Category: Truck Series PR

ISM Raceway 150 | ISM Raceway Race Advance
Team: No. 45 CarShield Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Ross Chastain
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @RossChastain

Ross Chastain on Racing at Phoenix: “We had a solid points day at Martinsville, which has hopefully put us in a good position heading into this week’s race,” said Chastain.  “We saw in Martinsville that no one is safe; so, we are going to do everything we can to have a solid race, stay out of trouble, and put this CarShield Chevrolet in contention for the win.”

The Playoffs: Chastain enters Friday’s race third in the driver point standings, 20 points ahead of fifth place.  Following the race at ISM Raceway, the playoff field will be trimmed to four drivers that will compete for the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

So far this season, Chastain has led the most laps; over 100 more than the next closest competitor.  In addition, Chastain has the most stage wins with seven; two more than the next closest competitor.

Chastain at Phoenix: Friday’s race will mark Chastain’s third NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series start (NGOTS) start at ISM Raceway.  In 2013, Chastain earned the pole and led 63 laps on his way to a second-place finish.

Chastain has nine NASCAR XFINITY Series starts at ISM Raceway, dating back to 2015.

In addition, Chastain has three Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at ISM Raceway.

On the Truck: CarShield continues to support Chastain and the No. 45 Chevrolet.

CarShield visited victory lane with Chastain and the No. 45 team earlier this year at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

Headquartered in Saint Peters, Mo., CarShield offers vehicle service contracts designed to pick up where automobile owners’ existing warranty drops off and to fill gaps in coverage. CarShield was founded in 2005 by principals Nick Hamilton, Mark Travis, and Rick Brettelle and specializes in shielding its members from the high cost of automobile repairs by offering a wide range of flexible vehicle service plans.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece.  In 2019, Niece Motorsports enters its fourth season in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors 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.

AVONDALE, Ariz.: With just two races left in his rookie NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) season, Young’s Motorsports driver Gus Dean (@gusdean) is prepared to end the season on a high note beginning with Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 at ISM (Ariz.) Raceway.

Dean, a native of Bluffton, S.C. has never been to the 1.0-mile track in the heart of Phoenix, Ariz. – but the two-time ARCA Menards Series winner is leaning on his team and the advice of two-time Truck Series champion Todd Bodine to make his inaugural start at ISM Raceway a memorable one.

“I can’t believe there are just two races left in the Truck Series,” said Dean. “I’ve learned a lot this year and I’ll continue to learn even more competing at a track I’ve never been to.”

“Luckily, I’ve studied film and photography while also getting some tips from Todd Bodine and I’ll be able to lean on my truck owner Tyler (Young) who has raced at ISM Raceway before during practice.”

With the penultimate race on deck for the 24-year-old, Dean enters his 22nd career Truck Series race with momentum on his side following a strong top-15 finish in the most recent race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway two weeks ago.

After qualifying inside the top-20, Dean raced his way inside the top-10 – climbing to as high as seventh before being spun out in the final 10 laps of the race. The rookie recovered in spectacular fashion racing from 19th to 14th in the final two laps of the race.

“Even though we don’t always have the results to show for it, we’ve had a strong second half of the season,” added Dean. “Talladega we had an opportunity to get into Victory Lane and got turned with a few laps to go.

“At Martinsville, we were patient and let the race come to us and moved ourselves inside the top-10 before short track aggression took over and drivers began using their bumpers too much.

“Luckily, we were able to bounce back and have a lot of positives to carry us to Phoenix this weekend and Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 15.”

LG Air Conditioning Technologies and Baker Distributing return for their seventh sponsored race of the 2019 season in Friday night’s 150-lap rumble.

“We’ve had a lot of exposure with Baker Distributing and LG this season and I want to continue that at ISM Raceway this weekend,” added Dean. “The best way to do that is finding our way to the front.

“It’s going to be a competitive field this weekend, but I have confidence in my crew chief Pickle (Ryan Loudon) that we can get our No. 12 LG Air Conditioning Technologies Chevrolet Silverado dialed in to be a contender when it counts most.

“It’s a short race so if our truck isn’t dialed in during the first stage, we’ll have to work on it to make sure we can take advantage of the other two stages to be a contending truck.

“We’re going to have a lot of guests at the next two races, so we just need to stay focused and hope when the checkered flag falls – everyone is satisfied with our finish!”
For more on Gus Dean, please visit his GusDean.com or like him on Facebook.

Dean tweets too. Follow him on Twitter @GusDean.

To learn more about LG Air Conditioning Technologies, please visit lghvac.com.

For more on Baker Distributing Company, please visit bakerdist.com.

For more information on Young’s Motorsports, please visit YoungsMotorsports.com, follow @youngsmtrsports on Twitter, @youngsmotorsports on Instagram and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/YoungsMotorsports.

The Lucas Oil 150 (150 laps | 150 miles) is the 22nd of 23 races on the 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series schedule. Practice begins on Fri., Nov. 8 from 8:05 a.m. – 8:55 a.m. A final practice has been etched in from 9:35 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. Qualifying is set for later in the day beginning at 3:05 p.m. The 32-truck field will take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Mountain).

About LG Electronics USA Air Conditioning Technologies:
The LG Electronics USA Air Conditioning Technologies business (lghvac.com) is based in Alpharetta, Ga. LG is a leading player in the global air conditioning market, manufacturing both commercial and residential air conditioners and providing total sustainability and building management solutions.

From consumer and individual units to industrial and specialized air conditioning systems, LG provides a wide range of products for heating, ventilating and air conditioning.

About Baker Distributing Company:
Founded in 1945, Baker Distributing Company (bakerdist.com) is engaged in the sales and distribution of HVAC, refrigeration and food service, equipment, parts and supplies for residential and commercial applications.

With over 200 locations in 22 states, each Baker Distributing Sales Center is staffed by the most knowledgeable and customer service-oriented people in our industry. With a complete inventory of HVAC/R products and technical assistance, our Sales Centers can provide you with the products and information you need to make your job and you more efficient.

Track: ISM Raceway, 1.022 mile paved-oval
Race: 22 of 23
Event: Lucas Oil 150 (150 laps, 150 miles)

Entries:
No. 5 Dylan Lupton
No. 7 Tanner Gray
No. 15 Anthony Alfredo
No. 17 Tyler Ankrum
No. 54 Natalie Decker

Schedule:
Friday, November 8
10:05 a.m…………Practice
11:35 a.m…………Final Practice
5:05 p.m…………Qualifying (FS1)
6:30 p.m…………Race (FS1)
(all times ET)
Dylan Lupton, No. 5 Shreddy Toyota Tundra

Dylan Lupton will return to DGR-Crosley’s No. 5 Toyota Tundra this weekend as the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series heads west to ISM Raceway in Phoenix (Az.) Friday’s Lucas Oil 150 will mark Lupton’s fifth race of the season for DGR-Crosley.

Lupton will make his second career start at ISM Raceway this weekend in the NASCAR Gander Outdoor Truck Series. In his previous attempt, Lupton finished in the 19th position back in 2016. The 25-year-old is no stranger to the 1.0-mile dogleg oval with three previous starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In his four races with DGR-Crosley this season, Lupton has accumulated one top-five and three top-10 finishes.

Lupton announced earlier this week that lifestyle clothing brand Shreddy will be the primary sponsor on board the No. 5 Toyota Tundra for both ISM Raceway in Phoenix and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Lupton will have his regular team this weekend at ISM Raceway with his crew chief Blake Bainbridge leading the charge and Chris Monez guiding him from the spotter stand.

The 150 lap Lucas Oil 150 will be broadcast live on FS1 beginning at 8:30 p.m., ET on Friday, Nov. 8th.

Lupton on Phoenix: “I’m excited to get back behind the wheel this weekend at ISM Raceway. Even though I haven’t raced on the new layout, I’ve had a lot of solid runs at Phoenix in the past and hope to build on that with my DGR-Crosley team on Friday night. We have some momentum with our DGR-Crosley team coming off a top-10 finish at Las Vegas and we’re debuting our partnership with Shreddy Lyfe Clothing – so hopefully we can continue to keep going in the right direction and hopefully contend for a win on Friday night.”

Tanner Gray, No. 7 Honda Generators Toyota Tundra

Tanner Gray will make his second NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series start this weekend as the series heads to ISM Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz. Gray will welcome a new number to DGR-Crosley as he runs the No. 7 as the team’s fifth entry in the 150 lap race. Friday’s event will mark the first time that the team has entered five Tundras into competition since its inception in 2018.

Gray, a 20-year-old DGR-Crosley development driver, made his Truck Series debut last month at Martinsville Speedway. Despite his finishing result, after being wrecked on the last lap, Gray had a solid top-10 day going.

As with most tracks that Gray has visited this year while competing full-time in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, he will be making his first start on the one-mile track in Phoenix.

Gray will be sporting a new number on his Honda Generators Tundra at ISM Raceway and Homestead-Miami Speedway, but will have the same team that he’s worked with all season behind him. His Crew Chief, Seth Smith, entered this race with rookie driver Tyler Ankrum last season, where the pair went on to finish sixth.

The Lucas Oil 150 will be broadcast on FS1 on Friday, Nov. 8, with live coverage beginning at 8:30 p.m., ET.

Gray on Phoenix: “I’m really looking forward to racing at Phoenix this weekend. I was disappointed with our finish in Martinsville after having a strong run all day, but we are ready to move on and shoot for the finishes that we deserve. I definitely feel more confident behind the wheel now that I got my first race out of the way. You come into the series for the first time and everything is different. I know it’s going to be a tough race with it being a cutoff race for the Championship, but we are going to do our best to have a clean race and challenge those guys all day. Seth and my DGR-Crosley team brought Tyler [Ankrum] a really fast truck here last year, and they fared really well in that race — our goal is to do the same.”

Anthony Alfredo, No. 15 Steelsmith/JDRF Toyota Tundra

Anthony Alfredo will return to the seat of his No. 15 Steelssmith Toyota Tundra as the series will make their next to last stop of the 2019 season out west at ISM Raceway in Phoenix. Alfredo last competed at Talladega Superspeedway and finished in the 15th position in the Sugarlands Shine 250.

Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 will mark Alfredo’s first career start at the 1.022-mile Dogleg oval in Phoenix. Not only will ISM Raceway be a first time visit for Alfredo, but it will be his first appearance at a track under 1.25-miles in his young Truck Series career. In eleven career Gander Outdoors Truck starts this season, Alfredo has accumulated two top-ten finishes.

The No. 15 Toyota team will come into ISM Raceway this weekend led by crew chief Chris Lawson calling the shots from the pit box.

The 150 lap Lucas Oil 150 will be broadcast live on FS1 beginning at 8:30 p.m., ET on Friday, Nov. 8th.

Alfredo on Phoenix: “I’m very excited to make my first trip to ISM Raceway with my DGR-Crosley crew. I’m also proud to have Steelsmith back on board for this race and want to give them and all of my other partners a great finish. We’ve grown a lot this year as a team and I am confident that we can apply that, especially with what I’ve learned in the TRD simulator. I hope to bring home our first win.”

Tyler Ankrum, No. 17 LiUNA Toyota Tundra

Tyler Ankrum and the No. 17 team will be back in action on Friday as the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series travels to ISM Raceway in Phoenix, Ariz. to set the Championship Four Playoff field. Ankrum currently sits sixth in Driver Point Standings, 15 points behind the cutoff line.

While Ankrum looks to secure a win to advance in the Playoffs, he also wants to get those supporting him to Victory Lane this weekend in Phoenix. The No. 17 will have a different look this weekend as the San Bernardino, Calif. native welcomes LiUNA to his bright orange Tundra. Along with a new partner, you will also notice a list of family and friends who have come together to support Ankrum in his Championship pursuit. Among those include: George Theios, Ken and Jennifer Van Uffelen, Fortun Foods, Jeff Jenkins, Tony and Katie Ankrum, Dave and Anne Doty, Rodney and Monica Sauser, Bonadiman Family and Modern Image Pro Audio.

Ankrum has one previous start at ISM Raceway, which occurred with DGR-Crosley during the 2018 season in his second Truck Series start. The one-mile dogleg oval seems to be a track that fits Ankrum’s style. The young driver adapted quickly in his Phoenix debut, qualifying 15th before going on to earn a sixth-place finish. So far this season in 16 starts with DGR-Crosley, Ankrum has one win, three top-five and eight top-10 finishes. He has also locked up Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors as he still contends for a Truck Series Championship.

The Lucas Oil 150 will be broadcast live on FS1 on Friday, Nov. 8, beginning at 8:30 p.m., ET.

Ankrum on Phoenix: “It’s unfortunate what happened at Martinsville, but the good thing is that we weren’t the only playoff team who faced adversity in that race. I’m excited to head to Phoenix. In my second start, last year in the Trucks Series, I had a sixth-place finish. It’s honestly been my favorite track that I’ve raced on. Between what we’ve been doing in the Toyota Simulator and on the pulldown rigs at DGR-Crosley, I think we will have a really fast truck. With us 15 points outside the cutoff line, we are going to have to points race to make it to Homestead. We’ve been putting together solid races all year, and I think we will be alright. I have a lot of faith in myself and my team — I really believe that we will be competing for a Championship at Homestead.”

Natalie Decker, No. 54 N29 Technologies Toyota Tundra

Natalie Decker will make her first career ISM Raceway (Phoenix, Ariz.) start this weekend in her No. 54 N29 Technologies Toyota Tundra. The Lucas Oil 150 will mark Decker’s 18th NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series start with DGR-Crosley this season.

In four career starts at speedways one-mile or less, Decker has an average starting position of 22nd and an average finish of 20th. Although ISM Raceway will be Decker’s first trip out in the desert, the Eagle River, Wisc. native is excited to take on the challenge of learning a new track.

The No. 54 team will be led by veteran crew chief Frank Kerr atop the pit box and Coleman Pressley from the spotter stand. The 150 lap Lucas Oil 150 will be broadcast live on FS1 beginning at 8:30 p.m., ET on Friday, Nov. 8.

Decker on Phoenix: “I’m really excited to compete at ISM Raceway and learn a new race track. It’s going to be a lot of fun checking out the new facility and interacting with all the great fans in Phoenix. My DGR-Crosley guys have been bringing some fast Toyota Tundras to the race track, so I’m really looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this weekend.”

Stewart Friesen, No. 52 Halmar International Chevrolet Silverado

Phoenix NGOTS Stats
– Starts: 3, Best start: 4, Best finish: 5,

2019 NGOTS Stats

– Starts: 21, Best start: 1, Best finish: 1, Top 5s: 11, Top 10s: 15, Laps Led: 212, Poles : 1, Stage wins: 3, Wins: 1

Notes:

– Stewart Friesen enters Phoenix this weekend second in the playoff standings. He is 35 points above the cut line entering the final elimination race.

– Friesen and the No. 52 team will utilize chassis No. 322 this weekend in Phoenix. This is a brand new chassis in the HFR stable.

– Friesen has scored two top-10 finishes in three starts at Phoenix.

Quote:

“We’ve had solid finishes the last two times we’ve been to Phoenix and I expect this weekend to be no different. We’ve really been hitting our stride as a team the last couple months, even if we haven’t had the strongest truck we’ve salvaged a top-10 finish most of the time and that has really helped us in the playoffs. Trip (Bruce, crew chief) has really had my back and helped me stay focused on the bigger picture while I’m behind the wheel. Looking forward to going out to Phoenix to compete for a win and lock ourselves into the Championship 4 in Miami.”

ABOUT HALMAR FRIESEN RACING

Halmar Friesen Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series with driver Stewart Friesen. More information can be found at or .

Sheldon Creed, No. 2 Chevy Accessories Chevrolet Silverado
Phoenix NGOTS Stats
– Starts: 1, Best start: 10

2019 NGOTS Stats
– Starts: 21, Best start: 2, Best finish: 2, Top 5s: 4, Top 10s: 10, Laps led: 164, Stage wins: 3

Notes:

– GMS Racing announced that Sheldon Creed would return to the team to compete full time in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series in 2020.

– The No. 2 team will utilize chassis No. 310 this week in Phoenix. Creed has two top-10 finishes with this chassis in 2019.

– Creed enters this weekend’s race in Phoenix with four top-five finishes and six top-10 finishes in the last seven races.

– Creed ranks fifth in laps led in the 2019 season among series regulars with 164 laps. This is the most of any non-playoff driver.

Quote:

“I feel pretty good going into this weekend at Phoenix. I got my first top-10 finish in the Gander Trucks Series there last year. Our team has been getting better every week, and putting together some solid finishes. We’re bringing the truck we had a few weeks ago in Martinsville and I feel like we ran better than our finish shows. Just really looking forward to getting out there and getting after it. Hopefully we can end this season with a win or two to build momentum for next season with GMS Racing.”

Sam Mayer, No. 21 Manpower U.S. Chevrolet Silverado

Phoenix Stats
– Mayer has no prior starts in Phoenix.

2019 NGOTS Stats
– Starts: 2, Laps led: 33, Stage wins: 1

Notes:

– Mayer will pull double duty this weekend in Phoenix, competing in Friday night’s NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series race as well as the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race on Saturday night.

– This will be Mayer’s third Gander Trucks Series race. Mayer led 33 laps and captured the Stage Two win in his second career Gander Trucks start at Martinsville two weeks ago. He made his debut at Bristol in August where he ran in the top 10 much of the race until an accident with seven laps to go took him out of contention.

– Mayer will race chassis No. 309 in Phoenix. This is the same chassis Mayer competed with at Bristol in August. The No. 21 team borrowed this Silverado from Brett Moffitt’s fleet. Thisis the same truck Moffitt won with in Iowa in June.

– GMS Racing announced that Mayer would return to the team to compete in an expanded Gander Trucks schedule in 2020 while competing for ARCA Racing Series Showdown Championship and looks to defend his ARCA East Championship.

– Mardy Lindley will again be Mayer’s crew chief for the truck race. The duo recently claimed the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East championship.

– Manpower U.S. will sponsor Mayer in his three NGOTS starts this season. ManpowerGroup(R), the parent company of Manpower and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., is the leading global workforce solutions company which helps organizations transform in a fast-changing world of work by sourcing, assessing, developing and managing talent that enables them to succeed.

Quote:

“I’m really excited to get to run ISM in the Truck. I’ve never been to the track, but it always looks like a blast on tv. We had a lot of speed at Martinsville, and I think me and Mardy (Lindley, crew chief) are going to carry that over going to ISM this weekend. Hopefully we can get the Manpower Chevy to victory lane!”

Brett Moffitt, No. 24 Plan B Sales Chevrolet Silverado

Phoenix NGOTS Stats
– Starts: 1, Best start: 5, Best finish: 1, Laps led: 19, Wins: 1

2019 NGOTS Stats

– Starts: 21, Best start: 1, Best finish: 1, Top 5s: 12, Top 10s: 15, Laps Led: 449, Poles: 3, Stage wins: 5, Wins: 4

Notes:

– Plan B Sales rejoins Brett Moffitt in Phoenix with a patriotic paint scheme to honor America’s veterans. This weekend will be the culmination of an ongoing project with Plan B Sales where fans can be a part of the action with their name featured on the No. 24 Silverado. In addition, fans had to the opportunity to place a veterans name on the truck in a designated area, with 100 percent of the proceeds from veteran names going directly to the Wounded Warrior Project.

– Moffitt will carry two special veteran’s names above the door this weekend in Phoenix. Barry Powell, brother of Plan B Sales owner Brent Powell, is featured above the driver’s side door. PFC Tate William Spier is featured above the passenger side door. PFC Spier was tragically killed in a car accident at the U.S. Marine Corp. Headquarters in Quantico, VA on August 16, 2019. With the help of Allegiant Airlines through the Allegiant Honors program, Moffitt will be hosting PFC Spier’s brothers this weekend in Phoenix.

– Moffitt enters Phoenix leading the playoff standings. He is 45 points above the cut line and 10 points ahead of second place entering the final elimination race.

– The No. 24 team will utilize chassis No. 313 this week in Martinsville. Moffitt has led 80 laps with this Silverado, and earned a top-five finish in two of the three events he has competed with this chassis this season.

– GMS Racing announced that Brett Moffitt would return to the team to compete full time in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series in 2020.

Quote:

“Our last race didn’t end how we wanted it to, but we still have relatively comfortable lead going into Phoenix this weekend. Stage points are going to be important so hopefully we’ll be able to qualify up front and stay up front to get the win and be locked in for Homestead. I was lucky enough to get the win here last year and Jerry (Baxter, crew chief) and my team always bring fast trucks to the track each week so I know we have a shot.

“I’m honored to be able to recognize so many veterans this weekend with our partnership with Plan B Sales and to support the Wounded Warrior Project with the proceeds from this campaign. Thanks to Allegiant we are hosting the brothers of PFC Spier, a fallen veteran, this weekend and it’s really special to be able to do something for them after their family has sacrificed so much. It’s just a very special weekend for us and it would be great to end it in victory lane on Friday night.”

ABOUT GMS RACING

GMS Racing competes full-time in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series with drivers Brett Moffitt and Sheldon Creed, and in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with John Hunter Nemechek. The team also expanded their competition to the NASCAR K&N Pro Series, as well as in the ARCA Racing Series with Sam Mayer and super late models with Toni Breidinger. Since the team began in 2014, GMS Racing won the 2016 NGOTS Championship and has grown to occupy several buildings located in Statesville, N.C. The campus also includes operations for GMS Fabrication. More information can be found at https://gmsracing.net/.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

No. 88 Menards Ford to Carry Series Decal This Weekend at ISM Raceway

TOLEDO, Ohio (November 5, 2019) — Matt Crafton will be promoting a new era in stock car racing when he hits the track for the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Lucas Oil 150 at ISM Raceway on Friday, November 8.

Crafton, who drives the No. 88 Menards Ford for ThorSport Racing, will be carrying an ARCA Menards Series decal on his race truck, promoting the 67-year-old sanctioning body’s first visit to ISM Raceway in March 2020.

“It’s pretty cool that ARCA will get to race at ISM Raceway next March,” said Crafton. “Maybe someone will have an empty seat for me.”

Crafton is a two-time Gander Outdoors Truck Series champion who raced at Phoenix for the first time in 1997 in the old NASCAR Southwest Tour. In 2000, Crafton started from the pole and led the first 75 laps before mechanical problems sidelined him early. Although he lost the battle that day, he won the war as he was still able to clinch the series’ championship that day.

That race came just a week after his NGOTS debut with ThorSport, a ninth-place finish at California Speedway. Crafton hasn’t missed a Gander Trucks race since.

The connection between Crafton, ThorSport, ARCA, and Menards runs deep, as Menards has supported all three entities for more than a decade.

Menards has sponsored Sandusky, Ohio-based ThorSport Racing since 2002 and Crafton has been behind the wheel of the team’s No. 88 truck every season since except 2004. Crafton has 451 career starts, more than any driver in series history. He has 14 wins, 16 poles, and 271 top-10 finishes.

He was the series champion in 2013 and 2014, becoming the first driver in series history to win back-to-back championships. He has made three ARCA Menards Series starts, running as a teammate to Frank Kimmel between 2011 and 2012.

Crafton also served as guest analyst for FS1 for the 2019 ARCA Menards Series finale from Kansas Speedway on October 18.

In addition, ThorSport won an ARCA championship with Kimmel in 2013, with Menards as the primary sponsor. It was Kimmel’s record tenth ARCA title, clinched at the season finale at Kansas where Kimmel also broke Iggy Katona’s all-time win record with his 80th series victory.

ISM Raceway announced earlier this year that the one-mile desert oval would host the ARCA Menards Series for the first time ever on March 6, 2020. In addition to the race being the first for ARCA at Phoenix, the race will mark the opening event of the newly announced ARCA Showdown Series, a ten-race schedule that will bring together the teams from the ARCA Menards Series East and West along with the ARCA Menards Series to compete on the same stage for the first time.

The Lucas Oil 150 is set for Friday, November 8 at 8:30 pm ET. The race will be televised live on FS1 and broadcast on select affiliates of the Motor Racing Network and on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90.

About Menards (Menards.com)

A family-owned company started in 1958, Menards is headquartered in Eau Claire, WI. Menards has more than 300 retail stores located throughout the Midwest in the states of IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OH, SD, WI and WY. Menards is known throughout the home improvement industry as the low-price leader. Its famous slogan “Save Big Money at Menards” is widely known and easy to remember. For more information, visit Menards.com, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest.

About ARCA (ARCARacing.com)

The Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA) is among the leading auto racing sanctioning bodies in the country. Founded in 1953 by John and Mildred Marcum, and acquired by NASCAR in April 2018, the organization administers more than 100 events each year in multiple racing series, including the ARCA Menards Series, ARCA Menards Series East and ARCA Menards Series West, the ARCA/CRA Super Series, and the ARCA Midwest Tour, plus weekly racing at Toledo and Flat Rock Speedways. For more information about ARCA visit www.arcaracing.com.

About ThorSport (ThorSport.com)

ThorSport Racing, based in Sandusky, Ohio, is the longest-tenured NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series team, and NASCAR’s only full-time team based in Ohio. ThorSport Racing has competed in the Truck Series annually since 1996, entering the 2019 season, its 24th season, with 1,110 starts to the team’s credit.

SAN DIEGO, Calif.: Continuing his ties with California-based companies, NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series (NGOTS) driver Dylan Lupton (@LuptonDylan) has signed a partnership agreement with Shreddy Lyfe Clothing for the final two NGOTS races of 2019 beginning with Friday night’s Lucas Oil 150 at ISM (Ariz.) Raceway.

Shreddy Lyfe Clothing, a San Diego-based Calif. lifestyle clothing brand will serve as the primary marketing aboard the No. 5 DGR Crosley Toyota Tundra entry at Phoenix as well as next Friday night’s season-finale from Homestead-Miami (Fla.) Speedway on Nov. 15.

“We are stoked to be the exclusive apparel marketing partner for Dylan Lupton for the remainder of the 2019 season while already looking ahead to 2020,” said James Johnson, global sales and marketing director for Shreddy Lyfe.

“Dylan is a perfect fit for Shreddy Lyfe and relates not only to our brand but our customers as well. We are focused on building our Shreddy Racing division with Dylan on and off the track. He is a class act and talented race car driver and look forward to seeing our relationship enhance.”

Lupton, a native of Wilton, Calif. will make his sixth NGOTS start of the season in this weekend’s penultimate race of the year. The 22nd race of the season will be his fifth race with DGR-Crosley where he has achieved one top-five and three top-10 finishes in four races thus far.

“I am very excited and honored to announce my partnership with Shreddy Lyfe Clothing,” said Lupton, a NASCAR Next alumnus. “We’ve been working on this for a while and I’m thrilled to bring their style to NASCAR. I’m eager to see this partnership evolve.”

Known for his vibrant Californian smile and his authentic freestyle personality, Lupton says Shreddy Lyfe’s lineup matches perfectly to his everyday surroundings.

“Shreddy shares the artistic and apparel vibe of the lifestyle that I grew up around,” added Lupton. “I’ve had a strong season at DGR-Crosley and I’m looking forward to these next two races with Shreddy and hope we can continue to deliver strong finishes – if not a win over the next two weeks.”

Aaron Birdwell and Blake Wilkey, founders of Shreddy Lyfe say the addition of Lupton to the company’s platform is huge.

“My partners and I are proud to welcome Dylan Lupton to the family,” Birdwell said. “Huge things are to come ahead. With his guidance and impressive craft behind the wheel we look forward to tapping into the NASCAR world on so many levels.

“The future is bright.”

Lupton, 25, has experience in all three of NASCAR’s national divisions. From four starts in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series to 35 races in the Xfinity Series, the avid racer is poised to make his eighth career NGOTS start Friday night under the leadership of crew chief Blake Bainbridge.

The two-time NASCAR K&N Pro Series West winner also graduated in 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from UNC Charlotte.

For more on Dylan Lupton, please visit LuptonRacing.com, like his Facebook page (Lupton Racing) or follow him on Twitter @LuptonDylan and Instagram @LuptonDylan.

To experience Shreddy Lyfe, please explore Shreddylyfe.com.

The Lucas Oil 150 (150 laps | 150 miles) is the 22nd of 23 races on the 2019 NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series schedule. Practice begins on Fri., Nov. 8 from 8:05 a.m. – 8:55 a.m. A final practice has been etched in from 9:35 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. Qualifying is set for later in the day beginning at 3:05 p.m. The 32-truck field will take the green flag shortly after 6:30 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Satellite Radio, Channel 90). All times are local (Mountain).

Dylan Lupton on social media:
Facebook: Facebook.com/luptonracing
Instagram: @LuptonDylan
Twitter: @LuptonDylan
Website: LuptonRacing.com

About DGR-Crosley:

DGR-Crosley is a race team owned by NASCAR veteran David Gilliland and Crosley Brands CEO Bo LeMastus. The team specializes in driver development, competing full-time in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series, NASCAR K&N Pro Series and CARS Tour, as well running select ARCA Menards Series and Late Model races with factory support from Toyota.

In its first year of operation, DGR-Crosley won 7 of 14 K&N East races, securing a driver and owner Championship. The team operates out of two buildings totaling 55,000 square feet in Mooresville, N.C.

Toyota Racing – Tyler Ankrum & Austin Hill
NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series Quotes

MARTINSVILLE, Va. (October 25, 2019) – Tundra Playoff drivers Tyler Ankrum and Austin Hill were made available to media at Martinsville Speedway:

AUSTIN HILL, No. 16 Ibaraki Toyopet Toyota Tundra, Hattori Racing Enterprises

Is staying out of trouble here at Martinsville the only real difficulty at the track?

“Qualifying is huge. We felt like we had decent speed in our qualifying run that we did today. We didn’t do full tape or anything, so we didn’t do a full mock-run, but we felt really confident with how we ended practice today. First practice we were really far off and we got it better throughout the day – got it turning better. For whatever reason, I don’t know if it’s the track or what, but we were just really tight all day. We got it better. I think qualifying is huge here. I think if you can qualify inside the top 10 and get stage points – stage points are always key with this Playoff stuff. Stage 1 and 2, our number one goal is to get the max stage points we possibly can and then obviously if we have to play a little bit at the end of the race to try to get a win, then that’s what we’re obviously going to do. Stage points are definitely the biggest concern for us going into tomorrow.”

What were your expectations going into the season and have you exceeded them?

“I had plenty of confidence in myself. I’ve always had confidence in my ability and I knew with the right equipment that I felt like I could get the job done and compete for race wins. It’s hard to win in this series. Any of these top-three series, it’s really hard to get a race win. To have three (wins) is definitely good. I feel like looking back with some of our issues that we’ve had throughout the season, I feel like we could’ve possibly had more wins. I’m fine with where we’re at right now with three wins, we’re in the Round of 6. My goal going into the year, I kind of set some goals just for myself and I wrote them down on a piece of paper, one of them was a race win, make it to the Round of 6 and eventually, hopefully make it to the Round of 4. That’s really my next goal is to get into that Round of 4 and at least have a shot at Homestead. If we don’t come home with the championship, obviously we’re going to be a little bummed out, but just giving ourselves a chance at Homestead is definitely the number one key moving forward.”

So you’ve met the goals so far this season?

“Yeah, I’ve kind of checked off all the boxes this year for what I was expecting and what I was wanting to have done. Like I said, if you could go back in the past and change some of the issues that we’ve had throughout the season with just stuff happening, I feel like our record would be even be a little bit better. I’m really excited about these next two races. I think we have a really good shot at making the Round of 4 and checking off that last box.”

After practice today, do you feel good about your truck?

“First practice I didn’t feel okay at all. We were struggling really bad. Really tight. I don’t know if anybody else was really fighting that issue, but we just couldn’t get the truck to turn at all. We made huge gains on it in second practice. I felt like we were a lot better. I don’t feel like we’re still really where we need to be to go win the race, but I definitely feel like we have good enough speed to hopefully stay inside the top 10 all day. At the end of practice, we did a semi-mock, so we didn’t really do full tape. We didn’t pump the tires up all the way, so we were just trying to get out there and run and see what we could run on new tires. I feel like if we would have taped up and stuff, we would’ve been a little higher on the sheet, which we were still in the top 10 I believe, ninth or something. We were definitely better. We were definitely better. We made gains at it and they’re working right now to make it turn even better for me, so hopefully we can get it turning a little bit better and tomorrow if the track doesn’t go the opposite way and start freeing up on us.”

TYLER ANKRUM, No. 17 Factory Canopies/Cometic Toyota Toyota Tundra, DGR-Crosley

Are you relaxed coming into Martinsville knowing you’re right on the cutoff line?

“I don’t want to say relaxed, but I don’t feel pressure on myself. I feel like I had a lot of extra added pressure on myself and I think my team saw that in the first round because there was so much pressure to make it to the next because we thought we could do it. Seeing how the first round went, for us it was just kind of like you know what, it’s going to happen, we’re not going to worry about it. We’re just going to go out and we’re going to do what we’ve been doing all year and that’s been improving every single race. I think we’ve improved a lot even in practice from the spring. Practice hasn’t really showed it, but I actually know what I’m doing this time, so it helps a lot when you actually know what you’re doing the second time around. I think we’re going to be pretty good for tomorrow.”

With qualifying here important, did you work on anything qualifying related in practice?

“Yeah we did actually. We weren’t as good in qualifying (trim) as I was hoping we were going to be. I thought we were just a little bit too tight. It’s so finicky here with these changes you’re just sitting on top of a razor blade. You take one wrong nudge the opposite way and it’s not you ‘fix me up a little bit here,’ it’s like you’ve got to make another swing at it. We weren’t as good in qualifying mock-run in practice as I hoped we would, but we talked a lot. We’re going to do some stuff with the rear-end and some camber, so I think we’ll be alright.”

You’ve called this your worst track on the circuit. Has that changed at all after two practices today?

“It has not changed at all. There’s still something in this place that just weakens me. This place is like my kryptonite. There’s just something about this track where I can’t really necessarily wrap my head around. Usually the easiest way for me to kind of calm myself down and kind of wrap my head around the track is just to kind of think of it mechanically-wise, not driving-wise. It’s easier for me to sit there and think about shocks and springs and cambers and trackbar heights and wedges and all that than thinking about what I’m going to do different on the race track. Just for me to calm myself down that way, it’s been helping a lot today.”

# # #

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 38 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2018.

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 ToyotaNewsroom.com.

NASCAR Hall of Fame 200 | Martinsville Speedway Race Advance
Team: No. 44 Alsco/State Water Heaters/Puryear Tank Lines Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Jeb Burton
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @JebBurtonRacing

Burton on Racing at Martinsville: “I’m excited to get back behind the wheel of one of these Niece Motorsports Chevrolets again,” said Burton.  “Martinsville is certainly a very special track to me, and a place that I have a lot of experience, so I’m confident that we can turn that into a strong result.”

Burton at Martinsville: The Virginia-native is no stranger to Martinsville; growing up racing late models at the ‘paper clip’.  In addition, Burton has four Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts, and seven NGOTS starts at Martinsville.

In his seven NGOTS starts at the half-mile track, Burton has earned one pole, which came in 2013.  At a track where passing is tough and track position is paramount, Burton has qualified in the top-10 on four occasions. His best finish at the track is two third-place results, both coming in 2013.

On the Truck: The No. 44 Chevrolet will represent Alsco, State Water Heaters and Puryear Tank Lines this week at Martinsville Speedway.

Alsco was the first to offer linen and uniform rental services when founder, George A. Steiner, transformed a Lincoln, Nebraska, towel delivery route into a thriving commercial linen business, now headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Alsco has been an industry pioneer since 1889, blazing the trail for the laundering and delivery of ready-to-wear uniforms, starting with aprons and then moving on to every type of workwear application imaginable. Alsco also invented the continuous roll towel dispenser and pioneered the use of on-site garment lockers.

State Water Heaters, a brand of State Industries, Inc., is a leading manufacturer of commercial and residential water heaters. State offers over 500 water heater products, and has consistently developed new technologies to ensure longer product life.

Based in Ashland City, Tennessee, State has seven water heater manufacturing plants. Hundreds of distribution centers across the United States ensure efficient service to State’s national customer base of residential homeowners, wholesalers, contractors, and other members of the engineering community.

All State products are backed by customer technical support and durable tank and parts warranty.

Puryear Tank Lines has supported Burton dating back to the start of his late-model racing.  Puryear Tank Lines is a third-generation, family-operated business, specializing in bulk tank delivery of LPG, butane, liquid asphalt, and bulk cement.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece.  In 2019, Niece Motorsports enters its fourth season in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors 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.

NASCAR Hall of Fame 200 | Martinsville Speedway Race Advance
Team: No. 45 CarShield Chevrolet Silverado
Driver: Ross Chastain
Follow the Team: @NieceMotorsport; @RossChastain

Ross Chastain on Racing at Martinsville: “I love racing at Martinsville,” said Chastain.  “This is a tough, fun track and I’m really looking forward to this weekend’s race.  We have a little bit of ground to make up after what happened at Talladega, so I’m going to do everything I can to put this CarShield Chevrolet in Victory Lane and lock these Niece Motorsports boys and girls into the final round of the playoffs.”

The Playoffs: Chastain enters Saturday’s race sixth in the driver point standings, just two points out of fourth place.  Following the race at ISM Raceway, the playoff field will be trimmed to four drivers that will compete for the championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

So far this season, Chastain has led the most laps; over 100 more than the next closest competitor.  In addition, Chastain has the most stage wins with seven; three more than the next closest competitor.

Chastain at Martinsville: Saturday’s race will mark Chastain’s eighth NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series start (NGOTS) start at Martinsville Speedway.  The Alva, Florida native earned his best Martinsville finish earlier this season; a fourth-place result.

Chastain has three top-10 finishes at Martinsville, along with five top-15 results in NGOTS competition.

In addition, Chastain has three Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway.

On the Truck: CarShield continues to support Chastain and the No. 45 Chevrolet.

CarShield visited victory lane with Chastain and the No. 45 team earlier this year at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway.

Headquartered in Saint Peters, Mo., CarShield offers vehicle service contracts designed to pick up where automobile owners’ existing warranty drops off and to fill gaps in coverage. CarShield was founded in 2005 by principals Nick Hamilton, Mark Travis, and Rick Brettelle and specializes in shielding its members from the high cost of automobile repairs by offering a wide range of flexible vehicle service plans.

About Niece Motorsports:

Niece Motorsports is owned by United States Marine Corps Veteran Al Niece.  In 2019, Niece Motorsports enters its fourth season in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors 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.