Category: Truck Series PR

• The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 will mark the first time Spire Motorsports will field a NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) entry at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Spire Motorsports fields the Nos. 7, 71 and 77 Chevrolet Silverados full time in the NCTS. An all-star driver lineup will rotate throughout the 2024 season in the No. 7 Chevy. Rajah Caruth will drive the No. 71 entry and Chase Purdy rounds out the team’s fleet of Chevrolets in the No. 77.
• The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 will be televised live on FS1 Friday, May 24, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 11th of 23 NCTS races on the 2024 schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NASCAR RaceDay’s pre-race coverage on FS1 will take the green flag at 8 p.m. EDT.

Connor Mosack – Driver, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

• Connor Mosack will make his second start of 2024 for Spire Motorsports driving the No. 7 Pinnacle Racing Group/Chevrolet Accessories Chevrolet Silverado Friday night at Charlotte Motor Speedway (CMS). Mosack will be pulling double duty Friday and pilot the No. 28 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series for Pinnacle Racing Group.
• The Charlotte native started his racing career in 2017 shortly after taking part in an on-track racing experience at CMS when he was 18. He went on to capture a Winter Heat Pro Championship on the track’s quarter-mile oval.
• Friday night’s 134-lap event will mark his first time tackling the 1.5-mile North Carolina quad-oval in a truck. He boasts four career NCTS starts with a best finish of 19th coming earlier this year at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Mosack qualified fifth at Kansas Speedway earlier this month and finished inside the top 10 in the opening two stages before ultimately ending the event with an undeserving 30th-place result, after a couple of racing incidents in the final stage led to a pair of flat tires.
• The 25-year-old driver has made two prior starts in the ARCA Menards Series at CMS, finishing fourth in 2022 and ninth last year. He also finished 23rd in last year’s NASCAR Xfinity Series event.
• Mosack has been victorious in two of his last three ARCA contests, bringing home his first career victory at Kansas Speedway last September and repeating the feat in the Sunflower State earlier this month. He competed in select ARCA Menards Series events in 2023 and put the competition on notice with a 3.5 average finish over six races, including his Kansas win last September. He is a veteran of 26 Xfinity Series races with his best results coming at Watkins Glen International (fifth) and Portland (Ore.) International Raceway (eighth).
• The July 12 event at Pocono Raceway will be his next start in the No. 7 Silverado. He’ll also be back in the seat during the NCTS playoffs when the division returns to Kansas Speedway September 27 and again at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 26.
• Pinnacle Racing Group (PRG) will adorn the hood of Mosack’s Silverado on Friday night. PRG is a professional multifaceted motorsports team specializing in providing productive and fulfilling careers for team members, while also being a leader in on-track performance and driver development primarily in the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Series (NAAPWS), zMAX CARS Tour Series and the ARCA Menards Series (AMS).
• The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation will be an associate sponsor for this weekend’s race. The Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers by pairing them with local teams, clubs and community groups. For more information, please log on to Friendsofjaclyn.org.
• After 10 races, the No. 7 team sits fifth in the 2024 NCTS owner point standings. The No. 7 team has compiled two wins with an average starting position of 7.6 and an average finish of 11.8 thus far this season. Kyle Busch led a race-high 33 laps en route the team’s first victory of 2024 at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February and a race-high 112 laps in the team’s most recent triumph in Texas. In its most recent outing, the team finished fifth with Sammy Smith at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
• In his first season at Spire Motorsports, crew chief Brian Pattie has led the No. 7 team to two victories across the first 10 events this season, both with Kyle Busch (Atlanta Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway). The duo also won twice across five races last year with Kyle Busch Motorsports.
• Jack Wood finished 18th in Pattie’s lone race calling the shots in Truck Series action at Charlotte Motor Speedway last May. He was victorious in Cup Series action at the track in 2012 with Clint Bowyer in the fall event.

Connor Mosack Quotes
Being from Charlotte, how special is racing at your hometown track?
“It’s always special for me racing at Charlotte. It was the place I ran my first ever laps in a race car and had a lot of success there in Legends Cars on the quarter-mile track. It would mean a lot to get a win on the big track, especially with all the friends and family that will be coming out to support me.”

You’ll be running double duty Friday as you did in Kansas. How beneficial is that extra track time for you?
“Running the ARCA race beforehand is beneficial for me to continue learning the racetrack, how quickly the resin comes in and which lanes will have the momentum. A good run will also help with confidence and in the grip levels of the track.”

Despite not having a lot of Truck Series starts this year, both of your starts came on mile-and-a-half tracks. How beneficial will that be in preparing for Friday night’s race at Charlotte?
“I feel like I learned a lot at Vegas this year, and then Kansas, it was good to run near the front and get experience with how those guys race. I feel comfortable with where the truck needs to be, to be fast on this style of track, and where the limit of the tire is. That will definitely be helpful going into Charlotte.”

Rajah Caruth – Driver, No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

• Rajah Caruth will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevrolet Silverado in Friday night’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
• Caruth started 24th and finished 14th in last week’s Wright Brand 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
• HENDRICKCARS.COM is the online home for everything Hendrick Automotive Group. Visitors can shop thousands of new or pre-owned vehicles, locate centers for service and collision repair, receive a value to sell or trade their car, chat online with customer service, discover career opportunities, learn more about vehicle protections programs, and explore how the company gives back to the community.
• The Winston-Salem (N.C.) State University senior has one prior NCTS start, one additional NASCAR Xfinity Series start and a sole ARCA Menards Series start at the 1.5 mile quad-oval and looks to better his venue-best third place finish.
• Caruth will have his own cheering section Friday night when Winston-Salem State University hosts current students and Alumni for a WSSU Alumni tailgate before heading inside the speedway to watch him mix it up with his fellow NCTS competitors in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200. Caruth will enter his final semester at WSSU in September and is slated to graduate in December 2024.
• The 21-year-old is currently seventh in the NCTS championship point standings after 10 races. He has logged one pole, one win, five top-10’s and nine top-15 finishes. He’s recorded a 13.0 average start, a 11.1 average finish and completed 96.6 percent of the laps contested this season.
• With his first career NCTS win and pole position earlier this season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Caruth became the third African American driver, alongside NASCAR Hall of Famer, Wendell Scott and current NASCAR Cup Series regular Bubba Wallace, to win a NASCAR National Touring Series race.
• Caruth raced his first full season in NCTS in 2023, earning four top-10 finishes and coming home 16th in the division’s championship point standings.
• Race fans can meet Caruth for an autograph session at the Camping World in Concord, N.C., on Friday at 10 a.m.
• Fans at the track can also meet Caruth at the Chevrolet display for an autograph session Friday at 3:45 p.m.

Rajah Caruth Quotes
You raced at Charlotte in both the Truck Series and Xfinity Series last year, along with a great run in the 2022 ARCA race. Does that prior track experience give you a confidence boost for this weekend’s race? And, how do you translate that confidence into a strong finish?
“It absolutely helps my confidence this weekend having great runs at Charlotte. I’ve got a good Xfinity race under my belt along with almost winning an ARCA race in 2022, so definitely a good amount of experience at this track. I think we just need to execute a weekend – from me behind the wheel, to the top of the box, to over the wall. Everybody’s doing what they need to do back at the shop so there’s no reason why we can’t go and win this weekend. I know we’re strong overall and we have it in us.”
How do you adapt to this weekend’s race back at a 1.5-mile track after a short-track race last week at North Wilkesboro?
“Mile-and-a-half tracks are my comfort zone since I started racing. It’s been a journey to continue to improve on them especially when there’s so many short-track racers in the Truck Series. Hopefully, we can get back on the right track and get a top-10 this weekend or even something better.”

Chase Purdy – Driver, No.77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado

• Chase Purdy will pilot Spire Motorsports’ No.77 Bama Buggies Chevrolet Silverado in Friday night’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
• Purdy heads to Charlotte 16th in the NCTS driver point standings. He started in seventh and finished 24th last week at North Wilkesboro Speedway.
• In his three starts at CMS, Purdy has an 18.0 average starting position and an average finish of 21st. He has completed 336 of 411 laps in his Bama Buggies Chevrolet Silverado over those three starts.
• On mile-and-a-half tracks this season, Purdy has one pole and one top-10 finish.
• The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 will mark Purdy’s 86th NCTS start and his 11th behind the wheel of the No.77 Bama Buggies Spire Motorsports Chevrolet.
• Purdy’s Crew Chief Jason Trinchere has three NASCAR Xfinity Series under his belt on the oval at CMS.

Chase Purdy Quotes
Mile and half-tracks have been your strong suit this season. How do you feel going into Charlotte?
“I feel confident. I feel like we can have a good day here this weekend. We just have to be smart and keep our nose clean. If we do that we’ll come home with a great finish!”
From the Top of the Box

Brian Pattie – Crew Chief, No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado

• In his first season at Spire Motorsports, Brian Pattie has led the No. 7 team to two victories, both with Kyle Busch. The duo also won twice across five races last year at KBM.
• Pattie also collected a victory with Ron Fellows at Watkins Glen International in 1999 to give him five career NCTS wins.
• Pattie was atop the pit box for six wins across 14 seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series and has 11 career victories as a crew chief in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Chad Walter – Crew Chief, No. 71 Chevrolet Silverado

• Chad Walter has over two decades of experience and began his career with Hendrick Motorsports in 1996.
• Walter guided Caruth to his first NCTS win March 1, 2024 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
• Some of his most notable accomplishments include a pair of Daytona 500 victories (2001 & 2003) with Michael Waltrip, along with Cup Series wins with Steve Park and Terry Labonte.

Jason Trinchere – Crew Chief, No. 77 Chevrolet Silverado

• Jason Trinchere earned his Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and began his professional career in 2005 as the race engineer for the iconic No. 75 Spears Manufacturing NCTS team, owned by series’ pioneers Wayne and Connie Spears.
• Notable accomplishments include Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 wins with both Ganassi Racing and Penske Racing. He was a key member of the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Championship team with driver Joey Logano.

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

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

Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway Competition Notes

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 22, 2024) – Layne Riggs and the No. 38 Infinity Communications Group Ford F-150 will make their home court debut this weekend at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

Coming off a 3rd-place finish at the North Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway, Riggs and the team look to carry the good momentum into the Charlotte Motor Speedway. With the momentum, the team will also debut a new chassis, chassis #200, and a new paint scheme for the Memorial Day weekend.

It will be a one day show for Riggs and the team. Practice and qualifying will take place Friday, May 24 at 1:30 p.m. ET. The North Carolina Education Lottery 200 is scheduled later that evening at 8:30 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the action live on FS1 or tune in from the Motor Racing Network and Sirius XM channel 90.

No. 38 Infinity Communications Group Ford F-150:

DRIVER LAYNE RIGGS:

“I’m feeling confident going into Charlotte. We’re actually bringing a brand-new truck this weekend, so I’m excited to see how it runs. We haven’t had the best season up to this point, but with our 3rd place finish at North Wilkesboro, I think we can carry that good momentum into this weekend. We have a great scheme for this race. I think it’s awesome that Infinity Communications is honoring not only our veterans around the world, but their very own employees who are also veterans. It adds a special touch to the weekend.”

CREW CHIEF DYLAN CAPPELLO:

“I like where we are at as a team. It feels like a turning point. Like Layne (Riggs) said, we’re debuting a new truck that I think will help us close the gap on the mile-and-a-halfs. We put together a clean race last week and with that momentum, I think we can put together another one.”

ABOUT FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Front Row Motorsports (FRM) is a winning organization in the NASCAR Cup and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series. The team is the 2021 Daytona 500 and 2022 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champions. The team was founded in 2004 and is owned by successful entrepreneur, Bob Jenkins. FRM fields the No. 34 and the No. 38 NASCAR Cup Series teams along with the No. 38 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series team from its Mooresville, N.C. headquarters. Visit teamfrm.com and follow FRM on social media: Twitter at @Team_FRM, Instagram at @team_frm and Facebook at facebook.com/FrontRowMotorsports.

Moffitt Tells Story Through Ozzy’s Truck On-Track at Charlotte

 SALISBURY, N.C. (May 22, 2024) — Thad Moffitt, Customers Bank, and Faction46 will partner together this Memorial Day weekend to bring attention to veteran suicide through the story of Jeffrey “Ozzy” Otzwirk, the inspiration behind, https://ozzystruck.com/. Ozzy’s Truck tells an all-too-common theme of our heroes taking their lives by suicide after serving our country. However, it also provides education and a place for race fans to contribute donations to help prevent further tragedies.

Moffitt, Customers Bank and Faction46 will feature the Ozzy’s Truck logo on the No. 46 Chevrolet Silverado during Friday night’s running of the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at the Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway as Moffitt and the team bring awareness to the truck and its purpose.

Ozzy’s truck is a 1983 Chevrolet Scottsdale that the Otzwirk family donated to country artist and Ozzy’s best friend while serving in the Navy, Jared Ashley. Ashley then partnered with Petty’s Garage and Moffitt to restore and to bring awareness for veteran suicide. Moffitt, today, continues to work on the restoration himself and is proud to support the effort.

“Memorial Day and Memorial Day weekend is about remembering and honoring those who served,” said Moffitt. “Ozzy’s truck and his story has really become special to me, and I am proud to help restore his truck. It was shocking to learn that veterans who served have such a higher rate of suicide. We need to raise awareness and money to help prevent that and get more education and awareness. That is what Customers Bank and Faction46 are trying to do this week.”

Moffitt, Faction46, and their robust social media and digital platforms will promote https://ozzystruck.com/ throughout the remainder of the week and weekend. Ashley is proud to see his friend remembered and honored by the team.

“This is special for all of us involved,” said Ashley. “This project is powered by Operation Positive Vibes, OPV, created by me and Richard Reyes. Reyes supported the transport of Ozzy’s truck from Montana to Level Cross where it is currently being restored to bring awareness to the cause. Richard and I are very proud to be a part of this project with Thad, Petty’s Garage and now Faction46 and Customers Bank. We are looking forward to seeing this project on the track.”

Customers Bank, a cornerstone partner of Faction46 and Moffitt in his rookie year in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck, is aligned with this week’s mission as they, too, are proud supporters of our American heroes.

“Veteran suicide is a national tragedy,” declared Customers Bank Executive Chair Jay Sidhu. “By some estimates, 22 US veterans take their own lives each day; more than 30,000 individuals in the last 20 years — more than four times as many as those killed in action during that span. In each case, a family is damaged forever by the loss; a full community is impacted. Customers Bank is proud to join Faction46, Thad Moffitt, Petty’s Garage and 16 Creative to support the Ozzy’s Truck project raising awareness to this critical issue.”

Fans can follow the story of Ozzy’s truck online at https://ozzystruck.com/ and through social media on Twitter (@pettysgarage), Instagram (@pettysgarage), and Facebook.

Moffitt will race Friday night at 8:30 p.m. live on FS1.

About Faction46

Competing in their first season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Faction46 is focused on building speed and maintaining a family atmosphere with driver Thad Moffitt. The new Faction46 team can be found online at www.faction46.com and on social media on Twitter (@TeamFaction46), Instagram (@TeamFaction46), TikTok (@TeamFaction46), and on Facebook and YouTube.

NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE ADVANCE: CHARLOTTE MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Race: North Carolina Education 200 (134 laps / 201 miles) | Race 11 of 23
Track: Charlotte Motor Speedway
Location: Concord, North Carolina
Date & Time: Friday, May 24th | 8:30 PM ET
Tune-In: FOX Sports 1 | Motor Racing Network (MRN) | Sirius XM Ch. 90

No. 41 Foundation for Pops Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Bayley Currey | Crew Chief: Mike Hillman, Jr.
Bayley Currey
@BayleyCurrey
@BayleyCurrey05

• Currey’s Charlotte Stats: Bayley Currey has made a total of four Truck Series starts at Charlotte Motor Speedway, earning a best finish of 13th place in last year’s race. He has also made three Xfinity Series starts at this track, producing a best finish of 15th in 2022. In 2019, Currey made a start in the Coca-Cola 600 which was cut short due to a crash.
• Hillman’s Charlotte Stats: In 17 Charlotte Truck Series races on top of the pit box, Mike Hillman, Jr. has secured four top-five results. Two of those were runner-up finishes – first with Todd Bodine in 2010, and most recently with Kyle Busch in 2018. Notably, Hillman scored a pole in the 2013 event while working with driver, Jeb Burton. He has also called six NASCAR Xfinity Series races here, including two top-10 finishes with a best result of seventh (Brandon Jones, 2016) along with one Cup Series start in 2014.
• On the Truck: Currey’s No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from Foundation for Pops, a charitable organization founded by DQS Solutions & Staffing CEO, Josh Morris. Foundation for Pops was created to assist homeless veterans by giving them resources to live more prosperous lives.
• Family Ties to the Military: Bayley’s grandfather, G.C. Waters, fought in the U.S. Navy as a 2nd gunners mate on the USS Guadalcanal escort carrier in World War II.
• Recapping North Wilkesboro: Currey started his weekend off on a high note at North Wilkesboro by placing fourth in practice. With qualifying rained out, Currey was relegated to a 19th-place starting position. Fighting a tight handling condition, the No. 41 slipped to 24th at the conclusion of stage one before the rain washed all activity out in postponement for Sunday. Fighting for track position, Currey worked his way up to 20th in stage two, and made up one more position at the end to finish 19th.
• Points Rundown: Following the 19th-place finish in North Wilkesboro, Currey slid one spot back in the points standings to 15th. Entering Charlotte, he is four points behind Jake Garcia in 14th and 50 points below the Playoffs cutline holder, Tanner Gray.
• Quoting Currey: What are some of the most challenging characteristics about racing in Charlotte?

“The bumps in turn three, no doubt. Those seem to always get worse every time I race at Charlotte, but in reality, they’re probably still the same. You just have to be able to get through those and maintain speed. Charlotte is one of the few mile-and-a-half tracks in a truck where you’ll have a lot of off-throttle time, so that’s fun. I’m looking forward to that.”

• Quoting Hillman: How much does Charlotte change from practice in the day to racing at night?

“Charlotte is one of those places that can be two completely different racetracks from day to night. You use the daytime to set your heights and let your driver get into a rhythm, but then you have to take some pretty big swings at it to get everything ready to race well at night.”
Foundation for Pops Mission Statement: Foundation for Pops aims to empower people experiencing homelessness and veterans through education, resource development, assistance, and supportive services to enhance their economic mobility and secure quality, affordable housing.

DQS Solutions & Staffing Mission Statement: The core mission of DQS Solutions & Staffing is to attain unparalleled excellence in our specialized domains, specifically staffing and security. Simultaneously, we maintain the flexibility required to collaborate closely with our clients in the creation of innovative products and services within the framework of DQS.

No. 42 J.F. Electric / Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Jon Leonard
Matt Mills Racing
@MattMillsRacing
@MattMillsRacing

• Mills’ Charlotte Stats: Matt Mills has started three Truck Series races held at Charlotte, posting a best finish of 24th in 2017. Mills also made four Xfinity Series starts here, finishing a highest of 20th in 2022. He did not compete at this track last season.
• Leonard’s Charlotte Stats: Jon Leonard has called two NCTS races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, both of which resulted in top-10 finishes with driver, Stewart Friesen. Friesen’s best run with Leonard on the box was a fourth-place finish in 2021.
• On the Truck: Mills’ No. 42 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from longtime partners J.F. Electric and Utilitra.
• Family Ties to the Military: Matt’s father, Jamie Mills, is a Recon Marine veteran who served in the Special Operations Forces while fighting in Desert Storm.
• Recapping North Wilkesboro: Mills started in 15th at North Wilkesboro due to the cancelation of time trials. Mills and the No. 42 team fought tight handling conditions which dropped them to 21st at the conclusion of stage one. When the race resumed on Sunday, Mills dropped to 27th at the end of stage two, but the crew made huge swings on the setup. The adjustments worked out well, and Mills ended the race in the 18th position.
• Points Rundown: For the third week in a row, Matt Mills gained a spot in the points standings. Now shown in the top-25, Mills is only three points behind his nearest competitor, Lawless Alan, who is 24th in points.
• Quoting Mills: Does Al Niece’s military background make you more appreciative to race for him this weekend?

“Yeah, for sure. You know, Charlotte has always been one of my favorite racetracks, and we’ll be going there with our J.F. Electric red, white, and blue colors. I think my truck looks very patriotic this year, so to have that connection with Al as a Marine veteran as well as my dad, that military aspect is very cool to me. It’s definitely one that I’ve had on my list because it’s always a very special race for us.”

• Quoting Leonard: Does having a few recent intermediate races before this week give you a good sense of direction on where the program is?

“Yeah, I think you use Vegas, Texas, Kansas, and even Darlington to maintain a similar setup on the mile-and-a-half tracks like Charlotte. We basically use the same box of a package and try to see where our aero balance is at. It’s all about what you need when tires fall off and trying to figure out how to meld all those together to figure out what the best package is. It all ends up being very similar at these tracks, varying slightly depending on how much track position matters compared to tire falloff.”

About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.

About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

No. 45 R.D.C. Shoe Company Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Kaden Honeycutt | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Kaden Honeycutt Racing
@KadenWHoneycutt
@KadenHoneycutt10

• Honeycutt Returns: After stepping out of the No. 45 Chevrolet for the past two races with Ross Chastain taking over the driving duties, Kaden Honeycutt returns to make his fifth start of the season for Niece Motorsports. In Honeycutt’s last race at Kansas Speedway, he earned his best-career finish with a fourth-place result.
• Honeycutt’s Charlotte Stats: Kaden Honeycutt will make his first-career start at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Friday’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200.
• Gould’s Charlotte Stats: Phil Gould has two top-fives and four top-10 finishes in a total of five Truck Series starts at Charlotte. Gould’s personal-best result came in 2021 when Carson Hocevar finished in the runner-up spot, and last year, his team finished fourth. In 11 Xfinity Series races, Gould has one top-five and four top-10s with a best run of fifth (Brian Scott; Spring, 2014).
• On the Truck: Honeycutt’s No. 45 Chevrolet Silverado RST will race with support from R.D.C. Shoe Company. R.D.C. is owned by a disabled United States Marine Corps veteran who sells patriotic-designed tennis shoes to support Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, as well as foundations that support military heroes. In every box of shoes, a Medal of Honor recipient card is placed in the box that tells the story of that recipient.
• Family Ties to the Military: Kaden’s family has plenty of ties to the military. His paternal grandfather, Jimmy Honeycutt, served in the U.S. Air Force, and his maternal grandfather, Douglas Brown, along with his uncle, Kevin Honeycutt, both served in the U.S. Army.
• Tune-In: Honeycutt and team owner, Al Niece, will be featured in a pre-race interview during the showing of the NASCAR Race Day show on FS1 at approximately 8:15 PM ET before the race.
• Recapping North Wilkesboro: Ross Chastain and the No. 45 team experienced a rear gear pinion failure in the practice session on Friday afternoon, but the crew was able to make repairs and prep for the race. As the rain canceled qualifying, Chastain was slated to start the highest of the Niece Motorsports drivers in third. Chastain fought for the lead in stage one, but later dropped to 11th with varying strategies. The loss of track position hurt the No. 45 team, and they dropped to 19th at the end of stage two. A late pit stop helped the team gain some positions to finish in 15th place.
• Points Rundown: Despite running only a partial schedule, Kaden Honeycutt has stayed inside the top-25 in the driver points standings with only four starts. He currently sits in 23rd position, 11 points behind Mason Massey in 22nd.
• Owner Points Outlook: The No. 45 Niece Motorsports team dropped two positions in the owner points this week following their 15th-place finish in North Wilkesboro. Now shown in ninth, the team is eight points behind the No. 71 Spire Motorsports team. They are locked into the owner Playoffs by virtue of Ross Chastain’s victory in Darlington.
• Quoting Honeycutt: How much of a benefit has it been to lean off Ross Chastain over the past two weeks that you haven’t raced?

“I definitely have learned a lot from Ross. Him and I have had some great conversations that help validate why the truck handles a certain way. I haven’t raced at Charlotte before, but I know that our truck is going to be good. It’s the same one we raced with at Kansas, and Phil and the guys have been really good here the last three years, so it’s up to me to learn how to go fast out there. I need to be able to give the right info we need to make the right adjustments and have a shot to win it.”

• Quoting Gould: Why is Kaden’s versatility in racing different vehicles so important in the Truck Series?

“I think that definitely helps him. He studies a lot, and he’s always in the game. Really, he’s fast in anything he drives, so I don’t expect Charlotte to be any different. I’ve always thought that Charlotte has ben really similar to Darlington, and we’ve had a good history there. Our setup should be good, and I think he’ll be quick at adapting to it, so hopefully he can go out there on Friday night and have a good run.”

About R.D.C. Shoe Company:

R.D.C. Shoe Company is a disabled veteran-owned company that produces and sells patriotic tennis shoes. Founded after the September 11th attacks in 2001, R.D.C. was created to bring patriotism to consumers by offering uniquely-designed shoes draped in the stars and stripes of the American flag. Every purchase arrives in a commemorative shoe box accompanied with a card that tells the story of a Medal of Honor recipient. A portion of all sales proceeds is given back to charitable organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers. These organizations include the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, the Woody Williams Foundation, Wreaths Across America, Special Operations Wounded Warriors, Warrior Rising, Folds of Honor, and Ree Medical. To learn more, please visit www.RDCShoes.com.
About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR Craftsman 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 X @NieceMotorsport.

Mexico City Native to Make NCTS Debut at World Wide Technology Raceway

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (May 21, 2024) – Today, Spire Motorsports announced it has signed 19-year-old ARCA Menards Series points leader Andres Perez to pilot the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado for the June 1 Toyota 200 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series (NCTS) race at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Perez is the full-time driver of Rev Racing’s No. 2 Chevrolet in the ARCA Menards Series and is part of NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Driver Development Program. He has earned one top-five and three top-10 finishes in the division’s first five races of the 2024 campaign and has a one-point advantage heading into the division’s next stop at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Herdez Brand, Wholly Guacamole, Doña Maria and Telcel will all be featured aboard Perez’s No. 7 Chevy Silverado for his NCTS debut.

“I am very thankful and excited for the opportunity to make my NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series debut with a team like Spire Motorsports, driving the No. 7 Chevrolet at World Wide Technology Raceway,” said Perez. “Having Herdez Brand involved in the project makes it even better, especially with all the racing background Herdez has in both USA and Mexico and even in my dad’s racing career. That gives me extra motivation to represent my partners, team and country as best as I can. I’m fully committed to making this chance count and I’m really looking forward to the race.”

The Mexico City, Mexico native started racing karts when he was 11-years-old before transitioning to L-A Formula 4 and NASCAR Mexico Trucks competition. Perez is the 2022 NASCAR Mexico Challenge Series Champion and has 26 ARCA Menards Series starts on his resume.

He earned 10 top-five finishes in 2023 and finished second in the division’s championship point standings in his first full season competing at the national level.

“Andres Perez is a very capable young driver and we’re looking forward to seeing how he does behind the wheel of Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado,” said Spire Motorsports president Doug Duchardt. “This is an exciting opportunity for Spire Motorsports to work with a rising star in NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity Program and we think Andres has shown the potential to take the next logical step in the progression of his career. He’ll have the benefit of Brian Pattie calling the shots and a veteran team behind him so we’re confident he’s going to have everything he needs to make the most of the opportunity.”

The Toyota 200 from World Wide Technology Raceway will be televised live on FOX Saturday, June 1 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The12th of 23 NCTS races on the 2024 schedule will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

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

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

Salisbury, NC (May 20, 2024) – Niece Motorsports officials announced today a partnership with Foundation for Pops and Bayley Currey for the NASCAR Truck Series event held on Memorial Day weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Currey’s No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado RST will feature a patriotic design in Friday’s North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Covered in camouflage, his Foundation for Pops truck carries red, white, and blue accents along with stars down the side. Amidst a current bid for the NCTS Playoffs, Currey runs 15th in the points standings, not far below the cutoff line.

Foundation For Pops is a charitable organization founded by DQS Solutions & Staffing CEO, Josh Morris, who built the nonprofit in honor of his grandfather, Lloyd “Pops” Matthews. Matthews served in the United States military during the Vietnam war, but upon returning from service he was faced with the challenges of being a homeless veteran.

Morris’ vision for the organization was to help the tens of thousands of veterans in situations similar to his grandfather’s. The organization provides support through monetary, time and goods donations, which it especially welcomes during this Memorial Day holiday. By setting up Foundation for Pops, Morris and his team aim to empower veterans and those experiencing homelessness through education, resources, and supportive services, helping them to live more prosperous lives.

Foundation for Pops takes a thoughtful approach on these difficult circumstances through their “Revive in 5 Program” which determines the following on each unique situation: needs assessment, tailoring an action plan, personal development, job placement, and financial capability & housing. By focusing on their core values of positive mindset, empowerment, respect, innovation, and community collaboration, the Foundation’s goal is to be seen as a beacon of hope for veterans across the nation.

“I saw the difficulties and distress my great-grandfather endured after his days in the military,” Morris said. “When he returned from the war, he got a job as a police officer, but he was unable to stay clean and eventually ended up homeless. Our goal is to provide at-risk veterans the services and support they need to get a fresh start.”

“Supporting my fellow veterans is incredibly important to me. Having seen their challenges firsthand, being able to be a guiding light for them is not just fulfilling—it’s a true honor,” said Lakesha Hancock, Executive Director of Foundation for Pops.

Niece Motorsports team owner, Al Niece, is a former Marine who, similar to Lloyd “Pops” Matthews, also fought in the Vietnam war. Throughout his life, Niece has made several contributions of his own to those in the military, keeping his dedication as a pillar of his success in both the equipment and motorsports industries.

“As a Marine and Vietnam veteran, the United States military has meant so much to me.” said Niece. “To be able to honor our service members through this race team is a really special experience for me. I’m so appreciative of all the organizations that support our military members and their families. We are excited to have Foundation for Pops on Bayley’s truck this weekend. The work they’re doing to look after our veterans is important, and we are proud to highlight that.”

DQS Solutions & Staffing, also known as Detroit Quality Staffing, announced their partnership with Currey and Niece Motorsports in December through a collaboration with Precision Vehicle Logistics, AutoVentive, and Masked Owl Technologies. DQS will support Currey’s efforts at the following races this year: Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24th, World Wide Technology Raceway on June 1st, Nashville Superspeedway on June 28th, Kansas Speedway on September 27th, Talladega Superspeedway on October 4th, Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 26th, and Martinsville Speedway on November 1st.

“I think what DQS is doing with the Foundation for Pops is such a great initiative.” said Currey. There are so many veterans that go over and fight for our freedom in this country, but it’s sad to see how many come back missing their sense of purpose. The resources that the Foundation gives these veterans can help make a big difference in their lives. When we race on Memorial Day weekend in Charlotte, our sport does such a fantastic job at making tributes and honoring our military. I’m proud to represent this cause on this special weekend, and hope our team can help spread as much awareness as we can for them.”

To support the Foundation for Pops cause, please call 1-833-POPS-111 or visit their website, www.foundationforpops.org. Learn more about DQS Solutions & Staffing online at www.dqstaff.com.

Foundation for Pops Mission Statement: Foundation for Pops aims to empower people experiencing homelessness and veterans through education, resource development, assistance, and supportive services to enhance their economic mobility and secure quality, affordable housing.

DQS Solutions & Staffing Mission Statement: The core mission of DQS Solutions & Staffing is to attain unparalleled excellence in our specialized domains, specifically staffing and security. Simultaneously, we maintain the flexibility required to collaborate closely with our clients in the creation of innovative products and services within the framework of DQS.

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN 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 X @NieceMotorsport.

HEIM SCORES THIRD TRUCK SERIES WIN OF SEASON
Leads Race-High 66 Laps in TRICON Garage Tundra TRD Pro at North Wilkesboro

NORTH WILKESBORO, N.C. (May 19, 2024) – Corey Heim scored the victory in Sunday’s rain-delayed NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at North Wilkesboro Speedway to notch his third win of the season. Heim led twice for a race-high 66 laps (of 250) in the TRICON Garage No. 11 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.

Late Model racer Brenden Queen finished fourth at North Wilkesboro in his first-career Truck Series start behind the wheel of the TRICON Garage No. 1 Tundra TRD Pro, while Stewart Friesen also earned a top-10 result for Toyota with a 10^th-place finish.

Toyota Racing Post-Race Recap
NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series
North Wilkesboro Speedway
Race 10 of 23 – 250 Laps, 156.25 Miles

TOYOTA FINISHING POSITIONS

1st, COREY HEIM
2nd, Grant Enfinger*
3rd, Layne Riggs *
4th, BRENDEN QUEEN
5th, Sammy Smith*
10th, STEWART FRIESEN
13th, TAYLOR GRAY
16th, TANNER GRAY
26th, TIMMY HILL
27th, DEAN THOMPSON
*non-Toyota driver

TOYOTA QUOTES

COREY HEIM, No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 1st

Was there any point where this win was in doubt for you other than when your truck was under water yesterday?

“That was crazy. Definitely a crazy weekend with the weather and whatnot, but I knew since practice that we had the speed. I can’t say enough about these TRICON Garage guys. What a truck, what a weekeend. I knew we had potential from practice and we put it all together and executed great today. So, a huge thank you to them, Safelite and Toyota Racing for everything.”

How proud are you of this team and the performance level of your Tundra today?

“Honestly, I was dissapointed because I thought it was going to be more single groove and sure enough the repave actually was great. We could move around and yeah, it was a lot of fun. Obviously, this truck was phenomonal. Huge thank you to TRICON Garage and Toyota Racing for everything. Our Safelite Tundra TRD Pro was so good today. Hats off to everyone with the repave. I think it raced a lot better than last year. Glad to come here and get a win.”

Were you surprised by the racing today and was it fun today?

“Yeah, really I thought it was going to be go to the bottom and hang on kind of a deal. But we actually moved around a lot and you had to find the grip so that’s what short track racing is all about and I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Is this a statement win for your team as you push toward the Playoffs?

“Yeah, I think so. It should be three in a row for us. We led every lap last week before we got wrecked. Just can’t say enough about TRICON Garage. These trucks week in and week out were so good and just can’t do it without that speed.”

BRENDEN QUEEN, No. 1 Best Repair Company Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, TRICON Garage

Finishing Position: 4th

What are your emotions and thoughts on what you accomplished here today?

“Oh man, I just can’t believe it. We got that speeding penalty and I thought I was conservative on the lights and it just got us – rookie mistake. I told them – well, you know what, congrats to the teammate (Corey Heim). That’s awesome, he gets to go and ride the lift and I know what that feels like. I told the team I was going to get them back in contention and we did.”

Can you describe the racing at the end of the race?

“Just dirty air made it hard on the right front. But in clean air, I felt like we had one of the fastest trucks, man. Seth (Smith, crew chief) and all these boys right here, they’re the reason I finished here, it ain’t me. It’s this TRICON Toyota Tundra, everybody at TRD, Best Repair Company, everybody.”

What was this experience like today?

“Man, this is what I worked for my whole life and never knew if I’d get this opoprtunity. First off, huge thanks to TRICON Garage, everybody at Toyota, TRD, TPC (Toyota Performance Center) for giving me this chance. TRICON Garage brought a fast, fast Best Company Toyota Tundra and I was just lucky to drive it. Got to thank the man above for keeping us all safe. I just never knew if I would get this opportunity. “Butterbean” Nation has stuck with me as you can see. I’m just blessed, man, and I just hope that I can turn this into some more opportunities. I love racing my Late Model, but this is my dream to get to the next level. I hated to put my team in that box with that penalty and I told them, ‘We’re going to get back to the front one way or another.’ And, they deserve it. Those guys at the shop, they put the hours in and that’s why this truck is fast. I’m just the lucky guy that gets to hold the wheel.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our nearly 1,500 dealerships. 

Toyota directly employs more than 49,000 people in the U.S. who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of more than 34 million cars and trucks at our nine manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 10th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 28 electrified options.

Through its Driving Possibilities initiative, the Toyota USA Foundation has committed to creating innovative educational programs within, and in partnership with, historically underserved and diverse communities near the company’s U.S. operating sites.

For more information about Toyota, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.

NIECE MOTORSPORTS
NCTS RACE RECAP: NORTH WILKESBORO SPEEDWAY
Race: Wright Brand 250 (250 laps / 156.25 miles) | Race 10 of 23
Track: North Wilkesboro Speedway
Location: North Wilkesboro, North Carolina
Date & Time: Saturday, May 18th | 1:30 PM ET
Resumed: Sunday, May 19th | 11:30 AM ET

No. 41 AutoVentive / Precision Vehicle Logistics Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Bayley Currey | Crew Chief: Mike Hillman, Jr.
Bayley Currey
@BayleyCurrey
@BayleyCurrey05
Start: 19th
Stage 1: 24th
Stage 2: 20th
Finish: 19th
Driver Points: 15th
Owner Points: 19th

• Key Takeaway: Bayley Currey started off his weekend on a high note at North Wilkesboro as the driver of the No. 41 Chevrolet finished fourth in practice. With qualifying rained out, Currey was relegated to a 19th-place starting position. Fighting a tight handling condition, the No. 41 slipped to 24th at the conclusion of stage one before the rain washed all activity out in postponement for Sunday. Fighting for track position, Currey worked his way up to 20th in stage two, and made up one more position at the end to finish 19th.
• Bayley Currey’s Post-Race Thoughts: “We got our No. 41 Chevy better throughout the day. When we started off yesterday, we were super tight. Our team made a lot of adjustments and got it driving better – maybe we went even too far there at the end. It was just a long day for us. Really hard to pass, there were a bunch of different strategies, and it was track position over tires. We took tires at the end thinking it would come to us, but we were just too free to fire off. It is what it is; I think we learned some things for when we come back next year, and we’ll keep digging.”
• About AutoVentive: AutoVentive is an industry-leading Software as a Service (SaaS) applications developer providing customized solutions to the automotive logistics industry. The company is part of Liberty Hill Equity Partners, LLC, a Cincinnati-based private equity firm.
• About Precision Vehicle Logistics: Precision Vehicle Logistics is a customer-focused group of professionals committed to service excellence in finished vehicle logistics. Precision offers a unique combination of talented experience, industry-leading software and systems, and a network of partners and resources to deliver customized solutions to the world’s leading automakers.

No. 42 J.F. Electric / Utilitra Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Matt Mills | Crew Chief: Jon Leonard
Matt Mills Racing
@MattMillsRacing
@MattMillsRacing
Start: 15th
Stage 1: 21st
Stage 2: 27th
Finish: 18th
Driver Points: 25th
Owner Points: 28th

• Key Takeaway: Matt Mills made his first-career start at North Wilkesboro, starting in 15th due to the cancelation of time trials. Mills and the No. 42 team fought similar, tight handling conditions like their teammates on the No. 41 crew, dropping to 21st at the conclusion of stage one. When the race resumed on Sunday, Mills dropped to 27th at the end of stage two, but the crew made huge swings on the setup. The adjustments worked out well, and Mills ended the race in the 18th position.
• Matt Mills’ Post-Race Thoughts: “Our day started off about the same as it did yesterday with it being greasy and we couldn’t get going with us fighting for grip until the rubber came in. Kind of the same today; It took a while for the rubber to come in I thought, but once it did, the truck started gradually coming to us. We mostly had a tight truck all day long. What really made the difference there was when Jon (Leonard) told us to come down for four tires at that last caution. We knew we weren’t going to have great track position, but we took that risk and took the tires, and it worked out. Those helped us drive back up through the field to 18th. It’s another day to build on; we have a slightly tore up truck, but nothing too bad. I learned a lot today, and it was fun.”
• About J.F. Electric: J.F. Electric is an electrical contractor that provides engineering expertise, backed by construction and installation know-how in a diverse range of service offerings, from utilities and commercial projects, to industrial and telecommunications customers. When having a long family history in an industry, a company not only builds on its knowledge and experience, it takes pride in cultivating a solid understanding of client needs, all the while nurturing strong relationships with its employees. Evolving through five generations of the Fowler family, J.F. Electric has matured into a well-managed and thoughtfully diversified electrical contractor which is poised to continue its growth and expansion into the future.
• About Utilitra: Utilitra is a woman-owned firm specializing in utility and technology solutions with a diverse team of specialized professionals. Utilitra is committed to solving their client’s unique challenges, whether one expert or a team of experts is needed. By adapting to the needs of their respective industries, Utilitra has built a range of services for their utility and technology partners.

No. 45 N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program Chevrolet Silverado RST
Driver: Ross Chastain | Crew Chief: Phil Gould
Ross Chastain
@RossChastain
@RossChastain
Start: 3rd
Stage 1: 11th
Stage 2: 19th
Finish: 15th
Driver Points: N/A
Owner Points: 9th

• Key Takeaway: Ross Chastain and the No. 45 team experienced a rear gear pinion failure in the practice session on Friday afternoon, but the crew was able to make repairs and prep for the race. As the rain canceled qualifying, Chastain was slated to start the highest of the Niece Motorsports drivers in third. Chastain fought for the lead in stage one, but later dropped to 11th with varying strategies. The loss of track position hurt the No. 45 team, and they dropped to 19th at the end of stage two. A late pit stop helped the team gain some positions to finish in 15th place.
• Ross Chastain’s Post-Race Thoughts: “We struggled with balance all weekend, it felt like we were chattering the front tires the whole way. There were times where we were loose enough to be competitive, but still it seemed like we missed something fundamentally that kept us from competing. It’s a new track with a fresh repave on it, so we’ll learn and be better next time.”
• About the North Carolina Governor’s Highway Safety Program: Dedicated to reducing the numbers of traffic crashes and fatalities in North Carolina, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program promotes efforts to reduce traffic crashes in North Carolina and promotes highway safety awareness through a variety of grants and safe-driving initiatives.

These grants as well as initiatives – like Click It or Ticket, Booze It & Lose It, BikeSafe NC, Watch For Me NC and Speed a Little. Lose a Lot. – help address issues such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, distracted driving, motorcycle safety, bicycle safety, pedestrian safety and other aspects of highway safety.

GHSP also helps fund North Carolina’s Vision Zero initiative, which is working to meet the goal of zero deaths on the state’s roadways through community involvement and data-driven safety interventions.

About Niece Motorsports:
Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece. In 2024, Niece Motorsports enters its ninth season in the NASCAR Craftsman 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 X @NieceMotorsport.

Ford Performance Notes and Quotes
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
Wright Brand 250 | Sunday, May 19, 2024

Ford Finishing Results:
3rd – Layne Riggs
11th – Ty Majeski
20th – Matt Crafton
21st – Jake Garcia
22nd – Ben Rhodes
30th – Lawless Alan
33rd – Josh Reaume
35th – Conner Jones

LAYNE RIGGS, No. 38 Infinity Communications Group Ford F-150 – “We did a great job considering no qualifying and we had to start at the back. My crew chief did a great job getting some track position and he did his math to realize that we didn’t need to pit for tires. We had a really good truck today. I fought really tight at the end and we pitted so early on in the race that we didn’t really have a chance to adjust it later on and the track changed, so it definitely got a lot tighter than we thought it was gonna be. It was a great job by everybody from Front Row Motorsports and thanks to Infinity Communications for being on board, Ford Performance and this Ford F-150. It was great day for us. We really needed this confidence-booster.”

THIS TIES YOUR BEST FINISH FROM IRP LAST YEAR. “We really needed this run today. We’ve really been in a drought and we just needed a good, solid finish for once. We had a third or fourth place truck and we finished third and that’s what we needed to do. The pit crew did a good job all day. My crew chief did a good job taking no tires. We really, really deserved this finish, so it’s a great confidence-booster for us.”

YOU HELD YOUR OWN UP FRONT. “We did. The truck was really tight, but track position was just worth so much. The top groove was so strong. It was hard to make a pass on the bottom, so my short track experience definitely paid off and made the most of it.”

JAKE GARCIA, No. 13 Quanta Services Ford F-150 – “It was a really good day for us. The last two weeks have been really good weeks, but we just haven’t had a finish. We were running third with seven to go last week and got crashed. This week, we led laps and ran up front all day, but then we had a tire going down there at the end. That really hurts. If the race was 50 laps shorter, maybe the tire doesn’t go down and we would have had a shot to win it. That’s all I can ask for. I really enjoy working with Rich. I feel if we keep improving like we are and keep bringing quick trucks to the race track, we can get us a win here pretty soon.”

HOW DID IT FEEL TO LEAD YOUR FIRST LAPS IN THE TRUCK SERIES? “It was really good to lead my first laps. I’m glad my first laps led weren’t because of some crazy fuel strategy or green flag pit stops. It felt good. It shows what we’ve got in the 13 group here, and I think if we keep bringing good trucks like this, we can definitely get a win this year.”