Toyota Racing – Ty Majeski
NASCAR Truck Series Quotes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (November 3, 2022) – ThorSport Racing driver Ty Majeski was made available to media at Championship 4 Media Day on Thursday in Phoenix:

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

When you have a teammate in the Championship battle, do you race him any different?

“It’s certainly every man for himself. If it comes to it is between Ben (Rhodes) and I, I’m going to do what I need to do to win the championship, but I’m not going to put us in a position where neither of us would get it. I’m sure that he would lay the bumper to me. I would probably do the same – if it comes down to that. I just hope that neither of us put ourselves in position where neither of us win the championship for Duke and Rhonda (Thorson). At the end of the day, that was our goal coming into this season. I’m kind of wearing my ThorSport employee hat, not me as the racecar driver hat. We want to bring it home for them and are certainly not going to do anything that would put that in jeopardy.”

What do you think about you and Josh Berry both making the championship 4?

“I think you can look at it from a couple of different perspectives. We’ve had to pave out path a different way. I think Josh (Berry) is in his low thirties, I’m 28. That’s probably old to be developing in the lower series, but I think each of us in good opportunities – we could perform. We are kind of wearing that hat for short track, late model guys to pave their way to this level, almost solely by winning races. I think that is something that I certainly take pride in, and I know he does as well. Hopefully, we can each bring home a championship – that would be really, really cool for short track racers, in general.”

Does everything that you went through make you stronger now?

“Yes, certainly. I don’t think I would be in this position if I was handed an opportunity. I’m glad I’ve had to work for it, because I have learned so much in my career and I think a lot of that experience and what I have learned – having to do it the old fashion way – has yielded results for us this season. I love being a part of the conversation with Joe (Shear, Jr., crew chief) and our engineer on what we need to do to this race trucks to be better and be a part of a decisions on how we go to the race track. I take a lot of pride in that. I love being a race car driver, but I also love being a part of it on the mechanical and engineering side, and that is something I take a lot of pride in on the short track level on my late model and I’ve gotten to the point where I feel like I know enough about these trucks to help us be better week-to-week, and I think that is something that has been a ton of fun for myself this year.”

How much better can your feedback be because of your engineering background?

“It’s huge just knowing and understanding what you have from a setup and package perspective. Being able to know what to look for. I think sometimes it can skew my judgement because I have a preconceived notion, but I try not to skew my judgement in that. I think it’s been a balance handling those situations throughout the season. We’ve gotten better and I’ve gotten better at maybe not sending us down a wrong direction. The biggest learning curve for me this year was practice in the day and then transitioning into racing at night. Most of our truck races are night races, and I don’t have a lot of experience in what I need balance wise during the day and then transitioning that to night. I think over the course of the season, I’ve been able to build up points on how the track progress and I think will be huge going into this weekend.”

What would winning the championship this weekend mean to you?

“I think a lot of it would be relief. I’ve felt a lot of relief this season because of that. I don’t want to say that I was feeling pressure, but I feel like a lot of people thought that maybe I couldn’t truly succeed at this level and throughout the season I’ve been able to build up my confidence and have a good sense on what I need to do to be successful at this level and I think that has shown throughout the season. We’ve been able to cross our t’s and dot our I’s, put the little things together and come out and win two of the last three. It’s been just a relief, and I think if we are able to bring this championship home, that would be the icing on the cake from a great season so far.”

Is there one moment this season that sticks out to you as a defining moment?

“I don’t know if there was one moment – it was just a lot of little things that led up to this. I think we started off the season, maybe finishing well, but we weren’t putting all the stages together. I think throughout the season we’ve been consistent on all different types of race tracks, and then we were putting all three stages together inside the top-five, then it was leading laps and then we were winning races. I think we’ve led laps in the last six or seven races, which is a crazy stat. I never thought it would turn into that in the beginning of the season, but we’ve just been getting consistently better. Joe (Shear, Jr., crew chief) and I have been getting better as a team, and the race team has corralled around us, and their confidence is at an all-time high and we are just ready to go this weekend and take it to them.”

What is your comfortability at Phoenix?

“I don’t have a ton of experience here, but historically at tracks that I haven’t had a ton of experience on, we’ve run really well this season, so I don’t think that will play a negative factor. I feel really good about Phoenix and the type of track that it is. Joe (Shear, Jr., crew chief) is obviously a short track guy and his package runs really well on the short tracks. I feel like the race track fits his style and my style and I feel good about our package. We’ve put a lot of work in the simulator perfecting everything that we need to do to win on Friday and I’m excited for the opportunity to do so.”

This feels like the first time you’ve had a solid home in one of NASCAR’s national series. What has it been like to be with this ThorSport Racing family?

“Those guys are racers up there. One thing I noticed in Charlotte is a lot of people take it as a 7-4pm job. There was a traffic jam coming out with some of the teams I was with at 4. Up at ThorSport, they are racers. We work until whenever we need to. I look at it as it is a bunch of guys having fun building race trucks together. That is certainly the mindset that we have. It’s that short track mentality, so given my background, I fit in well right when I got with them. Duke and Rhonda (Thorson) built such a great culture up there. They are great people, great people to work for. I consider them friends at this point. We spend a lot of time together. It has been great to build that relationship, not only with them, but everybody internally at ThorSport. I truly love being at the shop there every day. I enjoy it. It’s fun. I feel like having that mentality and being around people like that is recipe for success.”

ThorSport has built a championship pedigree with people like Matt Crafton, and now Ben Rhodes. What do you think is the biggest obstacle for you to overcome in Phoenix?

“I think it is going to take execution at all levels. I think the champion on Friday will have put a race together with zero mistakes. Phoenix is not a track you can’t afford to get back, as far as track position goes, it’s extremely aero sensitive. If you have a bad pit stop or a bad restart, it’s hard to recover from it. The champion on Friday is probably going to go through the race without a mistake and I think that needs to be us if we are going to be champions on Friday night.”

What was your full-time role at ThorSport?

“I don’t have my engineering degree, but I went up there in 2021 knowing that I was only going to run a handful of races. I took a backseat from a driving stand point. I went there to be an engineer, so my day-to-day job is Roamer arm. Each part, chassis, everything that has to do with the suspension of the truck gets scanned and gets a part number. We are able to take each component and choose it and basically build a model of the truck with each scanned number for each part, so it makes sim for us extremely accurate. It’s been great to actually touch each component. It’s forced me to learn a lot at a fast rate, and it has been able to bridge that gap between driving and the engineering standpoint. NASCAR, with the lack thereof of practice, teams have been putting a lot of effort on sim. It’s been a big reason why some of the teams are successful and the reason why certain teams are not. We made the decision at the beginning of the season to rely on sim and build up data points throughout the season, and it has become incredibly useful for us. We’ve been living and dying by the sim, and I feel like the results on how we unload week-to-week has shown. We unload with great speed and the balance has showed up close. It is just a testament to sim.”

Are you still doing that yourself?

“Yep.”

How did you get this opportunity to be full-time?

“Just timing. A lot of being successful in this sport is timing. You have to be with the right people at the right time, with the right equipment around you. Duke and Rhonda (Thorson) have provided that for me. In taking a backseat to racing last year, Duke and I had the vision that we wanted it to turn into this. There are no guarantees, but it was a risk I was willing to take, just knowing where ThorSport was at and what the age of some of their drivers were. I felt like within a decent amount of time there was going to be an opportunity there. I didn’t know it was going to be for 2022, but it happened quicker than I thought, but I’m certainly glad I took that risk in taking a backseat and hoping it would turn into this.”

What will your nerves be like tomorrow?

“Zero. I’ve achieved everything that I felt like I needed to this year to prove what I needed to. I feel like the championship would be icing on the cake for a great season. Our confidence level is high coming off winning two of the last three. We feel really good about where we are at. I don’t know if the other guys are nervous or not, but we don’t take it as another race, because it is not. I think anyone that says it’s another race, we are just going to do what we do, is lying. We’ve put a lot of preparation into this race, moreso than any other race throughout the season, which is natural. It’s the biggest race of the season for everybody, but from a mindset, I’m feeling no pressure. Just happy to be here, taking it all in. Taking in the moment and enjoying it and having fun. Just having a loose mentality. We are ready to go and let it all hang out Friday night.”

Do you believe in momentum?

“I certainly believe in momentum. My mentality coming in here is just calm and loose and confident. Coming in here with what I feel like is zero pressure, is a big difference for me compared to what it could be in a different situation. I do believe in it for sure.”

What do you think of the statement you have made by winning two of the last three races?

“I hope it intimidates them. We feel really good about where we are at as a race team. I feel internally within the 66 team that we are the favorites. We have the most momentum in the series for sure coming off of a really dominating win at Homestead. The thing about us is we have been on a constant uphill climb all season, and we are certainly peaking at the right time. I don’t think there is much denying that. I think we are the favorites and we have that mentality coming in and we are going to try to go and carry that into Friday night.”

Why do you think you are the favorite?

“I think we are peaking at the right time. It’s been a constant uphill climb, and I think this has been coming for quite some time. I feel like we have had the potential to go on a streak, and we have done the little things. We’ve led laps in the last six or seven races and that has been a huge confidence boost for us and we have been able to put the small things together – coming on and off pit road. The pit crew has really started to perform. I feel like I’m as confident as ever. I have a high level of communication between Joe (Shear, Jr., crew chief) and I. We’ve been able to unload really, really fast at all of these different type of race tracks that we haven’t been together. Taking all of those factors together, we are the favorites.”

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Toyota Racing – Ty Gibbs
NASCAR Xfinity Series Quotes

PHOENIX, Ariz. (November 3, 2022) – Joe Gibbs Racing driver Ty Gibbs was made available to media at Championship 4 Media Day on Thursday in Phoenix:

TY GIBBS, No. 54 Monster Energy Toyota GR Supra, Joe Gibbs Racing

What has this past week been like for you?

“It’s definitely been really long and busy, but you know, my actions put myself in this position so I just have to learn from it and move on and, you know, I mean it’s just it’s just hard.”

What’s the lesson that you have to learn from this situation?

“I think the biggest thing is, you know, I guess JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing), we’re all one big family and for me to kind of break that apart for my selfish actions, it really hurts me because I grew up there and it’s not cool. And these guys work so hard, you know, the whole year and it’s just, it’s just hard. It’s a lot.”

Have you spoken with Brandon Jones yet? How did that go?

“Yeah, for sure. I feel like you know, I got to speak to him. And I feel like, you know, our conversations are private. I don’t want to get into anybody else’s privacy, but, you know, our conversations are private. I definitely got to talk to him and I can completely understand where he’s coming from. And, you know, I accept it and I’m the one did that and put us in that position.”

How difficult has it been going through this situation and having this difficult conversations?

“I think it’s something that you know, I wanted to do because I made that mistake and I have to say the right things because you know, I need to do that and it’s definitely hard, it’s for sure hard to do that. I have to face the fact that I made a mistake and you know, I have to do the hardest and work as hard as I can to fix these issues.

How hard is it now to shift gears to compete for a championship?

“It’s a lot. It’s definitely a lot but, you know, I like I said before I put myself in this position and, you know, I’m the one that did this to myself, we didn’t have to be here and I was going to be here, but I didn’t have to make this such a hard week and it really hurts me because, you know, it’s my family’s team and we’re all one big family, like I said, and to hurt their feelings really affects me.”

Was it more if a situation of you being focused on the win rather than looking at the bigger picture?

“It’s definitely really hard. You know, going back I, if I could redo it multiple times, I would have thought I guess this this scenario over millions of times, you know, and it’s hard for me because I have to live with it now. And it’s really hard, you know, but we could have had two JGR cars I guess, in championship four and I took that out. I took 50% of Toyota’s championship and JGR’s championship away for my selfish action so I have to move forward and do the best I can to work and to fix these things.”

Did you know the situation that Brandon Jones was in at the time? The fact that he needed to win the race to advance to the Championship Four?

“Yeah, I did. I definitely understood what was going on. I didn’t know exactly what points you know, were in play, but I knew he had to win and it’s hard going back and looking at it just because I did something wrong and dwelling on it really hurts and affects you know, me and my team and it’s just a hard situation.”

When did all of this start to sink in regarding the severity of the situation?

“I guess you know, right after the race is probably the best way to say it. Right after my adrenaline calmed down and for me to watch the broadcast back and kind of see you know, the highlights and stuff. That’s where it starts to sink in and then you know, seeing people not happy with me and it does affect me because you know, I’m the one that did that and I didn’t have to and that was you know, selfish for me and it just, it’s a lot, it’s a lot.”

Fans may look at you as a rich kid who doesn’t care about anyone else after this situation. Is that true and how do you prove to them it’s not?

“No, I truly do care about everybody else and my actions, put myself in position. And if I didn’t do that, we wouldn’t have to be talking about this stuff. But I had to fix my actions and work as hard as I can forward. I work all the time on racing and I spent so much working on racing and I work a lot on really hard to you know, and it’s these things that I have to work at and get better at.”

Do you regret the Jesus comment that you made on SiriusXM post-race?

“I totally do. And I think that I wasn’t trying to say it like that, it came out the wrong way of course and moving forward I just have to do the best I can to be more aware of my situation and then what’s going on”

How do you clear your head now and focus on racing for your first major championship?

“I mean, like I said, I put myself in this position so I have to deal with it. And you know, I own up to all of it and like you said, going back to how do I change my mindset from this to racing? There’s a lot and I have a good amount of time out here to spend to make sure I’m looking at all the data I need to look at and all the film and watch all the things I need to look at to get better for this weekend. I think this is my seventh race here so I really enjoy Phoenix too. It’s one of those tracks that I really enjoy racing at. So I’m excited for it too. So you just have to transition your mindset to that.”

How do you transition and actually do that after all the fallout from this week?

“I guess the biggest thing is just mindset and changing the way you think and the racing terms, you know, go in and focus on racing. I guess for me, I love racing so much that I can kind of transition that pretty easy to my racing side just because I love it. And I feel like that’s a good trait I have but you know, sometimes I make my mistakes and I have to own up to it and work as hard as I can to fix that and working as hard as I do with that and I did do racing and watching film and studying data.”

Are there any concerns within your team that Brandon Jones may do something Saturday to impede you winning the championship?

“It’s not been addressed but you know if that’s the course of action he wants to take and you know, I can’t control that I can only do the best I can and do the best I can in the present now and work as hard as I can to change you know things and situations and be more aware in the future.”

If you knew Brandon Jones had to win to get into the Championship Four then why did you do it?

“Like I said, it comes down just caught in the moment and you know, selfish actions led to that. For me, this week I feel like I’ve learned a whole new perspective as a team. And you know, being I guess, somewhat looking at as the ownership side, it was completely ridiculous and unacceptable I did it. We could have had two JGR cars in the championship and now we only have one because of my actions and we have 500 or 600 employees at our race shop, I don’t know the exact number, but you know it effects every one of them and you know, it hurts me too because you know I grew up there spending so much time in those race shops. I feel like I know most of the people there personally and to see them affected by it really hurts to me.”

Does it make it harder this week knowing it’s you against three JRM drivers?

“It definitely is from an ownership side it definitely is. You know, makes it hard to look at from a team perspective, not ownership side, sorry. It definitely is because it takes our 50% chance to win to 25%. The best thing I can do now is to go out there and win it and you know do the best I can for the future and you know not to make these decisions and put myself in the position.”

Joe Gibbs said there would be consequences for you, do you know yet what those will be?

“I do not and you know, I wasn’t a part of those conversations but I accept the actions and you know, accept what I did and what there is to come.”

Do they ground you?

“I don’t know. I like I said I don’t know, but I put myself in that position and we wouldn’t be talking about this right now if it wasn’t for me.”

Do you think this will impact your chances of getting a Cup ride next season?

“I don’t know. I don’t know what the future holds. And I don’t really know, but what I did was unacceptable. I think I lost respect from a bunch of people. And you know, the only thing I do now is turn it back and to learn from it.”

Has this experience been more difficult or less difficult with both your father and grandfather so involved with the race team?

“It definitely makes it difficult I feel like. And it definitely makes it difficult because you know, it’s like I said, I grew up with all these guys and it’s my family’s team and for me to hurt the family aspect of the whole team, we’re one big family and for me to hurt that, it hurts me and it’s hard because you know, I feel like I have a lot of respect from those people and now I probably don’t have as much and I have to earn it back.

Assuming you’re moving to the Cup Series next season, have there been any concerns from what could be your future teammates about how you will race them based on how you raced your Xfinity teammates?

“I made sure to apologize to them in our drivers meeting. I’m with the 23 currently and making sure for all my teammates — higher and lower — from ARCA to Cup, I think the biggest thing is just to make sure I earn my teammate respect back and in turn, earn the respect back of the NASCAR community.”

How do you earn that respect back?

“By being in any situations again and not doing the stuff I’ve done and to learn from it and to be more socially aware of my situations and surroundings.”

Has there been any older or veteran drivers that have talked to you about what you’re dealing with currently?

“I definitely have had great talks and not just drivers, but people I feel like from our team and outside of racing. I’ve had great talks with everybody, you know, learning talks, which I’ve taken a lot of things away. I’ve listened to what everybody’s had to say and understand what they all have to say — good and bad — I take it and learn from it.”

Will this impact how you race on Saturday because some people might say that move could be more acceptable when you’re racing for the championship?

“Yeah, I think the biggest thing is if I lead every lap and say up front, I don’t have to race dirty. So that’s the biggest thing and if it comes down to is you have to be more aware. Like I said, what I did last week was unacceptable and you know, I just have to earn the respect back and you know, if it’s by racing clean and winning the championship or by leaving more room on the race track.”

Are you now being more sensitive to not making as aggressive of a move as you might need to because of this situation?

“The best thing to do is to race with respect like I said, leave a little room and I guess if it comes down, you know, just make sure I out-race them and outsmart them and maybe, I take the different line in the PJ1 and I pass them and I don’t have to do that. It’s definitely a great question to ask, but, you know, I just don’t want to be known as a dirty racer. I want to be known as a class racer and you know, somebody it’s going to race hard but not going to be dirty. And you know, I’ve been dirty and made my mistakes. But the only thing I can do now is work forward to changing that perspective.”

Do you think you’ve been a dirty racer or more of an aggressive racer?

“Aggressive and I guess, you know, and I mean, definitely some mistakes and from wrecking Ryan Sieg and doing stuff like that, I think definitely those things are dirty and unacceptable and not right. So the best thing I can do now, like I said, is just work my way forward to fix it.”

Did you have a one-on-one conversation with Brandon Jones or was it a team meeting?

“Like I said, all our conversations are private and I had great talks with him.”

Did you talk with any of your Cup counterparts or get any advice from them?

“Like I said, I’ve got great advice. I don’t want to, you know, be telling everybody what conversations I’ve had with them and stuff like that. I just want to make sure that’s private and I respect what they say so, like I said, I’ve heard a lot and I’ve got to learn a lot good and bad. And you know, it’s part of what I’m I’m doing and the situation I put myself in.”

How do you change the mindset of the race fans that say you’ve made similar comments before, but your actions don’t reflect the changes you talk about?

“Like I said, just working as hard as I can now to fix these situations and to not put myself in the spots for my actions is the biggest thing and that’s what’s going to earn respect. You know, like I said, actions are going to earn that back, not just words.”

How challenging has it been to be at odds with Kyle Busch during the summer considering how much you’ve admired him over the years and throughout your early career?

“Yeah, it definitely is really hard. I respect Kyle (Busch) a lot. And I feel like I’ve talked to him so much in the past and I feel like I have a great relationship with him. So, it’s definitely hard and, you know, but that’s outside of what I can control and all I control is being a good person and making the right decisions and fixing my actions.”

Are you and Kyle Busch okay in your relationship?

“I feel like yeah, I feel like we are we’ve, you know, talked and have great conversations and Kyle (Busch) is somebody, no matter what happened, somebody I’ll always respect and always look up to for as much as I respect and as much as I looked up to when I was younger. He’s somebody that I’ll always look at as you know, somebody that was a role model to me, it means a lot to me, no matter what happens.”

Do you have to put the blinders on when Kyle Busch says things in the media about you?

“I mean, I can’t control like I said, what people can do and what he’s going to say, and maybe it does hurt me a little bit but he’s somebody I’ll always respect.”

How do you continue to end up in these situations on the race track?

“It’s just being overly aggressive in some of these situations, and I have the will to win but sometimes that is not the right thing to do. So I just have to change my actions and you know, earn respect going forward. And you know, I don’t want to be known as a dirty race car driver. I don’t want to be the one getting the boos, I want to be the one getting a cheers and be the one winning, but at the same time race clean.”

Do you need a different spotter or someone else in your ear during these races?

“That comes down to me, it comes down to me. I’ve got great people around me, I’ve got great people on top of on top of the spotter stand and great people on top but pit box comes down to me though at the end of the day.”

Are you trying too hard or overcompensating for your last name to try to prove your talent?

“No, not really. I feel like in racing, it’s hard to really, you know, when you try really hard, you’re driving out of emotions and I feel bad emotions and they can cause big mistakes like I did Saturday. I feel like it’s really hard to be fast like that. So you’re going to make mistakes if like off of instinct and a muscle memory is where you’re, you’re really fast at naturally and I feel like you know, working really hard. I definitely think wins take care of it. But at the same time, I want to look at it as, I’m just the driver too. I want to earn respect as much as I can. It’s going to be hard for a spot I’m in and the actions I made hurt me even more. So the best thing to do forward is be clean and win, wins take care of I feel like you know, respect. People respect that. But at the same time racing clean people respect that too. Comes down to doing the right thing.”

Is there someone who can coach you through these scenarios?

“For sure there’s a lot of people a lot of great people around me, but then at the end of the day, I’m the one that’s going to make those decisions and I’m the one that is looking to control my emotions and, and drive clean and smart and respectful. You know, sometimes I guess, NASCAR racing is not all clean. There’s some bumping and banging but that’s the NASCAR racing and I just want to be able to race respectfully and win and when it comes down to me and me making the decisions and learning from these mistakes I’ve made.”

Josh Berry commented on how much he respects you and that if you had to do Saturday all over again, you likely would handle it differently. How does that make you feel?

“I respect Josh (Berry) so much and you know, I really enjoy him. I feel like he’s a great friend to me and a great driver I respect him on the race track. So that means a lot and for sure, going back, I would totally change, I would totally change the whole situation, but I can’t but best thing for me to do now is learn from it and move forward and not put myself in that position anymore.”

Why did you celebrate the win to the extent that you did last Saturday?

“I think, you know, like I said, if I could redo the whole thing I would and being a part of that and winning it definitely, it’s hard, you’re caught up in the moment, but looking at it from an outsider’s perspective and you’re looking at it from you know, somebody in the stands, it’s completely ridiculous and unacceptable. Then from the team and sponsors and even Brandon (Jones), it’s completely unacceptable. You know, just caught up in the moment and not one and you know, going back and learning this stuff in the future. You know, hopefully I’ll learn from this and I’ll work as hard as I can to not put myself in these positions.”

What will you do with the clock you won on Saturday?

“I haven’t thought about that. I’ve been going through so much this this whole week, you know, so it’s just come down to a decision on that. And it’s hard just thinking of all the feelings I’ve hurt at the race shop and it really hurts me.”

Do you feel the boos when you walk out on stage for the Cup race on Sunday in Martinsville?

“I mean, we can sit here all day and say it doesn’t affect us, but I feel like it truly does affect us. And you know, I don’t want to be known for the boos. And my actions are the ones that have hurt that. Maybe there’s some people that will never change your opinion. And you know, some people that will always be for me, but you know, I want to earn some people’s respect back, I want there to be some cheers, not all boos. And you know, that’s my plan and to win races.”

People love Kurt Busch now, they didn’t always love him.

“Kurt (Busch), Kurt’s been a big help too. And I feel like honestly out of everybody I’ve talked to, he’s been the biggest one. Kurt means a lot to me personally. And he’s, he’s great. And you know, he’s taught me a lot of great lessons. And for sure, I feel like we’ve all seen that and he’s awesome and a very respectful driver.”

What is the biggest lesson Kurt Busch has taught you?

“Just making sure you’re learn from these situations. Like I don’t want to share everything I said and make sure our conversations are private, but you know, learn from your actions. You have to do that, to not put myself in position that I don’t want to put myself in position again, like I learned from my actions.”

Did Kurt Busch tell you to do it quicker than he did in his career and not take 20 years?

“Yeah, luckily, I’m being able to feel all this right now at 20. You know, that’s a great thing and great age to start at. Wish these things would have never happened, but I could learn from them and I’ll move forward and hopefully I can learn from all of this.”

What do you think the biggest difference is between you and Noah Gragson who also races people aggressively to win races?

“Yeah, it’s just the opinion of the fans. I feel like you know, some of the stuff I’ve done is definitely not the right things. And I mean, we’ve made mistakes. We’re all human. And we’re both competitors. And you know, I don’t really know I, I feel like that’s somebody you know, from the outsider’s perspective. I just kind of try to work on myself and make myself the best I can. And I know that he’s doing the same thing and they’re part of a great team. So best thing I can do forward is just make sure I fix my actions.”

Do you think the championship is between yourself and Noah Gragson?

“You have a great short track guy, Josh Berry, one of the baddest short track dudes in America, you know, we’re at kind of short track style track so I feel like it’s going to be a great race and Justin Allgaier has great experience, you know, he’s very fast and he won here in the spring so I feel like it’s a you know, a lot a lot of great talent coming into this race.”

Have you talked with Kurt Busch about what happened in Martinsville?

“I definitely did and he’s (Kurt Busch) probably the first person I called and he made sure that I’m going to learn from it, like I said, and make sure going forward to learn from my actions and not put myself in these positions.”

Are you expecting retribution on Saturday?

“No. I mean, like I said, you can’t drive off the rearview mirror. You have to use muscle memory and no, I don’t think I’ll be going too fast if I’m looking in the mirror. All I can do is look forward. You know? And if stuff happens, it happens and it’s out of my control.”

Did you talk to the crew members on the 19 team?

“Yeah, for sure. Like, it was really hard, but I got to talk to the whole entire shop and make sure we get them all together. Like JGR preaches, we’re one big family and for me to hurt feelings in a family it really affects me and I know each one of those guys personally, I feel like, and it hurts me. So I got to talk to them. I can talk to the 18 group and I got to talk to the shop foreman and crew chiefs and know everybody from each different department and apologize.”

Do you feel like you’re mature enough to move to the Cup Series next season?

“I’m not the one to say that. You know, I feel like that’s somebody else and that’s out of my control. But I’ll work as hard as I can to fix you know, these situations and to learn from them.”

Did you ever consider not running the Cup car this weekend in Phoenix?

“No, I think that the best thing I can do is take it out and take as much experience as I can away and go and do the best I can for the 23 team.”

Would you prefer to be in the race car this weekend?

“Yeah, I guess race cars, you know, is I really enjoyed being in the race car. Like I said, I have a love for racing, and I definitely enjoy it and when you know, hopefully we’ll have a good run Sunday in the 23.”

About Toyota

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

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

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

Brandon Jones to Drive No. 9 Menards Chevrolet in 33-Race NXS Schedule

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 3, 2022) – Menards will partner with JR Motorsports and Brandon Jones in 2023, the race team announced today. A Wisconsin-based company, Menards will be a primary partner on board Jones’ No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro in 33 NASCAR Xfinity Series races next season.

Menards, headquartered in Eau Claire, Wis., is a family-owned company started in 1958 that operates 335 home improvement stores in 15 states in the Midwest. The company’s partnership with Jones dates to his first NXS start in 2015. Its relationship with team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. goes back even further.

Earnhardt Jr. won three NXS races in a co-branded Menards Chevrolet as part of the Chance2 Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. programs in 2004 and 2006. Those victories came at Bristol Motor Speedway (2004), Daytona International Speedway (2006) and Michigan Speedway (2006).

“I’m happy for the chance to work with John (Menard) and Menards again,” said Earnhardt Jr. “Menards sponsored one of the most dominant cars I ever drove in the Xfinity Series. I have some great memories of winning races together. John and his company are big supporters of racing and have been for many years. I’m glad to have them at JRM backing Brandon.”

In September the team announced the addition of Jones to its stable of drivers in 2023, which includes Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry and Sam Mayer. Jones, a five-time NXS winner, will take the reins of JRM’s championship-contending No. 9 Chevrolet beginning with the season opener at Daytona International Speedway.

“To be able to make this transition to JRM alongside Menards is a dream come true for me,” Jones said. “I am eager to win races and championships with Menards’ continued support. It will be significant to have my longtime sponsor and John Menard reunite with Dale and JRM. JRM’s commitment to their partners is second to none, and I can’t wait to come out of the gate strong with them in 2023.”

Menards has been a constant in NASCAR since the company first came onto the scene in 2003 as a sponsor in the Cup Series. Since then, the Menards brand has competed at the Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series levels, and is also the title sponsor of the ARCA Menards Series.

“We have enjoyed our relationship with Brandon Jones through the years and look forward to continued success with Brandon and the JR Motorsports team,” commented Menards President John Menard. “This partnership brings back many special memories between the Menard family and the Earnhardt family and an opportunity to create even more. Should be an interesting and exciting year for all of us!”

ABOUT MENARDS®
A family-owned and run company started in 1958, Menards® is recognized as the retail home center leader of the Midwest with 335 stores in 15 states. Menards® is truly a one-stop shop for all of your home improvement needs featuring a full-service lumberyard and everything you need to plan a renovation or build a home, garage, cabin, shed, deck, fence or post frame building. You’ll find a large selection of lumber, roofing, siding, construction blocks, trusses, doors and windows, plus cabinets, appliances, countertops, flooring, lighting, paint, plumbing supplies and more. To complete the job, Menards® has quality hand tools, power tools, fasteners, electrical tools plus storage options and supplies for everyone from the weekend warrior to the more experienced contractor.

Menards® has what you need to complete your outdoor projects and keep your yard in tip-top shape including mowers, trimmers, blowers, pressure washers and more, plus a beautiful garden center stocked with plants, shrubs, trees, landscaping tools, grass seed, fertilizer options, outdoor décor and patio furniture. Menards® also has everyday essentials like health & beauty products, housewares, pet and wildlife supplies, automotive items and even groceries. And at Christmas, an Enchanted Forest display area with impressive trees, lighting, decorations, ornaments, inflatables and more.

Menards® is known for friendly Customer Service and as the place to “Save Big Money” with low prices every day, and sales too! For more information, please visit Menards.com to learn about our store locations, offerings and services.”

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 21st 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 races in Late Model competition and owns four championships in regional Late Model divisions and added a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

RILEY HERBST
Phoenix NASCAR Xfinity Series Advance
No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing

NASCAR Xfinity Series Overview

• Event: NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship (Round 33 of 33)

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 5

• Location: Phoenix Raceway

• Layout: 1-mile oval

• Time/TV/Radio: 6 p.m. EDT on USA/MRN/SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

Riley Herbst Notes of Interest

• Riley Herbst, driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), heads into Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship race at Phoenix Raceway fresh off a third-place finish in the penultimate race last Saturday at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The effort equaled Herbst’s best finish this season, a result he had scored twice before – May 7 at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway and June 25 at Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway. Herbst’s third top-three of 2022 also exceeded his previous high of two top-threes in a single season, which came during his rookie campaign in 2020. The 23-year-old Las Vegas-native has also posted eight top-fives and 19 top-10s in 2022, surpassing his previous bests of five top-fives earned in 2021 and 17 top-10s earned in 2020. His third-place finish at Martinsville was his second consecutive top-10 after a strong eighth-place run Oct. 22 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

• Saturday’s race will mark Herbst’s seventh career Xfinity Series start at Phoenix. The 1-mile, desert oval has proven to be one of Herbst’s better tracks. After an early race accident in his series debut at the track in November 2019 relegated him to a 30th-place result, Herbst finished 11th or better in his next four starts there, highlighted by fourth-place finishes in last year’s March and November events, respectively, in the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang. Herbst also finished 10th at Phoenix in his lone NASCAR K&N Pro Series West start at the track in November 2019, and 15th in his only NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start there in November 2018.

• Herbst should feel right at home at the desert mile in Arizona. Being a third-generation racer from Las Vegas, he’s taking his family name from the Desert Southwest to the asphalt tracks of NASCAR. Herbst began racing go-karts up and down the West Coast at age 5. He soon followed in his family’s footsteps in 2006 when he transitioned to off-road racing, where his grandfather Jerry, his dad Troy, and his uncles Tim and Ed, all became Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame inductees after their numerous championship-winning campaigns. But by age 10, Herbst sought a return to pavement, which began with Legends cars before transitioning to Speed Trucks, Super Late Models, the K&N Series, Camping World Trucks, and now, the Xfinity Series.

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

Phoenix has been one of your strongest tracks. On top of several top-five finishes there, you’re also coming off a strong third-place finish last week at Martinsville. Talk about Phoenix and the momentum you have heading into this weekend.

“I’m going to Phoenix to win. We’ve got nothing to lose and everything to win. While we’re not racing for a championship, we can certainly go out and steal the show from the guys who are racing for one. Our goal is always the same and it would be the best way to end this season. With everything we’ve achieved, a win would just add to it all. I like Phoenix and I’ve performed well there in the past. Hopefully, we can leave the bad luck of this year’s spring race behind us and park the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang in victory lane.”

Two weeks ago, you solidified 2022 as a career year in the NASCAR Xfinity Series by surpassing both your career-best top-five and top-10 marks for a season. What’s changed this season to help you achieve those career highs?

“It’s been a year of growth in 2022, for sure, both for myself as a driver and for the No. 98 team. I think we just got to a point where the team knew what I needed and I was taking every opportunity to learn as a driver. My crew chief Richard Boswell and my spotter Tim Fedewa have been two key people in helping me grow. I’m proud of how far we’ve come as a team since last season. I can’t thank each guy on this team enough for all of their hard work.”

You had a strong run at Martinsville last weekend, bringing home a third-place finish after several overtime attempts. What are your thoughts on that performance?

“Martinsville was crazy. The No. 98 Monster Energy team brought me a great car, probably the best one I’ve had at that track. We knew that we could contend and I think we showed that at the end. Proud of what this team accomplished. I hate that we’re not coming into Phoenix racing for the championship with all of this momentum. There’s still a chance to steal a win, though, and that’s exactly what we’ll aim to do on Saturday.”

No. 98 Monster Energy Team Roster

Primary Team Members:

Driver: Riley Herbst
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Crew Chief: Richard Boswell
Hometown: Friendship, Maryland

Car Chief: Matt Noyce
Hometown: Oregon, Wisconsin

Engineer: DJ VanderLey
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Engineer: Justin Bolton
Hometown: Latrobe, Pensylvania

Spotter: Tim Fedewa
Hometown: Holt, Michigan

Over-The-Wall Crew:

Front Tire Changer: Josh Leslie
Hometown: Mount Clemens, Michigan

Rear Tire Changer: Trevor White
Hometown: Arlington, Texas

Tire Carrier: Chad Emmons
Hometown: Tyler, Texas

Fueler: Corey Coppola
Hometown: Bluefield, West Virginia

Jackman: Stan Doolittle
Hometown: Ninety Six, South Carolina

Road Crew Members:

Truck Driver: Steve Wood
Hometown: Eatontown, New Jersey

Engine Tuner: Willie Pelotte
Hometown: Oakland, Maine

Tire Specialist: Austin Quick
Hometown: Flagstaff, Arizona

Sheldon Creed Returns to RCR For Full NASCAR Xfinity Series Season in the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet

WELCOME, NC (November 2, 2022) – Whelen Engineering, Inc., a global leader in the emergency warning industry, will continue their partnership with Richard Childress Racing in 2023 for fulltime sponsorship on RCR’s No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Sheldon Creed will return to the organization as the driver of the No. 2 Whelen Chevrolet.

“Whelen Engineering is proud to continue our partnership with both Richard Childress Racing and Sheldon Creed in 2023,” said Peter Tiezzi, III, general manager of motorsports and project manager for Whelen Engineering Company, Inc. “RCR and Sheldon both share Whelen’s passion for technology and innovation, and we’ve been particularly impressed with Sheldon’s tenacity behind the wheel and relationship-building skills with our employees and key customers. We’re looking forward to continuing to build on our strong partnership.”

Whelen Engineering is known throughout the world for its powerful, reliable warning lights and scene illumination solutions, sirens, and control systems for first responders and emergency services as well as aviation and mass notification industries, all of which are manufactured in America. Whelen has used their partnership with RCR and Creed to raise awareness for a variety of programs important to the core values of the company, such as the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, while also highlighting key segments of the company, such as Whelen Aerospace Technologies.

“We commend Whelen Engineering for their commitment to auto racing and look forward to continuing to build on the customer and community-focused marketing platforms we have built together,” said Torrey Galida, president of Richard Childress Racing. “Whelen Engineering is a world-class brand that continues to innovate both in the factory and at the track, and we know that Sheldon and everyone on the No. 2 team will continue to represent Whelen well.”

Creed, the 2020 NASCAR Truck Series Champion and 2018 ARCA Racing Series Champion, has earned four top-five and 12 top-10 finishes through 32 NASCAR Xfinity Series races so far this season. He’s led 155 laps, and narrowly missed making the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs in his rookie year of series competition.

“I’m proud to continue my relationship with Richard Childress Racing and Whelen Engineering and look forward to building on the foundation we laid together in 2022,” said Creed. “It’s been a dream come true to drive for a legendary car owner such as Richard Childress, and I truly appreciate my relationship with Peter and everyone at Whelen Engineering. My goal is to go out and win races and championships for RCR and Whelen, and to continue to showcase their American made products to race fans throughout the country.”

For more information, please visit rcrracing.com.

About Richard Childress Racing:

Richard Childress Racing (rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2022 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion, 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet), along with two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick (No. 8 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Sheldon Creed (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

JR MOTORSPORTS TEAM PREVIEW:
TRACK: Phoenix Raceway
RACE: NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship (200 laps / 200 miles)
DATE: Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022

Broadcast Information – TV: 6 p.m. ET on USA / Radio: 5:30 p.m. ET on MRN and Sirius XM Ch. 90

Sam Mayer
No. 1 Accelerate Professional Talent Solutions Chevrolet
• Sam Mayer heads to Phoenix Raceway with a chance to finish inside of the top eight in the drivers standings in his first fulltime season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
• Mayer came on strong late in the season, finishing inside the top 10 in seven of the last 10 races.
• The 19-year-old performed admirably through the NXS Playoffs with only one finish outside the top 10 and an average finish of 6.5.
• In five starts on tracks measuring 1-mile in length in the NXS, Mayer has one top five and two top 10s, with a best finish of fifth coming at Dover Motor Speedway earlier this year.

Josh Berry
No. 8 Tire Pros Chevrolet
• In his first full-time NXS season, Josh Berry is one of four drivers who will compete for a championship at Phoenix by virtue of his win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He joins JRM teammates Allgaier and Gragson to comprise three of the four championship contenders.
• In two starts at the 1-mile desert oval, Berry has one top five and one top 10, with a best finish of third coming in the spring race this season.
• At the 1-mile Dover in April, Berry led 55 laps before earning his first win of the 2022 season. The win also locked the 32- year-old into the NXS Playoffs.

Noah Gragson
No. 9 Bass Pro Shops / TrueTimber / Black Rifle Coffee Chevrolet
• Noah Gragson will lead the Championship 4 into Saturday’s season finale at Phoenix as both the top seed and the most recent NXS winner on the 1-mile oval. Gragson led 114 laps on the way to his first win there in 2022. It was the first of eight victories so far this season.
• In seven career NXS starts at Phoenix, Gragson has the victory, two top-five and four top-10 finishes. His 114 laps led in the spring race represent the lion’s share of his 146- lap total.
• Gragson will compete for the series championship for the second straight season on the 1-mile desert oval. He will be joined by JRM teammates Berry and Allgaier.

Justin Allgaier
No. 7 BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet
• Justin Allgaier enters the 2022 season finale at Phoenix as one of four competitors vying for the NXS championship.
• Allgaier, a five-time participant in the Championship 4, earned his way into the title fight by way of a fifth-place finish last weekend at Martinsville Speedway.
• In 24 career NXS starts at Phoenix, Allgaier has scored two wins, eight top fives and 16 top 10s. The JRM driver most recently went to Victory Lane at the 1-mile oval in the fall of 2019 while leading 85 laps.
• Allgaier currently ranks first in laps led (498), laps run inside the top 15 (4,455), quality passes (537) and fastest laps run (310) in the Valley of the Sun, according to NASCAR’s Loop Data Statistics.

Driver Quotes

“Unfortunately things didn’t go our way last weekend and we aren’t able to race for a championship, but we can go out there and try some things to get ready for next year. Our goal now is to just go out and win the race to end the season strong. Good luck to our JRM teammates. Hopefully one of them can bring the championship trophy back to the team.” – Sam Mayer

“We worked hard all year long to get ourselves in this position, and that is a testament to all of the hard work that not only Jason (Burdett, crew chief) and all the guys on this No. 7 team did, but to everyone at JR Motorsports as a whole. To have three cars in the Championship 4 with a chance at winning the title is truly remarkable. We all know what lies ahead of us now. We just need to have a smooth weekend and do all we can to make sure we are in the right place at the right time to bring home this championship. I know we are going to have a BRANDT Professional Agriculture Chevrolet capable of getting it done, we just need to go out and execute. We are ready.” – Justin Allgaier

“Phoenix is a fun track and it’s one of my favorites that we race at each year. We’ve had strong races the couple of times we have been there and I know this Tire Pros team is doing everything they can to make sure we unload with that same speed on Friday. I have all the confidence in the world in this group. Hopefully we’re lifting that trophy and celebrating in Victory Lane Saturday evening.” – Josh Berry

“Winning the championship has been our goal all year long, and we won at Phoenix in the spring. This weekend, it’s for all the marbles, and this Bass Pro Shops/TrueTimber/Black Rifle Coffee team is at its best when something big is on the line. It’s been a great season for all of us on the No. 9 and for JR Motorsports, so the way to close it out is to win and bring a championship home with us.” – Noah Gragson

JRM Team Updates:

• JR Motorsports at Phoenix: JR Motorsports has competed at Phoenix Raceway a combined 88 times in the NXS. Over the course of those starts at the 1-mile facility, the organization has tallied four wins, 22 top fives and 47 top 10s. The most recent win for the organization came with Noah Gragson earlier this season, securing his opportunity to race in the NXS Playoffs.
• Championship Hunt: For the second time in six years, JR Motorsports holds three of the four spots in the Championship 4 to vie for the NXS Championship. The only other time it happened for JRM came during the 2017 season when Justin Allgaier, William Byron and Elliott Sadler all battled for the coveted title, with Byron coming out on top. Overall, JRM is the only team to have at least one car in the Championship 4 every season since the playoffs began.
• Team Chevy Display: JRM drivers Justin Allgaier, Josh Berry and Sam Mayer will be at the Team Chevy display located in the Phoenix Raceway fan zone on Friday, Nov. 5 from 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. local time.

Landmark Renewal Gives Bass Pro Shops Prominent Presence in Multiple Series with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JRM drivers

Highlights

• Earnhardt Jr. to race throwback No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Late Model at Florence Motor Speedway this month in addition to NASCAR Xfinity Series event in ’23.
• Bass Pro Shops featured in 11 primary races with Josh Berry and No. 8 team in NXS action.
• Late Model standout Carson Kvapil to compete at regional level with Bass Pro Shops Chevy for 20 events.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (Nov. 1, 2022) – JR Motorsports today announced the renewal and expansion of its partnership with Bass Pro Shops in a prominent way for 2023. The leading national retailer of outdoor gear and apparel, Bass Pro Shops will return to JRM in a multi-faceted capacity with drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., Josh Berry and Carson Kvapil as the trio competes in multiple racing series with partnership from the outdoor and conservation company founded by noted conservationist Johnny Morris.

The bolstered program kicks off on Nov. 19 with a dose of Earnhardt family nostalgia in Late Model action at Florence Motor Speedway. Earnhardt Jr. will return to his roots by driving a No. 3 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet that pays homage to the special gold version Dale Earnhardt Sr. raced during the Cup Series All-Star event in 1998. Earnhardt Jr. broke the news on his participation last week on the Dale Jr. Download podcast and unveiled the throwback paint scheme today at the Bass Pro Shops in Concord, N.C., alongside Berry, Kvapil and JRM CEO Kelley Earnhardt Miller.

Earnhardt Jr.’s inclusion in the Florence race marks only his second Late Model event since 1997. Earlier this year he drove to a third-place finish in a CARS Tour event at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

“We’re excited for Bass Pro Shops to continue their partnership with JR Motorsports,” said Earnhardt Jr. “We’ve had a lot of success together with Bass Pro Shops over the years, and that’s been a big part in seeing this partnership evolve. I can’t say enough about what it means to have Johnny and Bass Pro involved on so many levels with us. The JRM Bass Pro Chevrolets will be at a lot of different race tracks in 2023, and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Bass Pro Shops will continue to have a major presence with JRM in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. In 2023, the company will have 11 primary paint schemes with Berry and the No. 8 team. Berry is a five-time NXS winner and a solid title contender, currently one of only four drivers to qualify for this week’s Championship 4 race at Phoenix Raceway (Nov. 5).

Adding to the NXS excitement, Earnhardt Jr. will race alongside Berry in a to-be-determined NXS race with the No. 88 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in a fifth JRM entry for the event.

Finally, JRM’s rising star Carson Kvapil, the recently crowned 2022 CARS Tour champion and winner of four Late Model races so far this season in the No. 8 Chevrolet, will carry Bass Pro Shops livery in 20 Late Model events across the Southeast in 2023. Kvapil, a 19-year-old native of Mooresville, N.C., is in the midst of a standout season, winning the prized Old North State Nationals at Caraway Speedway and the prestigious Racetrack Revival 200 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in August.

“We are very proud and excited to continue and expand our long-standing alliance with Dale Jr., his sister Kelley and the entire Earnhardt family at JR Motorsports,” Morris said. “This partnership celebrates our customers, and especially our CLUB Members, by recognizing the impact they have on conservation by being members of the program. We are uniting our customers and industry partners with leading conservation organizations to collectively help shape the future of the great outdoors and all who love it for generations to come.”

The paint scheme for all three cars in 2023 will highlight Bass Pro Shops Conservation CLUB Card. A rewards-based program, Conservation CLUB Card members earn points with every purchase at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s that can be redeemed for free gear. It gives instant access to member-only discounts, promotions, in-store events and giveaways. CLUB Card members receive 2% to 5% points back on purchases made at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations, and 1% back on all other card purchases. Points are easy to redeem and never expire for open accounts in good standing. 

Celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2022, Bass Pro Shops has 170 retail locations throughout the United States and Canada and is the trusted source for quality fishing, hunting, boating and outdoor sporting goods. The brand has visited Victory Lane 12 times with JRM over the last three years, including a win in 2020 at Daytona International Speedway in the first race of its partnership, and a stretch of eight victories in 2022 that produced a record-tying four consecutive NXS wins with the No. 9 team and a berth in the Championship 4.

Race fans will be able to celebrate today’s news with a new line of Bass Pro Shops, Dale Jr. and Josh Berry merchandise here.

ABOUT BASS PRO SHOPS:
Bass Pro Shops was founded in 1972 by avid young angler Johnny Morris on eight-square-feet of space in the back of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri. Today, the leading national retailer of outdoor gear and apparel has more than 100 retail and marine center locations across North America.

Johnny’s passion for the outdoors and his feel for the products and shopping experiences desired by outdoor enthusiasts transformed the industry. Bass Pro Shops locations are more than just stores —they are true destination experiences that draw more than 120 million visitors annually. Each location is heavily customized to reflect the character of the region. In addition to giant aquariums teeming with live fish and extensive wildlife mounts and dioramas, many locations feature unique restaurants and ocean-themed bowling alleys.

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 21^st 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 races in Late Model competition and owns four championships in regional Late Model divisions and added a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.

Herbst Powers His Way to Third at Martinsville
Monster Energy Driver Earns Career-Best Eighth Top-Five Finish of the Season

Date: Saturday, Oct. 29
Event: Martinsville 250 (Round 32 of 33)
Series: NASCAR Xfinity Series
Location: Martinsville (Va.) Speedway (.526-mile oval)
Format: 250 laps, broken into three stages (60 laps/60 laps/130 laps)
Start/Finish: 8th / 3rd (Running, completed 269 of 269 laps)
Point Standing: 10th (2,167 points)
Note: Race extended 19 laps past its scheduled 250-lap distance due to a green-white-checkered finish.
Race Winner: Ty Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
Stage 1 Winner: Brandon Jones of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)
Stage 2 Winner: Ty Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing (Toyota)

Overview:

Riley Herbst and his No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) survived multiple NASCAR overtimes to equal a season-best finish of third during Saturday’s Martinsville 250 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. It was the Las Vegas native’s eighth top-five finish of the season, a career high. After starting eighth for the scheduled 250-lap race, Herbst ran consistently in the top-10 during the first two stages, finishing sixth in Stage 1. Later, with less than 15 laps to go in Stage 2, crew chief Richard Boswell made the call to bring his driver down pit road for fresh tires and fuel, and Herbst resumed 18th. He picked up one position by the stage’s end, then stayed on track during the break and restarted sixth for the final stage. He began to struggle with the balance on his No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang, but Herbst persevered in working his way into the top-five during the opening laps of the stage. Over the final 100 laps, he avoided numerous incidents and remained in or near the top-three during the flurry of NASCAR overtimes. Herbst restarted fifth, in the inside lane, for the final overtime restart and again avoided mayhem among the leaders en route to his first top-five finish at Martinsville.

Riley Herbst, driver of the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing:

“That was wild. That’s Martinsville, though. Our No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang was the best I’ve had at this track, and we had a shot to win at the end. We were so close, but to finish third is just a testament to the hard work that this team puts in each and every race. I wish we could go to Phoenix with a chance to win the championship, but we’ve grown so much this season as a team. I can’t thank the guys enough for sticking by me through the ups and downs.”

Notes:

● Herbst earned his career-best eighth top-five of the season and his first top-five in five career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Martinsville.

● Herbst finished sixth in Stage 1 to earn five bonus points.

● Herbst’s third-place result bettered his previous best finish at Martinsville – sixth, earned twice, in October 2020 and in the series’ previous visit in April.

● This was Herbst’s third straight top-10 at Martinsville. He finished 10th last October and sixth earlier this year.

● This was Herbst’s second straight top-10. He finished eighth in last Saturday’s race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

● Ty Gibbs won the Martinsville 250 under caution to score his 10th career Xfinity Series victory, his sixth of the season, and his first at Martinsville.

● There were 14 caution periods for a total of 91 laps.

● Twenty-three of the 38 drivers in the race finished on the lead lap.

Next Up:

The next event on the NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule is the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship on Nov. 5 at Phoenix Raceway. It will be the final race of the seven-race playoffs. The race starts at 6 p.m. EDT with live coverage provided by USA and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.