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  • FUNNY CAR’S JACK BECKMAN FOCUSED ON FIRST WIN FOR FORCE HEADING TO NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    FUNNY CAR’S JACK BECKMAN FOCUSED ON FIRST WIN FOR FORCE HEADING TO NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    ST. LOUIS (Sept. 25, 2024) – It’s been a great return to the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series for Funny Car fan-favorite Jack Beckman, who took over driving duties for legendary driver John Force in Brainerd following Force’s June crash.

    He’ll head to World Wide Technology Raceway for the first time in four years, full of excitement to race at this weekend’s 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals. Beckman has enjoyed a strong playoff run thus far, advancing to the finals in Reading and the semifinals in Charlotte, sitting third in points as he tries to win a 17th championship for the iconic Force.

    In fact, the only thing left for Beckman to do is to win a race in the 11,000-horsepower PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS – well, and beat points leader and John Force Racing teammate Austin Prock, too.

    Prock has continued his dominant 2024 season in the Countdown to the Championship playoffs, winning the first two playoff races and stretching his winning streak to three races. He’s knocked off Beckman in the finals and semifinals at the playoff stops, but the good news for both is JFR continues to impress at the most important time of the year.

    “I think everything has gone well for us,” Beckman said. “Austin is the guy with the target is on his back and what they’re doing this year has just been dominant. What they’ve done is unprecedented. We’ve done a good job and went rounds, but we’ve lost points to the one car we’re chasing for a championship.

    “All of us are up for the challenge and (we’re) planning to showcase that this weekend in St Louis. This PEAK Chevy team has earned bonus points in eight straight qualifying runs, and 11 of the last 13, which is unprecedented. That kind of consistency surely will translate into race wins soon.”

    Last season, Clay Millican (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all collected wins in St. Louis and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage airing at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 29. It is the 17th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and closes a stretch of three straight race weekends to open the Countdown to the Championship.

    Like many, Beckman is thrilled to return to St. Louis, which has annually drawn huge crowds for the playoff race. He has two career victories at the facility, while Force has won three times in St. Louis. That bodes well for success, but Beckman remains impressed by what his teammate is doing, as well as the rest of a talented Funny Car category that includes Bob Tasca III, who is seven points ahead of Beckman in second and 129 points back of Prock, reigning world champ Hagan, Ron Capps, J.R. Todd and rookie Daniel Wilkerson.

    Things, though, are trending in the right direction for Beckman, who hopes to make another big move this weekend in St. Louis.

    “Right now, there’s so many great cars out there. Our goal is to win a race and the way Austin is running, it’s going to be tough on all of us,” Beckman said. “But Tasca is running well, Hagan, J.R. and on down the line. It’s going to be a real challenge and the winner in all this is the fans, but at the end of the year we want Team Force No. 1 and No. 2. Our mission – winning the championship for John Force – is becoming more clearly defined.”

    A second straight Top Fuel win in St. Louis for Millican would do wonders for his title chances. Antron Brown, a five-time winner at the track, has swept the first two playoff races to move into the points lead, while other title contenders include Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley, defending world champ Doug Kalitta and Steve Torrence.

    Anderson, the winningest Pro Stock driver, has three wins at St. Louis. He’ll need another to stay close to KB Titan Racing teammate and Pro Stock points leader Dallas Glenn, and five-time 2024 winner Aaron Stanfield. Defending world champ Erica Enders has six wins in St. Louis – the most of any driver in NHRA history.

    Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Herrera will look to repeat in St. Louis as he tries to move back into the points lead. Matt Smith, a five-time St. Louis winner, took over the top with his Charlotte win, while other top names include rookie Richard Gadson, Chase Van Sant, Jianna Evaristo and Angie Smith.

    The NHRA Midwest Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, Holley EFI Factory X and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. It is the penultimate race in Pro Mod’s “Road to the Championship” and the final race of the season in Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. The ET Racing Showcase, Jr. Arch Shootout, Budweiser Challenge, high school challenge and Jr. Dragster Shootout will all take place during the weekend as well.

    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 World Wide Technology Raceway 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 St. Louis event winners.

    As always, fans 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 Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Sept. 27, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT on Sunday, Sept. 29. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 27 and 2 p.m. ET on Sunday Sept. 29, with eliminations starting at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 on Sunday.

    Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

    Top Fuel

    1. Antron Brown, 2,292
    2. Justin Ashley, 2,239
    3. Shawn Langdon, 2,230
    4. Doug Kalitta, 2,225
    5. Clay Millican, 2,174
    6. Steve Torrence, 2,162
    7. Tony Schumacher, 2,119
    8. Tony Stewart,2,118
    9. Brittany Force, 2,114
    10. Billy Torrence, 2,082

    Funny Car

    1. Austin Prock, 2,370
    2. Bob Tasca III, 2,241
    3. John Force, 2,234
    4. Matt Hagan, 2,217
    5. Ron Capps, 2,163
    6. J.R. Todd, 2,160
    7. Alexis DeJoria, 2,113
    8. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,108
    9. Blake Alexander, 2,103

    10.Chad Green, 2,100

    Pro Stock

    1. Dallas Glenn, 2,317
    2. Aaron Stanfield, 2,309
    3. Erica Enders, 2,264
    4. Greg Anderson, 2,243
    5. Jeg Coughlin, 2,151
    6. Cristian Cuadra, 2,125
    7. Jerry Tucker, 2,118
    8. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,111
    9. Matt Hartford, 2,088
    10. Eric Latino, 2,074

    Pro Stock Motorcycle

    1. Matt Smith, 2,308
    2. Gaige Herrera, 2,283
    3. Richard Gadson, 2,281
    4. Hector Arana Jr, 2,193
    5. Chase Van Sant, 2,154
    6. John Hall, 2,152
    7. Angie Smith, 2,149
    8. Jianna Evaristo, 2,137
    9. Steve Johnson, 2,095
    10. Chris Bostick, 2,064

    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.

  • TOP FUEL’S CLAY MILLICAN LOOKS TO STAY IN TITLE CONTENTION WITH REPEAT WIN AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    TOP FUEL’S CLAY MILLICAN LOOKS TO STAY IN TITLE CONTENTION WITH REPEAT WIN AT NHRA MIDWEST NATIONALS

    ST. LOUIS (Sept. 24, 2024) – Even before last year’s victory, Clay Millican had always enjoyed racing at World Wide Technology Raceway, the site of this weekend’s 13th annual NHRA Midwest Nationals. It’s the closest race to home for the Top Fuel veteran, which means a huge turnout of friends and family for the longtime fan-favorite.

    But he also enters this weekend as the defending St. Louis winner for the first time in his standout career, adding even more excitement to what is shaping up to be a huge weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway.

    The race holds it traditional spot as the third of six races in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship playoffs and Millican, still feeling the momentum of his massive U.S. Nationals victory, is right in the thick of the championship hunt.

    He’s currently fifth in points and a huge weekend in St. Louis – with perhaps a second straight win at the event in his 11,000-horsepower Parts Plus/Comp Cams dragster – could continue to propel him up the standings. Millican is just over three rounds out of second place and he continues to be encouraged by what his team is accomplishing at an ideal time.

    “The performance of the car has been pretty incredible,” Millican said. “The way our car is running right now, I’m pretty happy. I believe we can continue to move forward. We moved up one spot (last weekend) and if we can continue to do that, we’ll be in good shape.

    “The race here last year was really spectacular. It was amazing to have so many people that are super special to me on the starting line to see that win light in the final round. This is a pretty cool track and I love going there and I love racing there. It’s an amazing facility and it’s the closest race to my home, so it’s always a lot of fun.”

    Last season, Millican (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all collected wins in St. Louis and this year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1, with elimination coverage airing at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 29. It is the 17th of 20 races during the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and finishes off a rigorous stretch of three straight race weekends to open the Countdown to the Championship.

    While Antron Brown has been red-hot to open the playoffs, winning the first two races to move into the points lead for the first time since 2017, it’s been a battle of attrition for most of the year. Millican advanced to the semifinals in Charlotte, pushing him to fifth and just behind reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, Shawn Langdon, Justin Ashley and Brown.

    Millican entered the playoffs riding high after his Indy win and a St. Louis victory would set him up nicely for a championship run over the final three races. But it won’t be easy in a loaded category that includes Brown, who has a Top Fuel-best five St. Louis wins, and also Steve Torrence, Tony Schumacher, Tony Stewart and Brittany Force.

    Millican is eager to put up a big number under the lights on Friday in what could be an incredible qualifying session, but he knows it’s all about performing on Sunday.

    “With the class as good as it sets, every single run you make needs to be a good one and that includes qualifying,” Millican said. “This team has put in a whole lot of work putting this all together and right now, it’s great.

    “The last couple night runs (in Indy, Reading and Charlotte), we haven’t really connected. We know this car is capable of mid-3.60s, we just have to put everything together. It goes back to those bonus qualifying points. But what we’ve seen this year is how close these cars are. They’re all so close and so capable of winning from anywhere on the ladder.”

    In Funny Car, Hagan will try for his second straight St. Louis win in hopes of trying to track down points leader Austin Prock, who has won three straight races. Others to watch include Jack Beckman, who is driving for John Force, Bob Tasca III, J.R. Todd, Ron Capps and rookie Daniel Wilkerson.

    Anderson, the winningest Pro Stock driver, has three wins at St. Louis. He’ll need another to stay close to KB Titan Racing teammate and Pro Stock points leader Dallas Glenn, and five-time 2024 winner Aaron Stanfield. Defending world champ Erica Enders has six wins in St. Louis – the most of any driver in NHRA history.

    Reigning Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Herrera will look to repeat in St. Louis as he tries to move back into the points lead. Matt Smith, a five-time St. Louis winner, took over the top with his Charlotte win, while other top names include rookie Richard Gadson, Chase Van Sant, Jianna Evaristo and Angie Smith.

    The NHRA Midwest Nationals also will feature thrilling competition in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, Holley EFI Factory X and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. It is the penultimate race in Pro Mod’s “Road to the Championship” and the final race of the season in Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown. The ET Racing Showcase, Jr. Arch Shootout, Budweiser Challenge, high school challenge and Jr. Dragster Shootout will all take place during the weekend as well.

    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 World Wide Technology Raceway 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 St. Louis event winners.

    As always, fans 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 Food Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 4:30 and 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Sept. 27, and the final two rounds on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 12:00 and 2:30 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. CT on Sunday, Sept. 29. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, Sept. 27 and 2 p.m. ET on Sunday Sept. 29, with eliminations starting at 3 p.m. ET on FS1 on Sunday.

    Tickets may be purchased at the WWTR ticket office, by phone at (618) 215-8888, or online at www.wwtraceway.com. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult. For more information on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.

    Top Fuel
    1. Antron Brown, 2,2922. Justin Ashley, 2,2393. Shawn Langdon, 2,2304. Doug Kalitta, 2,2255. Clay Millican, 2,1746. Steve Torrence, 2,1627. Tony Schumacher, 2,1198. Tony Stewart,2,1189. Brittany Force, 2,11410. Billy Torrence, 2,082
    Funny Car
    1. Austin Prock, 2,3702. Bob Tasca III, 2,2413. John Force, 2,2344. Matt Hagan, 2,2175. Ron Capps, 2,1636. J.R. Todd, 2,1607. Alexis DeJoria, 2,1138. Daniel Wilkerson, 2,1089. Blake Alexander, 2,10310.Chad Green, 2,100
    Pro Stock
    1. Dallas Glenn, 2,3172. Aaron Stanfield, 2,3093. Erica Enders, 2,2644. Greg Anderson, 2,2435. Jeg Coughlin, 2,1516. Cristian Cuadra, 2,1257. Jerry Tucker, 2,1188. Troy Coughlin Jr., 2,1119. Matt Hartford, 2,08810. Eric Latino, 2,074
    Pro Stock Motorcycle
    1. Matt Smith, 2,3082. Gaige Herrera, 2,2833. Richard Gadson, 2,2814. Hector Arana Jr, 2,1935. Chase Van Sant, 2,1546. John Hall, 2,1527. Angie Smith, 2,1498. Jianna Evaristo, 2,1379. Steve Johnson, 2,09510. Chris Bostick, 2,064

    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.

  • ARCA Menards Series at Kansas Speedway: Reese’s 150 Pre-race Notes & Stats Update

    ARCA Menards Series at Kansas Speedway: Reese’s 150 Pre-race Notes & Stats Update

    ARCA Menards Series
    The Race: Reese’s 150
    The Place: Kansas Speedway
    The Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
    The Time: 5:30 pm ET / 4:30 pm CT
    TV: Live, FS1
    Radio: Live, MRN Radio
    Distance: 100 Laps / 150 Miles

    • The Reese’s 150 will be the 19th race of 20 for the ARCA Menards Series in 2024; it will be the 29th ARCA Menards Series race at Kansas Speedway since 2001.
    • Andres Perez (No. 2 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) leads the ARCA Menards Series championship standings by 53 points headed into the Reese’s 150; Perez will be searching for his first career ARCA Menards Series victory at Kansas Speedway, a track where his Rev Racing team has won twice before with 2022 ARCA Menards Series champion Nick Sanchez driving. Perez has two top-ten finishes in three Kansas Speedway starts, including a best of sixth in May 2023; he finished seventh earlier this season.
    • Lavar Scott (No. 6 Max Siegel Inc. Chevrolet) sits second in the series standings behind his teammate. Scott finished fourth in his first start at Kansas Speedway in 2023 and was challenging for the victory in May when he scrubbed the wall and was forced to make an unscheduled stop for repairs resulting in a 14th-place finish.
    • Tanner Gray (No. 18 A Place of Hope Toyota) finished second at Kansas Speedway in May after leading a race-high 84 laps. Gray rebounded from that disappointment to score his first career ARCA Menards Series victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway three weeks later. He finished third at Michigan International Speedway in his only ARCA Menards Series start since his Charlotte win.
    • Isabella Robusto (No. 55 Mobil 1 Toyota) will make her fourth career ARCA Menards Series start and her first since finishing second in her dirt track debut at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in August. Robusto has finished second in all three series across the ARCA Menards Series platform; in addition to her runner-up finish at Springfield, she finished second in the East race at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway and the July 4 West race at Irwindale Speedway. The Kansas race will be her first on a track longer than a mile in length.
    • Pinnacle Racing Group will field two entries for the second consecutive ARCA Menards Series race; five-time ARCA Menards Series winner Connor Zilisch (No. 28 Silver Hare Development / Chevrolet Performance Chevrolet) will be teamed with sprint car standout Corey Day (No. 82 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet). Zilisch won in his superspeedway debut at Michigan International Speedway in August; Day finished seventh at Bristol Motor Speedway in his second career series start and will be making his first start on an intermediate track.
    • Nagoya, Japan resident Takuma Koga (No. 12 IKEDO Toyota) will make his second ARCA Menards Series start and his first since he finished 23rd in the combination race with the ARCA Menards Series West at Phoenix Raceway in March. Koga will race at Kansas Speedway on Friday then travel to California to race in Saturday night’s ARCA Menards Series West race at Madera Speedway.
    • Kris Wright (No. 15 FNB Corporation Toyota) is third in the ARCA Menards Series championship standings, but will be looking to break a two-race streak of finishing outside the top ten. Wright, who has six top-five finishes this season including a career-best second at Talladega Superspeedway, finished 12th at Watkins Glen International and 13th at Bristol Motor Speedway.
    • Toni Breidinger (No. 25 BoozyJerky Toyota) is fourth in the ARCA Menards Series standings and is returning to the site of her career best finish, third, which she scored last September. Breidinger is 42 points behind her teammate Kris Wright in the battle for third in the standings; should he finish third, she would tie Hailie Deegan, who was third in 2020, as the best finishing female driver in driver point standings in series history.
    • The Reese’s 150 will be run under the Modified Live pit stop format. Every caution is an opportunity for teams to make a pit stop. Drivers who pit cannot lose positions relative to other drivers who pit as long as they do not lose a lap on pit road; the restart order will consist of lead lap cars that didn’t pit, lead lap cars that did pit, lap down cars that didn’t pit, lap down cars that did pit, the free pass car, cars that took a wave around, and cars under penalty. There will be a scheduled caution at or near lap 50.
    • Should the race need to be extended into overtime, there will be unlimited attempts at a two-lap “green followed by white followed by checkered” finish. If the yellow flag is displayed after the white flag, there will be unlimited attempts at a one-lap “green-and-white-together followed by checkered” finish.

    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 341 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.

  • Mandy Chick Ready to Get Back to ARCA Competition at Kansas Speedway

    Mandy Chick Ready to Get Back to ARCA Competition at Kansas Speedway

    Sunflower State native has scored three top-15 finishes at the track

    DE SOTO, Kan. (09/24/24) – After a second consecutive summer spent interning at General Motors in Michigan, Mandy Chick is set to return to the ARCA Menards Series in the Reese’s 150 at Kansas Speedway on Friday. She’ll be behind the wheel of her family-owned Chick Engineering No. 74 Chevrolet SS at the 1.5-mile D-shaped oval.

    Chick, a native of De Soto, Kansas, has been attending races at the track her entire life. She has also found the most success in her ARCA career at the facility in Kansas City, Kansas, having posted top-15 finishes in all three of her starts there. Since early last year, she and her team have had the input of North Carolina-based Cook Racing Technologies as well, helping Chick achieve continued strong results.

    “Kansas Speedway is the type of track I always have loved due to the speed and banking,” Chick said. “I have a ton of people around me investked in my success and I’m so thankful for the support and advice of Cook Racing Technologies as we work to develop a good setup for our team.”

    Shortly after finishing 15th at Kansas in early May, Chick graduated from Terre Haute, Indiana’s Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. She then served as an engineering design intern at GM in the Strategic Vehicle Integration division on the Bumper, Fascia, Grille team.

    “During my internship, I engaged in a diverse range of projects and gained valuable insights into how specific regulations influence vehicle designs,” she said. “I particularly enjoyed learning not just what we do, but also understanding why we do certain things, which is crucial for design and innovation. That kept me busy this summer and I loved it.”

    The spirit of innovation and the culture at the historic automaker drove her to complete an engineering design internship for a second summer. Plus, she can transfer a variety of lessons learned at GM to her racing endeavors.

    This week at Kansas Speedway, Chick will make her third and final ARCA Menards Series start of 2024 (she also raced at Daytona in February). She and her team will then begin preparing for next year with 2025 plans to be announced at a later date.

    In the meantime, Chick has a variety of professional and personal milestones on the horizon.

    “I am finishing my master’s in engineering management this fall at Rose-Hulman, getting married in December, and starting a full-time position as an engineer in the General Motors TRACK program in January,” she said. “Lots of exciting things are coming up and I’m thankful for the support of the amazing people around me.”

    On Friday, fans can support Chick in the ARCA Menards Series Reese’s 150 and also take in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kubota Tractor 200 for a discounted rate. Tickets for the Kansas doubleheader are available for just $25 per person at https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Mandychick3. A FanWalk ticket is available for an additional $15. All tickets are digital and ready for race day.

    The Reese’s 150 will start at 5:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. CT on Friday, September 27. FOX Sports 1 and the FOX Sports App will provide live television coverage, with the radio broadcast set for the Motor Racing Network (MRN).

    Chick’s marketing partners for the weekend include JRC, FK Rod Ends, Fragola Performance Systems, Dynamic Drivelines, Aero Race Wheels, Day Construction, Pro Fab Headers & Exhaust, Whirlwind Ranch, Victory 23 Designs and Midwest Utility Lineman Training, LLC.

    More information on Mandy Chick is available at www.mandychick.com.

  • Connor Hall Again Reigns Supreme to Capture Back-to-Back NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series National Championships

    Connor Hall Again Reigns Supreme to Capture Back-to-Back NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series National Championships

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (September 24, 2024) – The path to the title may have been different this year versus last, but at the end the results were the same, as Langley Speedway-based Connor Hall captured his second consecutive NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series championship.

    A year after Hall became the first Langley driver to win the championship in the top division of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series in the 74-year history of the track, he became the first to repeat. The feeling was just as sweet the second time around.

    “It’s something that I never thought I would ever hear once, let alone twice,” Hall said when asked what it meant to now be called a two-time NASCAR champion. “It feels great. It feels a little different this year than last year because last year I was stumbling upon the opportunity to get close to charge after the championship. This year there was a lot more planning involved, and we did so much work on the front end of the season to get ready for it.”

    His approach to the 2024 title was planned out and methodical, as the 27-year old driver now knew what it took to win a NASCAR championship. Hall won 18 total races this year, and finished second in five of his other eight races in the series, finishing in the top 10 in every race he ran.

    Two of the highlights of Hall’s season came in Virginia Triple Crown races. After having to start from the rear following a flat tire in qualifying, Hall charged through a highly competitive field to take the win in the Thunder Road Harley-Davidson 200 at South Boston Speedway. He then went on to finish second in the Hampton Heat 200 at his home track of Langley Speedway against another tough lineup.

    With success comes opportunity, and it was one of those opportunities that created the need for planning out the 2024 Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series championship battle when Hall joined Nelson Motorsports to also make a CARS Tour championship run this year.

    “I knew how everything worked, I knew how the points system worked and I knew what I needed to do better than last year,” said Hall. “I knew I couldn’t withdraw from any CARS Tour events because of my commitment with Nelson so I knew it was going to take more planning. Luckily all of that paid off.

    “It all sounds great on paper, but everyone forgets one little point – you can do all the planning you want, but if you’re not winning the races, your efforts are wasted. I was glad to continue to see our cars perform how they did last year and continue to make them better.”

    Hall began racing out of a small family-owned team out of his dad’s garage with a team comprised of friends and family. And he once again ran most of the Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series championship season out of that same small garage, with the exception of a select few races – including the Virginia Triple Crown races at South Boston Speedway and Langley Speedway. Those races were run with Nelson Motorsports.

    A year ago, after winning his first NASCAR championship, Hall said, “I started Late Model racing in my dad’s garage, and we won a national championship out of the same garage.”

    And now he’s won two out of that family-owned operation.

    “Connor exemplifies what our goal is with the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series and that’s to showcase rising talent in our grassroots programs,” said Joseph Dennewitz, Managing Director of NASCAR Regional. “He grew as a racer both on and off the track and has been an excellent ambassador for the Weekly Series as he chased back-to-back titles.”

    In addition to winning the Weekly Series national championship, Hall also won the Southeast Region and Virginia state titles.

    “Connor has made a name for himself as a consistent winner on NASCAR’s home tracks,” said Bruce Starnes, Advance Auto Parts’ executive vice president and chief merchant. “He is a tremendous driver and someone who has a bright future in the sport. We congratulate Connor and his family on another incredible season and capturing back-to-back NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series championships.”

    Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider, will mark five years as the entitlement partner with the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series next season.

    The complete list of regional and state Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series champions and Jostens Rookie of the Year awards, as well as the champions of the other national divisions, will be released in the coming days.

    The Late Model Stock Car season isn’t over, yet, for Hall. He heads to the track this weekend for the ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway – the nation’s biggest, richest and most prestigious NASCAR Late Model Stock Car race and the final race in the Virginia Triple Crown finale, on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:00 p.m. Practice and qualifying begin at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 27.

    Hall leads the standings in the Virginia Triple Crown with a 1.5 average finish in the first two races after winning at South Boston and finishing second at his home track of Langley.

    Two-time Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series national champion (2005, 2021) Peyton Sellers currently sits in second in the Virginia Triple Crown standings after finishing fourth and third at South Boston and Langley, respectively.

    Hall is also still chasing the CARS Tour championship with two races to go in that season, in which he holds a one-point lead over Brenden “Butterbean” Queen.

    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 Advance Auto Parts

    Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers. As of July 13, 2024, Advance operated 4,776 stores and 321 Worldpac branches primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also served 1,138 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.

  • The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup Season is a Baptism by Fire for Rookies

    The 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup Season is a Baptism by Fire for Rookies

    Tight Battle for $80,000 Mazda MX-5 Cup Rookie title

    It’s not just the 2024 Whelen Mazda MX-5 Cup presented by Michelin Champion who will be crowned at the season finale, this year’s Rookie of the Year will be determined as well. The Rookie of the Year takes home an $80,000 check from Mazda, and maybe equally as important is the knowledge that many MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year winners go on to become series champion.

    With just one race weekend and two races to go, the points are very tight. Three freshman drivers are looking to make the most of the season finale at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta to claim the rookie title.

    Three drivers have swapped spots in the point standings, vying for Rookie of the Year honors: Westin Workman (No. 13 BSI Racing), Nathan Nicholson (No. 56 MBM Racing) and Julian DaCosta (No. 78 JTR Motorsports Engineering).

    Both Workman and Nicholson were recipients of Mazda MX-5 Cup Shootout scholarships. Workman took home the big prize of $110,000, while Nicholson came in second, scoring $75,000.

    Workman came out of the gate swinging, leading laps in his very first race at Daytona International Speedway. He wasn’t able to convert his pace into podiums, but by Round Four at Sebring International Raceway, he could call himself a MX-5 Cup race winner.

    “The hardest part has been staying consistent,” Workman said of his debut season. “I think I’ve proven to be capable of winning races and be a championship contender, but we just had a pretty bad middle season with our finishes at Laguna, and then we had an okay weekend in Mid-Ohio. I’ve had some good finishes here and there, but I’ve also had some really bad finishes, so just trying to be at least top five, every single race would have been very important for me to be more of a championship contender, outside of the rookie championship.”

    Nicholson echoed Workman’s comments about consistency in his rookie season.

    “Jumping up to this level of professional racing, it’s so close, especially with how equal the cars are,” Nicholson said. “You know, there’s eight people every race that can win, so just being mistake free and putting yourself in the right position to get a good result is super tough.”

    In MX-5 Cup, new drivers learn very quickly that they need to work together to be successful, and not just with their teammates.

    “It’s the most competitive series that you’ll find,” DaCosta said. “I would say that’s the hardest part is getting respect from everybody else. And truth is, to be fast in these cars is difficult. It’s not easy to just jump in and be super-fast.”

    DaCosta had a slow start to his rookie campaign, but after a mid-season team switch, he’s been on an upward trajectory that includes a podium finish at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park.

    The importance of the draft was a big learning curve for the rookies. They’ve learned that patience and respect are crucial.

    “This series relies on drafting, and if you don’t have the respect from the other drivers, nobody’s going to want to work with you,” Workman explained. “Respect is a big thing in this series because your teammates won’t always be around. You want to have people who respect you on the track and off the track, that are still willing to work with you during a race even if they aren’t on your team.”

    “Positioning and patience with the draft and how these cars race is kind of unlike anything I’ve done before,” reflected Nicholson. “Even though I’ve done a lot of Miata racing, I think that part of it, the patience and awareness of where you are in the race and when you need to be aggressive and when you don’t need to be, is one of the biggest things I’ve learned this year.”

    Naturally, the race craft needed to run up front is something MX-5 Cup teaches drivers better than any other series. It is a skill that will carry them far in their careers. The parity of the cars puts the emphasis on driver talent.

    “It definitely teaches me race craft,” DaCosta said. “No doubt, every time I’m on track, it teaches me how to become a better racer.”

    Coming into the final event at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, Workman leads DaCosta by 690 points. Nicholson is third of the rookies, a further 60 points back.

    “Winning it would mean a lot,” Workman smiled. “It would prove that among the rookies, I was the most consistent throughout the year and put up good finishes. Also, the prize money is big. The $80,000 would make us feel a lot better after the season as well. It would make our efforts worth it to win the Rookie of the Year championship.”

    Should he win the MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year title, Workman would follow in many other scholarship winners’ shoes, including Nate Cicero and Connor Zilisch.

    DaCosta did not win a MX-5 Cup Shootout scholarship, but that would make winning Rookie of the Year mean that much more.

    “Considering we were very far back after Sebring, it would mean a lot,” DaCosta said. “I think it would mean a lot to everybody, not just myself. We’ve worked extremely hard just to get back up to where we are now, so I think if we were able to do that, it would be a really big game changer for all of us.”

    The quest of the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Cup Rookie of the Year crown comes down to the final two races of the year at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, October 9 – 11. 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.

  • Louis-Philippe Dumoulin Top 5 at the 2024 NASCAR Canada Championship

    Louis-Philippe Dumoulin Top 5 at the 2024 NASCAR Canada Championship

    Trois-Rivières (Quebec), September 24th, 2024.- The 2024 NASCAR Canada season ended this past Sunday at Autodrome Montmagny. This thirteenth and final event of the season was also a premiere for the series, which had never before held a race on this oval in Eastern Quebec. In front of a packed grandstands, three-time series champion Louis-Philippe Dumoulin finished the race in eighth place after having to start last. This spectacular comeback concludes a season that was sometimes difficult but nevertheless crowned with a Top 5 in the final championship standings, out of more than 60 drivers.

    “Montmagny is a site that I knew for testing sessions, but it was a first for me and several series’ drivers to compete there. I think the NASCAR Canada series put on an excellent show and for me, it was interesting. The bump at the exit of turn 4 was a bit of a worry but it didn’t stop me from testing several different racing lines. I also really liked the atmosphere, the fans on site. Managing to hoist the #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare | Omnifab car to eighth place overall after having to start last is also a great satisfaction,” explains Louis-Philippe Dumoulin.

    After testing different settings in practice and then in qualifying, the Dumoulin Compétition team decided to work on the car after qualifying session, which automatically meant having to start from the back of the pack for the race. A wise decision, as Louis-Philippe Dumoulin explains: “We tried different settings in practice and qualifying but without being able to say WOW!, to put our finger on the optimal settings.” To fix this understeer problem that was affecting me, working on the car after qualifying was the right solution. So, I started last but I was quickly able to gain places when the race started.”

    Even before the halfway point of the race, the driver of the #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare | Omnifab car had gained ten positions and was in the Top 10 as soon as the competition break occurred at the 130th of the 250 laps. In the second half of the race, Dumoulin fought at the front. “I never gave up, in every corner, every overtaking. I tried different lines. I think I’m the driver who went the most on the inside line, close to the wall, but it paid off,” LP Dumoulin mentions.

    This eighth place allows Louis-Philippe Dumoulin to finish the championship fifth in the standings. “It wasn’t an easy season. After 5 races, I had four Top 5s and I thought I could do even better in the second half of the season, but we encountered more difficulties at that time. I had several good races, I fought at the front eight times in thirteen events and we finally collected the Top 5 in the championship. Under the circumstances, all the team members gave their best. I am proud of them, I thank them. It was still a great season, overall!” concludes the driver of the #47 WeatherTech Canada | Groupe Bellemare | Omnifab car.

    ABOUT PARTNERS

    WeatherTech is committed to designing, engineering and manufacturing the finest products possible for your vehicle, home and your pet. From the industry leading FloorLiner to the 100% non-toxic Pet Feeding System, WeatherTech has dedicated itself to exceed customer expectations of quality, craftsmanship and environmental sustainability for over 30 years. To see the full line of automotive, home and pet products that are guaranteed for life, visit weathertech.ca

    Groupe Bellemare is a 3rd generation family business that has been serving clients since 1959. Today, the company has more than 500 employees and provides them with an innovative work environment facilitating work-family balance and a healthy and safe quality of life. With over a half century of experience and its sustained R&D efforts, the Company offers high-quality products and services in areas as diverse as concrete, abrasives and minerals, dimensional load transportation, and recycling. Groupe Bellemare is also very involved in its industry and attaches great importance to its social and environmental role as a member of the business community. Groupe Bellemare makes a positive contribution to the quality of life of citizens in the communities it serves by supporting numerous social causes and promoting local purchasing through its responsible procurement practices. For more information, visit groupebellemare.com

    Omnifab has joined Dumoulin Compétition in June 2023. In less than twenty years, Omnifab has made its place in the mechanical manufacturing industry in Quebec. They have earned this place by offering a unique turnkey solution to large companies and SMEs that want to modernize their production line or have their industrial equipment repaired. No matter your industry, you can count on Omnifab team to manufacture custom industrial machinery or solve your mechanical problems with great precision, in a timely manner and with quality components, as pledged. Visit omnifab.ca for more information.

    Rousseau Metal has been manufacturing high-quality products for 70 years. Over the years the company become known as a leader in storage solutions. The quality, durability and reliability of their products have earned them a reputation as being among the best in the industry. Over the years, the quality of Rousseau products and excellence of the company’s business practices have been recognized through various certifications and membership in industrial and automotive organizations. To learn more about the company and its products, visit rousseau.com

    Dumoulin Competition

    Jean-François and Louis-Philippe Dumoulin founded the Dumoulin Competition Race Team in 2009. Working with financial, marketing, logistics and sports management experts, they built up a solid business structure. Dumoulin Competition prepares its own race cars in-house since 2016. Their motto: “Passion – Performance – Partnerships” expresses their will to perform on the track and offer their partners maximum visibility and profitability in return for their commitment. Their vision: To become Canada’s leader in motorsports through on-track performance, an entrepreneurial spirit and human values. dumoulincompetition.com

  • Mercedes-AMG Clinches 2024 IMSA GTD Manufacturer Championships in Indianapolis as Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Target Year-End Team and Driver Honors at Petit Le Mans

    Mercedes-AMG Clinches 2024 IMSA GTD Manufacturer Championships in Indianapolis as Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing Teams Target Year-End Team and Driver Honors at Petit Le Mans

    INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Winning Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing teams Winward Racing and Korthoff Preston Motorsports clinched the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar GT Daytona (GTD) Manufacturer Championship right at the start of the Battle on The Bricks and then spent the remainder of the wet and wild six-hour endurance race closing in on more year-end team and driver honors Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The No. 32 Korthoff Preston Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3 finished third in GTD after co-drivers Mikael Grenier, Mike Skeen and Kenton Koch battled in the lead pack the entire race from the pole starting position. WeatherTech Championship GTD points leaders Winward Racing took the checkered flag just seconds after the No. 32 team for a fifth-place finish with team drivers Russell Ward, Philip Ellis, and Indy Dontje in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3.

    The Winward and Korthoff Preston teams have combined for a WeatherTech Championship series-leading five Mercedes-AMG GT3 victories and four more podium finishes in the year’s first nine races. The unmatched run of success gave Mercedes-AMG a comfortable GTD manufacturer points lead going into the IMS race and Grenier all but sealed the championship by winning his second GTD pole in the last three races on Saturday. All that was needed to clinch the manufacturer crown Sunday was for the Mercedes-AMG GT3 GTD contingent to take the green flag.

    With Mercedes-AMG’s first IMSA WeatherTech Manufacturer Championship in the books, only next month’s Motul Petit Le Mans 10-hour race remains on the 2024 schedule. Both the Winward and Korthoff teams will fight to the finish there for several different season championship honors.

    Winward has led the WeatherTech GTD driver and team championships all season after securing its first of a series-high four wins in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. The No. 57 team and drivers bring a 222-point lead in both championships to the Petit Le Mans finale.

    With all tiebreaker scenarios in Winward’s favor as the GTD race-win leader, any finish ahead of – or even several spots behind – its lone title rival in Atlanta will seal the first IMSA GTD championships for Winward.

    A recent run of success for the Korthoff team has elevated the No. 32 team and Grenier into third place in the GTD team and driver standings. Catching the second-place competitor 271 points ahead would be a tall order, but Grenier and the No. 32 are a comfortable 300 points clear of their nearest challenger, which closing driver Koch kept just behind him in fourth place in the closing stages of Sunday’s race.

    The additional titles on the line in the finale are the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) championships that award the top performers in the year’s five endurance races. Korthoff’s third-place finish in Indianapolis was enough to clinch the IMEC GTD Manufacturer Championship for Mercedes-AMG for the second straight year, and now both Korthoff and Winward are part of a tight three-way battle for the respective driver and team titles.

    Korthoff, Skeen, Koch and Grenier are the defending IMEC GTD team and driver champions and join Winward in having a shot at taking the titles this year. The Winward team and drivers lead both championships with 35 points while Korthoff is third in each with 31 points. The second-place team and drivers have 34 points.

    The Mercedes-AMG Motorsport Customer Racing GTD effort at Indy was bolstered by the return of the No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3 of team co-drivers Salih Yoluç, Rui Andrade and Scott Andrews. The team joined several others in battling through wet and treacherous conditions for nearly the first half of Sunday’s race but soon found some pace and grip in the drying conditions.

    The race seemed to be coming to Lone Star in the closing hours only for the team to literally be knocked from contention by a GTD competitor more than 20 laps down. The No. 80 returned to the race after being retrieved from a gravel trap but was then four laps down after the needless delay, crossing the finish line 15th in the GTD running order.

    A fourth Mercedes-AMG Motorsport customer team, the No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, returned to the GTD Pro ranks at Indy for the first time since Daytona. Team owner and driver Kenny Habul called on his Australian countrymen Chaz Mostert, the Australian Supercar star, and Mercedes-AMG Junior driver Jordan Love for the six-hour Indy effort.

    After persevering through some technical issues on Friday and the treacherous wet opening half of the race, the No. 75 was at its best in the final two hours. The team fought back from a lap down to get Mostert in a position to battle with their GTD contenders, but ultimately not enough laps were left before the race timed out and the No. 75 took a seventh-place finish on the lead lap.

    The season-ending Motul Petit Le Mans takes place at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta, October 9 – 12.

    Mikael Grenier, Driver – No. 32 Korthoff Preston Motorsports Mercedes-AMG GT3: “We made the right calls at the right time. We were on the right strategy the whole race, everyone did well, we had amazing pit stops, and my teammates did great. Good weekend, the car is still in one piece, pole position, third place points and the manufacturer championship for Mercedes-AMG. It’s great, I love the brand and being able to race a lot with Mercedes-AMG. IMSA is not the easiest championship because you have many points available in the endurance events, long races, sprint races, a lot of changing strategy and a lot of action on track, so it is great for Mercedes-AMG to win this championship and hopefully we can defend the title next year.”

    Russell Ward, Driver – No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “A really tough weekend for us, but we are a championship caliber team, and we can recover from anything. As disappointed as the team is after winning here last year, it is still a good result with a top five, and if we can go into the finale and do the same thing, we will win the championship. That’s just where our focus is now. The Winward guys did an amazing job getting us back up there. We will take this one on the chin as a learning experience and move on to the next.”

    Rui Andrade, Driver – No. 80 Lone Star Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It’s always a bit sour leaving these races when we know we could have done a lot more. The truth is the Mercedes-AMG GT3 is so strong. We feel it, it is such a pleasure to drive always, and it’s quick. We had a bit of a difficult wet stint in the first half of the race, but when were able to get on slicks, Scott and I were both making moves. We were racing and making some recovery. It was starting to come to us and then we were hit by a guy who was more than 20 laps down. To do something like that is just so silly, ruining our race completely, especially when they really weren’t fighting for something. It’s motorsport, these things happen, and it is really frustrating, but in these situations, you have to focus on the positive. Our positive is that the car was good. Now we head to Petit Le Mans, on a track I won at two years ago, and I am happy to be going back. I think if we put it all together, we have a driver package and a team package to get a good result.”

    Chaz Mostert, Driver – No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It was a good experience. Any time you can race in IMSA and get in a Mercedes-AMG GT3 is really cool. Thanks to Kenny again for the opportunity. He has done this twice for me now, and I have been able to experience Spa and now Indianapolis, two tracks I have really wanted to do. A little bit gutted with the result as we spent the first four hours or so just trying to climb back into the fight. Then we had pretty good pace there to try and maybe challenge for a better finishing spot, but we did the best we could and finished on the lead lap. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I would love to come back and have another crack at it.”

    Jordan Love, Driver – No. 75 SunEnergy1 Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3: “It was my first IMSA race and first time racing in the U.S. It was good fun – sharing a car with Kenny and Chaz is always good fun – but it probably wasn’t the weekend we wanted or expected. We started off kind of on the back foot and missed practice one, and it was a new track for Chaz and I. We were kind of chasing our tails in the race until the last two hours, and then we came back for a lead lap finish. I really enjoyed sharing the car with these two, and hopefully we can do it again soon.”

  • New Era: Charter System Established for NTT INDYCAR SERIES Team Owners

    New Era: Charter System Established for NTT INDYCAR SERIES Team Owners

    INDIANAPOLIS (Monday, Sept. 23, 2024) – INDYCAR confirmed today the establishment of a charter system across the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. In total, owners of 10 teams have accepted charters for 25 entries competing in North America’s premier open-wheel racing series, beginning immediately.

    “This is an important development that demonstrates an aligned and optimistic vision for the future of our sport,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “I want to extend my sincere appreciation to our team owners for their collaboration and ideation throughout this process. Ultimately, we’re pleased to have a system in place that provides greater value for our ownership and the entries they field.”

    This is the first charter system to be introduced in the history of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. A chartered entry is guaranteed a starting position on the grid at all NTT INDYCAR SERIES races, excluding the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. An entry also must be chartered to qualify for the annual NTT INDYCAR SERIES Leaders Circle program – an annual award program that compensates the 22 top finishers in the prior year’s NTT INDYCAR SERIES championship. The terms of the initial, long-term charter agreements are committed through the end of 2031.

    Chartered 2025 INDYCAR Teams

    NTT INDYCAR SERIES TeamEntries
    A.J. Foyt Enterprises2
    Andretti Global3
    Arrow McLaren3
    Chip Ganassi Racing3
    Dale Coyne Racing2
    Ed Carpenter Racing2
    Juncos Hollinger Racing2
    Meyer Shank Racing2
    Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing3
    Team Penske3

    Charters were extended to team owners based on full-time entries over the previous two seasons, with a maximum of three awarded per team.

    WHAT INDYCAR’S TEAM OWNERS ARE SAYING

    “I appreciate the efforts made by the INDYCAR and Penske leadership groups, as well as all the owners, to get this charter system started. It is incredibly challenging to get a large group of owners to agree on something, and certainly there was some give and take, but, in the end, I believe this is a path that is beneficial for all of the owners and for INDYCAR, while also maintaining the availability for open competition.” – Larry Foyt, A.J. Foyt Enterprises

    “When you look back in the modern era of INDYCAR racing, you will look at a few important moments, the first being the unification of the sport, the next being Roger Penske buying the INDYCAR SERIES and IMS, and I truly believe the third will be the charter system.” – Chip Ganassi, Chip Ganassi Racing

    “We are very pleased to begin this new era. The process has been thorough but, in the end, very exciting. This charter system will clearly strengthen our teams as we continue to grow the sport. I would like to thank Roger (Penske) and his entire team at INDYCAR.

    “ECR will have announcements soon, and I don’t know that they would be possible without the help of a program like this. With this groundbreaking development, the new TV deal with FOX and the momentum that had been building, INDYCAR’s future is very bright.” – Ed Carpenter, Ed Carpenter Racing

    “The charter agreement, to me, is the single-most important piece for the future of the series. I’m grateful that we all came together on this and thank the Roger Penske group for working with the team owners for getting it done.” – Michael Shank, Meyer Shank Racing

    The 2025 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 2 at the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg presented by RP Funding on the streets of St. Petersburg. The entire 17-race schedule will be available live on FOX and the INDYCAR Radio Network.

  • WTRAndretti’s Acura ARX-06 GTPs Finish Fifth and Sixth after Hectic Battle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    WTRAndretti’s Acura ARX-06 GTPs Finish Fifth and Sixth after Hectic Battle at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

    INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana (September 22, 2024) – Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti)’s Acura ARX-06 GTPs made their return to endurance racing as they took on the inaugural Battle on the Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With an already competitively right field of 56 cars across all four classes, weather became an integral factor throughout the six-hour race.

    Starting on the front row, Louis Delétraz and the No. 40 DEX Imaging Acura ARX-06 settled in quickly running within the leader at the drop of the green flag. Shortly into the six-hour race, a light rain began to fall and the GTP leaders began to catch lap traffic as Delétraz encountered contact from another car, sliding the No. 40 off track and back to the rear of the GTP field. As the light rain turned steady, the No. 40 crew went to work on pit lane shifting to rain tires. Near the one hour in mark, the field saw the yellow flag fly and ran under caution conditions due to standing water across the 2.439-mile road course for almost an hour.

    Once the rain stopped, it was full steam ahead to finish the over four hours of racing action. Strategy and lap traffic played a pivotal role throughout the middle hours as co-driver, Jordan Taylor, navigated a drying surface. With just over two hours remaining, Taylor found himself insight of the GTP leaders before handing the reins back to Delétraz.

    Looking to finish out in the No. 40, Delétraz and the team were in prime stance of the running order – even leading 24 laps – and poised for a podium result, but unfortunately, contact in the final hour with GT lap traffic saw Delétraz serve a drive-through penalty and lose track position. The No. 40 DEX Imaging Acura ARX-06 finished fifth on the day, continuing its streak of top five finishes in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races this season.

    Ricky Taylor started strong, finding impressive pace in the opening minutes of the new six-hour event. However, rainfall curtailed the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06’s progression after a series of cautions ground the racing to a halt due to standing water on track for nearly an hour. Taylor managed to keep the car out of trouble for the opening stint as he navigated heavy traffic and changing course conditions. In the closing stages of his first stint Taylor was running in the podium positions before pitting from second for a driver change at about halfway. Filipe Albuquerque took over for the middle stint of the race with a focus on making forward progress. He found strong pace as the track began to dry with the rain receding. This momentum allowed Albuquerque to cut through the field as he once again brought the No. 10 car to the front of the field.

    Albuquerque ran in the lead for a number of laps as the No. 10 looked to challenge an alternate strategy to the end. Taylor resumed control at the wheel for the closing stint as he looked to capitalize on the No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06’s strong pace. However, limited yellows and loads of lap traffic interrupted Taylor from challenging towards the front and ultimately brought home a sixth-place result.

    Up next for the WTRAndretti Acura ARX-06 GTP teams is the season finale from Road Atlanta with the 10-hour endurance classic: Petit Le Mans. The team will close out the 2024 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship on October 10-12, 2024.
    Wayne Taylor, Team Principal, WTRAndretti: “It was a tough race for everybody, with starting in the dry, going to the wet and finishing in the dry. We led a lot of laps. At the end, we had a fifth and sixth place car, but the way the yellows worked out, it wasn’t the best for us, it was better for the BMWs. One more race this year at Petit Le Mans and it will be an exciting one. Everyone will be going there to try to win.”

    No. 10 Konica Minolta Acura ARX-06 GTP Drivers
    Ricky Taylor: “We had a bit of everything today. Hats off first to Acura, HRC and Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti. Compared to last year, the cars were way more competitive throughout the weekend. In the race we had a bit everything, switching from dry, to rain, to damp and back to dry. The first half of the race was about survival and protecting the car to get to the end. Toward the end, we just couldn’t quite put ourselves in a position to win. We’re always just slightly out of reach. It wasn’t for lack of pace; I think the car was fast. The positive thing is that we’ve improved the car from last year, and we can go to Petit Le Mans on full attack.”

    Filipe Albuquerque: “I think it’s a little bit reflective of our year. We looked good at one point. When I had the lead, I took off. I had one of the fastest laps, so I think I was good. When we were behind other people, it was a bit more difficult, but the pace was still there. But in the end, Ricky had an issue with the car which didn’t enable us to push for fourth or further. And that’s what it is; it was a long one.”

    No. 40 DEX Imaging Acura ARX-06 GTP Drivers
    Louis Delétraz: “The positive today is that we had strong pace. We came back to the front and to the lead a few times. Jordan and I had a good fight to come back to the front. Unfortunately, the drive through penalty prevented us from competing for the win at the end. Overall positive pace, sad result. Let’s go to Petit Le Mans and try to win.”

    Jordan Taylor: “There were moments where a win was definitely in the cards. We did what we needed to do early on, and in the changing conditions we stayed out of trouble. We definitely didn’t have a good car in the wet; we weren’t super competitive. We were focused on just surviving to get back to the dry conditions. We had a good car in clean air, and we were able to make some passes when we needed to. But a tough way to end the day. I think we go to Atlanta focused on trying to get one more big win this year and finish the year off on a high.”

    ABOUT WTRANDRETTI
    Andretti Global and Wayne Taylor Racing announced a new, long-term partnership in 2023 that combines the resources of the two championship-caliber teams to compete in IMSA’s top classes. In 2024, Wayne Taylor Racing with Andretti (WTRAndretti) has expanded to a two-car GTP program as well as competes in the GTD class. Coming off its 2023 championship winning effort, WTRAndretti continues its Driver Development Program competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series with a full stable.

    WTRAndretti’s global motorsports enterprise boasts two IMSA driver championships (2013 and 2017), and back-to-back IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Championships (2020, 2021) which contributed to nine IMSA manufacturer championships for Acura, Pontiac, Corvette and Cadillac. In its brief 17-year history, WTRAndretti has accumulated multiple victories in sportscar racing’s most iconic events: Rolex 24 At Daytona, Twelve Hours of Sebring, Petit Le Mans, Mid-Ohio, Road America and the Six Hours of The Glen. With its back-to-back PRO Class Championship wins (2022, 2023), WTR also has ten North America Lamborghini Super Trofeo Championship titles and a Lamborghini World Finals title.

    Andretti Global, a Championship-winning motorsports organization, competes in additional racing categories worldwide, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, Extreme E, Australian Supercars and the Mexico SuperCopa Championship. Additionally, the racing enterprise commits to driver development through competition in INDY NXT by Firestone and through support of Sebastian and Oliver Wheldon’s racing careers.