Inside Line Promotions – ALGER, Wash. (June 30, 2021) – An impressive season continued last weekend for Dominic Scelzi, who captured a Jim Raper Memorial Dirt Cup preliminary night as well as the $15,000-to-win finale.

The pair of wins give him a dozen through the first half of the season and are the first two Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour victories of his career.

The event began on Thursday with Scelzi finishing second in a heat race. A charge from fourth to win a qualifier ranked Scelzi second in overall points out of more than 45 drivers. That lined him up on the outside of the front row for the main event.

“We were really good all night long,” he said. “In the feature we struggled with the engine not taking off on restart. We had yellows every five or six laps. Every time we got going we just couldn’t get to the leader. We’d get rolling and by the time we’d reel in the leader another caution would come out.”

Scelzi maintained second place throughout the feature and he continued to run up front on Friday. He advanced from seventh to fourth place in a heat race and from third to second in a qualifier. This time he sat fourth in points to garner the fourth starting position for the feature.

“We went from fourth into the lead pretty quick,” he said. “Once we got into the lead we went unchallenged. It was pretty cool to get our first ASCS National Tour victory.”

Scelzi’s win combined with the second-place showing on Thursday made him the high-points driver entering Saturday’s finale. That put him on the pole for the 40-lap main event.

“We got the jump on the start,” he said. “When we first got to traffic I was really good. As the race got going it got really hard to get by guys. I’d run the top and a lapped car would slide across the track. I’d go to the bottom and someone would turn down.”

Scelzi led the first 22 laps before falling to second in traffic. However, he regained the top spot when the leader was involved in a crash with eight laps remaining. Scelzi maintained the position until the checkered flag was waved.

“Blake (Hahn) got by us just after the midpoint of the race,” he said. “We stayed close and then with about eight laps to go I saw someone start to crash in front of us. I was able to turn away and Blake got collected. We led the rest of the race.

“It’s right up there with anything I’ve done in my life. It’s a huge win. There’s so much history and prestige behind it. Many guys only dream of winning it so for us to go up there in our first Dirt Cup and get the win, as well as my first two ASCS National Tour wins back to back, was truly unbelievable.”

Scelzi kicked off last week with a trio of races at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D., where he drove for Mark Dobmeier during the first three nights of THE SHOWDOWN at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D. The best outing was a runner-up result during the Chuck Zitterich Tribute on June 20.

“I was very thankful for the opportunity from the Dobmeier team and bummed we couldn’t get the win on Sunday night,” he said. “The following two nights we battled some things that we just couldn’t seem to overcome with the Outlaws. We weren’t able to qualify strong and that put us behind the eight ball. We just weren’t able to dig ourselves out of it.”

The next event for Scelzi is Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif., with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour.

QUICK RESULTS –

June 20 – Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D. – Qualifying: 9; Heat race: 2 (2); Feature: 2 (2).

June 21 – Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D. – Qualifying: 15; Heat race: 7 (8); B Main: 10 (7).

June 22 – Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, S.D. – Qualifying: 18; Heat race: 9 (9); B Main: 7 (15).

June 24 – Skagit Speedway in Alger, Wash. – Heat race: 2 (2); Qualifier: 1 (4); Feature: 2 (2).

June 25 – Skagit Speedway in Alger, Wash. – Heat race: 4 (7); Qualifier: 2 (3); Feature: 1 (4).

June 26 – Skagit Speedway in Alger, Wash. – Feature: 1 (1).

SEASON STATS –

33 races, 12 wins, 24 top fives, 28 top 10s, 29 top 15s, 29 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif., with the Sprint Car Challenge Tour

MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicScelzi41

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scelzi41

Batavia, OH (June 30, 2021) – Celebrate freedom, family, and racing this weekend with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Teams will once again enjoy Independence Day celebrations in the Buckeye state at Portsmouth Raceway Park and Muskingum County Speedway.  On Friday, July 2nd, Portsmouth Raceway Park will host the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for the annual Independence 50 presented by Able Air with a complete program of: Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap, $12,000-to-win main event. The Modifieds and Limited Late Models will serve as support divisions on Friday. The pit gate will open at 2:00 PM at Portsmouth Raceway Park. The general admission gates will open at 4:00 PM, with on-track action beginning at 7:00 PM.  Saturday’s annual July 3rd event at Muskingum County Speedway will see the pit gate open at 2:00 PM. The general admission gates open at 2:00 PM for those with advance purchase tickets and 3:00 PM with an onsite purchase. Order tickets in advance for Muskingum County Speedway at https://market.myracepass.com/store/tickets/?i=1253121&store=26259&fbclid=IwAR3YMyJuo2N7ilEJxHg–lXpvfd1QYAeYC69zN0s2gXwSsFs2PhQroZmO8o The Prime Solutions 50 will be the largest payday in Muskingum County Speedway history. In addition to the edge of your seat action produced by the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Saturday will also feature Open Wheel Modifieds, Sport Mods, and Four Cylinders, with hot laps beginning at 6:30 PM. Muskingum County Speedway will also have the largest display of fireworks the area has to offer. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will have a full show of: Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap, $15,000-to-win Main event.  Heading into the weekend, Tim McCreadie continues to hold a narrow 30 point lead over Hudson O’Neal, while Jonathan Davenport sits in third, trailing by 120 points. Kyle Bronson holds down the fourth position, 110 points out of third. With only 80 points separating fourth through tenth in standings, Mike Marlar hangs onto the fifth position followed by Josh Richards, Shane Clanton, Ricky Thornton Jr, Tyler Erb, and Jimmy Owens.  Track and Event Information:Portsmouth Raceway ParkPhone Number: 740-354-3278Location: 25648 State Route 73, West Portsmouth, OH 45663Directions: 0.5 mile south of US 52 on SR 73, then right just before bridgeWebsite: www.portsraceway.com Muskingum County SpeedwayPhone Number: 740-754-9199Location: 7985 Frazeysburg Road, Dresden, OH 43821Directions: I-70 to exit 155, then 10.1 miles north on SR 60 (WSR)Website: www.muskingumcountyspeedway.com Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Weekend Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1300Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) 1300 NRM, (29.0) 1300 NRMW, (29.0) 1425 NRM, (29.0) 1425 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 startingposition. Event Purses:Friday’s Independence 50 $12,000 to win- 1. $12,000, 2. $6,000, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,800, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,100, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000. = $52,800 Saturday’s Prime Solutions 50 $15,000 to win- 1. $15,000, 2. $6,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $3,000, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,400, 7. $2,300, 8. $2,200, 9. $2,100, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,300, 14. $1,200, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000. = $57,050

One driver could walk away from Fairbury Speedway with $53K over two daysFAIRBURY,IL– JUNE 29, 2021 – When you combine the dog days of summer with the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models, you get one of the highest-paying crown jewels of the season. After a one-year hiatus, the Prairie Dirt Classic is back at Fairbury Speedway July 30-31 for two nights of jam-packed racing action.The highly anticipated event showcases six Late Model Features with one driver potentially taking home $53,000.The racing action starts Friday, July 30 with four 25-lap Showdown Features paying $3,000-to-win. Those races will set the lineup for Saturday’s 100-lap Prairie Dirt Classic with one driver taking home a massive $50,000 prize for the first time in the historic event’s history.Drivers who don’t qualify for the Classic through Friday’s Features or Saturday’s Last Chance Showdowns will have one more chance to make the show during the 25-lap Late Model Shootout. The winner can either collect $2,500 or start last in the Prairie Dirt Classic.PREVIOUS PRAIRIE DIRT CLASSIC WINNERS2019 – Brandon Sheppard 2018 – Devin Moran 2017 – Brandon Sheppard 2016 – Josh Richards 2015 – Jonathan Davenport 2014 – Tim McCreadie 2013 – Shannon Babb 2012-Jason Feger 2011-Eric Smith 2010-Billy Moyer 2009-Jimmy Mars 2008- Billy Moyer 2007- Brian Birkhofer 2006-Shannon Babb 2005-Jimmy Mars 2004- Dennis Erb Jr. 2003-Don O’Neal 2002- Shannon Babb 2001- Bob Pierce 2000- Bob Pierce 1999- Bob Pierce 1998- Billy Moyer 1997- Billy Drake 1996- John Gill 1995- Bob Pierce 1994- Bob Pierce 1993- Billy Moyer 1992- Billy Moyer 1991-Kevin Weaver 1990-Snooky DehmThe last time the Prairie Dirt Classic was held in 2019, Brandon Sheppard and Bobby Pierce were involved in one of the most exciting finishes you’ll see.The three-time and defending Series champion pulled a thrilling slide job on Pierce on the final corner to win the crown jewel for the second time.Fans who come to see Sheppard’s quest for a third Prairie Dirt Classic win will also catch a glimpse into his chase for history.The New Berlin, IL driver is seven wins away from tying Josh Richards for the most all-time (78) and will tie Richards for most Series titles (4) if he wins the championship in 2021.Right now, Sheppard leads the Series standings—58 points ahead of Chris Madden.“The Rocket Shepp” must contend with several top-notch drivers if he wants to take home the trophy for the third time.World of Outlaws tour regulars like Madden and 2004 Prairie Dirt Classic winner Dennis Erb Jr. are two of the many drivers hoping to dethrone Sheppard. Both drivers sit top-five in the World of Outlaws standings and are coming off top-three finishes during the Firecracker 100 at Lernerville Speedway.Sheppard also must deal with stout competition from his home state. Bobby Pierce has two extra-distance World of Outlaws wins in 2021, collecting $50,000 between the Hawkeye 100 at Boone Speedway, and the Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway.Shannon Babb is another Illinois driver with multiple Prairie Dirt Classic wins (3).  The Moweaqua, IL driver already has a win at Fairbury in 2021 during DIRTcar Summer Nationals.Those drivers will have to contend with the hottest Super Late Model driver in the country Brandon Overton, as well. The Evans, GA driver has pocketed more than $300,000 in June and hopes to add another crown jewel to his mantle at Fairbury Speedway.Joining the World of Outlaws Late Models at Fairbury Speedway is the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals.For more information on the Prairie Dirt Classic visit www.fairburyspeedway.com.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.

Shirley Meets Sheppard, Hoffman Eyes Eight in Hell Tour Week ThreeLate Models race five times, Modifieds scheduled for three in second Wed-Sun stretch BEAVER DAM, WI – June 29, 2021 – After a rainy second week of competition, the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models and Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals are ready to take on a busy Independence Day weekend in three different states. Week #3 ScheduleWednesday, June 30 | Beaver Dam Raceway | Beaver Dam, WI (Late Models only)Thursday, July 1 | Davenport Speedway | Davenport, IA (Late Models only)Friday, July 2 | The Dirt Oval at Route 66 | Joliet, ILSaturday, July 3 | Fayette County Speedway | Brownstown, ILSunday, July 4 | Lincoln Speedway | Lincoln, IL If you can’t join us at the track, catch all of the action from every Summer Nationals and Summit Modified event this season with a FAST PASS subscription to DIRTVision presented by Drydene. Here are the drivers to watch for and storylines to follow in Week #3… BACK ON TRACK – After an up-and-down first week, Brian Shirley rebounded in Week #2 and is now back in the hunt for his fifth career Hell Tour title. Shirley, of Chatham, IL, won both races contested last week and led every Feature lap in each – Wednesday at LaSalle Speedway and Friday at Sycamore Speedway. The win Wednesday night marked his third consecutive Summer Nationals victory at LaSalle, helping to light a flame underneath the Bob Cullen Racing team which they turned into another Feature win two nights later. The defending tour champion now sits third in overall points, 45 back of leader Bobby Pierce. This week, the tour visits two of Shirley’s best tracks since 2018 – Fayette County Speedway, where he won last year and in 2018, and Lincoln Speedway, where he took the checkers in 2018 and 2019. B-SHEPP IS BACK – 2013 Summer Nationals champion Brandon Sheppard recently announced his family-owned team’s intentions to join up with the tour this Wednesday night at Beaver Dam Raceway, which will mark his first appearance of the season. Sheppard, of New Berlin, IL, is headed back from a successful outing with the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series tour at Lernerville Speedway, aboard the Rocket1 Racing ride for team owner Mark Richards, with a win and three top-five finishes in the three-day weekend. B-Shepp will roll out the Rocket Chassis #B5 for its third weekend of the season – a car that’s seen Victory Lane in DIRTcar-sanctioned action twice already in 2021. With it, he’s scheduled to tackle two tracks he won with the Hell Tour in his weeklong appearance last year – Fayette County Speedway on Saturday and Lincoln Speedway on Sunday. RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY – An abundance of wet weather plagued the tours in Week #2, with three of the five scheduled shows being lost to storm systems moving through the Midwest. However, some of those shows have been rescheduled. Spoon River Speedway has been rescheduled for July 7, filling-in a date that was originally meant for Belle-Clair Speedway, which will not be opening this year. The $10,000-to-win show at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, rained out on Saturday night, will now be run on August 14 – the Saturday of this year’s dedicated make-up week. This means the weekly points championship for Week #2 will be settled at the conclusion of the Feature at I-55, awarding $2,000 to the driver with the most points from those races. HOT STREAK – He’s got seven wins in-a-row. This weekend, Nick Hoffman goes for eight. The defending DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals champion has won the first seven races of the tour and led every Feature lap in each of them. It’s been utter domination thus far, and it could continue Friday night when the Modifieds are back in action at The Dirt Oval at Route 66, where he will go for his eighth consecutive victory. However, a new winner will likely emerge on Saturday night at Fayette County Speedway, as Hoffman recently announced his plans to head to Lawrenceburg Speedway that night for a DIRTcar UMP Modified special. Summit Modified drivers are not required to compete in every event on the schedule in order to win the championship – only each driver’s 12 best finishes count toward overall points. ON THE ROAD AGAIN – The traveling schedule picks up again this week with five races in five nights in three different states. Provided every show is run as scheduled, teams will spend 12.5 hours on the road traveling to each racetrack for a total of 673 miles logged.

DIRTcar Summer Nationals is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, Chevy Performance, DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), FireAde, Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), Indiana Decal Company, Intercomp, iRacing, Racing Electronics, SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), Summit Racing Equipment, and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel). Contingency sponsors include: ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Beyea Custom Headers, COMP Cams, Drydene, Fox Factory, Hoosier Racing Tire, MSD, Quarter Master, Summit Racing Equipment, VP Racing Fuels, and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum).Summit Modified Nationals is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including : Summit Racing Equipment, Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, Chevy Performance, DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), FireAde, Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), Indiana Decal Company, Intercomp, iRacing, Racing Electronics, SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel). Contingency sponsors include: ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Bassett Racing Wheel, Bell Helmets, Beyea Custom Headers, COMP Cams, Drydene, Fast Shafts, Fox Factory, Hoosier Racing Tire, Jerovetz Motorsports Shock Service, K1 Race Gear, KSE Racing Products, MSD, Mulit FireX, Schoenfeld Headers, Summit Racing Equipment, Velocita USA, VP Racing Fuels, Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum), and Xceldyne.

Dragstalgia 10Santa Pod RacewayFri.9 – Sun.11 July 2021
Like the 32^nd Olympic Games, the 10^th Dragstalgia should have been a highlight of 2020’s sporting summer. While uncertainties yet hover over the Tokyo bash, the grand Santa Pod celebration of sixty years of British drag racing will now illuminate summer 2021 before an enthusiastic audience, albeit one still limited in accord with the Government’s ongoing pandemic protocols.
After Covid stymied 2020’s planned international participation, it will be a very British affair. Dragstalgia 10 is a vintage lifestyle weekend devoted to race cars, bikes and hot rods from a bygone era, and all the retro favourites will be here.
Nitro and methanol ‘Nostalgia’ Funny Cars and Fuel Altereds will battle for bragging rights in the popular ‘Cannonball’ format, while fast Front-Engined Dragsters contest the Slingshot Showdown. Outlaw Anglias, the Gasser Circus, the Wild Bunch (Nostalgia dragsters and altereds), Supercharged Outlaws, Nostalgia Superstockers and the Willys Wars (who would have imagined so many examples of the 1940s American brand would be extant in 21^st Century Britain?) will keep the track busy all weekend.
On two wheels, there will be historic Pro Stock Bikes, while the National Sprint Association’s entry list showcases some of the motorcycles that set records and scorched the dragstrip decades ago.
And if further illumination is needed, the FireForce 3 Jet Funny Car will be on hand to light up, and smoke out, the track.
In keeping with the old-time flavour, Showmanship Trophies will reward such achievements as Best Appearing Car and Team, Best Burnout, Best Wheelstand, and Best Backup Girl or Guy.
Off-track displays include Autoglym’s Show & Shine and the National Street Rod Association’s ‘Blast From The Past’, while Hottie’s Vintage Village fills the Vintage Fair marquee with all manner of retro delectables. Along with club displays, there are the usual funfair rides, traders, bars and catering to keep the whole family occupied, fed, refreshed and entertained all weekend long.
Dragstalgia’s 10^th anniversary celebration takes place from Friday 9^th to Sunday 11^th July 2021 at Santa Pod Raceway, near Wellingborough (NN29 7XA). Ticket prices start at £25, and £5 for children aged 5-15, and must be booked in advance at www.santapodtickets.com or by telephoning the Box Office at 01234 782828. There will be no admission on the gate. Full event details are available online at www.santapod.co.uk/dragstalgia.php.
Please note: Dragstalgia tickets will sell out, so booking now is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Photos attached:

1. Fire burnouts – a spectacular Dragstalgia feature
2. Supercharged Outlaws in action.
3. Slingshot Showdown.
4. Historic Bike – quest for speed goes eccentric.

[ Pictures: Santa Pod ]
For further information and higher-res images, please contact:Press Office, Santa Pod Raceway.Tel: (01234) 782828.Email: pr@santapod.com
NOTES FOR EDITORSSanta Pod Raceway opened in 1966 as Europe’s first permanent drag racing venue, located on a former World War 2 airfield – ‘Santa’ to evoke Southern California, the cradle of drag racing; ‘Pod’ for Podington, the name of the airfield and nearby village. The venue holds a 365-day operating licence and, in normal times, hosts more than 70 events a year over most weekends from February to November and occasionally mid-week. The calendar includes major spectator events such as two FIA/FIM European Drag Racing Championship rounds and the renowned mid-summer Volkswagen festival, Bug Jam, along with national drag races, modified car shows, specialist and family events, and public track days known as ‘Run What Ya Brungs’.
In 2020, Santa Pod developed Covid-19 protocols which allowed it to stage reduced-scale events in front of limited, socially-distanced audiences.
Santa Pod Raceway is located on the Bedfordshire-Northamptonshire border near Wellingborough, NN29 7XA. For further information, visit www.santapod.com or telephone 01234 782828.

Seven-Time Series Champion Matt Sheppard Seeks Fireworks in Victory Lane at Canandaigua$7,500-to-win Liberty 100 at Land of Legends Raceway set to thrill race fans Thursday, July 1CANANDAIGUA, NY – The Super DIRTcar Series invades Land of Legends Raceway on Thursday, July 1, for an epic celebration of speed, and freedom and one driver will be eager to celebrate it above the rest.Matt Sheppard didn’t have the start to the 2021 season he’d hoped for, but after winning the Series event at Lebanon Valley Speedway he’ll look to keep that momentum rolling at the $7,500-to-win Liberty 100.“Our recent turnaround has been because of a little bit of everything,” said Sheppard, of Waterloo, NY. “We are getting back to our home tracks, getting more comfortable with the setup on the car, luck, and just a little bit of everything.”The seven-time Super DIRTcar champion’s stats at Land of Legends show just how comfortable he is at the Canandaigua, NY track in his blue #9S. He has five Super DIRTcar Series wins at Land of Legends – including the last two Super DIRTcar events in 2019 and 2020. He’s also collected three wins in four starts in the 2021 Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship action at the track.“Our ultimate goal is to carry the momentum and win at Canandaigua,” Sheppard noted. “It’s been a very good track to me throughout the years. We’ve had a lot of success there and won a lot of races.”Series events have been especially competitive this year, with an abundance of talent joining the tour, and it took a handful of races for champions like Sheppard and Mat Williamson to get their feet under them to find their way back in Victory Lane. Even with the top drivers showing their stuff, Sheppard isn’t comfortable. “Hopefully we bring the right stuff next Thursday,” Sheppard said. “These cars are so finicky nowadays it seems like any one of 15 guys can hit it one night and drive away.”Find out if Sheppard, Billy Decker, Larry Wight, and the rest of the Super DIRTcar Series stars can take the fight to Land of Legends Raceway regulars like Justin Haers, Alan Johnson and more on Thursday, July 1. If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch live on DIRTVision.com. Plus follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagramfor news, photos, videos, and more. PHOTO: Nick Graziano

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.

13 Races Makes July the Busiest Month of World of Outlaws SeasonNEW RICHMOND, WI – June 28, 2021 – June was action-packed, and July is going to be even bigger.The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series kickstarts the busiest month of the 2021 season this weekend with an Independence Day Spectacular at Cedar Lake Speedway on Friday and Saturday, July 2-3.BUY TICKETS HEREHere are some of the top storylines to follow:TURNING THE PAGE: On the heels of the busiest stretch of the season (8 races in 11 days), the Greatest Show on Dirt now prepares for the busiest month of the season. A loaded July features 13 races at eight different tracks in four states. Included in that stretch is a run of five races in five nights, highlighted by a historic happening with not one, but TWO Kings Royal Features paying $175,000-to-win each.All told, July offers four events in the fabled “Month of Money” and they all run consecutively across a week and a half. There’s $175,000-to-win on Thursday, July 15 at Eldora, then another $175,000 up for grabs on Saturday, July 17, then a mid-week $25,000 check awaits the Silver Cup winner on Tuesday, July 20, and another $20,000 is paid out at Williams Grove onSaturday, July 24.Fri-Sat, July 2-3 at Cedar Lake (WI) SpeedwaySat, July 10 at Wilmot (WI) RacewayTues, July 13 at Attica (OH) Raceway ParkWed-Sat, July 14-17 at Eldora (OH) SpeedwayTues, July 20 at Lernerville (PA) SpeedwayFri-Sat, July 23-24 at Williams Grove (PA) SpeedwayFri, July 30 at Ransomville (NY) SpeedwaySat, July 31 at Weedsport (NY) SpeedwayCHOMPIN’ CHECKS: $50,000 yields not only a big bank deposit, but loads of momentum and confidence as well. After their second-straight Jackson Nationals title, Logan Schuchart and the Shark Racing #1S will walk into Cedar Lake Speedway with an extra pep in their step this weekend.The Hanover, PA native has previously won at the Wisconsin oval in 2016. He’s chasing his 27th career World of Outlaws win, the fourth of his 2021 season aboard the Drydene Performance Products sponsored machine.ON FIRE: On May 7 at Eldora Speedway, Kerry Madsen took the wheel of the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #14 for the first time. Ever since then, he’s been the hottest Sprint Car driver in the world. This weekend, he returns to one of his best tracks at Cedar Lake, too.”The Mad Man” has contested 14 World of Outlaws events aboard the Advanced Auto Parts #14 and has only finished outside the top-10 ONCE in his second race. His average finish is a whopping 4.6 over that stretch, and he’s racked up six podiums in the last nine races. Last weekend, he finally broke through for his first Outlaws win aboard the #14 and promptly followed that with another trip to victory lane the next night at Jackson Motorplex.This weekend, Madsen returns to Cedar Lake Speedway, where he’s won thrice before with The Greatest Show on Dirt.KNOWING WHAT IT TAKES: Four full-time competitors have previously won with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series at Cedar Lake Speedway. Leading the way among that group is 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz, who has triumphed on five occasions at the track, only two shy of Sammy Swindell’s record of seven wins.Lately, it’s been The Big Cat’s playground. Brad Sweet has topped four of the last six races at Cedar Lake with a chance to extend that record this coming weekend. Other former winners at the 3/8-mile oval are Sheldon Haudenschild and Logan SchuchartNEW TO NEW RICHMOND: Two of Sweet’s biggest championship challengers will look to end their cold spell when visiting Cedar Lake Speedway this weekend. David Gravel and Carson Macedo, who run second and third in the points, are both chasing their first career World of Outlaws win at the track.ROOKIE RACE: It’s been 32 races since James McFadden of Alice Springs, NT, AUS made his way to the United States and began his rookie campaign with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. After missing the opening six races, J-Mac has made the most of his time since climbing aboard the Kasey Kahne Racing, Karavan Trailers #9 in a full-time capacity. This week, McFadden moved into eighth-place in the championship standings, only one spot and 296 points behind fellow rookie, Aaron Reutzel.Although points are not the deciding factor in who wins the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year, they certainly still hold merit. If you measure the standings since March 19 when McFadden made his first start, he’s actually ahead of the Roth Motorsports #83. Over that span, J-Mac has outscored A-Aron by 46 points.The win column is worth looking at just as much, though. McFadden’s lone victory was at Kokomo (IN) Speedway in April, while Reutzel has claimed three wins including a spectacular drive at East Bay (FL) Raceway Park, a $15,000 pouncing on the Posse at Williams Grove (PA) Speedway, and a $30,000 score last week at Huset’s (SD) Speedway.HALFWAY HOME: This weekend’s doubleheader at Cedar Lake will bring the 2021 season to 40 completed events of a scheduled 81 in total. The championship standings remain relatively unchanged following a big week with five races as part of THE SHOWDOWN.Brad Sweet, who pursues his third-consecutive World of Outlaws championship, has held the top spot in points since March 19. His Kasey Kahne Racing, NAPA Auto Parts #49 leads the Series in Feature Wins (10), Laps Led (213), Podium Finishes (17), Top-Fives (24), and Average Finish (5.24).Immediately behind Sweet is David Gravel (-60) who has six wins in his first season with the Big Game Motorsports #2 crew. The next group of challengers includes Carson Macedo (-120) with three wins for Jason Johnson Racing, Sheldon Haudenschild (-172) with three wins as well in the NOS Energy Drink #17, Logan Schuchart (-190) fresh off a $50,000 victory last weekend, and Donny Schatz (-202) who earned his 300th career win last week.This Week at a Glance – When and WhereFriday-Saturday, July 2-3 at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, WIOn 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 head to Wisconsin’s Wilmot Raceway for one-night only on Saturday, July 10. After that, a huge five races in five days awaits with the Brad Doty Classic and TWO Kings Royals offering almost $400,000-to-win.NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (12 Drivers): 10 wins – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb #49 6 wins – David Gravel, Big Game Motorsports #2 5 wins – Carson Macedo, Jason Johnson Racing #41 4 wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Stenhouse Jr. Marshall Racing #17 3 wins – Aaron Reutzel, Roth Motorsports #83 3 wins – Logan Schuchart, Shark Racing #1S 2 wins – Kerry Madsen, Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #14 1 win – James McFadden, Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb #9 1 win – Brent Marks, Brent Marks Racing #19M 1 win – Dave Blaney, Dave Blaney #10 1 win – Kyle Larson, Paul Silva #57 1 win – Donny Schatz, Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15FEATURE LAPS LED (21 Drivers): 213 laps – Brad Sweet 173 laps – Sheldon Haudenschild 158 laps – Aaron Reutzel 150 laps – David Gravel 121 laps – Logan Schuchart 117 laps – Donny Schatz 88 laps – Carson Macedo 63 laps – Kerry Madsen 31 laps – James McFadden 27 laps – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 25 laps – Kyle Larson 19 laps – Tyler Courtney 19 laps – Giovanni Scelzi 17 laps – Brent Marks 10 laps – Jacob Allen & Brock Zearfoss 3 laps – Ian Madsen 1 lap – Kasey Kahne, Kraig Kinser, Brandon Spithaler, Dave BlaneySLICK WOODY’S QUICKTIME AWARDS (14 Drivers): 9 QuickTimes – David Gravel 4 QuickTimes – Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart 3 QuickTimes – Brad Sweet, Aaron Reutzel, Kerry Madsen 2 QuickTimes – James McFadden, Cory Eliason, Giovanni Scelzi, Sam Hafertepe Jr. 1 QuickTime – Carson Macedo, Danny Dietrich, Anthony Macri, Kasey KahneDRYDENE HEAT RACE WINNERS (30 Drivers): 18 Heat Wins – David Gravel 14 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo 12 Heat Wins – Aaron Reutzel 9 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart 8 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz 7 Heat Wins – James McFadden 4 Heat Wins – Brad Sweet, Giovanni Scelzi, Brian Brown, Kerry Madsen 3 Heat Wins – Brock Zearfoss, Jason Sides, Kraig Kinser, Ian Madsen, Sam Hafertepe Jr. 2 Heat Wins – Jacob Allen, Kasey Kahne, Kyle Larson, DJ Netto 1 Heat Win –  Wayne Johnson, Danny Dietrich, Hunter Schuerenberg, Tyler Courtney, Lance Dewease, Anthony Macri, Brandon Spithaler, Parker Price-Miller, Tim Kaeding, Jack DoverPODIUM FINISHES (22 Drivers): 17 Podiums – Brad Sweet 12 Podiums – David Gravel, Carson Macedo 11 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart, Donny Schatz 7 Podiums – Aaron Reutzel 6 Podiums – Kerry Madsen 5 Podiums – Brent Marks 4 Podiums – James McFadden, Giovanni Scelzi 2 Podiums – Cory Eliason, Lance Dewease, Anthony Macri 1 Podium – Kraig Kinser, Danny Dietrich, Tyler Courtney, Justin Peck, Brian Brown, Anthony Macri, Dave Blaney, Kyle Larson, 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)

June 27, 2021 – Austin Cindric worked his way through the field to win at Pocono Raceway, marking his fourth NASCAR Xfinity Series win of the 2021 season and further extending his championship lead to 101 points over second place.

“Congratulations to Austin, Brian, Roger, and the entire No. 22 crew,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Austin and Brian demonstrated the power of strategy and execution to make their way to the front of the field and maintain the lead. Pocono is a unique and challenging track, but Austin was able to conquer the Tricky Triangle.”

Cindric started the race in 13th position but was able to maneuver the No. 22 Team Penske Ford Mustang through the field and finish Stage 1 in fourth, after avoiding multiple incidents early in the race. The end of the race came down to fuel and pit strategy, combined with a long green-flag run that allowed Austin to maintain his lead and finish a half second in front of second place.

“You have to be good at everything and that is what this team has proven throughout the year. I am just the one that gets to drive these Ford Mustangs. I am excited about it. I had to execute in every facet and we had everything thrown at us today. I am super proud of this Car Shop Ford Mustang team. Everybody who partners up with us. To finally get one here,” commented Cindric.

Ford Performance teammates Ryan Sieg with RSS Racing finished P17 and Riley Herbst with Stewart-Haas Racing in P35.

The NASCAR Cup Series raced Saturday and Sunday at Pocono Raceway.  On Saturday, Team Penske drivers Ryan Blaney finished P5 and Joey Logano P6, Kevin Harvick with Stewart-Haas Racing in P8, and Ford Performance teammate Brad Keselowski in P10. During Sunday’s Explore the Pocono Mountains 350, Ford Performance teammates Brad Keselowski with Team Penske finished P3, Kevin Harvick with Stewart-Haas Racing in P4, and Team Penske teammates Ryan Blaney in P6 and Joey Logano in P10.

Chad McCumbee and James Pesek with PF Racing finished 15th in the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge at the 3.4 mile Watkins Glen road course this weekend.

The IMSA Pilot Challenge will return to Watkins Glen, New York this week while the NASCAR Cup & Xfinity Series is headed to Road America in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin this weekend.   33 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 420 WINS – 382 POLES!

CHEVROLET RACING IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES MID-SEASON CHEVROLET RACING CATCH-UP ROB BUCKNER CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT JUNE 27, 2021ROB BUCKNER, CHEVROLET RACING ENGINEERING PROGRAM MANAGER FOR INDYCAR MET WITH MEDIA VIA CONFERENCE CALL TO DISCUSS CHEVROLET’S PERFORMANCE IN THE 2021 NTT INDYCAR SERIES SEASON THROUGH NINE OF 16 RACES, AND OTHER FUTURE LOOKING TOPICS. FULL TRANSCRIPT:ROB BUCKNER: “Good morning everyone. Thanks for joining us. Hope everyone’s had a great race season so far and happy to answer any questions on the Chevrolet IndyCar side.” ROB, HOW HARD IS IT TO FOCUS ON ENGINES FOR 2022 AND ALSO WORKING WITH THE 2.4 PLANS FOR 2023? HAVE YOU HAD TO DOUBLE THE STAFFING SIZE? OR DO YOU JUST SAY, HEY, HERE’S 2022 AND IT’S GOING TO BE MILD IMPROVEMENTS ON 2021, AND FULL FOCUS ON 2.4L (FOR 2023)?ROB BUCKNER: “Luckily there are a few things that help us there. It’s primarily the homologation table for 2022 is pretty minimal (in terms of changes), so there’s few things we can revisit. The fundamental engine architecture is very similar, and the rulebook is quite similar from purely internal combustion side of things.  “There’s things that as we continue to learn and develop on the 2.4L, from the (2.2L) we’re running now, that could be rolled out for the 2.2L next year in its final year of competition – and vice versa. So there’s more engines running, and the staff is kind of looking after these projects at the same time. Since we know the (2.2L) expiration date is quickly approaching.” DO YOU THINK THE 2.4L HYBRID, SPEAKING TO VARIOUS INDYCAR MEMBERS, THAT IT’S SEEMING TO BE ON TRACK IN FIRST QUARTER NEXT YEAR, DO YOU THINK THAT’S A FEASIBLE TARGET FOR YOU GUYS?ROB BUCKNER: “I think so. That’s what we’ve been working towards for our first track test. We’ll keep plugging away at that the second half of this year. The final deciding factor for when it goes on track is going to be integrating the new engine into the car, the cooling system that goes with that, and there’s a lot of parts and pieces that have to come together before we go on track. I think everyone on our side and our competition, there’s been a lot of collaboration to be ready to test for the first time.” LOOKING AT THE PERFORMANCE OF TEAMS ACROSS THE BOARD THIS YEAR BEYOND TEAM PENSKE, ARROW MCLAREN SP AND ED CARPENTER RACING HAVE STEPPED UP. FOYT AND CARLIN HAVE HAD THEIR MOMENTS. HOW HAPPY YOU HAVE BEEN WITH OTHER TEAMS IN THE ARSENAL?ROB BUCKNER: “That’s a good one, because that’s an area we have worked hard to address is the depth of the Chevy program. (Rinus) VeeKay in the 21 car and everyone at Ed Carpenter Racing have had their heads down and been digging the last couple years, so it’s been great to see them get some results with the 21 car. That was a really big win – seeing an Ed Carpenter Racing win at Indianapolis was really special for all of us being involved with him since 2012, Tim Broyles and that whole group. Really happy for them; their month of May performance wasn’t just great for them but it was great from the Chevrolet perspective. “You mentioned Arrow McLaren SP, and that program has turned out to be pretty much everything we had hoped for when we laid that out a couple of years ago and where we could go. We’ve always been excited to have Pato (O’Ward) in a Chevy in IndyCar; he’s a remarkable talent, and we’re hoping we can keep him in the Chevy family for a long time. “Carlin and Foyt, we try to be very supportive of them and helping them improve.  “Across our whole program, I wouldn’t say we’re satisfied; the results and struggles during May speaks very clearly that there’s a lot of work to be done. Trying to custom tailor our support package to each of our teams to make sure in some instances turn things around and in others keep them going in the right direction. A lot to be working on at the moment.” HOW DO THE CONVERSATIONS GO WITH PENSKE? NEITHER ONE WANTS TO BE IN THE POSITION THE TEAM IS IN WITHOUT A WIN THIS YEAR, SO HOW DO CHEVY AND PENSKE DISCUSS THAT?ROB BUCKNER: “The good news is over the last few events is we’ve shown up with quick race cars. Having been involved in motorsports for such a long time, if you keep showing up with fast race cars, eventually it’s going to be your day. So especially leaving Road America; I wish we weren’t coming up to an off weekend! I wish we were going to Mid-Ohio today to keep plugging away at it. We’re so close to getting a win with them; it just seems like the last few events haven’t unfolded in our favor.  “I don’t know how I could task the Chevrolet group with preparing for Detroit or Road America any differently. It’s just circumstance, and eventually we’re going to get there. Both camps are operating that way. Chevrolet, we’re going to help them the best we can and I know from talking to Tim Cindric and Ron Ruzewski, that side is putting in the most effort possible to make sure we can close out the year strong. So far it’s all been very positive dialogue with them. One, if we keep showing up with fast race cars and no one’s style is out of control, we’ll get some wins.” THESE ENGINES HAVE BEEN AROUND SINCE 2012. HOW MUCH DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IS LEFT IN THESE ENGINES? IS THERE STILL SOMETHING MORE TO FIND IN THE LAST YEAR?ROB BUCKNER: “For either side, Chevy and our competition, if you stopped now, you’d be left behind next season. For 10 seasons, both sides have been on the path of continuous improvement. You always think you’ve updated and found something to give you a clear advantage, and then you find it’s almost on par with the competition. Each one is driving the other one forward, relentlessly. So we really can’t stop. No doubt if we stopped now, and raced this engine 20-something more times, we’re going to be behind at the end. So there’s always improvements to be made.  “Four or five years ago we could have said, ‘That’s it. Oh, we’ve explored enough and that’s all we can get out of the 2.2L.’ If we would have done that then, we’d be massively behind right now. You have to keep the development process going; running engines on the dyno, revisiting old ideas, maybe hardware development calibration. We won’t consider the 2.2L development officially 100 percent done until it’s raced its final event.” IF YOU WERE TO PUT A 2012 SPEC ENGINE AND RACE IT AGAINST A 2021 SPEC ONE THAT JUST COMPLETED ROAD AMERICA, HOW MUCH WOULD YOU SAY HAS CHANGED IN THE LAST DECADE?ROB BUCKNER: “You’d be making a 2012 engine, probably in the neighborhood of 100 horsepower down to current race engines, while being massively inefficient in comparison with poor drivability. It’s not a very refined package. I think if you could take a 2021 race engine and race it against a field of 2012 cars, it could probably lap the field! It would be unbelievable, and that would be a remarkable performance difference. But that shows how both suppliers have really pushed each other in development and have to continuously be getting better.” IF YOU HAD THE CHANCE FOR A DO-OVER IN TERMS, NOT IN TERMS OF RESULTS, BUT IN TERMS OF ENGINE CHARACTERISTICS. WE’VE GOTTEN USED TO THE CHEVY BEING STRONG AT THE TOP END AND THE COMPETITION HAVING SLIGHTLY BETTER TORQUE. IS THAT SOMETHING THAT COULD HAVE BEEN CHANGED, OR DID THAT ALMOST DEFINE THINGS, AND IS IT SOMETHING YOU CAN DO OVER WITH THE 2.4L?ROB BUCKNER: “Our focus has always been on high-speed performance, and I don’t think we’ll drastically change that approach with the 2.4L. You spend the majority of wide-open throttle time in high-rev range in an IndyCar event. So some of our fundamental decisions will be similar. Some things in engine design you lock into earlier in the program, like the entire inlet system, engine block, cylinder heads. Some big decisions you make early on; you then carry those forward for years because you don’t get to re-homologate.  “The 2.4L does allow us to do a full clean sheet redesign. Early on, we’ve learned over the 2.2L to make some decisions that could have produced compromises. But engine design is pretty much all about compromises, and the rulebook framework and packaging limitations of the car. I have good faith in our group that we’ll address some of our weak points and the 2.4L will be a good package. I have no doubt our competition is too. The 2023 debut, you’ll see our best and our competition’s best baked in right from the beginning.” DO YOU EVER REGRET LETTING THEM GO TO TWIN-TURBOS, AFTER THEY STARTED SINGLE TURBOS? OR WORRYING ABOUT CONCESSIONS ON AERO KITS?ROB BUCKNER: “I always try to be very forward looking, so back in 2012 I was working on production small-block engines for C7 Corvette and some of our light trucks. Chris Berube was around then. I got into IndyCar in 2013 and remember some heartburn around “turbo-gate” – these things become heavily political. For the 2.4L program, we’ll both be twin-turbo, and the rules are slightly adjusted.” YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH KEVIN MAGNUSSEN THIS WEEKEND. WHAT WAS HIS FEEDBACK ON THE INDYCAR ENGINE FRONT?ROB BUCKNER: “I feel for Kevin because his seat fit was in the middle of last week and then Road America is a tough place to go into without a test. A 45-minute session, you might get 2-3 representative laps. He was drinking from a firehose all weekend. The team really enjoyed working with him.  “His engine feedback was interesting. He had a lot of similarities to others; he said our package can be a little difficult to drive, nothing too surprising. It’s very impressive he drove the car for 45 minutes and basically gave us the same summary of strengths and weaknesses like guys like Bourdais and Pagenaud, who have driven this package on-and-off since 2012. That speaks to the talent he is. “It was huge for the Cadillac DPi program to get the win with Kevin, Renger and Ganassi in Detroit. We hope to see him around some more. He’s a great talent. Both Haas (F1) drivers have shown that once they get in equal equipment to their competition, they’re very talented.” IT’S A PRETTY CLOSE MANUFACTURER’S CHAMPIONSHIP BATTLE. AS YOU GET CLOSER TO THE END OF THE YEAR, SOMETIMES CARS CAN’T SCORE POINTS, HOW DO YOU MANAGE THAT AS THE YEAR GOES ON?ROB BUCKNER: “The best thing we can do on our side is keep our entries to four engines or less for the year, because that keeps them points eligible. So there’s a big focus on making sure the 11 full-time entries are eligible to score points, particularly for the West Coast swing towards the end of the year. Because if some are on engine five, the situation could be close enough where that’s the deciding factor. The easiest way to ensure it is to go 1-2 and sit on the pole, and score the maximum 96 points. Focus on winning races and the manufacturer’s stuff will take care of itself!” TO THAT END, WAS IT A RELIEF THAT TORONTO WASN’T REPLACED?ROB BUCKNER: “All of us were disheartened by that news (of Toronto being canceled). Not so much that Toronto is not being replaced. It was very sad that the event was canceled. That’s one of my favorite events of the year.  “I understand the logic behind them not replacing it, and not doing a doubleheader. For us it was decided early enough that it gives us more flexibility; engine mileage will be down, so that helps from going to engine three to engine four, and makes engine five less likely to happen. No pushback from us on not doing a doubleheader at Mid-Ohio or Gateway. We honestly got tired of doubleheaders in 2020, so this was the right thing to do.” SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN IS CHEVROLET’S ONLY FULL-TIME ROOKIE THIS YEAR WITH TEAM PENSKE. HOW HAVE YOU EVALUATED HOW YOU THOUGHT HE’D DO AGAINST HOW HE’S FULLY DONE? ROB BUCKNER: “I can’t think of a harder year to be a rookie because of the depth of teams and drivers! It’s unbelievable when you look at the top 10, and how hard it is to practice, qualify or race in the top 10. There’s not a lot of testing. Scott’s transition is very similar to Jimmie’s, but coming from a grand touring, heavy car with small tires to an open-wheel car. Scott’s been his own biggest critic and a bit hard on himself.  “All of us on the competition side think once he figures this out, he’ll be one of the top talents in the series. We’re just supporting him all we can with simulation time. He’s got great teammates to lean on at Team Penske. Imagine being a rookie with those three experienced drivers. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him on the podium or winning a race before the end of the year.” DOES WINNING AT MID-OHIO CARRY MORE SIGNIFICANCE AS IT’S AN EVENT SPONSORED BY YOUR COMPETITION? ROB BUCKNER: “Ha! There’s some of that with both sides, and they love to be successful in Detroit with our banners all over the place. We feel the same way when we go to Barber, or Toronto, or Mid-Ohio. We don’t circle the event, let’s go test here or spend a bunch more time in the simulator. But yes, it’s gratifying when you’re successful there!” DO YOU ANTICIPATE ANY EXTRA CARS THE REST OF THE SEASON AT SELECTED RACES?ROB BUCKNER: “There’s been a lot of interest, which is good. It’s remarkable the interest level around Nashville. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a pretty big car count there. Long Beach is always of big interest as well. It goes to the health of the series. Sponsors want to be at these events. For us, leaving the Indy 500, we have quite a few low-mileage engines due to our car count at Indy, so doing one-off entries later in the season is pretty easy for us from an engine perspective. We just need the people to be able to support that. We have a few teams talking to us about additional part-time entries, and hopefully they announce it soon on their end. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some really healthy car counts at some of these big events.”  WHEN GANASSI RAN WITH CHEVROLET FOR THREE SEASONS, 2014-2016, ONE OF THE DEFINING QUALITIES THAT DIXON DESCRIBED BETWEEN THE TWO WAS THAT CHEVROLET HAD FEWER OPTIONS TO TAILOR TO A SPECIFIC DRIVER’S OUTPUT. WHEREAS THE OTHER COMPETITOR COULD HAVE DIFFERENT MAPS. IS THAT SOMETHING THAT’S CHANGED OVER THE YEARS AND MAY CHANGE GOING INTO THE 2.4L ERA?ROB BUCKNER: “It’s always interesting the 2 groups. Our group tries to be pretty controlled and don’t like running things on the track we haven’t run on the dynos; I don’t see that changing too drastically. I think it’s easy to overlook the challenge of running 11 cars nearly all the same and expecting them to be reliable. So that’s one of the reasons we don’t let our trackside engineers go too crazy on calibration changes. You’d end up with 11 cars on different calibrations and probably hurt some hardware. Clearly there are other ways to do it, but we always prioritize proven options to minimize our risks to hurt performance or reliability. We’ve changed a lot since 2016, yes, but overall we go to the track with proven concepts backed by data.”

Scarborough, Buff, and Poland battle over podium for 50 laps at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park’s first DIRTcar Sportsman Series tour stop

FULTONVILLE, NY – For the first time, the DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series East Region took on Glen Ridge Motorsports Park. John Scarborough held off home track hero Justin Buff and up-and-coming Garret Poland to capture his second Series win of 2021. 

Scarborough jumped out to an early lead after starting on the outside pole. The race went non-stop until lap 33 when Bear Ridge Speedway star and Series Feature winner Jason Gray and several others got tangled up on the front stretch bringing out the yellow flag. 

Scarborough fought off challenges from Justin Buff and third-place finisher Garret Poland through the race. While dealing with the threats from behind, the driver of the #61 also had to contend with lapped traffic on a quarter-mile track.

“I’ve learned over the years that you have to be patient with lapped traffic,” said Scarborough. “It seemed that with only one caution flag, I could control the pace of the race. When I got to lapped traffic, I had to follow them and see where they are running which isn’t always easy to do when you are being chased. There’s no time to sleep here. You’re up on the wheel all the time.”

Scarborough has two wins including three top 10 finishes in the first three East Region races. He is now in a dead heat tied for first place in points with David Boisclair. 

“I knew on the restart that had to get going,” said Scarborough. “We have a really good race car here. I am looking forward to running the rest of this Series and the Fall Championships this year. I haven’t had a car this good in 10-15 years.”

The racing throughout the field was close on the quarter-mile track but Scarborough was able to skillfully pick off lapped cars as they came. Justin Buff got a good look on the bottom during the final lap as Scarborough got bottled up and opened the door a hair but the #61 managed to widen the rear bumper and held on. 

“Ray and his crew here did a fantastic job,” noted Scarborough. “The track was smooth and race-able. To win two of these Series races already this year is great for me. I came back recently from sprint car racing. We struggled with this car but Brandon and Dale Planck helped me out a lot with their Dig Race Products shocks. We’ve been on a streak since switching to them.”

Justin Buff, who finished second at Glen Ridge Feature one week before, had one of the cars to beat once again at “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.” Although he may have had a faster car than Scarborough at the end, Buff wasn’t able to make the move for the lead stick.

“Overall it was a good run,” said Buff. “We were going for the win. There just wasn’t enough on the top during the restart. We don’t think about the points because we want to win everywhere we go but it’s nice getting another podium finish.”

Buff was locked in battle for most of the race with Garret Poland as they fought over which driver would run down the leader. 

“I got into Poland in Turn 3 so I want to apologize for that,” Buff conceded. “He blew by me on the top and showed me that was the preferred lane. It was a great race. We were catching Scarborough at the end but I ran out of laps.”

Garret Poland raced hard against Justin Buff for second for most of the race but it was his stab for the lead that will be remembered. 

“In lapped traffic, I got a good run around Buff and then Scarborough got stuck behind a lapped car,” said Poland. “I was about to go by him too but he went up the track and I got into his bumper. That was my only shot there. Scarborough was gone without any lapped cars holding him up.”

Only one caution slowed down the field over 50 laps of action. 

“There are some people you know you can race with and the Buffs are great,” Poland noted. “There was contact once going into Turn 3 but that’s racing. He said he sent it in a little hard and I was fortunate enough to save it. This was my best finish here.”

The East Region gets a break until September when they finish up at Albany-Saratoga Speedway on Friday, September 10 before its conclusion on Sunday, September 12 back at Glen Ridge Motorsports Park. 

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DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Series East Region 50-lap Feature results

1. John Scarborough (61) 2. Justin Buff (42) 3. Garret Poland (17G) 4. Andrew Buff (92) 5. Kevin Chaffee (73) 6. David Boisclair (02) 7. Chris Johnson (33J) 8. Cody Ochs (33) 9. Jordan Fornwalt (24) 10. Brendan Gibbons (24) 11. Ricky Quick (84) 12. Brain Calabrese (21C) 13. Ricky Thompson (18) 14. Matt Lashua (631) 15. Robert Tucker (42T) 16. Todd Buckwold (631) 17. Jason Bruno (66) 18. Jeremy Huntoon (26) 19. Thomas D’Angelo (23) 20. Michael Wright (78) 21. Jason Gray (00) 22. Fred Proctor (54) 23. Travis Green (69) 24. Brock Pinkerous (5) 

·        Cruz Pedregon powered his Pedregon Racing Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car from the No. 10 qualifying position to the national event win at the Summit Racing Equipment National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Nationals near Norwalk, Ohio

·        Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) driver Ron Capps earned the provisional No. 1 spot in his HEMI®-powered Hellcat Funny Car and drove it to a semifinal appearance at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park

·        No. 3 seed Matt Hagan took his DSR Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Funny Car to a quarterfinal appearance

·        DSR’s Leah Pruett piloted her Mopar Dodge//SRT Redeye Top Fuel dragster from the No. 8 seeded position to a close quarter final battle  

June 27, 2021, Norwalk, Ohio – The first victory of the 2021 NHRA season for a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat was earned from the No.10 spot on the eliminations ladder by two-time National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Funny Car World Champion Cruz Pedregon who powered his Pedregon Racing Snap-On Tools machine to the national event win at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals near Norwalk, Ohio. It was a 37th career Funny Car win for Cruz Pedregon who’s last victory came in 2018 at Charlotte Four-wide Nationals.

Pedregon’s performance aboard his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat consistently improved with every run throughout the weekend at Summit Racing Equipment Motorsports Park. After earning a tenth place seeding for eliminations with a 3.996 second/320.36 mph qualifying effort, he went on to collect round wins over Tim Wilkerson, Robert Hight and Alexis DeJoria with elapsed time runs of 3.973 sec., 3.959 sec., and 3.947 sec., respectively, to advance to his first final round appearance of the year to face category points leader, Bob Tasca III.

Following a holeshot semifinal win over DeJoria and the second rain delay of the day, Pedregon came ready for his final faceoff and used a 0.053-second reaction time to give his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat another holeshot advantage off the start and power to a 3.958 sec/324.75 mph pass over Tasca’s (0.100 sec.) 3.913/332.02 effort to earn the coveted Wally trophy and the treasured ice cream scoop trophy that the Bader family offers the winners at their dragstrip. 

Don Schumacher Racing’s Ron Capps came into eliminations as the No. 1 qualifier once again after doing the same at the previous 2019 edition of the Norwalk event. It was also Capps’ second pole position of the 2021 season, pitting him against No. 16 seed Terry Haddock in the opening round. The NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat posted a winning run of 3.949 sec./324.05 mph, then used a holeshot to send J.R. Todd home early with a 4.015/322.04 pass. After a lengthy rain delay, Capps semifinal match up with Tasca had a promising start with the Hellcat taking a quick lead and making a clean pass, but wasn’t quite enough to turn on the winlight against his opponent.

From his No. 3 Funny Car qualifier position, the 2018 Norwalk event winner Matt Hagan was looking to keep posting strong consistent passes aboard his DSR Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye like the ones that earned him bonus points for running third and second in the Q1 and Q3 respectively. Hagan took the reins early with a 3.948 sec/324.83 mph run and win over Bobby Bode in the opening round. In the quarterfinals, Hagan had another good start taking the early lead on No. 6 qualifier Alexis DeJoria when his ride lost power mid-track and his opponent moved past to take the win.

In Top Fuel competition, DSR’s Leah Pruett qualified her Mopar Dodge//SRT Redeye dragster in the No. 8 seeded position to put herself in the top half of the eliminations ladder for a sixth time this season. She began her day against Doug Foley and wasted no time launching off the starting line to post her best run of the weekend with a 3.800-second elapsed time pass at 321.58 mph to move on to the quarterfinals. 

With lane choice over her next opponent, Pruett lined up her HEMI-powered machine next to No. 1 qualifier Steve Torrance, but just after both had completed burnouts, a very brief rain burst spoiled their preparations. The teams were permitted to go back to the pit area to change their clutch packs, then quickly returned to the lanes in time to make their run at the back of the Top Fuel line once racing resumed. 

Once again, Pruett had a good start off the line with a 0.085-second reaction time, and laid down a stout 3.772-second run at 326.95 mph, but saw the points leader turn on the win lights with a holeshot victory by posting a 0.058-second reaction time and slower 3.781 sec./325.45 mph run.

The Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown (FSS) was also on the docket at the Norwalk dragstrip this weekend for the third race of the eight-race specialty series with a competitive field of 27 entries vying for one of the 16 spots on the eliminations ladder. Pruett was again ready to pull double-duty by taking the wheel of her new 2021 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak along with her teammate Mark Pawuk and his 2015 Mopar Drag Pak. However, despite their best efforts in qualifying, neither Pruett nor Pawuk were able to make the show with run-times that put them 18th and 23rd respectively. The team will regroup and look to come back stronger at the next event in Denver.

The Mopar Dodge//SRT contingent now begins preparations for the traditional NHRA western swing that begins with the Dodge//SRT Mile-High Nationals Presented by Pennzoil at Bandimere Speedway near Denver, Colorado, set for July 16-18.

ADDITIONAL NOTES and QUOTES

FUNNY CAR:

Matt Hagan, DSR Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
(No. 3 Qualifier – 3.899 seconds at 327.82 mph / Bonus point for third quickest Q1 run)

Round 1: (0.076-second reaction time, 3.948 seconds at 324.83 mph) defeats No. 14 Bobby Bode (0.083/4.021/308.50)
Round 2: (0.057/4.086/260.16) loss to No. 6 Alexis DeJoria (0.086/3.952/317.27)

“We still have a great race car here for Dodge and Mopar, and we were running a really tough opponent that round in Alexis (DeJoria). That team has been running well most of the year, and we have to push. In this class, in 2021, there isn’t a car that you don’t have to press hard against. Overall, I feel really great about our team and the direction we’re moving. Obviously, we want to go more rounds, but we’re gathering the data we need to keep moving forward and put this Hellcat in the winner’s circle, and that’s coming real soon. It’s not too far off. I’m excited about the future. We have a few weeks off and that’s nice cause I have a lot of farming to do back home in Virginia. That gives me the time to get focused for the Western Swing and this summer because we have a lot of races coming fast in a row. We’ll have a great chance to see what these guys do against adversity, and I’m excited for that. I hate that we went out second round, but we continue to learn and there’s a lot of racing left.”

Ron Capps, DSR NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
(No. 1 Qualifier –  3.888 seconds at 329.34 mph / Three bonus points for quickest run in Q1 

Round 1: (0.074-second reaction time, 3.949 seconds at 324.05 mph) defeats No. 16 Terry Haddock (0.101/5.024/159.38)

Round 2: (0.031/4.015/322.04) defeats No. 9 J.R. Todd (0.062/9.087/86.65)

Round 3: (0.043/4.013/324.98) loss to No. 5 Bob Tasca (0.072/3.924/330.39)

“Another solid weekend by this NAPA AutoCare team. When you get one of these yellow Camping World No. 1 qualifier hats, you’re doing something right. We’ve qualified well at every race. That shows we’re making horsepower. Everybody at the DSR shop, great job. This new chassis is unbelievable. Like I’ve said before, we’re a win waiting to happen. We just got outran today in the semis. We had some close races with a lot of changing weather conditions. The big monsoon came after round two, and those NAPA Know How moments that I like to brag about with ‘Guido’ (Dean Antonelli) making the right calls was on full display this weekend. We went down the track every run. We didn’t smoke the tires and beat ourselves. I’m excited about this Western Swing coming up with the added bonus of ending at Pomona this year. Denver is always a big race for Dodge and Mopar. We have a good-running hot rod. We have a great opportunity to ‘sweep the Swing,’ and you can’t do that if you don’t start at Denver.”

Cruz Pedregon, Pedregon Racing Snap-on® Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

(No. 10 Qualifier – 3.996 seconds at 320.36 mph)

Round 1: (0.067-second reaction time, 3.973 seconds at 326.48 mph) defeats No. 7 Tim Wilkerson (0.050/4.783/167.78)

Round 2: (0.072/3.959/326.24) defeats No. 2 Robert Hight (0.057/3.986/321.50)

Round 3: (0.091/3.947/324.44) defeats No. 6 Alexis DeJoria (0.115/3.941/320.89)

Round 4: (0.053/3.958/324.75) defeats No. 5 Bob Tasca (0.100/3.913/332.02)

“We have been prepping for a winning season, putting in so many hours and there’s nothing quite as rewarding as coming out on top and holding up that trophy at the end of a race weekend. What a great job John (Collins), Rip (Reynolds), and the team did to get us ready for this race. What a real triumph for us all, especially after the 2020 season. We really appreciate our sponsors and great fans for sticking with us and giving us the additional boost of confidence we needed. That support is what makes it all possible.”

“(Winning) is not why I drag race, but this’ll keep me drag racing. It’s a good team and I felt like I was kind of holding my team back a little, but I dug deep. You work your way into winning again and these guys taught me to get back into that winning. It feels good to be back at it. This win means that I’m as good as the car, and I know I have a good car, so I think I can be there for the car as well and win more races.”

TOP FUEL:

Leah Pruett, DSR Precision Manufacturing Dragster  
(No. 8 Qualifier – 3.817 seconds at 314.90 mph)

Round 1: (0.088-second reaction time, 3.800 seconds at 321.58 mph) defeats No. 9 Doug Foley (0.130/4.642/162.76)

Round 2: (0.085/3.772/326.95) loss to No. 1 Steve Torrence (0.058/3.781/325.45)

“I’d like to dedicate this Sunday at the NHRA Norwalk Nationals to my Dodge team. They did a phenomenal job of recouping after not having data from our Q3 run. We went out E1 and were solid, running a .80 flat. And then, sometimes the drag racing Gods give you that extra shot in the arm of adrenaline, and that’s from lining up against point leader Steve Torrence, doing a burnout, backing up, and then being told to shut down. The crew chiefs were faced with an array of different scenarios as to how to proceed from there. Our team did an excellent job of servicing the car as much as we could. We went back up there and laid down a 3.77. For us, attitude is optimally maintained. We had a high attitude given our series of bad events, and because of that, we were able to come out of it. Now, did we come out of it on the good side of a good drag race? No, we didn’t, but we’re making ground, and we’re progressing, and as we continue to climb this mountain, and as we head to the Dodge//SRT Mile-High Nationals in Denver, we will continue on this upward rise. Heads are not low, they’re high, and I’m just very proud of my team.”

FACTORY STOCK SHOOTOUT:

Leah Pruett, Mopar Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak
(Did Not Qualify: No. 18– 8.011 seconds at 172.87 mph)Mark Pawuk, Empaco Equipment Mopar Drag Pak
(Did Not Qualify: No. 23– 8.124 seconds at 170.41 mph)

DodgeGarage: Digital Hub for Drag Racing News

Fans can follow all the NHRA’s action this season at DodgeGarage, the one-stop portal for Dodge//SRT and Mopar drag-racing news. The site includes daily updates and access to an online racing HQ, news, events, galleries, available downloads, and merchandise. For more information, visit www.dodgegarage.com. 

@DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram

The @DodgeMoparMotorsports Instagram channel continues to share content capturing Dodge//SRT Mopar drivers on the track. Fans can see action from the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and NHRA Sportsman grassroots racers competing in classes such as Factory Stock Showdown, Stock and Super Stock, as well as additional motorsports series.

Mopar  

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) offers exceptional service, parts and customer-care. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, the Mopar brand has evolved over more than 80 years to represent both complete vehicle care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era with performance parts to enhance speed and handling for both on-road and racing use. Later, the brand expanded to include technical service and customer support. Today, Mopar integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide.

Complete information on the Mopar brand is available at www.mopar.com. Mopar is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com. 

Follow Mopar and company news and video on:

Company blog: blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Mopar brand: www.mopar.com/

Mopar blog: blog.mopar.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mopar

Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialmopar

Twitter: twitter.com/OfficialMOPAR

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/mopar or www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

Dodge//SRT

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with muscle cars and SUVs that deliver unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.

2021 marks the year that Dodge is distilled into a pure performance brand, offering Hellcat-powered, 700-plus-horsepower SRT versions of every model across the lineup. For the 2021 model year, Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the new 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world, and the new 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever. Combined, these three muscle cars make Dodge the industry’s most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.

In 2020, Dodge was named the “#1 Brand in Initial Quality,” making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Dodge brand also ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market). These results are historic because it marks the first time a domestic brand has earned top spots in both J.D. Power studies in the same year.

Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

CHEVROLET RACING IN NATIONAL HOT ROD ASSOCIATION SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT NHRA NATIONALS SUMMIT RACING EQUIPMENT MOTORSPORTS PARK IN NORWALK, OHIO RACE RECAP JUNE 27, 2021                                                                                                    Chevrolet drivers make strong statements at Norwalk • Erica Enders denies Greg Anderson from tying Pro Stock record• Brittany Force sets track record, finishes runner-up in Top Fuel
NORWALK, Ohio (June 27, 2021) – For the second consecutive National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock final featuring a pair of Chevrolet Camaros, Greg Anderson was denied a milestone victory.
Reigning class champion Erica Enders, driving the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Camaro SS, defeated Anderson’s HendrickCars.com Camaro SS on a holeshot at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals. Eliminations were delayed by rain twice for a total of nearly four hours.
Anderson, aiming to tie Warren Johnson’s 97 career Pro Stock wins for most in the category and second all time to John Force’s 153 and counting, was also runner-up in the last NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series event.
Brittany Force was equally disappointed by a holeshot loss in the Top Fuel final. Force, the No. 2 qualifier in the Flav-R-Pac Chevrolet dragster, reset the track Top Fuel elapsed time record of 3.696 seconds in the semifinals and ran 3.730 seconds in the final match with points leader Steve Torrence. Despite a tick slower pass, his .058-of-a-second reaction time edged Force’s .078 to take the win.
“Very frustrating to get beat in the final the way we did,” said Force, runner-up for the second time this season. “A holeshot loss is not easy, but I’m going to use that to step up at the next one.”
John Force Racing’s three-race Funny Car winning streak ended abruptly. John Force’s elimination round win streak ended at five in the second round of eliminations. Force, who qualified fourth in the PEAK/BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro SS, lost in a close race to top qualifier Bob Tasca III in a matchup of the Nos. 1 and 2 drivers in the standings.
Robert Hight, the No. 2 qualifier in the AAA Ohio Chevrolet Camaro SS, also fell in the second round to eventual event winner Cruz Pedregon.
Anderson will have to wait until the July 23-25 event at Sonoma Raceway to try again for win No. 97. Pro Stock is not on the schedule of the next event ‑- the Dodge/SRT Mile-High Nationals Presented by Pennzoil on July 16-18 at Bandimere Speedway in Morrison, Colorado.
“I’ve never quit in my life and I never will. I’m going to get this deal done,” said Anderson, who added to his points lead. “I’ve been a little snakebit the last few races.”
Anderson, who claimed his sixth top qualifier honor in the seven races and 112th of his career, recorded a 6.594-second pass with a .030 reaction time to Enders’ 6.606 and .005. Enders, earning her second victory of the season and 31st of her career, won in Norwalk for the first time in seven years.
“It’s huge mojo,” said Enders, who is one of the 2021 ESPY Award nominees for Best Driver. “We’ve had a little bit of luck not go our way, losing by just a couple thousandths here and there. But my team always steps up to the plate.” 
Don Belles of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, was runner-up in his Chevrolet COPO Camaro in Stock Eliminator. David Barton, winner of the previous the Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown race and the No. 1 qualifier at Norwalk, and Scott Libersher advanced to the semifinals in their COPO Camaros.
CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT
TOP FUEL:
BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, FLAV-R-PAC/MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (No. 2 qualifier, runner-up): “Very frustrating to get beat in the final the way we did. A holeshot loss is not easy, but I’m going to use that to step up at the next one in Denver. Incredible job to my Flav-R-Pac, Monster Energy team. Consistent runs down the track all weekend long and a track-record 3.969 in the semis. Today’s laps weren’t easy, with tough competitors and changing track conditions we really had to work for it. Runner-up finish isn’t bad and we will be ready for the next one.”
FUNNY CAR:
JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK/BLUEDEF PLATINUM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 4 qualifier, fell in second round): “It wasn’t a bad weekend. We had a good car, a really good car and that was a clean run. It did what it was supposed to. Danny Hood, Tim Fabrisi, they have a handle on this PEAK BlueDEF Chevrolet. We qualified well, went some rounds, all of us, Robert with AAA, me with PEAK and Brittany over there with Flav-R-Pac getting to the finals. That was good. The rain was tough but the fans waited. It was great. It’s always good here with the Bader family.” 
ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AAA NEW ENGLAND CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 2 qualifier, fell in second round): “Not the result we wanted obviously. Wanted to take this AAA Chevy to another win. We qualified well but we’ve got a lot to do to get us where we want to be. We’ll get there and we’ll be fine. Now is the time to be putting in the work, so I’m not worried.”
PRO STOCK:
ERICA ENDERS, ELITE MOTORSPORTS, MELLING PERFORMANCE CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (race winner): “It’s huge mojo. We’ve had a little bit of luck not go our way, losing by just a couple thousandths here and there. But my team always steps up to the plate. After the semifinals, we knew we had to tune her up and we came back and made a whole bunch of changes. I’m really proud of (crew chief) Mark Ingersoll; he’s really dug deep and fought this race car. I could not be more excited for this team. It’s a win at the closest racetrack to Melling Performance. We’re going to Jackson, Michigan, tomorrow to celebrate with all those great employees and their 75th anniversary.”
GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (No. 1 qualifier, race runner-up; points leader): “I’m so proud of the team and the job everybody does. I’m even proud of the way I drove today; I did not drive bad. She (Erica Enders) got a killer light in the final. She’s a great driver and she came up with what she needed. There’s nothing you can do. Just a great drag race. I’ll move on to the next race and I still feel like I’ve got a great chance to tie that record and who knows set that record. My future still looks bright.”

NORWALK, OH (June 27, 2021) — Tim Wilkerson took the Levi, Ray & Shoup Summit Racing Shelby Mustang into the first round at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Racing Motorsports Park as the No. 7 qualifier. He was facing a serious first round race against veteran Cruz Pedregon but Wilkerson felt he had a tune-up that would get the job done. In a tough race Wilkerson was unable to advance to the quarterfinals and will begin preparing for the grueling Western Swing in two weeks.

Two days of qualifying saw Wilkerson make a strong run on Friday night after a lengthy rain delay and cooler temperatures. His quickest run of the weekend was the 3.959 second pass that positioned him solidly in the field as the No. 7 qualifier. On Saturday temperatures dramatically warmed up and Wilkerson and his Summit Racing team worked to get a handle on a warmer tune-up. Two consistent runs in the heat positioned Wilkerson for a long race day today.

The veteran driver from Springfield, Illinois, got the jump on the starting line with a .050 reaction time versus Pedregon’s .067 and as both cars took off down the track they were side by side as they approached half-track. The Mustang Funny Car smoked the tires and was forced to watch as Pedregon pulled away for the round win. Wilkerson considered getting back on the throttle but thought better of that idea, cruising across the finish line with a 4.788 second run against Pedregon’s strong 3.973 second pass.

“We just gave it too much motor for the clutch on that run,” said Wilkerson. “We have had a really good tune-up and I am working to just tweak it but the conditions called for a more aggressive approach. Every run you learn something and we will have more info the next time we are in this situation. This was a great event for Summit Racing Equipment and all the fans from all over Ohio. The Baders do a great job and we love racing here.”

The Levi, Ray & Shoup Summit Racing Funny Car will leave Norwalk solidly in the top ten with a couple weekends off to focus on the grueling three race swing across Denver, Sonoma and Pomona  after the fourth of July weekend. 

Qualifying Results

Q1: 3.959 sec, 325.53 mph; Qual. 7

Q2: 4.046 sec, 315.93 mph; Qual. 7

Q3: 4.031 sec, 315.05 mph; Qual. 7

Bonus Points:  0

Race Results

First Round

Driver                             Qual    R/T      ET        MPH 
Tim Wilkerson                  7              .050        4.783     167.78                   

Cruz Pedregon                  10           .067        3.973     326.48 (W)

Camping World Funny Car Top Ten

1. Bob Tasca III, 590

2. John Force, 537

3. J.R. Todd, 502

4. Robert Hight, 485

5. Ron Capps, 453

6. Matt Hagan, 434

7. Cruz Pedregon, 417

8. Alexis DeJoria, 399

9. Tim Wilkerson, 397

10. Terry Haddock, 252

NORWALK, OH (June 27, 2021) — For the second race in a row Alexis DeJoria raced her specially designed Bandero Premium Tequila Toyota Camry Funny Car and the packed house at Summit Equipment Motorsports Park was treated to strong performance numbers. After two days of qualifying and a couple of 3.9 second runs DeJoria started race day as the No. 6 qualifier. The past three appearances at the NHRA Norwalk Nationals DeJoria has raced to at least the quarterfinals and her first round race against veteran Paul Lee would be a tough test. Today she raced to her second semifinal of the 2021 season and first at the NHRA Norwalk Nationals.

DeJoria and her Del Worsham tuned Toyota Camry Funny Car did not take anything for granted to start race day. The Bandero Premium Tequila Funny Car that also represents ROKiT took the first round win with a 3.973 second run at 320.66 mph mirroring her final qualifying pass from Saturday. Both race cars were charging to the finish line but it was DeJoria who got their first and advanced to the quarterfinals.

In the second round facing the reigning Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan the Bandero Premium Tequila Funny Car team was unfazed and took out Hagan with a 3.952 second pass, the second quickest run of the session. DeJoria will have lane choice in the semifinals.

A massive rain storm blew across Summit Motorsports Park halting racing action for nearly three hours. When the teams returned to the track temperatures remained consistent but the air quality changed dramatically giving all the teams completely different racing conditions to deal with.

In the race of the day DeJoria and eventual winner Cruz Pedregon raced in one of the closest semifinals in recent memory. Both of the 11,000 horsepower nitro Funny Cars hit the finish line a mere 3.94 seconds after they took off. DeJoria proved she has one of the strongest race cars on the circuit running posting five 3.9 second runs including four in a row going back to the third qualifying session yesterday and today’s three elimination rounds. It was Pedregon advancing to the final round by a nose but DeJoria will head to the Western Swing with the confidence of a driver who has a race car that can go rounds every race.

“This weekend was interesting to say the least,” said DeJoria. “Conditions were all over the place, but we had five good runs and we were consistently in the ‘90s. We dropped cylinders the last two rounds. In the second round, we managed to get around Matt Hagan and in the semis, we just didn’t have enough. I didn’t see him the whole way down and I actually thought we’d won the round until we got to the top end. I’m proud of my Bandero Toyota guys, they’re doing a really good job. We’ve got two weeks off and I think we might do some testing. I’m just going to go home and keep practicing on my simulator. It’s one of those things. I’ve been doing this for about 15 years, but I’ve been out of the seat for two years. I just need to get back on the horse. I know I can do it. I know how to win and I’ve won before and I’ve got the team behind me.”

The Bandero Premium Tequila ROKiT Toyota Camry will be back on track in two weeks for the NHRA Mile-High Nationals in Denver. The team is sitting solidly in eighth place in the Camping World Funny Car point standings and is just outside the top five.

Qualifying Results

Q1: 3.936 sec, 327.35 mph; Qual. 6

Q2: 9.544 sec, 81.89 mph; Qual. 6

Q3: 3.974 sec, 324.59 mph; Qual. 6

Bonus Points: 0

Race Results

First Round
Driver                                    Qual       R/T         ET           MPH 
Alexis DeJoria                     6              .102        3.973     320.66 (W)          

Paul Lee                               11           .061        4.053     292.14

Second Round
Driver                                    Qual       R/T         ET           MPH 
Alexis DeJoria                       6              .086        3.952     317.27 (W)          

Matt Hagan                           3              .057        4.086     260.16

Semifinals
Driver                                    Qual       R/T         ET           MPH 
Alexis DeJoria                        6              .115        3.941     320.89   

Cruz Pedregon                      10           .091        3.947     324.44 (W)

Camping World Funny Car Top Ten

1. Bob Tasca III, 590

2. John Force, 537

3. J.R. Todd, 502

4. Robert Hight, 485

5. Ron Capps, 453

6. Matt Hagan, 434

7. Cruz Pedregon, 417

8. Alexis DeJoria, 399

9. Tim Wilkerson, 397

10. Terry Haddock, 252

Logan Schuchart Dominates Jackson Nationals for $50,000 Prize

Shark Racing #1S Dominates First Crown Jewel Event of Summer 

JACKSON, MN – June 27, 2021 – Logan Schuchart earned the richest win of his life on Sunday night at the 43rd annual AGCO Jackson Nationals.

With $50,000 up for grabs, the Hanover, PA native piloted the Shark Racing, Drydene Performance Products #1S to one of the most dominating victories of his career at Jackson Motorplex.

After slipping back on the initial start, Schuchart took full advantage of the only restart of the race on Lap 7 and roared back to the top spot over David Gravel. From there, it was game over. He checked out and crossed the line with a mammoth margin of victory at 4.454-seconds.

It’s his second-consecutive crown at the AGCO Jackson Nationals, this one paying $50,000 to top last year’s $30,000 score.

Amid a trying season, an ecstatic Schuchart knew this is just what his team needed to boost their confidence and get some momentum rolling with even more money on the line come July and August with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

“50 grand,” Schuchart screamed as he climbed from the cockpit. “This is big for Shark Racing. There are so many people that have backed this team from day one, and this is for all of them. Hats off to my crew, this is a long 11 day stretch with lots of racing. I’ve got the easy job, I just have to race, but these guys bust their tails for me. You know my grandpa [Bobby Allen] is 77-years-old, he’s still out here going up and down the road allowing us to live our dreams . Racing is all he wants to do.”

Speaking of Bobby Allen, Schuchart’s 26th career World of Outlaws victory on Sunday night brings him to only four away from tying his grandfather, who achieved 30 Series victories throughout his Hall of Fame career.

Prior to Schuchart’s back-to-back bid in 2020 and 2021, Allen himself was a Jackson Nationals champion in 1986 during the 8th annual running. Now, he’s still standing on the front stretch, but as a proud car owner, grandfather to Logan, and father to Jacob Allen, who placed 10th in the finale.

With his own experience to rely on, Allen knows just how big another Jackson Nationals crown was.

“All of these big races are great to win, but this one brings a lot of momentum,” Allen admitted. “We’ve been behind on motors lately, really everybody has. My nephew [Newman’s Racing Engines] does our motors and does a great job. We’re going to this one out and save it for Knoxville Nationals, and then we’ll get another ready for Kings Royal. This deal is all about having a good motor, but also knowing what to do with it.”

After leading 25 laps on Thursday night before letting the win slip away to Kerry Madsen in lap traffic, Schuchart refused to let that happen again with big money on the line.

Taking the lead on Lap 8, he never looked back and set a torrid pace as he sliced and diced his way through the back-markers. 

“You never know how hard to push when you’re leading,” Schuchart explained. “The other night I was conserving tires and fuel, then Kerry blew my doors off. I tried to stay in the gas as much as possible tonight and really used the lap cars to advantage. Props to the Jackson Motorplex crew, this is probably the best track we’ve had all week and it was during the day.”

Crossing the finish line behind Schuchart by 4.454-seconds was David Gravel in the Big Game Motorsports #2. The Watertown, CT native led the opening seven laps after an incredible Lap 1 charge from row two, but the only restart of the race proved costly as he fell to second and had to settle for a $20,000 runner-up check.

“I wish I got another chance at that restart,” Gravel stated. “I stumbled and got a good run on me, I tried to be defensive, but once he got by he was gone. He definitely had the dominant car, but just wish I had a chance to control the race in the lead. I’d probably do a couple things different knowing how good the track ended up. It’s a little disappointing, but still a good week for us.”

The Kasey Kahne Racing, NAPA Auto Parts #49 closed out the podium with Brad Sweet of Grass Valley, CA at the wheel. The current World of Outlaws championship leader was rewarded with $10,000 for his third-place finish.

“It was tricky,” Sweet said. “The track held up so much better than we thought. Logan definitely had the best car and he was just gone. I thought we had something for David to get second, but I just couldn’t make the moves we needed in lap traffic. We’ve got a lot to look forward to this summer.”

Kerry Madsen finished fourth aboard the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #14 after sweeping the two preliminary nights. Closing out the top-five at the Minnesota 4/10th-mile oval was Carson Macedo in the Jason Johnson Racing #41.

Rounding out the top-10 in Sunday’s Jackson Nationals finale was California’s Shane Golobic in sixth aboard the NOS Energy Drink #17W, Ohio’s Sheldon Haudenschild in seventh with his own NOS Energy Drink #17 entry, Indiana’s Parker Price-Miller in eighth driving Guy Forbrook’s #5, Australia’s James McFadden in ninth aboard the Kasey Kahne Racing #9, and Pennsylvania’s Jacob Allen in the second Shark Racing #1A with a tenth-place bid.

UP NEXT: An Independence Day Spectacular awaits the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series next weekend. The Greatest Show on Dirt will travel to New Richmond, WI for back-to-back nights at Cedar Lake Speedway on Friday and Saturday, July 2-3.

NOS Energy Drink Feature (35 Laps): 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1][$50,000]; 2. 2-David Gravel [3][$20,000]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$10,000]; 4. 14-Kerry Madsen [2][$7,500]; 5. 41-Carson Macedo [4][$6,000]; 6. 17W-Shane Golobic [8][$5,900]; 7. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [6][$5,800]; 8. 5-Parker Price-Miller [12][$5,700]; 9. 9-James McFadden [7][$5,600]; 10. 1A-Jacob Allen [14][$5,000]; 11. 26-Cory Eliason [18][$4,000]; 12. 18-Giovanni Scelzi [9][$3,000]; 13. 7S-Jason Sides [13][$2,800]; 14. 21-Brian Brown [21][$2,600]; 15. 83-Aaron Reutzel [15][$2,500]; 16. 3K-Tim Kaeding [23][$2,400]; 17. 11-Spencer Bayston [17][$2,300]; 18. 3-Ayrton Gennetten [19][$2,200]; 19. 22MM-Kaleb Johnson [24][$2,100]; 20. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [20][$2,000]; 21. 81-Jack Dover [22][$2,000]; 22. 15-Donny Schatz [11][$2,000]; 23. 11K-Kraig Kinser [10][$2,000]; 24. 7-Justin Henderson [16][$2,000]. Lap Leaders: David Gravel 1-7, Logan Schuchart 8-35. KSE Hard Charger Award: 26-Cory Eliason[+7]

NEW Championship Standings (38/81 Races): 1. Brad Sweet (5,322); 2. David Gravel (-60); 3. Carson Macedo (-120); 4. Sheldon Haudenschild (-172); 5. Logan Schuchart (-190); 6. Donny Schatz (-202); 7. Aaron Reutzel (-314); 8. James McFadden (-610); 9. Kraig Kinser (-630); 10. Brock Zearfoss (-900).

June 27, 2021

Matt DiBenedetto and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team finished 18^th in the second half of a Cup Series double-header at Pocono Raceway.

DiBenedetto official starting position was 32^nd for the Explore The Pocono Mountains 350 as the line-up was set based on the finishing order of Saturday’s opener at Pocono.
 
After three laps on Sunday he was up eight spots, passing some and moving ahead of others who had to go to the rear due to a switch to back-up cars after crashes on Saturday.
 
He continued to gain positions and ended the first Stage in 19^th place. In the second Stage he ran as high as 15^th at times but ended that segment in 21^st place.
 
DiBenedetto ran as high as 10^th in the early portions of the third and final stage, but Sunday’s 140-lap, like many others at Pocono, boiled down to a fuel-milage race.
 
The Motorcraft/Quick Lane team made its final stop with 38 laps remaining and rejoined the race in 25^th place. DiBenedetto, with plenty of fuel to make it to the checkered flag, moved up seven spots in the closing laps to finish 18^th. 
 
“We definitely didn’t get the finish we wanted,” he said. “But our hands were kind of tied due to the track position we had to start with.
 
“That tied down our strategy and held us back.”
 
He said that performance-wise, the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang was better than it might have seemed.
 
“We definitely had better than an 18^th-place car,” he said. “It was really, really difficult to pass because of the aero package. We just wanted to finish the race clean and not do anything that would make a bad situation worse.

“We’ll move on and keep working to be faster.”
 
DiBenedetto and the Wood Brothers team now head to Road America for a Fourth of July run on the famed road course in Elkhart Lake, Wisc. 
 

KENOSHA, Wis. – (June 27, 2021) – Two-time NHRA Funny Car World Champion Cruz Pedregon and the Snap-on Dodge^® Charger^® raced to victory this weekend at Norwalk, the team’s first Wally of the season. Prior to today’s finish, Cruz’s most recent win was in 2018 at the Charlotte Four-Wide. 

“It’s exciting for all of us at Snap-on when Cruz and his team have a successful weekend,” says Samuel Bottum, Snap-on chief marketing officer. “We have a long-time sponsorship with Cruz as an NHRA driver, and we appreciate the hard work he and his team put into making solid runs at the track that pay off on race day.”

Cruz says, “We have been prepping for a winning season, putting in so many hours and there’s nothing quite as rewarding as coming out on top and holding up that trophy at the end of a race weekend. What a great job John (Collins), Rip (Reynolds), and the team did to get us ready for this race. What a real triumph for us all, especially after the 2020 season. We really appreciate our sponsors and great fans for sticking with us and giving us the additional boost of confidence we needed. That support is what makes it all possible.” 

To see the latest Cruz news, like his Facebook page and follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and follow Snap-on @MakersandFixers on Instagram.

Acura, Meyer Shank Racing dominate, leading five of six hours, but finishes second
Wayne Taylor Racing brings their Acura ARX-05 home third
Magnus with Archangel Acura NSX GT3 Evo perseveres for 12th place finish in GTD

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (June 27, 2021) – A late-race caution, combined with differing fuel and tire strategies for the sprint to the finish, saw the Acura ARX-05 of Meyer Shank Racing’s Dane Cameron and Olivier Pla finish second in Sunday’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen at Watkins Glen International Raceway.

Starting from the outside of the front row – alongside fellow Acura team Wayne Taylor Racing – Dane Cameron soon moved the MSR Acura prototype into the lead as he and co-driver Pla went on to dominate much of the first five hours of the six-hour endurance contest, often leading by 10 seconds or more. Using a three-driver lineup of Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque and Alexander Rossi, the Wayne Taylor crew held down second for most of the day.

But a late-race caution flag in the final hour closed the field. With all of the prototypes making final pit stops, Multimatic Mazda leapfrogged into the lead by only changing one tire, while both Acuras changed two tires. In the frantic run to the finish, closing MSR driver Pla was unable to find a way past Mazda pilot Harry Ticknell in heavy GT traffic, and was forced to settle for a second-place result. In similarly dramatic fashion, Albuquerque managed his tires and fuel to take the checkers in third.

Acura NSX GT3 Evo
In the production-based GTD division, the Magnus with Archangel’s NSX GT3 Evo driven by Andy Lally, John Potter and Spencer Pumpelly had a steady run through the first half of the contest, but 30 minutes later made an unscheduled pit stop with an apparent cut tire. Shortly after returning to the circuit, a problem with the power steering unit developed, and the car went behind the wall for repairs, returning to finish 12th in GTD.

Acura Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen Results
2nd overall – #60 Meyer Shank Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
Drivers Dane Cameron, Olivier Pla
3rd overall – #10 Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05 DPi
Drivers Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque, Alexander Rossi
12th GTD – Magnus with Archangel Acura NSX GT3 Evo
Drivers Andy Lally, John Potter, Spencer Pumpelly

DPi Manufacturers’ Championship Drivers’ Championship (after 5 of 10 rounds)

1. Cadillac 1,807 1. Filipe Albuquerque, Ricky Taylor 1,733
2. Acura 1,799 2. Oliver Jarvis, Harry Tincknell 1,702
3. Mazda 1,729 3. Pipo Derani, Felipe Nasr 1,576
   4. Dane Cameron, Olivier Pla 1,511

Michelin Endurance Championship Cup (after 3 of 4 endurance races)

1. Acura 38 1. Filipe Albuquerque, Ricky Taylor, Alexander Rossi 33
2. Cadillac 36 2. Oliver Jarvis, Harry Tincknell, Jonathan Bomarito 30
3. Mazda 34 3. Dane Cameron, Olivier Pla 25

Quotes
Olivier Pla (#60 Meyer Shank Racing ARX-05) finished 2nd with co-driver Dane Cameron: “At the end, they were asking me to save more fuel, so I could push for the last two laps. But unfortunately, on the second to the last lap we caught a lot of GT [class] traffic and I lost a lot of time there. We made a lot of it up on the last lap, but not enough. Our pace was there [to win] but unfortunately the final yellow decided the race for us.”

Filipe Albuquerque (#10 Konica Minolta Wayne Taylor Racing Acura ARX-05) finished fourth with co-drivers Ricky Taylor and Alexander Rossi: “It was a real fight to the end, while trying to hit our fuel targets while keeping our position. Eventually I was able to pass the [Chip Ganassi Racing] Cadillac, so that gave us more points for the championship and another podium finish for the team and Acura. We know we’re not going to win all the races, but we were close to the #60 ‘sister’ [Meyer Shank Racing Acura]. So we can’t be frustrated. We just need to put our heads down and work for next weekend.”

Jon Ikeda (Acura Brand Officer) on today’s race at Watkins Glen: “Well, you can’t win every race. We had a great 2-3 double podium finish today, and that’s good for our Manufacturers’ Championship points. It was a fantastic race, and great entertainment for a lot of people here today. And our teams are the best. These men and women at Meyer Shank Racing and Wayne Taylor Racing are real go-getters; and you can see they’re already ready for next week’s race here.”

Acura Watkins Glen 6 Hour Fast Facts
After three of four long-distance rounds that make up the Michelin Endurance Championship Cup series-within-a-series, Acura leads the Manufacturers’ title chase over Cadillac and Mazda, while Wayne Taylor Racing drivers Albuquerque, Taylor and Rossi lead the drivers’ championship. The last endurance event is also the season finale, the 10-hour Petit Le Mans at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta on November 13.

The 10-race IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship reached its mid-point today at Watkins Glen, with Acura teams and drivers have finished on the podium in every race this season, with best results at each round including two wins, a second and a pair of third-place results.

Next
With the usual following round at Canadian Tire Motorsports Park postponed for 2021, due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship remains in place at Watkins Glen International Raceway for a standard distance two-hour, 40-minute race here on Friday, July 2.

Acura Motorsports Social media content and video links from this weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen are available on Instagram (www.instagram.com/hondaracing_hpd), Twitter (www.twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD). Additional features and long-form videos can be found on the Honda Racing/HPD YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV).

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Workrise Chevrolet Team Show Tenacity In Pocono Double

13th

21st

12th

“We headed into Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono Raceway ready to go to work and grind it out in the No. 3 Workrise Chevy, and that’s exactly what we did. We finished 13th, and I really think our Chevy was a little better than that. We tried something strategy-wise in Stage 2 and got a little bit behind. We ended up running out of fuel and going from 10th to 29th on the last lap of Stage 2, but we had a decent recovery. It would have been nice if we could have finished 10th in that stage to set us up for the end of the race, but considering everything we’ve been through, we did great. We were just a little bit too tight at the end of the race. Pocono Raceway is a tough place. You really have to have your stuff together and make no mistakes. I’m excited to get to Road America next week and continue this momentum.” -Austin Dillon

Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Team Battle Hard for Ninth-Place Finish at Pocono Raceway

9th

10th

13th

“My team definitely made some good changes to the No. 8 Kalahari Resorts and Conventions Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE overnight. We were a lot better over the bumps today, which was one of my bigger issues on Saturday. I seemed to fire off too loose for each run but then build too tight, especially when I was in dirty air. The adjustments my team made all race long did help though. I just needed to get a little creative with the lines I was running since I had no grip when I would try to run the traction compound. We got a little off-sequence with our strategy today, but it ended up working for us in the long run when all those other cars ran out of gas during the last few laps. Our car had good speed all weekend long, so that’s great for us to build on as we head to Road America next weekend for some road racing.”

No. 3 Corvette takes season’s second victory; Milner, Tandy charge derailed late in race

WATKINS GLEN, NY (June 27, 2021) – Corvette Racing returned to Victory Circle at Watkins Glen International on Sunday with a GT Le Mans (GTLM) victory for Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor in the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. They drove the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette to a steamy and hard-fought triumph for the team’s first win at Watkins Glen International since 2014. Pole-winner Garcia won for the second time in the Six Hours while Taylor claimed his first victory in the event. The duo increased their lead in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship’s GTLM standings as they look to repeat their 2020 title. The fight in the category looked like it would come down to a battle of the mid-engine Corvettes. Tommy Milner and Nick Tandy led a majority of the race in their No. 4 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Corvette C8.R with Milner taking the lead on the opening lap. The two Corvettes swapped the lead eight times throughout the six hours and were first and second on a restart with a little less than 40 minutes to go.

Tandy, who held the lead through two pit stop cycles thanks to excellent pit work and car performance, held point when the race went back green but reported a mechanical issue that severely handicapped the No. 4 Corvette. He just missed out a podium finish for he and Milner. That left Garcia to hold off John Edwards in the No. 24 GTLM entry over the last five laps. The two had to battle through class leaders in other categories, and Garcia held on for a 0.845-second winning margin.  Taylor drove a marathon two-hour, 30-minute stint in the middle of the race and swapped the lead with both Tandy and Milner during his time in the No. 3 Corvette. That left Garcia to drive his own tense, nail-biting triple stint to the finish. Corvette Racing will be back in action at The Glen for the WeatherTech 240 on Friday, July 2. The race will air live at 6 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Trackpass via NBC Sports Gold. Live audio coverage of Thursday practice along with Friday’s qualifying and the race from IMSA Radio is available on IMSA.com, XM 202 and SiriusXM Online 992.

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTLM RACE-WINNER: IT LOOKED LIKE A BATTLE BETWEEN TEAMMATES BUT THEN IT GOT DIFFERENT TOWARD THE END.“It was another great battle with our teammates and the BMWs. They were all very strong. The start was a little confusing with all the debris in Turn One. I played it a little bit careful, and Tommy went around me. From that point on, it was a flat-out fight with our teammates and the BMWs. There was no time to rest. At times we were behind and at another times we were ahead. With about 2:30 left, the two BMWs went on a different strategy so we had to cover them. We split ours with the 4 because we had to do it. That put us ahead of them at the time but they got ahead when the last pit stop came. We had the pace and knew it was going to be not only a lot of fast laps but also to manage tire wear and tire temperature. Stints here were very hard on the tires. The 4 car lost some pace at the end. I don’t know if they had some trouble. It would have been nice to get a Corvette 1-2 but in GTLM you cannot miss a thing. As soon as you start losing time, other cars are on you. Even at the end, it felt like I had a comfortable margin over John (Edwards) of about three or four seconds. Then all the classes got together with about two laps to go – DPis, GTDs, LMP2s, LMP3s and us. Fortunately there were no crashes and no yellows, and I managed to stay ahead and bring home a victory. I’m happy for Corvette and Team Chevy.”IN THE TRAFFIC… DID YOU HAVE ANY CLOSE CALLS?“Oh yes, many.  Not for myself but people trying to get by me in very, very dangerous places. I had a three-wide I think with the 48 with Kobayashi or whoever was driving going into the grass on my right. I was just praying that any car wouldn’t hit me. That was the thing there… to stay calm but be aggressive because the No. 24 was there right behind me. Initially I played it a little bit safe but when I saw him coming, I knew I had to go. That is the classic thing. We saw this at Sebring already. With all these classes, and the way we do these restarts with all the LMP3s going ahead of us, it creates some difficult situations on the track. But when you have that many classes on the track, that is the way it is. You need to live with that and play it smarter than the rest. It’s not only about being fast but being smart enough to clear everybody.”

JORDAN TAYLOR, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – GTLM RACE-WINNER: YOU ARE THE POINTS LEADER AND THIS IS THE FIRST WIN AT THE GLEN FOR YOU HOW DOES THIS FEEL?“It is awesome. You nailed it I think. I think this is one of the only tracks I haven’t won here on the IMSA calendar. Lime Rock might be another one. I don’t think I’ve won there. Only a couple of poles maybe. Watkins Glen has always been a big one, the Six Hours especially. I finished second back in 2011 with Autohaus where we probably could have won the championship with that win.“It’s been a long time coming, but it is great to be back here with Corvette Racing. The first time here with the C8.R and with testing, to come out here and win the race, and have a possible one-two… it was just an unfortunate event there for the No. 4 there at the end, but I can’t be prouder of the whole team.”A LONG HOT RACE, BUT LEADING BOTH CHAMPIONSHIPS MUST MAKE ONLY FOUR DAYS OFF A LITTLE SWEETER?“That does definitely make nicer. It’s good to have a couple of days to rest on it as the guys go through the data to see where we can improve for next week. It’s going to be another fight next week, and we will try and maximize the points again. WAS IT DIFFICULT TO GET INTO A RHYTHM?“It was definitely an odd race, especially with the LMP3 cars cycling to the front of the GT packs every time and we have to drive through that. You saw at the end  with a couple laps to go how we caught a big GT pack mixed in with some LMP3s. You mix in the Prototypes and the other cars coming though, it was mayhem. It was crazy but at the same time that is part of IMSA. That is what makes this series great and what makes sports car racing amazing. Thankfully Antonio kept a cool head and brought it home.”THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH THE REAR OF THE NO. 4 AT THE END? DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT WAS AND WERE YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR CAR?‘We only heard what you said. I don’t think any of the guys said anything about seeing anything in the data. The guys will go through the data. We have a couple of days to have a look at it. This car is still relatively new so it is good testing for us to get these endurance races under our belts before we head overseas to Le Mans.”WINNING THE SIX HOURS FOR THE FIRST TIME.“It was huge. I grew up watching my dad race. He always talked about his favorite tracks, and Watkins Glen was always at the top of the list. I could be wrong, but I think this is the one he didn’t win as a driver. Ricky (Taylor) won for him as a team owner, and that’s the first time he won here. I finished second in 2011 in GRAND-AM with Tommy (Milner) as my teammate. So it’s been high on the list every year. It seemed like something always went wrong. But this was a perfect weekend. Antonio got pole. It’s our first time here with the C8.R – no testing just time in the simulator. It was very impressive that we rolled off the truck as strong as we did. We made very minor tweaks, so big kudos to the team for the preparation coming in here.”

TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – FINISHED FOURTH IN GTLM:“We’ve had four races so far this year, and for all four I feel like we’ve had car that can win. Sebring didn’t last very long, but the car had been fast up till the race. Looking past that frustration, I’m happy with the performance of everyone on the 4 Corvette today from top to bottom. Every single person did an excellent job today. The car was great all the way to the end until the mechanical issue that gave Nick a pretty challenging final stint there. He did an awesome job to hold off the BMW for so long there with a broken car to salvage something out of it, but in the end it was too much to overcome. On one hand, I’m frustrated. But on the other I’m really happy with the overall performance today. We had good pit stops and strategy. All the things we can control, we’re doing right. We just need some luck to go our way.”

NICK TANDY, NO. 4 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R – FINISHED FOURTH IN GTLM: “It’s bitterly disappointing. We put ourselves in position as a team to have what looked like a pretty comfortable 1-2. Up to the point, the way the guys managed the race – the pit stops, how the engineers set the car up for the race – had us absolutely flying. A few laps before the last yellow, I felt something strange on the car and we’ll have to investigate what happened. We’re disappointed, but there are a lot of positives to go into next week with.”