Category: XFINITY Series PR

COLE CUSTER | RILEY HERBST
Daytona NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

• Event: United Rentals 300 (Round 1 of 33)
• Date: Saturday, Feb. 17
• Location: Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway
• Layout: 2.5-mile oval
• Time/TV/Radio: 5 p.m. EST on FS1/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Cole Custer Notes of Interest

• The 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Cole Custer is back and ready to defend his title as the 2024 season kicks off Saturday at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with the United Rentals 300. The driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang returned to the Xfinity Series fulltime at the start of the 2023 season and, while it got off to a slow start, the team picked up speed over the summer to become championship contenders. Custer would earn three victories on the season – June 3 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway, July 1 at the Chicago Street Course, and the Championship 4 finale Nov. 4 at Phoenix Raceway. They were among his 14 top-five finishes in all. The title was Custer’s first after finishing runner-up in his previous two fulltime seasons in 2018 and 2019. As the reigning champion, Custer has high expectations for himself and hopes to start the season with his first career Daytona victory.
• Saturday’s race at Daytona’s historic 2.5-mile oval will mark Custer’s 144th career Xfinity Series start and his ninth at the track. He scored career-best finishes in both races there last year – ninth in February and fifth in August. Prior to last year, Custer never finished better than 14th there. In addition to his Xfinity Series starts at Daytona, Custer has five Cup Series starts, one Craftsman Truck Series start, and one ARCA Menards Series start. Best of those was his 10th-place finish in the February 2016 ARCA race.
• Jonathan Toney returns as the crew chief on the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang this season. Toney is one of the most tenured members of SHR. The native of Newton, North Carolina, joined Haas CNC Racing in December 2003, five years before Tony Stewart partnered with Haas Automation founder Gene Haas to form Stewart-Haas Racing on the underpinnings of Haas CNC Racing. Toney was the lead engineer for Stewart and the No. 14 SHR Cup Series team from 2009 through 2012, helping secure the team co-owner his third championship in 2011 and the first for SHR. He remained an engineer at SHR, assisting the organization across its Cup Series and Xfinity Series programs, spending considerable time with Custer during his previous stint in the Xfinity Series. The 2023 season was Toney’s first as a crew chief, but his history with Custer proved to be strong as the duo picked up multiple wins and the championship in their first season together.
• Custer didn’t take his foot off the gas during the offseason as he embarked on his own champion’s tour. Since he clinched the title on Nov. 4, the 26-year-old driver has attended Nashville Predators, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Carolina Hurricanes National Hockey League games, and a New Orleans Saints National Football League game to promote the Xfinity Series and his championship. The champion had some exciting news to share during the offseason as well. Custer announced last week that him and his wife Kari are expecting their first child in August 2024. The two celebrated their one-year anniversary on Jan. 6 and currently reside with their dog Honey in Cornelius, North Carolina.

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• Riley Herbst is poised for a breakout season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as the season kicks off Saturday at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway with the United Rentals 300. While the 2023 season was a roller coaster ride for the No. 98 Monster Energy driver, he ended it on a high note with five consecutive top-fives, scoring the most points scored of any driver in the playoffs’ Round of 8 along the way, and earned his first career Xfinity Series win Oct.14 at his hometown Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Saturday’s 120-lap race marks Herbst’s 143rd career start and his 10th at Daytona. His best finish at the track is fourth, earned in August 2020 and then again in the 2022 season opener. In his three seasons with SHR, Herbst has only finished outside the top-15 twice at Daytona.
• Herbst has seven starts at Daytona outside of the Xfinity Series – three in the ARCA Menards Series, two in the Craftsman Truck Series, and two in the NASCAR Cup Series. He earned a best finish of seventh in the Truck Series season opener in February 2020. He made his Cup Series debut during last February’s 65th running of the Daytona 500, during which Herbst earned an impressive 10th-place finish to become only the second driver in NASCAR history to record a top-10 in his Cup Series debut in the iconic race. He joined Terry Ryan, who made his debut in the 1976 edition of The Great American Race and finished sixth. Herbst went on to participate in both Cup Series races at Talladega and the August Daytona race, earning a best finish of ninth in the October Talladega race after leading 10 laps, his first laps led in the Cup Series. He’ll hope to add to those numbers once again during Sunday’s 66th running of the Daytona 500 behind the wheel of the No. 15 Monster Energy Zero Sugar Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing.
• Davin Restivo returns as the crew chief for Herbst and the No. 98 Monster Energy team after taking over the role halfway through the 2023 season. This duo combined to record Herbst’s first career victory on Oct. 14, 2023, at Las Vegas. It was Restivo’s 16th race as the crew chief on the No. 98. Restivo’s career began working on Late Model teams in Liberty, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and graduated in 2012 with a degree in mechanical engineering. After graduating, he went on to work with notable drivers such as Ron Hornaday Jr., Kyle Larson, Justin Marks, Ross Chastain, John Hunter Nemechek, Custer, and most recently Aric Almirola as the lead engineer. He earned his first Xfinity Series victory as a crew chief on June 10, 2023, when Almirola captured the checkered flag at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway. Two weeks later, he was named crew chief of the No. 98 Ford Mustang.
• During the offseason, Herbst went back to his family roots when he traded in his stock car for an off-road Trophy Truck for the 55th running of the Baja 1000 just prior to Thanksgiving. The 24-year-old racer from Las Vegas had a lot to be thankful for, having driven the middle leg of the 1,310.94-mile journey down Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. Co-driving with his father, Troy Herbst, and Terrible Herbst Motorsports driver James Dean, the team crossed the finish line first in the Trophy Truck Spec class, marking Herbst’s first Baja 1000 victory and his father’s third, to go with his previous wins in 2004 and 2006. The younger Herbst finished third in the 2022 running of the Baja 1000, and ninth in 2021.

Cole Custer, Driver of the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang

After a tremendous finish to the 2023 season that resulted in your first career championship, how do you approach the new season, which kicks off at Daytona?

“I think for us, we just hope to rebound and be strong competitors after winning the championship. It’s all about how we can follow up last year. We’ve never been in this situation before, so we’re trying to figure out how we can go into this year and really be at that same level we just were. We have to focus on the details and do a lot of things right. It’s going to be intriguing to see how we can follow that up. Going into 2024, we’re trying to figure out how we can win more races and race up front pretty much every weekend. We had a few wins last year, but we didn’t really get hot until the end of the season to win the championship. This year we’re hoping to see that week in and week out. It’s going to take a lot of focus and looking at a lot of details. I’m confident that this No. 00 Haas Automation team can step up and make it happen.”

Superspeedways, especially Daytona, are unpredictable by nature. How do you prepare for a race where it’s difficult to make a solid plan because anything could happen?

“So that’s what is so tough about Daytona and superspeedways. Your plan is always changing. There can be like 15 situations that could happen, and no matter what situation, you have to know what to do when presented with each one. Honestly, you have to take these races lap-by-lap to see what kind of scenario you’re in and then adapt from there. You can’t have a solid plan going into a superspeedway because it’s always going to change and you’re forced to adapt to whatever comes your way.”

Riley Herbst, Driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang

You’re back for your fourth fulltime season at SHR and your fifth in the Xfinity Series. While last year had its ups and downs, you ended on a high note with five straight top-five finishes and your first career Xfinity Series win. Is there some comfort in coming back to the same team with mostly the same group of guys?

“It’s always good to work with the same group of guys from year to year. There’s a lot of time that goes into building those relationships and it helps us grow as a team, which translates over to the racetrack. Davin (Restivo, crew chief) and I were put together halfway through the season last year, so there wasn’t an entire offseason to get to know each other. Now, we’ve had the end of the season and the offseason to work on that relationship. I’ve never been so excited to start a season in my career. That win at Vegas was everything. Then, to end the season on a high note with five straight top-fives and the most points scored of anyone in the Round of 8, when we weren’t even in the playoffs, it meant a lot. It showed everyone that we’re here and we can win. I have high hopes for 2024.”

Not only are you racing in the Xfinity Series, but you’re also making your second start in the Daytona 500, where you earned an impressive 10th-place finish in your Cup Series debut last year. How excited are you to get back behind the wheel of a Cup Series car for the iconic race?

“I’m pumped. It’s every young racer’s dream to not only drive in the NASCAR Cup Series, but specifically the Daytona 500. It’s a pinnacle of this sport. I was lucky. I got to make my first career Cup Series start in The Great American Race, and not only finished it but scored a top-10 finish. It got our season started on such a high note, and it’s a moment that I won’t forget. Now, I get to go back and build on what I learned in my four Cup races last year. I can’t say thank you enough to Rick Ware Racing for the chance to run the Daytona 500 in the No. 15 Ford Mustang again, and Monster Energy for supporting me throughout every step of my career.”

MOORESVILLE, NC, February 15, 2024 – NASCAR driver Akinori Ogata today announced his preliminary schedule for the 2024 race season. Ogata, who moved from his native Japan to Mooresville, NC in 2010 to pursue his racing dreams, will compete in at least four Xfinity Series races with Joey Gase Motorsports.

Ogata will race at Martinsville Speedway on April 6, Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 25, Daytona International Speedway on August 23 and Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 19. Marketing partners Kyowa-Eidemiller Precision Machining and YKK AP America will continue their relationship with Ogata through 2024.

“I am excited to compete in all of my races, but YKK AP America and Joey Gase gave me an opportunity to race at Daytona in August,” said Ogata. “Daytona is one of my dream tracks.”

Kyowa-Eidemiller Precision Machining (KEPM) is a global supplier of quality precision machined parts. Their diverse equipment capabilities and experienced staff enable them to be your first choice for small to mid-sized machined components competitively priced.

KEPM handles proto-type, low and high volume production projects, and the company is committed to providing “Emergency Capacity”. KEPM is ISO 9001:2015 certified and features integrated manufacturing to produce high precision machined products including specialty and exotic materials.

YKK AP America Inc. is a leading manufacturer of award-winning commercial facade systems and residential windows and doors. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, all building products are manufactured in the company’s world-class production facilities located in Dublin, Ga., Macon, Ga., and Lakeshore, Ontario. Together with its subsidiary brand, Erie Architectural Products (Erie AP), the company serves architects, glazing contractors, homebuilders, and resellers across the country. YKK AP America Inc. is a subsidiary of YKK AP Inc., a global architectural products company based in Tokyo, Japan.

Ogata’s racing career started in motocross in Japan when he was 14 years old. He made his first NASCAR series start in 2003 at Hickory Motor Speedway in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock. He earned his first win in the series at Hickory in 2022 and is the only Japanese driver to win a race in NASCAR. Ogata made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut in 2014 at Phoenix Raceway, where he also made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut in 2018.

“I really enjoyed and had good experience in races with the superspeedway program at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2023 in the Xfinity and Truck Series,” said Ogata. “I can’t wait for my coming race season!”

Ogata is working to add more races to his 2024 race season. Contact his team at akinoriperformance@gmail.com for information on partnership.

For more information on Akinori Ogata, visit his website (https://www.akinoriogata.com/index.html) or follow him on X (@AkinoriOgata) or Instagram (@akinoriogata).

MOORESVILLE, NC, February 14, 2024 – NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Patrick Emerling announced today his partnership with Phillips, Hunt, Walker & Hanna for the 2024 season opener at Daytona International Speedway. The partnership aims to raise awareness of the law firm’s commitment to Justice 4 All, regardless of race, religion, creed, orientation or gender. Among the firm’s high-profile cases is that of Joe Exotic of Netflix’s Tiger King fame.“Growing up near Daytona and Talladega, NASCAR has a special place in my heart,” said Phillips, Hunt, Walker & Hanna partner John M. Phillips. “I love teaming up with Patrick Emerling and his team and getting people thinking about justice but also my good friend and client Joe Exotic.”

Joe Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, is the Tiger King. Since growing up in Texas and Oklahoma, he’s had a fond love of taking care of people and animals, but especially tigers. Netflix’s show Tiger King still stands as one of the most popular television shows in history. Season two addresses Joe’s claim that he was set up by animal rights groups, federal government and people who sought to take his legacy. 

“My case has finally been turned over to the appellate court and we just want a new fair trial,” said Joseph Maldonado, aka Joe Exotic. “I truly appreciate NASCAR, the Daytona International Speedway and Team Emerling for taking time to remind everyone that our justice system is unfair. Free Joe Exotic! And win the damn thing, Patrick!”

“I’m grateful for the support of Phillips, Hunt, Walker & Hanna and all of my other partners as we start the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season,” said Emerling. “John Phillips’ passion for justice and his compassion for not only the people he represents but the community at large is truly inspiring. I’m proud to represent him and his firm this weekend.”

Gladiator Cargo Nets will join Phillips & Hunt as an associate partner for this weekend’s Xfinity Series race at Daytona. Gladiator offers heavy duty truck bed cargo nets for consumer and commercial applications. You can learn more about them at https://gladiatorcargonet.com/ or follow them on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GladiatorCargoNets), X (https://twitter.com/gladiator_cargo) or YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwR1a-90i2e2jziv4EFOJmQ/videos).

Emerling also announced several other partners today. Southern Tier Security (https://www.southerntiersecurity.net/), a watch patrol company based in Olean, NY, will serve as primary sponsor for at least four races in the 2024 season. Frontline Optics (https://frontline-optics.com/), which manufactures sunglasses designed to withstand the demands of frontline workers like firefighters and police officers, will serve as a primary sponsor for at least one race this season. SimForge (https://simforge.in/), which sells sim racing equipment and accessories, will support Emerling as a season-long associate sponsor. Emerling will announce additional sponsors over the coming weeks.

After serving as part owner of and a driver for Emerling-Gase Motorsports during the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, Emerling decided to partner with SS-GreenLight Racing as primary driver of the #07 Chevrolet Camaro for the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. The change allows Emerling to focus fully on his racing schedule. In addition to his duties with SS-GreenLight, Emerling will be competing full-time in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour with car owner Rich Gautreau. He finished fourth in the Tour’s season opener at New Smyrna Speedway on February 10. Emerling will also compete in several Tour Modified races with his #07 team, including at New Smyrna Speedway this week leading up to this weekend’s races at Daytona International Speedway.

The green flag drops for the United Rentals 300 at 5:00 p.m. EST on Saturday, February 17. You can watch the race on FS1 or listen live on MRN or SiriusXM.

For more information on Patrick Emerling, visit https://www.patrickemerlingracing.com/ or follow him on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/PatrickEmerling07), X (https://twitter.com/PatrickEmerling) or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/patrickemerling/).

Phillips, Hunt, Walker & Hanna is a full-service law firm which specializes in personal injury, wrongful death, family law and criminal defense. John Phillips is licensed in 8 states and has appeared in several documentaries including Season two of Tiger King and has pending motions demanding a new trial or release of his client Joe Exotic. You can learn more about the firm’s work to secure justice for Joe Exotic at https://floridajustice.com/justice-for-joe/. Their office can be reached at (386 or 904) 444-4444. Follow Phillips, Hunt, Walker & Hanna on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/knowthelawyer) and YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/knowthelawyer).

JR Motorsports Team Preview
TRACK – Daytona International Speedway (2.5-mile tri-oval)
NXS RACE – United Rentals 300 (120 laps / 300 miles)

Sam Mayer
No. 1 Carolina Carports Chevrolet
Mayer 2023 NXS Stats
Starts: 33
Wins: 4
Top 5s: 13
Top 10s: 19
Laps Led: 177
Avg. Finish: 13.2
Points: 3rd

Sam Mayer returns in the NASCAR Xfinity series for the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway in his third full-time year with JR Motorsports.

Mayer is coming off a break through 2023 season where he captured four wins, 13 top-five and 10 top-10 finishes and earned his first Championship 4 appearance in the NXS playoffs.

The Franklin, Wis. native carries new colors into the 2024 season with new partner Carolina Carports riding along the side of the No. 1 Chevrolet for Daytona, Texas and Bristol.

In 15 career starts on tracks measuring two miles and longer in length, the young driver has scored three top fives and five top-10 efforts with his best of second coming at Talladega (2022), Fontana (2023) and Pocono (2023).

Sam Mayer

“I am eager to get back to the track and start the 2024 season off at Daytona. We had a great year of growth in 2023 with this No.1 team and I look forward to taking that even further this year to hopefully achieve that end goal, the NXS Championship. Superspeedways are always fun to race at and I love the challenge they give. I am happy to start the year off with my new partner Carolina Carports and hopefully we can carry them to Victory Lane in Daytona!”

Justin Allgaier

No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet

Allgaier 2023 NXS Stats
Starts: 33
Wins: 4
Top 5s: 15
Top 10s: 20
Laps Led: 643
Avg. Finish: 10.6
Points: 2nd

The newly crowned four-time NXS Most Popular Driver Justin Allgaier returns to the high banks of Daytona as the most recent winner at the hallowed superspeedway.

Allgaier visited Victory Lane last summer at Daytona in a thrilling photo finish.

Overall, Allgaier has amassed eight top fives and 12 top 10s to accompany his lone victory in 26 career starts at “The World Center of Racing.”

Allgaier enters the 2024 season-opening event fresh off of a 2023 campaign that saw the Illinois native score four wins, 15 top fives, 20 top 10s, three poles and a runner-up finish in the final standings after qualifying for the Championship 4.

Justin Allgaier

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Daytona to kick off this 2024 season with our No. 7 team. We all know what we need to do from the moment we unload to accomplish the goals we have set out for us this year. I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and everyone on this BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet is ready to go. Hopefully we can kick this new year off on a strong note and head back to Victory Lane this Saturday in Daytona.”

Sammy Smith

No. 8 Pilot Flying J Chevrolet

Smith 2023 NXS Stats
Starts: 33
Wins: 1
Top 5s: 6
Top 10s: 15
Laps Led: 334
Avg. Finish: 15.4
Points: 6th

In Sammy Smith’s three NXS starts at Daytona, he has qualified third, twice, with a best finish of 19th.

Smith has six races under his belt at the drafting tracks of Daytona, Talladega and Atlanta, where he has tallied one pole award and one top-10 finish.

Over the past two seasons, Smith has 42 NXS starts and is looking to build on his resume of one win, seven top fives, 18 top-10s and two pole awards.

Sammy Smith

“The off season has been full of changes as I moved over to JR Motorsports to work with a new crew chief, team and manufacturer. JRM has proven that they can win week in and week out in their Chevrolet Camaro so I’m ready to take all of our hard work this off season to the track and see what we can do at Daytona. Hopefully we’ll have a clean day and in the end, fight for the win in our Pilot Flying J Chevy.”

Brandon Jones
No. 9 Menards / Swiffer Chevrolet

Jones 2023 NXS Stats
Starts: 33
Wins: 0
Top 5s: 3
Top 10s: 10
Laps Led: 48
Avg. Finish: 17.1
Points: 14th

Brandon Jones will start his ninth full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and second with JRM at Daytona, driving the No. 9 Menards/Swiffer Chevrolet Camaro.

Jones has made 16 starts at the 2.5-mile facility and has amassed two top-five and four top-10 finishes. His best finish of third came in the season-opening race of 2019.

Saturday will mark Jones’ third NXS season opener with Swiffer on the hood. Swiffer is the first of 26 different hood partners that will be featured over the course of the season.

Jones’ crew chief, Phillip Bell, returns to the No. 9 JRM Chevrolet after a brief stint in the NASCAR Cup Series. Bell, who spent several seasons as an engineer with the team, is making his first start as crew chief.

Brandon Jones

“I’m really looking forward to getting this season under way with this No. 9 Menards/Swiffer Chevrolet team. The entire team has been putting in a lot of work during the offseason and I am getting this feeling that I just haven’t had in a long time. We learned a lot last year and with Phillip Bell as my crew chief I think everyone will see a whole different year pop up.”

JRM Team Updates

JR Motorsports at Daytona International Speedway: JR Motorsports has competed at “The World Center of Racing” a combined 108 times in the NXS. In those starts at the 2.5-mile tri-oval, the organization has recorded eight wins, 29 top fives and 43 top 10s.

Souvenir Rig: JRM drivers Sam Mayer, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith and Brandon Jones will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports / Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m.

Team Chevy Display: All four JRM drivers will be at the Chevy Display located in the Daytona Fan Zone on Saturday Feb. 17. Mayer will appear from 2:15-2:30 p.m., Smith and Allgaier will appear from 2:30-2:45 p.m., and Jones will appear from 2:45-3:00 p.m.

STATESVILLE, N.C.: Officials from AM Racing confirmed today a new multiyear partnership with Klutch Vodka that will feature “one of the finest vodkas in the world” as the primary partner for several NASCAR Xfinity Series races with driver Hailie Deegan in 2024, including Saturday afternoon’s Xfinity Series season-opening United Rentals 300 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

Klutch Vodka is 100% made in the United States. Our vodka is made from local Midwestern corn, distilled 5 times through an eight-column still, and filtered or “polished” 12 times through 4 different materials in a proprietary process to create one of the finest vodkas in the world.

Klutch Vodka is the founder and proud sponsor of Klutch Kares. Klutch Kares’ provides financial assistance to those with special needs arising from childhood defects as well as students who have demonstrated the desire to achieve a higher education and need aid to achieve their goals.

Klutch Vodka can be found in Total Wine & More locations throughout Florida. “Drink Responsibly. Act Responsibly.”

“I am thrilled to represent Klutch Vodka as a new partner for AM Racing, starting this weekend at Daytona,” said Deegan.

“Having a partner that provides a premium product is amazing, but it becomes even more special when you couple that with their Klutch Kares initiatives. I am proud to carry the Klutch Vodka colors on our No. 15 Ford Performance Mustang and look forward to growing our partnership and relationships for years to come.”

In addition to Daytona, Deegan’s No. 15 Ford Mustang will feature the Klutch Vodka colors at the

Chicago Street Course, Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway in October and the season’s final two Xfinity Series races at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway and the season-finale at Phoenix (Ariz.) Raceway in November.

“We are thrilled to be part of Hailie’s debut season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with AM Racing and can’t wait to kick off our partnership in Daytona,” offered Klutch Vodka founder and CEO Anthony S. Quattrochi.

AM Racing will launch its sophomore season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series during Saturday afternoon’s 120-lap race. Team president Wade Moore says the Statesville, N.C.-based organization is upbeat ahead of the 33-race season.

“There are a lot of great things happening behind the scenes at AM Racing, and the addition of Klutch Vodka is just the latest,” explained Moore. “We are confident we can build on our successes from our rookie season and put Hailie in contention to contend for strong finishes and an appearance in the Xfinity Series Playoffs.

“Our entire team, led by Kevin (Cywinski) and crew chief Joe (Williams), is incredibly confident not only about Daytona but the entire Xfinity season. We have made great strides throughout the offseason and look forward to showcasing that over the next nine months.”

For more on AM Racing, please visit AMRacingteam.com, like their Facebook page (AM Racing), or follow them on Instagram and X | Twitter @AMRacingNASCAR.

For more on Hailie Deegan, please visit hailiedeegan.com, like her Facebook page (HailieDeegan4), or follow her on Instagram (@hailiedeegan), YouTube and X | Twitter (@hailiedeegan).

The United Rentals 300 (120 laps | 300 miles) is the first of thirty-three (33) NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2024 schedule. Practice will take place on Fri., Feb. 16, from 4:35 p.m. – 5:25 p.m., and the qualifying session begins on Sat., Feb. 17, at 11:30 a.m. The field will take the green flag shortly after 5:00 p.m. with live coverage on FOX Sports 1 (FS1), the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90.

About Klutch Vodka:

Klutch Vodka is 100% made in the United States. Our vodka is made from local Midwestern corn, distilled 5 times through an eight-column still, and filtered or “polished” 12 times through 4 different materials in a proprietary process to create one of the finest vodkas in the world.

Klutch Vodka is the founder and proud sponsor of Klutch Kares. Klutch Kares’ provides financial assistance to those with special needs arising from childhood defects as well as students who have demonstrated the desire to achieve a higher education and need aid to achieve their goals.

About AM Racing:

AM Racing is a multi-tiered, multi-faceted Motorsports program headquartered in Statesville, N.C.

Established in December 2015, AM Racing is prided on faith, honesty and intelligent performance.

The family-owned team will compete in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, the NASCAR Xfinity Series and various Dirt Modified events in its eighth year of competition.

The team has named Hailie Deegan, Christian Rose and Austin Wayne Self as their primary drivers for the 2024 Xfinity, ARCA Menards Series and Dirt Modified seasons respectively

Expanding Presence as Segment Sponsor of The Dale Jr. Download

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Feb. 12, 2024) – JR Motorsports announced today that North Carolina-based Tire Pros will enter its fourth year of partnership with the team, joining Sam Mayer and the No. 1 entry for primaries at Phoenix Raceway (March 9) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 25) with associate placement for the remaining 31 races in 2024. In addition, Tire Pros will expand its presence as a segment sponsor of The Dale Jr. Download in 25 shows this season.

“Tire Pros is excited to partner and further our relationship with Sam Mayer and the No. 1 race team,” says Tire Pros President, Greg Bell. “It’s been great watching Sam’s success on the track and we look forward to supporting his quest for a championship run this year. We’re equally excited about the opportunity to continue working alongside Dale Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and the entire JR Motorsports team in ’24.”

Headquartered in Huntersville, N.C., Tire Pros is the nation’s largest network of elite, independent and locally owned tire dealers. With more than 650 locations under a shared national brand, Tire Pros provides a broad suite of specialized tools and resources to help franchisees drive consumers to its stores, enhance operations and maximize profitability. The company is backed by the power of American Tire Distributors (ATD), one of the largest independent suppliers to the replacement tire market with 113 distribution centers and over 80,000 customers across North America.

“I’m really looking forward to getting this season started and partnering with Tire Pros again,” said Mayer, who made two starts with the brand during his rookie campaign in 2021. “It’s great to have them back at JR Motorsports, especially with the No. 1 team.”

After spending their first three seasons with JRM’s No. 8 team, Tire Pros will transition to the No. 1 entry for the first time, joining Carolina Carports as recently announced partners for Mayer. A native of Franklin, Wis., Mayer earned a career-best four wins and a third-place finish in the NXS championship in 2023.

“Integration across all Dale Jr. companies is when a partnership is activating at its best, and we welcome to the content side of our business a partner that has been important to this organization for years,” said Mike Davis, president and executive producer of Dirty Mo Media. “The Dale Jr. Download audience will serve Tire Pros well and vice versa.”

Hosted by Dale Earnhardt Jr., The Dale Jr. Download began its 12th season as the No. 1 motorsports podcast and a top-25 podcast in all of sports. Tire Pros’ presence on DJD will be on the popular Tuesday segment called Dirty Air, in which Earnhardt Jr. airs his opinions, observations and life stories in the most transparent version of himself available.

The Dale Jr. Download airs every Tuesday and Wednesday during the NASCAR race season on all major podcasting platforms and Dirty Mo Media’s YouTube channel.

ABOUT TIRE PROS:
Tire Pros is the nation’s largest network of elite, independent and locally owned tire and automotive service dealers with over 600 locations across the United States. All Tire Pros locations offer unparalleled customer service including 24/7 roadside assistance, nationwide tire and service warranties, and flexible financing options to benefit any customer in need. Each store offers more than just tires, focusing on unique services that fit their customer’s lifestyles. Ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for several years, Tire Pros takes on the challenge of the everchanging automotive industry to build a smarter future for Tire Pros dealers and customers. For more information, please visit www.tirepros.com.

ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

ABOUT DIRTY MO MEDIA:
Dirty Mo Media is the original entertainment and creative production company of Dale Earnhardt Jr. The company launched in 2013 and, since then, has become the go-to destination for NASCAR fans on the core values of being authentic, bold, apolitical and passionate. Original content can be found at DirtyMoMedia.com and all major podcasting networks.

GAFFNEY, SC – Buckle up, racing fans, because the Daytona International Speedway is about to be hit by a force for good: the Mike’s Weather Page Hurricane Awareness Machine is back in 2024.

Once again, NASCAR Xfinity Series team JD Motorsports has teamed up with some of the storm industry’s most powerful players – Mike’s Weather Page, Firman Power Equipment, Coastal Claims, and Paratec Door Solutions – to sponsor Dawson Cram’s No. 4 Chevrolet in the season-opening United Rentals 300 on Saturday, February 17 at 5 p.m.

This electrifying race car won’t just be turning heads with its sleek design, it will be a rolling billboard for hurricane preparedness. Prominently featured on the No. 4 Chevy will be the logos of all the partnering companies, along with support from the Florida Division of Emergency Management, reminding everyone of the importance of being ready for those swirling tempests.

“The 2024 Atlantic Hurricane season will be here before we know it, so this event is a great reminder for all Floridians to start updating their disaster plans now and make sure their families are prepared.” said Division Executive Director Kevin Guthrie. “Finding innovative ways to come together with our partners to educate the community on disaster preparedness is always a win in my book, and I am thankful to Mike’s Weather Page and Firman Power Equipment for another year of partnership. We are all rooting for the Hurricane Awareness Machine.”

“Bringing together these incredible storm industry partners to build the Hurricane Awareness Machine for Daytona for a second time is a dream come true, again,” said Mike Boylan, founder of Mike’s Weather Page. “Our shared goal is to educate people about potential storms and be there for them every step of the way. As a lifelong Floridian and NASCAR fanatic, this is an incredible opportunity to combine my two passions for a greater good.”

Fans should mark their calendars for Saturday, February 17th at 5 PM EST because the United Rentals 300 will be more than just a race: it’s a statement about preparedness, resilience, and the power of community in the face of nature’s fury.

“FIRMAN is proud to partner with the Florida Division Of Emergency Management and Mikes Weather page again for a great day of racing at Daytona! We’re looking forward to a safe and FAST race for Dawson Cram in the number 4 JD Motorsports car – LET’S GO!”

Dawson Cram is a Xfinity Series rookie of the year candidate who is in his first year as a full-time driver with JD Motorsports. The son of former NASCAR Cup Series crew chief Kevin Cram, the 22-year-old Cram turned heads racing a part-time schedule in the Xfinity Series in 2023.

“I am thrilled to take on the high banks of Daytona in my JD Motorsports #4 Chevrolet Camaro carrying Mike’s Weather Page and Firman generators,” said Cram. “Daytona brings on an excitement like no other track and I cannot wait to share that excitement with all of my fans and all of Mike’s Weather Page’s 2 million fans, we will have a big fan section cheering us on for sure!

Tune in to watch the season-opening NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 17 at 5 p.m. The race will be broadcast on FS1, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90)

About Mike’s Weather Page

Mike Boylan, a Florida native, is the creator of Mike’s Weather Page. Graduating from USF with a Marketing degree in 1996, Mike took an interest to the internet and website design. Being a weather fan his entire life and experiencing Florida’s active 2004 season, Mike created a weather website to make tracking the tropics easy. Joining social media in 2009, his audience has expanded globally now reaching over 2 million followers with his website becoming a ‘one-stop shop for tropics’. Mike broadcasts live weather shows called the ‘Daily Brew’ on the tropics helping educate people and prepare, and even drives into storms bringing live coverage. Mike’s Weather Page has been accredited by NOAA, the NWS, FEMA, the Hurricane Hunters, National Meteorologists, the Weather Channel, Government officials, and several state county EOCs. Mike just recently won the 2021 Governor’s Hurricane Conference Tropical Meteorology award. https://spaghettimodels.com/

About Firman Power Equipment
As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of portable generators, we pride ourselves on the unparalleled quality of our products. At FIRMAN we are committed to constant innovation. It’s not enough to be “as good” as the competition, we strive to be better in every way that matters to our customers. FIRMAN provides the power you need when you need it plus expert guidance to conquer anything life throws your way. firmanpowerequipment.com

About Coastal Claims Services, public insurance adjusters.

A public adjuster is a licensed claims adjuster who represents the insured policyholder in their insurance claim. We do not work for the insurance company. The team at Coastal Claims Service is here to work on your behalf to secure the best possible insurance settlement for all types of claims, both commercial and residential. We represent you, the business or homeowner, not the insurance company. If you have suffered storm damage, water damage, fire, and smoke damage, we can assist you with your claim. coastalclaims.net

About Paratec Door Solutions

Paratec Door Solutions stands at the forefront of the door industry, anchored by a deep history of experience. Their specialization spans a diverse range of services, from installing and maintaining high-speed and rolling steel doors to full-view sectional doors, loading dock equipment and HVLS fans. At Paratec, their factory-certified technicians are dedicated to delivering swift and dependable services, ensuring your operations run seamlessly. Their team is their biggest asset. Their technicians are trained and certified, making sure the job is done right the first time. They work hard to make sure everything runs smoothly for you. With Paratec, you’re choosing quality, reliability, and experience. Every product and service they offer is backed by their years of experience and dedication.“Our commitment isn’t just to the doors we install, but to the people and businesses they serve, ensuring security, efficiency, and peace of mind.”- Billy, Founder of Paratec Door Solutions. www.paratecdoor.com

Florida Division of Emergency Management

The Florida Division of Emergency Management (Division) plans for and responds to both natural and man-made disasters. Division staff members provide technical assistance to local governments as they prepare emergency plans and procedures, as well as conduct emergency operations training for state and local governmental agencies with the mission of coordinating, collaborating and communicating with all community stakeholders for a more resilient Florida.The Division maintains the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee which serves as the communications and command center for reporting emergencies and coordinating state response activities alongside county emergency officials. Additionally, the Division operates the State Warning Point, a state emergency communications center staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. www.floridadisaster.org

JD Motorsports

Team Owner Johnny Davis first began fielding the No. 4 car in what is now the Xfinity Series in 1983 with Joe Henry Thurman as the driver. From 1983-1985, Davis and Thurman competed in 41 races and put the JD Motorsports name on the map. Although JDM has seen a sharp rise in on-track performance in the past few years, success is nothing new to this team. Years of good drivers and excellent runs have paved the way for what JDM is today. www.teamjdmotorsports.com

A.E. Engine, sales and marketing partner

A.E. Engine is a full-service sports sales, marketing, and content creation company. Founded in 2005 by sports publishing and marketing executives, A.E. Engine has earned a reputation for conceiving, creating, and delivering high-quality, premium content and programming for passionate fans. www.ae-engine.com