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  • NHRA MISSION FOODS DRAG RACING SERIES SET FOR SECOND HALF OF THRILLING COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

    NHRA MISSION FOODS DRAG RACING SERIES SET FOR SECOND HALF OF THRILLING COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP

    INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 7, 2024) – Through the first three races in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs, fans have already witnessed electric moments, huge surprises and major shifts in the points standings as drivers in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series put everything on the line for championship glory.

    The second half of the six-race postseason begins this weekend with the main event of Texas Motorplex’s Stampede of Speed, the Texas NHRA FallNationals, starting an epic three-race finish.

    Following the annual stop in Dallas, the stars in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock and Pro Stock Motorcycle go to The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the Ford Performance NHRA Nationals on Oct. 31-Nov. 3, with all roads leading to Pomona for the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals on Nov. 14-17 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip.

    Here’s how each class stacks up heading to the final three races of the 2024 season.

    TOP FUEL

    From top to bottom and from the start of the season until now, the level of competition in Top Fuel has been incredible, so it would only make sense for this championship race to come down to the wire for a second straight season. Last year, it was Doug Kalitta taking a winner-take-all final round against Leah Pruett to win his first championship and a similar scenario wouldn’t be surprising in 2024.

    There’s a number of different routes the title chase could take as well. Antron Brown, looking for his first championship since 2016, is the current leader after winning the first two playoff races, but he has plenty of company. Justin Ashley, who is after his first world title, is 34 points back, while former world champions Shawn Langdon (-60), Kalitta (-87), Steve Torrence (-88) and Tony Schumacher (-103) are well within striking distance in what could be an epic finish.

    Schumacher won in St. Louis – his first playoff win in 10 years – to emphasize there could be several unexpected twists to end the year. Things should become a little clearer after Dallas, but there will likely be a host of contenders fighting for a title down the stretch.

    FUNNY CAR

    He didn’t win St. Louis, but Austin Prock’s dominant start to the Countdown to the Championship undoubtedly puts his success as the biggest storyline in the class. Before John Force Racing teammate Jack Beckman knocked him off in St. Louis, Prock had won 14 straight rounds, winning in both Reading and Charlotte.

    The team has been on another level in 2024, with a run of 3.814-seconds in St. Louis – the quickest run in Funny Car since 2017 – further emphasizing that. Is there any hope for a non-JFR team to win a title? For that to happen, Bob Tasca III would need to get hot in a hurry. He’s 159 points back in third and a Dallas win (and probably Las Vegas, too) seems necessary to make life difficult for Prock.

    Beckman’s St. Louis win puts him (and John Force) 105 points back of his teammate and there’s the obvious Hollywood ending there. Beckman winning a 17th title for Force in Pomona would be a magical moment, but getting past Prock and his team will be a tall order.

    PRO STOCK

    The first half of the Countdown to the Championship has featured a distinct theme: Dallas Glenn, Aaron Stanfield, Erica Enders and Greg Anderson have all advanced to the semifinals at the first three playoff races.

    The foursome has firmly separated themselves from the rest of the talented class, but Glenn and Stanfield have started to push it to a two-car race the last two events. Glenn has won them both – beating Stanfield in the finals each time – to take back the points lead and inch closer to a first title. He leads Stanfield by 31 points, while Enders and Anderson are now 90 and 116 points back, respectively.

    Do the veterans, who have won the last five championships in the class, have enough to rally back over the final three races? Or is this the first year one of the young standouts finally get past two of the most successful Pro Stock drivers in NHRA history? Should Glenn or Stanfield win Dallas, those questions could be answered.

    PRO STOCK MOTORCYCLE

    This title race has certainly had a different tone than last year when Gaige Herrera won the final five races of the season to roll to his first world championship. He didn’t win either of the first two Countdown races, as Hector Arana Jr. and Matt Smith won in Reading and Charlotte, respectively. Herrera bounced back in St. Louis, moving back into the points lead, but at the halfway mark, this race is anything but a sure thing for the reigning world champion.

    Herrera now leads Smith by 34 points in what appears to be a three-bike race going down the stretch. Richard Gadson, who has enjoyed a terrific rookie season, is 65 points back after final-round appearances at the first two races. Arana is 137 points back and has recent success in Dallas and Las Vegas, winning both in 2022, but Herrera will look to close strong like he did a year ago to claim a second straight title.

    To purchase tickets to the Texas NHRA FallNationals, the Ford Performance NHRA Nationals or the In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, visit www.nhra.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

    COUNTDOWN TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS

    Top Fuel

    1. Antron Brown, 2,344
    2. Justin Ashley, 2,310
    3. Shawn Langdon, 2,284
    4. Doug Kalitta, 2,257
    5. Steve Torrence, 2,256
    6. Tony Schumacher, 2,241
    7. Clay Millican, 2,211
    8. Brittany Force 2,171
    9. Tony Stewart, 2,150
    10. Billy Torrence, 2,113

    Funny Car

    1. Austin Prock, 2,454
    2. John Force, 2,349
    3. Bob Tasca III, 2,295
    4. Ron Capps, 2,260

    5.Matt Hagan, 2,249

    1. J.R. Todd, 2,191
    2. Blake Alexander, 2,176
    3. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,162

    9.Chad Green, 2,159

    1. Alexis DeJoria, 2,145

    Pro Stock

    1. Dallas Glenn, 2,437
    2. Aaron Stanfield, 2,406
    3. Erica Enders, 2,347
    4. Greg Anderson, 2,321
    5. Jeg Coughlin, 2,205
    6. Cristian Cuadra, 2,157
    7. Jerry Tucker, 2,150
    8. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,143
    9. Matt Hartford, 2,142
    10. Eric Latino, 2,127

    Pro Stock Motorcycle

    1. Gaige Herrera, 2,404
    2. Matt Smith, 2,370
    3. Richard Gadson, 2,339
    4. Hector Arana Jr., 2,267
    5. Chase Van Sant, 2,248
    6. Angie Smith, 2,206
    7. John Hall, 2,205
    8. Jianna Evaristo,2,170
    9. Steve Johnson, 2,127
    10. Chris Bostick, 2,096

    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.

  • CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS UPDATED AHEAD OF TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

    CHAMPIONSHIP ODDS UPDATED AHEAD OF TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS

    The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship is ready to Boot Scootin’ Boogie into Dallas this weekend for the Texas NHRA FallNationals!

    Odds for championship favorites in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle have been updated with storylines aplenty! Can Jack Beckman win the title for the legend John Force, or will Austin Prock write his own chapter in JFR’s legacy? Will anyone knock Gaige Herrera off his perch in PSM? What about the tight battles in Top Fuel and Pro Stock Car, where it’s anyone’s title to take?

    Time to make your calls and PlayNHRA!

    PlayNHRA offers fans the opportunity to legally wager on NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series action in Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock classes. Please note that opening odds are subject to change. Fans are encouraged to download each available platform in their state to evaluate the best odds being offered.

    Ready to PlayNHRA? Click here to get started – with offers across multiple platforms to earn FREE bonus bets when you place your first bet!

  • Mazda MX-5 Cup 2024 Championship Finale is Wildly Unpredictable

    Mazda MX-5 Cup 2024 Championship Finale is Wildly Unpredictable

    BRASELTON, Ga. (Oct. 7, 2024) – With a field full of evenly matched Mazda MX-5 Cup machines driven by talented racers, Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin races are often decided by mere feet with just slivers of a second being the margin of victory. And historically the Mazda MX-5 Cup Championships have been just as close as the races themselves.

    With six different drivers covered by just 200 points coming into the final two rounds, that is certainly true again this year. Every position and every point will matter for these half-dozen drivers aiming for the $250,000 championship prize.

    Leading the way is Jeremy Fletcher (No. 22 McCumbee McAleer Racing) fresh off his spectacular performance at VIRginia International Raceway, where he earned his first Mazda MX-5 Cup race win and went on to sweep the weekend.

    “You know confidence is pretty high right now after getting that weight off my shoulders of winning my first MX-5 Cup race and then going back-to-back at VIR,” Fletcher said. “I can’t thank the MMR crew enough, my mechanic Dalton and really everyone that has done so much for me this season. I just really want to go into Atlanta with my head held high and get it done and come away with the championship. Also, I couldn’t do it without the support of The Gun Store, The Holster Store, and Home Restoration Exchange. All in all I am ready to take on the final round!”

    Of the six drivers in contention for the Mazda MX-5 Cup crown, two have won it previously: Gresham Wagner (No. 5 McCumbee McAleer Racing) and Jared Thomas (No. 96 JTR Motorsports Engineering). In fact, last season, Thomas became the first-ever repeat champion. His first championship, in 2022, was by a mere 10 points and came down to a competitor who finished ahead of him getting a post-race penalty. He is only 60 points behind Fletcher.

    “One thing I’ve learned about the two championships I’ve won is that you never win them the same way,” Thomas said. “They always end up different and I think I can take bits and pieces from each and use that to my advantage; what I did right, what I did wrong, and try to handle high-pressure situations a little bit better.”

    Wagner, the 2021 MX-5 Cup Champion, is a further 50 points behind in third. He’s proven to be adept at collecting valuable bonus points in the championship, 90 so far, for winning pole position, turning the fastest race lap or leading the most laps of the race. That’s more than any other driver this year.

    Last season’s finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta was a rough one for Wagner, who finished outside the top 15 in both races. Ironically, the only two drivers on the grid who have won previously at Road Atlanta are Thomas and Wagner.

    “I think the track [Road Atlanta] is a perfect balance for the kind of racing MX-5 Cup tends to have,” Wagner said. “The first part of the track is a really flowing and high-speed section of corners with a really smooth flow and elevation changes as a bonus and allows everyone to set themselves up for the big drafting section along the back straight. Having such a long straight toward the end of the lap, with a heavy braking zone, definitely contributes to the side-by-side racing, battles, and shuffling you see all the time. Plus, being the finale, you have everyone in the points fighting hard against each other for the end of the championship, and plenty of other people without much to lose that just want to end the year on a high note. That all comes together to make some pretty dramatic and crazy racing here, and the track lends itself to it.”

    Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Nate Cicero (No. 83 McCumbee McAleer Racing) comes into the finale fourth in the standings, 20 points behind Wagner. Cicero makes it three McCumbee McAleer drivers in the running for the championship.

    Speaking of Rookie of the Year, the driver on target to take that title, Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing), is sixth in the points coming into the finale. He is 690 points ahead of the next rookie, Julian DaCosta (No. 78 JTR Motorsports Engineering) who is seventh in the standings. Workman has scored two wins so far this season, one at Sebring and one at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, while DaCosta is still searching for his first MX-5 Cup race win. Whomever is crowned the Rookie of the Year will take home $80,000 from Mazda for their 2025 MX-5 Cup season.

    Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta is the perfect place to conclude the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup season. Year after year, drivers defy the laws of physics as they fight for every last point. This finale could prove to be the wildest of them all with so many drivers in the mix, so don’t miss Race 1, Thursday, October 10 at 2:15pm ET or Race 2 on Friday, October 11, at 9:50am ET. Both races will be streamed live on the RACER and IMSA YouTube channels.

    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.

  • RECAP: Wright Motorsports Crowned GT World Challenge Champions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    RECAP: Wright Motorsports Crowned GT World Challenge Champions at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., (September 7, 2024) – Wright Motorsports made their triumphant return to victory lane on Saturday evening, clinching the Indianapolis 8 Hour race win and securing the GT World Challenge PRO championship. Drivers Adam Adelson, Elliott Skeer, and Laurin Heinrich delivered a near-flawless performance in the No. 120 Porsche 911 GT3 R, earning the first championship title for full-season drivers Adelson and Skeer in dramatic style. The GT World Challenge race victory was the second endurance win in a row for the Wright team. The first came here at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 22 capturing the Battle on the Bricks IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTD class race win.

    “We’ve worked tirelessly all season, and this is the perfect culmination of that effort,” said John Wright, team owner. “The entire team came together today, and every driver played their role to perfection. Winning at Indy is always special, but to take home a championship here is truly unforgettable.”

    Adelson started the race from pole position in the GT World Challenge (GTWCA) PRO class, third overall. With the long race ahead, he maintained a measured approach, leading the team through a calm and controlled double stint. His precision kept the Porsche in prime condition in the heat of the day, setting the stage for a strategic push later in the event.

    Skeer took over after a faultless pit stop from the Wright crew, rejoining the race in third, two spots behind the championship-contending No. 63 Corvette. The Corvette built an early 28-second lead, but Skeer wisely focused on keeping his race clean, knowing the Porsche would come into its own as the hours ticked by.

    When Laurin Heinrich took over just past the three-hour mark, the team faced a 27-second gap to the leading Corvette. As the sun set and temperatures dropped, the Porsche came alive. Heinrich began chipping away at the Corvette’s lead, gaining nearly a second per lap. The momentum was temporarily halted by a full-course caution, but the battle was far from over.

    Skeer rejoined the fray after the restart, going head-to-head with the experienced Tommy Milner in a tense and thrilling battle. Skeer seized the advantage, showcasing the Porsche’s strength and the team’s consistency. From that moment on, the green and yellow Wright Motorsports Porsche was in control, asserting their championship pedigree.

    Through seamless pit stops and consistently strong stints, Wright Motorsports regained the overall lead with two hours remaining. Despite a five-second penalty for a rare pit stop infringement, which dropped them to second place overall by a mere 0.260 seconds, the team still claimed the PRO class win and secured the championship by a commanding 27-point margin. With 10 podiums in 13 races, it was a hard-fought and well-deserved victory for the team.

    As Wright Motorsports looks toward the future, they will announce their 2025 plans at a later date. But for now, the focus shifts to this weekend’s finale of the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Petit Le Mans. Wright Motorsports looks to the 10-hour Road Atlanta classic to finish the GTD season strong. For more information, visit imsa.com.

    DRIVER QUOTES

    Adam Adelson

    I’m so insanely proud of this result. I’m really happy with my drive. Elliott drove incredibly, making the pass that needed to happen, and so did Laurin. This is a culmination of the last four years of dedication and hard work. I couldn’t be more proud. This is the most incredible accomplishment to be able to win at Indy two times in a row, two weeks a part. To be able to go and kiss the bricks again is the most special thing.

    Elliott Skeer

    What an incredible season this has been in GT World Challenge America. Ultimately, the start was such a high at Sonoma, and then we went into a period where we were always fighting for wins but just couldn’t get it. Then the Corvette showed up and they played the game incredibly well. For the eight times they beat us, we only needed to beat them once. Boy, did we finish that off. I’m incredibly proud of this whole team. We finished the season on a high. Adam is driving like a super star, and I’m just going out there having fun. That’s what it takes. It’s an unbelievable feeling to finally win a championship with Adam on the fourth try.

    Laurin Heinrich

    I was very happy to join Wright for the Indy 8 Hour, the last round of the GT World Challenge Championship. The goal coming into the weekend was to obviously win the championship for Adam and Elliott. Early in the race we realized we have a good package and a good car. There were more full course cautions than we expected, but the team had a great strategy to get us through those well. In the end, it was a race on pace. We crossed the line first overall, which was mega and won Adam and Elliott the championship. I‘m over the moon with the result and super happy for Wright Motorsports.

    Wright Motorsports
    Wright Motorsports is the premier Porsche race engineering facility in Ohio and a multi-series and international racing team known for superb car preparation, expert race strategy, and driver development. Located in Batavia, Ohio, it is owned and directed by John Wright, a certified Porsche factory-trained technician. As a crew chief John Wright has played a key role in winning eight driver and seven team championships in World Challenge, IMSA (ALMS) and the Grand-Am Rolex Series. Wright Motorsports won the team championship in Porsche GT3 Cup USA in 2012, 2013, and 2015, and went on to win the Pirelli World Challenge Overall, Sprint, Team, and Manufacturer’s titles in 2017. In 2020, the team captured the GT World Challenge America Am championship. In 2021, Wright Motorsports had a wildly successful season, capturing nine championships across their five racing efforts.

  • Three-Pack of Strong Silver Hare Runs at VIR

    Three-Pack of Strong Silver Hare Runs at VIR

    Jake Drew Scores Fourth Podium of 2024; Boris Said Jr. Finishes Seventh; Connor Zilisch Comes Home 12th After Foiled Victory Bid from Last on the Grid

    Overview:

    Date: Oct. 5, 2024
    Event: VIR SpeedTour (Round 11 of 12)
    Series: Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli
    Division: Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series
    Location: Virginia International Raceway in Alton
    Layout: 3.27-mile, 17-turn road course
    Format: 31 laps or 75 minutes
    Weather: Sunny, upper-70s
    TA2 Winner: Thomas Annunziata

    Silver Hare Racing:

    ● Jake Drew – Started 2nd, Finished 3rd (Running, completed 31/31 laps)
    ● Boris Said Jr. – Started 11th, Finished 7th (Running, completed 31/31 laps)
    ● Connor Zilisch – Started 30th, Finished 12th (Running, completed 31/31 laps)

    Noteworthy:

    ● Drew earned his fourth podium finish in 10 races this season.
    ● Drew was awarded the Cool Boxx Coolest Move award for the second time this season.

    Jake Drew, Driver, No. 7 Silver Hare Racing/Franklin Road Apparel Chevrolet Camaro:

    “It feels amazing to have so many great people on board this car – Cube 3 Architecture, Franklin Road and, of course, Silver Hare Racing with Maurice and Laura (Hull), they’ve made my dreams come true. And, it’s super cool to be on the podium here at VIR my first time here. It was a tough race, for sure. Started having some issues there at the end, but just super thankful to have friends and family here and supporters of Maurice and Laura and this whole team. Just really happy to be here right now.”

    Boris Said Jr., Driver, No. 75 HendrickCars.com/Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro:

    “We battled our way up there in our HendrickCars.com Camaro, it was good and it got better and better. It started tight, then it got good. And I had a good race with Austin (Green) at the end. The Silver Hare team did a great job. So, overall, it was a good weekend at VIR. Especially considering we had just a handful of green-flag laps in practice and qualifying.”

    Connor Zilisch, driver, No. 57 Bankers Insurance/Guy M. Turner/Clark Outdoor/Chevrolet Driver Development Silver Hare Racing Chevrolet Camaro:

    “It was a fun day getting back in the TA2 car with Silver Hare Racing. Obviously, it’s not the result we wanted, but we had a good run going there until an incident in Oak Tree kind of derailed our day. But I’m just glad that I was able to come back here and get to run with Silver Hare. I knew it was going to be tough starting at the back, but we worked our way inside the top-five until that incident. So it felt good to be back here and have speed and kind of come back where we left off and just enjoy the day, get to see all these guys again, and get to go through the motions with all of them and see all my old friends. It was unfortunate how it ended, but still had fun today and enjoyed the experience. And, hopefully, I’ll be able to come back and do this again.”

    Laura Hull, Co-Owner, Team Manager, Silver Hare Racing:

    “The old saying is, ‘Home is where the heart is,’ and my heart couldn’t be more full. We just couldn’t be happier with the finishes that we had today. Completely proud of the entire Silver Hare Racing crew. They brought wonderful cars to race this weekend. Jake Drew, just wow, he just continues to amaze us. His talent, his demeanor, just his whole skill, his craft. We’re extremely proud. And for him to finish third, that was just such a gift for us right here at home in our own backyard. He worked really hard for it. It’s extremely hard against the veteran drivers who have had a lot of experience here. Having Connor Zillich come back, what a treat that was. He’s a part of our family, and it was just such a pleasure to have him and his mom and dad, Jan and Jim here with us. And he put on quite a show. To have to start from the very back, he made it all the way up to fourth at one point until the incident. And Boris Said Jr., wow. He just continues to keep moving on up with his finishes and showing consistency. We’re very proud of him, his efforts. He and his dad, Boris Sr., work together really well, and they’re just a joy to have around and be around. Now we’re going to dust off all our cars, clean them up, get them prepped, and go on to COTA and get back on the podium.”

    Next Up:

    The 2024 Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series season comes to a close Nov. 1-3 with the COTA SpeedTour at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Round 12 of the 12-race campaign kicks off with a pair of TA2 test sessions on Friday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. CDT. Official TA2 practice is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, followed by qualifying at 5:35 p.m. Start time Sunday, Nov. 3, for the 30-lap, 75-minute TA2 race around the 3.4-mile, 20-turn road course is 10:35 a.m. with live television provided by series partner MAVTV, augmented by a live video stream on the Trans Am channel on YouTube.

    About Silver Hare Racing:

    Silver Hare Racing is a fulltime competitor in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series. The multicar team has won the TA2 Masters class championship three times (2018, 2019 and 2020) with driver and team co-owner Maurice Hull. Under the leadership of Hull’s wife, co-owner and team manager Laura Hull, Silver Hare Racing provides a variety of services that includes private testing and arrive-and-drive programs. The team offers six professionally built and maintained TA2 chassis from Howe Racing and operates from a state-of-the-art facility in High Point, North Carolina. For more information, call 336-870-5151, or visit SilverHareRacing.com.

  • Solid Day for TeamSLR at VIR

    Solid Day for TeamSLR at VIR

    Barry Boes Earns Seventh Pro-Am Win, 14-Year-Old Tristan McKee Fourth in TA2 Debut, Fellow Teenager Julian DaCosta Eighth, Abrupt End for Thomas Ellis

    Overview:

    Date: Oct. 5, 2024
    Event: VIR SpeedTour (Round 11 of 12)
    Series: Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli
    Division: Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series
    Location: Virginia International Raceway in Alton
    Layout: 3.27-mile, 17-turn road course
    Format: 31 laps or 75 minutes
    Weather: Sunny, upper-70s
    TA2 Winner: Thomas Annunziata of Nitro Motorsports

    TeamSLR:

    ● Tristan McKee – Started 6th, Finished 4th (Running, completed 31/31 laps)
    ● Julian DaCosta – Started 12th, Finished 8th (Running, completed 31/31 laps)
    ● Barry Boes – Started 13th, Finished 11th (Running, completed 31/31 laps)
    ● Thomas Ellis – Started 15th, Finished 27th (Accident, completed 10/31 laps)

    Noteworthy:

    ● Boes scored his seventh Pro-Am Challenge-class victory in 11 races this season and fifth in the last six races. He entered the weekend with a 129-point lead in the championship within a championship. If he arrives at the season finale at Circuit of the Americas with a lead of 110 points or more, he will have clinched the class championship.

    ● This was the first career TA2 start for McKee, who became eligible to drive in the series when he turned 14 on Aug. 3.

    ● The 16-year-old DaCosta’s eighth-place finish was his third top-10 in as many TA2 Series starts this season. He made his series debut with a 10th-place finish April 14 at NOLA Motorsports Park in Avondale, Louisiana, and finished eighth Aug. 31 at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park in Bowmanville, Ontario.

    ● Other top M1 Racecars finishers included Austin Green of Peterson Motorsports, who came home sixth today.

    Tristan Mckee, Driver, No. 28 SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

    “It was a good day. We started off sixth and worked our way up to fourth, which was good. We had a caution and Connor Zilisch got by me, and then Rafa Matos got by me, as well. And then we were all running that way until the last part of the race. I started picking up the leaders, our car was getting pretty good there at the end and they were falling off a little bit. I got Rafa on the last lap for fourth, so that is a good first day. We had good speed, so I think we’ll just keep working on it and get better for the next one.”

    Julian DaCosta, Driver No. 17 Powered by Hixon/Austin Hatcher Foundation/SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

    “The most difficult part of the weekend was we weren’t getting any track time. I think we got probably two or three (green-flag) laps each session, which makes it pretty difficult on everybody, it makes it difficult on the team. But TeamSLR did a great job and they kept the car really quick. I knew I had a few things to work on going into the race. I definitely think we improved on a lot and I know what I still need to work on going forward. But, otherwise, it was a really good race, and overall the team did a great job. I have to thank Hixon Motorsports, they definitely helped me out, they’re the whole reason I’m here. And the Austin Hatcher Foundation, I’m really proud to support them, and we’re we’re looking forward to what we can do in the future and hopefully get everybody on the podium soon.”

    Barry Boes, Driver No. 27 Accio Data/SLR-M1 Racecars Ford Mustang:

    “We had a had a really good start, we got a couple of positions moving forward. The car was loose on me up the esses. It was perfect in qualifying. I asked them to make no changes, so I’m not sure what happened., a new set of tires or something different, but that’s OK. So I was just loose up the esses and I kept losing time. One time, I said I’ve just got to make this work, and I tried a little bit harder, and it wasn’t going to work for me and I went for a ride and dropped to the back. Then I just had to fight my way back forward again, made it to the front of Pro-Am and was running them down maybe by a 10th (of a second) or two a lap. I was really excited, thinking I might be able to get up to them and do a little racing, but I just ran out of time. All in all a good day. We’re looking good in the Pro-Am championship.”

    Thomas Ellis, Driver, No. 8 SLR-M1 Racecars Chevrolet Camaro:

    “It was a tough weekend, and I’m not happy about getting taken out by an amateur driver. That’s all I can really say. I feel like we had something at the beginning of the race. We worked on the car all weekend to find rear-end grip and we finally had a package that seemed like was going to work. In the race, we had good pace, but unfortunately got dumped. Better luck next time, I guess.”

    Next Up:

    TeamSLR, proud to be racing on behalf of partners Franklin Road Apparel and Cube 3 Architecture, heads to Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas for the 2024 season finale Nov. 1-3. The COTA SpeedTour, round 12 of the 12-race campaign, kicks off with a pair of TA2 test sessions on Friday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. CDT. Official TA2 practice is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, followed by qualifying at 5:35 p.m. Start time Sunday, Nov. 3, for the 30-lap, 75-minute TA2 race around the 3.4-mile, 20-turn road course is 10:35 a.m. with live television provided by series partner MAVTV, augmented by a live video stream on the Trans Am channel on YouTube.

    About TeamSLR:

    TeamSLR (Scott Lagasse Racing) competes fulltime in the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli’s Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series in a multifaceted effort that includes dedicated entries in the TA2 division, customer programs, driver coaching and car construction. Its history dates back to 1985 and covers a wide spectrum of motorsports, including NASCAR, IMSA, SCCA, ARCA and ASA. TeamSLR is a family-owned organization run by Scott Lagasse Sr., and Scott Lagasse Jr., The father-and-son duo have combined to win more than 120 races and seven championships across a variety of series and styles of racecars, from paved ovals to road courses to dirt tracks. For more information, please visit us online at www.TeamSLR.com, on Facebook, on Twitter, on Instagram and on LinkedIn.

  • HISTORY IS MADE AT TOLEDO SPEEDWAY; PEREZ BECOMES FIRST FOREIGN-BORN ARCA CHAMPION, SCOTT BECOMES FIRST BLACK ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

    HISTORY IS MADE AT TOLEDO SPEEDWAY; PEREZ BECOMES FIRST FOREIGN-BORN ARCA CHAMPION, SCOTT BECOMES FIRST BLACK ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

    TOLEDO, Oh. (Oct. 5, 2024) – History was made on Saturday as Andres Perez (No. 2 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) became the first foreign-born champion in the 72-season history of the ARCA Menards Series. Perez, from Mexico City, won the title with an incredibly consistent season, scoring ten top-five finishes, including a trio of runner-up finishes, and 17 top-ten finishes in 20 starts.

    He officially locked up the title when he took the green flag in the Owens Corning 200 Presented by CGS Imaging; he finished the final race of the season in sixth.

    Additionally, his Rev Racing teammate Lavar Scott (No. 6 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) finished second in the final standings, earning the series’ Bounty Rookie of the Year award. It marks the first time a Black driver earned the top rookie award and the first time two members of the NASCAR Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program swept the top two positions in the final ARCA Menards Series standings.

    Perez is a second-generation champion, following in the footsteps of his father Ricardo, who earned a multitude of championships in the Super Copa Seat Leon (2011-2013), Ferrari Challenge North America (2014), and Tractocaminoes Freightliner (2015) series.

    His championship is the second ARCA Menards Series drivers title for Rev Racing in the last three years. He also joins former NASCAR Cup Series champion and current playoff contender Kyle Larson and current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship contender Nick Sanchez as drivers to earn a title while driving for Rev Racing; Larson earned the championship in what is now the ARCA Menards Series East in 2012 and Sanchez was the ARCA Menards Series champ in 2022.

    “We are thrilled to see Rev Racing and Andres win the 2024 Drivers Championship,” said Max Siegel, Rev Racing owner. “As an organization that continues to focus on development and results, it is clear that what we are striving for is working. Two drivers championships in three years is both something we are proud of and will continue to work toward each season. We are thankful to our partners, staff and drivers who stay committed to excellence.”

    Perez kicked his championship run into overdrive with a hot mid-summer stretch that saw him rack up five consecutive top-five finishes, including three runner-up finishes at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, Salem Speedway, and Michigan International Speedway in addition to a pair of fifth-place finishes at Berlin Raceway and Elko Speedway.

    “I have grown and learned so much from competing in the ARCA Menards Series these past two years. The racing in Mexico is different than the racing in the US and being able to hone my skills and grow with Rev Racing has been extremely impactful to my development. Being the first AMS Champion from Mexico is an honor and I take pride in representing my country on the track. I’m extremely thankful to Rev Racing, NASCAR Drive for Diversity, Max Siegel, and the entire No. 2 Chevrolet team for this opportunity and for their support.”

    Scott had an equally strong season as his teammate, but a slow start hampered his championship hopes. Scott’s season also heated up with the summer temperatures as he scored a pair of runner-up finishes at Berlin Raceway and Elko Speedway.

    The Elko race was bittersweet, however, as he led 99 of the final 102 laps; he was passed by eventual race winner William Sawalich with three to go but ran side-by-side not wanting to give up a shot at his first career series win. He nosed ahead down the backstretch and into turn three, but Sawalich got back around off the final turn to win by just 0.011 seconds, the second-closest finish in the ARCA Menards Series since the advent of electronic timing.

    Scott completed his first full season in the ARCA Menards Series with a fifth-place run at Toledo Speedway.

    “My debut season in the ARCA Menards Series has been full of lessons on and off the track. Rev Racing’s success this season is a testament to the program and its mission of bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and contending for wins and championships. Being the first Black driver to earn the Bounty Rookie of The Year Award is an honor and while I am the first I know that with programs like Rev Racing, I won’t be the last. A huge thank you to the entire No. 6 team for their hard work this season and for pushing me to always try my hardest and finish the best we can.”

    “We are very proud of the accomplishments both Andres and Lavar achieved on the racetrack in 2024,” said ARCA President Ron Drager. “They both competed at an extremely high level throughout the course of the season and have proven themselves to be worthy of being the ARCA Menards Series champion and rookie of the year.

    “On top of their accomplishments on the track, they have conducted themselves like champions off the track. They are exactly the type of young driver we like to see in the ARCA Menards Series platform, and we look forward to seeing what they do on the track in 2025 and beyond.”

    Perez and Scott will be honored as ARCA Menards Series Champion and Bounty Rookie Challenge Rookie of the Year at the NASCAR Regional Awards Ceremony at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Uptown Charlotte on Thursday, November 21.

    The 2025 ARCA Menards Series season kicks off with the 62nd annual Daytona ARCA 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 15. The race will be broadcast live on FOX at 1 pm ET and will be carried on select affiliates of the MRN Radio network. For up-to-the-minute news and updates, follow @ARCA_Racing on X (formerly Twitter).

    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.

  • NHRA AND FIREBIRD MOTORSPORTS PARK ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR EXTENSION FOR NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS

    NHRA AND FIREBIRD MOTORSPORTS PARK ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR EXTENSION FOR NHRA ARIZONA NATIONALS

    PHOENIX (Oct. 4, 2024) – Officials with NHRA, Firebird Motorsports Park and the Gila River Indian Community are excited to announce a multi-year extension for the annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at the popular track, showcasing the incredible support and commitment for NHRA drag racing at the fan-favorite facility.

    It also sets the stage for a memorable celebration for next year’s 40th anniversary of the NHRA Arizona Nationals, which takes place March 21-23 as the second race of the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

    Tickets will go on sale on Oct. 14 for the annual “Duel in the Desert” and the long-term extension ensures the storied history of NHRA drag racing at the track will continue well into the future.

    “When we announced last year that we were carrying on the legacy and tradition of over 40 years of motorsports here at the Firebird Motorsports Park, our goal was to prove our commitment to our racing community and show them that we are in this for the long-haul,” Firebird Motorsports Park Track Manager Casey Buckman said.

    “Along with our great partners at the NHRA, Gila River Development, and the Gila River Indian Community, we are beyond excited to take this monumental step to secure a multi-year deal for our anchor event, the Arizona Nationals. Our racing community has stuck by Firebird through some very uncertain times over the past few years, and we cannot wait to take this momentum into 2025 and reward them with great events for years to come.”

    Renamed Firebird Motorsports Park a year ago, the historic facility enjoyed a memorable grand re-opening last year, with the name referencing back to Firebird International Raceway, the original name of the facility, from 40 years ago. After an outpouring of support from the racing community in the Phoenix area hoping to see NHRA drag racing remain at the facility, the Gila River Indian Community was proactive in its efforts to keep racing at the track, continuing one of the hallmark events on the NHRA tour.

    The Arizona Nationals has consistently attracted sellout crowds thanks to its strong local fanbase and enjoyed sellout days on both Saturday and Sunday at the 2024 event. Over the years, the event has become a must-see race for any NHRA fan, delivering record performances and incredible early-season action.

    “It is extremely exciting to announce not only a return to Firebird Motorsports Park, but also a long-term extension for the NHRA Arizona Nationals at the historic facility,” NHRA President Glen Cromwell said. “The amazing work from the NHRA fans, the track and the Gila River Indian Community will continue to keep NHRA drag racing in the area for years to come. Last year was a tremendous event with a reimagining of racing at Firebird Motorsports Park, and we’re eager to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the NHRA Arizona Nationals next season, as well as events well into the future.”

    The race first became a Southwest fixture in 1985 and will continue its status as a fan-favorite during the 40th anniversary season in 2025. This season, Shawn Langdon (Top Fuel), Austin Prock (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) won in Phoenix, with Prock enjoying his first-ever career Funny Car victory in the process.

    The rich history at the track includes notable achievements from the sport’s biggest stars. Top Fuel’s Tony Schumacher’s has five Phoenix wins, while Funny Car legend John Force has eight wins at the facility. Top Fuel’s Antron Brown, as well as Funny Car drivers Ron Capps and Matt Hagan, all have three wins at Firebird Motorsports Park, while Greg Anderson’s three wins leads active Pro Stock competitors.

    Beginning Oct. 14, fans can purchase tickets to the 40th annual NHRA Arizona Nationals at Firebird Motorsports Park by visiting www.nhra.com/tickets. For more information about the NHRA, including the 2025 schedule, 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.

  • NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Rescheduled For Oct. 20 at North Wilkesboro Speedway

    NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Rescheduled For Oct. 20 at North Wilkesboro Speedway

    • Brushy Mountain Powersports 150 Whelen Modified Tour race rescheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.
    • North Wilkesboro Speedway will continue to collect donations to support local communities in need due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene through Sunday, Oct. 6.

    NORTH WILKESBORO (Oct. 3, 2024) – The Brushy Mountain Powersports 150 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour race at North Wilkesboro Speedway has now been rescheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m.

    Due to Hurricane Helene’s effects on the surrounding regions, Speedway Motorsports and NASCAR postponed the race earlier this week to dedicate time to immediate recovery efforts in the area.

    The rescheduled race event will turn North Wilkesboro Speedway into the ultimate fan destination of grassroots racing as the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour will close out a three-day race weekend following the Oct. 18-19 zMAX CARS Tour event.

    Sunday’s race will become the penultimate race on the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour schedule and will play a key set-up role for the Oct. 26 championship finale at Martinsville Speedway.

    Defending two-time champion Ron Silk and three-time champion Justin Bonsignore look to continue their rivalry, stemming from their down-to-the-wire championship battle from a year ago. Silk leads the standings by only 11 points and holds the advantage over Bonsignore in wins this year. With three races left in the season, the battle continues to heat up between the pair.

    Tour veteran Patrick Emerling, the most recent race winner at Monadnock Speedway, has come on strong late in the season with three wins in the last four races and lurks only five points behind Bonsignore.

    Gates are set to open on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. with the green flag dropping at 2 p.m.

    All previously purchased tickets and camping packages for the Whelen Modified Tour were refunded following Monday’s postponement. Advance tickets for adults are $30 and $35 on race day. Tickets for kids ages 12 and under are $10.

    For updated schedules and ticket information, fans may visit https://www.northwilkesborospeedway.com/.

    As the region continues to recover, North Wilkesboro Speedway will remain a designated collection site for hurricane relief donations through this Sunday, Oct. 6. Fans are encouraged to bring the following items:

    • Non-perishable food items
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Disinfecting wipes
    • Paper towels
    • Mops
    • Buckets
    • Gloves
    • Bottled water
    • Batteries
    • Portable chargers
    • Hygiene items
    • Diapers & wipes
    • Baby formula
    • Horse Feed

    Donations can be dropped off at North Wilkesboro Speedway (381 Speedway Ln, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659) between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 6. All items will be distributed through Wilkes County Emergency Management and Samaritan’s Purse to regional communities in need.

    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 Series, 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 Speedway Motorsports

    Speedway Motorsports, LLC is a leading marketer, promoter and sponsor of motorsports entertainment in the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries, owns and operates the following premier facilities: Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dover Motor Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, New Hampshire Motor Speedway, North Wilkesboro Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, and Texas Motor Speedway. The Company provides souvenir merchandising services through its SMI Properties subsidiaries; manufactures and distributes smaller-scale, modified racing cars and parts through its U.S. Legend Cars International subsidiary; and produces and broadcasts syndicated motorsports programming to radio stations nationwide though its Performance Racing Network subsidiary.

  • JEGS ALLSTARS RETURN TO TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX TO CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF COMPETITION

    JEGS ALLSTARS RETURN TO TEXAS NHRA FALLNATIONALS AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX TO CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF COMPETITION

    ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 3, 2024) – After a highly-successful first year at the Texas Motorplex, the popular JEGS Allstars competition returns to the famed facility as part of the track’s Stampede of Speed and Texas NHRA FallNationals on Oct. 9-13.

    The historic specialty race celebrates its 40th year in 2024 and continues its status as one of most highly-anticipated events of the year for the standout drivers in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series.

    Following a memorable Dallas debut last year, this year’s competitors in the JEGS Allstars can look forward to another thrilling weekend as a marquee attraction during the massive Stampede of Speed.

    “JEGS is incredibly excited to be a part of the 40th JEGS Allstars at Texas Motorplex,” said David Salin, JEGS Director of Marketing. “This event is particularly meaningful to JEGS as it encompasses the skill and dedication of sportsman racers across the country and reminds us of the great partnership between JEGS and the NHRA.”

    The weekend includes several special events, including the driver and team welcome breakfast sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires on Thursday, Oct. 10 and participating in the Stampede of Speed Pre-Stage Fan Fest later that evening in downtown Waxahachie.

    Following the opening ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 11, competitors will take place in a parade before the second qualifying session in Funny Car and Top Fuel as part of the special Friday Night Live at Texas Motorplex. Final rounds in the JEGS Allstars are slated for 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 as champions will be crowned to cap off two thrilling days of racing action in the specialty event.

    The pit area for sportsman racers will also include six hard-surface roads at Texas Motorplex, creating an even greater racer experience for all Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitors at the Texas NHRA FallNationals.

    “We’re excited to have the JEGS Allstars back as part of the Stampede of Speed and Texas FallNationals lineup,” Texas Motorplex Co-Owner Christie Meyer Johnson said. “Last year we loved celebrating their accomplishments and hosting so many drivers and teams from across the country. This is another major addition to the event and we’re looking forward to continuing to add some Texas traditions to the JEGS Allstars. Having the JEGS Allstars is a great addition to the Stampede of Speed.”

    For 40 years, the JEGS Allstars has brought out the best from across NHRA’s seven divisions for the special race, including competitors from all 50 states and internationally.

    The unique event crowns individual champions in 10 separate classes, in addition to the overall team title. Racers qualified for the prestigious event by earning points in their home divisions during year-long battles in the following categories — Top Alcohol Dragster, Top Alcohol Funny Car, Competition, Super Stock, Stock, Super Comp, Super Gas, Super Street, Top Dragster and Top Sportsman.

    Like last year, competitors will again enjoy some Texas-sized traditions, including custom t-shirts and decals for drivers and teams, and a custom trophy and custom-made JEGS Allstars belt buckle for the winners, as well as the traditional custom-fit Texas Motorplex cowboy hats for winners as well.

    “For decades, JEGS has been honored to be a part of the JEGS Allstars and this year is no different. We are looking forward to seeing the best of the best from each class, division, and region to battle it out for the 2024 Championship,” said Makenna Brown, JEGS Social Media and Partnerships Manager.

    The JEGS Allstars event will be shown live on NHRA.tv during the race weekend and also featured on the NHRA on FOX Lucas Oil Sportsman show. A win at the JEGS Allstars remains a huge honor for all racers in the circuit, while it offers race fans at the Texas NHRA FallNationals a unique opportunity to watch the specialty race.

    “After a great 2023 JEGS Allstars at Texas Motorplex, it is definitely exciting to see this race get another major spotlight as part of the Stampede of Speed and the Texas NHRA FallNationals,” NHRA Vice President of Racing Administration Josh Peterson said. “We’re thrilled to continue our terrific partnership with JEGS during this event, and we can’t wait to work with them, the Texas Motorplex team and all of the JEGS Allstars competitors to celebrate 40 years of this incredible race.”

    To purchase tickets to the NHRA FallNationals and the Stampede of Speed, please visit www.stampedeofspeed.com. For more information on NHRA, please visit www.NHRA.com.

    About JEGS

    JEGS Automotive, Inc. (“JEGS”) is a leading DTC, e-commerce retailer and distributor of automotive aftermarket parts and accessories to enthusiast customers, primarily through its online platform (JEGS.com) and third-party online marketplaces. The Company offers over two million different SKUs spanning across 800+ brands including its own private-label product offering, providing a wide variety of automotive parts for a diverse selection of vehicle types and vintages. JEGS operates two locations with approximately 400 employees and is headquartered in Delaware, OH.

    About NHRA

    Headquartered in San Dimas, Calif., NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 21 national events featuring the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, FuelTech NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Type A Motorsports, Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown™ and Top Fuel Harley Series. 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 120 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.