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TRD USA, Mobil 1™ expand relationship beginning with 2024 motorsports season

Partnership to further celebrate the brand’s love of racing across eight motorsports series throughout 2024 season and beyond

SPRING, Texas (Tuesday, January 30, 2024) – Mobil 1™ and TRD USA (Toyota Racing Development) announced today the first-of-its-kind expansion of the iconic brands’ long-standing motorsports relationship, which includes Mobil 1 primary assets across all three of Toyota’s NASCAR Cup Series teams – Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), 23XI Racing (23XI), and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB (LEGACY M.C.) – along with continued primary placements within multiple other racing series that Toyota competes in including NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, ARCA Menards Series, Late Models and more.

“Mobil 1 is proud to be synonymous with motorsports, and we are thrilled to take that to the next level with Toyota Racing Development,” shares Rob Shearer, Director of Global Sponsorships and Marketing Services, on behalf of Mobil 1. “Toyota Racing Development shares the same passion for performance as we do and, together, we will work to continue to show how the right motor oil can improve on-track performance and provide longevity for consumers’ vehicles. We are proud to compete in many different series and cheer on our racers all season long.”

The strategic partnership between Mobil 1 and TRD aims to continue to develop technology advantages across series that help teams win, provide exclusive access to driver stories on and off the track, continue to grow the base of fans that love racing and driving, and work together to develop the next generation of racers. This will be further formalized beyond the partnership with three of the most exciting NASCAR teams to include driver development across several racing series and off-track within the growing off-road and overlanding cultures.

“TRD’s technical partnership with Mobil 1 has been integral to Toyota’s on-track performance and success over the past 20+ years,” explains David Wilson, president, TRD USA. “From winning the Indy 500 to championships in NASCAR, IMSA, NHRA and countless achievements in sports car, grass roots and dirt racing action, Mobil 1 has been the common denominator. As we begin another exciting racing season in 2024, we are honored to expand our partnership with Mobil 1.”

Mobil 1 high-performance synthetic motor oils are used by many of the world’s top race teams and celebrates over a decade of partnership with TRD. Mobil 1 was first named an official technology partner in 2010 with their support and lubricants helping Toyota drivers achieve multiple championships across several racing disciplines and several career defining victories.

Back-to-back NASCAR Cup Series Championship 4 driver Christopher Bell will lead off the increased partnership with Mobil 1 as the primary sponsor on his new Toyota Camry XSE at the Clash at the Coliseum this weekend. Bell will also have Mobil 1 backing for the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway in March and Talladega Superspeedway in April. JGR will also have several Mobil 1 primary races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Chandler Smith.

“Mobil 1 and TRD have a long-standing history,” adds Bell. “I have been a small part of it running the dirt cars for them and even having Mobil 1 on my own sprint car a couple of years ago. It is an honor to have them as a partner on the Cup side.”

After many career-bests achieved for both of 23XI’s drivers in the 2023 season, both Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace will run primary Mobil 1 races this year. Tyler Reddick will kick off the team’s primary assets at the spring Phoenix race and return to Mobil 1 colors at Richmond Raceway in August, while Bubba Wallace will have Mobil 1 as his primary sponsor at the first road course race of the season at the Circuit of the Americas in March.

“It’s really awesome for Mobil 1 to come on board,” shares Reddick. “When you look at a brand like Mobil 1, the technology, the innovation, the things they continue to improve and push – it is great to have a partner like that involved with our race team at 23XI, because honestly, we are trying to do some of the same things. I am excited to be working with them this upcoming year, and hopefully we can find their race car in victory lane.”

“I’m excited to have Mobil 1 on my Toyota this season,” adds Wallace. “They have done a lot inside the sport – you have seen them on various teams and cars, so to carry that iconic brand in 2024 is really cool. The connection with Toyota makes it tie in all together and hopefully carry a lot of speed and a good time, so we are looking forward to the opportunity.”

LEGACY M.C.’s John Hunter Nemechek will close out the season for Mobil 1. Nemechek, a graduate of the Toyota driver development (TD2) program, and Mobil 1 visited Victory Lane many times together through the years. Mobil 1 was Nemechek’s primary partner for his first Toyota win – in NASCAR Truck Series action at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March 2021. Since joining Toyota and Mobil 1 in 2021, Nemechek has won 15 races across the Xfinity and Truck Series, with Mobil 1 as the primary for six of those victories.

Nemechek’s first Cup Series race in the Mobil 1 livery is the iconic Labor Day Classic at Darlington Raceway with additional primary races at Atlanta Motor Speedway in September, and the season finale at Phoenix Raceway in November.

“2024 is going to be a big year for us, and I’m very thankful to have Mobil 1 and its continued support once again this season. We have been fortunate to share a lot of success over the past three years and made plenty of great memories together along the way,” says Nemechek. “Their commitment to Toyota and TRD across so many different forms of racing really shows their passion and dedication to motorsports as a whole, and to be able to represent them in my return to the Cup Series with LEGACY M.C. will be special. I’m looking forward to kicking things off with them in a big way.”

Mobil 1 will also continue to be a valuable part of the TD2 program with many primary schemes, including in NASCAR Truck Series action with TRICON Garage and driver Taylor Gray; in ARCA and Late Model racing with Brent Crews and Isabella Robusto; and World of Outlaws races with Buddy Kofoid. Jade Avedisian, who made history in 2023 as the first woman to win a dirt midget championship, will have Mobil 1 as one of her primary partners in her dirt midget races and during her full season run at the Toyota GR Cup title.

Kalitta Motorsports will also continue to receive Mobil 1 support through the TRD partnership in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. The Kalitta Motorsports and Mobil 1 relationship – which has been in place since 2020 – achieved championship level success this year as Doug Kalitta won his first NHRA Top Fuel world title. Kalitta Motorsports will once again utilize the Mobil 1 Drag Racing motor oil in their Top Fuel dragsters driven by Kalitta and Shawn Langdon, and J.R. Todd’s Toyota GR Supra Funny Car.

The Lexus Racing GT3 program will also continue its partnership with Mobil 1, including having a presence on the championship winning Vasser Sullivan No. 14 Lexus RC F GT3 in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Mobil 1 has a rich history in motorsport competition, which dates to the early 1970s with its early foray into rally competition. Mobil 1 entered the world of Formula 1 as a sponsor of the Williams Formula 1™ team in 1978 and entered NASCAR with the sponsorship of Rusty Wallace’s No. 27 car in 1987. Today, Mobil 1 remains a fixture on the F1 circuit, NASCAR tracks, and extreme motorsport races such as the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. With a deep history in motorsports and supporting pre-eminent race teams around the globe, Mobil 1 aims to inspire drivers and fans everywhere, celebrate the love of driving, and elevate the passion for motorsports around the globe.

About Mobil 1

For nearly 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 Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th 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 26 electrified options. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

January 30, 2024
Risi Competizione wins 2024 Rolex 24 at Daytona GTD Pro Class

Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 No. 62:

James Calado (GBR)
Alessandro Pier Guidi (ITA)
Davide Rigon (ITA)
Daniel Serra (BRA)

Daytona Beach, Florida (January 28, 2024) … The Risi Competizione team won the GTD Pro class at the Rolex 24 At Daytona at Daytona International Speedway by a full lap for the first round of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship series. The No. 62 Ferrari 296 GT3 won the class in the 62nd running of the historical 24-hour Florida race and finished 18th overall.

The victory was a popular one for the fan-favorite team who has fielded Ferraris for decades, mostly in the United States. Team Owner Guiseppe Risi has long been associated with racing in the U.S., based out of a Houston, Texas location. Today’s victory was only Risi’s second victory at the Daytona enduro, having first won in 2002 in the SRP II class in the Grand-American Road Racing Series in a Lola B2K/40. Mr. Risi has had a long relationship fielding Ferraris. This race was the first together for the pair, and the 19th year for Risi entering the 24 Hours of Daytona, with the team having a total of 21 entries over that time.

The four Ferrari Competizioni GT factory drivers, Daniel Serra (qualifying driver), Davide Rigon, James Calado, and Alessandro Pier Guidi expressed their appreciation to Giuseppe for his passion for racing and partnership with Ferrari, which allowed them to have the opportunity to take home coveted Rolex Daytona watches this weekend.

Additionally, Serra and Rigon will contest the IMSA Michelin Endurance Championship (IMEC) series with Risi Competizione this season, which includes the five endurance races on the 2024 IMSA schedule. Today’s overall class victory also allowed them to capture the lead in the IMEC series.

Pier Guidi clocked the fasted lap among his teammates and the quickest in the GTD Pro class with a time of 1:45.812. Serra was the qualifying and starting driver from the fifth class position who quickly found his way into the lead. Other than a couple issues in the pits, the car ran well and the drivers were pleased to run it through the paces during each of their stints with their eyes on the prize.

The last time that the Risi Competizione team stood on the podium at Daytona was in 2022 with a second-place class finish after leading much of the late race. They also finished second at the 6 Hours at the Glen in Watkins Glen, New York last summer and third at Petit Le Mans last October.

Ferrari factory drivers Calado and Pier Guidi paired to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans last summer in the new Ferrari 499 Hypercar.

Fifteen cautions were displayed during the race that lasted over four hours, leaving just shy of 20 hours of green flag racing time.

QUOTES:

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

Regarding the Rolex 24 victory:

“The BMW (competitor) had a problem just before the pits and then it was more about bringing it home for me. Then after the yellow, the Porsche was on our lead lap. You know, it’s never easy. You start to hear some noises in the car, and you think everything is out of control on the last lap. I’m just really happy. This is the race I was missing and really wanted to win. This might be the happiest day in my racing career.”

Regarding the level of competition you have experienced the last couple of weeks at Daytona?

“It’s great to see the GTD Pro (class) with more cars and more competition. I’ve always said that IMSA is one of my favorite championships, and I have to say I did a few last year. I did a few IMSA IMEC races, the WEC European series and the NASCAR stock car series in Brazil, because I still live in Brazil. And IMSA is one of my favorites. I like the championships. I like the tracks, the rules, the atmosphere, in the paddocks, so it’s nice to see the GTD Pro with more cars and more competition. I hope it’s getting even bigger and more cars for the next years.”

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

Regarding the Rolex 24 victory:

“Amazing, amazing. What a team! What a Ferrari! We really pushed so much since the beginning. Thanks so much to my teammates, all the engineers. I’m super, super happy now. I would like to enjoy (this experience) with my team.”

Regarding the level of competition you have experienced the last couple of weeks at Daytona?

“I agree with Daniel. Of course we are happy too. At the end the level is always so high. Last year it was just the single number seven car, but the level was super high.

“This year will be even higher, and I agree, it’s so nice to deal with the fight at the end and the rules in this championship. We also liked so much the tracks that they have here in the U.S., and together with the team at Risi, it’s like a second family.

“With Giuseppe and all the Ferrari group, we will be really pushing to achieve like we did in 2022 to win the IMEC championship. We will do our best.”

The No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 drivers show their pride with the car after winning the Rolex 24 At Daytona GTD Pro class. (L-R: James Calado, Daniel Serra, Davide Rigon and Alessandro Pier Guidi)

James Calado, driver, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

“I don’t know really. It’s rather easy just to worry during the end of the race. The team did a great job giving us a great car. I’m happy for Giuseppe, he really deserved it. I’m happy for us. It’s a great result for the start of the year and puts us in a great place for the rest of the year.”

What it’s like to win in a Ferrari:

“It’s been 10 amazing years which have gone by so fast. I remember the first one which was very, very special. But every time you win in a Ferrari, it’s hard to put into words. You get this special feeling. There’s no words really that put it into perspective. Not to say that we’re always under pressure being Ferrari drivers, so we need to win.

“We always want to improve. We win, but then we move on, and we try and improve for the next one. That’s the good thing about this team. We’re all one big family.”

Alessandro Pier Guidi, driver, No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3:

Regarding how special it is to win the Rolex 24 with Ferrari and Risi:

“Well, it’s amazing. First of all, I think we deserved this victory. We were also trying a lot of times to achieve this victory. We finished twice second, and it’s a long-time partnership between Risi and Ferrari, and between them and with the other drivers we have been very close many times, but never been able to achieve this victory.

“Finally, we get it. If you see in the footage after the checkered flag and the picture is amazing. Everyone was crying, happy, and I went and I gave a big hug to Giuseppe, because all the passion he put in here in this effort, he really deserved this”

About putting two 24-hour wins together?

“It’s even difficult to dream, and we did it. Actually six months ago, we achieved this amazing historic victory in Le Mans, and now we are back here with Risi and Ferrari to complete another 24, to achieve another amazing success.“

“It has been a long time that Ferrari has been trying to win this race again, and it is quite surprising Risi and Ferrari have never won together. They won so much together, but never this race. Finally for Giuseppe and Ferrari together, we achieved this victory, we must be all proud of this.”

Rick Mayer, Race Engineer, Risi Competizione:

“This year was the 62nd running of the Rolex 24 with the 62 car so that was a special thing for Giuseppe. We had four fantastic drivers. The crew prepared a great car, and we had some luck and things went our way. Sometimes that’s what it takes to win. I’m happy for Giuseppe because he’s wanted to win this race again for a very long time.”

The next race for the No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3 will be the 12 Hours of Sebring, March 14-16 at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. Serra and Rigon will compete in round two of the IMEC series.

Sponsors for the 2024 season for Risi Competizione for the Rolex 24 include Pennzoil, OMP Racing and the Ferrari of Ontario and Ferrari of Toronto dealerships.

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

January 28, 2024
Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace, John Roberts and Jose Castillo Returns in 2024 to Speedway Motorsports Tracks
- Popular, live race-day show to bring driver interviews, competition insights and fun with NASCAR’s biggest personalities to at-track fan zones
- Trackside Live is scheduled to kick off a nationwide tour at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 25, with eight shows at seven speedways throughout the season
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Jan. 26, 2024) – The always-entertaining Trackside Live with Kenny Wallace, John Roberts and Jose Castillo is back for 2024. The terrific trio will bring laughs, stories and special guests to eight premier Speedway Motorsports event weekends, with visits to the fan zones at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway.

Wallace, Roberts and Castillo are slated to host shows throughout the season, beginning at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Feb. 25, ahead of the Ambetter Health 400.

The 2024 Trackside Live race schedule:
- Feb. 25 Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway
- March 17 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway
- April 14 Autotrader EchoPark 400 at Texas Motor Speedway
- May 19 NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway
- May 26 Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway
- June 23 NASCAR Cup Series Race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
- June 30 Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway
- Sept. 21 Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway
Trackside Live is an energetic and entertaining pre-race show, featuring interviews with NASCAR’s top stars along with a great deal of antics, high-jinks and trips down memory lane with former NASCAR driver Wallace, veteran NASCAR broadcaster Roberts and fan-favorite co-host and producer Castillo.

The original hosts of SPEED Channel’s Race Day Live show, Wallace and Roberts, were wildly popular with fans as they brought their show to fans at every track on the circuit. Their popularity has only increased over the years.

“Charlotte is where it all started all those years ago with thousands of fans and a love of racing,” Wallace said. “We had so much fun last year getting back in the fan zones with the people who matter the most—the NASCAR fans. Thanks to Marcus Smith and everyone at Speedway Motorsports, we’re going nationwide with eight shows across the country this year.

“Anyone who knows me knows I like to have fun at the track, and it just doesn’t get any better than a Trackside Live party with the fans before we drop the flag!”

Wallace competed as a driver in all three of NASCAR’s top touring series and continues to hold the NASCAR record for most starts in the Xfinity Series with 547. His flamboyant personality transferred seamlessly to the microphone when he joined the team at NASCAR on FOX, serving as a pit reporter and race analyst. Wallace retired from his TV duties in 2018 and has since been racing dirt modifieds at events across the country.

“I’m like a kid in a candy store when we get to hang out with the greatest fans in all of sports,” said Roberts. “I can’t thank Marcus Smith and Speedway Motorsports enough for bringing this show back to the race day lineup. Come out to see us this year and I promise nothing but a good time!”

From 2001 to 2019, Roberts hosted a variety of shows during his time on SPEED channel and FOX Sports, including NASCAR Live!, NASCAR Victory Lane and NASCAR RaceDay. “JR” also served as a play-by-play announcer for NASCAR qualifying and practice sessions, and hosted a NASCAR truck series pre-race show. He’s currently a radio host with SiriusXM.

Fans should follow the respective speedway social media platforms and websites for news announcements and further information for timing, fan zone location and more details about the Trackside Live show.

About Speedway Motorsports:

Speedway Motorsports is a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, Texas Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway and Kentucky Speedway. Speedway Motorsports provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiary; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide through its Performance Racing Network subsidiary. For more information, visit www.speedwaymotorsports.com.
January 26, 2024
LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ Signs Trevor Bayne and Corey Heim to Integral Competition Roles for 2024 Season

STATESVILLE, N.C. (JANUARY 25, 2024) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB today announced 2011 DAYTONA 500 champion Trevor Bayne will join the Club as a Driver Optimization Leader for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.

Bayne is a NASCAR veteran widely recognized for winning the 2011 DAYTONA 500 in the iconic No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing and for his work as an analyst at FOX Sports. Working closely alongside LEGACY M.C.’s competition advisor, Matt Kenseth, Bayne’s role will focus primarily on the race preparation of drivers John Hunter Nemechek, Erik Jones, and Club co-owner Jimmie Johnson.

“I’m super humbled that Jimmie (Johnson), Joey (Cohen), Matt (Kenseth) and our drivers are trusting me with their preparation process this year. Preparation is one of the biggest keys in motorsports, and with so much data that is available to the drivers, it’s my job to translate the most important parts to them and work with them to make sure they are ready to go in all aspects come race weekend. Jimmie, Matt and I built a great relationship through road biking and training together over the years. We all share a common mentality that drivers can all become even better at their craft if they are willing to put in the work -whether that be in fitness, studying, or leading their teams. Relying on raw ability at this level isn’t enough. It’s funny, because when I was a driver everything felt like it was being built around me, so as I make this transition, I’m looking forward to building up others and helping them make the most of their careers. Very few teams have in house programs like this so I’m excited to build this from a blank slate alongside our leaders and drivers.” said Bayne.

Additionally, as announced via social media this week, Truck Series standout Corey Heim will serve as a “reserve driver” for both 23XI Racing and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB throughout the 2024 season. In addition to competing for a Truck Series championship with TRICON Garage this year along with several starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Sam Hunt Racing, five-time Truck Series winner and nine-time ARCA Series winner Heim will work closely with LEGACY M.C.’s crew chiefs and Toyota Racing Development as a simulation driver. In 2023, Heim clinched the Truck Series regular season championship and ultimately finished third in Truck Series points.

“This is a big opportunity, and I can’t thank everyone at LEGACY M.C. and Toyota for believing in me. The access to information and the extra sim time as I continue to grow in my career is extremely valuable. I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible from the drivers and Club members at the track.” said Heim.

Joey Cohen, Vice President of Racing Operations, is anticipating a successful season for the Club as it takes to the track under the Toyota banner and believes Heim and Bayne will be a huge component to that success.

“With the parity of the race vehicles, NASCAR NextGen competition has placed a huge emphasis on the driver and their abilities to extract performance. Corey and Trevor are critical components to ensure our drivers have the best data and tools to execute and deliver results at the racetrack for LEGACY M.C. Toyota Racing also provides excellent resources to support this program and we are excited to see the results it can produce this season,” said Cohen.

The NASCAR Cup Series will hold its first event of the year, The Clash, this Sunday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The series will pause a week for Superbowl LVII and resume its regular season with the opening event – the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18th. For more information and news throughout the season, visit www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (NCS) Jimmie Johnson. The club competes full-time in the NCS fielding the Nos. 42 and 43 Toyota Camry XSE entries, respectively, along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson. Richard Petty “The King” serves as Club Ambassador.

In 2021, Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports and renamed the team to Petty GMS. With the addition of Johnson to the ownership structure in 2023, the organization rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ (LEGACY M.C.). 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Facebook, X, and Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

January 25, 2024
Darlington Raceway selects grassroots racing theme for Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR, May 10-12

Darlington Raceway announced today that the Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR will be making its return to the track Too Tough to Tame during the Goodyear 400 weekend, May 10-12. This year’s theme – Celebrate our Roots through Grassroots Racing – will honor the racing origins of drivers, owners, team members, and NASCAR as a whole.

“We’re honored to continue the tradition of hosting NASCAR’s Official Throwback Weekend in the spring,” said Darlington Raceway President Josh Harris. “Grassroots racing is the lifeblood of our sport, and providing our industry with a chance to pay tribute to their grassroots origin story acknowledges the importance that it plays in the past, present and future of NASCAR.”

Every driver has a story about their rise through grassroots/local track racing that led them to one of NASCAR’s national series, and they will each have the opportunity to celebrate their ascent with paint schemes that harken back to the beginning of their racing careers. Drivers will simultaneously be able to utilize Throwback Weekend to amplify their ongoing efforts to support grassroots racing and tell their story.

NASCAR and Darlington Raceway will also showcase historic local racetracks and drivers in the region for long-time fans to appreciate and new fans to discover. Throughout the weekend, those in attendance can expect several displays and events that highlight the history and importance of grassroots racing across the country.

The Official Throwback Weekend of NASCAR begins with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Race on Friday, May 10, at 7:30 p.m. Then, the action will continue into Saturday, May 11, with the NASCAR Xfinity Series Race at 1:30 p.m. Finally, the stars of the NASCAR Cup Series will pay homage to their grassroots origins in the Goodyear 400 on Sunday, May 12, at 3:00 p.m.

NASCAR fans are encouraged to purchase their tickets via phone at 866-459-7223 or online at darlingtonraceway.com while supplies last.

— Darlington Raceway —

January 25, 2024
Chili’s Announces Partnership with Spire Motorsports for 2024 Race Season

The fan-favorite grill and bar will debut as the primary sponsor for Spire’s No. 7 Chevy, driven by Corey LaJoie at the Great American Race

DALLAS (January 23, 2024) – Chili’s Grill & Bar is off to the races in its new partnership with Spire Motorsports for the upcoming 2024 NASCAR Cup Series race season. Chili’s will be the primary sponsor of Spire’s No. 7 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Corey LaJoie, at the Daytona 500 on February 18.

In addition to the season opener, Chili’s will also be showcased as an associate sponsor on February 25 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, March 3 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and March 24 at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

“We strive to partner with brands that want to embrace the spirit of motorsports and share our love for pushing the limits both on and off the track,” said Jeff Dickerson, Spire Motorsports co-owner. “Our partnership with Chili’s at the Daytona 500 will set a fun precedent for the season to come — we can’t wait for everyone to see what we have in store.”

A fan favorite on and off the racetrack, Corey LaJoie is a third-generation racer and fixture in the NASCAR community. Last season was a career year for LaJoie with two top-five and three top-10 finishes in NASCAR’s premier division. He earned a career best fourth-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March 2023, going on to match that effort at Talladega Superspeedway last fall. Recently named NASCAR Fan Choice’s ‘Best Driver on Social Media” and host of the popular podcast ‘Stacking Pennies,’ Corey’s fun, genuine and lighthearted personality make him the perfect driver for both Spire Motorsports and Chili’s.

More information about Chili’s sponsorship at the Great American Race and the car design reveal will be announced closer to the race, but for more information about Spire Motorsports, please visit spire-motorsports.com.

About Chili’s® Grill & Bar …
Hi, welcome to Chili’s! We are a leader in the casual dining industry and the flagship brand of Dallas-based Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT). We are known for our big mouth burgers, Chicken Crispers, full-on sizzling fajitas and hand-shaken margaritas. We take our food seriously – but not ourselves – because dining out should feel like a celebration even if there is nothing to celebrate. Our passion is making everyone feel special, and every day, our ChiliHeads make it their job to spread #ChilisLove across our more than 1,600 restaurants in 29 countries and two territories. And Chili’s cares. We host local Give Back Events to support kids, education and hunger and have raised more than $100 million benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through generous Guest donations. Find more information about us at chilis.com, follow us on Twitter or Instagram, like us on Facebook or join us on TikTok.

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. 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 May 20, 2023 when Kyle Larson took the checkered flag in the Tyson 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

January 23, 2024
Nemechek Brings Longtime Partnerships to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ in 2024

STATESVILLE, NC (JANUARY 22, 2024) – John Hunter Nemechek will bring longtime personal sponsors Albertsons Companies, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety, and ROMCO Equipment to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB for select races throughout the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Nemechek looks to continue his winning LEGACY with these companies who have all backed the Club’s newest driver of the No. 42 Toyota Camry XSE for a large part of his racing career.

“It really means a lot to me to continue our relationship with these great partners as we head into the new season. They have all stuck with me since my days of racing in the Truck Series, and I’ve been able to see their commitment to our program grow over the years, and so now for them be able to enter the Cup Series along with me is a great feeling. I can’t be thankful enough for all their support.” said Nemechek. “We have an extensive group of partners for 2024 and having everybody behind us as I make my return to racing on Sundays gives an added boost of confidence knowing that so many people believe in me. I think we have a great year ahead of us.” Nemechek has demonstrated the ability to keep his partners engaged and satisfied both on and off the track. He has carried multiple partners to victory lane throughout his career.

Albertsons Companies has supported Nemechek since the start of his career in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2015. Brands that are sold through their stores including the likes of Henkel (producers of Persil®, Dial®, all®, and Snuggle®) along with Baja Vida Beef Jerky and others will be represented on the No. 42 this year. Albertsons Companies stores can be found in 35 states as well as the District of Columbia, proudly representing one of the nation’s largest food and drug retailers.

“We are thrilled to join forces with John Hunter Nemechek through the NASCAR Cup Series. This partnership is a perfect blend of speed and cleanliness, much like our trusted brands Persil®, Dial®, all®, and Snuggle®. With John Hunter’s unwavering dedication, paralleling our commitment to excellence, we are ready to ‘clean up’ on the racetrack. This season is not just about speed; it’s about showcasing the cleaning power and quality that Henkel brings to millions of homes.” said Justin Weilenmann, Director of Henkel Consumer Brand Sales for National Grocery.

“Baja Vida Snacks is pleased to continue our partnership with John Hunter Nemechek as he returns to the NASCAR Cup Series. John Hunter and his entire team exemplify the same sense of pride, grit and determination that is also part of the Baja Vida Snack team core values. We strive to drive the same sense of adventure and excitement that is NASCAR into the beef jerky category with bold new flavors such as Street Taco, Salsa Fresca, and Lime & Serrano. We look forward to an exciting 2024 NASCAR season and wish John Hunter and the entire team success.” said Rick Harris, General Manager of Baja Vida Snacks.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety will celebrate their eighth season as a supporter of Nemechek, having formed their relationship with the driver in 2016. Pye-Barker has led the way in fire protection and safety equipment since 1946, boasting over 75 years of service. Nemechek has carried the Pye-Barker colors to victory lane in both the NASCAR Truck Series and NASCAR Xfinity Series in the past two seasons, but this will be the brand’s first introduction into the Cup Series. The Pye-Barker family of companies offer industry-leading solutions for portable fire extinguishers, restaurant fire suppression, special hazard systems, fire sprinklers, fire & intrusion alarms, access control, CCTV and security.

“John Hunter’s character, drive and determination are values that resonate with the entire Pye-Barker team,” said Pye-Barker CEO, Bart Proctor. “We’ve been following John Hunter for a long time, and we are proud to be able to support him and the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB.”

Texas-based ROMCO Equipment Company, has supported Nemechek since 2015 and have been serving the region’s heavy equipment needs for over 60 years. Their dealers specialize in products used in construction, paving, aggregate, and power equipment.

“We are honored to share the NASCAR Cup Series race experience with John Hunter in Texas with our customers and manufacturers. ROMCO is successful through our valued employees’ hard work, professionalism and dedication to the team while maintaining a family atmosphere. John Hunter exemplifies this approach on and off the track and we are proud to support him again in 2024,” said Steve Passmore, ROMCO President.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season kicks off for Nemechek and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the running of The Clash on Sunday, Feb. 4th followed by the 66th running of the DAYTONA 500 on Sunday, Feb. 18th. For more information and news throughout the season, visit www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

ABOUT ALBERTSONS COMPANIES: In 1939, Joe Albertson, a former Safeway district manager, took $5,000 he saved and $7,500 he borrowed from his wife’s Aunt Bertie, and partnered with L.S. Skaggs to open his first Albertsons store on 16th and State Streets in Boise, Idaho. Joe knew the keys of running a really great store, and it was all about working hard for the customers: give them the products they want, at a fair price, with lots of tender, loving care. Joe was innovative, too. He had one of the first in-store magazine racks in the country along with a scratch bakery and fresh ice cream made in-store. He worked hard, seven days a week, on his vision to build his company, and through his inspiring work ethic and tireless determination to run the best store, the first store thrived. Just two years later, he had opened two other stores in neighboring communities and grew the fledgling company’s sales to over $1 million by the end of 1941.

Today, Albertsons operates as a banner of Albertsons Companies, one of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States. With both a strong local presence and national scale, the company operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 20 well-known banners. Albertsons Companies is committed to helping people across the country live better lives by making a meaningful difference, neighborhood by neighborhood. In 2017 alone, along with the Albertsons Companies Foundation, the company gave nearly $300 million in food and financial support. These efforts helped millions of people inthe areas of hunger relief, education, cancer research and treatment, programs for people with disabilities and veterans outreach.

ABOUT PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY: The U.S. leader in fully integrated fire and life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems for businesses nationwide. With nearly 200 locations, Pye-Barker is the dominant force in the industry and ranks No. 954 on Inc’s 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list and No. 9 on the SDM 100 list of top security providers.

ABOUT ROMCO EQUIPMENT CO.: Founded in 1961, ROMCO, a Texas-based company and member of the SMT Group of companies since its acquisition in 2022, adopts a segmented industry approach to cater to the diverse needs of the equipment market. Through four specialized divisions, we focus on delivering top-notch solutions for construction, paving, aggregate and power equipment requirements.

ROMCO operates through a network of 17 locations in Texas and Southern New Mexico maintaining our proud history of service and commitment to growth. As a comprehensive full-service distributor, we represent prestigious brands such as Volvo Construction Equipment, Cementech, Atlas Copco, K-Tec Earthmovers, FRD Kent, Genesis, Yanmar, ASV, CK Power, Terramac, HKD Blue, Rockland, Gomaco, Atlas, Mantsinen, Shuttlewagon, Leeboy, Bearcat, Roadwidener, Finn, Sandvik, McLanahan, Phoenix, Keestrack, Noble and Kafka. Explore our extensive offerings and discover more about our unwavering commitment to excellence at www.romco.com.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (NCS) Jimmie Johnson. The club competes full-time in the NCS fielding the Nos. 42 and 43 Toyota Camry XSE entries, respectively, along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson. Richard Petty “The King” serves as Club Ambassador.

In 2021, Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports and renamed the team to Petty GMS. With the addition of Johnson to the ownership structure in 2023, the organization rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ (LEGACY M.C.). 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Facebook, X, and Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

January 22, 2024
Kevin Harvick Inc. To Compete for eNASCAR Championship

Will Field Two iRacing Entries With Veteran Drivers in 2024

Harrisburg, N.C. (January 19, 2024) – Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced today it has entered into the world of eSports and will field two entries in the 2024 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series.

Veteran iRacing drivers Matt Bussa and Jimmy Mullins are the newest addition to KHI’s driver line up.

“This is definitely a new chapter for KHI,” said Kevin Harvick. “My introduction to iRacing really came during Covid, and it turned into something my son Keelan and I could do together. Since then, iRacing has been a great tool to help him hone his skills and get virtual seat time for his up-coming races. We’re excited to welcome Matt and Jimmy into the KHI family.”

Matt Bussa, a native of Naperville, Ill., will pilot KHI’s No. 62 Chevrolet. 2024 will mark Bussa’s 12th-consecutive season at eNASCAR’s highest level. The 29-year-old is one of iRacing’s most experienced and multi-talented drivers. His iRacing career includes over 1,200 poles, 2,200 top-five finishes, 1,200 wins and over 45,000 laps led. Additionally, Bussa has a number of years of experience in iRacingGT3 as well as Rallycross World Championships, and was a Skip Barber Formula scholarship winner via the iRacing Skip Barber Race Series.

“I could not be more excited to join the KHI family for the 2024 eNASCAR season,” said Bussa. “This is the perfect home to grow my career and I look forward to accomplishing great things together on and off the track. Thanks to everyone at KHI for this opportunity.”

Mullis, a consistent figure in the iRacing world for nearly a decade, will drive the No. 29 Chevrolet in pursuit of the 2024 eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series championship. The Midland, N.C. native is one of the top-10 all-time drivers on iRacing ovals, with thousands of victories and thousands of laps led. A four-year win streak came to an end in 2022, but a dramatic victory at the virtual Nashville Superspeedway landed Mullis a spot in the 2023 playoffs where he would finish ninth in the standings.

“I am extremely excited to be a part of the KHI family for 2024,” Mullins said. “I’m grateful to be driving the 29 car in the eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series as KHI takes a step into the eNASCAR world. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together both on and off the track. A huge thank you to everyone at KHI for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”

You can follow KHI’s eNASCAR iRacing journey on Facebook, Instagram and X.

eNASCAR Coca-Cola iRacing Series 2024 Schedule

About Kevin Harvick Inc.

Established in 2001 by NASCAR Cup Series champion Kevin Harvick and his wife DeLana, Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Truck Series and ARCA Series from 2001 through 2011. During that time, KHI earned 10 Xfinity Series wins, 45 Truck Series wins and three Truck Series championships, including two championships with NASCAR Hall of Famer Ron Hornaday, Jr. Following the 2011 season, KHI stepped away from full-time competition until its return in 2023.

January 19, 2024
Justin Haley To Drive No. 51 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing

24-Year-Old Racer Paired with Crew Chief Chris Lawson for 2024 Cup Season

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Jan. 16, 2024) – It was last July when Justin Haley announced he would drive for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2024, but other pertinent details such as car number and crew chief were unknown despite the multiyear agreement.

With NASCAR’s 76th season just 18 days away with the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum Feb. 4 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, RWR can confirm that Haley will drive its No. 51 Ford Mustang with crew chief Chris Lawson.

“Justin is an exceptionally talented racecar driver and all of us at RWR are looking forward to having him in our equipment,” said Ware, whose eponymous team celebrated its 20th NASCAR anniversary in 2023. “We’re building RWR into a competitive NASCAR team that is on par with the success we enjoyed last year in drag racing and motorcycle racing. Justin wants to win, Chris Lawson wants to win, and that’s the kind of mindset we need to elevate our NASCAR program.”

In 2023, RWR won three NHRA Drag Racing Series events in the Top Fuel class with driver Clay Millican and scored two Progressive American Flat Track wins with rider Briar Bauman. And coming off its 2022 FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) with rider Shane McElrath, RWR continued to score WSX victories between McElrath and teammate Joey Savatgy.

Haley, a winner across all three of NASCAR’s top national touring series – Cup, Xfinity and Craftsman Truck – is relishing his opportunity with RWR.

“RWR has a long history in this sport and a bright future. Working together will only help us achieve what both me and Rick are looking to do,” Haley said. “Rick and the RWR guys genuinely believe in my ability on the track and back at the shop, and that means the world to me. This is already a great fit for me as a driver looking to take the next step and improve. Having a solid team behind me that truly wants me to be a part of their organization and drive their racecars has given me a lot of confidence.”

It’s confidence on top of confidence for Haley. The 24-year-old from Winamac, Indiana, brings one Cup Series victory to RWR and four NASCAR Xfinity Series wins, three NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series triumphs and five ARCA Menards Series victories along with a championship – the 2016 ARCA Menards Series East title.

“Rick has shared his goal of changing the narrative of RWR by creating a team that is competitive and capable of running up front,” Haley said. “I fully believe in Rick’s vision and admire his dedication to the sport. He’s been a staple in the garage for years and I want to be the guy to see Rick’s vision through and make it a reality.”

Since 2004, RWR has fielded entries across Cup, Xfinity and Truck, making well over 1,300 starts. That tenacity has been embraced by Haley, who is taking a methodical approach to his first season with RWR, but his third fulltime year in Cup.

“There are a lot of factors that will play into our success in 2024. I really see the full year as being broken down into smaller seasons,” Haley said.

“The first few races are great to baseline and see where we are as a team. With a lot of new faces and parts on our cars, it’ll take some time to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses.

“The second stretch of races will be the building phase, where we take what we learned from the first stretch of races and tackle our weaknesses.

“Then in the third stage, we apply those changes and really start to make big strides. That’s where we’ll continue to develop while really starting to make gains and, hopefully, find success.”

Following the non-points Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, Haley and Lawson kick off their 36-race slate of points-paying events with the 66th Daytona 500 on Feb. 18 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. Both events will be broadcast live on FOX and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 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, but injuries eventually forced him out of the drivers seat and into fulltime team ownership. In 2004, 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 race-winning teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, the NTT INDYCAR Series, Progressive American Flat Track and FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX).

January 16, 2024
Carvana Announces Continued Partnership with Jimmie Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ for Upcoming 2024 NASCAR Season

PHOENIX, AZ (January 16, 2024) — Carvana, an industry pioneer for buying and selling used cars online, today announced the continuation of its partnership with racing legend Jimmie Johnson and LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ in 2024. Johnson, the seven-time NASCAR champion and 2024 NASCAR Hall of Fame class inductee, has partnered with Carvana since 2021 when he competed in the IndyCar Series for the first time after more than two decades as a leading NASCAR driver.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with Jimmie and LEGACY M.C. for a second season,” said Ryan Keeton, Carvana Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer. “Jimmie is not only the true embodiment of a champion, as recognized by his Hall of Fame induction this year, he is also a leader on and off the track and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes this season.”

For the 2024 racing season, Johnson will compete in three key races this year with Carvana on the hood of his No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE: the season-opening Daytona 500, the Brickyard 400 at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the season finale at Phoenix Raceway.

“I’m so proud to represent Carvana for a second NASCAR season, and our fourth season overall as partners, at some of my favorite races,” said Johnson. “Carvana is a fun brand that captures the joy of cars and racing and they do a great job leveraging their partnership with LEGACY M.C. I’m excited to have a shot at another Daytona 500 trophy in our new Toyota Camry XSE’s and the paint scheme is sure to be a fan favorite.”

This season Carvana’s paint schemes will honor the legacy Johnson has built across his NASCAR and IndyCar career with three unique designs. Carvana will unveil the Daytona 500 paint scheme before the start of the 2024 season in February.

About Carvana:

Carvana is an industry pioneer for buying and selling used vehicles online. As the fastest growing used automotive retailer in U.S. history, its proven, customer-first ecommerce model has positively impacted millions of people’s lives through more convenient, accessible and transparent experiences. Carvana.com allows someone to purchase a vehicle from the comfort of their home, completing the entire process online, benefiting from a 7-day money back guarantee, home delivery, nationwide inventory selection and more. Customers also have the option to sell or trade-in their vehicle across all Carvana locations, including its patented Car Vending Machines, in more than 300 U.S. markets. Carvana brings a continued focus on people-first values, industry-leading customer care, technology and innovation, and is the No. 2 automotive brand in the U.S., only behind Ford, on the Forbes 2022 Most Customer-Centric Companies List. Carvana is one of the four fastest companies to make the Fortune 500 and for more information, please visit Carvana.com and follow us @Carvana.

ABOUT LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ is a professional auto racing club owned by businessman and entrepreneur Maurice J. Gallagher and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion (NCS) Jimmie Johnson. The club competes full-time in the NCS fielding the Nos. 42 and 43 Toyota Camry XSE entries, respectively, along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson. Richard Petty “The King” serves as Club Ambassador.

In 2021, Gallagher acquired Richard Petty Motorsports and renamed the team to Petty GMS. With the addition of Johnson to the ownership structure in 2023, the organization rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ (LEGACY M.C.). 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.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow LEGACY MOTOR CLUB on Facebook, X, and Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

January 16, 2024