All posts by ARP Trish

Katherine Legge Named Winner of the Lord Wakefield Trophy At MSA Night of Champions

Katherine Legge Named Winner of the Lord Wakefield Trophy
At MSA Night of Champions

January 28, 2017 – The Motor Sports Association (MSA) of the United Kingdom today named Katherine Legge winner of the prestigious Lord Wakefield Trophy, at the organization’s annual “Night of Champions” ceremony held at the Royal Automobile Club in London, England.

It is the second time the Surrey native been awarded the prestigious trophy at the MSA’s traditional prize-giving, having been a previous recipient of the Lord Wakefield Trophy in 2007.

Legge was recognized for her dedication and consistently high achievement in motorsports by the MSA, the national governing body for automobile racing in the U.K. In 2016, she capped a four-season association with DeltaWing Racing by becoming the first woman in history to lead the Rolex 24 endurance contest at the Daytona International Speedway, while continuing in her roles as a member of the Women in Motorsport Commission of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and as STEM ambassador for the Girl Scouts.

“I’m absolutely delighted and honored to receive this award,” said Legge, who is competing for MSR and Acura this weekend in the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. “It’s lovely to be awarded the Lord Wakefield trophy, and very humbling. I have been extremely fortunate to be involved in motorsport throughout my life. I am grateful for every opportunity I have been given in our sport, and will do my best to be a worthy recipient of this honor.”

Presented by the MSA on behalf of the British Women’s Racing Drivers’ Club, the Lord Wakefield Trophy honors women for their contributions to motorsports. Previous recipients have included racing drivers Divina Galica and Susie Wolf; rally champions Michelle Mouton and Pat Moss-Carlsson; Formula One team principal Claire Williams and Audi Sport racing engineer Leena Gade.

This season, Legge is driving an Acura NSX GT3 for Michael Shank Racing in the GT Daytona division of the IMSA WeatherTech SpotsCar championship. She is making her race debut with MSR and Acura this weekend at the Rolex 24.

Acura Motorsports Report Rolex 24 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 24-hour endurance race

Acura Motorsports Report
Rolex 24
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 24-hour endurance race
Daytona International Speedway (3.56-mile road course) Daytona Beach, FL
Weather: Mostly sunny, windy, mild, 78 degrees F

Top-10 Qualifying Runs for Michael Shank Racing at Daytona
• Acura NSX GT3s qualify seventh and ninth in competitive 27-car GTD field
• Acura effort heads all new GTD manufacturer entries
• Saturday’s Rolex 24 opens the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 26, 2017) – The Michael Shank Racing effort, led by drivers Andy Lally and Jeff Segal, posted top-10 runs in their Acura NSX GT3s during qualifying Thursday at Daytona International Speedway for this weekend’s Rolex 24, the opening round in the 2017 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Continue reading Acura Motorsports Report Rolex 24 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship 24-hour endurance race

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour 2–Kyle Larson

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 25, 2017

KYLE LARSON, NO. 42 TARGET CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media Tour and discussed visiting Australia and New Zealand during the off-season, the new race format, and more. Full Transcript:

TALK ABOUT AUSTRALIA:
“Australia was a lot of fun. I got to go to down there and race at Sydney Speedway, which is somewhere I’ve wanted to race for a long time now. It was a good time. We stayed in Parramatta. I got to go to the Sydney Zoo and Bondi Beach near Sydney, which was a lot of fun. I only got to run three races. One rained out and I ran third in two of them and had a really bad night in one of them. We went from Australia to New Zealand for a couple of days to try and race there, but that ultimately got rained out as well. But, I had a blast. At least for the Australia part our whole family was there. So, it was fun. We all got to hang out and had a good time. It was a fun off-season. I got to do the Chili Bowl, which is always fun. I didn’t have a good year there, but did win the Race of Champions, which was nice. So, it was a solid off-season, for sure.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour 2–Kyle Larson

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour 2–Austin Dillon

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 25, 2017

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 DOW CORNING CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his outlook for the season with Richard Childress Racing, his relationship with his brother, Ty Dillon, and how he relaxed in the off-season. Full transcript:

TY (DILLON) TALKED ABOUT WHAT AN EMOTIONAL MOMENT IT WAS WHEN THE DEAL WITH GERMAIN RACING WAS DONE. AS THE BIG BROTHER, HOW PROUD AND HAPPY ARE YOU FOR HIM?
“I’m very proud. He was emotional. He cried and gave me a hug. It was cute. It’s special; he’s put a lot of effort into it and it’s what he’s wanted to do his entire life. I’m happy for him, and he should be happy and excited. Now it’s time when the work really begins, and I’m looking forward to working with him. I think he’s an asset to RCR.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour 2–Austin Dillon

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Paul Menard

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 25, 2017

PAUL MENARD, NO. 27 MENARDS CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his outlook for the season, his favorite NFL team being knocked from the playoffs, and racing on road courses. Full transcript:

CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE MORE CHANGES TO YOUR CAR TO THE ENGINE OR AERO PACKAGE FROM RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING?
“Since 2014, when we debut this new car, we’ve taken downforce away every year. This is a big change for us for aero this year, and I think NASCAR is going to continue to tweak it. We want to put more downforce on next year if we see this isn’t the way to go. NASCAR isn’t afraid of making changes as we’ve all seen with the format and we’ve seen with the cars the past few years, and you have to stay up with current events and what makes for a good package on the racetrack. Personally, I’m a proponent for less downforce, maybe stickier tires that fall off. I think every driver is pretty much on board with that. The key is the tire combination with this low-downforce package is still have those big numbers on pole day and still see 190 mph qualifying speeds, but race at 160 to 170 mph. That would slow things down, make aero a little less important, and make for better racing.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Paul Menard

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Dale Earnhardt Jr.

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 25, 2017

DALE EARNHARDT JR., NO. 88 AXALTA CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his return to the Cup Series, his recent marriage, and his expectations for the upcoming season and the remainder of his career. Full transcript: Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Dale Earnhardt Jr.

EARLY ENTRIES FILL OUT GRID FOR SEASON TWO OF THE F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP

EARLY ENTRIES FILL OUT GRID FOR SEASON TWO OF THE F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP

Kent Vaccaro set to join F4 United States Championship in 2017

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 25, 2016) – The first entry for the second season of the Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda was secured by 15-year-old, series newcomer Kent Vaccaro of Plattsburgh, New York. As F4 bridges the gap from karts to cars, Vaccaro will get his first open-wheel experience while piloting the No. 16 machine. Continue reading EARLY ENTRIES FILL OUT GRID FOR SEASON TWO OF THE F4 U.S. CHAMPIONSHIP

Chevy Racing–Corvette Racing at Daytona

CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: How to Improve on Last Year’s Classic Finish?
Team focused on preparation, strong history at Daytona to run for another Rolex 24 trophy

Corvette Racing finished 1-2 in 2016, separated by just 0.034 seconds at finish
Gavin, Milner, Fässler enter as defending GTLM winners
No. 3 Corvette C7.R won GTLM class race in 2015
Team can become the first in nearly a decade to win three straight Rolex 24s
Chevrolet the most successful manufacturer at Daytona
Continue reading Chevy Racing–Corvette Racing at Daytona

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Michael McDowell

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

MICHAEL MCDOWELL, NO 95 K-LOVE CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed the race format change, racing full time this year, his team goals, and more. Full transcript:

HOW HAS YOUR DAY BEEN SO FAR?
“My day has been great. I’m just enjoying it. It’s nice to be back here. Every time I get to this time of year, some people dread Media Day because there’s a lot happening, but I think about it as I’ve got one more year and another shot at it. And, I’m thankful for the opportunity to run full time this year.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day 2–Michael McDowell

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Chris Buescher

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

CHRIS BUESCHER, NO. 37 COTTONELLE CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed moving to a new team, his expectations for 2017, and what he learned from 2016 on the racetrack. Full transcript:

CAN YOU CLARIFY WHAT YOUR SITUATION IS WITH JTG AND ROUSH, AND ARE YOU STILL UNDER CONTRACT WITH ROUSH TO GO BACK THERE NEXT YEAR:
“We’re still under contract with Roush but for this year coming over to JTG we’re full-tilt ahead. We’re working on this season getting integrated with everybody over there. It has been a transition coming over to a new team for the second year in a row trying to get to know everybody. We have a new crew chief, a new manufacturer with Chevrolet, and I’m just really focused on getting through this year. We haven’t looked anywhere past that. 2017 is looking to be a great year, though. Looking at the momentum that AJ (Allmendinger) and the 47 team had in the second half of last year is very promising and makes us optimistic to get rolling to Daytona and especially past that once we get to Atlanta and that West Coast swing.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Chris Buescher

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Ryan Newman

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

RYAN NEWMAN, NO. 31 CATEPILLAR CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed the format change, racing at the newly repaved Texas Motor Speedway, and the education program he and his wife run for youngsters. Full transcript:

CAN YOU ADDRESS THE CHANGES TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS YEAR AND HOW YOU SEE THAT PLAYING OUT:
“I think that the strategy of the races, the mixture of importance of a bonus point for a stage win in reference to how you race each stage and the last stage, which ultimately is still the most important points-wise, is unique and going to be fun to follow. It is going to be a challenge to learn the system, but I don’t think it’s a complex system. With the right technology, it can be easily adaptable to the fans, which to me is extremely important. And I think the thing we’ll talk about with this new structure will be the one point that goes into the Chase per stage and the still bonus structure that still goes into the Chase and is now cumulative throughout the Chase because we’re all racing for wins but the big trophy is always going to be that championship.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Ryan Newman

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Jamie McMurray

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

JAMIE MCMURRAY, NO. 1 MCDONALD’S CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his opinion on various aspects of the new race format, on seven-time champion, Jimmie Johnson, and on Carl Edwards’ stepping away from the sport. Full transcript:

COULD YOU JUST TALK ABOUT THE NEW FORMAT?
“So, is Jim Utter in here?
Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Jamie McMurray

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Ty Dillon

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

TY DILLON, NO. 13 GEICO CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed his thoughts about his first full season, being a member of a single-car team, and competing on a limited schedule in his Modified program. Full transcript:

WHEN YOU SIT DOWN AND THINK ABOUT IT, WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE AT THIS LEVEL:
“It means a lot, obviously, growing up in this sport and being around all my heroes, who are all Cup drivers, all my whole life, and once I got into Cup racing and knowing this was my goal and where I wanted to be. That moment when the deal was done to be officially be driving for Germain Racing in the Geico 13 Chevy was surreal. I remember driving down the road and first called my wife and told her it was a done deal and just starting balling on the phone. And I called my mom and balled. Just to have this opportunity, I love this sport, and just to have the chance to be one of the top drivers and chase my dream. I know you say I’ve made it, which is obviously a big moment for me in my life, but I still have a lot to accomplish. My grandfather said the other night that he feels like he still hasn’t made it, and that’s how I kind of feel. I’m not going to be satisfied until I win races and championships, and then maybe be back here like he was.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Tour–Ty Dillon

Scelzi Concludes Time in Australia With 16th-Place Finish at Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic

Scelzi Concludes Time in Australia With 16th-Place Finish at Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic

Inside Line Promotions – WARRNAMBOOL, Victoria, Australia (Jan. 24, 2017) – Dominic Scelzi wrapped up his inaugural trip to race in Australia with a strong outing during the 45th annual Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic last weekend.

Scelzi, who was driving for Wormall Motorsport, placed sixth on a preliminary night before finishing 16th in the finale on Sunday, when 96 of the top drivers from Australia and the United States converged upon Premier Speedway for one of the biggest sprint car events in the country. Continue reading Scelzi Concludes Time in Australia With 16th-Place Finish at Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–AJ Allmendinger

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 47 KROGER CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed the prospects of a road-course race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, adjusting to having a teammate in 2017 and other motorsports items that are of a personal interest. Full transcript:

WHAT WERE YOUR IMPRESSIONS OF USING THE STOCK CAR ON THE ROAD COURSE AT CHARLOTTE. WHAT WAS GOOD AND WHAT WAS A CONCERN?
“I had heard a rumor there was a stock car test going on around Charlotte! I was golfing that day. Shot an 86. I four-putted the first green. It was terrible! I’ll just say that we were out there collecting data. I had a lot of fun. It would be something I would enjoy. It was better than my golf game, let’s put it that way. I had 43 putts that round. Do you know how bad that is? It’s horrible! But I didn’t throw the putter so I’m growing in maturity as a person.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–AJ Allmendinger

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–Jimmie Johnson

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

JIMMIE JOHNSON, NO. 48 LOWE’S CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media Tour and discussed the new race format, including strategy, points, and pit stops, spending the winter in Aspen, safety, pressure to win another championship and more. Full Transcript:

WITH THE CHANGE IN THE WAY THE CHAMPIONSHIP WILL BE DECIDED, CAN YOU SPEAK TO THAT? YOU ARE THE ONLY CHAMPION THAT’S HAD TO DO IT SO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.
“The championship piece, we still get to Homestead and it’s very similar for that event itself. How you get there is a bit different. The big takeaway I have is when you put all the smart people in the room and let everybody decide what it could and should look like, from TV owners, NASCAR, and driver representation, I think that’s a smart move. And, I feel that knowing our environment and knowing how to take the best from each of those folks in the room, all the major stakeholders, and come up with this system, I have a lot of faith in that. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–Jimmie Johnson

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–Chase Elliott

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHARLOTTE MEDIA TOUR
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 24, 2017

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 24 NAPA AUTO PARTS CHEVROLET SS, met with members of the media at Charlotte Media tour and discussed a new sponsor for 2017, improvements in his second full season of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series competition, the series’ new championship format and other topics. Full transcript:

YOU’VE ADDED A SPONSOR THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE ARE FAMILIAR WITH IN HOOTERS. TELL US ABOUT THAT RELATIONSHIP:
“I had a lot of fun with it, and they’re a fun group of people. Not just the brand but the people they have to work with behind the scenes were easy and great to work with. I got to stare – I didn’t get to eat – at a lot of chicken wings yesterday, which was tough but probably a good thing. I need to get back in the gym. But it was a lot of fun and I’m glad to have them on board. Their history with Alan Kulwicki is long, and he and my dad obviously had a great championship battle in 1992. That’s obviously kind of ironic to see that but very good. I know my dad had a lot of respect for Alan and what he did. Both my parents did. I think it’s pretty neat to carry the Hooters colors this year, so I’m looking forward to that. It’s definitely something different and something to be excited about.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Media Day–Chase Elliott

Scelzi Helps Lead Team USA to Origin of Speed Triumph at Valvoline Raceway

Scelzi Helps Lead Team USA to Origin of Speed Triumph at Valvoline Raceway

Inside Line Promotions – SYDNEY, New South Wales, Australia (Jan. 16, 2017) – Dominic Scelzi posted a pair of top 10s last Thursday to help lead Team USA to the Origin of Speed victory.

The monumental feat during the unique event, which showcased eight states and territories, including the United States, opened a busy three-day weekend at Valvoline Raceway. Continue reading Scelzi Helps Lead Team USA to Origin of Speed Triumph at Valvoline Raceway

Giovanni Scelzi Named North American 360 Sprint Car Poll Rookie of the Year

Giovanni Scelzi Named North American 360 Sprint Car Poll Rookie of the Year

Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Jan. 13, 2017) – Giovanni Scelzi broke onto the sprint car scene in a big way in 2016.

Scelzi, who turned 15-years-old right after last season ended, captured a championship during his inaugural year in a 360ci winged sprint car. With the support and a ride from Roth Motorsports, Scelzi garnered the King of Kings title as well as four podiums, seven top fives and 12 top 10s in 17 sprint car races.

On Thursday evening it was announced that Scelzi’s performance earned him the North American 360 Sprint Car Poll Rookie of the Year Award as a voting panel of media members, promoters, sanctioning officials and manufacturers selected the youngest son of former NHRA champion Gary Scelzi for the honor.

“I am so thankful for Dennis and Teresa Roth, Todd and Brent Ventura, my family and everyone who has supported my racing career,” Giovanni Scelzi said. “To receive such a prestigious award is an amazing feeling and I’m very grateful for everyone who voted for me.”

Scelzi drove for three different sprint car teams in 2016. He recorded a top-10 finish during all seven races with Roth Motorsports and earned a top 10 during his lone race with Van Dyke Motorsports. Additionally, Scelzi scored two podiums and four top 10s while piloting his family owned race car.

Scelzi’s best finish of second place came twice, with the second occurrence serving as one of the biggest moments of his young career. Scelzi drove the Roth Motorsports entry from 12th to the runner-up result on Sept. 17 at Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif. The strong finish helped propel him to the King of Kings championship, which served for the track title at Keller Auto Speedway.

Scelzi is currently in Australia working as the crew chief for his older brother, Dominic, who was tabbed the North American 410 Sprint Car Poll Rookie of the Year in 2013.

Scelzi Selected for Origin of Speed Event to Open Three Straight Races at Valvoline Raceway

Scelzi Selected for Origin of Speed Event to Open Three Straight Races at Valvoline Raceway

Inside Line Promotions – MURRAY BRIDGE, South Australia, Australia (Jan. 9, 2017) – Dominic Scelzi is excited for his biggest Australian test to date when he will compete three straight nights at Valvoline Raceway this weekend. Continue reading Scelzi Selected for Origin of Speed Event to Open Three Straight Races at Valvoline Raceway