee Petty raced at three different Charlotte-based tracks throughout his storied career. The patriarch of the Petty family raced at Charlotte Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Southern States Fairgrounds between the years between 1949 and 1961. Of these three tracks, he dominated Southern States Fairgrounds with three wins (1954, 1957, 1959) in 17 attempts with nine top-five, 15 top-10, four pole positions, and 313 laps led. The Petty that started it all holds an average start of 5.4 and an average finish of 6.8.

Richard Petty: “The King” has six starts at Southern States Fairgrounds between 1959 and 1961, including a trip to victory lane in the spring of 1960. Petty only finished one race in these six starts, being his win during the 1960 season. “The King” led 18 laps that day in his only win at the short track. “The King” made 64 starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway dating back to the track’s inaugural race in 1960 until he retired in 1992. Of those starts, Petty was victorious five times (1961, 1975, 1977, 1983), won three pole positions, 23 top-five, 31 top-10 finishes, and 1,702 laps led.

KP at CMS: Kyle Petty went to Victory Lane once during his 53 attempts at Charlotte Motor Speedway while driving the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing. That day, Petty led 35 laps during the 600-mile event in 1987. Coupled with the win, Petty has six top-five and 12 top-10 finishes with 321 laps led between 1979-2008.

HONORARY CLUB MEMBERS

42: Spc. Dustin J. Feldhaus – The No. 42 Dollar Tree LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team will have the name of Spc. Dustin J. Feldhaus riding along with them on the Toyota Camry at the Coke 600. Feldhaus hailed from Glendale, Ariz., and was nicknamed “Mouse” because of his short stature and slender frame, weighing in at 112 lbs. What Feldhaus may have lacked in height he made up for in heart and tenacity. Feldhaus is survived by his mother, Niki Etchells, stepfather Lance; his father, Bernard Feldhaus-Mahaljevic; and stepmother, Sandra; siblings, Nicholas, Dorian, Patrick, and Alana; and many other relatives.

43: LCDR Charles Thomas Butler of Paintsville, KY. was a valued husband, father, and decorated service member who served in the Marine Corps until his graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 1953. Butler worked in the electronic and special weapons departments for various units across the country, including time in New Mexico, Texas, and Florida. During a refresher training course in Pensacola, FL., Butler was involved in an accident as his RA-C5 crashed due to a loose clamp in the starboard engine. Butler and his co-pilot, ENS John B. Smith, both ejected and while Smith survived, unfortunately, Butler lost his life due to his injuries. Butler was laid to rest with full military honors on June 20th, 1967, and was posthumously promoted to the rank of commander during his service. Butler is survived by his wife, Barbra Ann, and his five children, Sharon Kaye, Mary Lee, Richard Wallace, John Charles, and Robert Winston. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

84: SSG James Richard Patton: Jimmy Patton was known for his qualities as a soldier and for being “the life of his platoon.” Patton, 23, was killed in a helicopter crash April 18 in Tikrit, Iraq while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to Fort Benning, N.C., and a native of Vincennes, Ind. Patton was on his seventh deployment, having previously served twice in Iraq and four times in Afghanistan. Patton enlisted in the Army in 2004. His awards include, the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Infantryman’s Badge and the Senior Parachutist Badge. He has also been awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

BROADCAST INFO

CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
SUNDAY, MAY 26th @ 6:00 PM ET