Category: Featured Headline

Featured headlines from SpeedwayMedia.com

  • Richard Childress Racing and Dow Announce Partnership Extension

    Richard Childress Racing and Dow Announce Partnership Extension

    Innovative Technology and Science-Based Partnership Continues in 2025 with 2018 Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon Driving the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing

    BROOKLYN, Michigan (August 18, 2024) – Dow (NYSE: DOW) and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced today an extension of their partnership, reinforcing a commitment to advancing high-performing mobility through materials science innovation.

    “We believe in the power and science of sport and its ability to push the bounds of innovation, particularly through purpose-based partnerships,” said Carlos Padilla II, Head of Global Sports Partnerships at Dow, “so we’re thrilled to be continuing our collaboration on the NASCAR circuit with RCR, working together to help drive a higher-performing future of automotive, both on the racetrack and our everyday roads.”

    Dow has been partnered with Dillon and RCR for major milestones in the Welcome, North Carolina driver’s NASCAR career, including the return of the No. 3 to the NASCAR Cup Series, Dillon’s historic Daytona 500 pole as a rookie in 2014, his first win in the NASCAR Cup Series in one of NASCAR’s “Crown Jewel” races at Charlotte Motor Speedway in 2017, and a Daytona 500 win in 2018.

    “Dow’s relationship has been one of the most personal and authentic relationships of my motorsports career,” said Dillon. “I’ve really enjoyed meeting Dow employees globally, some of which have become close friends. We’ve seen first-hand the power of the partnership with programs such as the Dow Salutes Veterans program growing each year, and customers from a variety of businesses finding value in their relationship with Dow through their at-track experience. Dow has supported me since day 1 in the NASCAR Cup Series, and it means a lot to know that Dow scientists are working behind the scenes to extract every ounce of speed we can from our Chevys. I’m proud to be associated with one of the world’s foremost materials science companies and will do my best to represent Dow both on and off track.”

    Dow brings a science and engineering crew who is driven by limitless curiosity and collaboration to the RCR team. Backed by the power of data analysis and virtual modeling, Dow develops and manufactures high-performance components and materials custom-made for the No. 3 Dow Chevrolet. In recent years, Dow has used their race team partnership to help launch Dow MobilityScience™ – the company’s one-stop shop for all things automotive – and has used the star power of Dillon and the RCR crew to give back to the community and Dow employees with important initiatives such as river cleanups, Habitat for Humanity builds and special initiatives for Dow Employee Resource Groups.

    “Collaboration is key when it comes to innovation,” said Jennifer Kempf, Commercial Vice President of Dow MobilityScience™, “and in a world where mobility is ever-changing and the need for more rapidly evolving options on our roads is paramount, it’s teamwork and real-time testing with like-minded partners such as RCR that’s helping bring to life the advancements necessary for progress.”

    “Whether it’s corporate citizenship, sustainability initiatives, or celebrating the science of speed through ongoing technological collaborations between RCR engineers and Dow scientists, our relationship with Dow has always been about more than the diamond on the hood of the car,” said Torrey Galida, President of RCR. “Together, we’ve accomplished a lot both on and off the track, and we’re looking forward to building on our strong relationship with continued collaborations.”

    Dow and RCR’s partnership has expedited innovation and shortened testing time in the automotive industry by using one of the most extreme environments – the racetrack – as a real-time testbed. Stay up to date with Dow’s exciting developments at www.dow.com/sports, and follow them on X (@DowSports) and LinkedIn (Dow Sports Marketing Solutions).

    For more information on all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.

    Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the world’s leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

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

  • NASCAR Brings The Clash to Historic Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb. 2, 2025

    NASCAR Brings The Clash to Historic Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb. 2, 2025

    NASCAR Cup Series to Compete in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, for First Time Since 1971; The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will be Broadcast Live on FOX

    NASCAR Studios and FOX Sports Films Documentary, “The Madhouse: NASCAR’s Return to Bowman Gray Stadium” to Debut on FS1

    WINSTON SALEM, N.C. (Aug. 17, 2024) – Today, NASCAR announced The Clash will come to historic Bowman Gray Stadium for the first-time as the opening exhibition event for the 2025 season on Feb. 2. The announcement was made by Ben Kennedy as part of pre-race for tonight’s NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series event at the racetrack. This will mark the first NASCAR Cup Series event at the racetrack in 54 years. The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will be broadcast live on FOX.

    “Bowman Gray Stadium has a storied history in motorsports, so we look forward to bringing the Cup Series back to this revered racetrack for the first time since 1971,” said Kennedy, Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer, NASCAR. “As NASCAR’s first weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray Stadium holds a special place as the original home to grassroots racing. With a history of intense competition, we are proud to host The Clash at the ‘The Madhouse.’”

    To commemorate the return to Bowman Gray, NASCAR Studios and FOX Sports Films are producing a one-hour documentary entitled The Madhouse: NASCAR’s Return to Bowman Gray Stadium that will premiere on FS1. The film will explore the rich and rollicking history of the Winston-Salem venue while weaving a narrative that focuses on preparations for The Clash in 2025. It’s a story that intersects two unique worlds: the biggest motorsports series in North America, and the grassroots charm of small-town America at Bowman Gray Stadium. More details on the documentary, including when fans will be able to watch on FS1, will be released at a later date.

    “The city of Winston-Salem is very excited and grateful to NASCAR for selecting Bowman Gray Stadium as the site for The Clash in 2025,” said City of Winston-Salem Mayor Allen Joines. “This further solidifies our city’s relationship with NASCAR and the many fans in the region as we welcome the NASCAR Cup Series back to Bowman Gray Stadium.”

    Built in 1937, Bowman Gray Stadium, a quarter-mile short track, holds a special place in NASCAR history as the longest-running weekly racetrack. In 1949, Bill France Sr. and Alvin Hawkins, two founding fathers of NASCAR, brought motorsports to the facility as the first weekly racetrack and first paved racetrack that NASCAR competed on. Earlier this year, NASCAR took over the long-term management of racing operations at Bowman Gray Stadium in partnership with the City of Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

    The racetrack hosted 29 NASCAR Grand National, now NASCAR Cup Series, races from 1958 to 1971. Bowman Gray Stadium has hosted many NASCAR legends including Richard Petty, Junior Johnson, Glen Wood, David Pearson, Ned Jarrett, Richie Evans, Jerry Cook, and others. Petty won his 100th NASCAR Grand National race in the 1969 Myers Brothers 250 at the racetrack.

    More recently, Bowman Gray Stadium hosted several East Series races from 2011 to 2015. Ben Kennedy, great grandson of Bill France Sr., won an East Series race there in 2013. Other winners include two-time NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion Ben Rhodes and Cup Series drivers Ryan Preece and Corey LaJoie.

    Current NASCAR Cup Series drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott, Justin Haley, Corey LaJoie, Kyle Larson, Ryan Preece, Daniel Suarez, and Bubba Wallace have all competed in their professional careers at Bowman Gray Stadium.

    For more information and to get on the list to purchase tickets for The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, visit NASCARClash.com. To learn more about the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series season with weekly modified, sportsman, street stock and stadium stock competition, visit bowmangrayracing.com.

    About NASCAR

    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 14 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, 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 five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

    For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

  • Haas Factory Team Completes its 2025 Driver Lineup

    Haas Factory Team Completes its 2025 Driver Lineup

    Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer To Race Fulltime in NASCAR Xfinity Series With Haas

    BROOKLYN, Mich. (Aug. 17, 2024) – Haas Factory Team has signed drivers Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer to pilot its two NASCAR Xfinity Series entries beginning in 2025, with both racers joining the company under multiyear agreements.

    Creed will drive the No. 00 Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Mayer will drive the No. 41 Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

    Haas Factory Team has elected to use the No. 41 in the Xfinity Series in place of the No. 98 that it is inheriting from Stewart-Haas Racing to better align with its overall program. Haas Factory Team announced in July that it will use the No. 41 in the NASCAR Cup Series with driver Cole Custer.

    “We’ve developed a strong and consistent Xfinity Series program at Stewart-Haas that wins races and championships. In 2025, that program will operate as Haas Factory Team. The name is changing, but our commitment to winning remains the same,” said Joe Custer, president, Haas Factory Team.

    “Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer have won championships on their way to the Xfinity Series and they’re both hungry to win races and compete for an Xfinity Series title. They bring significant experience and a shared desire to win. Having them a part of Haas Factory Team allows us to operate at a high level and collect trophies.”

    Creed is the 2020 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion. The 26-year-old from Alpine, California, in an eight-time race winner in the Truck Series who has been competing fulltime in the Xfinity Series since 2022. While still seeking his first Xfinity Series victory, Creed has earned 10 second-place finishes, the most recent of which came June 22 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon. He qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs last year and finished seventh in the championship.

    “I’ve won in every division I’ve raced in and I feel like I’ve earned my place in the Xfinity Series, but that’s not enough. I want to win in the Xfinity Series,” said Creed, who currently drives for Joe Gibbs Racing. “I watched what Cole Custer did last year on his way to the Xfinity Series championship and when I talked with him about the setup of the organization, everything he said resonated with me. I feel like Haas Factory Team is a place where I can succeed, and where Sam and I can work together to win races and be championship contenders.”

    The 21-year-old Mayer is a six-time Xfinity Series race winner who advanced to the Championship 4 in 2023. A native of Franklin, Wisconsin, Mayer scored back-to-back ARCA Menards Series East championships in 2019-2020 before joining the Xfinity Series in 2021 with an 18-race schedule for JR Motorsports (JRM). He has competed fulltime in the Xfinity Series for JRM since 2022.

    “The Xfinity Series is a really great place to learn and grow and get yourself ready for the NASCAR Cup Series,” Mayer said. “Cup is my ultimate goal, and to really push myself to become the kind of driver who can succeed in Cup, I needed to get out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and hone my race skills so that when that Cup moment comes, I’m ready. The Haas team got Cole Custer ready for his moment and it’s a place that will help get me and Sheldon ready for our moments.”

    Thirteen races remains for both Mayer and Creed in 2024 and each have their eyes set on the NASCAR Playoffs. Mayer is already locked into the 12-driver, seven-race title chase via his two victories this year – April 13 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth and June 15 at Iowa Speedway in Newton. Creed has a 69-point cushion over the top-12 cutoff with six regular-season races still remaining before the playoffs begin Sept. 28 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

  • Richard Petty and Kyle Petty Celebrate Presentation of NABC Recycled Ride to Victory Junction

    Richard Petty and Kyle Petty Celebrate Presentation of NABC Recycled Ride to Victory Junction

    NABC Recycled Rides® Gifting at Victory Junction Fuels Kids’ Summer Camp Experiences

    Allstate, CARSTAR and BASF Join Forces with NASCAR Legend Richard Petty and Kyle Petty to Present NABC Recycled Ride® to the Victory Junction Team

    Presentation to Richard Petty, Kyle Petty and Victory Junction Held Thursday, August 15, 2024

    PORT CHARLOTTE, FL (August 16, 2024) – Campers at Victory Junction heard the engines roar yesterday, but it was an entirely different kind of vehicle – a 2019 Ford F-150 presented to the camp by the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides® program to help move play equipment, medical equipment and other supplies at the facility. The event was hosted by BASF, a longtime Petty Enterprises partner, and the vehicle was donated by Allstate and refurbished by collision repair partner CARSTAR of Goldsboro. Racing legend and NASCAR Hall of Fame member Richard Petty and NASCAR celebrity Kyle Petty were on hand to start the engines for the presentation.

    Victory Junction was a vision of young Adam Petty, and the Petty family built the camp to honor his legacy. Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering; all in a medically-safe environment at no cost to the camper or their family.

    “This donation of a truck for our Victory Junction team and campers allows us to allocate more resources to serving children with medical conditions, giving many kids their first chance to ride a horse, catch a fish, shoot a bullseye at the archery range or make a friend,” said Kyle Petty. “This truck carries dreams.”

    NABC®, Allstate and CARSTAR of Goldsboro presented a fully reconditioned 2019 Ford F-150 to Victory Junction. Additional partners in the NABC Recycled Rides® presentation include Alpha Omega Advisement, owner of 13 CARSTAR locations, Cars for Charity, Advanced Remarketing Services, Copart, Certified Auto Glass, BRC Towing, Classic Ford of Smithfield, Blue Ridge Color Company and Lee Ford of Wilson.

    “We are so proud to present a vehicle to Victory Junction and support their work to serve children and provide incredible life experiences,” said Gerry Poirier, NABC® board member. “Thank you to BASF for making this event possible, to our partners Allstate and CARSTAR for donating and refurbishing the vehicle and to everyone else who donated their time and talents to this project.”

    NABC Recycled Rides® is a unique program in which businesses representing all facets of the collision repair industry team up to repair and donate vehicles to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation. Since the inception of the NABC Recycled Rides® program in 2007, members of the National Auto Body Council® have donated more than 3,300 vehicles valued at some $47 million.

    “BASF has had a long partnership with Petty Enterprises and the NASCAR race team, from providing Petty Blue paint for racecars to supporting restoration and modification projects at Petty’s Garage,” said John Shoemaker, Business Development Manager for BASF. “We have been working on this project to donate a vehicle to Victory Junction for more than a year, and we’re so proud to work with all of our partners to make it happen today.”

    Allstate, which donated the vehicle, was also proud to join the celebration.

    “We’ve been a partner with the National Auto Body Council for many years and have donated more than 200 vehicles to NABC Recycled Rides,” said Mike Bundra, auto claims director for Allstate. “Being able to present a vehicle to Richard Petty, Kyle Petty and Victory Junction to benefit the campers they serve is truly an honor.”

    The team at CARSTAR of Goldsboro, which refurbished the vehicle, said this project continues their commitment to giving back.

    “At Alpha Omega Advisement, which owns CARSTAR of Goldsboro and 12 other CARSTAR locations, we are focused on giving back to the communities where we do business,” said Wes Schaefer, vice president, Alpha Omega Advisement. “Our team at CARSTAR of Goldsboro was so proud to work on this vehicle knowing it was going to Victory Junction and the campers there.”

    About Victory Junction

    Victory Junction is a member of SeriousFun Children’s Network. Located in Randleman, North Carolina. Victory Junction enriches the lives of children with serious illnesses and chronic medical conditions by providing life-changing camp experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering, all in a medically-safe environment at no cost to their families. For more information about Victory Junction, please visit: victoryjunction.org.

    ABOUT CARSTAR AND ALPHA OMEGA ADVISEMENTS

    CARSTAR Alpha Omega has 13 CARSTAR locations throughout the state of North Carolina… located in Smithfield, Greenville, Kinston, Rocky Mount, Wilson, Cary, Sanford, Cleveland and of course Goldsboro. The founder, Jason Zander, owner of Alpha Omega Advisement LLC, has created an organization that has a core value in giving back in any way possible to various charitable groups.

    ABOUT THE NATIONAL AUTO BODY COUNCIL®

    The National Auto Body Council® is the premier organization of collision industry partners dedicated to strategic networking opportunities that positively change lives in the communities we serve. The collaborative membership of the National Auto Body Council® has gifted more than 3,300 vehicles and provided extrication opportunities for some 5,500 First Responders in communities around the country through NABC Recycled Rides®, NABC First Responder Emergency Extrication (F.R.E.E.™) and the NABC® Community Impact program. That effort equates to a 4:1 ROI in dollar value delivered from NABC® membership dollars. The NABC Changing and Saving Lives Foundation, a 501c3 organization, is committed to the goal of driving change for veterans, military members, first responders and families in need, while harnessing the power of the collective membership of the collision repair industry to positively impact communities where we live and work. As demand for NABC® programs like NABC Recycled Rides® and NABC F.R.E.E.™ grows, so do the needs for resources to manage these important programs. Being able to pursue grants, gifts and donations allows NABC to expand these programs to serve those in need and help communities where we live and work. For more information, visit www.NationalautoBodyCouncil.org.

  • Haas Factory Team Hires Aaron Kramer as Crew Chief for Driver Cole Custer in NASCAR Cup Series

    Haas Factory Team Hires Aaron Kramer as Crew Chief for Driver Cole Custer in NASCAR Cup Series

    KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (Aug. 15, 2024) – Haas Factory Team has hired Aaron Kramer to be the crew chief for driver Cole Custer and the No. 41 NASCAR Cup Series team in 2025.

    Kramer will come to Haas Factory Team at the conclusion of the 2024 season from RFK Racing, with whom Haas Factory Team will have a technical alliance. The 35-year-old from Wellsville, New York, is currently the lead race engineer for Cup Series driver Chris Buescher and the No. 17 team.

    Kramer has been with RFK since 2016, rising from an electrical and data systems engineer who oversaw the team’s 8-post advanced track simulator rig to lead race engineer on RFK’s No. 60 NASCAR Xfinity Series team in 2018. Kramer was promoted to Cup in 2019, working as the secondary race engineer for two years with the No. 6 team and driver Ryan Newman before moving to the No. 17 team in 2021 with Buescher.

    Kramer was on the pit box for Buescher’s first Cup Series win with RFK on Sept. 17, 2022 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway before becoming the lead race engineer for the No. 17 team in 2023. Since then, Kramer has won three more races with Buescher and helped orchestrate his career-best finish of seventh in last year’s championship standings.

    “Aaron’s engineering pedigree and his history with RFK Racing are great assets for Haas Factory Team. We’re proud to have him join our team,” said Joe Custer, president, Haas Factory Team. “NASCAR, and the Cup Series in particular, has become very engineering-driven. Limited track time and the nuances of the NextGen car have put a premium on simulation and data, and to really maximize all that information, you need people who can apply that information to the car and work closely with the driver to fine-tune the car. Aaron is that person, and we’re confident he can build a team of like-minded people who will have our race team ready to go for 2025.”

    Kramer earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) in 2016. Throughout his college years, Kramer was immersed in racing. After being the car chief at K-Automotive Motorsports for driver Brian Keselowski in 2010, Kramer joined Max-Q Motorsports in 2011. He was the front-end mechanic for the team’s No. 37 Cup Series entry during his freshman year at UNCC. From 2012 through the midpoint of 2015, Kramer built engines at Arrington Racing Engines. He spent the remainder of 2015 with BorgWarner Turbo Systems as a commercial vehicle application engineer. Kramer joined Penske Technology Group in 2016, providing wind tunnel support and operating the team’s 7-post rig with cars from Team Penske’s NASCAR and INDYCAR operation. That time with Penske paved Kramer’s path to RFK.

    “This is a great opportunity and I’m very grateful for it,” Kramer said. “I’ve been working toward the crew chief position since I was racing go-karts in high school. It’s a proud moment to have it come with Haas Factory Team. Their alliance with RFK makes the learning curve a little less steep because I’m very familiar with the people and processes at RFK.

    “Having Cole as the driver is a huge asset. He’s highly motivated and dedicated to his craft. He puts in the time away from the track so that he’s ready every time he climbs into the racecar. That’s what you want as a crew chief. We’re going to push each other and support each other to get the best results possible.”

    Custer is the reigning Xfinity Series champion and current Xfinity Series point leader who secured his spot in the NASCAR Playoffs with a victory July 13 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. Custer’s move to Haas Factory Team in 2025 brings the 26-year-old back to the Cup Series, where he was the 2020 Rookie of the Year and a race winner in just his 20th career start – July 12, 2020 at Kentucky Speedway in Sparta.

    “I’m very happy to have Aaron join Haas Factory Team,” Custer said. “Crew chief is a crucial piece in the makeup of a race team and Aaron brings a lot to our program. His background will really be a plus for me and our whole organization. Both of us still have jobs to do this year, but it’s reassuring to know that he’ll be my guy on top of the pit box next year.”

  • LEGACY MOTOR CLUB AND ERIK JONES AGREE TO MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

    LEGACY MOTOR CLUB AND ERIK JONES AGREE TO MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION

    • Three-time NASCAR Cup Series winner Erik Jones signs extension ahead of the 2025 season with LEGACY M.C.

    STATESVILLE, N.C. (August 13, 2024) – LEGACY MOTOR CLUB announced today that NASCAR Cup Series veteran, Erik Jones has entered into a multi-year contract renewal. Jones will continue to pilot the coveted No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE for the 2025 NASCAR season and beyond.

    “Erik Jones has been the consistent cornerstone of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB’s driver lineup since Maury chose to enter NASCAR’s highly competitive Cup Division,” said Cal Wells III, CEO of LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. “He’s a proven champion that, surrounded with the right team powered by Toyota, can and will compete for race wins against the very best on any given Sunday. Having personally known Erik for close to 14 years, I feel blessed he’s chosen to remain with the CLUB and I’m looking forward to winning races with him at the helm of the iconic No. 43.”

    The 28-year-old, Byron, Mich., native is currently in his eighth full-time NASCAR Cup Series season and his fourth with the organization, previously known as Petty GMS Racing after the team was acquired from Richard Petty Motorsports and then rebranded to LEGACY MOTOR CLUB ahead of the 2023 season. In his full-time NASCAR Cup Series reign, Jones has earned 3 wins, 37 top-five, and 89 top-10 finishes. In 2021, he transitioned to the then Richard Petty Motorsports team, from Joe Gibbs Racing. Jones became the first driver to win three consecutive “Rookie of the Year” honors in all three Series (NASCAR Truck Series in 2015, NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2016, and NASCAR Cup Series in 2017).

    “Erik is one of the most talented drivers in NASCAR, I’ve had the chance to race against him and have had a chance to watch him drive for other teams and the CLUB,” said co-owner Jimmie Johnson. “I admire his talent and am glad we will have him race for us for the upcoming years. Erik will be a key to helping us turn our program around and we look forward to giving him the tools he needs to go out on Sundays and race for wins and eventually a championship someday.”

    During his climb to the top Series in NASCAR, Jones accumulated three of his seven career total wins in the NASCAR Truck Series in 2015 en route to the NASCAR Truck Series Championship. In addition to the victories in the NASCAR Truck Series, Jones has piloted the NASCAR Xfinity Series vehicle to a total of nine victories.

    “I’m looking forward to what we can build at LEGACY MOTOR CLUB. I’ve been with the No. 43 car for a handful of years and feel like I’m coming into some of the best years of my career. I am hoping to grow alongside LEGACY M.C. in the seasons to come,” said Erik Jones, driver of the No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE.

    LEGACY MOTOR CLUB is in its second year of competition in the NASCAR Cup Series with full-time drivers, Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek along with Jimmie Johnson who is competing part-time for the CLUB. During the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, LEGACY M.C. has accounted for four top-10 finishes and as well as 36 laps led.

    ABOUT

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

  • HEYDUDE Races into New Licensing Collaboration with NASCAR Team Properties

    HEYDUDE Races into New Licensing Collaboration with NASCAR Team Properties

    Collection available Aug. 13, featuring NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway, and select drivers

    Daytona Beach, Fla. (Aug. 13, 2024) – HEYDUDE, a brand known for stylish and comfortable footwear, is coming together with the No. 1 motorsport in America for the first time to launch the new HEYDUDE x NASCAR collection, available for purchase as of today at https://www.heydude.com/collections/nascar-collection, Rack Room Shoes and select retailers.

    The collection features five different designs of HEYDUDE’s classic Wally silhouette selling for $74.99 each, including three that are inspired by beloved drivers Chase Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Kyle Larson.

    • Wally NASCAR: Racetrack ready, the black design features NASCAR written on the silhouette and NASCAR color details throughout the design.
    • Wally NASCAR Daytona 500: Inspired by the iconic international speedway, the beige shoe features Daytona branding and NASCAR color details throughout the design.
    • Wally Chase Elliott®: The blue No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts livery best associated with NASCAR’s 2020 Cup Series champion comes to life with plenty of additional detail from the car to the shoe.
    • Wally Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Combining multiple fan favorites, this bright green shoe is inspired by the iconic Sun Drop scheme the NASCAR Hall of Famer continues to roll out with JR Motorsports.
    • Wally Kyle Larson: This shoe brings to life the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion’s red, white and blue HendrickCars.com design synonymous with the No. 5 Chevrolet.

    “HEYDUDE is an ideal partner to add to NASCAR’s licensing portfolio, and one that will absolutely resonate with NASCAR fans” said Megan Malayter, NASCAR vice president of licensing and consumer products. “The brand’s ability to delivery easy-on, easy-off comfort with designs that allow our fans to stylishly express themselves and their passions is a perfect fit at or away from the racetrack.”

    “HEYDUDE is thrilled to come together with one of the most prestigious racing organizations in the world, NASCAR, to celebrate the exhilarating world of motorsports through this unique collection,” said Paul Nugent, Chief Marketing Officer at HEYDUDE. “We know that HEYDUDE and NASCAR fans alike will enjoy this collection that combines iconic NASCAR designs and personalized styles inspired by some of the sport’s top drivers.”

    With just three regular season races remaining, Elliott, Larson and the rest of the NASCAR Cup Series roll into Michigan International Speedway for the FireKeepers Casino 400 at 2:30 p.m. ET this Sunday, Aug. 18 (USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio). Tickets are available for purchase at www.nascar.com/tickets.

    About Crocs, Inc.

    Crocs, Inc. (Nasdaq: CROX), headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, is a world leader in innovative casual footwear for all, combining comfort and style with a value that consumers know and love. The Company’s brands include Crocs and HEYDUDE, and its products are sold in more than 80 countries through wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels. For more information on Crocs, Inc. visit investors.crocs.com. To learn more about our brands, visit www.crocs.com or www.heydude.com. Individuals can also visit https://investors.crocs.com/news-and-events/ and follow both Crocs and HEYDUDE on their social platforms.

    About NASCAR

    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 14 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, 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 five cities across North America, NASCAR sanctions more than 1,200 races annually in 11 countries and more than 30 U.S. states.

    For more information visit www.NASCAR.com and www.IMSA.com, and follow NASCAR on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and Snapchat.

    About NASCAR Team Properties

    NASCAR Team Properties is a NASCAR industry managed organization created to promote efficiency and operational structure for the sport’s licensed merchandise business. NTP comprises NASCAR, NASCAR-owned tracks and participating teams in NASCAR’s national race series, and is operated under a Board of Directors representing those organizations.

    About Hendrick Motorsports:

    Founded by Rick Hendrick in 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is leading team NASCAR Cup Series wins history. At the sport’s premier level, the organization holds the all-time records in every major statistical category, including championships (14), points-paying race victories (310) and laps led (more than 80,000). It has registered at least one race win in a record 40 different seasons, including an active streak of 39 in a row (1986-2024). Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024, the team fields four full-time Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 entries in the NASCAR Cup Series with drivers Alex Bowman, William Byron, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. Headquartered on more than 100 acres in Concord, North Carolina, Hendrick Motorsports employs approximately 600 people. For more information, please visit HendrickMotorsports.com.

    About JR Motorsports:

    JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

  • Juan Pablo Montoya Returns to NASCAR in the No. 50 Mobil 1™ Toyota Camry XSE with 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen

    Juan Pablo Montoya Returns to NASCAR in the No. 50 Mobil 1™ Toyota Camry XSE with 23XI Racing at Watkins Glen

    Colombian Racing Legend Caps Final NASCAR Race Celebrating Mobil 1’s 50th Anniversary with dedicated paint scheme at Watkins Glen International

    Huntersville, N.C. (Aug. 2, 2024) – 23XI Racing, in collaboration with the Mobil 1 brand, announced today that Juan Pablo Montoya, a decorated and championship-winning driver in multiple series, will compete in the No. 50 Mobil 1™ Toyota Camry XSE in the NASCAR Cup Series event at Watkins Glen International on September 15. The race will serve as the third and final event for the No. 50 Camry, which has competed at two previous races this season as part of a larger global celebration for the Mobil 1 brand to commemorate its 50th anniversary and as a third entry for 23XI.

    The 50th-anniversary commemoration began at Circuit of the Americas in March with Japanese racing star Kamui Kobayashi behind the wheel, followed by rising NASCAR star Corey Heim at Nashville Superspeedway in June. For the final race of the celebration, it’s only fitting to close out with another elite international racing legend. Montoya, a NASCAR regular from 2007 to 2013, will make his first NASCAR Cup Series start since the 2014 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In addition to NASCAR racing, the Colombian-born driver has competed full-time in Formula One, CART, IndyCar, and IMSA. He has won championships in CART (1999) and IMSA (2019) and is a two-time Indy 500 winner and three-time winner of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Montoya has 12 overall starts at Watkins Glen in four different series. He has one win (2010), a pole award, three top-five, and five top-10 finishes in his seven starts there in the Cup Series.

    “I’m looking forward to getting back in a Cup car and racing at Watkins Glen – a track I really enjoy and had the chance to experience earlier in my career,” shared Montoya. “It’s an honor to celebrate the Mobil 1 team’s remarkable legacy in racing and be recognized for my contributions to motorsports. The Mobil 1 brand was one of my first sponsors when I started racing, so to represent the brand again as they celebrate this milestone will be so special. I’m also excited to work with 23XI and experience what the team is building.”

    While Watkins Glen is the final on-track NASCAR Cup Series event to celebrate the 50th anniversary for the Mobil 1 brand, fans can get an inside look into each race through a content series that will be released later this year on Mobil 1 Racing’s social channels. The series will highlight Kobayashi, Heim, and Montoya as they prepare for and take on the NASCAR Cup Series events – while driving the No. 50 Mobil 1 Toyota.

    “Being able to have such an iconic driver like Juan Pablo Montoya to race the No. 50 car is the perfect way to complete the run of our gold paint scheme with 23XI Racing,” explained Katy Howell, Director of Global Sponsorships and Marketing Services, on behalf of the Mobil 1 team. “We worked with Juan Pablo at the beginning of his career, so to partner with a legendary driver such as himself as he returns to NASCAR is truly a dream come true. It has been an exciting year for our brand globally as we celebrate a historic milestone, and we are thrilled to have an all-star line-up for the third entry of the No. 50 Camry. Each of the drivers and teams showcase our true passion for racing that we celebrate in everything we do as a brand. It has been a privilege to continue to showcase how our products can help race teams and consumers get the most out of their engines.”

    “Juan Pablo Montoya is a world-class driver who has won in everything he’s driven, and he will be a great closer to the 50th-anniversary celebration we’ve had in NASCAR with the No. 50 Mobil 1 Toyota,” said Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI Racing. “The events have highlighted racing legends as well as what’s next in motorsports, and 23XI has been honored to have been a part of adding to the Mobil 1 legacy and celebrating such a momentous occasion.”

    As the Mobil 1 team continues to elevate the sport of racing and create unique experiences for drivers and fans, the brand has unveiled special paint schemes, liveries, and decals to honor its 50-year legacy in a variety of motorsports series around the world including IMSA, Formula One, INDYCAR, NHRA, Moto GP and many more.

    With the upcoming Watkins Glen International event concluding the three-race run for the No. 50 Mobil 1 Toyota Camry XSE and NASCAR Cup Series celebrations for the Mobil 1 brand, fans can tune in to cheer on Montoya as he makes his incredible return to the sport and as races towards another win.

    About Mobil 1

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

    About 23XI Racing

    23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry and Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry. In 2023, both Wallace and Reddick earned spots in the NASCAR Playoffs. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C. that opened in January of 2024.

  • NASCAR Superstar Greg Biffle to Race in ARCA Menards Series West NAPA Auto Care 150 at Tri-City Raceway

    NASCAR Superstar Greg Biffle to Race in ARCA Menards Series West NAPA Auto Care 150 at Tri-City Raceway

    Temperance, MI (August 2, 2024) – NASCAR Cup Series superstar Greg Biffle will compete in the upcoming ARCA Menards Series West NAPA Auto Care 150 at Tri-City Raceway on Saturday, August 10. Biffle will drive the No. 23 Sigma Performance Services Chevrolet for team owner Joe Farré.

    Biffle will pay tribute to his Pacific Northwest heritage by racing in front of his hometown fans at the unique half-mile tri-oval. Biffle, born in Portland, was raised in nearby Vancouver, Washington and began his illustrious career racing on the bullrings across the northwest.

    “I’m so excited to return to the famous Tri-City Raceway in the Tri-Cities, Washington area,” Biffle said. “I’m looking forward to returning to the track in an ARCA West car almost 30 years after I won the track championship. It’s an honor to drive for one of the teams well-known in the sport, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to return to racing at this historic Northwest racetrack.”

    Biffle, who was named one of NASCAR’s 75 Greatest Drivers, is no newcomer to the ARCA Menards West Series. His impressive career includes competition in the former NASCAR Winston West Series in the early 1990s, a steppingstone in his ascent to the NASCAR Cup Series ranks.

    Biffle is also a champion in both the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, winning the title in 2000, and the NASCAR Xfinity Series, winning the championship in 2002. He narrowly missed becoming the first driver to win a championship in all three NASCAR national series when he finished second in the NASCAR Cup Series standings in 2005, just 35 points behind champion Tony Stewart.

    Biffle has 19 career NASCAR Cup Series wins, 20 Xfinity Series victories, and 17 wins in the Craftsman Truck Series.

    He made two starts in what is now the ARCA Menards Series West, finishing fourth in his most recent start at Altamont Motorsports Park in 1996. He is a former track champion at Tri-City Raceway in the late model division.

    “We couldn’t be prouder to be a part of Greg’s return to his racing roots in the Pacific Northwest,” said team owner Joe Farré, echoing Biffle’s excitement. “As a West Coast racer myself, I cannot thank the local supporters, track owners, series sponsor, and series officials enough for the opportunity to return to iconic racetracks like Tri-City Raceway. We need more people like Greg, the people of the Northwest racing community, and sponsors alike, to support the continuation of these tracks, teams, and series.

    “Greg’s commitment to this race, the racing community, and growing teams like ours just goes to show how important it is that we all work together to keep racing alive in the Pacific Northwest, and across this great country,” Farré continued. “Racing is more than business or competition; to many, racing is a way of life, a way to socialize and gather as a community. Racing is an American pastime that we cannot allow to be lost.”

    Sigma Performance Services won the ARCA Menards Series West race at Sonoma Raceway earlier in 2024 with current NASCAR Xfinity Series championship contender Sam Mayer driving. The team also finished third with 2014 ARCA Menards Series champion Mason Mitchell driving at Iowa Speedway in June.

    The ARCA Menards Napa Auto Care 150 will be streamed live on FloRacing starting at 10:30 pm ET/7:30 pm PT.

    About ARCA
    The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum in Toledo, Ohio, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, is the leading grassroots stock car sanctioning body in the United States. Bridging the gap between NASCAR’s top three national touring series and weekly and regional tour racing all across the country, the organization sanctions over 100 races per year in the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East, ARCA Menards Series West, ASA STARS National Tour, ASA CRA Super Series, ASA Midwest Tour, ASA Southern Super Series plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com, or follow ARCA on Facebook (@ARCARacing) and Twitter (@ARCA_Racing).

    About Menards
    A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 236 stores in 15 states. Menards is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building. You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more. To complete the job, Menards has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the pro!

    Menards has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture. Menards also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries. And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more.

    Menards is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too! For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.

    About Sigma Performance Services
    Sigma Performance Services (SPS) is a leading name in the world of motorsports, dedicated to excellence, innovation, and fostering the growth of racing talent. Based in Las Vegas, SPS is committed to delivering top performance in every race.

  • Spire Motorsports to Make Driver Change for 2025

    Spire Motorsports to Make Driver Change for 2025

    MOORESVILLE, N.C. (July 25, 2024) – Corey LaJoie will not return to the driver’s seat of Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025.

    LaJoie, 32, has been a fixture at Spire Motorsports since 2021 and has recorded four top-five and six top-10 finishes over four seasons, including a fourth-place finish in this year’s Daytona 500.

    The full-time driver for the team’s No. 7 entry in 2025 will be announced at a later date.

    “Corey LaJoie has been a cornerstone of Spire Motorsports since 2021 and it would be impossible to overstate what he’s meant to this organization and how much I’ve agonized over this decision,” said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “Corey put his heart and soul into this team. He rolled up his sleeves and went to work before we had a race shop, a toolbox or even our own cars. Those days, looking back, were so much simpler than where we are in our journey now. Back then, we just wanted to get to the racetrack. Today, we’re consumed with consistently battling for top-10 finishes and contending for wins in the near future.

    “In racing, there are always variables but one thing we all know, is this is a performance-based business, and it just hasn’t been there for several reasons. All those reasons are factored in when it comes to making a decision of this magnitude. With Ryan (Sparks) moving upstairs, and Rodney (Childers) coming in next season, the best thing for Spire Motorsports is a clean slate for the No. 7 car in 2025. Corey deserves a fresh look from another organization, too, and we’ll do everything we can to help him get another opportunity in the Cup garage. I believe in Corey and his ability to be successful in this sport and look forward to him using this as motivation to prove all his doubters wrong.”

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

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