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CORVETTE RACING AT ROAD ATLANTA: Season-Long Rewards

AWA heads to Le Mans; Chevy wins GTD PRO Endurance Cup Manufacturers title

BRASELTON, Ga. (October 12, 2024) – Corvette Racing’s three Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs teams encountered mixed fortunes in the 10-hour Petit Le Mans on Saturday at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, but Chevrolet claimed a key long-distance championship and the No. 13 AWA team punched its ticket to next year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

AWA driver Orey Fidani clinched the season-long Bob Akin Award with the No. 13 Corvette Z06 GT3.R at the end of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s season finale. The award goes to the top points-scoring, Bronze-rated GTD driver at each race and for the season with the additional prize of an automatic entry into the following year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans for the year-long winner.

Fidani, Matt Bell and Lars Kern finished 12th in GTD and fourth among Akin-eligible cars Saturday night. For the season, Fidani and Bell were the highest-finishing Akin pairing in three races.

“Congratulations to Orey Fidani and all of AWA on securing the Bob Akin Award and an automatic entry into the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans,” said Christie Bagne, Corvette Z06 GT3.R Program Manager. “To see their hard work and effort lead to this accomplishment is something in which they and everyone at Corvette Racing can take a high level of pride. We’re excited for AWA’s future and can’t wait to welcome them to Le Mans next summer.”

That wasn’t the only season-long award for the Corvette program after Saturday. For the fourth time since 2015 – and first in GTD PRO – Chevrolet won the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturers Championship. The Endurance Cup is a collection of the five IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship races, including Petit Le Mans.

“It is very gratifying for Chevrolet to win our fourth IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturers Championship,” said Mark Stielow, Director, Chevrolet Motorsports Competition Engineering. “We are very proud and pleased as a company to achieve this in the first year of the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in IMSA’s premier long-distance races.”

Those accomplishments offset a tough race for the two GTD PRO Corvettes from Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports. The No. 3 Z06 GT3.R of Antonio Garcia, Alexander Sims and Daniel Juncadella placed fifth in class after a frantic 10 hours that saw the trio lead three times but also suffer brake issues that required two extra pit stops in the race.

That the No. 3 team made the race was an achievement. The Corvette suffered right-rear chassis damage in a crash during Thursday’s night practice, and mechanics worked into early Friday morning to patch and weld the damaged portion back together. Garcia qualified the No. 3 Corvette fourth in class and remained in contention through the end.

The result was good enough to clinch third place in the GTD PRO Drivers and Teams standings for Garcia and Sims, and the No. 3 Corvette team, respectively.

The No. 4 Corvette of Tommy Milner, Nicky Catsburg and Earl Bamber showed strong form early from its second-place starting position. Milner was at the wheel when he was hit by an LMP2 car with the impact damaging the front and rear suspension on the right side of the car. The No. 4 crew worked quickly to repair it and get it back in the race, albeit more than 50 laps down. The trio finished 12th in class.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R program will return to IMSA competition at January’s Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Petit Le Mans is scheduled for 12:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 12. The first three hours will air live on NBC starting at noon followed by USA’s coverage from 6-10:30 p.m. Live streaming starts at noon ET on Peacock inside the United States and IMSA.com outside the U.S. IMSA Radio will air all on-track sessions beginning with Thursday’s opening practice at IMSA.com with the race call also on XM 206 and SiriusXM Online 996.

CORVETTE RACING BY PRATT MILLER MOTORSPORTS POST-RACE DRIVER QUOTES

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It looked really good from the start until we had our first brake issue that put us a lap down. We kind of kept it there and with the lack of yellows that’s all we could do… just carry on and stay there. It was a gut-check race the whole way. With two hours to go, the last issue more or less put us out of it. We did fight our way back but needed some more yellows and action on track to get something good to happen. The guys did an amazing job. It was a difficult season with some challenges for all of us. I think we deserved a few more wins this year, but that’s the way it is. I’m proud of how the team worked and responded even in hard times – just like Thursday night and trying to repair the whole car just in time for qualifying. It’s a hard job for them but it was nice to fight for the win for them.”

ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 3 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It was a typical Petit Le Mans. All sorts of things happened in the race, unfortunately probably one too many things for us. We had issues with the brakes early in the race with the caliper. We’re not entirely sure what happened when I went out toward the end. Immediately the brake pedal was really long… potentially a lack of fluid from the previous issues. We’ll diagnose and understand that better for the future. It put us one or two laps down. Although we finally got back on the lead lap, there were so many cars between myself and the leader that I couldn’t really make my way through enough. But I had fun. I had a really eventful last stint carving through a lot of GTD cars. I’d say the second half of the race was pretty clean. There were very few yellows and not too much mayhem. There was probably a lot less carnage than people expected. It was a joy to drive the Corvette as always. The whole Pratt Miller team did a great job to give us all a great, fast, consistent racecar after Thursday. I can’t thank them enough. Unfortunately we had those two issues that put us back too much.”

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The incident earlier is kind of what I thought happened. I got caught up in someone else’s accident. That was unfortunate, for sure. On the whole, not a bad year. There were some ups and downs for sure with some frustrating races but also some good moments as well. I think generally because the car was quite competitive at several rounds, expectations were really high. In reality, it was the first year for our Corvette customer program and the Z06 GT3.R. There’s a lot to learn – good and bad – and a lot to apply toward the whole program. We’ll use all that for next year and into the future to improve the car and our team. We’ll go for it again next year.”

AWA POST-RACE DRIVER QUOTES

OREY FIDANI, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I couldn’t be happier or more proud right now. This is the goal we set for ourselves at the very beginning of this program coming together, and we worked tirelessly to see it through. No matter what happened throughout this season, we were always focused on the Bob Akin Championship and getting a 24 Hours of Le Mans entry, and we never lost sight of the big picture. I can’t thank Andrew and the entire AWA crew enough for all they’ve done. I love everybody on this team from the bottom of my heart. I’m so excited and I can’t wait to show what we can do in France!”

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

October 13, 2024
Cadillac scores dramatic victory
No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R comes back from early race issues to win Petit Le Mans

BRASELTON, Ga. (Oct. 12, 2024) – Perseverance was the word of the day – and night – for the pink No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R team during the 27th Motul Petit Le Mans.

“Remember, we have a long way to go; we’ll get ‘em,” race strategist Mike O’Gara for the Chip Ganassi Racing-run racecar said after the team’s third on-track setback with 7 hours, 30 minutes left in the 10-hour race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta.

O’Gara and the rest of the team know the truth in that encouragement, especially in the ebb and flow of the endurance race on the 2.54-mile, 12-turn course. Indeed, with good pace, solid strategy and steering clear of further incident, drivers Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande and Scott Dixon combined to get back on the lead lap and in position to challenge for a podium spot.

And, under a bright half moon, the team reaped the rewards of their perseverance with a dramatic victory to the delight of a record crowd for the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season finale.

It was the fifth Petit Le Mans victory for Cadillac Racing, which has recorded a first or second in every 10-hour race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta since joining IMSA prototype competition in 2017. Van der Zande has three victories (2018, 2020, 2024) and a pair of second-place finishes (2019, 2023) with Cadillac Racing.

“Congratulations to Cadillac Racing team and the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R on their victory in the Motul Petit Le Mans. Every member of the team can be proud of their efforts in preparing the racecar for success along with the skillful driving of Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande and Scott Dixon,” said John Roth, global vice president of Cadillac. “The podium demonstrates the incredible technology and durability of the V-Series.R, and the remarkable capabilities, expertise and determination of the Cadillac Racing team.”

Season highlights for Cadillac Racing include:
- Six poles in the nine races, plus a seventh race with a front-row start.
- 30th earned pole in IMSA prototype competition when Aitken reset the GTP track record Friday with a lap of 1:09.639.
- Three front-row qualifying sweeps.
- 31st victory in IMSA prototype competition.
- Two victories by the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R.
- Victory and second place at Long Beach.
- Three runner-up finishes for the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R.
- Two runner-up finishes for the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R.
- Eight top-three finishes.
- Fastest lap in four races.
- Second in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Championship. Cadillac has earned five IMEC Manufacturer Championships since 2017 and finished second the other years.
Both the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Serries.R overcame two drive-thru penalties, and the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R was levied a mechanical black flag by IMSA to satisfy a scrutineering system requirement while running fourth in the 18th minute. Translation: a sensor was not broadcasting information. The crew resolved the issue on the second service stop under a full course yellow, though it rejoined the race a lap down.

The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R remained in contact with the leaders through an uncharacteristically long period of green flag racing and was running fourth when the final full-course caution was called with 57 minutes left. After pitting for fuel 48 minutes left, van der Zande prepped for his most important restart of the season. He was running second to the No. 6 Porsche Penske 963 when the green flag waved with 35 minutes left and waited for the prime opportunity in traffic to make his decisive move.

That came with 15 minutes left in Turn 1 and van der Zande, who earned his 21st IMSA victory and 11th with Cadillac, held off the Porsche to win by 2.948 seconds.

Post-race quotes

No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R

Renger van der Zande: “Super happy to finish this off with a bang. It’s the last race for Chip Ganassi with Cadillac. It’s my last race with Cadillac. I’ve been with Cadillac for seven years now, which makes me very proud, but also sad to leave. Nice things come to an end, and this is the right way, with Cadillac. In the last four years (with Chip Ganassi Racing). Chip has been so nice to me, Mike Hull, Mike O’Gara, the team. I think this year, we had such a good team, and everyone was working in the same direction. This win was really good.”

Sebastien Bourdais: “I don’t even know where to begin. Last year, we were winning until the final 30 minutes. This year we weren’t leading until right at the end. We had a torque sensor issue which affected the beginning of the race, so we had to do 100 laps on a set of tires. It looked like a lost race but the guys managed to fix it, and get us back to contending for the win at the end. I’m super happy to be able to finish on a high like this. It was frustrating last year to lose it, so we’ll definitely take it. I’m super happy for everyone at Chip Ganassi Racing, Cadillac, and my two awesome teammates. It couldn’t be a better send-off.”

Scott Dixon: “I’m so happy for the team. What a day. I’ve never been a part of anything like that. It’s so cool. As everybody saw the way it started we had a tricky day. We had a sensor issue, and kudos to everybody on the team side and Cadillac engineering for working through that and working with IMSA to enable that. Everybody had tremendous stints. I’m just so happy for everybody on the team and Cadillac.”

No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R

Jack Aitken: “Sadly, the race is probably a quite good summary of our season. We didn’t get the breaks when new needed them and I think a couple of costly mistakes in a row put us on the back foot and we couldn’t recover. It’s a shame. I think we weren’t really the quickest tonight, but it would have been nice to be up there in the fight. We had a relatively clean race, came home in the top five and on to next season.”

Pipo Derani: “Unfortunately, there were no yellows to bring us back to the lead lap and fight. Nonetheless, I’m really happy with how I finished my stint with the team. I had two amazing stints in the middle of the race and was having so much fun, so I’ll take those great memories. It was a difficult year, but nonetheless Cadillac won the last race. Great day at the office despite being a little short on fighting for the win. I’ll take the great friendships I made with the team and I had fun on my last day on the job.”

Tom Blomqvist: “It was eventful for us early on. We were a lap down since after two hours and just never had an opportunity to get it back. It ruined our race and disappointing way to end our season. I’ve enjoyed my time with the team. It’s just a shame we didn’t get any victories.”

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future. Learn more at GM.com.
October 13, 2024
Hendrick’s Boatman Headlines Historic Stock Car Association’s Charlotte Debut

CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 12, 2024) – With pit road lined with all shapes and sizes of older model race cars, a 20-car field in four different classes competed in the Historic Stock Car Racing Association’s first visit to Charlotte Motor Speedway on Saturday night.

Starting with a morning qualifying session, the 30-minute final came on the heels of a thrilling Drive For The Cure 250 presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC NASCAR Xfinity Series race.

Both cars and trucks competed in the final, sporting familiar paint schemes, including a yellow Joey Logano-style entry and a white-and-purple Denny Hamlin-fashioned ride.

In the familiar No. 5 Chevrolet pattern of Kyle Larson, Adam Boatman, the program manager for Hendrick Motorsports’ Track Attack program, won the Pro Class competition, topping NASCAR veterans Joe Nemechek and Camden Murphy in the process. Boatman’s race-winning car was previously a 2018 Jimmie Johnson-driven NASCAR Cup Series machine.

Saturday night’s top class finishers included:

PRO: 1-Adam Boatman; 2-Joe Nemechek; 3-Camden Murphy
SCA: 1-Pat Womast; 2-Brian Pritchard; 3-Harry Hoopcugh
SCB: 1-Matt Tifft
SCT: 1-Scott Dolfi

PRO FIRST PLACE, ADAM BOATMAN, No. 5 Chevrolet: “This was our first time out with the classic series after we learned about it a few months ago. We’ve been doing track day cars with our Hendrick Track Attack program, so we figured we’d bring out an old Cup car and see how it goes. Not the newest car, but it’s new enough to obviously be fast. It was over 800 horsepower so hooking it up was interesting, but it was a pretty good experience. It’s been a fun day. Meeting these guys in the paddock, they’re a close-knit community and they travel all over to race. It’s fun to be invited into that group and share in that kinship.”

PRO SECOND PLACE, JOE NEMECHEK, No. 47 Chevrolet: “This was a series that had the vintage stock cars and we were helping a couple customers. Everyone was having issues. It was so much fun. We started going across the country, going to different tracks. I probably fixed 25-30 cars for people. We have a lot of fun when we go to the racetrack. NEMCO Motorsports and Nemechek Motorsports Engineering is going strong right now, teaching people that want to learn. We’re teaching the next generation of mechanics.”

PRO THIRD PLACE, CAMDEN MURPHY, No. 46 Chevrolet: “It’s great to be back in a NASCAR format. It’s been a blast being out here. It’s just a lot of fun and it’s also challenging, with the elevation changes.”

TICKETS:

The action continues Sunday with the Bank of America ROVAL™ 400. Tickets are available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-455-FANS (3267). Kids 12 and under get in for just $10.

MORE INFO:

Fans can connect with Charlotte Motor Speedway and get the latest news by following on X and Instagram, becoming a Facebook fan or downloading the Charlotte Motor Speedway mobile app.

October 13, 2024
FORCE, PROCK, ANDERSON & HERRERA HOLD ON TO NO. 1 POSITIONS AT TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

Force picks up 50th career No. 1 qualifier, Prock ties John Force for most No. 1 spots in a single season in Funny Car history

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 12, 2024) – Two-time Top Fuel world champion Brittany Force clinched her 50th career No. 1 qualifier on Saturday at Texas Motorplex, hanging on to the top position at the 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals.

Austin Prock (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) also qualified No. 1 at the 18th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the fourth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

Force’s run of 3.667-seconds at 338.19 mph from Friday in her 11,000-horsepower HendrickCars.com/Chevrolet dragster wasn’t challenged on Saturday, handing the 16-time event winner her fourth No. 1 qualifier of the year. She will open eliminations against Spencer Hyde, looking to pick up her first victory since the 2022 season. Force was thrilled to earn a 50th career No. 1 qualifier, but her focus remains on going four rounds on Sunday.

“Just to hear ‘50,’ that’s such a big achievement,” Force said. “It’s a big achievement by all of John Force Racing. It’s something I’m very proud of. It seems like an impossible number and to have that in my career, to be able to accomplish that is huge and something I’m very proud of. The cool thing is, it was a collective thing. It was done with so many different teams and crew chiefs that I’ll always look up to. They all taught me things along the way that I still use to this day. I’m very thankful to them that they’re part of my career and getting that 50.

“To see three (No. 1s) in the last (five) races, it shows that this team is gaining momentum and that we’re moving in the right direction. We’re starting to move on to something positive. But ultimately, we want to perform well on Sunday.”

Shawn Reed qualified second with a 3.676 at 330.71 and Texan Steve Torrence took third thanks to his pass of 3.721 at 332.03. Points leader Antron Brown qualified fifth and will face off with Justin Ashley, who is 34 points behind in second, in a must-see opening round.

In Funny Car, Prock matched his boss and legendary Funny Car driver John Force for the most No. 1 qualifiers in a single season in class history, earning his 13th No. 1 spot of the 2024 season when Friday’s track-record run of 3.813 at 333.09 in his 11,000-horsepower AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS wasn’t challenged on Saturday, ensuring a John Force Racing sweep in qualifying.

Friday’s run was also the eighth-quickest in Funny Car history for the dominant points leader, who will look to extend his lead on Sunday. He will start raceday against Terry Haddock as he seeks an eighth victory in 2024.

“It’s pretty special. I had no idea that there was a record until a few weeks ago and we’ve knocked off a few more, and we eventually tied them today,” Prock said. “It’s pretty special to be added to that list, and to do it in 18 races is pretty incredible. It speaks volumes about this team, my dad, my brother, Nate Hildahl, everyone that’s on this AAA/Cornwall Tools car. I’m really proud of this team and happy to be driving this race car.

“I did talk to John last night and he was he was so ecstatic to see our race car and his daughter’s race car go No. 1 qualifier. He was watching all evening long, and he was really proud. It was nice to hear his voice and know that he was watching and he’s proud, and hopefully we can make them proud the rest of the season.”

Defending event winner and reigning world champion Matt Hagan took second after Friday’s 3.823 at 335.20 and Jack Beckman, who is second in points, finished third with a 3.825 at 331.49.

Pro Stock’s Greg Anderson heads into raceday with plenty of momentum after his 6.524 at 208.99 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro from Friday was enough to hand the five-time world champion his sixth No. 1 spot of the season and the 130th in his standout career. Anderson, who is currently fourth in points, made a pair of solid runs on Saturday as well. To stay in the title hunt, Anderson knows he will need a big day on Dallas.

Enders qualified second thanks to Friday’s 6.526 at 209.09 and David Cuadra took third with a 6.532 at 208.60. Aaron Stanfield and leader Dallas Glenn – are fourth and fifth, respectively. The top two in points could meet in the second round, with a potential matchup with Anderson looming in the semifinals.

“Three of us are one side. Erica happened to end up on the other side and I’m not sure if that’s a good thing or a bad thing for her. We’ll see how it plays out tomorrow,” Anderson said. “There’s only going to be one of the three left in the semifinal on our side of the ladder. Without something like that happening at one of these races I probably wouldn’t have a chance to make up ground because if we all four keep making the semifinals, you’re not going to make up much ground. It’s really the only chance I’ve got.

“We’ll see how the cards fall tomorrow, but it’s an opportunity. I like that. We’re going to be fast. I’m excited to race, and it could be a turning point of the season. It’s time to either get it done or go home.”

Herrera was the only provisional No. 1 qualifier to improve on Saturday, delivering a run of 6.749 at 202.52 in Pro Stock Motorcycle on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. It hands the points leader his eighth No. 1 qualifier in 2024 and the 22nd in his career, and Herrera will look to win in Dallas for a second straight year. Herrera was impressed with his team’s ability to improve on Friday’s run as he looks to extend his points lead on Sunday.

“The only thing that made it possible was tail wind,” Herrera said. “You just had to catch it at the right time. It was a cross tail so I didn’t think being in the right lane would affect us as much as it did, but it did. That was a good pass. Tomorrow we’re going to be racing in this kind of weather. I think it’s going to be a direct, straight tail wind instead of across. Probably see a pretty good mile an hour tomorrow and it’ll be a good day of racing.

“The biggest thing I focus on is the here and now. You can’t predict what’s going to happen. You can’t try to make stuff happen. You just have to go out there and do what you have to do and it’s going to turn out how it’s going to be.”

Matt Smith jumped up to second in the final session after going 6.756 at 201.77 and Jianna Evaristo took third thanks to Friday’s 6.777 at 201.81.

Eliminations for the 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals begin at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday at Texas Motorplex.

October 13, 2024
PROCK, B. FORCE, ANDERSON & HERRERA ROLL TO PROVISIONAL NO. 1 SPOTS AT TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 11, 2024) – Funny Car points leader Austin Prock made the quickest Funny Car run in seven years on Friday at Texas Motorplex, setting the track record and taking the provisional No. 1 spot for John Force Racing at the 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals.

Brittany Force (Top Fuel), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) are also the provisional No. 1 qualifiers at the 18th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and the fourth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs.

A special “Friday Night Live” meant more than $40,000 in bonus money on the line as well. The low qualifier under the lights on Friday night handed the Top Fuel and Funny Car stars $15,000 each in bonus money, with $7,500 going to the quickest qualifier in Pro Stock and $5,000 in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

Prock left no doubt who would get the $15,000 bonus money in Funny Car, as he went a blistering 3.813-seconds at 333.09 mph in his 11,000-horsepower AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS, eclipsing the track record by a huge margin and making the quickest run in Funny Car since 2017. If it holds, Prock would earn his 13th No. 1 spot of the season, which would tie him with John Force for the most No. 1 qualifiers in a single season in Funny Car history.

“I was definitely jacked up for this one,” Prock said. “I knew the conditions were there and this AAA team was going to push. I’m really proud of them. This track is really difficult to drive, especially at night, [but] I stood on the gas and felt like I was pretty centered up. I think I got a little close to the center line, but it was still a pretty great run. I’m looking forward to getting back to the pit and scoping it out and seeing what I can learn from that.

“We’re always on kill, I would say, but we know we have to be at our absolute best these last three races to try to wrap this deal up. We’ve put a lot of hard work in this year, but three races, that’s a long way to go in this Countdown. We have to keep making smart decisions, play off our notebook, and try to do the best we can and see how everything plays out.”

Defending event winner and reigning world champion Matt Hagan is second after a run of 3.823 at 335.20 and Jack Beckman, who is second in points, was right behind with a pass of 3.825 at 331.49.

In Top Fuel, Brittany Force made it a John Force Racing bonus double-up on Friday, delivering a stellar run of 3.667 at 338.19 in her 11,000-horsepower HendrickCars.com/Chevrolet dragster to earn the $15,000 bonus check. It was the second-fastest run of the year in Top Fuel and puts Force in a great position to collect her fourth No. 1 qualifier of the year and the 50th in her standout Top Fuel career. Looking for her first victory since 2022, Force is eager to build on a memorable Friday night at Texas Motorplex.

“That was just an amazing run for our team to come out here. We’ve had a tough year and that 3.66 and 338 mph, that’s David Grubnic and this HendrickCars.com team,” Force said. “We’ve been pushing all season long to have a run like that. Getting the check and the cowboy boots really boosts the team morale, and we’re ready to attack the rest of the weekend.

“We won’t give up until it’s done. We’ll keep on pushing. Our game plan is to win this event here. We try not to get too far ahead of ourselves, we’re focused on moving up on that ladder and getting back in that winner’s circle. It’s been far too long. When I head back to my pits right now, I know the guys are going to be pumped. We all kept pushing. It gets hard, but we continue to push to be the best that we can. To do that today, it gives us a boost. We want to keep doing that.”

Shawn Reed is currently second after going 3.676 at 330.71 and Texan Steve Torrence is third thanks to his pass of 3.721 at 332.03.

Anderson closed out Pro Stock qualifying in standout fashion, taking the $7,500 bonus and the provisional No. 1 spot with a run of 6.524 at 208.99 in his HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro. Erica Enders set the bar early in the session, but Anderson closed it out on top as he seeks his sixth No. 1 qualifier of the year and the 130th in his tremendous career. Anderson, who is currently fourth in the Pro Stock points standings, has enjoyed several terrific moments at Texas Motorplex over the years and he added to that on Friday under the lights.

“I love coming here, I absolutely love it,” Anderson said. “It’s all the Meyer family. They make it special, and it matters to us. It makes you rise to the next level. We got it done by .002 and how fitting. That’s the battle we’ve been having lately, it’s who makes the sweetest, most perfect run. That was pretty mean. I knew that was the target and it was going to be close, and it certainly was. Fortunately, we were able to keep her in the center of the racetrack and got the check by .002. It all ended up great, it’s a great night in Texas.

“These bonus points mean everything. It’s going to be extremely hard to make up ground on any one of them, let alone three of the four of them. They’re not making mistakes. They’re racing error-free, they’re fast. It’s going to be very hard to make up some ground. I’m not in a great spot, but I’m not going to give up. I’m going to keep trying. Mission accomplished today, a perfect Friday.”

Enders took the second position, just missing the top spot after a run of 6.526 at 209.09 and David Cuadra’s 6.532 at 208.60 puts him third. The top two drivers in points – Aaron Stanfield and leader Dallas Glenn – are fourth and fifth, respectively.

Herrera shattered records a year ago in Pro Stock Motorcycle at Texas Motorplex and enjoyed another impressive Friday to open the weekend this season, making the quickest run of each session, including a 6.757 at 201.21 under the lights on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki. The run nets Herrera $5,000 and also puts the defending world champion and current points leader in line for his eighth No. 1 spot this season and 22nd in his career.

Herrera moved back into the lead thanks to his win at the most recent race in St. Louis and he looks to strengthen in a major way with a second straight victory in Dallas.

“You come here, you get a different vibe,” Herrera said. “It’s a very welcoming, ‘have fun’ vibe, and that’s what we’re doing. We’re having fun and getting to race at the same time. It’s awesome to get that bonus money on Friday night. I can’t thank the Meyer family enough for all they do for us racers at Texas Motorplex. My bike ran good coming off the trailer, so we were happy to get that and get a little extra change.

“There are a lot of fast motorcycles right now between the whole class. We just have a consistently fast motorcycle at the moment. We’re trying to get every little point that we can. It’s all about consistency right now.”

Jianna Evaristo is second after going 6.777 at 201.81 and Angie Smith is third thanks to a run of 6.808 at 201.41.

Qualifying continues at 12 p.m. CT on Saturday at the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex.

October 12, 2024
Gresham Wagner is the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup Champion

Jeremy Fletcher wins season finale race in a McCumbee McAleer Podium Sweep

BRASELTON, Ga. (Oct. 11, 2024) – The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin has its second repeat champion as Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) added the 2024 title to the first one he captured in 2021. His teammate and championship rival Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) won the final race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, but it wasn’t enough to surpass Wagner, who finished the race in third.

The podium for Round 14 was in fact a McCumbee McAleer sweep, with Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing) finishing second. All three drivers were in contention for the title and up against defending champion Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering) and his teammate Aaron Jeansonne (No. 24 JTR Motorsports Engineering).

Cicero started from pole but had some extra time to prepare for the start when Woody Heimann (No. 82 JTR Motorsports Engineering) got into the wall on the pace lap. This required the field to remain behind the pace car for an additional 10 minutes while the car was removed.

When the race finally went green, Cicero and Wagner worked together at the front of the field and were quickly joined by Fletcher, but Jeansonne was also on the scene to break up the MMR party.

Fletcher was the race leader when a full-course yellow was issued to retrieve a car stuck in the Turn 10 gravel trap. Circulating for six laps under yellow was helpful for Fletcher, who received 10 bonus points for leading the most laps of the race.

He continued to lead after the restart and had his sights firmly set on a race win, while his teammates shuffled back and forth with JTR teammates, Thomas and Jeansonne. The continuous passing prevented any pack of cars from pulling away and resulted in a long train of a dozen cars ready to pounce on any mistake.

Fletcher made zero mistakes and drove it home for the victory, although the final lap was under full-course caution after a nasty accident for Jonathan Neudorf (No. 55 BSI Racing) in Turn One.

Even with the race win and most laps led, Fletcher was not able to overcome the point deficit created by his Round 13 DNF. He ends the season third in the championship standings, only 70 points out of the lead.

“I really wish I could go home and celebrate a championship and a win with the team like they deserve tonight at the banquet, but things were out of our hands yesterday,” Fletcher said. “I’m pretty sure we had second place locked-up coming out of that last corner, but contact was made. I just kind of shrugged it off and came out here and did what I do and did it for the team. And I did it for my sponsors, the Holster Store, McCumbee McAleer Racing, The Gun Store, Home Restoration Exchange, Mazda Motorsports, Flis Performance and everyone who puts this on for us. I’m just happy to get my third win of the season, and it really proves that I had the car to beat throughout the season. I just wish I could have gotten the championship, because I feel like things that were out of my control and out of the team’s control are what really cost us that championship.”

Cicero was able to get around Wagner in the final laps to take second. He ends his sophomore season fourth in the championship standings.

“You have to balance working with your teammates versus trying to be a little selfish,” Cicero said. “We were 1-2-3, which is an extremely difficult spot. Jeremy and I going into that race were tied on points and he ended up one spot in front of me. We just have such a strong team this year. We all knew how to work together and when to battle. It’s been an amazing team effort. I’m disappointed to be on the short end of the stick, but still, ending up fighting for the championship and a couple wins this year, I can’t complain too much, and that happiness will sink in.”

Winning his first MX-5 Cup Championship in 2021, Wagner becomes the second driver ever to score two MX-5 Cup titles.

“I wasn’t necessarily trying to win the race,” Wagner said. “I was just trying to be at the front. There was a bit of a gap in points between me and Nate [Cicero] and Jeremy [Fletcher], so as long as I was there helping them, I was all right, and I was more than happy to try my best to work together.

Along with the champion’s trophy, Wagner receives the grand prize of $250,000 from Mazda.

“Winning two [championships] is an elite club. I mean, it’s hard enough to win one. Jared [Thomas] got his back-to-back, but I had to wait a bit longer. At the same time, I think that speaks to how long I’ve been here and had success, and that’s something everyone wants, to keep doing it and still be at the top. I’m really happy I could say I was the best.”

Series newcomer Noah Harmon (No. 77 AAG Racing) had a strong race and scored his best result in MX-5 Cup by finishing fourth.

Finishing fifth in the race, Thomas, the 2022 and 2023 champion, was unable to make it a three-peat, but did end the season runner-up to Wagner in the points.

Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing) finished seventh but had clinched the Rookie of the Year title with a fourth-place finish in Thursday’s race. His rookie title earns Workman a $80,000 check from Mazda.

All Mazda MX-5 Cup races from the 2024 season are available to view anytime on the RACER and IMSA YouTube channels.

Though the MX-5 Cup regular season is over, in two weeks’ time drivers will suit up for an exhibition race at Martinsville Speedway, the series’ first-ever oval race on October 26.

About: The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin is the signature spec series for Mazda Motorsports. The series has been operated by Andersen Promotions since 2017 and is currently sanctioned by IMSA. Mazda-powered grassroots champions can earn Mazda scholarships for this pro-level series. The Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup awards more than $1 million in prizes and scholarships.

Find out more at http://www.mx-5cup.com.

October 11, 2024
Cadillac claims sixth pole in nine races

Aitken drives No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R to the top for 10-hour Petit Le Mans

BRASELTON, Ga. (Oct. 11, 2024) – Cadillac Racing completed a Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) pole bookend to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season.

Jack Aitken, in his first full season with Action Express Racing, delivered a blistering lap of 1 minute, 9.639 seconds in the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R on the 2.54-mile, 12-turn Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta course to secure pole for Saturday’s season-concluding Motul Petit Le Mans. It is Aitken’s first career IMSA pole and fourth for the team, which also secured pole for the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.

Along the way were four additional earned poles for Cadillac Racing. That’s six poles in nine races for the two-car contingent in the second season of GTP competition. Also, a Cadillac will start on the front row for the seventh time.

“Congratulations to the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R team and driver Jack Aitken on securing pole position in qualifying for the 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans,” said John Roth, global vice president of Cadillac. “We are excited to get back on the track and compete for the overall win Saturday.

Sebastien Bourdais, who topped the combined lap time chart through three practice sessions Thursday in the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R, qualified fourth with a best lap of 1:09.964 in the 15-minute late afternoon session. He missed starting on the inside of Row 2 by .035 of a second.

“Pipo (Derani) told me beforehand to enjoy it and put it in the gravel or put in on pole,” said Aitken, who teamed with Derani and Alexander Sims to win the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup driver/team championship in the 2023 race. “We got the right side of that and I’m over the moon. I think we’re in a good spot and quietly confident going into the race.”

Media resource for editorial use: Cadillac Racing Petit Le Mans photo gallery

Aitken, Derani and Tom Blomqvist, who won the race the past two years with another manufacturer, will challenge for another IMEC title as will Bourdais, Renger van der Zande and Scott Dixon in the pink No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R.

Cadillac Racing is seeking its sixth IMEC championship since 2017 and second in a row. Cadillac is four points out of the top spot entering the fifth and final endurance race of the season. Points will be awarded on 5, 4, 3, 2 scale at 4, 8 and 10 hours of the race.

Similarly, the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R is four points arrears in the endurance team/driver standings, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R is five points back.

Cadillac Racing has recorded a first or second in every 10-hour race at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta since joining IMSA prototype competition in 2017. Van der Zande has two victories (2018, 2020) and a pair of second-place finishes (2019, 2023) with Cadillac Racing.

Peacock will stream flag-to-flag coverage of the race at noon ET Saturday in the U.S., with international feed coverage on IMSA.TV and YouTube.com/IMSAOfficial. NBC will telecast the race from noon-3 p.m.

IMSA.com, RadioLeMans.com and SiriusXM (XM 206, Web/App 996) will broadcast the race along with local radio 98.1 FM.

Qualifying quotes

No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R

Sebastien Bourdais (qualified fourth with best lap of 1:09.964 on lap 5 of 10): “It’s difficult to go into a qualifying where you don’t get any kind of rehearsal. With the traffic there is, we didn’t get any quali setup and so we went with what we finished with the day before. It was a bit chaotic on the build-up to the (push) lap, so I missed the window on the tire and couldn’t put a lap together after that. Disappointed, but it’s a 10-hour race and we’ll go racing tomorrow. Good job by the 31 and we’ll see if we can win one to close the season.”

No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R

Jack Aitken (pole-winning lap of 1:09.639 on lap 8 of 9): “Honestly, we felt strong most of the weekend, but I’d say there were some tweaks needed to get it right and the team did an awesome job overnight to make those small, small adjustments to make the car feel awesome. It’s a real pleasure when you have the track to yourself after all the traffic we had in practice and a car that’s working well. I just threw everything at it. We’re not in the championship hunt, so we’re here to get on pole and win the race. Pipo (Derani) told me beforehand to enjoy it and put it in the gravel or put in on pole. We got the right side of that and I’m over the moon. This is one of my most favorite tracks and a privilege to get my first pole here. I think we’re in a good spot and quietly confident going into the race. It’s definitely going to be a challenge to keep the tires where you need them to be. I think we’re seeing higher degradation in tire wear than we’re used to with these tires. You know, again, the circuit is so hard and unrelenting in that sense that if you’re not taking care of them, you can fall afoul. We’re probably going to have to double-stint a little bit earlier in the race. We’re trying to keep one eye on that. The way you win these races is by having a sharp race car at the end of the race when it’s spread for the cautions at the end. You can’t cater too much for having a conservative car to save the tires early on in the heat of the day.”

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October 11, 2024
Palou Edges Newgarden To Top Busy IMS Oval Test

INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, Oct. 11, 2024) – There’s still one jewel missing from Alex Palou’s racing crown, but testing Oct. 11 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway showed he may be closer than ever to adding it next May.

Reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Palou has won the championship three times in the last four seasons, but he still seeks his first Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge victory. But Palou led testing on the historic 2.5-mile oval Friday with a top speed of 224.342 mph in the No. 10 DHL Chip Ganassi Racing Honda.

Palou’s best Indy 500 finish is second, behind Helio Castroneves’ historic fourth win in 2021. Palou earned his first “500” pole in 2023.

“It was a good day of testing,” Palou said. “We tried a lot of stuff. Yesterday was Firestone, today was more us, Ganassi and Honda. We’re happy. You want to come here, and even if you’re testing a bunch of stuff, you want to be first.”

Looming right behind Palou on the speed chart was two-time reigning Indy 500 winner Josef Newgarden, second at 223.973 in the No. 2 Shell Powering Progress Team Penske Chevrolet. Rinus VeeKay was third at 223.383 in the No. 18 Dale Coyne Racing Honda in his first day of testing with that team.

Graham Rahal was fourth at 222.650 in the No. 45 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing Honda, with 2022 “500” winner Marcus Ericsson rounding out the top five at 222.324 in the No. 28 Andretti Global Honda.

Eleven car-and-driver combinations – one driver from each team – combined to turn 1,123 laps in six hours of testing Friday after four drivers tested tires Thursday afternoon for Firestone. A primary area of focus for all teams and drivers was the new hybrid system, which made its competitive debut in July 2024.

The hybrid system offers the competitors and their twin-turbo V6 engines an additional 60 horsepower. Previous iterations of the hybrid package were previously tested during the development process, but this test marked the debut of the system as it will race next May.

“I think the overtake we get (from the hybrid) is nice,” Palou said. “I think it’s good enough to set up a pass maybe in the middle of the pack. We’ll have to see.”

The 109th Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge is Sunday, May 25, live on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network. Visit IMS.com for ticket and event details.

October 11, 2024
The Gorsline Company Announces 2025 Scholarship Candidates at Petit Le Mans

Braselton, Ga., October 11, 2024 – The Gorsline Company is proud to announce the three exceptional candidates for this year’s prestigious Gorsline Scholarship in racing, which recognizes and rewards young drivers who display exceptional talent and a professional respect for motorsports. This announcement, which celebrates the future of motorsports and the remarkable talents of young racers, will take place during the IMSA Petit Le Mans race weekend at Road Atlanta, October 9-13.

Since its inception in 1994, the Gorsline Scholarship has honored outstanding individuals in the racing community, with previous winners including renowned names like Danica Patrick, Josef Newgarden, Conor Daly, Katherine Legge, Patrick Long, Bryan Herta, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr., to name a few.

This year, the spotlight shines on three dynamic women racers, all of whom are poised to become future champions in the sport. The recipient of the scholarship will be revealed at the IMSA 12 Hours of Sebring in March 2025.

Kelsey Pinkowski

A member of the Kiwi Crosslink Formula 4 team, Kelsey recently showcased her talent by finishing 2nd at the Watkins Glen SVRA after starting from 7th. Coached by Nic Jonsson, she balances her racing career with her studies in Global Business Management at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), where she also serves as the Business Associate for RIT’s successful Formula SAE team.

Isabella Robusto

A rising star in the ARCA Menards series with an impressive 10 starts and 6 top ten finishes this season, Isabella began her racing journey at just 5 years old. She is a member of the Toyota Racing Development Program and holds the record for being the youngest driver selected for the NASCAR Drive for Diversity program (at age 12). Currently, she is an Aeronautical Engineering major at Arizona State University, having graduated high school a year early.

Lexy Barlow

Demonstrating exceptional race craft and determination, Lexy is advancing through the ranks and has competed in various vintage races. Currently working as a project manager in Norwalk, CT, Lexy embodies the spirit of the Gorsline Company’s mission to support emerging talents in motorsports.

“The Gorsline Company has been committed to the motorsports community for decades, and supporting the next generation of racers is at the heart of our mission,” said John Gorsline, principal of the Gorsline Company. “I am very proud and filled with gratitude about the ability to help these future champions in any way I can. God Bless them. And it’s an honor to spotlight these talented women who exemplify the spirit of competition and dedication to the sport when we present the 25th selection of the award next March at Sebring.”

About the Gorsline Company

Headquartered in Rochester, NY, the Gorsline Company has been a pioneer in providing insurance for high-risk professionals in motorsports for nearly 50 years. With a focus on custom-designed insurance solutions and estate planning for drivers and team owners, Gorsline has supported some of the top names in racing. The company also awards the Gorsline Scholarship annually to aspiring drivers who display exceptional talent and professionalism, furthering its commitment to the motorsports community.

For more information about the Gorsline Scholarship and the candidates, please visit www.gorsline.com.

October 11, 2024
A LOT ON THE LINE FOR PRO STOCK’S ERICA ENDERS AT TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 11, 2024) – Only one driver in Pro Stock history has ever won at Texas Motorplex three years in a row. Defending world champion Erica Enders has the chance to match legendary driver Warren Johnson with a victory at this weekend’s 39th annual Texas NHRA FallNationals, which would also enhance her championship prospects in the process.

Enders, who is third in points, has won the Texas NHRA FallNationals in back-to-back years, with each win helping carry her to two straight championships. Last year’s victory made her the winningest female in motorsports and remains a special win for Enders, but another victory couldn’t come at a better time for the six-time world champion.

She remains on the hunt for her 50th career national event win and is looking for her first victory since the season-opener in Gainesville in her Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage/Melling Performance/Scag Power Equipment car. Enders is also racing for her crew chief, Mark Ingersoll, who is recovering after a double lung transplant last week.

That puts a lot on Enders’ mind heading into the key race in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, but a victory at her home track would be welcomed for a variety of reasons.

“I am just focused on the task at hand,” Enders said. “We’ve got to go out there and we need to win here, honestly. Vegas is a really great track to me as well, so hopefully these next two races we’ll do some good and maybe get that 50th off our back. But, you know, mindset coming in here is, it’s kind of a lot of things. There’s a lot going on, there’s a lot on the table, and there’s a lot on our hearts. So, we just have to put our heads down and focus.

“A win puts us right back in the mix. The first three races of the Countdown, it’s been the (same) four drivers (points leader Dallas Glenn, Aaron Stanfield, Greg Anderson and Enders) every semifinal. That kind of makes it hard take a step in front of somebody. We’ve won here the last two years in a row, so that would be pretty awesome to get three in a row and to do it for Mark.”

Last season, Leah Pruett (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Enders (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all collected NHRA wins in Dallas and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage airing at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday Oct. 13. It is the fourth of six races in the Countdown to the Championship and the 18th of 20 races during the 2024 season.

A Texas-sized playoff showdown starts with “Friday Night Live,” which offers more than $40,000 in bonus money to the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle. The low qualifier under the lights on Friday night will net Top Fuel and Funny Car stars $15,000 each in bonus money, with $7,500 going to the quickest qualifier in Pro Stock and $5,000 in Pro Stock Motorcycle.

That kickoff to the weekend is one of the many reasons Enders loves racing at Texas Motorplex. But the intensity will be at a fever pitch as she looks to make a move in the standings. After back-to-back wins, Glenn is back in the points lead, holding a 31-point advantage over Enders’ Elite Motorsports teammate, Stanfield. Enders is 90 points back and Anderson trails by 116 points, and Enders knows she has work to do. But she’s looking forward to the challenge at a facility she has always cherished.

“I love it and it’s no secret that I’m extremely fond of Texas and I’m a proud Texan,” Enders said. “What the Meyer family does for our sport is pretty awesome. I love coming in here and feeling so welcome and blessed, and it’s that typical Texas hospitality. This race is different than any other. Friday night, it’s super fun for the “Battle of the Saddle,” and then obviously winning the race and getting the cowboy hat and the Corral Boots is always pretty epic, too, so I love it here.”

In Pro Stock Motorcycle, Richard Gadson remains in hot contention after a strong start to his first experience in the Countdown to the Championship. A candidate for the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year, Gadson advanced to a pair of final rounds to open the playoffs before being tripped up in the second round in St. Louis.

Still, the first-year rider in still in the thick of the championship mix on his RevZilla/Mission Foods/Vance & Hines Suzuki, entering this weekend’s race in Dallas third in points and 65 points behind teammate and reigning world champion Herrera. Gadson will look to make a move in Dallas, while also contending with the likes of Matt Smith, who is 34 points back of Herrera, 2023 NHRA Rookie of the Year Chase Van Sant, Angie Smith, Reading winner Hector Arana Jr., Angie Smith and Jianna Evaristo.

Top Fuel’s Pruett stepped out of her dragster at the start of the season and headed driving duties over to her husband and motorsports legend Tony Stewart. Stewart has a runner-up finish to his credit this season and will be looking for his first career Top Fuel win. He’ll be up against points leader and three-time champion Antron Brown, standout Justin Ashley, former champ Shawn Langdon and reigning champion Doug Kalitta.

Hagan is the reigning Funny Car champion, and his 2023 Texas NHRA FallNationals was a major reason he grabbed his fourth title. If he wants to go back-to-back in Dallas, he’ll need to get by Funny Car points leader and class newcomer Austin Prock, Bob Tasca III, J.R. Todd, Ron Capps and Jack Beckman, who is driving for John Force.

The Texas NHRA FallNationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, which includes some of the sport’s top drivers and begins racing on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The weekend will include the exciting new Holley EFI Factory X category and the Jr. Dragster Shootout, as well as a jet dragster exhibition after nitro qualifying on Friday.

Fans will also be treated to the JEG’s Allstar event, which pits sportsman racers from across the country against each other for the ultimate drag racing battle. After a successful first year at the famed Texas Motorplex in 2023, the unique specialty race is back as a major highlight of the 2024 Stampede of Speed as one of most highly-anticipated sportsman events of the year.

Fans will be invited all weekend long to the Nitro Alley Stage, which is the main entertainment hub in the pits, hosting Nitro School, meet and greets, music and much more. Race fans at Texas Motorplex can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce and celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday after racing concludes, where fans are invited to congratulate the Texas NHRA FallNationals event winners.

As always, fans can get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. Fans can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers, and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes interactive displays, merchandise, food, and fun.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:15 and 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Oct. 11, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 12:00 p.m. CT on Sunday, Oct. 13. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 2:00 p.m. ET on Sunday and as well as action from eliminations at 4 p.m.

To purchase tickets to the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, call 800-668-6775 or visit tickets.texasmotorplex.com. Children 12 and under are admitted free in general admissions areas with a paid adult. For more information about NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

About Mission Foods

MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/

About NHRA

NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

October 11, 2024