Category: Featured Headline

Featured headlines from SpeedwayMedia.com

  • RFK Racing Announces #Stage60, BuildSubmarines.com to Partner for Team’s Third Daytona 500 Entry

    RFK Racing Announces #Stage60, BuildSubmarines.com to Partner for Team’s Third Daytona 500 Entry

    David Ragan to Pilot BuildSubmarines.com Ford in Daytona 500

    CONCORD, N.C. (Nov. 29, 2023) – RFK Racing has announced that it will field a third entry in the 2024 Daytona 500 with David Ragan as the driver of the No. 60 BuildSubmarines.com Ford, all part of the #Stage60 program, which brings back the iconic No. 60 to NASCAR with its RFK debut in the NASCAR Cup Series.

    “The 60 car represents an opportunity for us to honor our past and look forward to the future of RFK Racing,” said Steve Newmark, President, RFK Racing. “We’re thankful to have partners like BuildSubmarines.com, who, like us, have a mission to grow and be best in class in all endeavors.”

    Stage60 kicks off with Ragan at Daytona Speedweeks. Plans to expand the program will be announced at a later date, with the intent on the No. 60 competing in additional events in 2024.

    Stage60 features a ‘modern retro’ font for the famed No. 60, while introducing a logo that pays homage to the classic Roush Stage III Mustang, while also staying true to RFK’s current brand marks.

    “It’s really exciting to be back in an RFK Ford,” said Ragan, who led in the final laps of the 2011 Daytona 500. “I spent some of the best years of my career driving for Mr. Jack (Roush) and the team at RFK. They really gave me my first opportunity in the sport and I have to thank BuildSubmarines.com for helping make this happen. We had a really strong run going in my last year at Roush at the 500, and hopefully we can go back and finish what we started.”

    Ragan competed 13 full seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series from 2007-19, five of which were in the No. 6 Ford Mustang for Jack Roush from 2007-11. The 37-year-old has two career Cup wins, including a victory in the 2011 summer race at Daytona. Overall, he’s made 30 Cup starts at ‘The World Center of Racing’ with eight top-10 finishes.

    BuildSubmarines.com, owned and operated by BlueForge Alliance, returns for its second season of partnership in 2024, coming off a 10-race program in 2023 that began in the summer, and featured seven top-10s alone in the BuildSubmarines.com scheme across RFK’s No. 6 and No. 17 machines. They will serve as the anchor partner for team co-owner Brad Keselowski in 2024.

    “To be on the track at one of America’s premier sporting events presents an enormous opportunity to showcase amazing careers across the nation,” said Kiley Wren, Co-Founder and Chief Executive, BlueForge Alliance. “Since its announcement in May 2023, our engagement with RFK Racing has already proven to be a game-changer in pursuing our mission to reinvigorate the U.S. manufacturing industry in building next generation submarines for the U.S. Navy. Our involvement in the full 2024 NASCAR campaign will get off to a roaring start thanks to the RFK team, and we’re thrilled to welcome David Ragan to the mission.”

    About RFK Racing
    RFK Racing, entering its 37th season in 2024, features an ownership lineup pairing one of the sport’s most iconic names, Jack Roush, along with NASCAR Champion, Brad Keselowski, and Fenway Sports Group owner John Henry. Roush initially founded the team in 1988 and it has since become one of the most successful racing operations in the world, propelling him to be the first NASCAR owner to amass three hundred wins and capturing eight championships, including back-to-back NASCAR Cup titles in 2003 and 2004. Keselowski, a former owner in the NASCAR Truck Series, is the 2012 NASCAR Cup Series Champion. In 2007, Roush partnered with Henry, who also owns Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox, English Premier League’s Liverpool F.C., and the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins, to form Roush Fenway Racing. Off the track, RFK is a leader and proven winner in NASCAR marketing solutions, having produced multiple award-winning social media, digital content and experiential marketing campaigns. Visit rfkracing.com, and follow the team on all social platforms @rfkracing.

  • zMAX® Joins CARS Tour as Entitlement Sponsor

    zMAX® Joins CARS Tour as Entitlement Sponsor

    CARS Tour Ownership Group Unveils 2024 schedule; FloRacing Renewed to Livestream all 19 events

    Highlights

    • zMAX® announced as new entitlement sponsor for CARS Tour in multi-year agreement.
    • FloRacing to continue as official streaming partner of zMAX CARS Tour; will livestream all 19 races for second consecutive year.
    • Unveiled 2024 zMAX CARS Tour schedule includes 19 events at 13 facilities with Late Model Stock Car and Pro Late Model champions crowned in season finale at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 27, 2023) – Things just keep getting bigger and better for the CARS Tour Late Model Series as it embarks on its 10th season of competition as the Southeast’s premier asphalt late model series.

    Today the CARS Tour ownership group, comprised of motorsports icons Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks, announced the addition of zMAX® as the series’ new entitlement sponsor for the upcoming 2024 season and beyond. The group also rolled out the 2024 zMAX CARS Tour schedule and confirmed the renewal of FloRacing as its official streaming partner for all 19 events.

    “This year we committed ourselves to helping grow an already-established CARS Tour, and regional asphalt racing as a whole,” said Harvick. “Having the opportunity to bring on a respected brand and partner like zMAX does so much for the health and professionalism of the zMAX CARS Tour.”

    Produced in Harrisburg, N.C., zMAX Micro-lubricant® is used in thousands of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, outdoor equipment, airplanes and firearms to reduce carbon buildup, lubricate vital parts and extend engine life. Used by professionals and every-day car-lovers alike, the zMAX family of products has a prominent presence in a number of motorsports, including NASCAR, NHRA and USAC. zMAX is manufactured by Oil-Chem Research Corporation, a division of motorsports entertainment company Speedway Motorsports.

    “A zMAX partnership with the CARS Tour is a grassroots commitment to building future competitors and fans in motorsports,” said Marcus Smith, president and CEO of Speedway Motorsports. “I’d like to thank Dale, Kevin, Jeff and Justin for this opportunity. We look forward to marketing zMAX from the garage to the grandstands and we’re thrilled to see the CARS Tour returning to North Wilkesboro Speedway in 2024.”

    For the second consecutive season, all 19 of the zMAX CARS Tour events will be livestreamed on FloRacing. The video streaming service, which became the official streaming partner of zMAX CARS Tour earlier this year, is a subscription-based company dedicated to growing grassroots motorsports.

    “We feel that CARS has truly become the premier short track asphalt tour in America, and we could not be happier to have the series back on FloRacing,” said General Manager of FloRacing, Michael Rigsby. “Dale and the entire team with CARS are committed to growing short track pavement racing, and that’s truly evident by all they’ve done over the last year. 2024 is going to be a big, big year for CARS, and we are beyond thrilled to highlight that.”

    In addition, the newly-minted zMAX CARS Tour released its 2024 season schedule, which kicks off at Southern National Motorsports Park (Kenly, N.C.) on Saturday, March 2, with Pro Late Models, the first of its two divisions. The Late Model Stock Car division will begin its season at the same track one week later, on March 9.

    “There is a lot to unpack and a lot to be excited about this season – two trips to North Wilkesboro and adding Orange County to the schedule,” said Earnhardt Jr. “It’s going to be tough competition for the drivers and a great show for our fans in the stands, and for those watching on FloRacing. Our partnership with FloRacing has helped tremendously in building exposure and excitement around the zMAX CARS Tour. I’m looking forward to continuing that.”

    Highlighting the series schedule are back-to-back PLM and LMSC races at North Wilkesboro Speedway on May 14 – 15. The zMAX CARS Tour will return to the .625-mile short track on Oct. 19 for the season finale, where it will crown both its series champions.

    2024 zMAX CARS Tour Schedule:

    • Southern National Motorsports Park, Kenly, N.C. (PLM) – March 2
    • Southern National Motorsports Park, Kenly, N.C. (LMSC) – March 9
    • New River All American Speedway, Jacksonville, N.C. (LMSC) – March 23
    • Hickory Motor Speedway, Hickory, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – April 6
    • Orange County Speedway, Rougemont, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – April 20
    • Ace Speedway, Altamahaw, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, May 3
    • North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (PLM) – Tuesday, May 14
    • North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (LMSC) – Wednesday, May 15
    • Tri-County Speedway, Granite Falls, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – May 25
    • Langley Speedway, Hampton, Va. (LMSC) – June 1
    • Dominion Raceway, Thornburg, Va. (LMSC) – June 15
    • Caraway Speedway, Sophia, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Wednesday, July 3
    • Hickory Motor Speedway Throwback, Hickory, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – July 27
    • Ace Speedway, Altamahaw, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, Aug. 9
    • Wake County Speedway, Raleigh, N.C. (LMSC) – Aug. 24
    • Florence Motor Speedway, Florence, S.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Friday, Aug. 30
    • South Boston Speedway, South Boston, Va. (LMSC/PLM) – Sept. 14
    • Tri-County Motor Speedway, Granite Falls, N.C. (LMSC/PLM) – Oct. 12
    • North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (PLM) – Friday, Oct. 18
    • North Wilkesboro Speedway, Wilkesboro, N.C. (LMSC) – Oct. 19

    All races will take place on Saturdays unless otherwise noted. Schedule subject to change.

    ABOUT zMAX CARS TOUR
    Founded in the fall of 2014, the zMAX CARS Tour is the Southeast’s premier asphalt Late Model series. Now under the ownership of motorsports icons Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick and Justin Marks, the zMAX CARS Tour began as a quality pavement racing series based in the Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic region that featured both Late Model Stock Cars and Pro Late Models. Both premier series race on the same night at the same track, and this unique arrangement makes the zMAX CARS Tour the first organization of its kind anywhere in the country. Many of today’s stock car superstars got their start in the zMAX CARS Tour and it is a primary breeding ground for the racing champions of tomorrow.

    ABOUT zMAX
    zMAX Micro-lubricant® uses engine oil, fuel and transmission fluid to reach internal parts where it soaks into metal to disperse carbon build-up—effectively improving performance, extending engine life and reducing emissions as well as wear on vital engine parts. Cleaning the engine from the inside out, zMAX Micro-lubricant is available in formulas designed for cars/trucks, heavy duty equipment, small airplanes, marine motors and 2- and 4-cycle engines. The zMAX family of products also includes performance motor oils, automotive spray wax, aerosol lubricant and brake cleaner. Consumers can look for zMAX products at retail partners such as Walmart, NAPA, Pep Boys, AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts and O’Reilly Auto Parts or visit www.zMAX.com.

    ABOUT FLOSPORTS
    Founded in 2006, FloSports is a subscription video streaming service dedicated to sports, offering live and on-demand access to hundreds of thousands of competition events across 25+ vertical sport categories in the US and abroad. FloSports’ vision is to give underserved sports the love they deserve. With a growing library of more than 300,000 hours of premium content including news, expert commentary, films, documentaries and more, FloSports has established itself as an innovator and leader in sports streaming. Finally, your sport has a home. For more information, please visit: flosports.tv.

  • Toyota Unveils Camry XSE Race Car for 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Season

    Toyota Unveils Camry XSE Race Car for 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Season

    PLANO, Texas (November 27, 2023) – Toyota revealed today a newly-designed NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Toyota Camry XSE race car that will make its debut in the 2024 NCS season. The Camry XSE Next Gen follows the Toyota Camry TRD Next Gen, which produced 18 victories and 25 poles during the last two seasons of competition.

    Toyota, TRD (Toyota Racing Development, U.S.A.) and Calty Design worked together to ensure body styling characteristics replicated the recently unveiled 2025 Toyota Camry XSE as closely as possible. New features of the Toyota Camry race car include a distinctive hammerhead styling on the front facia with an upper grille slot that is tied into the updated slim and wide headlights.

    The outside of the larger lower grille area also features C-shaped corner vents, while the hood features new character lines and new hood duct exits. The back facia of the car includes revised quarter panel styling and chamfered bumper corners on the back of the corner panels that blend into the rear bumper. These features, along with updated thinner taillights, give the new Camry race car a more sculpted appearance.

    2024 NASCAR Toyota Camry XSE that will be raced in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series

    “The 2024 Camry XSE race car will properly highlight Toyota’s attention to detail as has been showcased in the new street version Toyota Camry. We are excited to bring this car to the race track and continue to achieve success with it for years to come,” said Paul Doleshal, group manager of motorsports, TMNA (Toyota Motor North America). “The amount of work put into this car’s production cannot be overstated, and we thank everyone at TRD and Calty Design for their efforts in creating a premier vehicle for our team partners to compete for wins and championships.”

    Toyota continues to be the only manufacturer in NASCAR to showcase three nameplates across the three national series – the Camry in the NCS, the GR Supra in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and the Tundra TRD Pro in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS). Since joining the NCS and NXS in 2007, Toyota has earned 180 NCS wins and three NCS championships along with 201 NXS victories and four NXS titles. And since its entry into the NCTS in 2004, Toyota has claimed 228 wins and nine Truck Series championships.

    “The foundation of Toyota’s presence in NASCAR is our commitment to continuous improvement on and off the race track. Our Camry XSE race car reinforces that mantra and accurately reflects the key design attributes of the all-new production Toyota Camry,” said David Wilson, president of TRD. “As we prepare for the 2024 season, we look forward to working closely with our race team partners to optimize the performance of the newly-designed Camry race car so we can continue our legacy of leading laps, winning races and competing for championships with the Camry nameplate.”

    With the addition of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, eight Toyota Camry XSE’s will compete on track every weekend, starting with the Clash at the Coliseum exhibition race in Los Angeles, California, in February.

    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 33 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 26 electrified options.

    Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed $110 million to create innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s 14 U.S. operating sites.

  • NASCAR Canada Series Receives New Name with Presenting Partner Model

    NASCAR Canada Series Receives New Name with Presenting Partner Model

    Evirum and Pinty’s are initial presenting partners for Canada’s premier motorsport series

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov 21, 2023) — Beginning in 2024, NASCAR’s Canadian series will be known as the NASCAR Canada Series with Evirum and Pinty’s serving as Presenting Partners. The series, currently the NASCAR Pinty’s Series, is entering its 18th season as the top national motorsport in Canada.

    NASCAR officials also unveiled the 2024 schedule for the NASCAR Canada Series, which features 13 races across six provinces.

    “Canadian motorsports fans are incredibly passionate, and the new NASCAR Canada Series name appropriately captures their nationalistic pride,” said Chad Seigler, NASCAR chief international officer. “The series features Canada’s biggest racing stars, competing at the top tracks across the country. With an influx of talented young drivers and a garage full of healthy and competitive teams, interest in the series is at an all-time high. We are excited to build off recent momentum and deliver great racing to fans across Canada.”

    Pinty’s, which has served as series entitlement partner since 2016, and Evirum are Presenting Partners of the series, with each investing across the industry, including teams, tracks and fan promotions.

    “Evirum is excited to join NASCAR Canada as one of their Presenting Partners and as its Official Residual Materials Management and Environmental Solutions Provider,” said Julien Remillard, Evirum president. “Our involvement in this thrilling series dates back to last season, where we offered support to some drivers, race promoters and race track operators. When the opportunity to become a Series Partner presented itself, it was a natural progression in alignment with our expanding presence across Canada and the United States. We eagerly anticipate sharing our expertise with NASCAR Canada and its stakeholders to bolster their recycling and sustainability efforts.”

    “Once again, we are very proud to associate the name of our Pinty’s brand with NASCAR Canada as a presenting partner, thus supporting motorsport in Canada, which will now have a new race in Quebec,” said Yanick Gervais, Olymel president and CEO.

    The schedule for the 2024 season features a mix of traditional events with a new season finale at Autodrome Montmagny – the first visit to the track for the NASCAR Canada Series and the first series finale to be held in Quebec (Sept. 22). The season will open at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) on Victoria Day weekend (May 19) as it did every year from 2011-2019.

    In between, the series will again race at Riverside Speedway in Nova Scotia with a doubleheader weekend (June 29-30), creating an East Coast Swing following the race at Eastbound Speedway in Newfoundland and Labrador (June 22).

    The popular dirt race at Ohsweken Speedway will return for the third year and will move to July 11, before the traditional Western Swing to Sutherland Automotive Speedway in Saskatoon (July 20) and Edmonton International Raceway (July 27).

    The Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières, which has been run since 1967, returns on Sunday, August 11.

    NASCAR also announced that longtime Canadian motorsports executive Alan Labrosse has been named General Manager of NASCAR Canada. Labrosse, a member of the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame, will be charged with growing and promoting NASCAR throughout Canada, which includes oversight of the NASCAR Canada Series. Following a successful career as a driver, Labrosse transitioned to the business side of the sport. He owned and operated Autodrome St-Eustache for 13 years and has served as a promoter, team owner and agent.

    All NASCAR Canada Series races air on TSN and RDS in Canada and FloSports in the United States. The full broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.

    Fans can stay connected to the NASCAR Canada Series – and all things NASCAR in Canada – at www.nascar.ca, on X, Facebook and Instagram.


    2024 NASCAR Canada Series Schedule

    DATETRACKCITY
    Sunday, May 19Canadian Tire Motorsport ParkBowmanville, Ont.
    Saturday, June 1Autodrome ChaudièreVallée-Jonction, Que.
    Saturday, June 22Eastbound International SpeedwayAvondale, N.L.
    Saturday, June 29Riverside SpeedwayAntigonish, N.S.
    Sunday, June 30Riverside SpeedwayAntigonish, N.S.
    Thursday, July 11Ohsweken SpeedwayOhsweken, Ont.
    Saturday, July 20Sutherland Automotive SpeedwaySaskatoon, Sask.
    Saturday, July 27Edmonton International RacewayWetaskiwin, Alb.
    Sunday, Aug. 11Grand Prix de Trois-RivièresTrois-Rivières, Que.
    Saturday, Aug. 17Delaware SpeedwayDelaware, Ont.
    Saturday, Aug. 24Circuit ICARMirabel, Que.
    Sunday, Sept. 1Canadian Tire Motorsport ParkBowmanville, Ont.
    Sunday, Sept. 22Autodrome Montmagny SpeedwayMontmagny, Que.

    SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

    About NASCAR

    Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Canada Series, NASCAR Mexico Series and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

    About Evirum 

    Evirum is a Canadian residual materials management brokerage company offering eco-responsible solutions across North America to minimize environmental impact and promote recycling and other innovative practices. Evirum is committed to providing companies, events and industries with the best sustainable practices and services. evirum.com

    About Olymel

    Olymel is the Canadian leader in producing, processing, and marketing pork and poultry meat. The company’s mission is to feed the world with passion and products of impeccable quality. The company has production and processing facilities in Québec, Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick, and employs over 13,000 people. Annual sales are in the order of $4.5 billion. The company markets its products mainly under the Olymel, Lafleur, Flamingo, La Fernandière, Pinty’s, Tour Eiffel and F. Ménard brands.

  • NASCAR and Rev Racing Announce 20th NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Class

    NASCAR and Rev Racing Announce 20th NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Class

    Nine drivers were selected from the Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine and will compete across different series with Rev Racing

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (November 20, 2023) – Today, NASCAR and Rev Racing announced the drivers participating in 2024’s class of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. The drivers were evaluated and selected after partaking in the Advance Auto Parts Drive for Diversity Combine held in Concord, N.C. and Florence, S.C. Andrés Pérez de Lara, Lavar Scott, Nathan Lyons, Regina Sirvent, and Eloy Sebastián López Falcón, will be returning to the program next year. Lanie Buice, TJ DeCaire, Cassidy Keitt, and LaQuan McCoy Jr., will be making their debut in 2024.

    “Next year marks the 20th anniversary of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program and we’re celebrating this milestone by welcoming a very talented group of drivers,” said Brandon Thompson, NASCAR’s Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion. “We’re confident that next year’s group of drivers will continue elevating the depth of our talent pool and we’re thrilled to play a role in their development.”

    The NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program was created in 2004 to develop and train top drivers from diverse backgrounds and experiences, both on and off the track. Rev Racing, which operates the program, brings together championship caliber executives, competition staff and equipment in a unique academy-style environment. The team owned by Max and Jennifer Siegel is based in Concord, N.C.

    “We are extremely energized by the talent we saw this past November at the Combine,” said Max Siegel. “From returning drivers to new participants to our program, we look forward to the season ahead and the development of this pipeline of NASCAR’s future stars. We’re proud of our accomplishments since the program’s inception and our expansion into the national series in 2023. We are poised for continued success with this next driver class, as we remain committed to being a championship-contending team and one of the premier development programs in NASCAR.”

    Since the program’s inception, several graduates have moved on to compete at the national series level, achieving important milestones. Kyle Larson, Bubba Wallace and Daniel Suárez currently race in the NASCAR Cup Series, and all three have left their mark in the history books.

    Larson is the first graduate of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program to win a NASCAR Cup Series championship. The Northern California native of Japanese descent won the 2012 K&N Pro Series (now ARCA Menards Series) Championship with Rev Racing. Currently, he’s the only Asian-American driver competing regularly in NASCAR Cup Series.

    Suárez made history in 2022, becoming the first Mexican-born driver to win a race in the NASCAR Cup Series. A trailblazer in NASCAR, Suárez also made his mark in the sport when he won the NASCAR Xfinity Series championship in 2016. In 2023, Suárez completed his third season driving for Trackhouse Racing, a team owned by Justin Marks and Pitbull.

    Wallace is the first Black driver to win multiple Cup Series races. In 2023, he finished his third season contending for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs with the 23XI Racing team, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.

    Nick Sanchez, who participated in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program from 2017-2022 and won the 2022 ARCA Menards Series Championship with Rev Racing, advanced to the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series in 2023. Sanchez drove the No. 2 Gainbridge Chevrolet for Rev Racing with its technical alliance partner, Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), finished sixth in points this season and was named the 2023 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Rookie of the Year.

    Rajah Caruth also graduated from the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program and competed full-time this season in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, driving the No. 24 for GMS Racing. Caruth is a prominent iRacer who made his transition to the racetrack in 2019.

    The 2024 class features the following drivers:

    Andrés Pérez de Lara – ARCA Menards Series: The Mexico City, Mexico, native, 18, returns to Rev Racing for his third season after earning five top 5’s in the ARCA Menards Series. He also competes in the NASCAR México Series and was named the 2023 Rookie of the Year. He is the 2022 NASCAR México Challenge Champion.

    Lavar Scott – ARCA Menards Series: The 20-year-old from Carney’s Pointe, N.J., returns to Rev Racing after earning five top 5’s in the ARCA Menards Series East. He secured 1st place at Hickory Motor Speedway and his first career win in the Trucks México Series at Autódromo de Querétaro in Mexico in 2021.

    Nathan Lyons – INEX Legend Car Series: The 14-year-old originally from Texas, moved to Concord, N.C., to pursue his dream to race in NASCAR. Lyons most recently finished his first season in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Youth Driver Development Program with Rev Racing. Lyons secured the pole and a 1st place finish in a U.S. Legend Car during the Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Lyons received the 2023 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Youth Racer Award and a 3rd place finish in the 2023 Cookout Summer Shootout point standings.

    Eloy Sebastián López Falcón – NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series: The 18-year-old concluded his first season in the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Youth Driver Development Program in a U.S. Legend Car. In the NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series, Falcón secured the win on three separate occasions this season. Falcón was the 2021 Rookie of the Year in the Trucks México Series and the 2022 Trucks México Series Champion.

    Lanie Buice – NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series: From 2017 to 2020, Buice had 91 total wins in go karts, including 23 straight wins during her last season. Buice has also raced in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, earning 12 top 5s and 18 top 10s the 2023 late model season.

    TJ DeCaire – NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series: During the 2023 season, DeCaire earned three wins in Super Late Models, Pro Late Models and Truck Weekly Touring Series. He also placed in the top 5 across all three series 17 times throughout the season.

    Regina Sirvent – NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series: In the NASCAR México Challenge Series, the 20-year-old from Mexico City finished 5th at Tuxtla Gutierrez and 5th at Puebla. She received the 2019 Best Driver Award for NASCAR México and was the recipient of the 2021 NASCAR Drive for Diversity Awards Young Racer. Sirvent was the first female to win in the Trucks México Series and placed 3rd in the 2020 Championship points.

    Cassidy Keitt – INEX Legend Car Series: Keitt earned two top 5s and five top 10s in U.S. Legend Cars at the Cookout Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway. She is the 2022 Young Lions Winter Heat Champion, winning two races throughout the season.

    LaQuan McCoy Jr. – INEX Legend Car Series: McCoy collected a first-place finish and three top 5s across all five Bandolero races at the 2023 Citrus County Speedway Winter Nationals. During the 2023 Cookout Summer Shootout, McCoy placed in the top 5 twice followed by back-to-back wins. He is the 2023 Charlotte Motor Speedway Winter Heat Champion and 2023 Winter Showdown Bandit Champion at Auburndale Speedway.

    About NASCAR

    Celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 2023, the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is the sanctioning body for the No. 1 form of motorsports in the United States and owner of 16 of the nation’s major motorsports entertainment facilities. NASCAR sanctions races in three national series (NASCAR Cup Series™, NASCAR Xfinity Series™, and NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series™), four international series (NASCAR Brasil Sprint Race, NASCAR Mexico Series, NASCAR Pinty’s Series (Canada), NASCAR Whelen Euro Series), four regional series (ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West and the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour) and a local grassroots series (NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series). The International Motor Sports Association™ (IMSA®) governs the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship™, the premier U.S. sports car series. NASCAR also owns Motor Racing Network, Racing Electronics, and ONE DAYTONA. Based in Daytona Beach, Florida, with offices in eight cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 12 countries and more than 30 U.S. states. For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat (‘NASCAR’).

    About Rev Racing

    Headquartered in Concord, N.C., Rev Racing, owned by Max Siegel, operates the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Program, which is the industry’s leading developmental program for drivers and pit crew members. For more information about Rev Racing visit https://revracing.net/ or follow on Twitter @RevRacin.

  • Josh Williams joins Kaulig Racing’s Xfinity Series lineup for 2024

    Josh Williams joins Kaulig Racing’s Xfinity Series lineup for 2024

    Williams, Alloy Employer Services, will continue long-term relationship in No. 11 Kaulig Racing Chevy

    LEXINGTON, N.C. (November 16, 2023) – Kaulig Racing announced today that Josh Williams will drive the No. 11 Chevrolet in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) season. Williams’ long-time sponsor, Alloy Employer Services, will serve as a primary partner.

    Williams began his national series career at the age of 16 and has made 186 starts in the NXS, earning three top-10 finishes in 2023. The Port Charlotte, Fla. native looks to capitalize on his biggest opportunity yet with Kaulig Racing.

    “After only an hour in the shop, I already feel like it’s home,” said Williams. “I’ve known a lot of these guys for a long time, and I felt like coming over here would give us a good opportunity to get wins. That’s the goal, Trophy Hunting.”

    “Josh Williams has fought tooth and nail for everything in his racing career, and we’re really excited to have him race for us,” said Chris Rice, president of Kaulig Racing. “We love his energy and passion at the track, and we think his personality and drive will fit right in with the Kaulig Racing culture.”

    Alloy Employer Services, which focuses on proactive claims management for workplace injuries and risk management, began its relationship with Williams in 2020. The company creates cost reductions on premiums for employers that are complemented by long-term cost control.

    “Josh Williams represents the spirit of racing as we know and love it,” said Alloy CMO, Chris Estey. “We are excited and confident in his potential for the 2024 season. His blend of competitive edge, skill and sportsmanship promotes a super opportunity for him and all his sponsors. For all of us to be aligned with Kaulig Racing produces a powerful recipe.”

    Also joining Alloy Employer Services and Williams will be a host of long-term and new partners who have been with Williams throughout his NXS career.

    Williams will make his first start for Kaulig Racing when the season kicks off at Daytona International Speedway in February. Additional partnership announcements will come at a later date.

    About Alloy Employer Services

    Since 1999, Alloy has helped to reduce costs and simplify administration for employers dealing with the complexities of workforce management. Alloy’s unique service model and approach to workers’ compensation and risk management allows clients to focus on their core mission with the confidence that they are supported by an efficient and effective coverage model for worksite injury along with other valuable benefits.

    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 made the NXS Playoffs consecutively each season since the playoff system started and won back-to-back regular-season championships in 2021 and 2022. Before becoming a full-time NCS team, Kaulig Racing made multiple starts in the 2021 NCS season and won in its seventh-ever race with AJ Allmendinger’s victory at “The Brickyard” for the Verizon 200 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The team expanded to a two-car, full-time NCS team in 2022 and added a third, part-time entry during the 2023 season. In 2024, the team will once again field two, full-time entries in the NCS and continue to field three, full-time NXS entries. To learn more about the team, visit kauligracing.com.

  • Jake Garcia joins ThorSport Racing for 2024 Truck Series season

    Jake Garcia joins ThorSport Racing for 2024 Truck Series season

    Jake Garcia will be joining ThorSport Racing and will pilot a Ford F-150 for the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season.

    The news comes as the 18-year-old Garcia from Monroe, California, is coming off his first full-time campaign in the Truck Series, where he contended for the Rookie-of-the-Year title. Driving for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing, Garcia notched three top-five results, nine top-10 results and an average-finishing result of 14.0 through 22 series’ starts. He was unable to compete in the series opener at Daytona International Speedway due to age restrictions and before turning 18 years of age in early March, but was able to end up in 13th place in the final driver’s standings and achieve a career-best runner-up result during the season-finale event at Phoenix Raceway.

    “To have the chance to race for a championship organization like ThorSport Racing is huge for me,” Garcia said. “I’m extremely excited for this opportunity and cannot wait to get the 2024 season started.”

    Garcia, who grew up competing in quarter midgets before ascending his way through the midget ranks and late model competition, is the 2021 Southern Super Series champion, where he became the youngest champion in the series at 16 years of age. He would also claim the 2023 North-South Challenge event in the Super Late Model division.

    In 2021, Garcia competed in the final ARCA Menards Series West event for David Gilliland Racing at Phoenix, where he finished sixth. He would then compete in his first five Truck Series event for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing in 2022, where he achieved a season-best 16th-place finish at Phoenix in November, before notching a full-time Truck ride in MHR’s No. 35 entry for the 2023 season.

    With Garcia set to make his series debut at Daytona International Speedway in February 2024, his entry’s number, crew chief and sponsors remain to be determined. ThorSport Racing’s 2024 driver lineup also remains to be determined as the team is coming off its fifth Truck Series driver’s championship with newly crowned two-time champion Ben Rhodes.

    Garcia’s first Craftsman Truck Series season with ThorSport Racing is set to commence at Daytona International Speedway on February 16, 2024. The event’s broadcast time is slated to occur at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.

  • LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ Announces Ben Beshore as No. 42 Crew Chief

    LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ Announces Ben Beshore as No. 42 Crew Chief

    STATESVILLE, N.C. (November 13, 2023) — LEGACY MOTOR CLUB™ today named Ben Beshore as the crew chief for John Hunter Nemechek, who recently signed on to drive the Club’s No. 42 Toyota NASCAR Cup Series entry in 2024.

    Beshore, 42, has proven success in every series he has worked within. The York, Pa., native began his career in NASCAR shortly after earning an engineering degree from Virginia Tech. He joined Roush Fenway Racing, (now RFK), in 2007 as a race engineer. He moved over to Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) in 2014, to become the race engineer for NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch until 2018. In 2019, Beshore moved to the JGR Xfinity Series team where he worked with multiple drivers as the crew chief for the No. 18 series entry and then the No. 20 Toyota with driver Harrison Burton.

    In 2021, Beshore was promoted to the NASCAR Cup Series to work as the crew chief for Kyle Busch. The duo won their first race of the season for JGR – the exhibition Busch Clash at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. His success with Busch includes three series wins, 23 top-five, and 39 top-10 finishes in 71 races. In 2023, Beshore became the Xfinity Series crew chief for the young John Hunter Nemechek at JGR.

    “I’m excited to join LEGACY MOTOR CLUB and continue working with John Hunter in the Cup Series – we had so much success last season. I’m looking forward to helping build this program into a perennial contender that can compete at the highest level possible each and every week.”

    Nemechek agrees his chemistry with Beshore will continue to breed future success.

    “The partnership between driver and crew chief requires a type of chemistry that is hard to find,” said Nemechek. “As a driver, if you’re lucky enough to find a crew chief that you mesh with as well as Ben and I do, you do everything possible to stick together. I look forward to building on our competitive partnership and fighting for more wins and championships.”

    If anyone knows how important chemistry is with a crew chief, its Jimmie Johnson.

    “The driver-crew chief relationship is something I know well and it’s such an important part of the performance foundation,” said Johnson. “We are so thankful to see Ben join the Club. His experience with John Hunter and Toyota will help us with the transition and his on-track experience will elevate us in so many ways. I have learned that Ben is a highly focused person and that he believes in the future potential of an organization that is going through a lot of change. He’s a great fit.”

    Beshore’s role within the organization is effective immediately.

    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 entries, respectively, along with the No. 84 part-time entry for Johnson in 2023. Richard Petty “The King” serves as team 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, Twitter, and Instagram and at www.LEGACYMOTORCLUB.com.

  • KALITTA GETS FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP; HAGAN, ENDERS ALSO CLAIM WORLD TITLES AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

    KALITTA GETS FIRST WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP; HAGAN, ENDERS ALSO CLAIM WORLD TITLES AT IN-N-OUT BURGER NHRA FINALS

    POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 12, 2023) – Top Fuel veteran Doug Kalitta claimed his first career NHRA world championship on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, knocking off Leah Pruett in a winner-take-all final round, while Funny Car’s Matt Hagan gave Tony Stewart Racing its first world championship at the 58th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals.

    Erica Enders (Pro Stock) also secured the championship on Sunday at the 21st race of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, and the last of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs. Gaige Herrera earned the Pro Stock Motorcycle world title on Saturday.

    Kalitta powered to a Sunday-best run of 3.673-seconds at 334.98 mph in his 11,000-horsepower Mac Tools/Toyota dragster in the final round, driving past Pruett’s run of 3.720 at 326.16 to pick up his third win of the season. After six runner-up finishes in his 26-year career, Kalitta finished the job on Sunday to win a world title for the first time.

    On a pressure-packed Sunday, Kalitta knocked off Dan Mercier, Josh Hart and Justin Ashley to set up an incredible final round with Pruett. Kalitta led wire-to-wire, setting off a raucous celebration on the starting line as the veteran had finally achieved the ultimate goal in the sport.

    “It’s incredible the way the points thing worked out to come down to that last run,” said Kalitta, who won for the third time this season and 52nd time in his career. “I just stay focused. It was obviously a big round for us and it played out just perfectly. It’s just one of those deals get to the end of the track and I cannot believe these guys are cheering and high-fiving as I get around the corner because I missed seeing the win light.

    “When we got to semis with the cars still in, you’re just wishing and hoping for the best really. This is one of the coolest places to run, with the museum and just the history of the NHRA, and I’ve heard all the stories back in the day with Connie (Kalitta), and this is just like the pinnacle for me. It’s hard to believe. I’ve always dreamed about this opportunity over the years and thanks to my guys for making it happen. I appreciate all the support I’ve gotten from the fans and we’re taking this trophy back home.”

    Hagan clinched his fourth world championship in his 11,000-horsepower Dodge Direct Connection Charger SRT Hellcat during a wild second round on Sunday at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. With Hagan, Robert Hight and Bob Tasca III separated by just 17 points entering raceday, all three won the opening round, but each lost during the quarterfinals. Tasca fell first, then Hagan and it came down to Hight’s matchup with Chad Green. But Hight also smoked the tires, handing the championship to Hagan.

    It’s the fourth world title for Hagan, joining John Force, Kenny Bernstein and Don Prudhomme as the only drivers to win four or more Funny Car world championships in NHRA history. To get there, Hagan was consistent throughout, picking up six victories and advancing to eight final rounds. He held the points lead for the bulk of the regular season and then got hot at a key time in the Countdown to the Championship, winning back-to-back races in St. Louis and Dallas to take the points lead for good. That proved critical during the wild turn of events on Sunday, one that gave Hagan his place in history.

    “It’s just one of those things, you hate to have to stand there and watch someone go out to win a championship,” Hagan said. “That’s just not my style of racing and not how I want to win one. But it’s really about the body of work we did all year and coming in here and being ahead in points and being able to have that opportunity. I just can’t say enough about every single one of my guys that wrench on the car. They’re all coming back next year and everyone’s excited about that. Tony Stewart, to get his first championship out here in second year in NHRA, it’s unbelievable.

    “I think it speaks volumes to the group he’s assembled and the people we put around and the leader he is as a team owner and just as a guy. It’s unbelievable we were able to do that this year. It’s super special for me, and it puts you in a caliber of drivers, you look up and you go, ‘How is it possible, I’m not that good.’ I know I’m not that good because I’ve surrounded myself with people who are better than me. That’s the only reason I’m in this position. It’s pretty incredible.”

    Erica Enders’ path to a sixth world championship in Pro Stock was simple on Sunday: simply win the opening round of eliminations. After qualifying third, the winningest female in NHRA history took care of business, knocking off Fernando Cuadra with a run of 6.502 at 210.80 in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance Chevrolet Camaro. It gave Enders her sixth world championship, much to the delight of the crowd, tying her with Warren Johnson for the second-most in Pro Stock history.

    It was also a resounding bounce back for Enders, who struggled mightily to open the 2023 campaign. But Enders and her Elite Motorsports team turned things around at the perfect time, as she moved into the points lead at the halfway mark in the Countdown to the Championship and then added to her lead with victories in Dallas and Las Vegas. That put her in command and Enders finished with her fourth world title in the past five years and four victories this season. Her victory in Dallas also gave her the most wins by any female in NHRA history and a sixth championship will only add to her legacy.

    “On the heels of a career-best season last year, anything is going to be challenging,” Enders said. “It took us seven races to figure out our issue and I owe my guys all my credit in the world. The message this year is tenacity and consistency, and digging through all of it prevailing when it matters. I have to thank my guys for that.

    “It was a dogfight and I’m really thankful for the position we were in. When my guys’ back are against the wall, they perform and we execute and makes me so proud to be their driver. I think word that describes this year is tenacity. Every championship has its story and this season is another reminder of why you don’t give up. You doubt yourself and it’s digging yourself out that ditch and that’s what this season is about.”

    The 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series begins March 7-10 with the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway.

  • Taylor Gray retained by TRICON Garage for 2024 Truck Series season

    Taylor Gray retained by TRICON Garage for 2024 Truck Series season

    Taylor Gray will officially embark in his first full-time season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with TRICON Garage in 2024.

    The news comes as the 18-year-old Gray from Artesia, New Mexico, is coming off his rookie season in the Truck Series, where he achieved three top-five results, six top-10 results, two laps led, an average-finishing result of 14.6 through 20 starts and a 15th-place result in the final driver’s standings. He was unable to compete in the series on a full-time basis until he turned 18 years of age in March, which saw him miss the first three events on the schedule.

    “The opportunity to continue to grow with TRICON and Toyota is not one that I take for granted,” Gray said. “I am excited to tackle my first complete Truck season and continue developing into a weekly contender. I am ready to hit the ground running and am prepared to win races in 2024.”

    Gray, who grew up competing in late models and was elevated to the CARS Late Model Stock Tour and the ARCA Menards Series East with DGR-Crosley, has three ARCA Menards Series victories, one ARCA Menards Series East win and five ARCA Menards Series West victories to date, with his best points result being a runner-up finish in 2022 ARCA East division.

    In 2021, Gray made his Truck Series debut at Watkins Glen International with David Gilliland Racing, where he finished 35th. He competed in four additional Truck events throughout the season before returning for eight additional starts in 2022 and then competing for a majority of events this past season with TRICON. His best on-track result to date is a runner-up finish at Kansas Speedway in September. Previously, he achieved a third-place finish at Pocono Raceway in July.

    Gray, who will continue to pilot the No. 17 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, becomes the fourth competitor to be retained by TRICON for the 2024 Truck Series season. His older brother Tanner, Corey Heim and Dean Thompson have been confirmed to return to the organization and pilot the Nos. 15, 11 and 5 entries, respectively, next season.

    With his racing plans for next season set, Taylor Gray’s first full-time campaign in the Craftsman Truck Series commences at Daytona International Speedway. The season opener is scheduled to occur on February 16, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1.