Category: XFINITY Series PR

Toyota Racing – John Hunter Nemechek
NASCAR Xfinity Series Quotes

POCONO, Penn. (July 21, 2023) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver John Hunter Nemechek was made available to media prior to practice for the NASCAR Xfinity Series event at the Pocono Raceway on Friday:

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK, No. 20 Yahoo Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

Do you feel like you have any extra pressure with your family’s legacy in the sport?

“I wouldn’t say it’s extra pressure. I’ve always had the goal of being better than my dad – that’s for sure. I think last week, I tied him in total NASCAR wins, which is really cool. I think we are both at 20 now. That’s a really neat stat. I think that there is no real added pressure there, just because of my name. I think for me it’s trying to make a name for myself. Yes, being able to grow underneath him and then being able to carry on my uncle’s name is really, really neat and it is kind of a family legacy that I get to continue to carry on, but at the same time make a name for myself. I want everyone to say that’s John Hunter’s dad, rather than that’s Joe Nemechek’s son.”

How do you digest 2024 plans with some unknown?

“I think for me it just really staying focus on this year. I’ve been Cup racing before. I made that move, and it might have been a little too soon for me, but I learned a lot from that. At that point, I don’t feel like I’m worried about the future. For me, it is all about going and winning races. I love the spot that I’m in. I love the last three years of winning races at the Truck level and the Xfinity level, hopefully, one day, I can do that in the Cup Series level, but for me, it’s all heads down and focus on trying to win this championship. I’ve come up short from winning a championship so far in my career, so whatever that takes, for me – whatever happens in the future is going to happen for a reason, so you just have to live every day and continue to get better and go race every single weekend.”

Do you have to have patience because it is not totally up to you?

“I think at times anyone would say it can get frustrating not knowing your future or where you are going to end up, but at the same time, patience is a virtue. I had to learn patience once I had a kid, that is for sure. I feel like that has changed my perspective on a lot of things. For me, it’s continuing to focus on what I love to do and that is going racing and winning races. The future will settle itself, so it’s just heads down and working hard every single day.”

How humbling was stepping back from the Cup Series and going back to the Truck Series?

“I think that I value going Cup racing for sure. Was it the right move? Maybe. Maybe not. That’s part of the path of where it has got me in my career. I learned a lot that year. It made me a better race car driver. It made me a better person. It made me stronger mentally, for sure, through ups and downs. We had some really good runs, but all-in-all, I think being able to reset and revamp and put myself in a spot where I feel like I can win races with the teams and organizations that I was with in the Truck Series and now in the Xfinity Series. I don’t want to put myself in the position where I feel like I can’t win races with an organization. To me, it is aligning yourself with the right people and the right team around you to go and win races and championships.”

How do you manage the points lead?

“Keep winning. Win stages, win races. Just have solid days, no mistakes. I feel like that has something that we’ve fought all year is having to overcome things every single week, whether that might be a mistake on pit road or something I did, restart violation or wherever it may be. We’ve had to come from the back quite a bit this year, in short periods of time and have still salvaged days. Turned bad days into good days, and overall have good days every week.”

What is it about Pocono that allows you to find success here?

“I really don’t know. Ever since I’ve came here, I feel like I’ve excelled here. I don’t know the reason for it. I feel like this place is based on a lot of momentum, carrying speed around the corners, making the straightaways longer. I feel – I guess that suits my driving style a little bit. It goes back to some of the race cars that I grew up driving, like Allison Legacy cars and whatnot, it was all momentum based and trying to make corner speed faster to make the straightaways longer – really tight racing. For me, it is just a place I’ve come to like over the years, and I’ve been fast here, so it makes it that much easier to like.”

What has been the key to your success this season?

“Having a great team around me. Everyone that works on this 20 team and everyone that works at Joe Gibbs Racing has given every tool that I’ve needed to succeed, including Toyota, TRD. I think just consistent runs throughout the year, turning bad days into good days or in the top-10 days, let’s say, and being frustrated with a top-10. That’s a pretty good day. For us, it’s just keeping our head down and continuing to bring fast Toyota GR Supras to the race track every single week. I have to keep doing my homework and doing my job and focus on each race weekend and doing the best that I can as a driver and for my team. It goes back to communication as well. Communication is key. I feel some of that goes unnoticed from a team aspect of NASCAR. It’s a team sport, so being able to communicate with the crew chief, the engineers, all of your crew guys – it just makes everything better.”

Have you had any talks with Mark Martin on advice on your similar career tracks?

“I have not. Mark (Martin) and I chat every time he is at the race track but haven’t talked about that. I didn’t know that – that’s actually interesting and pretty cool. So, for me, I think the opportunity on the Cup side was great and it was something I had to take for myself as a driver. Was it too soon? Maybe. At the same time, it teaches you a lot. It makes you become a better driver, a better person, stronger mentally. It opens your eyes to a lot of things that you haven’t been exposed to before. There are reasons that those guys race on Sunday every single week.”

How does having Ben Beshore’s experience help you reach the level of success you have this season?

“Ben (Beshore), I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being able to work with Ben, so far this year. Going into the off season, not knowing who the crew chief was going to be for me, and then getting announced that it was Ben – sitting down, chatting with him, talking with him, communicating, trying to create that relationship, I feel like we’ve created a pretty good relationship so far. The experience is huge. Anytime I feel like that you have an experienced crew chief; it makes you better as a driver. He not only has experience as a crew chief, but he’s a very experienced engineer. He’s been around this sport for quite some time, so being able to chat with him and pick his brain on some ideas and have him ask me questions that really haven’t been asked before or in a way that they haven’t been asked before, to make me think a little bit differently about what he is asking and how the car is driving and different things of that sort. I feel like that has been a huge stepping stone for me and has made me a better race car driver. I think the experience side has helped me mature for sure as a race car driver. We are very good about letting each other do our jobs every single weekend, but still in constant communication on what we can do better as a team and how we continue to get better. I feel like our relationship has really kicked off, and it has been really, really good.”

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in North America for more than 65 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than 1,800 dealerships.

Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 45 million cars and trucks at our 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker, Toyota currently offers 24 electrified options.

RSS Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Pocono (Pa.) Raceway | Explore The Pocono Mountains 225

Fast Facts
No. 38 RSS Racing Team:
Driver: Joe Graf Jr.
Primary Partner(s): No. 38 CoverSeal® Ford Mustang
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Steve Addington
Spotter: Joe Campbell
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines
Driver Championship Point Standings: 21st
Team Championship Point Standings: 24th

Notes of Interest:

Settling In: After spending the last three seasons with SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt (2020 – 2022), Joe Graf Jr. moved to RSS Racing during the offseason where he’ll spend the majority of the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series season competing for the Sugar Hill, Ga.-based team.

In addition to RSS Racing, Graf will also compete in a limited NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule driving the No. 19 Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Welcome Aboard: Joe Graf Jr. and RSS Racing welcome back CoverSeal® as the primary partner of the team’s No. 38 Ford Mustang for Saturday afternoon’s Explore The Pocono Mountains 225.

The annual summer trip to Pocono Mountains will mark the fourth time the company has been represented by RSS Racing and Joe Graf Jr. this season.

CoverSeal® supported the organization in the season-opening race at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February, Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in April and most recently at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway earlier this month.

We Have You COVERED: Racing fans know the importance of keeping cars in top-quality condition, and they can extend an unmatched level of care toward their own vehicles with CoverSeal®.

These covers don’t just protect vehicles from nature’s damage: whether fans plan to tailgate at the track or barbecue in the backyard, CoverSeal® craftsmanship can protect grills and furniture when not in use.

The CoverSeal® weighted apron helps seal the cover to the ground on each version, making the cover easy to use and hard to beat.

Thanks For Your Support: With a little more than 54 percent of the 2023 Xfinity Series season complete, Joe Graf Jr. and RSS Racing would like to thank their associate marketing partners: ArmsList.com, AVOID, Bass Reaper Bait Company, Bucked Up Energy Drink, CoverSeal, EAT SLEEP RACE Apparel, fgrACCEL, G-Coin®, GTECHNIQ, JACOB Companies, Lefcourt Brothers Racing, Love Motorsports, Model Electronics and ShopRite for their continued support.

Catch Him On The Dial: Before Joe Graf Jr. straps into his No. 38 CoverSeal® Ford Mustang on Saturday, the RSS Racing driver will be featured on “The Frontstretch” on SiriusXM Satellite Radio Channel 90 with host Pat Patterson on Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at approximately 10:00 a.m. ET.

Graf will also spotlight a commercial featuring CoverSeal® in several spots throughout the weekend, including the full four-hour program on Sunday, July 23, 2023.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Pocono Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 will mark Graf’s third Xfinity start at the 2.5-mile triangle.

In his previous two efforts, Graf earned a track-best finish of 32nd in the 2021 edition of the Pocono Green 225 after starting 35th for SS GreenLight Racing with Jeff Lefcourt.

In addition to his two Xfinity starts, the Mahwah, New Jersey native also has four ARCA Menards Series starts in Long Pond, including collecting three top-10 finishes, including a track-best of seventh in 2018 driving for Chad Bryant Racing.

Joe Graf Jr. Xfinity Series Career Speedway Stats: At NASCAR Xfinity Series tracks classified as a speedway greater than 2.0-mile in length, Graf has competed in 23 NASCAR Xfinity Series races with three top-10 finishes to his credit. He holds an average starting position of 24.5 and an average result of 25.4.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway | Ambetter Health 200 Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Joe Graf Jr. made his fourth start of the season driving the No. 19 Rocky’s Ace Hardware Toyota Supra for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR).

After practicing inside the top five, Graf qualified his No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Supra 19th for the race. Methodically throughout the race, Graf was able to overcome some early race challenges and maneuver himself inside the top five and even led eight laps of the race.

Unfortunately, in the closing laps of the race, Graf was collected in a late-race accident which regulated him to a 29th-place finish.

Sneaker Mania: Along with the adrenaline of the Motorsports competition, Joe Graf Jr. also has a vogue for hype sneakers. In his current collection, he owns and wears at least 90 limited edition sneakers – and his collection continues to grow monthly.

The current estimated value of his collection tops $100,000.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Steve Addington is Joe Graf Jr.’s crew chief.

He will be crew chief for his 282nd NASCAR Xfinity Series race as crew chief on Saturday and his second at the three-turn 2.5-mile triangle facility in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

In his previous 281 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected 11 wins, 10 poles, 68 top-five and 118 top-10 finishes.

Hello From The Other Side: Graf Jr. has two teammates at RSS Racing.

Veteran Ryan Sieg will drive the No. 39 CMRroofing.com Ford Mustang, while younger brother Kyle Sieg will drive the No. 28 US Hydrations | Sparkling Ice Ford Mustang.

Ryan Sieg is set to make his 320th career Xfinity Series start overall and eighth at Pocono.

Kyle Sieg hopes to make his 36th career Xfinity Series start and second at Pocono.

Follow on Social Media: For more on Joe Graf Jr. visit JoeGrafRacing.com, like him on Facebook (Joe Graf Jr.), follow him on TikTok (@JoeGrafJr), Twitter (@JoeGrafJr) and Instagram (@joegrafjr).

For more on RSS Racing, please like them on Facebook (RSS283839) and follow them on Instagram (@rss283839) and Twitter (@RSS283839).

Joe Graf Jr. Quoteboard:

On Pocono Raceway: “I’m excited to return to Pocono Raceway. I haven’t been to the track since 2021, but I feel really good about returning and contending for a strong finish with our No. 38 CoverSeal® Ford Mustang.

“I have not had the best luck in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, but I have a bunch of top-10 finishes in ARCA. They don’t call Pocono the “Tricky Triangle” for nothing, but its unique track characteristics and one I enjoy racing at.

“Last weekend at New Hampshire was a positive weekend for me and my career even though we did not have the finish we should have earned, but I’ll look to complete that with my RSS Racing team on Saturday afternoon.”

On The 2023 Season: “We started the year off really strong between RSS Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, but unfortunately we’ve been on a rollercoaster throughout the season.

“I know we just have to survive this stretch of unique races which includes a street course, a hybrid superspeedway, a flat track, a fast track and another road course. Hopefully in-between all the different types of tracks we’ll find a rhythm that will allow us to continue to accelerate in a positive direction.

“I just need to continue to stay focused, communicate with my team and utilize the knowledge that I’ve gained over the past three years to recover and have my best Xfinity Series season yet.”

Race Information:

The Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 (90 laps | 225 miles) is the 19th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2023 schedule. Practice begins on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 3:35 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. Qualifying is set to follow practice beginning at 4:05 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag the next afternoon, Saturday, July 22, 2023, shortly after 5:30 p.m. with live coverage on the USA Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

About RSS Racing:

RSS Racing fields multiple entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series led by mainstay driver Ryan Sieg.

RSS Racing has competed in NASCAR events since 2009 from its headquarters in Sugar Hill, Ga.

AM Racing | NASCAR Xfinity Series
Pocono (Pa.) Raceway | Explore The Pocono Mountains 225

Fast Facts

No. 25 AM Racing Team:
Driver: Brett Moffitt
Primary Partner(s): AM Technical Solutions (AMTS)
Manufacturer: Ford Mustang
Crew Chief: Joe Williams Jr.
Spotter: Tony Raines
Chassis Intel: AMR Chassis No. 006
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines
Driver Championship Point Standings: 14th
Team Championship Point Standings: 16th

Notes of Interest:

Inaugural Journey Marches On: After spending the past several seasons as a full-time team in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series, AM Racing will embark on its inaugural journey in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season with driver Brett Moffitt for the entire 33-race tour continuing with Saturday afternoon’s Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.

Saturday afternoon’s race signifies the second race of the second half of the 2023 Xfinity Series season for the Statesville, N.C.-based organization.

Future Focused: With AM’s inaugural Xfinity journey set to continue at the track dubbed the New York of the South, the team has chosen veteran driver Brett Moffitt to lead the team’s campaign from the driver’s seat aboard the No. 25 Ford Mustang.

Moffitt, a native of Grimes, Iowa hails numerous starts across all three of NASCAR’s National Series, including the 2018 Truck Series championship with Hattori Racing Enterprises.

Moffitt, 30, arrives on the scene at AM Racing after a stint at Our Motorsports.

Partner Intel: The Statesville, N.C.-based team will sport the signage of AM Technical Solutions on the No. 25 Ford Mustang for the 19th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races this season.

Headquartered in Austin, TX, AM Technical Solutions (AMTS) was founded in 1994.

AM Technical Solutions is a Global Architecture, Engineering & Construction firm specializing in the high-tech markets. AMTS has managed over $20B of global capital projects for over 170 different customers in 24 countries and across five continents.

AM Minute: Last weekend was another busy summer weekend for AM Racing.

In addition to the NASCAR Xfinity Series team being in action at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, AM Racing’s ARCA Menards Series team was roaring in action at Iowa Speedway with driver Christian Rose.

In his ARCA debut at Iowa, Rose capitalized on his ninth-place qualifying effort aboard his No. 32 West Virginia Tourism | Secure Testing Services Ford Mustang to run as high as sixth during the 150-lap race before a tight race car regulated the West Virginia driver to a career-best seventh place finish in the ninth race of the 2023 season.

Iowa’s finish marked the fifth top-10 finish in the last six races for the Statesville, N.C.-based team.

This weekend at Pocono Raceway, AM Racing will field an entry in the ARCA Menards Series, the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series respectively.

Thanks For Your Support: With more than 54 percent of the 2023 season complete, AM Racing and Brett Moffitt would like to thank their associate marketing partners for their support: AIRBOX Air Purifier, CForce Bottling Company, Concrete Supply, Destiny Homes, Flying Circle, Kreuz Market, Lane Frost Brand, Mechanix Wear and Mobil 1.

AMerican Heroes: NASCAR and its fans have always put Patriotism and American Pride at the forefront of every race weekend. That same passion runs just as deep at AM Racing, a team whose family lineage is deeply rooted in the Armed Forces and First Responders workforce.

We’re a team whose blood bleeds Red, White and Blue every day, which is why we are proud to launch, AMerican Heroes.

At AM Racing, it is our mission to recognize and highlight the men and women who continue to put their lives on the line every day, as well as honoring and paying respect to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

We are a nation that is united by one flag, which represents all the liberties and freedoms that we would not be able to enjoy without the sacrifices of those willing to answer the call.

Continuing with Pocono Raceway this weekend, AM Racing will carry the AMerican Heroes livery, which will continue for the remainder of the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series and ARCA Menards Series seasons.

The team will work to salute all the men and women, past and present, who truly deserve the title of Hero, every weekend.

Brett Moffitt Xfinity Series Pocono Raceway Stats: Saturday afternoon’s Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 will mark Moffitt’s fourth start at the 2.5-mile triangle.

In his previous three efforts, Moffitt has delivered one top-10, two top-15 finishes and three top-20 finishes. His track-best result occurred during the 2020 Pocono Green 200 when Moffitt steered to a seventh-place finish after starting 18th for Our Motorsports.

In addition to his previous three Xfinity Series races, the popular driver also has two NASCAR Cup Series starts at the Pennsylvania race track to coincide with four NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts in the Keystone State.

Brett Moffitt Xfinity Series Speedway Stats: At NASCAR Xfinity Series tracks classified as a speedway greater than 2.0 miles in length, Moffitt has made 20 starts throughout his career earning two top-five and six top-10 finishes. He also holds an average finishing position of 16.2.

Brett Moffitt NASCAR Xfinity Series Career Stats: In 102 career Xfinity Series starts, Moffitt has earned three top-five and 28 top-10 finishes, including a second-place outing at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in February 2021. During that tenure, he also holds an average finishing position of 17.4.

He earned a career-best Xfinity Series qualifying effort of fourth earlier this year at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway with AM Racing.

In addition to 101 Xfinity Series starts, he has achieved 45 NASCAR Cup Series and 92 NASCAR CRAFTSMAN® Truck Series starts to his credit.

New Hampshire Motor Speedway | Ambetter Health 200 Race Recap: In the most recent NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Atlanta (Ga.) Motor Speedway, Brett Moffitt and the AM Racing chased their fifth top-10 finish of the season.

In their lone trip to the 1.054-mile speedway, Moffitt capitalized on his 12th-place qualifying effort aboard the No. 25 AM Technical Solutions Ford Mustang to hover inside the top-15 for a majority of the race.

An array of late-race cautions allowed Moffitt to contend for his fifth top-10 finish of the year and despite a last lap of chaos, Moffitt claimed ninth to capture his second top-10 finish in the last three races.

More importantly, Moffitt gained ground in his bid to capture one of the top-12 Playoff positions in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

In 18 races this season, Moffit has delivered one top-five, five top-10s, 12 top-15s, 13 top-20s and an average finish of 15.7.

From the Pit Box: Industry veteran Joe Williams is Brett Moffit’s crew chief.

He will be crew chief for his 117th NASCAR Xfinity Series race on Saturday and his fourth at the three-turn 2.5-mile triangle facility in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.

In his previous 116 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, he has collected one win (Auto Club Speedway | February 2022), eight top-five and 26 top-10 finishes.

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

For more on Brett Moffitt, please visit BrettMoffitt.com, like his Facebook page (Brett Moffitt Racing), or follow him on Instagram (@brett_moffitt_racing) and Twitter (@brett_moffitt).

Brett Moffitt Quoteboard:

On Pocono Raceway: “I am looking forward to Pocono Raceway this weekend. Our AM Racing team has some good momentum right now and I feel like Pocono presents the opportunity for us to steal a win from the regular players in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and throw our AM Racing team into the Playoffs.

“We’ve been solid the last several weeks and we know we need to be a little bit stronger, but with the Playoffs lurking, believe me, we are not going down without a fight.”

“Over the years, Pocono has been a pretty good race track to me and if we can dial in our No. 25 AM Technical Solutions Ford Mustang, we’ll be a player.

“Pocono is a fun place to race but is definitely a momentum track where handling and speed can be critical. The balance on our AM Racing cars has been strong over the last couple of weeks and I hope we’re in a place to earn another top-10 finish on Saturday night.”

On 2023 Season Outlook: “We have just past the halfway point of the 2023 NASCAR Xfinity Series and I feel like we have a lot to be proud of. I believe as the season has marched on, our team has gotten stronger and I believe the results have showcased that.

“However, as the Playoffs are on the horizon, we are doing everything in our power to either point our way in or fight our way into Victory Lane so we can take up one of the coveted 12 spots and really bring some attention to our AM Racing team.”

Race Information:

The Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 (90 laps | 225 miles) is the 19th of 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races on the 2023 schedule. Practice begins on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 3:35 p.m. – 4:05 p.m. Qualifying is set to follow practice beginning at 4:05 p.m. The 38-car field will take the green flag the next afternoon, Saturday, July 22, 2023, shortly after 5:30 p.m. with live coverage on the USA Network, the Motor Racing Network (Radio) and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel 90. All times are local (Eastern).

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 seventh year of competition.

The team has named Brett Moffitt, Christian Rose and Austin Wayne Self as their primary drivers for the 2023 Xfinity, ARCA Menards Series and Dirt Modified seasons respectively.

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

• Event: Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 (Round 19 of 33)
• Date: Saturday, July 22
• Location: Pocono (Pa.) Raceway
• Layout: 2.5-mile triangle
• Time/TV/Radio: 5:30 p.m. EDT on USA/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Cole Custer Notes of Interest

• Cole Custer and the No. 00 Haas Automation team head to Saturday’s Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway hunting for a victory at the track nicknamed “The Tricky Triangle.” With two wins and four pole positions earned already this season, Custer sits fourth in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driver standings with a spot in the 12-driver playoffs locked in with eight races to go until the postseason begins Sept. 15 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Custer looks to rebound after his top-five bid last Saturday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon was foiled by an accident on the final lap of the race. The 22nd-place result ended his streak of top-10 finishes at 11 in a row, the longest top-10 streak in the Xfinity Series this season. During the 11-race streak, Custer scored both of this season’s wins – June 3 at Portland (Ore.) International Raceway and July 2 at the inaugural Chicago Street Race. He’s hoping to earn his first victory on a track other than a road course this weekend on Pocono’s unique three-cornered, 2.5-mile layout after a strong history at the track.
• Saturday’s race will mark Custer’s fifth Xfinity Series start at Pocono. In his four prior starts from 2017 to 2019, he never finished outside the top-10. He won there in June 2019 after starting on the pole, leading 58 laps and driving his Ford Mustang to victory lane by a .226-of-a-second margin over Tyler Reddick. Custer also has nine Pocono starts outside of the Xfinity Series – six in the NASCAR Cup Series, one in the NASCAR Truck Series, and two in the NASCAR ARCA Menards Series. His June 2015 ARCA Menards Series start resulted in a victory after starting fifth and leading 18 laps. He finished 4.991 seconds ahead of runner-up Grant Enfinger.
• Custer will be pulling double duty for the third weekend in a row as he’ll also be behind the wheel of the No. 51 Jacob Companies Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing in Sunday’s High Point 400 Cup Series race. His previous best finish at Pocono in the Cup Series is 16th, earned in the Saturday race of the June 2020 weekend doubleheader. He followed that up to finish 17th in the Sunday race.

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• Like his teammate Custer, Riley Herbst heads to Saturday’s Explore the Pocono Mountains 225 as a previous Pocono winner. In his first race on the 2.5-mile triangle in June 2017, the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang driver scored his first career ARCA Menards Series victory. He led a race-high 45 laps to take the win by 1.735 seconds over runner-up Brandon Jones. It was a prelude of more potent Pocono runs. In Herbst’s return to Pocono two months later for the August ARCA race, he finished second. Back-to-back fifth-place finishes were earned in his two Pocono ARCA races in 2018. And in his last ARCA start at Pocono in May 2019, Herbst finished second after leading a race-high 68 laps. Herbst has never finished outside the top-five in an ARCA race at Pocono.
• Saturday’s race at the “Tricky Triangle” will mark Herbst’s fourth Xfinity Series start at the track. In his three prior races, he earned a best finish of ninth in his first start at the track in June 2020. In last year’s race, the No. 98 Monster Energy team opted to keep Herbst on track during a caution early in the final stage to put him in the lead. He fought hard to lead four laps on worn tires and gain valuable experience defending the lead from Josh Berry. Ultimately, new tires prevailed, but Herbst was able to hold on for a top-12 finish as the race stayed green all the way to the checkered flag.
• Only eight races remain before the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs begin Sept. 15 at Bristol, and Herbst is currently defending his spot in the 12-driver playoff field. Heading into the weekend at Pocono, he sits 11th in the driver standings but 12th in the playoff standings. Last weekend at New Hampshire, he extended his buffer over 13th-place Parker Kligerman from six points to 18 after rebounding from an early crash and showing his resilience. A win, of course, would secure Herbst a spot in the playoffs, but he can still point his way in by stringing together solid finishes and scoring stage points through the regular season finale on Sept. 9 at Kansas Speedway in Kansas City.

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

You’ve had a lot of special moments at Pocono, including your first NASCAR Cup Series start, a NASCAR Xfinity Series win in 2019, and an ARCA Menards Series win in 2015. What would it mean to make another memory and park the No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang in victory lane this weekend?

“I think Pocono ranks highest on the list for a lot of drivers, just because the track itself is so unique and so difficult to get around. It’s a challenge. The corners are so flat, it’s hard to get your car to work right there. It’s hard as a driver to really be aggressive and really get your lines right. There’s a lot that goes into it when you’re trying to be fast there. A lot of shifting involved, and as a driver you have to be on your game, so it means a lot to win at Pocono. Hopefully we can do that this weekend.”

With Pocono being such an unusual track on the circuit with only three turns, all of which are very different, how do you navigate the track as a driver?

“As a driver, you have to look at it and almost reset yourself going into every single corner. Each turn at Pocono is so different, so how you work the brake and the throttle, are you shifting or are you not shifting, what’s your line in that turn – it’s all unique in each of the three corners. There are so many different things you can do as a driver at Pocono, so you really have to reset and adapt to your car as best as you can. So, it’s definitely a challenge and always makes it exciting.”

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

Pocono was the site of your first career ARCA Menards Series victory in 2017. How significant is this track to your racing career?

“It was big for me. To be able to come to Pocono and score the win was big for me. I got a shot to drive, and I drove the car to victory lane. It’s one of those moments that I’ll always think about when I started my NASCAR career. Pocono holds a special place in my heart, so it would mean a lot to be able to go to victory lane there in the NASCAR Xfinity Series as well. It would just make it that much more special – first career Xfinity Series win at the place I got my first career ARCA win.”

You’ve mentioned Pocono being one of your favorite tracks on the circuit, but it’s also a difficult and unique one. Walk us through how you navigate the three turns as a driver.

“Pocono’s a tricky one. Each turn is so different, so you have to approach them with different strategies. We’ll do our best. Turn one is super fast and high-banked. Then, you go through the Long Pond straightaway, and into the Tunnel Turn. That’s just like the Indianapolis big track – super flat, tight radius, and very bumpy. Then you go down the short shoot into a long turn three, which is the most important corner of the track in my opinion. It’s extremely flat and high speed, but you have to come off of it well to get a good run for the longest straightaway in NASCAR. Hopefully, we can successfully tackle each corner and park our No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang in victory lane.”

Statesville, N.C. (July 20, 2023) – NASCAR driver Jeb Burton, in partnership with Puryear Tank Lines, will pay homage to the iconic Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy” in this weekend’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono. The tribute scheme, representing the heritage of Major Thomas McGuire Jr., will be featured on the Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport car.

Major Thomas McGuire Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient and the second-highest-scoring ace of World War II flew the Lockheed P-38 Lightning extensively in the Pacific theater. To honor his legacy, Joint Base McGuire-Dix- Lakehurst, located nearby in Wrightstown, New Jersey, named after him, installed a P-38 with matching colors and markings as the “gate guardian.”

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy” tribute scheme on Jeb Burton’s car represents the five different aircraft flown by Major Thomas McGuire Jr., each bearing the name “Pudgy.” This is symbolized by the ‘V’ marking prominently displayed on the car. Major McGuire tragically lost his life in action on January 7th, 1945, while serving in the Philippines.

In a demonstration of unwavering support for the military community, Puryear Tank Lines, a long-standing partner of NASCAR and committed supporter of the men and women in the U.S. military, proudly sponsors Jeb Burton. Since its establishment in 1959, Puryear has fostered relationships with veteran-owned and operated businesses, exemplifying their dedication to those who have served.

Puryear Tank Lines, owned and operated by former drivers, specializes in bulk tank delivery and prioritizes the needs of their drivers. Their commitment to Safety, Growth, Reliability, and Customer Satisfaction aligns seamlessly with the values of NASCAR. Puryear Racing events offer exclusive access to drivers, highlighting their exceptional care for those in the racing community.

Accompanying the Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy” tribute scheme, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst will have Airmen present at the race. Additionally, a KC-46 Pegasus aircraft, with the callsign “Pudgy,” will grace the skies above the track, further honoring the legacy of Major McGuire.

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport, co-owned by Jordan Anderson and John Bommarito, represents the #27 and #31 Chevrolet Camaros in NASCAR Xfinity Series. Founded in 2017, the team is driven by a tight-knit group of employees, fans, and sponsors who value integrity and strive for excellence both on and off the track. With the unwavering support of their partners, the team aims to embrace the challenges they face and persist in their pursuit of success.

By combining their forces, Jeb Burton, Puryear Tank Lines, and Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport aim to create a lasting tribute to the heroic achievements of Major Thomas McGuire Jr. and his Lockheed P-38 Lightning “Pudgy.” This collaboration embodies the spirit of honor, dedication, and perseverance that resonates with fans, sponsors, and the racing community at large.

Please Note- “The appearance of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Maj. Thomas McGuire, or the “Pudgy” nose art do es not constitute endorsement by the United States Air Force or the Department of Defense.”

About Puryear Tank Lines

Puryear Tank Lines, a renowned name in the transportation industry since 1959, prides itself on its commitment to supporting the women and men of the U.S. military. With a strong partnership with NASCAR and a focus on safety and customer satisfaction, Puryear Tank Lines prioritizes the needs of its drivers while delivering bulk tank shipments throughout the country.

About Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito Autosport

Jordan Anderson Racing Bommarito AutoSport is a NASCAR team, owned by owner/driver Jordan Anderson and Bommarito Automotive Group President, John Bommarito. Established in 2017 the organization is fueled by an incredible, close-knit team of employees, fans, and sponsors with a focus on integrity in the pursuit of excellence. Our goal is to embrace the journey we’re on and to never give up – whether on the track, in the pits, or in life. Every single team partner, and fan of ours, is what keeps our race cars running strong and our team performing at the highest level.

Gaffney, South Carolina – JD Motorsports is excited to announce a delightful partnership with Graze Craze, the preeminent franchise in the grazing style food category. Graze Craze offers a unique and innovative dining experience, catering to all occasions with their meticulously curated charcuterie boards and picnic boxes made from the finest ingredients. The franchise is set to open its doors soon in Allentown, PA, and is eagerly anticipating its first-ever full sponsorship on a NASCAR race car at the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Pocono Raceway on July 22nd.

“My husband Rusty and I are thrilled to be bringing Graze Craze to the Lehigh Valley! Said Jeanne Kuchta. “There is just something special about charcuterie that brings people together and has a unique versatility to fit all occasions big and small. We love the idea of giving back and feel this is something new and fun we can give to others. We also plan on donating a percentage of our sales to our non-profit MollySTRONG Foundation, which funds important leukemia research at St. Jude’s. Stop by or call our new shop on Tilghman Street opening at the end of August 2023 and look for our Graze Craze van delivering happiness across the Lehigh Valley!”

Graze Craze is revolutionizing the dining landscape with its exceptional offerings, led by the expertise of their in-store GrazologistsTM, who passionately craft hand-crafted, beautifully designed, and delectable sweet and savory charcuterie boards. Each arrangement reflects a perfect blend of taste and aesthetics, leaving customers with an unforgettable grazing experience. “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Graze Craze” said Garrett Smithley. “Their dedication to delivering top-quality grazing-style food aligns perfectly with our drive for excellence on the racetrack. This partnership marks a momentous occasion for both Graze Craze and JD Motorsports, and we can’t wait to showcase their brand on our JD Motorsports Chevrolet.”

Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 is set to roll off at 5:30pm ET

and will be televised on USA Network.

About Graze Craze:

Graze Craze® is the leading franchise within the grazing style food category, offering an alternative experience to traditional dining options and catering for every occasion. At Graze Craze, in-store Grazologists™ curate hand-crafted, impeccably designed, sweet and savory charcuterie boards and picnic boxes made with the highest quality ingredients and arranged with perfection.

JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW:
TRACK: Pocono Raceway
RACE: Explore The Pocono Mountains 225 (90 laps / 225 miles)
DATE: Saturday, July 22, 2023

Broadcast Information – TV: 5:30 p.m. ET on USA / Radio: 5 p.m. ET on MRN and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Sam Mayer
No. 1 Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions Chevrolet

• Sam Mayer returns to Long Pond, Pa. for his third career start at Pocono Raceway, the site of his first start in the NASCAR Xfinity series in 2021.
• In 15 starts on tracks measuring over 2 miles in length in the NXS, the young driver has notched two top-five and four top-10 finishes.
• The Franklin, Wis. native was on the rise to a solid top-five finish last week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway until a multi-car incident in the closing laps relegated him to an 18th-place effort.
• The 20-year-old Mayer currently sits ninth in the championship standings, 63 points above the playoff cutline.

Josh Berry
No. 8 Tire Pros Chevrolet

• Josh Berry has two starts at Pocono, with the best finish of third coming in last year’s event on the 2.5-mile triangle. In those starts, his average finish is a solid 6.0 and he’s led nine laps.
• At tracks 2 miles or greater in NXS competition, Berry has amassed 16 starts, with five top-five and nine top-10 finishes.
• Tire Pros rejoins the No. 8 team this weekend, marking the eighth time he has run those colors this season.
• With the NXS Playoffs eight races away, Berry and the No. 8 team are currently sixth in the series standings, 105 points above the cut line for postseason contention.

Brandon Jones
No. 9 Menards/Pelonis Chevrolet

• Brandon Jones has made seven NXS starts at the “Tricky Triangle” and has scored two top-10 finishes. His best was a seventh-place effort during the 2021 season.
• In 51 starts at tracks measuring over 2 miles in length in the NXS, Jones has recorded seven top-five and 22 top-10 finishes, while leading the field for 155 laps.
• Crew chief Jason Burdett has called the shots for six events at Pocono in the NXS and has recorded two top-five and four top-10 finishes.
• Jones currently sits 15th in the championship point standings, 60 points under the playoff cutline with eight races remaining in the regular season.
  
• Justin Allgaier
  No. 7 Reese’s Ice Cream Chevrolet
• Justin Allgaier heads to Pocono third in the NXS standings with just eight races remaining in the regular season.
• In seven previous starts at Pocono, Allgaier has scored two top fives and four top 10s, with a best finish of second coming in 2017.
• Allgaier qualified on the pole for this event last year, leading 22 laps before taking the checkered flag in the seventh position.
• On tracks 2 miles or greater in the NXS, Allgaier has earned one win (Indianapolis – 2018), 22 top fives and 41 top 10s in 80 career starts.

Driver Quotes

“Pocono is a fun track and I am looking forward to getting more laps there to really improve from my first two starts. I am confident that we can turn our luck around this weekend and hopefully get this No. 1 Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions Chevrolet up front to contend for the win.“ – Sam Mayer

“We’ve been really strong at Pocono over the last couple of years. It’s always been a track that I enjoy coming to. It’s definitely unique, with each corner having its own distinct challenges. I know that Jim (Pohlman, crew chief) and everyone on this Reese’s Ice Cream team are ready to get there and see what we can do. If we unload the same way we have been here lately, I see no reason why we won’t find ourselves in a position to fight for the win on Saturday.” – Justin Allgaier

“Pocono lives up to its name as the Tricky Triangle, because of the three very different corners. We had a good run here last year with a third-place finish but we need to start making ground in the points, and a win this weekend for Tire Pros and our No. 8 team is exactly the way to make that happen.” – Josh Berry

“We had a really good car last week in New Hampshire and we were able to close in on the playoff cutline. JRM dominated this race last season and this No. 9 team has been hard at work to bring the same speed this weekend. Pocono is a tough track but I know this team will do everything possible to make sure we are battling towards the front again this week.” – Brandon Jones

JRM Team Updates

• JR Motorsports at Pocono: JR Motorsports has competed at the “Tricky Triangle” 27 times in the NXS, recording one win, eight top fives and 17 top 10s. JRM comes into this race as the defending race winner after its No. 9 team took home the checkered last season.
• Benefitting the Gary Sinise Foundation: During the Summer for Heroes Giving Campaign, a company-wide initiative that supports American troops, veterans, first responders and their families through unique programs designed to make a difference in the lives of everyday heroes across the country, Tire Pros customers can donate an amount of their choice on the designated Gary Sinise Foundation donation page. Donate now!
• Souvenir Rig Signing: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry, Brandon Jones and Sam Mayer will be signing autographs at the JR Motorsports/Legacy MC souvenir rig on Saturday, July 22 from 3:25 p.m. – 3:50 p.m.