NHRA® Team Report
NHRA® Winternationals
Pre-Race Report
Fresh off a week of testing in the Valley of the Sun, Cruz Pedregon is speeding into the 2019 season with hot 60-foot times, new team members, a new Dodge partnership complete with newly updated paint schemes for the Snap-on Funny Car bodies and haulers, and a new role in taking over tuning duties for the team. Continue reading Cruz Pedregon–Winternationals Preview
Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Wins Parker 425
• Honda Off-Road Racing Team opens 2019 season with repeat victory in Arizona
• Second consecutive class win for Ridgeline at the Parker 425
• Ridgeline Baja Race Truck dominates unlimited V6 truck category
PARKER, Arizona (Feb. 3, 2019) – The Honda Off-Road Racing Team and its Ridgeline Baja Race Truck opened the 2019 off-road racing season in the best possible fashion, with a decisive second consecutive victory in the “7200” class for V6-powered unlimited race trucks in Saturday’s Parker 425. Continue reading Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Wins Parker 425
Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Wins Parker 425
• Honda Off-Road Racing Team opens 2019 season with repeat victory in Arizona
• Second consecutive class win for Ridgeline at the Parker 425
• Ridgeline Baja Race Truck dominates unlimited V6 truck category
PARKER, Arizona (Feb. 3, 2019) – The Honda Off-Road Racing Team and its Ridgeline Baja Race Truck opened the 2019 off-road racing season in the best possible fashion, with a decisive second consecutive victory in the “7200” class for V6-powered unlimited race trucks in Saturday’s Parker 425. Continue reading Ridgeline Baja Race Truck Wins Parker 425
JOHN FORCE RACING FINISHES FOUR DAYS OF TESTING AT
WILD HORSE PASS MOTORSPORTS PARK
CHANDLER, Ariz. (Feb. 02, 2019) — After four days of testing at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park outside Phoenix, the three full-time hot rods of John Force Racing were able to put their hard work during the off-season to good use. Robert Hight led the Funny Car class with a trio of impressive runs on Friday, John Force saved the best for last with a solid run to close out the test session and Brittany Force combined with her new team to leave testing ready for Pomona. Continue reading JOHN FORCE RACING FINISHES FOUR DAYS OF TESTING AT WILD HORSE PASS MOTORSPORTS PARK
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
LAS VEGAS TEST PREVIEW
TEAM CHEVY TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 31, 2019
PAT SUHY, CHEVROLET NASCAR GROUP MANGER, previews the test at Las Vegas Motor Speedway from a Chevrolet technical perspective as the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 teams hit the track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the first true test of the 2019 rules package, as well as, discusses the 2018 season, the tools Chevrolet is providing teams to be successful in 2019 and much more. Full Transcript: Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Las Vegas Testing–Pat Suhy
Driver Blogs
DI DRIVER BLOG PRESENTED BY WELD RACING: Megan Meyer
By Drag Illustrated | January 28, 2019
“Hard work is a choice, but giving up is not an option” – Coach Grace
As I closed out my speech with one of my favorite quotes from last year, my sister and I walked off stage. Little did we know we would be going right back up, with our entire team, for the Pro-Sportsman Crew of the Year Award. Last year, for the 2017 season, the Meyer family took home almost every special award of the night. This year, for the 2018 season, we went home again with two of the special awards, including the Pro-Sportsman Driver of the Year award, my third time receiving the honor since I started driving in the Top Alcohol Dragster class. Continue reading Megan’s latest blog: 2018 Season Recap + BanquetMegan’s latest blog: 2018 Season Recap + Banquet
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
CHIP GANASSI RACING
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 29, 2019
KURT BUSCH, NO. 1 MONSTER ENERGY CAMARO ZL1 AND CREW CHIEF, MATT MCCALL MET WITH MEDIA AND DISCUSSED HOW THE TEAM IS COMING TOGETHER, EXPECTATIONS ON THE NEW PAIRING, WHAT THEY HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AT THE UPCOMING TEST IN LAST VEGAS, AND MORE. SELECTED QUOTES:
HOW DO YOU EXPECT THIS TO WORK WITH A CREW CHIEF WITH A RACING BACKGROUND AND THEN A DRIVER WHO IS INTO THE CARS JUST AS MUCH, LIKE ONE BRAIN HERE, ARE WE EXPECTING GOOD THINGS?
MATT MCCALL: “Yes. That’s the easy answer for that. Absolutely. I think obviously with Kurt’s history we have a little grace and experience here and there. So, yes, I’m excited, for sure.” Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Pre-Season–Kurt Busch, Matt McCall
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 29, 2019
Kyle Larson, No.42 Camaro ZL1, and his crew chief, Chad Johnston, met with members of the media today to discuss the upcoming season and many other topics. Selected Quotes:
Q: TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU ANTICIPATE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SEASON
KYLE LARSON: I don’t really know what to anticipate but the (Daytona) 500 because that’s the package that we’ve raced before. Once we get through that, I don’t know. That’s something that pretty exciting and makes us look forward to Atlanta and see how we stack up. They’re going to Vegas in a couple of days so we’ll get a better idea of where we stack up with the competitors. This year is different than others because the rules packages are so much different than what we ran in the past. Continue reading Chevy Racing–NASCAR–PreSeason–Kyle Larson
Dominic Scelzi Nets Top 10 During Season Debut at Stockton Dirt Track
Inside Line Promotions – STOCKTON, Calif. (Jan. 28, 2019) – Dominic Scelzi set himself up to contend for a victory during his season opener last Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track.
Scelzi maneuvered his family owned 360ci winged sprint car from sixth to third place in his first of twin heat races before posting a runner-up result in the second heat. Continue reading Dominic Scelzi Nets Top 10 During Season Debut at Stockton Dirt Track
JOHN FORCE RACING ANNOUNCES DRIVER AND CREW CHIEF LINEUP FOR 2019
YORBA LINDA, Calif. (Jan. 29, 2019) — It was announced today that John Force Racing will feature three full-time hot rods with a fourth team in contingency for the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Season.
President of John Force Racing and two-time world champion Robert Hight will continue to drive the Auto Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS with his tandem of Jimmy Prock as crew chief and Chris Cunningham as assistant. The trio picked up a world title in 2017 and in 2018 won four races in seven final rounds on their way to finishing second in the points standings, showing that they have the consistency needed to be in contention for the 2019 crown. Continue reading JOHN FORCE RACING ANNOUNCES DRIVER AND CREW CHIEF LINEUP FOR 2019
MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
PRE-SEASON MEDIA AVAILABILITY
TEAM CHEVY DRIVER PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT
JANUARY 28, 2019
Chase Elliott, No. 9 Camaro ZL1, met with members of the media via teleconference today to discuss the up coming season and many other topics. Full Transcript:
THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you for joining us today in advance of the start of the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. We are now joined by driver Chase Elliott of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports. Chase, thanks for spending some time with us this afternoon. You just unveiled your new Hooters Chevrolet. Tell us a little bit about the look for 2019. Continue reading Chevy Racing–Daytona Preseason–Chase Elliott
ECR Engines Scores 1-2 Finish in 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway
Win Marks Third-Consecutive Rolex 24 Championship for ECR Engines and Cadillac Racing
WELCOME, N.C. (January 27, 2019) – ECR Engines captured its third-consecutive IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway win with a 1-2 finish in this weekend’s endurance race. The engine production, research and development company, which fielded engines for six Cadillac DPi-V.R. Prototype teams this year, powered both Wayne Taylor Racing’s No. 10 entry and Action Express Racing’s No. 31 entry to podium finishes. Continue reading ECR Engines Scores 1-2 Finish in 2019 Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway
CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Soggy Result in Rolex 24 for Corvette C7.Rs
Eventful start to program’s 21stseason of competition
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 27, 2019) – In more than two decades of competition, Corvette Racing has faced its share of adversity and challenging conditions. The championship-winning program experienced the highs and lows of endurance racing Saturday and Sunday in a soggy start to the 2019 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Continue reading CORVETTE RACING AT DAYTONA: Soggy Result in Rolex 24 for Corvette C7.Rs
IMSA WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA
CORVETTE RACING DRIVER QUOTES – Halfway Update
JANUARY 27, 2019
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.(Jan. 27, 2019) – Halfway through the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Corvette Racing’s No. 4 Chevrolet Corvette C7.Rs remained in the thick of a back-and-forth battle for the lead in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) category of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. Continue reading Chevy Racing–Daytona 24 Hours–First Half
IMSA WEATHERTECH SPORTSCAR CHAMPIONSHIP
ROLEX 24 AT DAYTONA
CORVETTE RACING DRIVER QUOTES – FIRST SIX HOURS
JANUARY 26, 2019
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 26, 2019) – Corvette Racing’s No. 4 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C7.R worked its way from ninth to the front of the GT Le Mans (GTLM) field in the first six hours of the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Saturday.
Oliver Gavin, who started in the No. 4 Corvette, was back behind the wheel after the quarter mark of the opening race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Daytona International Speedway. The trio of Gavin, Tommy Milner and Marcel Fässler cycled through the first six hours, and their Corvette was one of six entries on the GTLM lead lap. Continue reading Chevy Racing–Daytona 24 Hours–First 6 Hours
Honda Civic Type R TCRs Finish 1-2 in Daytona Debut
• Honda Civic Type R claims TCR class victory in MICHELIN Pilot Challenge debut
• LA Honda World Racing finish 1-2 at Daytona International Speedway
• Tom O’Gorman and Shelby Blackstock take the win, teammates Mat Pombo and Mike LaMarra finish second
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Jan. 25, 2019) – LA Honda World Racing claimed a 1-2 finish in a thrilling debut for the IMSA MICHELIN Pilot Challenge series Friday at Daytona International Speedway. Tom O’Gorman, 2018 Pirelli World Challenge TCA champion, and Indy Lights veteran Shelby Blackstock combined to edge teammates Mike LaMarra and Mat Pombo by just 1.605 seconds on the challenging Daytona road course. Continue reading Honda Civic Type R TCRs Finish 1-2 in Daytona Debut
Giovanni Scelzi Captures First Career International Win During Quick Trip to Australia
Inside Line Promotions – WARRNAMBOOL, Victoria, Australia (Jan. 25, 2019) – Giovanni Scelzi earned his first career international victory during only his second race in Australia earlier this month.
Scelzi, who was driving for Domain Ramsey and Bernie Stuebgen with help from Dave Dickson, competed in five races at four tracks during a nine-day span. The action was highlighted by Scelzi’s trip to Victory Lane in the Presidents Cup on Jan. 16 at Avalon Raceway in Lara, Victoria. Continue reading Giovanni Scelzi Captures First Career International Win During Quick Trip to Australia
Champion Corvette Racers Design Unique Drivers Series Models
Special edition vehicles honor winning Corvette Racing drivers with four distinctive appearances
DAYTONA, Fla. — Chevrolet today introduced the 2019 Corvette Drivers Series special edition Grand Sport models designed in collaboration with the Corvette Racing team.
Each of the four versions has a specific exterior color and unique graphics package inspired by Corvette Racing drivers Tommy Milner, Oliver Gavin, Jan Magnussen and Antonio Garcia. Continue reading Champion Corvette Racers Design Unique Drivers Series Models
COMPETITIONPLUS.COM TO LIVE STREAM
PRO WINTER TEST FROM WILD HORSE PASS
Free Viewing For Closed to Public Preseason Test Session
SPARTANBURG, SC (January 25, 2019) — The NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing season is less than a month away and dozens of top tier teams are preparing for the 24 race national tour. In advance of the grueling and exciting professional drag racing season a private preseason test session will be conducted January 30 – February 2, at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park near Chandler, Arizona just outside of Phoenix. This year CompetitionPlus.com will be live streaming all four days of the private test session offering fans around the world the first look at on-track action. The daily test sessions will not be open to the public so the CompetitionPlus.com live stream will be the only way to see comprehensive live action. Continue reading COMPETITIONPLUS.COM TO LIVE STREAM PRO WINTER TEST FROM WILD HORSE PASS
BRITTANY FORCE TO DRIVE ADVANCE AUTO PARTS TOP FUEL DRAGSTER
YORBA LINDA, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2019) — John Force Racing today announced that Brittany Force, the 2017 Top Fuel World Champion, will be in the driver’s seat of the Advance Auto Parts Top Fuel dragster for the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, which kicks-off with the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals, February 8-10 at the Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona, Calif.
With her sister Courtney Force having just announced that she is stepping away from driving duties, Advance Auto Parts continues its partnership with John Force Racing by becoming the primary sponsor of Brittany Force’s Top Fuel dragster. Continue reading BRITTANY FORCE TO DRIVE ADVANCE AUTO PARTS TOP FUEL DRAGSTER