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NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Press Release

  • Zane Smith Wins Wild NEXTera Energy 250 at Daytona in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2022 Season-Opener

    Zane Smith Wins Wild NEXTera Energy 250 at Daytona in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series 2022 Season-Opener

    DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2022) – A 19-car incident as the field approached the white flag signaling one lap to go instead sent Friday night’s NEXTEra Energy 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway into overtime where 22-year old Californian Zane Smith won under caution over defending series champion Ben Rhodes.

    A nearly 16-minute red flag was needed to clean up all the debris from the frontstretch melee, which happened only a few feet before the start/finish line and littered much of the track’s tri-oval. Had Smith – the leader at the time – crossed the line before the wreck began, the race would have ended. Instead, the remaining cars that were able to continue, continued.

    So, Smith had to do it all over again. He lined up alongside Eckes for the final two-lap run to the checkered. A sturdy nudge from behind from Parker Kligerman sent Smith’s No. 38 Front Row Motorsports Ford-150 to the front and he was able to pull away – taking the white flag before caution flew on the final lap. He led only three laps on the night – including the important last two.

    “It’s something else, man,” Smith said of winning at the iconic Daytona International Speedway. “This place is its own, I’ll tell you that. Literally my heart hurt during that red flag. I thought we had it.

    “Just hats off to this whole group. They’ve really put the work in and it’s so damn cool to see when it pays off. Man, this is going to be a really fun year and I’m going to try and make it a record year for myself.”

    Eckes finished third. Former National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) standout Tanner Gray and Kligerman rounded out the top-five. Carson Hocevar, Jesse Little, polesitter Ty Majeski, Danny Bohn and former NASCAR Cup Series driver Matt DiBenedetto rounded out the top-10. This was DiBenedetto’s career first start in the series.

    Kligerman, who was the last driver to qualify for the race on speed, started 31st and rallied into the top five ultimately giving that winning push to Smith, who now has four victories and was championship runner-up last year. It was the kind of dramatic racing – there were 18 lead changes – and finish that fans have come to expect of Truck races on the 2.5-mile Daytona International Speedway high banks and it did not disappoint.

    “This is just huge to get this momentum,” said Kligerman, a part-time series competitor who also does national racing broadcast work for NBC.

    He was particular proud of Friday’s effort considering his truck team has only one fulltime employee.

    “It’s just such an honor” Kligerman said. “I’m so grateful to have the chance to just show up here, let alone go out there and compete and reel off a top five. We’re just firing on all cylinders.”

    While the ending was certainly exciting, last year’s five-race winner John Hunter Nemechek really dominated the early-going. He led a race best 50 of the 106 laps and won both Stage 1 and Stage 2. He was caught up in the massive incident while running in the top-five and ultimately settled for a 24th-place showing.

    While the DAYTONA 500 is sold out, there are still plenty of exciting ways to experience the pageantry of Speedweeks Presented By AdventHeath with an exciting Saturday doubleheader. For ticket information, log onto www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or call 1-800-PITSHOP.

    Saturday, Feb. 19: Lucas Oil 200 Driven By General Tire ARCA Menards race (1:30 p.m. ET) and Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series event (5:00 p.m. ET); NASCAR Cup Series final practice (10:30 a.m. ET); NASCAR Xfinity Series qualifying (11:35 a.m. ET).
    Sunday, Feb. 20: DAYTONA 500, The Great American Race (2:30 p.m. ET).
    ** Schedule subject to change

    Fans can stay connected with Daytona International Speedway on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as the all-new NASCAR Tracks App, for the latest speedway news.

    NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Race – 23rd Annual NextEra Energy 250

                1. (20)  Zane Smith, Ford, 106.

            2. (27)  Ben Rhodes, Toyota, 106.

            3. (14)  Christian Eckes, Toyota, 106.

            4. (24)  Tanner Gray, Ford, 106.

            5. (31)  Parker Kligerman, Chevrolet, 106.

            6. (9)  Jesse Little, Chevrolet, 106.

            7. (1)  Ty Majeski, Toyota, 106.

            8. (28)  Danny Bohn, Chevrolet, 106.

            9. (22)  Carson Hocevar, Chevrolet, 106.

            10. (23)  Matt DiBenedetto, Chevrolet, 106.

            11. (15)  Spencer Boyd, Chevrolet, 106.

            12. (8)  Riley Herbst(i), Ford, 106.

            13. (16)  Austin Wayne Self, Chevrolet, 106.

            14. (35)  Timmy Hill, Toyota, 106.

            15. (13)  Austin Hill(i), Chevrolet, 106.

            16. (5)  Stewart Friesen, Toyota, 106.

            17. (26)  Hailie Deegan, Ford, 106.

            18. (34)  Thad Moffitt, Chevrolet, 106.

            19. (12)  Kris Wright, Chevrolet, 106.

            20. (33)  Jason White, Toyota, Accident, 105.

            21. (3)  Chandler Smith, Toyota, 105.

            22. (32)  Tate Fogleman, Toyota, 105.

            23. (25)  Bryan Dauzat, Chevrolet, 105.

            24. (2)  John Hunter Nemechek, Toyota, 104.

            25. (10)  Lawless Alan #, Chevrolet, Accident, 103.

            26. (30)  Derek Kraus, Chevrolet, Accident, 101.

            27. (29)  Matt Crafton, Toyota, Accident, 100.

            28. (4)  Tyler Ankrum, Toyota, Accident, 99.

            29. (7)  Grant Enfinger, Chevrolet, Accident, 99.

            30. (18)  Colby Howard, Chevrolet, Accident, 99.

            31. (19)  Blaine Perkins #, Chevrolet, Accident, 99.

            32. (6)  Corey Heim #, Toyota, Accident, 91.

            33. (11)  Jack Wood #, Chevrolet, Accident, 63.

            34. (36)  Johnny Sauter, Toyota, Electrical, 60.

            35. (21)  Bret Holmes, Chevrolet, Clutch, 44.

            36. (17)  Dean Thompson #, Chevrolet, Brakes, 36.

    Average Speed of Race Winner: 129.146 mph.

    Time of Race: 2 Hrs, 3 Mins, 7 Secs. Margin of Victory: Under Caution Seconds.

    Caution Flags: 7 for 27 laps.

    Lead Changes: 18 among 10 drivers.

    Lap Leaders: T. Majeski 1-18;J. Nemechek 19-29;S. Friesen 30-31;T. Majeski 32-34;D. Kraus 35;T. Ankrum 36-37;J. Nemechek 38-43;A. Hill(i) 44;C. Howard 45-51;J. Nemechek 52-64;Z. Smith 65;J. Nemechek 66-67;C. Howard 68;T. Ankrum 69-70;C. Howard 71;J. Nemechek 72-89;B. Rhodes 90-95;C. Eckes 96-104;Z. Smith 105-106.

    Leaders Summary (Driver, Times Lead, Laps Led): John Hunter Nemechek 5 times for 50 laps; Ty Majeski 2 times for 21 laps; Colby Howard 3 times for 9 laps; Christian Eckes 1 time for 9 laps; Ben Rhodes 1 time for 6 laps; Tyler Ankrum 2 times for 4 laps; Zane Smith 2 times for 3 laps; Stewart Friesen 1 time for 2 laps; Derek Kraus 1 time for 1 lap; Austin Hill(i) 1 time for 1 lap.

    Stage #1 Top Ten: 4,18,52,51,38,23,66,15,32,16

    Stage #2 Top Ten: 4,99,18,98,88,22,16,19,7,66

    About Daytona International Speedway
    Daytona International Speedway is a state-of-the-art motorsports facility and was awarded the SportsBusiness Journal’s prestigious Sports Business Award for Sports Facility of the Year in 2016. Daytona International Speedway is the home of The Great American Race – the DAYTONA 500. Though the season-opening NASCAR Cup Series event garners most of the attention – as well as the largest audience in motorsports – the approximately 500-acre motorsports complex, also known as the World Center of Racing, boasts the most diverse schedule of racing on the globe. In addition to at least nine major event weekends, the Speedway grounds are also used extensively for events that include concerts, civic and social gatherings, car shows, photo shoots, production vehicle testing and police motorcycle training. The iconic venue will be the site of a host of motorsports events early in 2022, beginning with AHRMA Classic Motofest and the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA in January, and the 64th DAYTONA 500, which will debut the first points race for NASCAR’s ‘Next Gen’ car as part of Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth in February. The tradition-rich 81st Annual Bike Week At DAYTONA returns in March, featuring DAYTONA Supercross and the DAYTONA 200, and in May with the Heroes Honor Festival. Later in the summer during Independence Day weekend, the track, in association with Torneos, will host Soccer Fest before the NASCAR Cup Series returns for the final race of the regular season with the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Aug. 27.

  • Toyota Racing – NCWTS Post-Race Report – Daytona – 02.18.22

    Toyota Racing – NCWTS Post-Race Report – Daytona – 02.18.22

    BEN RHODES LEADS TOYOTA IN SEASON OPENER
    Defending champion Rhodes starts the season with a runner-up finish

    DAYTONA BEACH (February 18, 2022) – Ben Rhodes was the highest-finishing Tundra driver with a second-place finish in Friday’s NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race.

    Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
    NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
    Daytona International Speedway
    Race 1 of 23 – 100 Laps, 250 Miles

    TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS
    1st, Zane Smith*
    2nd, BEN RHODES
    3rd, CHRISTIAN ECKES
    4th, Tanner Gray*
    5th, Parker Kligerman*
    7th, TY MAJESKI
    14th, TIMMY HILL
    16th, STEWART FRIESEN
    20th, JASON WHITE
    21st, CHANDLER SMITH
    22nd, TATE FOGLEMAN
    24th, JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
    27th, MATT CRAFTON
    28th, TYLER ANKRUM
    32nd, COREY HEIM
    *non-Toyota driver

    TOYOTA QUOTES

    BEN RHODES, No. 99 EXT Extreme Hair Therapy Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, ThorSport Racing

    Finishing Position: 2nd

    How was your race tonight?

    “It was a good second place finish for our team. I feel like if we could’ve got the run a little bit sooner we might have been able to get past Zane (Smith). You’re just trying to time how soon to make that run. I knew there was going to be a caution on the last lap, I just didn’t know where. So, you want to get the lead and possibly fall back by turn one, turn two, backstretch. You just don’t know when the caution is going to come out. Solid effort by our Toyota Tundra ThorSport team. I feel like we made a good showing all night long, especially where we qualified getting to the front. I’m really proud to have Hair Club on board with us for this race and hope to continue on. Just happy to have a good start to the season.”

    Do you enjoy superspeedway racing?

    “I enjoy it. It’s challenging with the people you’re around. You’ve got a really good mix of some old versus new and you can never count on what the new is going to do. I feel like I’ve got a few experienced guys I can really count on, and we tried to group up. We all talked before the race, but it’s just so hard to do that. There are so many last-minute moves that are being made, but all in all I know who I can count on, and I’ve got some good Toyota teammates. It was a really fast Tundra. I’m ready for the next one. It would be good to get a win this early in the season, but second place isn’t that bad.”

    Were you surprised it took so long to have a wreck?

    “A little bit, yeah. I would’ve thought it would’ve started a little bit sooner, especially with how the trucks are handling this year. I didn’t have a clue that we were all going to be as loose as we were. I think that was a surprise to everyone. I hope that we all go back to the drawing board a little bit as a series to kind of snug us up a little bit. You’ll see more aggressive racing I think, but as a whole everybody was really smart because they didn’t want to wreck.”

    CHRISTIAN ECKES, No. 98 AHI Facility Services/Curb Records Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, ThorSport Racing

    Finishing Position: 3rd

    Can you talk about your race?

    “We had a really good AHI Facility Service Toyota Tundra. We just came up a little bit short there. We were in a good position with my teammate (Ben Rhodes) behind. I thought we were in good position heading to the white, just came up a little short.”

    What more did you need to get the win?

    “Just a few more laps. I felt like we were in good position there. I felt like I was kind of sitting duck being the leader. At the end of the day, really proud of these AHI Facility Services Toyota Tundra guys. I sure wish we could have won, but a good start to our year.”

    TY MAJESKI, No. 66 Cincinnati Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, ThorSport Racing

    Finishing Position: 7th

    Solid start to your first full-time season. How was the race from your seat?

    “Our plan was to miss all of that. Our plan was to go the first two stages, get stage points, mission accomplished there. You just don’t know when it’s going to happen. We got all the way down to the last lap before anything really happened. All-in-all, our strategy wasn’t the race winning strategy, but a good solid points day and good solid base to shoot from for the rest of the year. Pretty happy about it. Hats off to everybody on this Cincinnati Tundra team.”

    TYLER ANKRUM, No. 16 LIUNA! Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, Hattori Racing Enterprises

    Finishing Position: 28th

    What happened to take you out of the race?

    “It felt like I got a really good push from the 4 (John Hunter Nemechek) and I don’t know if it was the 99 (Ben Rhodes) or 98 (Christian Eckes) in front of me but I was going to take him three-wide to the top. I just got really loose. It’s so hard. We were all pushing so hard. It was coming to one (lap) to go. It sucks, but our LIUNA! Toyota Tundra TRD Pro was really quick tonight so I’m really happy with that. Happy to be with a new team and Toyota and I’m ready to go pound the ground for the rest of the season.”

    #

    About Toyota

    Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

    Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

    Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

  • Young’s Motorsports Daytona International Speedway Truck Series Team Preview

    Young’s Motorsports Daytona International Speedway Truck Series Team Preview

    Young’s Motorsports | NASCAR Camping World Truck Series
    Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway | NextEra Energy Resources 250

    Fast Facts

    No. 02 Young’s Motorsports Team:
    Driver: Jesse Little
    Primary Partner(s): Shriners Children’s
    Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST
    Crew Chief: Eddie Troconis
    2021 Driver Points Position: N | A | 2021 Owner Points Position: 21st
    Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis No. 03
    Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

    Notes of Interest:

    The Lowdown: In December, Young’s Motorsports announced that veteran driver Jesse Little will drive the team’s flagship No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado for 12 races in 2022 – splitting the seat with driver Kaz Grala.

    Following Daytona, Little is scheduled to drive the No. 02 in the third Truck Series race of the season at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway on Sat., Mar. 19, 2022.

    Welcome Aboard: Longtime Jesse Little partner Shriners Children’s will serve as the primary marketing partner of the No. 02 Chevrolet Silverado at Daytona.

    Shriners Children’s has a mission to:

    Provide the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered, and collaborative care environment.

    Provide for the education of physicians and other healthcare professionals.

    Conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families

    Jesse Little Truck Series Daytona International Speedway Stats: Jesse Little will make his second Truck Series start at Daytona in Friday’s NextEra Energy Resources 250. He earned a track-best 24th at the 2.5-mile superspeedway in 2020 after starting 26th for Diversified Motorsports Enterprises.

    Driver Intel: Little, the son of former NASCAR driver Chad Little returns to the Truck Series scene after spending the last two seasons competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for JD Motorsports and BJ McLeod Motorsports, respectively.

    Daytona will mark Little’s 35th career start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and second at the “World Center of Racing” after competing for Diversified Motorsports Enterprises (DME) in February 2020.

    From 2015 to 2020, Little, 24, has achieved seven top-10 finishes in the Truck Series, including a career-best sixth-place finish driving for his family-owned JJL Motorsports team at Iowa Speedway in 2018.

    Calling the Shots: Guiding Little as crew chief of the No. 02 Shriners Hospitals for Children Chevrolet Silverado is crew chief Eddie Troconis.

    Troconis is a two-time winning crew chief in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and comes to Young’s Motorsports after tenures at ThorSport Racing, AM Racing and Sam Hunt Racing (Xfinity Series) respectively.

    He will crew chief his 143rd NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday night. In his previous 142 races, he has two wins, 23 top-five and 46 top-10 finishes to his resume.

    Touted as a gifted engineer, Troconis will make his ninth crew chief start at Daytona this weekend.

    Follow on Social Media: For more on Jesse Little, please like him on Facebook (Jesse Little Racing) and follow on Instagram (@JesseLittle97) and Twitter (@JesseLittle97).

    For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (@youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

    Jesse Little Pre-Race Quote:

    On Daytona: “This is the most excited I’ve ever been to be at Daytona. Not only getting to drive for Tyler (Young) and his family. The No. 02 Young’s Motorsports team has put together a top-notch truck for this weekend’s season-opener.

    “They going to give myself and Shriners Children’s the best opportunity possible to run up front and showcase our potential. Anything can happen here at Daytona, and with a clean truck and a little luck we could be celebrating come Friday night.”
    No. 12 Young’s Motorsports Team:

    Driver: Spencer Boyd
    Primary Partner(s): RimTyme
    Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST
    Crew Chief: Ryan “Pickle” London
    2021 Driver Points Position: 24th
    2021 Owner Points Position: 27th
    Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis No. 12
    Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies

    Notes of Interest:

    Back To Familiar Territory: Fan favorite Spencer Boyd returns to Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway aboard a new number and eyeing his second NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win of his career.

    No. 120: This weekend at Daytona, Boyd will make his 120th career NASCAR start. Boyd has three starts in the NASCAR Cup Series, 50 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and will make his 67th start in Trucks when the green flag waves Friday night.

    The highlight of his NASCAR career is a NASCAR Camping World Truck Series win at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in October 2019 driving for Young’s Motorsports.

    Anchor Partner: Last month, Spencer Boyd announced that RimTyme will serve as an anchor partner on his No. 12 Chevrolet Silverado for the 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season.

    RimTyme will serve as the primary marketing for seven races this season while serving as an associate marketing partner for the remaining 16 races.

    RimTyme Custom Wheels and Tires carries more custom rims than the traditional wheel shop. They have a large selection of name-brand custom wheels available in the latest styles, finishes, colors, and sizes.

    In addition to a variety of wheel brands, RimTyme carries popular tire brands for everyday driving needs at affordable prices to fit any budget.

    Spencer Boyd Truck Series Daytona International Speedway Stats: Spencer Boyd will make his fourth start at Daytona in Friday’s NextEra Energy Resources 250. He earned a track-best fourth at the 2.5-mile superspeedway in 2019 and has three top-20 finishes.

    His best start came in 2019 when he qualified 14th.

    He carries an average starting position of 22.3 and an average finishing position of 12.0.

    Spencer Boyd Truck Series Speedway Stats: At NASCAR Camping World Truck Series tracks classified as a speedway in lengths of 2.0-mile(s) or larger, Boyd has made 12 starts throughout his career with one win, two top-five and three top-10 finishes, while also carrying an average finishing position of 17.6.

    Truck Series Rundown: In five years of Truck Series competition, Boyd has 66 career Truck Series starts with one win, two top-five and three top-10 finishes and a championship best of 17th in 2019 and carries an average finish of 22.6.

    Calling the Shots: Guiding Boyd as crew chief of the No. 12 RimTyme Chevrolet Silverado is veteran crew chief Ryan “Pickle” London.

    He will crew chief his 47th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday night. In his previous 46 races, he has one win, two top-five and four top-10 finishes to his resume.

    This weekend marks his second race as crew chief at Daytona.

    Follow on Social Media: For more on Spencer Boyd, please like him on Facebook (Spencer Boyd Racing) and follow him on Instagram (SpencerBoydpr) and Twitter (@SpencerBoyd).

    For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

    Spencer Boyd Pre-Race Quotes:

    On Daytona: “Daytona is the place! I am pumped to kick off 2022 with the No. 12 team and RimTyme custom wheels and tires. Superspeedway racing is my favorite style of racing and I hope I’m able to deliver a strong finish for everyone at Young’s Motorsports to start the year on the right foot.”

    No. 20 Young’s Motorsports Team:
    Driver: Danny Bohn
    Primary Partner(s): North American Motor Car
    Manufacturer: Chevrolet Silverado RST
    Crew Chief: Joe Lax
    2021 Driver Points Position: 22nd
    2021 Owner Points Position: 32nd
    Chassis Intel: YMS Chassis No. 24

    Engine: Ilmor Racing Technologies
    Notes of Interest:

    Welcome To The Team: Last month Young’s Motorsports announced that Danny Bohn will join the team to pilot the No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado in Friday night’s 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season-opener at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

    Sponsor Intel: Bohn will pilot the No. 20 Chevrolet Silverado with support from North American Motor Car.

    North American Motor Car offers concierge services including custom restoration, maintenance, upholstery repair, professional detailing, aftermarket accessory installation, storage and automotive shipping and receiving for exotic and classic cars.

    Danny Bohn Career At A Glance: Bohn rose into prominence in 2012 when he earned NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour Championship runner-up, Rookie of the Year and Most Popular Driver honors. Bohn followed that up with the 2014 modified track championship at the famed Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.

    But a Bohn winning races is nothing new. Both Bohn’s grandfather, Parker Bohn, and father, Eddie Bohn, are legendary drivers and mechanics from New Jersey.

    The Freehold, N.J. native has 33 Truck Series starts to his resume, including four top-10 finishes, most recently at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway last October where he finished eighth after starting 23rd.

    Danny Bohn Truck Series Daytona International Speedway Stats: Danny Bohn will make his second start at Daytona in Friday’s NextEra Energy Resources 250. He earned a track-best 17th at the 2.5-mile superspeedway in February 2021 after starting 32nd.

    Danny Bohn Truck Series Speedway Stats: At NASCAR Camping World Truck Series tracks classified as a speedway in lengths of 2.0-mile(s) or larger, Boyd has made four starts throughout his career with one top-10 finish, while also carrying an average finishing position of 24.3.

    Calling the Shots: Guiding Bohn as crew chief of the No. 20 North American Motor Car Chevrolet Silverado is veteran crew chief Joe Lax.

    He will crew chief his 77th NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race on Friday night. In his previous 76 races, he has one pole and seven top-10 finishes to his resume.

    This weekend marks his fourth race as crew chief at Daytona.

    Follow on Social Media: For more on Danny Bohn, please visit DannyBohn.com, like him on Facebook (Danny Bohn Racing) and follow on Instagram (@dannybohn) and Twitter (@dbohn659).

    For more on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, like them on Facebook (Young’s Motorsports) and follow on Instagram (youngsmotorsports) and Twitter (@youngsmtrsports).

    Danny Bohn Pre-Race Quotes:

    On Daytona: “I am very excited about joining Young’s Motorsports for Daytona. Time and time again Young’s Motorsports have shown that they build very fast Chevrolet Silverados for the superspeedway races and I am excited to be able to drive one of them next month at Daytona.

    “Young’s Motorsports is the most recent superspeedway winner in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and I definitely want to do my part to help keep that statistic alive working alongside my teammates Spencer (Boyd) and Jesse (Little).”
    Race Information:

    The NextEra Energy Resources 250 (100 laps | 250 miles) is the first of 23 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races on the 2022 schedule. Qualifying is set for race day, Fri., Feb. 18 beginning at 3:00 p.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 7:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

  • Toyota Racing – NCWTS Daytona Quotes – Ben Rhodes – 02.17.21

    Toyota Racing – NCWTS Daytona Quotes – Ben Rhodes – 02.17.21

    Toyota Racing – Ben Rhodes
    NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Quotes

    DAYTONA BEACH (February 17, 2022) – ThorSport Racing driver Ben Rhodes was made available to media prior to the Daytona race this Thursday:

    BEN RHODES, No. 99 EXT Extreme Hair Therapy Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, ThorSport Racing

    How do you feel going into Daytona as the reigning, defending champion?

    “Pretty good you know; practice will make me feel better. I kind of have like a metric that I do my own mental metric on how I think the truck is going to race aerodynamically and for stability, trying to get around a few people and try certain moves that, you know, allow me to kind of get a baseline so my crew chief (Rich Lushes) wants me to kind of follow his plan, but I’m gonna maybe do a little bit of my own thing sprinkled in there. Hopefully he doesn’t hear this but yeah, I mean, that’ll tell me right away. Last year, we qualified 23rd, I think. There was a lot of like, historically slow trucks in front of us. So, I don’t think it’s necessarily an indicator of how you qualify here. So yeah, I you know, I feel great. There’s an answer. That was a long-winded short answer.”

    I got to visit the Toyota Performance Center last week. Is that a program that you are a part of?

    “It is a good program. I would like to be, but I live eight hours away from that point. So that makes it tough for me, but if I move there, I would for sure be a part of it. But if they would invite me. If I get the invite, I would for sure be a part of it, but I had to move there first. It seems like an excellent program. I probably get in the best shape of my life. Definitely better than where I am now. But I’m still living in Louisville, Kentucky and the race shop still in Ohio. So, there’s some travel involved. But it is a thought. I did go house hunting this winter in North Carolina. I just didn’t never did it.”

    What is biggest thing that you’ve done since becoming the champion?

    “I had a pretty laid-back winter to be honest with you. I didn’t go to any Hollywood premieres, like Ryan Blaney. I just kind of chilled out and went to Florida Keys a little bit – went to the race shop. The coolest event was probably the Sandusky parade, where we did burnouts throughout like the whole town for like five miles. Then they had the Toyota-mobile, which was the new 2022 Tundra with the glass case in the back with the trophy. It’s just like ginormous parade. It was awesome. The truck was pretty much destroyed afterwards, but I got the, you know, the green line to do it. I didn’t get pulled over. The cops gave me a fake ticket. So, it is fun. I enjoy the heck out of that. But other than that, it’s pretty laid back. I mean, you had all the NASCAR banquets and all that stuff leading up to it but laid back on my side. We went to on the Chili Bowl. He watched literally like every lap of the shootout. And he says, ‘did you go on vacation yet?’ And I said no. He says you want to go on vacation with me to the to the Chili Bowl. So that sounds like a good vacation. So anyway, we had a good time. I would like to be a part of that event. Next year somehow. I’d like to do some midget races. I’d like to maybe get into some micros. I just looks like a really fun side sport that I have zero experience with, but I think it could help me I mean, for sure it would help develop some skills. I think back to my first race here at Daytona and like what I know now it’s like night and day. And even though last year when we won, I learned a lot of stuff at Talladega last year that I’m really excited to try out tomorrow.”

    How do you look back at the night? You won the championship heading into a new season.

    “I look back on about half of it up to up to most of the press conference. I was a little fuzzy. Speaking of which, that was the last time I was with you beautiful people. How about them apples? So yeah, I would say that. Honestly, I remember up to the press conference. They got a little fuzzy in there and then they give me a bunch of water and like snacks and then I diluted the beverages in the system and then it became memorable again. So, like there’s a couple TV spots that were running like some interviews as I sort of remember that, but I was definitely still buzzed. So great interviews, good memories, good times.”

    #

    About Toyota

    Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

    Toyota directly employs more than 48,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 43 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With the more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, more than a quarter of the company’s 2021 North American sales were electrified.

    Through the Start Your Impossible campaign, Toyota highlights the way it partners with community, civic, academic and governmental organizations to address our society’s most pressing mobility challenges. We believe that when people are free to move, anything is possible. For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

  • Kris Wright – NextEra Energy 250 Race Advance

    Kris Wright – NextEra Energy 250 Race Advance

    NextEra Energy 250 (100 Laps/250 Miles)
    Daytona International Speedway
    Friday, Feb. 18 | Daytona Beach, Fla. | 7:30 p.m. ET
    TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90

    Team: No. 44 First National Bank Chevrolet Silverado
    Driver: Kris Wright (Wexford, Pa.) | Crew Chief: Wally Rogers
    Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @KrisOnNASCAR

    Wright on opening the 2022 season at Daytona and his continued partnership with F.N.B. Corporation: “It is awesome to have F.N.B. Corporation partner with us for the third year in a row, at one of the biggest events in motorsports, at Daytona,” Wright said. “I am really excited to start this season with a returning partner, a new team, and with new goals in mind.”

    “Daytona (International Speedway) is one of those events that can either start your season off on the right foot or put the team in a hole you have to dig yourself out of for the first few races due to attrition,” the 27-year-old said. “We are looking forward to getting after it and starting the season off right.”

    Wright at Daytona International Speedway: Wright has one start in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series at the 2.5-mile tri-oval in Daytona Beach, Fla. He posted a 12th-place finish at the Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2021. The result produced a career-best finish in the series for Wright.

    In two combined NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts on restrictor plate tracks (Daytona International Speedway and the Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway), Wright has an average start of 21.5 and an average finish of 24.

    On the Truck: Wright and the No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado will carry the First National Bank red and blue paint scheme for Friday night’s season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.

    About Niece Motorsports:
    Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.
    www.niecemotorsports.com

    About F.N.B Corporation:
    ​​F.N.B. Corporation (NYSE: FNB), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a diversified financial services company operating in seven states and the District of Columbia. FNB’s market coverage spans several major metropolitan areas including: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; Cleveland, Ohio; Washington, D.C.; and Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham and the Piedmont Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point) in North Carolina. The Company has total assets of approximately $42 billion and nearly 340 banking offices throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Washington, D.C. and Virginia.

    FNB provides a full range of commercial banking, consumer banking and wealth management solutions through its subsidiary network which is led by its largest affiliate, First National Bank of Pennsylvania, founded in 1864. Commercial banking solutions include corporate banking, small business banking, investment real estate financing, government banking, business credit, capital markets and lease financing. The consumer banking segment provides a full line of consumer banking products and services, including deposit products, mortgage lending, consumer lending and a complete suite of mobile and online banking services. FNB’s wealth management services include asset management, private banking and insurance.

    The common stock of F.N.B. Corporation trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FNB” and is included in Standard & Poor’s MidCap 400 Index with the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) Regional Banks SubIndustry Index. Customers, shareholders and investors can learn more about this regional financial institution by visiting the F.N.B. Corporation website at www.fnbcorporation.com.

    Follow Kris Wright on Instagram and on the web: @KrisOnNASCAR / KrisWrightMotorsports.com

  • Lawless Alan – NextEra Energy 250 Race Advance

    Lawless Alan – NextEra Energy 250 Race Advance

    NextEra Energy 250 (100 Laps/250 Miles)
    Daytona International Speedway
    Friday, Feb. 18 | Daytona Beach, Fla. | 7:30 p.m. ET
    TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90

    Team: No. 45 AUTOParkit™ Chevrolet Silverado
    Driver: Lawless Alan (Los Angeles, Calif.) | Crew Chief: Darren Fraley
    Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @lawlessalan25

    Alan on opening the 2022 season at Daytona: “I’m super excited to be getting the 2022 season started with AUTOParkIt™ and Niece Motorsports,” Alan remarked. “I’ve been looking forward to getting to Daytona to begin my first full-time season and run for a championship since Phoenix last November.”

    Alan at Daytona International Speedway: Alan makes his first career start on the oval at Daytona International Speedway to begin his first full time season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

    The Los Angeles, Calif. native makes his 10th career NCWTS start Friday night – his second on a superspeedway (Talladega, 2021) – while making his fifth career start for Niece Motorsports.

    On the Truck: Alan and the No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado will run the AUTOParkit™ colors for Friday night’s season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.

    About Niece Motorsports:
    Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.
    www.niecemotorsports.com

    About AUTOParkit:
    AUTOParkit™ designs, manufactures, and constructs fully automated parking systems for new and existing buildings. AUTOParkit system structural steel and modular design can provide double the capacity of a traditional parking garage, providing up to 17 LEED points and drastically reducing construction time. AUTOParkit automated systems are 40 percent less expensive to operate, safer for the user and reduces carbon emissions associated with parking by more than 80 percent. AUTOParkit’s charging pallets provided by AUTOChargit, are a fast and convenient way of charging EVs and Hybrids. AUTOChargit’s patented technology allows for shuffling charged vehicles cutting infrastructure costs by up to 80 percent.

    For more information on AUTOParkit, visit www.autoparkit.com

    Follow Lawless Alan on Instagram and on the web: @lawless_alan / www.lawlessalanracing.com

  • Dean Thompson – NextEra Energy 250 Race Advance

    Dean Thompson – NextEra Energy 250 Race Advance

    NextEra Energy 250 (100 Laps/250 Miles)
    Daytona International Speedway
    Friday, Feb. 18 | Daytona Beach, Fla. | 7:30 p.m. ET
    TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90

    Team: No. 40 Worldwide ExpressGlobalTranz/Unishippers Chevrolet Silverado
    Driver: Dean Thompson (Anaheim, Calif.) | Crew Chief: Matt Weber
    Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @deanthompsonr

    Thompson on opening the 2022 season at Daytona: “I’m beyond excited to kick the 2022 season off at Daytona,” Thompson said. “I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish this season with the Worldwide Express and Niece Motorsports contingents.”

    Thompson at Daytona International Speedway: Thompson makes his first-career start at Daytona International Speedway Friday night to begin his rookie campaign in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS). The 20-year old is making his second-career NCWTS and Niece Motorsports starts after running in the 2021 season finale last November at Phoenix Raceway.

    Thompson ran a pair of races in the ARCA Menards Series in 2021, including an eighth-place finish at Kansas with crew chief Matt Weber. Thompson also produced a top-five and two top-ten finishes in seven starts in the ARCA Menards West Series a season ago.

    On the Truck: Thompson and the No. 40 Chevrolet Silverado will have the Worldwide Express/GlobalTranz/Unishippers colors on board for Friday night’s season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.

    Thompson on his newly-announced partnership with Worldwide Express and its family of brands: “I’m beyond thankful and blessed to have Worldwide Express and its family of brands on our No. 40 Chevrolet Silverado for the entirety of the 2022 season,” Thompson remarked. “I’m looking forward to the start of this partnership and sharing my rookie season with Worldwide Express while making it a memorable year for all of us.”

    About Niece Motorsports:
    Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.
    www.niecemotorsports.com

    About Worldwide Express
    Worldwide Express, LLC, is a full-service, non-asset-based logistics provider offering access to industry-leading small package, truckload and less-than-truckload shipping solutions and managed transportation services. The family of brands, comprised of Worldwide Express, GlobalTranz and Unishippers, serve more than 120,000 customers spanning from small and mid-size businesses to larger enterprises, with unmatched carrier options and strategic guidance for their supply chains. With an annual systemwide revenue approaching $4 billion, the company is the second-largest privately held freight brokerage and largest non-retail UPS® Authorized Reseller in the country. Through a selective portfolio of 65+ LTL and tens of thousands of truckload carriers, and powered by proprietary technology, clients benefit from an award-winning, relationship-backed approach to solving their shipping needs. To learn more about the brands, please visit www.wwex.com, www.globaltranz.com and www.unishippers.com.

    Follow Dean Thompson on Instagram and on the web: @deankthompson / deanthompsonr.com

  • Carson Hocevar – NextEra Energy 250 Race Advance

    Carson Hocevar – NextEra Energy 250 Race Advance

    NextEra Energy 250 (100 Laps/250 Miles)
    Daytona International Speedway
    Friday, Feb. 18 | Daytona Beach, Fla. | 7:30 p.m. ET
    TV: FS1 | Radio: Motor Racing Network (MRN), Sirius XM Ch. 90

    Team: No. 42 Premier Security Solutions Chevrolet Silverado
    Driver: Carson Hocevar (Portage, Mich.) | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
    Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @CarsonHocevar

    Hocevar on opening the 2022 season at Daytona and his renewed partnership with Premier Security Solutions: “I really appreciate the support from everyone at Premier Security Solutions for stepping up and making sure we had the funding for our second full-time season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series,” Hocevar remarked.

    “I am very thankful for the growth in support from one primary sponsorship last season to several races this year. I can’t wait to debut our 2022 Premier paint scheme at such an iconic venue as Daytona International Speedway to open the season.”

    Hocevar at Daytona International Speedway: Hocevar makes his second-career start on the oval at Daytona International Speedway after running to a fifth-place finish in the 2021 event – the first of three top-fives in the 19-year old’s rookie season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS).

    Hocevar aims to build on a successful 2021 rookie campaign that saw him advance to the Round of 8 in the NCWTS Playoffs by way of eight top-10s, three top-fives, and an average finish of 12.8 in 22 races.

    On the Truck: Hocevar and the No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado will carry the Premier Security Solutions paint scheme for Friday night’s season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway.

    About Niece Motorsports:
    Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2022, Niece Motorsports enters its seventh season in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Niece also owns Niece Equipment, which has for over 40 years provided clients with reliable products at competitive prices. Niece Equipment’s reputation is built on service, integrity and dependability. The company provides water and fuel/lube trucks that are engineered with quality and durability in mind for the construction and mining industry. Follow the team on Facebook and Instagram @NieceMotorsports as well as Twitter @NieceMotorsport.

    About Premier Security Solutions:
    ​​Founded in 2013 by a retired Flint Michigan Police Officer, Premier Security Solutions is committed to deflect and deter unlawful activity for their clients, create a safe campus, and provide a secure environment. A company fully committed to community involvement and protection. Premier partners with many community organizations like Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson and his G.H.O.S.T. team combatting human trafficking. Premier provides an array of security services, including K-12 school campus, industrial logistics, corporate and event security in addition to a state-of-the-art monitoring center and all types of security training for both law enforcement and civilian trainees. For more information, please visit www.premiersecurity.solutions/

    Follow Carson Hocevar on Instagram and on the web: @CarsonHocevar / CarsonHocevar.com

  • GMS Racing 2022 NCWTS Daytona Race Preview

    GMS Racing 2022 NCWTS Daytona Race Preview

    Grant Enfinger, No. 23 Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet Silverado RST

    Daytona International Speedway Stats

    • NCWTS Starts: 7, Wins: 1 (2020), Poles: 1 (2016), Top 5s: 2, Top 10s: 3, Laps led: 60
    • ARCA Starts: 5, Wins: 2 (2014 & 2015), Top 5s: 2, Top 10s: 3, Best start: 2nd, Laps led: 78

    2021 NCWTS Season Stats

    • Starts: 21, Top 5s: 6, Top 10s: 11, Best start: 3rd, Best finish: 2nd (Bristol), Laps led: 125
    • Sponsor spotlight: Longtime Grant Enfinger partner, Champion Power Equipment, teams up with the No. 23 driver for the majority of the 2022 race season. From humble beginnings as a product-based partnership in 2014, Champion Power Equipment has grown its involvement and thrived within the NASCAR community, forming one of the longest lasting relationships with a driver in the series. Today Champion’s product line has expanded to include portable generators, home standby generators, inverter generators, engines, winches and log splitters. With over 2.5 million generators sold in North America, Champion is a market leader in the power equipment field. Visit ChampionPowerEquipment.com for more.
    • Chassis history/info: Enfinger and the No. 23 team will bring a brand new Chevrolet Silverado RST to Daytona International Speedway for the season opener. Make room for GMS Racing chassis no. 141 as it makes its debut under the lights. - Reunited at Last: Friday night marks the official on-track reunification of Grant Enfinger and GMS Racing. The duo, which won a total of eight ARCA Menards Series races in addition to the 2015 championship, went their separate ways after Enfinger won his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Talladega in 2016. It’s been over five years since the pairing has last worked together, but the 2022 season has potential to be one of the most successful seasons for both the team and driver. - Fan Facing Appearances: Grant Enfinger will participate in a fan exclusive Q&A session at the Team Chevy booth display in the Daytona International Speedway midway on Friday, February 18th from 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM. - GE Quote: “Growing up as a kid going to Talladega every year, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of super speedway racing. I enjoy balancing how aggressive to be at different parts of the race and trying to time my runs and moves. I feel like we have a great opportunity this year in reuniting with GMS Racing with my No. 23 team. Hopefully, the stars can align for us to get another victory for all of the awesome Champion Power Equipment employees at Daytona.”

    Jack Wood, No. 24 Make An Impact Now Foundation Chevrolet Silverado RST

    Daytona International Speedway Stats

    • ARCA Starts: 1, Top 10s: 1, Best start: 5th, Best finish: 9th (2021)

    2021 NCWTS Season Stats

    • Starts: 12, Top 10s: 1, Best start: 2nd, Best finish: 10th (Gateway), Laps led: 1
    • Sponsor spotlight: Jack Wood’s No. 24 Chevrolet will highlight the Make An Impact Foundation (#MAIFKidsPlay) based out of Davidson, NC. MAIF identifies children in severe need (homeless, poverty, etc.) as well as those with learning needs, emotional needs, disabilities, or disease and creates opportunities to produce a change in their lives. The vision at MAIF is to meet the needs of children by identifying worthwhile projects, empowering project champions, and finding donor partners to help meet each need. For more information, please visit www.MakeAnImpactNow.org.
    • Chassis history/info: Wood and the No. 24 team will bring chassis no. 127 to Daytona Beach, the same truck that Raphael Lessard ran up front with and led twelve laps during last year’s season opener. This Chevrolet Silverado RST has two second place finishes on its resume, and was last ran by Jack at Talladega in 2021.
    • Rookie Expectations: After running twelve races in the No. 24 truck last season, Jack Wood looks forward to running a full-time campaign in 2022. Wood will be competing for Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors against five fellow competitors from different stables in a strong rookie class. For Jack, having the ability to practice at all of these racetracks is key, as that wasn’t much of an option in ’21. The hungry rookie will make his second ever start at Daytona, but first in a truck on Friday night. - Fan Facing Appearances: Jack Wood will participate in a fan exclusive Q&A session at the Team Chevy booth display in the Daytona International Speedway midway on Friday, February 18th from 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM.
    • JW Quote: “I definitely think that Daytona is more of a challenging track to race on compared to Talladega because it is more narrow and the banking transitions are steeper. Sadly, my only truck race at a super speedway was cut short last season, but our race at Daytona in the ARCA car went pretty well for us, so I am going in there with no expectations. I’m going to give it my best out there and get more comfortable pushing so I can be a good teammate to Grant and the rest of the Team Chevy drivers that we will be working with. I think if we can make it to the last ten laps of the race, we’ll have a decent shot at having a good finish to open the year on.”

    Thad Moffitt, No. 43 STP Chevrolet Silverado RST – Reaume Brothers Racing

    Daytona International Speedway Stats

    • ARCA Starts: 3, Top 5s: 1, Top 10s: 1, Best start: 2nd, Best finish: 5th (2020)

    2021 ARCA Season Stats

    • Starts: 16, Top 5s: 5, Top 10s: 12, Best start: 3rd, Best finish: 3rd (Phoenix), Laps led: 8
    • Sponsor spotlight: There won’t be any issue recognizing this iconic paint scheme. STP, longtime partner of seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty, will team up with Thad Moffitt as the fourth-generation Petty driver makes his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start. The No. 43 STP Chevrolet will feature a unique throwback to “The King” with the 1992 design, hearkening back thirty years to the start of Petty’s Fan Appreciation Tour. Visit www.stp.com to learn more.
    • GMS/RBR Alliance: Starting this weekend in Daytona, Thad Moffitt’s No. 43 Chevrolet Silverado RST will be operated as a “co-op” truck out of the Reaume Brothers Racing shop. GMS Racing will provide technical and engineering support, and Moffitt will be behind the wheel for a multi-race schedule in 2022.
    • First Start: Friday’s NextEra Energy 250 will be a big step in Thad Moffitt’s young career, as the Trinity, NC driver will attempt his first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race. Moffitt has spent the past number of years racing in the ARCA Menards Series, so he is more than ready to make the jump up the NASCAR ladder. - Fan Facing Appearances: Thad Moffitt will participate in a fan exclusive Q&A session at the Team Chevy booth display in the Daytona International Speedway midway on Friday, February 18th from 1:00 PM to 1:15 PM.
    • TM Quote: “Coming over from the ARCA car, I think the biggest change for the truck will be how much larger the hole is that they punch in the air. My runs will definitely be greater, and I think that everything will happen a good bit faster in the truck. Ultimately, I think that restrictor plate racing is always going to be similar in the fact that you’re going to be at the mercy of other drivers. Anything can happen at Daytona, so I’m just hoping that our No. 43 STP Chevy can stay out of the mess and get a solid finish.”

    ABOUT GMS RACING:

    GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series operating the No. 23 and the No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs, as well as the ARCA Menards Series with the No. 43 Chevrolet SS. Since the team was formed in 2012, GMS Racing has won five titles across multiple series, including the 2016 and 2020 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series championship, the 2015 ARCA Menards Series championship, as well as the 2019 & 2020 ARCA Menards Series East championships. GMS has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. including operations for GMS Fabrication. The GMS Racing campus also houses operations for Petty GMS, a two car full-time NASCAR Cup Series team formed in 2021.

    SOCIAL MEDIA:

    To keep up-to-date with the latest news, information and exclusive content, follow GMS Racing on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

  • Chandler Smith – No. 18 Safelite AutoGlass Tundra Camping World Trucks Daytona Preview

    Chandler Smith – No. 18 Safelite AutoGlass Tundra Camping World Trucks Daytona Preview

    Chandler Smith: Driver, No. 18 Safelite AutoGlass® Toyota

    NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Overview:
    Event: NextEra Energy 250, Race 1 of 23, 100 Laps – 20/20/60; 250 Miles
    Location: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway (2.5-mile tri-oval)
    Date/Broadcast: Feb. 18, 2022, at 7:30 p.m. ET on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR 90

    Mr. Smith Season 2:
    Chandler Smith begins his second full-time season behind the wheel of the No. 18 Toyota when the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series opens the 2022 season at Daytona International Speedway Friday night. Safelite, the nation’s largest provider of vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration services, returns to KBM for a fifth season and will be the primary sponsor on Smith’s Tundra TRD Pro Tundra for 15 races this year.

    Smith earned NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 and finished eighth in the championship standings after producing two victories, one pole, 213 laps led, six top-five and nine top-10 finishes in his first full-time season. He earned his first career Truck Series victory at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway in September and in the series finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway earned his first career pole and swept all three stages en route to his second victory. Across 38 career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts, the Toyota Racing Development product has collected two wins, 14 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes. Additionally, Smith has produced nine ARCA Menards Series victories, 10 poles, 22 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes across 34 career starts.

    The 19-year-old driver will be making just his second career start at Daytona. Smith led a race-high 22 laps and finished inside the top 10 in all three stages of last year’s race in his Daytona debut. He was battling for the lead in the closing laps when he got loose, slid down the track and barely clipped the apron. As he corrected his path, he shot up the track and made contact with Grant Enfinger on the outside lane. The contact caused an issue with a tire and moments later the No. 18 Toyota ended up spinning out. After repairs, the Georgia native was scored 19th when the field took the white flag during NASCAR overtime, but as another incident occurred as the field exited Turn 4 causing several trucks to wash up the race track, he drove to the inside to avoid them and ended his night with a ninth-place result. His best result across three superspeedway starts was a third-place finish at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in 2020.

    Since the Truck Series was last in action last November, Smith has had two newsworthy moments. In December, he executed a late-race bump-and-run- pass to bring home the victory in the Snowball Derby at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla., the most prestigious Super Late Model race in the country. Earlier this month, he and his wife, Kenzie, announced on social media that they are expecting their first child later this year.

    Veteran crew chief Danny Stockman will once again call the shots for Smith and the No. 18 team in 2022. Stockman’s drivers have produced six victories at KBM across his first two seasons, including two with Smith behind the wheel in 2021. The veteran crew chief captured a Truck Series championship with Austin Dillon in 2011 and also won an Xfinity Series championship with Dillon in 2013. Stockman has totaled 10 career Truck Series victories to go along with seven in the Xfinity Series. Stockman’s drivers have collected two poles, 21 laps led and an average finish of 19.3 across three starts at Daytona in Truck Series action. He missed last year’s event serving the final race of a three-race suspension for a loose wheel that carried over from the end of the 2020 season. Paul Andrews, KBM’s shop foreman, was atop the pit box for Smith’s ninth-place finish at Daytona last year.

    Charge Me will serve as an associate sponsor on the bedtop of Smith’s No. 18 Tundra TRD Pro for 15 races this season beginning Friday night at Daytona. Charge Me was founded on the principle that the electric vehicle (EV) revolution will require robust infrastructure support at all levels. To encourage this transition towards a clean energy future, Charge Me is launching a diverse product range of EV charging solutions. Charge Me has developed off-grid multi-use portable charging systems for both EV roadside assistance as well as stationary on-site power generation.

    Chandler Smith, Driver Q&A:
    Are you looking forward to your second career start at Daytona and how will you approach the race?
    “Going back to Daytona this year, first and foremost I’m just thankful to be back with KBM and Safelite for another full-time season. Looking forward to going to Daytona and trying to bring home the win. It’s all about survival. It’s about making sure you are there at the very end. Putting yourself into a position where you can avoid really bad situations where you could get caught up in a wreck, but you’re in a good enough position to make it happen if you’re presented the opportunity. So, it’s all about position and opportunities”

    What seemed to click at the end of last year and can you build off that momentum to start 2022 strong?
    “The biggest thing that honestly started helping us was practice. Granted we only had it for one of my two wins, but we learned so much in practice. We started getting our sim pretty good and accurate for our data. With, all the notes we captured at the very end of the year, all of the momentum we were running off of is going to very beneficial to us to start this year. I feel like all of the goals that myself, Danny and all of this No. 18 team at Kyle Busch Motorsports have set that there should be nothing holding us back.”

    • Chandler Smith Career Highlights:
    • Across 38 career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts has recorded two wins, 306 laps led, 14 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 14.9.
    • Led 55 laps and finished eighth in his Gander Trucks debut at Iowa Speedway in July of 2019. Drove a limited schedule for KBM in 2019 (four races) and 2020 (12 races), before going full-time in 2021.
    • Has collected nine wins, 10 poles, 1783 laps led, 22 top-five and 29 top-10 finishes en route to an average finish of 5.4 across 34 career ARCA Menards Series starts. Set an ARCA Racing Series record by winning four consecutive poles to start his career and earned his first victory after leading a race-high 102 laps at Madison (Wis.) International Speedway in his fourth series start.
    • Has numerous Super Late Model victories across his career, including two marquee wins: the Snowball Derby at 5 Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Fla. (2021) and SpeedFest at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, Georgia (2018). Will compete in several Super Late Model events around his Truck Series schedule in 2022.

    Chandler Smith’s No. 18 Safelite AutoGlass Tundra:
    KBM-64: The No. 18 Safelite team will unload KBM-64 for Friday night’s Truck Series race at Daytona. It is the same Toyota that Smith has piloted in all three of his superspeedway races across his career. He finished ninth after leading a race-high 22 laps with it at Daytona last year and his best result was a third-place finish with it at Talladega in 2020.

    • KBM Notes of Interest:
    • KBM drivers have collected one win, three poles, 102 laps led, four top-five and 11 top-10 finishes resulting in an average finish of 16.3 across 31 starts at Daytona. Owner-driver Kyle Busch picked up the team’s lone victory at the 2.5-mile tri-oval in dramatic fashion in the 2014 season opener, finishing .016 seconds ahead of fellow Toyota competitor Timothy Peters.
    • KBM holds the Camping World Truck Series records for most career wins (90) and most wins in a single season (14 in 2014). With his victory at Bristol Motor Speedway last September, Chandler Smith became the 17th different driver to win a Truck Series event for KBM. In addition to collecting a series-record seven Owner’s Championships, the organization has produced two championship-winning drivers: Erik Jones (2015) and Christopher Bell (2017).
    • The No. 18, the number which was on the first Tundra that went to victory lane for KBM in 2010, has 23 career victories.