CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES BOMMARITO AUTOMOTIVE GROUP 500 WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY RACEWAY, MADISON, ILLINOIS TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE AUG. 21 RACE 13 OF 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES SEASON Chevrolet heads to final oval race of season with momentumTeam Chevy drivers look to score maximum points under the lightsDETROIT (Aug. 19, 2021) – Minutes after securing a hard-fought fifth-place finish Aug. 14 on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, Pato O’Ward was already looking forward to the next race. The second-year NTT INDYCAR SERIES driver’s confidence is brimming heading into the Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. O’Ward, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren SP Chevrolet, is 21 points out of first place in the Driver Standings with four races left in the championship hunt. “We gained a lot of ground in the championship. I think this is the start of the momentum we wanted. I think (the oval race) will be great for us,” said O’Ward, whose NTT P1 Award last week gave the 21-year-old a field-high three for the season. “We are ready for these last four races.” Practice, qualifications and the green flag for the 260-lap on the 1.25-mile egg-shaped oval in Madison, Illinois, occur in less than an eight-hour span Saturday, Aug. 21. O’Ward placed second and third in the doubleheader last August at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway. He picked up his first NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory May 2 on the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway oval and has added two other top-five finishes on ovals, including fourth in the Indianapolis 500. Team Chevy drivers have registered seven top-five finishes in the three oval races. “Pato winning the pole and finishing fifth on the Indy road course in a tight race boosted his confidence along with his chances of winning the championship,” Chevrolet INDYCAR program manager Rob Buckner said. “He’s had success this season in the oval races, and was certainly impressive in his rookie season of 2020 at World Wide Technology Raceway. “Our focus is to see that every Team Chevy driver has the best opportunity to win the remaining four races, starting with the final oval race of the season.” Two-time Series champion Josef Newgarden, who is 21 points out of third place in the standings, is a two-time winner at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in his Chevrolet-powered Team Penske machine since the NTT INDYCAR SERIES returned to the facility in 2017 after a 13-year absence. He won the second race of the August 2020 doubleheader, leading a Chevrolet sweep of the top four positions. Teammate Will Power, who drove to his 40th career victory last week on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course in the No. 12 Verizon 5G Team Penske Chevrolet, won at World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway in 2018. Four Team Chevy drivers, including Rookie of the Year leader Scott McLaughlin in the No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet, tested July 27 at the track. Team owner/driver Ed Carpenter returns to the seat of the No. 20 US Air Force Chevrolet for the first time since placing fifth in the Indianapolis 500 on May 30. Conor Daly, who drives the No. 20 Chevrolet on road/street courses, moves to the No. 59 Gallagher Carlin Chevrolet for this race in place of Max Chilton. NBCSN will telecast the 260-lap Bommarito Automotive Group 500 at 8 p.m. ET Saturday, Aug. 21. Same-day practice and qualifications will stream on Peacock Premium. The race, qualifications and practice will also be broadcast live on INDYCAR Radio Network affiliates, Sirius 211, XM 205, Indycar.com, and on the INDYCAR Mobile app powered by NTT DATA.Team Chevy will be represented by:A.J. Foyt EnterprisesDalton Kellett, No. 4 K-Line Insulators AJ Foyt RacingSebastien Bourdais, No. 14 ROKiT AJ Foyt RacingArrow McLaren SPPato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren SPFelix Rosenqvist, No. 7 Vuse Arrow McLaren SPCarlinConor Daly, No. 59 Gallagher CarlinEd Carpenter RacingEd Carpenter, No. 20 U.S. Air ForceRinus VeeKay, No. 21 Sonax/AutogeekTeam PenskeJosef Newgarden, No. 2 Sonsio Team PenskeScott McLaughlin, No. 3 DEX Imaging Team PenskeWill Power, No. 12 Verizon 5G Team PenskeSimon Pagenaud, No. 22 Menards Team PenskeChevrolet IndyCar V6 Year-By-Year Results since 20122021 ­– 5 wins, 6 poles in 12 racesWins – Pato O’Ward (Texas2, Detroit2); Rinus VeeKay (Indy RC1); Josef Newgarden (Mid-Ohio); Will Power (Indy RC2). Pole – Pato O’Ward (Barber Motorsports Park, Detroit1, Indy RC2); Josef Newgarden (Detroit2, Road America, Mid-Ohio).2020 – 7 wins, 11 poles in 14 racesWins – Simon Pagenaud (Iowa1); Josef Newgarden (Iowa2, St. Louis2, Indy RC2, St. Petersburg); Will Power (Mid-Ohio1, Indy RC3, St. Petersburg). Poles – Josef Newgarden (Texas, Road America1, Iowa2), Will Power (Indianapolis road course, St. Louis1, Mid-Ohio1, Indy RC3; St. Petersburg), Pato O’Ward (Road America2), Conor Daly (Iowa1), Rinus VeeKay (Indy road course October)2019 – 9 wins, 9 poles in 17 racesDriver/owner championship (Josef Newgarden/Roger Penske); Indianapolis 500 win (Simon Pagenaud)2018 – 6 wins, 9 poles in 17 racesIndianapolis 500 win (Will Power)2017 – 10 wins, 11 poles in 17 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Josef Newgarden/Roger Penske)2016 – 14 wins, 13 poles in 16 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Simon Pagenaud/Roger Penske)2015 – 10 wins, 16 poles in 16 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Scott Dixon/Chip Ganassi);Indianapolis 500 win (Juan Pablo Montoya). First manufacturer to capture all titles since Chevrolet returned to INDYCAR in 20122014 – 12 wins, 14 poles in 18 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Will Power/Roger Penske)2013 – 10 wins, 11 poles in 19 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; Indianapolis 500 win (Tony Kanaan)2012 – 11 wins, 10 poles in 15 racesEngine Manufacturer Championship; driver/owner titles (Ryan Hunter-Reay/Michael Andretti)Total – 94 wins, 105 earned poles in 161 races

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 19, 2021) – Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS team are currently tied for fifth, just 68 points back from the Funny Car points lead. With two races before the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s seven race playoffs, Hight knows the Lucas Oil Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway are an important step to gaining momentum in the points battle. Already with two victories at the NHRA SpringNationals in Houston and Sonoma Raceway’s NHRA Sonoma Nationals marking the 53rd win of his career, two runner-up finishes at the season opening Gatornationals and the New England Nationals and a No. 1 qualifier at the Las Vegas Four-Wide event, Hight and the Auto Club team have proven themselves to be contenders for the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series championship. The Funny Car field is competitive though, making every point matter. “I’ve said it before, I think this Funny Car field is one of the most competitive we’ve ever had,” Hight said. “I don’t think it’s ever been this close, the top six all within 70 points of the lead, it goes to show you how hard you have to work and how consistent you have to be. We were a little off last weekend, but Jimmy Prock and Chris Cunningham are known for turning things around in a hurry.” Luckily, the Auto Club team doesn’t have to wait long between races to get their momentum back. After qualifying 14th and making a quarterfinal finish, Hight and the Auto Club Chevy boys appreciate the back-to-back races. Heading to Brainerd International Raceway as the track record holder in both elapsed time, 3.793-seconds from 2015, and speed, 338.00 mph in 2017, Hight is hoping to earn his second win at the facility. Along the way he’ll contest for his third No. 1 qualifier and all the bonus qualifying points he can get. “I’m looking forward to Brainerd. Getting back in the seat, gaining some consistency trying to build some momentum,” Hight said. “I’ve done well here in the past so I’m hoping to build on that. The Countdown to the Championship is coming up quick so it’s time to really get in gear and get this Auto Club Chevy back into the winner’s circle.” Qualifying at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals and Brainerd International Raceway begins with a session at 6 p.m. CT on Friday and continues Saturday with sessions at 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Eliminations are slated begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage will begin Friday with live qualifying on FOX Sports 1 (Fs1) at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT. A second qualifying show will air on FS1 Sunday at Noon ET / 11 a.m. CT. Eliminations will be on FOX Broadcasting Network (FOX) at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT.

BRAINERD, Minn. (Aug. 19, 2021) – Brittany Force and the Monster Energy team finally turned their qualifying dominance into race day dominance with their first win of the season. Now that they’ve proven they have the ingredients to win races, they’re ready for more as they head to the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals at Brainerd International Raceway. The Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team has collected six of the 11 No. 1 qualifying positions this season and is currently on a streak of four consecutive. The 2017 world champion earned No. 1 positions at both Four-Wide events in Las Vegas and Charlotte and swept the top spots at the three-race Western Swing before earning the 26th No. 1 of her career at the Menards NHRA Nationals at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kan. Force capped off the weekend with a double-up win with her father, 16-time world champion John Force. It was the first time in NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series history a father and child duo shared the winner’s circle. It is the fifth time John Force Racing has had a Funny Car / Top Fuel double-up. Brittany first did it with Robert Hight at the Gatornationals in 2016 for the first win of her career then Dallas 2017 and again in Houston 2019 before John Force and Austin Prock won together for John’s 150th in Seattle 2019. “I’m still on a high after winning alongside my dad in Topeka this last weekend. Doubling up with my dad has been a goal of mine since the start of my career,” Force said. “Year after year I realized just how tough lining that up would be. It’s not easy going four rounds on race day and trying to do that in two separate fields seemed impossible. But Sunday in Topeka we both had the best cars and teams on the track. Celebrating in the winners circle with the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team and my dad’s PEAK Chevy team is something I’ll never forget.” While the David Grubnic and Mac Savage led crew had two final round appearances (Charlotte Four-Wide and Norwalk, Ohio) before the historic victory in Topeka, their first win couldn’t have come at a more prime time. Now sitting No.2 in the points standings, the Monster Energy dragster will have two races to maintain that spot and head into the Countdown to the Championship, NHRA’s seven race playoffs, in the best position possible to take down points leader, defending and three-time world champion Steve Torrence. “Now these John Force Racing teams all head to Brainerd. This Monster Energy team will be on the hunt for another win,” Force said. “With the Countdown so close, we have to keep on this upward momentum. Our goal is to repeat what we did last weekend because we’re chasing down that points lead.”  Brittany has qualified No. 1 at four straight races, the first Top Fuel driver to do that since 2009 (Larry Dixon). Force was the No. 1 qualifier at Brainerd International Raceway in 2019, the last time the event was contested. She also is the track speed record holder at 333.16 mph, a mark she set in 2017. With the exception of Steve Torrence, no one has won more Top Fuel races the last five years than Brittany. She and competitor Leah Pruett both have won eight times during that span. Force will be trying to win back-to-back events on the pro tour for the first time in her career. Qualifying at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals and Brainerd International Raceway begins with a session at 6 p.m. CT on Friday and continues Saturday with sessions at 2 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. Eliminations are slated begin Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage will begin Friday with live qualifying on FOX Sports 1 (Fs1) at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT. A second qualifying show will air on FS1 Sunday at Noon ET / 11 a.m. CT. Eliminations will be on FOX Broadcasting Network (FOX) at 3 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT.

No. 63 Corvette C8.R streaming on-board,MotorTrend U.S. coverage highlights team’s Le Mans return

LE MANS, France (Aug. 19, 2021) – Corvette Racing’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this time with the mid-engine Chevrolet Corvette C8.R, is a landmark moment in program history. It also will be made available to viewers and listeners in the United States and around the world on multiple platforms. MotorTrend Network will full coverage of Le Mans on Saturday and Sunday through its MotorTrend app for viewers inside the U.S. Content from free practice and the Hyperpole session Thursday, plus various on-board cameras, also will stream on the MotorTrend channel. One of those will be the No. 63 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Corvette C8.R of Antonio Garcia, Jordan Taylor and Nicky Catsburg. For those viewers without MotorTrend, Chevrolet’s YouTube channel will stream the on-board camera for the full race. Live coverage isn’t limited to video. Mobil 1 Radio Le Mans will broadcast every on-track session for the 24 Hours of Le Mans with many of the voices that Corvette Racing fans will recognize from previous Le Mans events along with IMSA Radio. MotorTrend’s Le Mans U.S. Video Coverage Schedule (all times ET)Thursday· Free Practice 3: 4:45 a.m.· Hyperpole: 12:45 p.m.· Free Practice 4: 9:45 a.m. Saturday-Sunday· Warmup: 2:10 a.m.· Pre-Race and race: 6:15 a.m. (Eurosport feed); 6:30 a.m. (World feed)· No. 63 Corvette on-board: 7 a.m.

Winger bags another podium, English takes DNF and points standings hit

QUINCY, MI – Aug. 18, 2021 – Since his days as a rookie teenager, Bobby Pierce has been winning races and winning over fans all throughout the Midwest. Now 24 years old and well on his way to becoming a four-time DIRTcar Summer Nationals champion, Pierce crossed even further into elite territory with his 40th career victory Wednesday night at Butler Motor Speedway.

His 13th triumph of the season in 25 starts brings him to the big 4-0 as part of the winningest Hell Tourseason of his career, now taking sole possession of third on the all-time Feature wins list from 2004 champion Don O’Neal.

“I’ve been running these races for a long time, and really cut my teeth on all these racetracks,” Pierce, of Oakwood, IL, said. “The experience that I’ve gotten through the years, it adds up. And here we are.”

“It takes a big, big team to get to where we’re at right now in such a hurry. So, shoutuout to everyone that’s gotten me here.”

His drive to victory was certainly no waltz, having to hold off four-time winner this season Ashton Winger and Devin Moran for 40 laps around the fast 3/8-mile. Several caution flags were scattered throughout the race, meaning Pierce had to be on his game for the restarts.

“I didn’t really like to see the cautions because you never really know… you go flying into that first corner again, and you wanna make sure the car sticks, but you don’t wanna under-drive it too much and it pushes up the racetrack,” Pierce said.

While Pierce’s takeoffs were on-point, Winger and Moran were strong behind him, as well. They swapped the second and third spots a few times before Winger took back it permanently after a restart on Lap 10.

Through lapped traffic Winger chased Pierce, closing the gap to just a few car-lengths at one point, but he was unable to get close enough to make a move. Pierce crossed the line untouched for the $5,500 victory – $500 of which came from a bonus put up by nearby Galesburg Speedway.

Tanner English, who came into the night second in points, got caught up in a wreck on the first lap and was forced to retire early due to excessive damage. This left him with a season-worst 21st-place finish, putting him even further behind Pierce in the chase for the championship. He’ll make the repairs and look for a rebound on Thursday at I-96 Speedway.

UP NEXT

The Summer Nationals rolls into I-96 Speedway for the ninth time in tour history Thursday night, Aug. 19, for another $5,000-to-win showdown in Race #2 of Champions Week. Catch all the action live on DIRTVision presented by Drydene.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (40 Laps) 1. 32-Bobby Pierce[2]; 2. 12-Ashton Winger[3]; 3. 9-Devin Moran[1]; 4. 74-Mitch McGrath[5]; 5. 91-Rusty Schlenk[4]; 6. 14G-Joe Godsey[7]; 7. 16-Garrett Wiles[15]; 8. 9LT-Jacob VanDeVoorde[14]; 9. 19M-Carter Murday[16]; 10. 20-Jim Plotts[22]; 11. 14R-Jeff Roth[13]; 12. T18-Jeff Geis[21]; 13. 248-Brandon Lance[19]; 14. 44S-Colin Shipley[17]; 15. 15G- Jamie Grochowski[20]; 16. 48-Tim Lance[18]; 17. 06-Jake Rendel[10]; 18. 38-Thomas Hunziker[6]; 19. 27-Eric Spangler[8]; 20. B4-Rich Ruff[9]; 21. 81E-Tanner English[11]; 22. 53-Hillard Miller[12]

DEFENDER: Krup Wins First of Season, Back-to-Back Years at Butler

He led every lap in the inaugural visit to Butler Motor Speedway last year, and now he’s back. Will Krup has made his return to DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals Victory Lane.

After a heartbreaking loss on the final restart last Saturday night at I-55, Krup rebounded and made sure the same thing wasn’t going to happen Wednesday night. After leading all but the first lap since the drop of the green, Krup found himself one lap away from victory when the caution flag flew, setting up a green/white-then-checkered finish.

“We were leading there at [I-55] and kinda gave it away with about four-to-go,” Krup said. “So, it was kinda nerve-wracking with a single-lap shootout. But, the car was good and it all worked out.”

Indeed it did work out, as Krup held off the ringers behind him including Hunt Gossum, Dillon Nusbaum and Chad Bauer to bag the $1,500 victory.

Also in attendance was the 2012 Summit Modified champion Kenny Wallace, who had a great comeback from 17th to finish eighth after a wild start to his night in the Heat Race. Fellow former NASCAR star David Stremme was making his first appearance of the season with the Summit Modifieds Wednesday night and soon found himself in an interesting situation with Wallace after four laps in Heat #2.

Stremme made contact with Wallace in Turn 3, sending Wallace around in a spin. Both drivers were sent to the rear by rule, which forced them to try and regain their transfer spots in just four laps. Stremme succeeded, but Wallace did not, and had to come from his Last Chance Showdown to start the Feature. Wallace bagged his eighth top-10 of the season, while Stremme retired after 11 laps.

UP NEXT

The Summit Modifieds roll into I-96 Speedway Thursday night, Aug. 19, for another $1,500-to-win showdown in Race #2 of Champions Week. Catch all the action live on DIRTVision presented by Drydene.

Plus continuing work on preparations for GTE Pro at 24 Hours of Le Mans

LE MANS, France (Aug. 18, 2021) – Corvette Racing’s Nick Tandy put the No. 64 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R into the Hyperpole round of qualifying for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tandy set a best lap Wednesday of 3:47.074 (134.216 mph) in the mid-engine Corvette that he is sharing this week with Tommy Milner and Alexander Sims. The Thursday night Hyperpole session includes the six fastest cars from Wednesday’s preliminary qualifying session for all classes.  Antonio Garcia, driving the No. 63 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Corvette with Jordan Taylor and Nicky Catsburg, posted a best lap of 3:49.643 (132.725 mph). Wednesday’s two free practice sessions and qualifying allowed Corvette Racing to continue fine-tuning both Corvettes for the weekend’s race – the first time at Le Mans for the C8.R. A stringent simulation program combined with on-track testing and a race in the FIA World Endurance Championship at Spa-Francorchamps helped the program arrive at Le Mans with a strong baseline for the C8.R. In addition to the Hyperpole session at 9 p.m. CET/3 p.m. ET, Corvette Racing and other competitors at Le Mans will take part in two additional practice sessions – at 2 p.m. CET/8 a.m. ET and 10 p.m. CET/4 p.m. ET. Corvette Racing will contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Aug. 21-22 with the green flag set for 4 p.m. CET and 10 a.m. ET. MotorTrend TV will air the race live with the MotorTrend App adding coverage of official practices Aug. 19. Live audio coverage will be available from Radio Le Mans.

NICK TANDY, NO. 64 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – FOURTH IN GTE PRO QUALIFYING:“Whenever you drive a racing car on low fuel and fresh tires at Le Mans, it’s your lucky day. There isn’t much greater experience in motorsport from what I’ve seen. This is always great. The C8.R felt really good. We kind of went into an unknown area because this is the first time the car has run like this with low fuel. We tried a semi-qualifying simulation in practice but it wasn’t as light as we could make the car. So I’m happy with how the performance was. The balance was very good. We tuned during the session. The engineers and the crew did a great job in getting the car turned around and improving the pace in it. We’re very happy to go through into the Hyperpole round and try for a spot as high up the grid as we can.”

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 63 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – EIGHTH IN GTE PRO QUALIFYING: “During the Test Day we only did very few laps (because of the electrical issues) and this afternoon in the first free practice session, I jumped in after Jordan and Nicky had had enough seat time. With the new (one-hour) qualifying format it wasn’t easy with all the full-course yellows and slow zones. During my first attempt I got caught by a slow zone maybe five seconds before the finish line. That lap time would not have put me in the top-six, but it would have helped to better understand the car. We then tried again and I again had traffic and yellows.“We only wanted to use two sets of tires in qualifying and the first was already thrown away because of the full-course yellows. The same thing then happened on the second set: traffic and more yellows, so in the end we just stayed on the same set, refueled the car and I did as many laps as we could, working toward the race setup. Luckily this race is not about pole position so from now on we will just keep focusing and working towards the race.“Last Sunday, Jordan and Nicky had done most of the driving before I had the issue which sidelined us for most of the afternoon. The last hour or so we still had after the engine change, we decided to give them the extra five or six laps, which of course didn’t help me to get up to speed today. But the other car is right up there, so there is no reason to think we shouldn’t set similar times as well. We’ll be ready for the race.”

ALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 64 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – FIRST LAPS IN THE C8.R AT LE MANS: “If you weren’t looking at lap times, then it would be really good fun out there. The competitor in me would like to be a  bit faster. I don’t feel 100 percent comfortable with the car quite yet. In the daytime, things start to make a bit of sense but you start to lose some of your cues at night. You just have to rely on fewer senses and you don’t want to make mistakes while building it up. There is still more to come, for sure.”I’m just lacking a bit of confidence on the brakes. The biggest thing is that I don’t know how much it is in me and how much could be helped by the car. It’ll be good to look at some data and have another go tomorrow. Overall it’s been really nice to be back in the C8.R. It’s been five or six months since Sebring. And it’s cool be out here at Le Mans. I’ve been here before but that was three years ago. Getting back into the rhythm again is nice.”

NASCAR CUP SERIES FIREKEEPERS CASINO 400 MICHIGAN INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY TEAM CHEVY PRESS CONF. TRANSCRIPT AUGUST 18, 2021
TYLER REDDICK, NO. 8 RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING CAMARO ZL1 1LE, Teleconference Transcript Highlights: HOW CRAZY AND WILD DO YOU THINK DAYTONA WILL BE WITH DRIVERS. HAVING THEIR LAST SHOT TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS?“I played a big part in that excitement in the last Daytona cutoff race. I think you’ll expect to see drivers that were as desperate as I was in that race to try and get up front and get control of the race and win for their team and all their partners. It’s just going to be a matter of trying to have an understanding in the back of your head or have a point that you kind of have within yourself. Like okay, this is my fun meter. If we can stay within, we’re good. If we go over here, etc. We’re trying to make the Playoffs, right? But we’re also trying to get tenth and get that extra point if we can, too. So, there are a lot of things around. We’re going to try and control what we can. Someone going in and winning that race in Daytona is something that we can’t really control unless we win that race. But it’s a tough spot to be in.”
LOOKING BACK AT LAST YEAR, WOULD YOU DO THE SAME THING AGAIN? KNOWING WHAT’ ON THE LINE, IS THERE REALLY ANY OTHER ALTERNATIVE?“Well, the situation is a little bit different for us at the moment. I think we were 60 points behind the cutline at Daytona last year for that race. As of right now, going to Michigan, I think we’re up 23 points. So, the situation is a little bit different. We’re 11th in points. We’re looking at potentially, if we have a good two-race span, we might be able to get to tenth and get a Playoff point there, too. But in doing that, we could also maybe not even make the Playoffs all at the same time. Again, we’re just trying to control the things that we can. It is different because we are above the cutline, at the moment. If someone new wins at Michigan, yeah, then it’s all back to all of this stuff that we’ve been working for kind of goes out the window and then we need to come up with a new plan that we will bring and then have at Daytona for that race. At the moment, we’re just not really changing anything. At the moment, we’re just going to keep doing what we’ve done all year long. Once we get to Daytona after Michigan is in the rear-view mirror and seeing where we stack up in points, okay maybe we change our strategy if somebody new wins. Maybe not. We’ll just have to see after this weekend.”
IF YOU CAN THINK BACK TO A YEAR AGO, HOW NERVE-WRACKING WAS IT AND WAS IT LESS OR MORE THAN YOU EXPECTED?“It was in its own way, but different than how it would be where we’re at looking at it now, in this position. Last year we kind of fell off of the end of that regular season stretch and just we were in a place where we had to just basically win Daytona and nothing else mattered. So, desperation, yeah, it sinks in and you’re trying everything you can at the end of that race. I think there are 15, 16, or 17 other drivers that are in the same boat as you behind you even further back in points. Yeah, it is stressful because it is something that is somewhat out of your hands. You can only control what you can. For us that’s our cars, our team, and how we perform over the next two weeks. We can’t even really control or predict or even waste the energy predicting how other teams are going to go into Daytona and how they’re going to run.”
WHAT DOES GETTING INTO THE PLAYOFFS MEAN TO YOU AND YOUR TEAM? WHAT IS ON THE LINE? HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?“It’s extremely important as any driver I think would say. For me, last year it was a goal for our team. We had the trends, and the positives were there for us to get there. But some of the mistakes in that rookie season really took us just far enough behind that it was really difficult to overcome. Other drivers were surging late in the season, and it was a difficult time to make up points and we were losing them. This year, it’s even more important considering we were one of the first drivers to miss the Playoffs last year. And then also, for us, we’re sitting 11th in points and have a shot at getting to 10th. We’ve had a really good turnaround from five or six races in at Atlanta, I think it was, earlier this year. So, we’ve overcome a lot in points deficit. We’ve passed a lot of other teams and drivers in points. And furthermore, we’re ran really well for many months now in the season. Making the Playoffs is important for sure. When I think about it, the guys we’ll be racing around in these Playoffs I think we can outrun; where we are right now, we can out-perform and probably advance past some of these drivers. I think we’re running good enough to make it through the first round and have a really good shot at making it through the second round to round three, honestly. We’re right in that window. So that’s really important to make it into the Playoffs because we are going to have some Playoff points from the Stage wins if things go right, we’ll get some more from where we’re at in the regular season standings. So, a lot is on the line for us in that regard because it’s not a matter of just making the Playoffs. I think where we’re running right now and where our RCR team is going, and Austin (Dillon) as well. We are good enough to make it go deeper into the Playoffs than just make it a one and done.”
YOU’VE HAD SOME GOOD RUNS ON THE 550HP TRACKS LIKE ATLANTA AND POCONO. DOES MICHIGAN BECOME ANY MORE IMPORTANT? IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DRAWN FROM ATLANTA AND POCONO OR ARE THEY SO DIFFERENT IT WON’T HELP YOU LATER AT LAS VEGAS IN THE PLAYOFFS?“They’re similar, but they’re not. There’s something you can draw from, but I think the important thing is that a lot of these races you show up, you unload, you go through tech, and you hit the race track without ever really getting a chance to adjust on what you bring and what you think is going to be the best piece for that race that weekend. The one thing that does remain the same is you’re working lots of hours on the car and where you’re going to start with the balance and all that, all beforehand, and have that set in a pretty close box where you want it to be before you go to the race track. So, as we go from places like Michigan and Pocono and Atlanta, when we go to Vegas and some of these other one, it’s going to be the same type of deal. It’s going to be really important to have our homework done the right way. It’s very different to make big adjustments. So that aspect of it, yes, it’s going to be important to be able to take this car to Michigan and run good.”
WHAT MAKES THE SEASON A SUCCESS FOR YOU? IS IT MAKING THE PLAYOFFS OR WINNING A RACE OR SOMETHING MORE THAN THAT?“There was definitely one point in time, even last year, we make the Playoffs in my rookie year would have been a success. We didn’t do that. It was very easy to kind of get down in the dumps. The goal that we had, we didn’t obtain it. And we kind of started the year off the same way. And as the year as gone on, still have that same thought and drive is we’ve got to make the Playoffs. But there are other ways to look at it too, I think. What would make the season a success is to continue to just improve like we have been for months and months now. We’re kind of in a spot where if Michigan and Daytona go smooth, we’re going to be in a great place. But we could get to Daytona. We could run fifth, get Stage points and have a great day. Somebody wins that’s behind the cutline, knock us out, and that’s kind of out of our control at that point. But, for us it’s just about that rate of improvement and continue to improve all year long and not losing that drive to improve. So even if the unthinkable happens and some crazy upset winner happens at Daytona, the season isn’t over. It’s not a bust. The drive and the motivation we have would probably only just increase as we try to really work on making everything better within our team and that aspect and how we do better as a team once we get thrown into a brand new car for next year. But we’ve been pushing really hard. Unfortunately, the one thing we needed to do to really take care of a lot of our problems was win a race. And we’ve had those opportunities. We just didn’t capitalize on them.”
WHAT HAS THE MOOD BEEN LIKE WITH YOU AND AUSTIN DILLON? IT’S LOOKING LIKE A BATTLE BETWEEN YOU TWO FOR THE FINAL PLAYOFF SPOT.“It’s been really good. It’s just as good as it’s ever been. We’ve been working really hard. The last four weeks were really good because we had those two off-weekends and both of us worked really hard on the cars and the set-ups, which were really close together, that we took to those road courses. Things are really good for us. We’re really on the same page. As much as it seems like the doors would shut at this point in time when it’s the No. 3 and the No. 8 fighting for 16th and 17th, the doors have never been more open. There’s lots of sharing going on. We both know that if we want to do well in the Playoffs or make the Playoffs, we each need to keep pushing the other along the way. And we’ve been doing a great job of that this year. Going into Michigan, the same thing. It’s happening this week, too.”

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Kicks off its 10-city Tour on September 18 with a Thrilling Hot Wheels® Monster Trucks Experience for the Whole Family!

August 18, 2021: Pacific, MO – Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live is kicking off its return to live events with new trucks and drivers in an upcoming 10-stop tour across the US. Starting September 18 at the Toyota Center in Ontario, Calif., fans of all ages will enjoy an exciting new and expanded lineup of epic monster trucks as they experience the thrill of watching the iconic Hot Wheels monster truck toys come to life in a full-size, kid-focused, immersive Hot Wheels® experience.  The popular family entertainment tour is going BIG in its return with the debut of several new faces and three epic trucks! The all-new Mega Wrex™ towers with its 12-foot dinosaur design, bolstering 1800 horsepower to crush the competition. Driven by new driver, Rick Steffens, this addition to the tour is sure to be a favorite. Fans will also be introduced to Rebecca Schnell, the first woman to join the tour and driver of the new Midwest Madness™, a first-ever collaboration between Hot Wheels and Bigfoot®. Lastly, Race Ace™ will join as another new monster truck to the event series, boding an iconic Hot Wheels flame design.

Returning show host Freddie Sheppard will team up alongside a new co-host, Marny Florence. Her addition will create an inclusive, powerful, and memorable experience for the whole family. Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live continues to bring audiences the only opportunity to see real-life versions of the famous Hot Wheels monster trucks toys including returning favorites – Bone Shaker™, Tiger Shark, V8 Bomber™, and Demo Derby. Event performances will also feature a special appearance from the car-eating, fire-breathing transforming robot MEGASAURUS, and the high-flyers of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live, Freestyle Motocross! Fans will experience exciting show action and fuel-injected playfulness with over-the-top smashing, crashing, and epic monster truck competitions and battles!

The popular Crash Zone Pre-Show Party is back and will begin 2-1/2 hours before every performance. The unique experience provides fans access to the competition floor to see the outrageous designs and epic size of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks!  Tickets are on sale now. Visit www.HotWheelsMonsterTrucksLive.com for more information and a full schedule. The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live tour is a partnership between Mattel and Raycom-Legacy Content Company. Visit www.hotwheelsmonstertruckslive.com for more information. The safety of Mattel and Raycom-Legacy employees and consumers is the top priority. Mattel is pleased to bring back Hot Wheels live events in strict accordance with all local safety regulations and guideli

Three-Week Trip Highlighted by Skagit Nationals & Gold Cup Race of ChampionsSKAGIT, WA – August 18, 2021 – Not since September 2019 has the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series competed on the west coast.In two weeks, that finally changes as The Greatest Show on Dirt returns to Washington and California for a thrilling three-week swing across the pacific.Packaged inside the three-week, eight-race trip are two premier events, one brand new and one filled with history. Washington’s Skagit Speedway will debut the Sage Fruit Skagit Nationals with a $25,000/Win purse on September 2-4, while Chico, CA’s Silver Dollar Speedway resumes the iconic Gold Cup Race of Champions on September 10-11.Other races on the docket include a Monday night under the lights at Washington’s Grays Harbor Raceway on September 5, and a weekend split between Keller Auto Speedway on September 17, and Placerville Speedway on September 18.For the top-two in the World of Outlaws championship, it’s a chance to return home and race close to family. For the California locals, it’s their first chance in more than 700 days to pursue glory against The Greatest Show on Dirt.BUY TICKETS HEREThe trek west officially begins this weekend and next as the Series travels through the Dakotas, but the western territory isn’t officially reached until September when the Outlaws return to Washington for the 68th time in Series history.Skagit Speedway opens the journey west with the Sage Fruit Skagit Nationals from Friday-Sunday, September 2-4. The three-day event offers a $175,000 purse with the champion on Sunday night claiming $25,000, the second-highest payday left this year.Four full-time Outlaws will return to Skagit as former winners including Donny Schatz (5), David Gravel (2), Sheldon Haudenschild (1), and Logan Schuchart (2), who swept the 2019 doubleheader at the 3/8-mile in his Shark Racing #1S.“The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars are going through an exciting growth and we want to be a part of that,” said promoter Steve Beitler. “The Skagit Nationals is a new important marquee event for us and I’m proud to partner with World of Outlaws for it. We’re excited to kick off the Fall West Coast Swing for the Series with an impressive payout on the line for the drivers.”Following Skagit, a one-night stand for 10 grand goes at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, WA for the Outlaws’ 30th appearance at the track. 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz will have a chance to equal Sammy Swindell as the winningest driver in Series history at the track.With four nights in Washington done and dusted, the traveling band of Outlaws will make their long-awaited return to California. A two-week stay with four races on the calendar is opened up by the 67th running of the Gold Cup Race of Champions.This race has been creating legends and offering the upsets of a lifetime since the 1950s. Within the last decade alone, five first-time winners have found their Outlaw moment at Chico including the likes of Kyle Larson, Sean Becker, Carson Macedo, Jonathan Allard & Kyle Hirst.”Chico will always hold a special place in my heart,” Macedo, who is second in World of Outlaws points, mentioned. “I mean not only is it in my home state, but I got my first-ever Outlaw win there, and that really helped launch my career and eventually got me on the road full-time. It’s been a long two years away from California, I don’t think most people understand how tough it’s been not going. I can’t wait to get back home and see all of the family and friends I grew up with. Hopefully we can get a few wins, rack up some points, and make them proud.”After Gold Cup, one weekend remains in “The Golden State” with a trip to Hanford’s Keller Auto Speedway on Friday, September 17. David Gravel enters as the defending winner of the Kings Outlaw Shootout, aiming to soar beyond Macedo and get back on Brad Sweet’s bumper for the championship chase.On Saturday, September 18, the west coast swing is concluded with the 49er Gold Rush Classic at Placerville Speedway. This will mark the Outlaws’ 10th all-time appearance at the northern California bullring.For two-time defending champion and current points leader, Brad Sweet, Placerville is where The Big Cat grew up. His Grass Valley home was only more than an hour away from the track, and he already banked one emotional Outlaw win on his home turg in 2018, something he hopes he can do one more time.”I’m just glad we can finally get back to California and Washington,” Sweet said. “Obviously for me, the travel out here is much lighter being close to home, but more than that these fans haven’t seen us in two years. It wasn’t in our control, but that’s a tough pill to swallow for a region that is so dedicated to Sprint Car racing and the World of Outlaws. I hope we can give them eight great shows and come back to normal with two swings in 2022.”Before the agenda at hand goes west, the NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars have a triple-header through the Dakota’s to focus on this weekend. The three-night swing takes The Greatest Show on Dirt to River Cities Speedway on Friday, August 20, Red River Valley Speedway on Saturday, August 21, and Huset’s Speedway on Sunday, August 22.If you can’t make it to the track, watch all of the action live on DIRTVision at either DIRTVision.com or through the DIRTVision App on iPhone, Android, Roku, FireTV or Xbox One.

August 18, 2021

It’s a time-honored tradition in NASCAR racing for competitors to have family members as guests at a team’s home track. It’s only fitting that as the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team competes this weekend at the sponsor’s home track, Michigan International Speedway, the iconic No. 21 Mustang will carry the names of 163 individuals who achieved their 20-Year Senior Master Technician status in 2020. 

Having established the Senior Master Technician Program in 1999, Ford honored the first class to reach the 20-year milestone at the 2019 MIS race. Ford Senior Master Technicians are experts in engines, drivetrains and chassis. Each year, senior master technicians take part in new required training to improve upon their expertise.

Working together with Ford is a big part of the history and heritage of Wood Brothers Racing, which has fielded Ford vehicles exclusively throughout their 71 years in the sport.

For the past 21 years, the team has been sponsored by Ford’s Motorcraft division. Over those years, the No. 21 team has worked with Ford to help attract and retain highly skilled individuals that are needed for the automotive technician field.
 
New Ford Tech is an avenue for high school and technical college students to pursue a career as an automotive technician. Multiple programs, including Ford’s Automotive Student Service Educational Training (ASSET), partner with colleges across the country for education and job placement upon graduation.  Learn more at newfordtech.com. Some of Ford’s 20-Year Senior Master Technicians being honored this week began their careers in the ASSET program.
 
Eddie Wood said years of turning wrenches on the family race cars have given him and his family a special appreciation for those members of the Ford family who service passenger cars.
 
“Recognizing these incredibly skilled and loyal technicians was a great honor back in 2019,” Wood said. “We are glad to be able to do this again this year, because these are the men and women who keep our cars safely on the road every day.” 
 
Matt DiBenedetto said he and the entire Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are working hard to make it a special weekend for their fellow members of the Blue Oval team.
 
He said he and spotter Doug Campbell are hoping to capitalize on restarts, as they did at MIS last year en route to finishes of 15^th and seventh in the two Cup races there.
 
“Doug and I study really hard for this one and treat it like a superspeedway as far as being prepared for restarts,” DiBenedetto said. “That’s a big key to success for the race.”
 
He also said the team is hoping to build on its recent string of strong finishes. His fifth-place finish on Sunday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was the team’s fifth finish of 11^th or better in the past five races.
 
“Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane team has really been clicking so well,” he said. “My crew chief Jonathan Hassler and the whole team have been doing an excellent job.”
 
“Hopefully we win one of these things. That’s the main goal.”
 
There will be no practice or qualifying prior to the start of Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400, which is set to get the green flag just after 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
 
NBCSN will carry the TV broadcast, and there will be Stage breaks at Laps 60 and 120.

Four races in four days puts Hell Tour regulars against DIRTcar stars of the north

QUINCY, MI – Aug. 18, 2021 – The final week of the 2021 DIRTcar Summer Nationals and Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals campaigns is here. It’s time to crown the champions.

Championship Week, the seventh and final full week of competition, features four races in four nights at four tracks in the state of Michigan. Each of them are 3/8-mile ovals and are host to some of the best dirt track racing the region has to offer.

If all four races are contested this week, the Late Model champion will pocket $29,000 for their efforts over the 29-race schedule. This would also tie the record for the most events completed in a single season, set in 2010 and tied in 2014. The Summit Modified champion will collect the traditional $5,000 check.

Championship Week Schedule

Wednesday, Aug. 18 | Butler Motor Speedway | Quincy, MI

Thursday, Aug. 19 | I-96 Speedway | Lake Odessa, MI

Friday, Aug. 20 | Tri-City Motor Speedway | Auburn, MI

Saturday, Aug. 21 | Merritt Speedway | Lake City, MI

If you can’t make it to the track, watch every lap live on DIRTVision presented by Drydene.

Here are the drivers to watch and the storylines to follow this week…

HOME STRETCH – With 12 wins in 25 races, Bobby Pierce carries a 218-point lead heading into the final four races, aiming for his fourth career championship. If he can maintain the points lead, he’ll tie Brian Shirley and Shannon Babb for most titles in tour history.

He’s been dominant thus far, finishing in the top-five in all but two of his 24 starts. Having never won a Summer Nationals Feature in the state of Michigan, this will be his best chance to get a win in a new state. But to do it, he’ll have to take down some of the best DIRTcar Late Models in the region.

SOUTHERN STANDOFF – With Pierce steadily pulling away at the top of the standings, the points chase now shifts to the battle going on for second between Southeast young guns Tanner English and Ashton Winger.

English, of Benton, KY, is currently second in the standings with 1527 points. Winger, of Hampton, GA, trails by just 50 points. A big catalyst to English’s position in points this season has been his consistency, with 17 top-five finishes over the 25 completed races thus far.

Despite having four wins to English’s one, Winger was not as consistent in the beginning of the season as he has been in the second half. He’s racked up 12 top-five finishes – eight of those coming over the previous eight races. If he can keep the streak going this week and scoop up at least one more trip to Victory Lane, Winger will have a decent shot at claiming an extra $3,480 in points fund earnings (provided all four remaining events are completed).

MAILMAN DELIVERS – Devin Moran, of Dresden, OH, will cash-in on this week’s opportunity to finish out the Summer Nationals campaign after being away since Week #1.

The 2017 World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Rookie of the Year recently announced his plans to race each of the final four races on social media. He’ll kick things off at Butler, looking for his third career victory and second of the season after getting the win at Kankakee County Speedway on June 17.

EASTERN STORM – The weekly racing warriors of the DIRTcar Late Model East Region will be out in full force this weekend as the Hell Tour regulars invade their homeland. While Butler does not often host Late Models, I-96, Tri-City and Merritt see them far more frequently and keep track points tallies. Garrett Wiles, of Hubbardston, MI, leads at I-96; Eric Spangler, of Lake City, MI, leads at Tri-City, and Brandon Thirlby, of Buckley, MI leads at Merritt.

Most of the top-10 in DIRTcar East Region points will join the Late Model field at some point this weekend, several of which already made appearances this year with the tour. Spangler sits atop the region standings with four wins at Tri-City and another at Merritt, while Thirlby trails by just 37 points, carrying three victories at Merritt. Top-10 drivers such as Cody Bauer, Rich Neiser and Chad Finley are also expected to be in attendance, as well as Dona Marcoullier, who scored his first career Summer Nationals victory in a thriller last year at Tri-City.

GREAT LAKES GREATS – A strong UMP Modified Michigan Region crowd is also expected to join the field this week, featuring drivers with several wins already at the remaining tracks on the schedule.

Chad Bauer, of Farwell, MI, currently leads both the DIRTcar Michigan Region and Merritt Speedway points standings with all four of those wins coming at Merritt. Jacob Poel, of Spring Lake, MI, sits fifth in regional points, also notching four wins at Merritt.

Butler has hosted several UMP Modified races already this season – eight of which have been won by two drivers. Corey Bevard and Tim Wilber have each bagged four wins, leading the track points standings by a big gap over the rest of the top-five.

The NASCAR Truck Series standout will make his second appearance with the Series. MIDDLETOWN, NY – August 17, 2021 – Team USA Hockey coach Herb Brooks once said, “Great moments are born from great opportunity.” NASCAR Truck Series and Super DIRTcar Series standout Stewart Friesen has a great opportunity on Thursday, Aug. 19, at Orange County Fair Speedway to make history. A trip to Victory Lane would make the Niagra-on-the-Lake, ON native the first driver to win a World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model, World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car and Super DIRTcar Series Feature. But a win won’t come easy. Thursday’s race at the “House of Power” is the first time he’s raced a Late Model since the Tennessee Tip-off at Smoky Mountain Speedway in March. Friesen stated he’s still trying to gain knowledge about the car.  “We tested at [Utica-Rome Speedway], and I’m just trying to wrap my head back around it,” Friesen said. “It’s been a couple of months since we did it in the wintertime and didn’t even have it close to figured out then.  “I think I have a little bit more of an idea of where to go and stuff, and I’ve been getting a lot of help from the guys at [Longhorn Chassis].” Friesen’s chance at history comes at a place familiar to him. He won the Super DIRTcar Series event at Orange County earlier this month and has more laps at the track than any other Late Model driver in the field.  Despite the experience around the .625-mile oval, he’s not sure how his Late Model will adapt to the track.  “Racing the modified will help; being able to judge tires a little bit off that,” Friesen said. “This place has been different; we’ve been here a handful of times this year, and it’s been different every time. We’ll see how it goes, and we’ll hopefully use some of our experience to an advantage.” Friesen’s found a ton of success in 2021, making the playoffs in the NASCAR Truck Series and winning six times on the Super DIRTcar Series tour. He knows success with the World of Outlaws won’t come easy, though. “There’s 50 good teams out there that lineup and go balls out with the best of the best stuff, and it’s very competitive,” Friesen said. “That’s what makes it awesome learning this car and getting to know guys like [Jonathan Davenport].” If Friesen can defeat the World of Outlaws, it’ll be a defining moment in his career. A moment born from a great opportunity.  “It’d be pretty cool, I guess, to have three World Racing Group [Series] wins,” Friesen said. “We got to qualify for the show first, and then we’ll go from there.”  Thursday’s trip to Orange County Fair Speedway will be the first time since 2004 that The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet battled at the New York track. If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, FireAde, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, Reliable Painting, and Rocket Chassis.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS® Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jordan DeLucia, DIRTcar Racing PR CoordinatorPlease contact jdelucia@dirtcar.com to arrange driver interviews.You may duplicate this content with credit to DIRTcar Racing and a link to DIRTcar.com. For more photos, video b-roll and other digital assets, click here.TWO WORLDS COLLIDE: 51st & 50th World 100s Set for Action at EldoraOverton, Larson, Davenport, Pierce and more favorites expected to compete ROSSBURG, OH – Aug. 17, 2021 – Double the globes, double the fun. Less than one month remains before the biggest DIRTcar Late Model race in the world kicks off in back-to-back fashion – the 51st and 50th runnings of the World 100 at Eldora Speedway. For the first time in its history, two separate editions of the famed event will be run over a four-day period – Wed-Sat, Sept. 8-11. The 50th (2020) World, postponed to 2021 due to health restrictions from the pandemic last September, will be run Friday and Saturday night after the 51st (2021) World, contested on Wednesday and Thursday. WORLD 100 TICKETS A total of $147,000 in first-place money is up for grabs across each of the four days. The two qualifying nights on Wednesday and Friday will host twin 25-lap, $10,000-to-win Features to help set the Heat Race lineups for the 100-lap, $54,000 and $53,000-to-win finales on Thursday and Saturday. Thursday and Saturday’s starting lineups will once again be decided via Eldora’s unique Every Lap Matters format, which awards drivers points for their finishes in each event from Qualifying to the Feature during preliminary nights. Drivers from all areas of the country make the trip out to the cornfields of Western Ohio for the annual spectacle, and this year’s expected roster features names with some of the most interesting storylines in recent years. Topping the list is a man who has downright dominated the Dirt Late Model World in 2021 – Brandon Overton. The Evans, GA-driver has won 21 of his 57 starts thus far, collecting victories in a variety of prestigious and high-paying events, most notably his sweep of the double Dirt Late Model Dreams at Eldora in June. He followed that up with his second career Firecracker 100 title at Lernerville Speeedway two weekends later, and a $20,000 victory in the marquee Carolina Sizzler event at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in July. Most recently, Overton brought the broom out again this past weekend, winning on both nights of the North/South 100 at Florence Speedway in Union, KY. With all of these accolades collected at this point in the season, he’ll be heavily favored to win at some point during the four days of the double World 100s. Over Eldora’s 68-year history, only one name has been to Victory Lane in Dirt Late Model crown jewel events more times than anyone else. Scott Bloomquist, the four-time World 100 champion and eight-time Dirt Late Model Dream winner, has been out of action since late July due to complications in his right leg, stemming from a hip replacement surgery in January 2020. His team soon announced DIRTcar UMP Modified ace Nick Hoffman would temporarily fill-in for Bloomquist while he takes time off to recover. Hoffman, who started all four Features he attempted to qualify for at the double Dreams in June for the Hatchers Auto Sales team, has been on a tear in the UMP Modified world this summer, winning in 19 of his 20 starts aboard the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals tour through the Midwest. While it’s uncertain how long Hoffman’s duties at the controls of Bloomquist’s #0 will be needed, he will still likely appear in the event, piloting either one of the Late Model rides he’s driven this year. Bobby Pierce has also been on a dominant tear through the Midwest this season, capturing 12 wins aboard the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Model tour. Currently en route to collecting his fourth Hell Tour title, Pierce will be looking for a bounce-back performance from his efforts at the double Dreams. While he qualified for all four Features he attempted at Eldora in June, Pierce was only able to muster finishes of 15th and 19th in the 100-lap finales. As the youngest World 100 winner in history at 19, Pierce has yet to reach Victory Lane in any Eldora crown jewel event since his winning year of 2016, but will be riding a massive wave of success from his Summer Nationals efforts this season. After competing at Eldora in a Late Model for the first time in his career in June, Kyle Larson is expected to be back behind the wheel for the double World 100s this September. He came into the double Dreams looking for his first career Late Model crown jewel win, but will now be going for his second this fall. Larson, the all-around motorsports star from Elk Grove, CA, won the 31st Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway in July in his first attempt to qualify for the famed event. He’s expected to be back behind the wheel of the K&L Rumley Enterprises #6 to attempt his first World 100 start, still riding the wave of momentum from each of his wins in Sprint Cars, Late Models, Midgets and Cup Series races this year. While the World 100 was not contested last year, the inaugural Intercontinental Classic was held in its place and won by none other than the three-time World 100 champion, Jonathan Davenport. Davenport, of Blairsville, GA, is also the defending World 100 champion, which he won for car owner Lance Landers in 2019. He and the Double L Motorsports team have done well in their marquee event starts this season, capturing the Wild West Shootout finale in January, a $50,000 check for first place at the dirt-covered Bristol Motor Speedway in March, plus another $25,000 payday at the revived 5/8-mile of West Virginia Motor Speedway in June.

DIRTcar Racing is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel), Chevy Performance Parts, iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, and NAPA Auto Parts (SDS). Contingency sponsors include: ARP (Automotive Racing Products), ASI Race Wear (SDS), Bassett Racing Wheel, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, Bicknell Racing Products (SDS), Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux (SDS), Cometic Gasket (SDS), COMP Cams, Drydene, Fast Shafts, Fox Factory, Jerovetz Motorsports Shock Service, K1 Race Gear, KSE Racing Products, MSD, Mulit FireX, Quarter Master, Schoenfeld Headers, Summit Racing Equipment, Velocita USA, Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum), and Xceldyne. Along with manufacturer sponsors, including: FireAde, Intercomp, and Racing Electronics.

River Cities (Fri), Red River Valley (Sat), Huset’s (Sun) Up NextGRAND FORKS, ND – August 17, 2021 – The only way to cure the Knoxville Nationals hangover is to start racing more, and that’s exactly what the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is doing this weekend.With the historic 60th Granddaddy of ‘Em All in the rearview mirror, The Greatest Show on Dirt returns focus to the 2021 championship battle as a triple-header through the Dakotas is next.On Friday, August 20, the weekend begins in Grand Forks, ND at River Cities Speedway for the 2nd Leg of the Northern Tour. Before June’s rainout at the bullring, the Outlaws’ last appearance at the track was last August when recently crowned Knoxville Nationals champion Kyle Larson stunned Logan Schuchart and the whole world with his spectacular finish.On Saturday, August 21, the Series moves to Donny Schatz’s hometown of West Fargo, ND for a date at Red River Valley Speedway. The 3/8th-mile oval is the eighth-most visited track in Series history with 65 previous Outlaw races at the facility. Fresh off a second-place run at Knoxville, Schatz and his TSR squad look to carry that momentum to home turf and build a second-half run.On Sunday, August 22, Huset’s Speedway will host the NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars for the 50th time in history at the Pioneer Bin Buster Bash. It’ll be all eyes on David Gravel, who attempts to put the Huset’s Speedway #2 in Huset’s Speedway victory lane for the third time in 2021.RIVER CITIES TICKETS (Fri) RED RIVER VALLEY TICKETS (Sat) HUSET’S TICKETS (Sun)Some of the top storylines to follow include:HOME TURF: After a season of struggling with consistency, or lack thereof, Donny Schatz and the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15 team could not have chosen a better time to peak if that’s what they’re indeed doing. The Fargo, ND native will head to home territory this weekend fresh off a huge $89,000 second-place payday after nearly stealing his 11th Knoxville Nationals title from Kyle Larson on the final lap.Sitting fourth in World of Outlaws points, the Carquest, Ford Performance powered entry has one win, 27 top-fives, and 39 top-10s through 53 Features this year. The 10-time NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series champion has ruled his home state over the years, particularly River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND.On Friday, The Greatest Show on Dirt visits the River Cities bullring for the 27th time in Series history. In 26 previous appearances, Schatz has found victory lane a staggering 12 times for a jaw-dropping winning percentage of 46%. He’s no stranger to success at Red River Valley either, a track where he’s topped three times under Outlaw sanction.FINISH THE JOB: All but one Crown Jewel ($75,000/Win National Open at Williams Grove on October 2) are complete, so the task at hand returns to the World of Outlaws championship for many drivers, specifically Brad Sweet. With less than three months remaining, only 24 point races are available for drivers to make their moves down the homestretch.In pursuit of a third consecutive NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series championship, The Big Cat is attempting to join rarified air with Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz as the only drivers in 44 years to accomplish the three-peat. Heading into this last stretch, the Kasey Kahne Racing, NAPA Auto Parts #49 owns a 140-point advantage with a series-best 14 wins, 35 top-fives, and 44 top-10s.Giving chase to Sweet and KKR is most notably Carson Macedo (-140) in the Jason Johnson Racing #41 and David Gravel (-144) in the Big Game Motorsports #2. Also in the mix inside the top-five is Donny Schatz (-256) and Sheldon Haudenschild (-266) in the Stenhouse Jr. Marshall Racing #17.CONFIDENCE BOOST: The Knoxville Nationals is the annual measuring stick for teams and drivers to better understand where they rank amongst the best sprint car competitors in the world. Some years you leave Knoxville with your tail tucked between your legs, and other years you walk away with your head held high and a new sense of confidence. For Brock Zearfoss, he’s heading to North Dakota as the latter.The first half of Zearfoss’ rookie campaign was a tough one. The numbers don’t back up the progress as he has led laps and been in contention for wins only for untimely incidents to strike. The 14 top-10s are not indicative of his season, especially as he sits ninth in points, even after missing two weeks due to a concussion this spring.Qualifying for his second Knoxville Nationals A-Main, though, has Zearfoss feeling as good as he has all season long. The Jonestown Jet started 24th in the toughest Feature of the year and drove his family-owned #3Z to a career-best run of 14th, which resulted in an $11,000 payday. Plenty of on-track, monetary, and personal momentum to potentially propel Zearfoss to the results he’s capable of in the second half.HUNGRY FOR W’S: For Carson Macedo (7 wins), Logan Schuchart (3 wins), Donny Schatz (1 win), and James McFadden (1 win), it’s been too long since that last trip to victory lane. All four drivers produced strong showings at the Knoxville Nationals with all four placing inside the top-1o of Saturdays’ 50-lap finale to build some momentum. Now they just want back in victory lane.Although second in points and a model of consistency, Macedo hasn’t won since July 17 at Eldora Speedway, which is nearly his longest drought of the year. Schuchart has been missing victory lane ever since he banked $50,000 at Jackson Nationals on June 27. Schatz has been chasing win #301 since his 300th breakthrough at Dubuque, Iowa on June 18, and McFadden’s lone win came back in April at Indiana’s Tri-State Speedway.Those four drivers will have three chances this weekend to return to the win column and build some second-half steam.WHO’S GOT NEXT: Since Aaron Reutzel’s suspension, Roth Motorsports has welcomed Parker Price-Miller to drive at I-55 and Kasey Kahne to wheel the Beef Packers throwback at Knoxville. Both substitutes recorded excellent results with PPM earning two QuickTimes, a hard-charging top-ten, and leading laps at the Ironman 55, while Kahne was QuickTime at the Nationals and earned an eighth-place finish in the 50-lap finale.The Roth #83, which is in a battle for eighth in the World of Outlaws owner championship, will compete in all three races through the Dakota’s this weekend. The only question is who will fill the seat next. An official announcement from the team is expected to come in the next few days.This Week at a Glance – When and WhereFriday, August 20 at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, ND Saturday, August 21 at Red River Valley Speedway in West Fargo, ND Sunday, August 22 at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, SDOn the Internet World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Twitter – @WorldofOutlaws Instagram – @WoOSprint Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsSprintCarSeries YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/monthAround the Turn: Following this weekend, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will remain in Mid-America with a stop at Nebraska’s I-80 Speedway on Friday, August 27 and a return to South Dakota’s Black Hills Speedway on Sunday, August 29.NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (14 Drivers): 14 wins – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb #49 7 wins – Carson Macedo, Jason Johnson Racing #41 7 wins – David Gravel, Big Game Motorsports #2 7 wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Stenhouse Jr. Marshall Racing #17 4 wins – Aaron Reutzel, Roth Motorsports #83 3 wins – Kyle Larson, Silva Motorsports #57 3 wins – Logan Schuchart, Shark Racing #1S 2 wins – Kerry Madsen, Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #14 2 wins – Brent Marks, Brent Marks Racing #19 1 win – James McFadden, Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb #9 1 win – Dave Blaney, Dave Blaney #10 1 win – Donny Schatz, Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15 1 win – Spencer Bayston, Sam McGhee Motorsports #11 1 win – Tyler Courtney, Clauson-Marshall Racing #7BCFEATURE LAPS LED (25 Drivers): 296 laps – Brad Sweet 256 laps – Sheldon Haudenschild 188 laps – Aaron Reutzel 185 laps – Carson Macedo 175 laps – David Gravel 172 laps – Donny Schatz 154 laps – Logan Schuchart 72 laps – Kyle Larson 63 laps – Kerry Madsen 57 laps – Tyler Courtney 36 laps – James McFadden 33 laps – Spencer Bayston 29 laps – Giovanni Scelzi 27 laps – Brent Marks, Sam Hafertepe Jr. 11 laps – Sye Lynch 10 laps – Jacob Allen, Brock Zearfoss, Parker Price-Miller 3 laps – Ian Madsen 1 lap – Kasey Kahne, Kraig Kinser, Brandon Spithaler, Dave Blaney, Brian BrownSLICK WOODY’S QUICKTIME AWARDS (20 Drivers): 10 QuickTimes – David Gravel 7 QuickTimes – Sheldon Haudenschild 5 QuickTimes – Brad Sweet, Logan Schuchart 4 QuickTimes – Kerry Madsen 3 QuickTimes – Aaron Reutzel 2 QuickTimes – James McFadden, Cory Eliason, Giovanni Scelzi, Parker Price-Miller, Sam Hafertepe Jr. 1 QuickTime – Carson Macedo, Kraig Kinser, Danny Dietrich, Anthony Macri, Kasey Kahne, Brian Brown, Brock Zearfoss, Rico Abreu, Sye LynchDRYDENE HEAT RACE WINNERS (39 Drivers) 24 Heat Wins – David Gravel 19 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo 16 Heat Wins – Aaron Reutzel 15 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz 13 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild 12Heat Wins – Brad Sweet 11 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart 9 Heat Wins – James McFadden 6 Heat Wins – Brian Brown 5 Heat Wins – Kerry Madsen 4 Heat Wins – Giovanni Scelzi, Tyler Courtney 3 Heat Wins – Brock Zearfoss, Jason Sides, Kraig Kinser, Ian Madsen, Anthony Macri, Sam Hafertepe Jr. 2 Heat Wins – Jacob Allen, Wayne Johnson, Kasey Kahne, Kyle Larson, DJ Netto, Parker Price-Miller 1 Heat Win –  Danny Dietrich, Hunter Schuerenberg, Lance Dewease, Brandon Spithaler, Tim Kaeding, Jack Dover, Scotty Thiel, Paul McMahan, Daryn Pittman, Justin Peck, Jac Haudenschild, Sye Lynch, Chad Trout, TJ Stutts, Brent MarksPODIUM FINISHES (25 Drivers): 27 Podiums – Brad Sweet 18 Podiums – Carson Macedo 16 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz 15 Podiums – David Gravel 12 Podiums – Logan Schuchart 10 Podiums – Aaron Reutzel 6 Podiums – James McFadden, Kerry Madsen, Brent Marks 5 Podiums – Giovanni Scelzi 3 Podiums – Brian Brown, Lance Dewease, Kyle Larson 2 Podiums – Kraig Kinser, Cory Eliason, Anthony Macri, Danny Dietrich, Tyler Courtney 1 Podium – Justin Peck, Brian Brown, Anthony Macri, Dave Blaney, Spencer Bayston, Daryn Pittman, Paulie Colagiovanni, Sam Hafertepe Jr.2021 World of Outlaws Sprint Car Schedule & WinnersNo. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins) 1. Fri, Feb. 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brad Sweet (1) 2. Sun, Feb. 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Logan Schuchart (1) 3. Fri, March 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Carson Macedo (1) 4. Sat, March 6 / East Bay Raceway Park / Tampa, FL / Aaron Reutzel (1) 5. Fri, March 12 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Sheldon Haudenschild (1) 6. Sat, March 13 / The Rev / Monroe, LA / David Gravel (1) 7. Fri, March 19 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Sheldon Haudenschild (2) 8. Sat, March 20 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Brad Sweet (2) 9. Sat, March 27 / Lake Ozark Speedway / Eldon, MO / Brad Sweet (3) 10. Fri, April 2 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Brad Sweet (4) 11. Sat, April 3 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Brad Sweet (5) 12. Fri, April 9 / Kokomo Speedway / Kokomo, IN / James McFadden (1) 13. Sat, April 10 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Carson Macedo (2) 14. Fri, April 22 / Bristol Motor Speedway / Bristol, TN / David Gravel (2) 15. Sun, April 24 / Bristol Motor Speedway / Bristol, TN / David Gravel (3) 16. Thur, April 29 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Brad Sweet (6) 17. Fri, April 30 / I-70 Motorsports Park / Odessa, MO / Brad Sweet (7) 18. Sat, May 1 / I-70 Motorsports Park / Odessa, MO / Brad Sweet (8) 19. Sat, May 8 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Brent Marks (1) 20. Sat, May 8 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (3) 21. Wed, May 12 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Brad Sweet (9) 22. Fri, May 14 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Carson Macedo (3) 23. Sat, May 15 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Aaron Reutzel (2) 24. Tues, May 18 / Bridgeport Speedway / Swedesboro, NJ / Logan Schuchart (2) 25. Fri, May 21 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / David Gravel (4) 26. Sat, May 22 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / Dave Blaney (1) 27. Mon, May 31 / Lawrenceburg Speedway / Lawrenceburg, IN / Kyle Larson (1) 28. Sat, June 5 / Granite City Speedway /Sauk Rapids, MN / David Gravel (5) 29. Fri, June 11 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Carson Macedo (4) 30. Sat, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Carson Macedo (5) 31. Thur, June 17 / 34 Raceway / West Burlington, IA / Brad Sweet (10) 32. Fri, June 18 / Dubuque Fairgrounds Speedway / Dubuque, IA / Donny Schatz (1) 33. Sat, June 19 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (4) 34. Mon, June 21 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / David Gravel (6) 35. Tues, June 22 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Aaron Reutzel (3) 36. Thur, June 24 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Kerry Madsen (1) 37. Fri, June 25 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Kerry Madsen (2) 38. Sat, June 27 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Logan Schuchart (3) 39. Fri, July 2 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Brad Sweet (11) 40. Sat, July 3 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Brad Sweet (12) 41. Sat, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Brad Sweet (13) 42. Tues, July 13 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Spencer Bayston (1) 43. Wed, July 14 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Carson Macedo (6) 44. Sat, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Tyler Courtney (1) 45. Sat, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Kyle Larson (2) 46. Sun, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Carson Macedo (7) 47. Tues, July 20 / Lernerville Speedway / Sarver, PA / Brad Sweet (14) 48. Fri, July 23 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Sheldon Haudenschild (5) 49. Sat, July 24 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Brent Marks (2) 50. Fri, July 30 / Ransomville Speedway / Ransomville, NY / Aaron Reutzel (4) 51. Sat, July 31 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (7) 52. Fri, August 6 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Sheldon Haudenschild (6) 53. Sat, August 7 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Sheldon Haudenschild (7) 54. Sat, August 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Kyle Larson (3)

Batavia, OH (August 17, 2021) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is up next with the COMP Cams Topless 100 – Presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions. The Crown Jewel event takes place this weekend with a $40,000 top prize on the line Saturday in Batesville, Arkansas. One of the most highly anticipated events of the season, the 29th Annual COMP Cams Topless 100 – Presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions is slated for Thursday – Saturday, August 19th – 21st, at Batesville Motor Speedway. The crown jewel event is co-sanctioned by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and the COMP Cams Super Dirt Series. The Topless 100 prelim nights will feature a complete program of Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains and a 30 lap, $5,000-to-win main event on Thursday and Friday nights. Drivers will earn points in each of the two preliminary nights that combined, will determine the lineups for Saturday night’s finale. The top 16 in combined points will be locked into the A-Main, while everyone else will go to a B-Main. Modifieds will also compete in a full program on Thursday and Friday nights. Both days, the pit gate will open at 3:00 PM CT, main gate at 4:00 PM CT, with a driver’s meeting slated for 7:00 PM CT and hot laps to begin 30 minutes later. Saturday’s festivities will kick off with hot laps at 8:00 PM CT, followed by consolation events for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The 100-lap, $40,000-to-win Topless 100 will cap off the weekend action. The Modifieds will once again compete in a full program on Saturday night. The pit gate will open at 3:00 PM CT, main gate at 4:00 PM CT. There will be a driver’s meeting at 7:30 PM CT. In 2020, Jimmy Owens held off a furious charge from Hall-of-Famer Billy Moyer on the final lap for the $40,000 victory. Moyer charged from 18th to briefly edge in front of Owens as the two exited turn number two on the final lap, but Moyer drifted out too high and hit the outside retaining wall. Owens pulled away for his third win in the event’s history. Moyer fell from second to fourth at the finish as both Earl Pearson Jr. and Tim McCreadie slipped by him. This event is unique in the fact that the dirt late models are without a roof. The topless aspect gives spectators an up-close look, as drivers wrestle their 800+ horsepower machines around the lightning-fast, 3/8-mile oval. For more information on the COMP Cams Topless 100 – Presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions, visit: www.batesvillemotorspeedway.com or call the Speedway Office at (870) 251-0011. Tim McCreadie continues to carry the Midwest Sheet Metal orange spoiler, indicative of the point leader. Jonathan Davenport is 175 points out of the lead, with a close battle for the second spot with Hudson O’Neal and Kyle Bronson. Jimmy Owens holds the fifth spot, ten points ahead of Tyler Erb. Ricky Thornton Jr, Josh Richards, Shane Clanton, and Mike Marlar round out the top ten in Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Championship point standings.  Track Information:Batesville Motor SpeedwayPhone Number: 870-251-0011Location: 5090 Heber Springs Road, Locust Grove, AR 72550Directions: Eight miles west of Batesville, at the junction of SR 14 & SR 25, located on Heber Springs Rd.Website: www.batesvillemotorspeedway.com Tire Rule for Thursday-Friday, August 19th – 20th:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1350Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) White Dot 1600 NRM, (29.0) White Dot 1600 NRMW*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 2 new rear tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position. Tire Rule for Saturday, August 21st:Left Front – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1350Left Rear/Right Front – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1350, (28.5) White Dot 1600Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) White Dot 1600 NRM, (29.0) White Dot 1600 NRMW*For the B-Mains, competitors may use 4 new tires.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 4 new tires. Thursday-Friday Event Purse: 1. $5,000, 2. $3,000, 3. $2,000, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,250, 6. $1,000, 7. $950, 8. $900, 9. $850, 10. $800, 11. $700, 12. $600, 13. $600, 14. $600, 15. $600, 16. $600, 17. $550, 18. $500, 19. $500, 20. $500, 21. $500, 22. $500, 23. $500, 24. $500 = $25,000 29th Annual COMP Cams Topless 100 – Presented by Nutrien Ag Solutions Purse: 1. $40,000, 2. $20,000, 3. $10,000, 4. $5,000, 5. $4,000, 6. $3,750, 7. $3,500, 8. $3,000, 9. $2,800, 10. $2,700, 11. $2,500, 12. $2,400, 13. $2,350, 14. $2,300, 15. $2,250, 16. $2,200, 17. $2,150, 18. $2,125, 19. $2,100, 20. $2,075, 21. $2,050, 22. $2,025, 23. $2,000, 24. $2,000, 25. $2,000, 26. $2,000 = $129,275 Previous Topless 100 Winners:1993 – Tony Cardin1994 – Freddy Smith1995 – Billy Moyer1996 – Bill Frye1997 – Billy Moyer1998 – Wendell Wallace1999 – Scott Bloomquist2000 – Jimmy Mars2001 – Scott Bloomquist2002 – Billy Moyer2003 – Shannon Babb2004 – Dale McDowell2005 – Billy Moyer2006 – Scott Bloomquist2007 – Jimmy Mars2008 – Tim McCreadie2009 – Jimmy Owens2010 – Jared Landers2011 – Scott Bloomquist2012 – Steve Francis2013 – Terry Phillips2014 – Jimmy Owens2015 – Shannon Babb2016 – Rained Out2017 – Scott Bloomquist2018 – Rained Out2019 – Chris Madden2020 – Jimmy Owens About COMP Cams:For more than 35 years, the COMP Cams mission has never changed: to produce the highest-performing products possible, provide customers with superior service, and to lead the industry in technological development. While the COMP Performance Group has grown to multiple companies and hundreds of employees, we still retain the competitive spirit and desire to be the very best that has positioned COMP Cams as the absolute leader in valve train components. To learn more about COMP Cams, visit: www.compcams.com. About Nutrien Ag Solutions:As the largest producer of potash by capacity and one of the world’s largest producers of nitrogen and phosphate, Nutrien provides the three key nutrients growers need to produce healthier, more abundant crops. Their Ag-Retail operations supply key products and services directly to growers – including crop nutrients, crop protection, and seed, as well as agronomic and application services – to help meet the world’s ever growing-demand for food and fiber. To learn more about Nutrien Ag Solutions, visit: www.nutrien.com or www.nutrienagsolutions.com.

NHRA^® Team Report

NHRA Nationals – Brainerd, MN

Pre-Race Report

Cruz Pedregon says he’s in a “good position” to capitalize on the momentum of going rounds and getting to the semifinals once again this season as he and the team prepare for the upcoming weekend at Brainerd International Raceway. 

“The track at Brainerd is a really good one with a nice surface, and the fans always turn out there to experience great drag racing. We appreciate our NHRA fans so much and the ones we get to see and interact with in Minnesota are always engaged” Cruz says. “The team re-directed after Kansas to head back to the shop on the way to Brainerd to pick up some parts and repair and rebuild some that were damaged last weekend. We had one of those unfortunate racing things happen when we got tangled-up with Tim’s (Wilkerson’s) car. Thankfully neither of us were hurt and we can both get our cars fixed. He’s a great racer and gentleman, so there’s no issue there. I’m sure he wished he could have that one back, I’ve been there myself.”

The SnaponFranchise.com paint scheme is sidelined for now, so Cruz will be racing the primary Snap-on^® “Makers and Fixers” Dodge^® SRT^® Hellcat^® Funny Car body through Indy. The team is also reviewing a clutch issue that thwarted a better outcome after a solid start in the semis. He enters the race in eighth place in the Funny Car standings as he and the team keep their eye on the prize of a strong Countdown spot.

Follow Cruz and Snap-on on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

To see the latest Cruz news, like his Facebook page, where you can also check out his Vlog “Kickin’ It With The Cruzer.” Follow Cruz on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to follow @MakersandFixers on Instagram and share your stories at makersandfixers.com.

BREWERTON, NY – An extra dose of Super DIRTcar Series action will now help set the stage for the 49th NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week.Widespread thunderstorms and overnight rain showers that extended into Tuesday forced Series and Brewerton Speedway officials to reschedule the Demon 100 for Tuesday, Oct. 5 – giving race fans an added chance to see the Beast of the Northeast during the biggest week of dirt racing in the northeast.Those who purchased tickets in advance to the Demon 100 will be able to use those tickets for the new Oct. 5 date. If you’re unable to attend and would like a refund, you’ll need to mail your ticket(s) to the World Racing Group office – 7575 West Winds Blvd. Concord, NC 28027 – by Sept. 17, 2021. The Demon 100 will now be the final chance for a Super DIRTcar Series driver to secure a guaranteed starting spot for the prestigious 200-lap, $50,000-to-win, Billy Whittaker Cars 200 on Sunday, Oct. 10.Joining the Big Blocks at Brewerton will be the DIRTcar Pro Stocks. Along with running for a $1,000 top prize, the winner of the Pro Stock race will also secure a guaranteed starting spot for the DIRTcar Pro Stocks 50 on Sunday.Tech options will be available for Super DIRT Week competitors at Brewerton Speedway and Oswego Speedway on Tuesday, Oct. 5.The open practice originally scheduled for Oct. 5 at Oswego Speedway is now canceled.This event will not only give fans an early preview of the roster of superstar drivers planning to compete in NAPA Super DIRT Week this year, it will send a thunderous echo throughout the region, ringing the bell that the biggest motorsports event in the state is here. Make sure to claim your spot early for the Demon 100 by purchasing tickets in advance at SuperDIRTcarSeries.com.PHOTO: Matt Sullivan

The Super DIRTcar Series is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel), Chevy Performance Parts, iRacing (Official Online Racing Game) and NAPA Auto Parts. Contingency sponsors include: ARP (Automotive Racing Products), ASI Race Wear, Bicknell Racing Products, Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux, Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, Drydene, Fox Factory, MSD, and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: FireAde, Intercomp, and Racing Electronics.

LE MANS, France (Aug. 17, 2021) – Corvette Racing is back at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this week with its eye toward a ninth class victory in one of the world’s greatest endurance races. Debuting at Le Mans in 2000, the program quickly established itself as an annual contender in the production-based GT categories. This year should be no different with the mid-engine Corvette C8.R. Ahead of this week’s track action, let’s visit with current and past Corvette Racing drivers to recap each victory from 2001 to 2015:

2001Following an overall victory in the Rolex 24 At Daytona earlier in the year, hopes were high for Corvette Racing as it headed to Le Mans for the second time in 2001. The program finished third and fourth in GTS the previous year during its Le Mans debut, but the lessons and experiences from that initial run set the table for what happened in a chaotic 2001 race, thanks to Mother Nature. Ron Fellows, Johnny O’Connell and Scott Pruett claimed the GTS victory in the No. 63 Corvette C5-R during a rain-soaked 24 Hours to lead a Corvette Racing 1-2 result. Ron Fellows: “The 2001 season was really a breakout one for Corvette Racing. We won our first race in Texas the year before, we won Petit Le Mans and then won the Rolex 24 overall in 2001. Things were really, really coming together. As a team, we felt like we were more prepared than we ever had been. We had been to Le Mans for the first time in 2000 and learned a lot. The only obstacle we had in 2001 was the weather. My recollection is that I think I did a total of three laps in the race on slick tires. Everything else was in the rain or an intermediate track. It was a race of survival, which we did and then some. I think we ran fourth overall at some point. It was just an outstanding effort and complete relief at the end that we had accomplished – to that point – more than expected. Winning the Rolex 24 was on the list, but getting it overall was above and beyond. Achieving a class win at Le Mans was huge for all of us. I can’t say enough positives about the whole Corvette Racing effort. “We kept plugging away, making adjustments each race and each year to get better – whether it was pit stops, the chassis, the engine guys. They all plugged away at it to get better. We weren’t getting any breaks. We were up against a dominant Viper team. You throw in Ferrari, Porsche and others… it was an incredible moment to be up there on that podium. The event is so amazing and I feel fortunate to be part of such a great team.”

2002Fellows and O’Connell repeated as GTS winners, aided by a debuting Oliver Gavin in the No. 63 Corvette C5-R. It was another 1-2 finish as the winning Corvette triumphed by four laps over its sister Corvette entry. It was a little more straight-forward than the year before as the biggest threat to victory – a Prodrive Ferrari – retired just past the halfway point. Still, the victory laid down the marker of excellence that continues to define Corvette Racing, according to one of its most successful drivers… Johnny O’Connell: “The 2002 race was important. The reason is that there was a little bit of an aspect of luck in 2001. In that race at the start, you didn’t know if you needed to go out on rain tires because it was a wet track or slicks. Ron chose to do rain tires and there was a big shunt at the beginning… a lot of guys falling off on entry into the Porsche Curves. So we got a break there and lost a couple of guys who might challenge us. 2002 was legit. It was important because we were trying to set ourselves up as the standard. There was still a question mark on if we were that good and was the car that good. We executed everything we needed to do. The team gave us a bullet-proof car. I don’t think we had any moments where we had an issue that had to overcome. It was Oliver’s first Le Mans with us and had a lot to prove. Now through his history, he has more wins for Corvette Racing than anyone. But when I look at Corvette’s involvement at Le Mans, it’s really the strength of the cars. In my time driving 10 times at Le Mans with Corvette, I got on the podium eight times with only one DNF. The challenge that Corvette Racing brings to everyone else is the understanding that the car is wicked strong, it can do 24 hours, and the team is so strong that rare are the mistakes. For anyone to beat Corvette Racing, they have to get to a whole other level. You just don’t see that at all.”

2004Corvette Racing put a dismal 2003 appearance behind itself with a resounding victory for Gavin, Olivier Beretta and Jan Magnussen in the No. 64 Corvette C5-R. It was the fifth-generation Corvette’s final race at Le Mans with the factory squad as Corvette Racing celebrated another 1-2 finish. Survival was the name of the game in this edition as numerous pieces of bodywork and other parts needed to be replaced on the winning Corvette. The team event raided the Corvette showcar in the fan area for enough bodywork to finish the race! Oliver Gavin: “From what I remember from 2004, it was our first race at Le Mans with the Michelin tire. We were really making some big strides forward in performance. Fundamentally, the race was a big of crashfest! There were many incidents and accidents. Our car seemed to get caught up in numerous things – some of them out of our control but also some it was driver-induced. I remember the car being fixed in the middle of the night and we were searching for bodywork a little bit. I was told no more mistakes or no more screw-ups; I think I had just done a nose in on the car! We were battling hard to catch the Ferrari. At some point after that when the sun came up, we were in a pretty good spot but there was a huge pile of bodywork in the tent behind the garages. It was the biggest I’d ever seen, and we had no more left to use at all. We ended up finishing and winning the race with the showcar rear deck and rear bodywork, which was extraordinary! It was the first win for us there with Michelin and the first of three in a row with Jan, Oliver and myself.”

2005The first appearance for the Corvette C6.R resulted in a second straight victory for the Beretta/Gavin/Magnussen trio in the No. 64 Corvette. A fourth win for Corvette Racing also brought a fourth 1-2 finish in the GT1 category. The winning Corvette finished fifth overall, a remarkable result for a production-based entry.  The 2005 edition was the first of many titanic duels with Aston Martin. Things weren’t decided until the 19th hour as the bulletproof Corvettes roared past their challengers, proving reliability – as well as speed – wins at Le Mans. Jan Magnussen: “This was the first year of GT1 and the C6.R, both significant steps. I don’t remember the race very clearly, but it was another big fight between our team and Aston Martin. They had beaten us at Sebring and we really wanted to get back at them in Le Mans. It was great competition and we had a lot of respect for each other. Things went back and forth quite a lot. We had a couple of punctures in the race, but one of their cars ran out fuel and they had some technical problems, too. I think our reliability was just a little bit better and that made the difference. We won by two laps over the other Corvette, took our second straight win in the 64 and finished fifth overall. It was a great result with a new car in a new category.”

2006Beretta, Gavin and Magnussen were victorious again in another tough Le Mans fight for Corvette Racing’s fifth Le Mans win and third in a row. The No. 64 Corvette C6.R finished fourth overall and won by five laps over the closest Aston Martin, which again was beset by mechanical problems late.  The two contenders ran within a lap of each other much of the race before Corvette Racing gained the advantage inside the final three hours. Oliver Gavin: “It was an exceptionally hot year. The car was very quick. It was the second year against the Prodrive Aston Martins, and it was very close for a lot of it. They had three cars that were all very quick and very good. I think it was the Darren Turner car that was giving us the hardest race. It was super-tough. I think it was Jan who eventually got us into the lead with only a few hours to go. I also think that was the race where we were the highest a GT car has ever finished overall at Le Mans when we were fourth in our class. It was a great one and three in a row for the 64 Corvette – Jan, Olivier and myself. It was very special to get that win. Those are very fond memories, great times and brilliant racing. Prodrive was one of the best teams that we ever raced against, and the respect between the two teams was always very high. Those were very special times.”

2009The end of the GT1 era saw Corvette Racing return to the top step of the Le Mans podium. O’Connell, Magnussen and Antonio Garcia – making his Corvette Le Mans debut – took victory in the No. 63 Corvette C6.R and won the class by six laps. The race mainly was a fight between the two Corvette Racing entries. The No. 63 ran flawlessly throughout and never made a visit to the garage. Antonio Garcia: “It was the first time I went to Le Mans as a Corvette driver, so that makes it a year to remember. The GT1 cars were really fun to drive. It was a nice to have a last chance to drive around Le Mans in a GT1 car before we moved on to the GT2. That’s always a good thing going around Le Mans. Everything you have available makes this track nicer and nicer. It was good to run there. From the next year onward, we lost quite a few seconds per lap. Even if now we are probably running faster than what GT1 used to be, it was cool to have that chance to run the GT1 Corvette around Le Mans for the final time.“The race was pretty straight-forward. It was a classic 63 vs. 64 Corvette battle. I think the 64 ran into some issues with about one-third of the race to go. Up to that point, we were pretty close. Back then, there were no slow zones so at some point we lost one safety car train to the 64 so it was difficult to catch back up; it was pretty easy to fall down a third-of-a-lap. The whole race was a little like that. It was a good challenge to be there in those years… very special.”

2011Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary year and the 10th anniversary of Corvette Racing’s first Le Mans win ended in fitting style with a drama-filled GTE Pro win for Beretta, Garcia and team newcomer Tommy Milner in the No. 73 Corvette C6.R. A methodical march up the standings culminated with Milner’s race-winning pass inside three hours to go to give Corvette Racing its seventh Le Mans victory. Changing weather conditions inside the final three hours added to the challenge, but Milner remained unphased in the critical moments. Tommy Milner: “We weren’t slow but we weren’t as fast as the other Corvette. They had a lap on the field basically and had an unfortunate accident.  I think at that point we were sixth and maybe a half-lap behind the leader. As the race continued on, one by one our competitors were having trouble or slower stints and we made up some time. It looked like it was going to be hard to beat the Ferrari. But then suddenly they slowed considerably. The gap started to come down, then it would stabilize and then it would come down more. We couldn’t figure out what was going on. We thought maybe it was traffic at first but as time went, more often than not they were having some slow laps. I think I was finishing my second stint of a triple and slowly seeing the Ferrari down the Mulsanne Straight get closer, and then the next lap significantly closer and finally passing him after going down to Indianapolis. That is a moment I can remember pretty vividly. It was one of the easiest passes I’ve ever had to make in my career! I can remember getting out of the car and being physically and mentally drained from the experience. I was excited, for sure. It seemed like we were in good shape, and Antonio only had to drive for another hour-and-a-half to go to the end. “That’s a dream come true… to start my career with Corvette Racing with a win like that at Le Mans. I don’t remember much about being on the podium. There was so much emotion of that race, the experience of it all and getting the win, you don’t remember hardly any of it. It’s not that I didn’t enjoy it; I certainly did. But you don’t remember the little moments. Fortunately I had the chance to win it again in 2015 with the team and have that same experience again on the podium and to appreciate more the little nuances of being up there versus the first one where everything is a blur. It definitely was a great moment to be in the garage with my dad and to have him there to be a part of that was really, really cool.”

2015Of all the Le Mans wins for Corvette Racing, the win in 2015 might be the special. Gavin, Milner and Jordan Taylor won in GTE Pro with the No. 64 Corvette C7.R only days after the sister car was withdrawn following a crash in qualifying.  Instead of folding, Corvette Racing marshaled all its effort around the remaining Corvette C7.R. The Gavin/Milner/Taylor trio moved from seventh to the start into the lead at the end during the sixth hour. The No. 64 won by five laps. Jordan Taylor: “Winning the 2015 race was a super emotional week with our team car going out in qualifying. We entered the race with just one car, which was the first time in history for Corvette Racing at Le Mans. The pressure that everyone felt going into the race – not just the drivers but the crew, the engineers and everyone else on the team – was substantial. To come away with the win in those circumstances made it super emotional. Standing on the podium, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. That’s a huge motivator no matter who you are. The goal in sports car racing and almost any kind of in motorsports in general is to win Le Mans. To win with Chevrolet and Corvette Racing as an American driver doesn’t get any better than that.”

Corvette Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (wins in bold)2000No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Chris Kneifel/Justin Bell – 4th in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTS 2001No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Scott Pruett – 1st in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 2nd in GTS 2002No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Oliver Gavin – 1st in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Andy Pilgrim/Kelly Collins/Franck Freon – 2nd in GTS 2003No. 53 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Franck Freon – 3rd in GTSNo. 50 Corvette C5-R: Oliver Gavin/Kelly Collins/Andy Pilgrim – 2nd in GTS 2004No. 63 Corvette C5-R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GTSNo. 64 Corvette C5-R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GTS  2005No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1 2006No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Max Papis – 7th in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GT1 2007No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 14th in GT1 2008No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Ron Fellows/Johnny O’Connell/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Max Papis – 3rd in GT1 2009No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 1st in GT1No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Marcel Fässler – 4th in GT1 2010No. 63 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Johnny O’Connell/Antonio Garcia – 12th in GT2 (DNF)No. 64 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Oliver Gavin/Emmanuel Collard – 10th in GT2 (DNF) 2011No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Olivier Beretta/Tommy Milner/Antonio Garcia – 1st in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Jan Magnussen/Richard Westbrook – 14th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2012No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 5th in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 6th in GTE Pro 2013No. 73 Corvette C6.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 4th in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C6.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 7th in GTE Pro 2014No. 73 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 2nd in GTE ProNo. 74 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Richard Westbrook – 4th in GTE Pro 2015No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ryan Briscoe – DNS (Qualifying crash)No. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Jordan Taylor – 1st in GTE Pro 2016No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Ricky Taylor – 7th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Jordan Taylor – 10th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2017No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 3rd in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 8th in GTLM 2018No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 4th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 15th in GTE Pro (DNF) 2019No. 63 Corvette C7.R: Jan Magnussen/Antonio Garcia/Mike Rockenfeller – 8th in GTE ProNo. 64 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner/Marcel Fässler – 16th in GTE Pro (DNF)

BREWERTON, NY – The Super DIRTcar Series goes full throttle, Tuesday, Aug. 17, at Brewerton Speedway for the $10,000-to-win Demon 100.

Series superstars like Billy Decker, Mat Williamon, Larry Wight, Matt Sheppard, Peter Britten, Jimmy Phelps and Tim Sears, Jr., along with an elite field of local talent, will tackle one of the most driver-demanding, elbows-up, fan-favorite tracks around: Brewerton Speedway – The D-Shaped Dirt Demon.

They’ll be competing for the $10,000 top prize and an illustrious 49th NAPA Auto Parts Super DIRT Week (Oct. 6-10) guaranteed starting spot in the Series’ 11th visit to the ⅓-mile Central New York track.

Here are the top storylines to follow:

STOMPING GROUNDS: A strong cadre of Super DIRTcar Series stars race weekly at Brewerton Speedway on Friday nights. Gypsum Racing drivers Larry Wight, Billy Decker, and recent Northeast Dirt Hall of Fame inductee Pat Ward will all have their Big Blocks ready to defend home territory. 

Chris Hile, Jimmy Phelps, and Tim Sears Jr. are all running in the top five in Brewerton points. Hile is coming off of a second-place run at Orange County Fair Speedway in the Centennial 102. The last time the Super DIRTcar Series stormed through Brewerton, The Hile Driver came just short of hunting down race-winner Mat Williamson. Hile could find himself one step higher on the podium for the first time against the Series. 

TURNING POINT: Mat Williamson, from St. Catharines, ON, won the last Series race at Brewerton Speedway. He then went back-to-back by winning at Mohawk International Raceway the next day. Those wins helped propel the Buzz Chew Racing #88 into the championship in 2019. A win tomorrow could potentially mark another turning point for Williamson. He’s currently fourth in points with one win on the season. 

NAPA Super DIRT Week Qualifier: The winner of the Demon 100 will receive the guaranteed starter status for the Billy Whittaker Cars 200 on Sunday, Oct. 10. If the winner already has that status, the guaranteed start will be awarded to the next highest finishing driver without one. For example, Chris Hile took second place at Orange County behind Stewart Friesen but because Friesen had already won (six times), Hile picked up the award. 

That creates a scenario for a driver like hometown hero Tyler Trump to shock the field and pick up the NAPA Super DIRT Week guaranteed start for himself, which pays a minimum $1,500. 

INVADERS FROM THE NORTH: Two warriors from the North Country have made it known that they will attempt to slay The D-Shaped Dirt Demon on the backs of their own Beasts of the Northeast. The St. Lawrence Radiology cars of Tim Fuller, from Watertown, NY, and Michael Maresca, driver of the #7mm, will go the $10,000 prize. 

Fuller has one win and four top-10s in six starts so far in 2021. Maresca has one top-10 in three starts but Brewerton is his home track and the #7mm is sure to turn up the heat for The Demon 100. 

TICKETS AND STREAMING: Race fans can save on their ticket price by preordering their Demon 100 tickets HERE. Pit passes are not available in advance. Pit gates open at 4pm EST and grandstand gates open at 5 pm EST, Tuesday, Aug. 17. Kids 10 and under are free.

If you can’t make it to the race track, fans can subscribe to DIRTVision’s FAST PASS to catch all the action live on your device of choice.

PREVIOUS BREWERTON SPEEDWAY SUPER DIRTCAR SERIES WINNERS
2019 – Mat Williamson
2018 – Matt Sheppard/Matt Sheppard
2017 – Matt Sheppard
2016 – Matt Sheppard
2015 – Billy Decker
2010 – Matt Sheppard
2009 – Matt Sheppard
2008 – Billy Decker
2007 – Dale Planck

On the Internet

Twitter – @SuperDIRTcar

Instagram – @SuperDIRTcar

Facebook – Facebook.com/SuperDIRTcarSeries

YouTube – Youtube.com/DIRTCarRacing

DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/month

DIRTcar 358 Modified Series begins at Mohawk Int’l Raceway Thursday, August 19Seventy-five laps and $4,000 up for grabs for 358 Series, plus DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series North Region gets underwayAKWESASNE, NY – Mohawk Int’l Raceway has been a staple of the DIRTcar 358 Modified Series circuit since 1993 when Kenny Tremont Jr. took the first Series win. Since then, Mohawk has hosted 33 Series races. Names like Alan Johnson, Billy Decker, Chris Raabe, Billy Dunn, and Pat O’Brien fill the North Country’s record books. Another name will be added on Thursday, Aug. 19, at St. Lawrence Radiology night at Mohawk Int’l Raceway.The night of racing includes the 75-lap DIRTcar 358 Modified Series tour kick-off, the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified North Region opener, and DIRTcar Pro Stocks racing for Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship points. “It’s been real tough to get the 358 Series off the ground in 2020 and also this year with COVID and border restrictions.  While there still many hurdles to have teams to cross the border we needed to have the Series this year with most tracks running under normal circumstances,” said NE Competition Director, “It’s still very tough for the 358 teams in Canada but with the bulk of the schedule in the US we needed to get it started as it’s getting late in the racing season.”The overall DIRTcar 358 Modified Series champion will still include home track bonus points obtained after the Labor Day Weekend and along with Series event points added to the totals. A full point fund will be paid with the champion claiming a $6,000 top prize at the year-end awards banquet.The point fund totals over $25,000 and will award a cash prize to the top 15 in points.  Michael Maresca, in the fan-favorite #7mm, has made his intentions to take the $4,000 payday known. Both the night of racing and Maresca’s car are sponsored by St. Lawrence Radiology. Tim Fuller will pilot another St. Lawrence Radiology-sponsored car as well. The driver of the #19 has reached Victory Lane at Mohawk in 358 Series competition three times in his career. He’s been on a hot streak at Can-Am Speedway in his 358 so race fans will need to take note of his starting position for the 75-lap Feature. A pair of full-time Super DIRTcar Series stars are planning to tackle Mohawk. Erick Rudolph, from Ransomville, NY, will pilot his #25R against the rest of the best DIRTcar 358 Modified drivers. Rudolph does not have a Series win at Mohawk but he is a three-time and defending 358 Modified Series champion. Mike Mahaney has turned into a top line Super DIRTcar Series Big Block driver. He’ll put that experience to the #35 Adirondack Auto 358 to take on the North Country’s best for the $4,000 check. Lance Willix has been battling at the top of the DIRTcar 358 Modified Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship standings. Willix is hungry for more wins to push him over the top in those standings where he is battling Erick Rudolph, Mat Williamson, Billy Dunn, and more. Another top driver set for Mohawk is Jordan McCreadie. A rookie on the Super DIRTcar Series this year, the second generation driver is near the top of the points at both Can-Am and Thunder Mountain. He will be a favorite at the first clash in Akwesasne, NY. Also on the card is the first race of the season for the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series North Region. With successful starts to the East, Central, and West regions already underway, the North Region is sure to bring the excitement to the North Country. DIRTcar 358 Modified Series 2021 ScheduleThursday, August 19 – Mohawk Int’l Raceway – Akwesasne, NYFriday, September 10 – Can-Am Speedway – LaFargeville, NYFriday, September 17 – Mohawk Int’l Raceway – Akwesasne, NYWednesday, October 6 – Weedsport Speedway – Weedsport, NYThursday, October 7 – Brewerton Speedway – Brewerton, NYSaturday, October 9 – Oswego Speedway – Oswego, NYSaturday, October 16 – Brockville Ontario Speedway – Brockville, ONPHOTO: Joe Grabianowski

DIRTcar Racing is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel), Chevy Performance Parts, iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, and NAPA Auto Parts (SDS). Contingency sponsors include: ARP (Automotive Racing Products), ASI Race Wear (SDS), Bassett, Bicknell Racing Products, Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux (SDS), Cometic Gasket (SDS), COMP Cams, Drydene, Fast Shafts, Fox Factory (SDS), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, Jerovetz Motorsports Shock Service, KSE Racing Products, MSD, Quarter Master, Schoenfeld Headers, Summit Racing Equipment, and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum) (SDS); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Beyea Headers, FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics and Velocita USA.