FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Complete coverage of this Saturday’s Yamaha Senoia Short Track will kick off with the day’s first practice session at 4:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. PT). Catch every second of on track action on FansChoice.tv

Event Rewind: DAYTONA Short Track I

Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Event Rewind: DAYTONA Short Track II

Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER

Short Wait to Get Back on TrackThe 2023 Progressive AFT season resumes just two weeks after its thrilling Bike Week double-opener with the inaugural Yamaha Senoia Short Track. Read MoreReality CheckEven with an impressive rookie campaign under his belt, Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) admitted that it’s still a bit surreal to be racing with riders he once looked to as his childhood heroes. But if Daniels continues to take it to his more established competition like he did at the DAYTONA ST, what once felt surreal is going to become all too real in a big hurry.  Read MoreSpeaking of MeesSince 2016, reigning Mission SuperTwins champ Mees has scored at least one victory in four separate season-opening weekends (‘17, ‘18, ‘20, and ‘21). Perhaps more telling is how the factory Indian Motorcycle legend responded on the occasions that he didn’t. Read MoreEncore! Encore! The continued development of Briar Bauman and the Rick Ware Racing KTM 890 Duke is one the sport will follow closely all season long. The opener has to go down as a smashing success, even if his Thursday no-brakes podium was followed up by a more down-to-earth Saturday seventh. Read MoreWho’s Next?This year’s loaded Mission SuperTwins field is stocked with premier-class winners (11 in all lined up for the DAYTONA ST Main Event). Is there anyone else who could join that historic list this season? Read MoreHome CookingYamaha stands as the title sponsor of the Senoia ST, which is located just a relatively short drive down the interstate from the firm’s American headquarters. Yamaha comes prepared to defend its home turf from a position of strength, having won eight combined Mission SuperTwins races over the past year.  Read MoreIt’s Way Too Early to Get Desperate… Right? Last year, Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) pretty much put the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER championship to bed before his rivals knew what hit them, registering six wins over the season’s opening nine races. Read MoreBreakout While Kopp looks incredibly formidable, there’s a pretty decent chance that if he’s beaten this weekend, the victory will go to a first-time Progressive AFT winner. There’s currently a backlog of riders with obvious win potential backed by teams with a history of turning out race winners. Read More

Countdown The DAYTONA Short Track was a serious showcase of the diversity and parity of manufacturers that now stands as a strength of Progressive AFT in the Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle class. Count it down with us: 7: Different manufacturers competed(Yamaha, Indian, KTM, Royal Enfield, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson, Husqvarna)  6: Scored points (Yamaha, Indian, KTM, Royal Enfield, Kawasaki, Harley-Davidson)  5: Topped at least one timed session or race(Yamaha, Indian, KTM, Royal Enfield, Kawasaki)  4: Qualified on the front row(Yamaha, Indian, KTM, Royal Enfield)  3: Finished on the podium(Yamaha, Indian, KTM)  2: Finished top two twice (Yamaha, Indian)  1: Won two races (Yamaha) Short Track HerosMees and Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) are currently in a five-way tie with Kenny Roberts, Steve Eklund, and Sammy Halbert for fourth most all-time Short Track wins at five. Moving TargetIn short order, Kopp has rocketed up the all-time Parts Unlimited AFT wins list, despite only getting his first just last season. The KTM star is now tied with former class champion and current Mission SuperTwins ace Ryan Wells for fourth all-time with nine wins to his credit.   Spread the WealthParity was a key feature in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles class as well at the DAYTONA double-opener. Three different manufacturers finished on the podium (KTM, Yamaha, Honda), while four different manufacturers finished inside the top six (KTM, Yamaha, Honda, Husqvarna).

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EASTABOGA, AL (March 23, 2023) Rarely do teams following the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign enter a weekend with a mostly blank notebook.

The schedule is filled by tracks that have hosted The Greatest Show on Dirt dozens of times and even a few that have cleared 100 races.

However, this weekend, the competitors and crews face a unique challenge in the form of Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, AL) and Magnolia Motor Speedway (Columbus, MS). The tracks have combined to host only 12 races – 11 at Talladega and a single visit to The Mag. Even the 11 nights at the Alabama oval occurred before most of the current roster’s time. Only three of 2023’s full-timers have turned Talladega laps in World of Outlaws competition. Of those three, only one of them has raced there with the Series more than once.

While this fact might create a puzzle for some, it can also present opportunity for the younger, less experienced drivers. Robbie Price and Noah Gass have spent much of the past two seasons visiting racetracks for the first time. Like many who sign in on Friday, the young duo will be debuting at Talladega. Gass has made Magnolia laps as it’s the site of Series debut in 2021, and it’ll be another new track for Price.

Going to racetracks for only the first or second time against the nation’s top Sprint Car drivers is always a daunting task. And even though that challenge still presents itself this weekend for Price and Gass, they’ll at least hit the track knowing their competition doesn’t have hundreds of more laps than them.

“Yeah, I definitely think it helps a little bit,” Price said of the more even playing field. “Hopefully, going into this weekend we can adapt a little bit quicker… We’ll see, though. I’ve watched some videos on the places, but we’ll just have to wait and see once we get there.”

“It does bring some satisfaction to know that you have a notebook and confidence in the setup and knowing what not to do,” Gass noted. “For guys like us – me, Cody (Cordell), and Robby (McQuinn), it’s tough sometimes because we’ve only been to most of these tracks once and some of them not at all.”

The obstacle that Gass mentioned is one nearly every team in the pit area will face this weekend. From the time the green flag flies in hot laps, crew chiefs will have pens handy ready to fill the empty notebook pages while the drivers jot down their own mental observations. With that said, how do those behind the wheel approach an unfamiliar track like many will during the two-night southern tilt?

“You watch hot laps, and then you run if off in there and hope it sticks,” Gass said with a chuckle. “You just kind of feel it out and see how you can make yourself faster. You see if you can find some banking in places or grip or whatever. You try not to overthink it and you just go.”

For Price, he has the benefit of 15-time World of Outlaws Feature winner, Jason Sides, in his corner as the car owner and crew chief. The Bartlett, TN native moved into the different role last season, allowing Price to climb aboard. With more than 1,000 Series starts under his belt, Sides has seen many tracks on many occasions, including eight starts at Talladega.

“It’s really good,” Price said of Sides’ help. “Obviously, every track is a little bit different. There’s always one little deal you kind of have to figure out at every place, whether it’s a part to be on the track or a point on the wall to aim at. So, it’s kind of a little shortcut for me with him being able to point some of that stuff out for me right away. I don’t have to learn necessarily the hard way.

“It helps, for sure, him having been to a lot of places we go to now. I’d say it’s a big advantage.”

While both Gass and Price may both agree to some extent on this weekend’s unique set of circumstances making them a little more comfortable in terms of a smaller experience gap, they agree even stronger on something else.

Price is amid his rookie World of Outlaws campaign, and Gass is navigating his second. Their racing careers and early experience on tour have given them the knowledge that the most comfort comes from their own personal laps and not however many they might have compared to the competition.

“Going to new places is always fun, but it’s nice going back to places where you have a notebook already and you know what to expect,” Price said.

“It’s really helpful,” Gass said of having experience. “Especially thinking of Volusia (Speedway Park). We went there five, six or seven nights in a row. It ends up being really beneficial for a feeling. It’s really helpful to just be on the same track over and over and over, figure your throttle out. Even being on the same track, it changes every night, so you’re always learning. It’s nice going back to a track that you have a lot of notes on. It makes Cody confident. I’m confident as a driver. You know it’ll stick when you run it off into the corner.”

For tickets to the Friday, March 24, event at the Talladega Short Track, and the Saturday, March 25, event at Magnolia Motor Speedway, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the tracks, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision.

CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 23, 2023) – Troy Coughlin Jr. is coming into the NHRA Arizona Nationals with the Pro Stock points lead thanks to a stupendous showing in Gainesville. After picking up a win and a No. 1 qualifier in the season opener, his JEGS.com Camaro is in a prime position to lead the pack this weekend at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. He will compete alongside his seven Elite Motorsports teammates as they battle it out in the ultra-competitive NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock category. This will be the last NHRA event held at this iconic southwest stop on the tour, so every driver wants to get the final prize. Coughlin will also get to compete in the first Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge wherein competitors who met each other in the semifinals at the last event on the tour will race for redemption in a rematch to take place during Saturday qualifying. The winners will not only receive a bonus purse, but they will also receive extra bonus points, meaning there’s a lot more than pride on the line in these rematches. Coughlin will face Dallas Glenn in this race-within-a-race. Pro Stock standout Aaron Stanfield won the NHRA Arizona Nationals in 2022 against Coughlin. He’s looking for a repeat performance this weekend in his Janac Brothers / JC3 Energy Camaro.  Elite Motorsports Pro Stock rookie Jerry Tucker is looking forward to his second Pro Stock event after giving an impressive performance in Gainesville. Not only did he qualify for the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals in a saturated field, but he also took out the reigning Pro Stock world champion, his teammate Erica Enders, in the first round of eliminations. He’s eager to turn on more win lights this week in Arizona. Five-time world champion Enders is ready for redemption after a mechanical issue resulted in an uncharacteristically early exit for her in Gainesville. She has two wins to her name at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and she is focused on getting a third this weekend in her JHG / Melling Performance Camaro. The driver of the other Camaro sponsored by Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Bo Butner, has yet to get a Pro Stock win in Phoenix. He knows that this will be his last chance to score a victory at this facility and the stakes are high. The Cuadra Boys – Fernando Cuadra Sr., Fernando Cuadra Jr. and Cristian Cuadra – are each hungry for a first Pro Stock victory. C. Cuadra achieved a new personal best elapsed time in Gainesville a couple of weeks ago, demonstrating how focused he is on improving his performance behind the wheel.  ***

Driver Quotes

Erica Enders”I’m really looking forward to Phoenix, it’s like a second home track for me. I’m extra motivated and I know exactly what my team is capable of. In the past, that has proved to be a deadly combo.”

Aaron Stanfield”We are ready to redeem ourselves at Phoenix after an early exit at the first race. Phoenix was good to us last year and we are looking to go back to back!”

Troy Coughlin Jr.”I’m most excited about having two races in one weekend since we are competing in the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge. We have our work cut out for us with Dallas as he can drive really well. Team yellow and the group at Elite have a great mindset right now and they’ve been working hard to give me a great car. If I do my job and stay focused on the process going in, we should have a nice weekend.”

Bo Butner”We’ve always enjoyed racing in Phoenix and it’s going to be tough to say goodbye to this track. But we want to put on a great performance for these fans this weekend and our JHG Camaro is ready for action!”

Fernando Cuadra Sr.”We are excited to compete in Phoenix this weekend. Our Corral Boots Mustang is performing well and I continue to learn new things as a driver. This team is great and we are ready to put on a wonderful show for our fans!”

Fernando Cuadra Jr.”For Phoenix, my expectations are really high – especially after not qualifying in Gainesville. We found a lot of issues in the car and the engine that all the guys at the shop figured out. So we are ready to get better results this weekend.”

Cristian Cuadra”I achieved a new personal best elapsed time in Gainesville so we feel good about things as we head to Phoenix.”

Jerry Tucker”It was incredible to qualify and turn on a win light in Gainesville, so we’re going to take that momentum into Phoenix. I feel like the season is off to a great start. I’m getting more comfortable behind the wheel thanks to everyone in the Elite Motorsports camp.”

Photos

The Elite Motorsports team is ready to tackle the competition in Phoenix. (Photo credit: Auto Imagery)

Pre-Race Notes

Elite Motorsports: Pre-race notesNHRA Arizona NationalsChandler, Ariz. (March 24-26) The Elite Motorsports team, the largest team in professional drag racing, has expanded for 2023 and will field a total of eight entries for this weekend’s NHRA Arizona Nationals near Phoenix. The Elite Pro Stock team features eight drivers including reigning and five-time world champ Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr., Bo Butner, Fernando Cuadra Sr. and his two sons, Fernando Jr. and Cristian, as well as newcomer Jerry Tucker. In the 19 Pro Stock events contested last season, Team Elite won 15 times and appeared in 26 of 38 possible final rounds. In addition to Enders’ 10 wins, Aaron Stanfield collected three victories while Troy Coughlin Jr. earned his first two professional victories. Enders is coming off the most dominant season of her career that produced ten wins in 13 final round appearances and an astounding 55-9 record in elimination rounds. This season, Enders’ impressive roster of supporters includes Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage, Melling Performance, SCAG Mowers, PeopleLease and Mark Stockseth. During her professional career, Enders has accumulated 43 wins in 74 final rounds and has a round-win record of 439-241 for a .646 win percentage. Enders also has a win in Super Gas (2004 Houston) bringing her career total to 44 national event victories. Enders has won at least one event at 17 different venues including Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Enders won the Phoenix event in 2013 and 2020 beating Mike Edwards and then-teammate Jeg Coughlin Jr. Enders currently holds both the elapsed time and speed record for the NHRA Pro Stock class with bests of 6.450-seconds and 215.55 mph. The elapsed time record was set at the 2022 Gatornationals last March. If Enders wins four events this season, she will surpass three-time Pro Stock Motorcycle champion Angelle Sampey as the sport’s winningest female driver. Sampey currently has 46 wins while Enders has 44. Following an impressive fourth-place finish in 2022, Troy Coughlin Jr. will begin his fourth full season behind the wheel of the familiar yellow and black JEGS.com Camaro. Coughlin enjoyed a breakout season last year with back-to-back victories in Seattle and Topeka. Coughlin also went to final rounds in Phoenix, Reading and Las Vegas. Coughlin heads to Phoenix as the championship leader after a dominating win at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals two weeks ago. Coughlin qualified his JEGS.com / Elite Motorsports Chevy in the No. 1 spot and defeated Mason McGaha in the final round. He currently has a 24-point lead over McGaha. In addition to his three career Pro Stock victories, the multi-faceted Coughlin has won in Top Alcohol Dragster, Super Comp and Super Gas. Coughlin’s father, Troy Sr., is a 15-time national event winner in Pro Stock, Pro Mod and Super Gas. Including his uncles, John, Mike, and Jeg Jr., the Coughlin family has combined to win 131 national event titles. Coughlin’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.515-seconds and 212.29 mph, set earlier this month at the season opener in Gainesville. Aaron Stanfield will also return to the Elite team for another season behind the wheel of the Janac Bros/JC3 Energy Camaro. Stanfield, the son of five-time Super Stock world champ Greg Stanfield, is coming off a season where he was the third-ranked driver in Pro Stock. Last year, Stanfield earned Pro Stock wins in Phoenix, Bristol and the Fall Charlotte race to go with four runner-up finishes in Pomona, Epping, Norwalk, and Denver. Stanfield finished the season with a 38-16 record in elimination rounds. Stanfield qualified solidly in the No. 4 spot in Gainesville but suffered a rare round-one loss against Matt Hartford. He enters the Phoenix event as the No. 11 ranked driver in the class. Stanfield won back-to-back titles in the FlexJet Factory Stock Showdown class in 2020-21. He will continue to drive his Janac Bros.-owned COPO Camaro in that class and will also continue to race in the Wright Trailers Top Dragster class. All told Stanfield has 21 career wins in Pro Stock, Factory Stock, Super Stock, and Top Dragster. Stanfield won the Arizona Nationals in 2022 when he faced his teammate Troy Coughlin Jr. in the final round. Stanfield’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.457-seconds and 213.47 mph, both set last year in Gainesville. Bo Butner is a two-time NHRA world champion in Pro Stock (2017) and Comp Eliminator (2006). He joined the Elite team last season as the driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro. Last season, Butner drove to a ninth-place finish in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock standings. While he did not win a Pro Stock event last year, the multi-talented driver did earn a pair of victories in the Super Gas class in Indy and Reading. Butner has 29 career national event victories including 11 in Pro Stock. He also has wins in Comp, Super Stock, Stock, Super Gas, and Super Street. Butner has also enjoyed success as a big-money bracket racer with a victory at the K&N Spring Fling Million in Las Vegas in 2021. Butner won the Super Stock title in Phoenix in 2002, defeating Mark Faul in the final round. Butner’s career bests in Pro Stock are 6.475-seconds and 214.28 mph, set in Dallas (2015) and Gainesville (2017), respectively. The Cuadra family including Fernando Sr., and his sons Fernando Jr. and Cristian, have returned to Elite Motorsports again this season with their three-car Corral Handcrafted Boots team. The Cuadra family will race Ford Mustangs under the Elite banner. Fernando Sr. is a two-time national event runner-up with final-round appearances at the 2019 races in Reading and Pomona. Cristian Cuadra was also the runner-up to Enders at the 2022 Four-Wide event in Las Vegas. The Cuadra family has career-best elapsed times of 6.515 (Fernando Jr.), 6.524 (Fernando Sr.) and 6.527 (Cristian) – all of them recorded in Gainesville. Their career-best speeds are 212.13 (Fernando Sr.), 211.43 (Cristian), and 210.73 (Fernando Jr.). Cristian Cuadra went to the final round of the Four-Wide event in Las Vegas last season where he finished second to teammate Enders. He finished the season as the sport’s No. 8 ranked driver in Pro Stock. Collectively, Elite drivers have combined to win 103 NHRA national event titles across all classes including 63 in the Pro Stock class. New to the Elite Pro Stock team this year is Jerry Tucker, who enjoyed a memorable debut in Gainesville. Tucker qualified his Elite Camaro in the No. 15 spot with a 6.573 and won the first round after teammate Enders encountered a mechanical issue. Tucker heads to Phoenix tied with Matt Hartford for No. 8 in the standings. Tucker, of Lindsay, Okla., has spent the last 30 years racing everything from Sprint cars to Midgets and has also enjoyed success in drag racing. Tucker previously raced in the Top Sportsman class. Tucker is expected to be one of the leading contenders for the NHRA Rookie of the Year award. Collectively, the eight current team Elite drivers have combined to win 104 NHRA national event titles across all classes including 64 in the Pro Stock class.

MESQUITE, TX (March 23, 2023) – Further expanding its support with the World of Outlaws, Federated Auto Parts will serve as the title sponsor of the Texas Outlaw Nationals at Devil’s Bowl Speedway, March 31-April 1.

The iconic auto parts brand will be featured around the historic Texas track, which hosted the first World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car event in 1978.

“This is an exciting opportunity to have Federated Auto Parts associated with the most historic venue and one of the biggest events on the World of Outlaws schedule,” said J.R. Bishop, director of event marketing & member services, Federated Auto Parts. “We can’t wait to bring the Federated brand to the passionate Texas fanbase.”

The two-day race will be one of the biggest Spring events, featuring a more than $120,000 overall purse with Friday night’s race paying $10,000 to win and Saturday night’s Feature paying $20,000 to win.

Federated Auto Parts joined the World of Outlaws at the beginning of the year in a multi-year deal, serving as the title sponsor of DIRTcar Nationals – and will add its name to three more events this season. Also, Federated Car Care sponsors the Work Zone at every event.

Tickets to the Federated Auto Parts Texas Outlaw Nationals at Devil’s Bowl Speedway can be purchased here.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 23, 2023) – Progressive American Flat Track is excited to announce that short track racing icon Bubba Pollard will serve as the Grand Marshal for the Yamaha Senoia Short Track on Saturday, March 25, at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, Georgia. Pollard is one of the most popular and successful asphalt super late model and dirt car late model drivers in the nation, boasting 150 late model victories along with more than a dozen major championships. Among his long list of achievements include high-profile triumphs at the All American 400, Rattler 250, Oxford 250, and American Freedom 300. In addition to managing a grassroots racing career that is openly envied by some of NASCAR’s biggest names, Pollard has a unique tie to Senoia Raceway. His grandfather, Hence Pollard, originally built the facility in 1969, and the Pollard family recently reacquired the venue with Bubba as co-owner. “We are excited to welcome the Progressive American Flat Track series to Senoia Raceway,” Pollard said. “Their reputation within the motorsports industry is second to none and they always produce great racing. We are honored to have them put on a show for our fans and welcome new ones to our facility.” Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT). Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/yamaha-senoia-short-track-61409 to purchase your tickets today. For those that can’t catch the live action from Senoia Raceway, FansChoice.tv is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Sign up now and catch every second of on-track action starting with Practice & Qualifying and ending with the Victory Podium at the end of the night at https://www.fanschoice.tv. FOX Sports coverage, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 from the Yamaha Senoia Short Track on April 1 at 7:00 a.m. ET (4:00 a.m. PT).

DALLAS, TX (March 23, 2023) — Third year professional racer Buddy Hull will be back in action during the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series at this weekend NHRA Arizona Nationals driving the Methanol MoonshineTop Fuel dragster tuned by veteran crew chief Mike Guger. At the end of 2021 Hull purchased the Top Fuel operation of Tim Wilkerson, a two-time Funny Car winner in 2021, and he had a successful season last year racing limited national events. This season Hull and the Methanol Moonshine team that also receives backing from Renegade Fuels, Go Lithium, Vertex Roofing and General Contractors as well as associate sponsor support from Camelback Ford, who provided the teams tow vehicle this weekend for the Arizona Nationals, will be looking to continue their quest for wins and improved performance.

“These Top Fuel dragsters go from zero to 100 mph in less than a second but we are being very methodical in how we build this racing program,” said Hull. “We brought Mike Guger on which was a big step for us. I have to thank Tim Wilkerson for all his support, guidance and encouragement. I have known Tim my whole life and I would be racing without his help. This team has been working hard over the off season and I am excited to get to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park and make some runs.”

“Adding someone like Mike to the team is a dream come true,” added Hull. “He has so much experience and has worked with so many great drivers, I honestly pinched myself after he said yes to working with our team. We are building a solid foundation to move forward and Mike along with David Shaff, our car chief. They will be a great one-two punch. David joined our team over a year ago and has shown great leadership from the beginning as well as a great work ethic. I can’t wait to get to Phoenix and see what we can do.”

Buddy Hull announced Methanol Moonshine as his primary sponsor in December at the PRI Show and in January the Top Fuel driver announced veteran Top Fuel tuner Guger would take the reins as his full-time crew chief. The momentum is building for this young team and they are looking to make an impact starting this weekend at the NHRA Arizona Nationals. Hull plans to race at least eight races in the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series starting at Wild Horse Motorsports Park.

As a Methanol Moonshine partner Hull will be an ‘am-a-bad-ass-ador’ for the 2023 NHRA Top Fuel season, with the team launching the Moonshine and Motorsports brand into the high-speed & high-performance world of drag racing using his Top Fuel dragster, his image and of course his chiseled chest as platforms to promote the brand and his team. Buddy Hull Racing and Methanol Moonshine will collaborate on a uniquely themed brand of merchandise available exclusively through Buddy’s website and other merchandise avenues.

“I’m super excited to work with Wade Aunger, Chris Bishop, and everyone at Methanol Moonshine.  Since we started talking back at Indy, we all just hit it off and did everything possible to work together,” says Hull. “It’s an absolute perfect fit with our team and the look of the car is something special. I can’t wait to launch this partnership into a new gear through our racing program and hopefully make that trip ‘down under’ to race in a dragster there as well.”  

In addition to the Arizona Nationals Hull will compete at the Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals, Rt. 66 Nationals in Chicago, the Topeka Nationals, the U.S. Nationals, the Midwest Nationals in St Louis, the Fall Nationals in Dallas and the Las Vegas Nationals to wrap up the season in October.

For more information, visit https://methanolmoonshine.com.au/ and https://www.buddyhullracing.com/ and for merchandise visit https://www.buddyhullracing.com/shop

About Methanol Moonshine:

Methanol Moonshine is an Australian inspired, made in the U.S.A. Moonshine distilled in the heart of the Midwest within the corn fields of Spencer, Iowa.  Initially launched in Australia during the pandemic of 2020, then in the U.S.A. in July 2021, it is a motorsport themed corn whiskey with a tag line that sums up the way you drink it and the way you make life choices – ‘smooth and subtle or a whole lotta trouble!’.

Along with the quickly growing Methanol Moonshine liquor, motorsports fans have quickly adopted the associated apparel brand “Methanol Moonshine Merch” which is also available in both the U.S.A. & Australia.

Learn more about Methanol Moonshine & Methanol Moonshine Merchandise on the following social platforms including Facebook (@methanolmoonshine & @methanolmoonshinemerch), Instagram (@methanolmoonshine) & TikTok (@methanolmoonshine).

About Buddy Hull Racing:

Buddy Hull Racing is based out of Dallas, Texas and was founded at the amateur level in 2008.  Buddy Hull Racing moved to the professional level in 2022 after purchasing the Top Fuel operation from Tim Wilkerson Racing.

Hull’s drag racing roots run deep. His family has been involved in the sport since the late 1950s and has a proud history which Buddy looks to continue.  

Buddy Hull Racings plans for 2023 are rather diverse after adding a nitro Funny Car and a nostalgia TF car into the mix alongside his NHRA Top Fuel dragster. Hull has not announced specific plans for either of the time of this release.  

Learn more about Buddy Hull & Buddy Hull Racing on the following social platforms including Facebook (@buddyhullracing), Instagram (@buddyhull323tf) & TikTok (@buddyhull323tf).  #HullYeah

March 23, 2023

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are headed to their first road course race of the season – the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

In their first trip to COTA, last year, Burton and the No. 21 team finished 17^th but earned 26 points due to finishes of ninth and seventh in the first two Stages.

This year the rules for road courses will be different, but crew chief Brian Wilson said he’s up to the challenges of calling the race. And he’s confident that he and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team can build on their road-course results of 2022, which included a season-best finish of third on the road course at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

“Last year at COTA we had one of our best points days of 2022 and came away with a top-20 finish,” Wilson said. “Heading into this year’s race the Stage break rules will be different however. 
 
“NASCAR will not throw a caution at the end of the Stage, so scoring Stage points will be a bit more dynamic than it was last year.”
 
There are other changes to contend with as well.
 
“We will have a new tire for this event which looks like it will have more lap time fall-off based on the tire test earlier this year,” Wilson said. “Choosing when to pit and getting a timely caution may determine the outcome of the day for many cars in the field.”

Wilson said the changes will give the race a familiar look for long-time fans and participants in the sport.

“Those two aspects give this weekend more of the feel of a road-course race from when my career started,” he said. “Playing the strategy correctly as things happen on the fly will be an interesting storyline for the weekend.

“The No. 21 Ford team will look to get the road-course portion of our season off to a great start this weekend.”
 
Practice for the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix is set for Friday at 1:05 p.m. Central Time (2:05 Eastern), with qualifying scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 a.m. (11:30 Eastern). FOX Sports 1 will broadcast both events.
 
The green flag for Sunday’s 68-lap, 231.88-mile race is set to fly just after 2:30 p.m. Central Time (3:30 Eastern) with TV coverage on FOX.
 
Stage breaks are planned for Laps 15 and 30.

 

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE

EchoPark Automotive Grand PrixCircuit of The Americas Austin, Texas March 26, 2023

CHEVROLET SEEKING THREE-FOR-THREE AT COTAAll three NASCAR national touring series will take on the first road course event of the season this weekend with the 3.41-mile, 20-turn Circuit of The Americas (COTA) set to host its third NASCAR tripleheader. Chevrolet is the only manufacturer with a NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) win at COTA, recording momentous wins in each of the series’ two appearances at the circuit.

The series’ inaugural event at the Austin, Texas, circuit in 2021 saw Chase Elliott and the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 team take the victory in the rain-shortened event. Elliott’s win delivered Chevrolet its 800th all-time NCS win, extending the manufacturer’s record as the winningest manufacturer in NCS history. The victory also brought Hendrick Motorsports to a tie with Petty Enterprises’ all-time win record, with the Chevrolet organization going on to break the all-time win record the following week at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Hendrick Motorsports currently stands at 293 wins in NASCAR’s premier series, all recorded behind the wheel of a Chevrolet.

The series’ 2022 appearance at the circuit saw the Bowtie brand back on top, this time with Ross Chastain and the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1 team. The victory marked Chastain’s first career win in NASCAR’s premier series, as well as Trackhouse Racing’s first win since the organization started competing in the series. The victory was the start of a breakout season for Trackhouse Racing with the organization going on to win two more races and ultimately ending the season with both drivers in the top-10 of the final points standings (Chastain – second; Daniel Suarez – 10th).

ROAD COURSE WARRIORS Chevrolet drivers have been the ones to beat in NASCAR Cup Series road course competition in recent seasons, with the manufacturer recording wins in 15 of the series’ past 17 road course events. Within that timespan includes a streak of 11 consecutive wins, starting with Chase Elliott’s victory in the inaugural NCS event at Circuit of The Americas in May 2021. Six drivers from four different Chevrolet teams contributed to that win streak:

Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet:(Circuit of The Americas; May 2021)(Road America; July 2021) Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet:(Sonoma; June 2021)(Watkins Glen; August 2021)(Charlotte ROVAL; October 2021)(Watkins Glen; August 2022) AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet:(Indianapolis Road Course; August 2021)

Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet:(Circuit of The Americas; March 2022) Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet:(Sonoma Raceway; June 2022) Tyler Reddick, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet:(Road America; July 2022)(Indianapolis Road Course; July 2022)

In 156 all-time road course races in NCS history, Chevrolet has recorded 62 wins, dating back to Buck Baker’s win at Watkins Glen International in 1957.

WELCOME TO THE LINEUP Chevrolet’s already stout driver lineup has an added boost of experience for Sunday’s EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix. The compelling entry list includes a Formula One world champion, a four-time IMSA champion, a seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and an INDYCAR phenom – all of whom will be behind the wheel of a Chevrolet.

Corvette Racing’s Jordan Taylor will take over the driving duties for the No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 for the weekend, marking Taylor’s first career start in NASCAR’s premier series. The four-time IMSA Drivers Champion competes full-time in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for Corvette Racing, while also playing a key role as the reserve driver and driver coach for the Garage 56 project. The 31-year-old sports car standout is familiar with victory lane at COTA, having two IMSA wins to his name at the 3.41-mile circuit.

Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 will make its return to NCS competition with a familiar face behind the wheel: Kimi Räikkönen. The 2007 Formula One World Champion was the first driver for Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 last season at Watkins Glen International, also marking Räikkönen’s first career start in NASCAR’s premier series. “The Iceman” has already logged laps at COTA, competing at the circuit eight times in his Formula One career – one of which included a trip to victory lane in the 2018 U.S. Grand Prix.

After making his return to the driver’s seat at the 2023 Daytona 500, Jimmie Johnson is set to make his second start of the season this weekend behind the wheel of the No. 84 LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Camaro ZL1. The 47-year-old California native has 84 all-time NCS wins and seven NCS championships to his name, but this weekend will mark his first time competing at the Austin, Texas, circuit.

Conor Daly will be back behind the wheel of the No. 50 The Money Racing Camaro ZL1 this weekend, marking Daly’s second NCS start of the season. The Team Chevy NTT INDYCAR Series driver has made only five career starts in NASCAR’s national ranks, most recently in the 2023 Daytona 500 when the driver raced his way into the series’ crown jewel event.

NXS: CHEVROLET LOOKS TO DEFEND COTA WIN Notable road course favorite AJ Allmendinger drove Chevrolet to its first NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) win at Circuit of The Americas in 2022. The victory by the 41-year-old California native was the start of a dominant season for the manufacturer in the series’ road course competition with the Bowtie brand going on to take wins in five of the six NXS road course races last season. In addition to his win at COTA, Allmendinger tallied three more road course victories in 2022, including the series’ debut at Portland International Raceway, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Road Course and the Charlotte ROVAL. Kyle Larson also added to last season’s win count, driving the No. 88 JR Motorsports Camaro SS to the win at Watkins Glen International.

Allmendinger will be pulling double-duty this weekend, returning to a familiar seat in the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Camaro SS as the driver looks to defend his race winning title. Allmendinger’s win in the series’ most recent road course race (Charlotte ROVAL) brought the Chevrolet driver to a double-digit win count in NXS road course victories with 10, making him the first driver in series’ history to accomplish that feat. With two NCS road course wins also on his résumé, Allmendinger has recorded 12 career road course victories at the NASCAR national level. Hendrick Motorsports will again field the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Camaro SS in the series for select races this season, kicking off with William Byron behind the wheel this weekend. Byron made three starts in the series in 2022, recording a best finish of second at Texas Motor Speedway. In his young career, Byron competed in only one full-time season in the series (2017) before getting the call up to NASCAR’s premier series. He had an extraordinary rookie campaign in the NXS, taking both the 2017 Driver’s championship title and Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors. To date, Byron is the second-youngest champion in series’ history (19 years, 11 months, 20 days).

NCTS: CHEVROLET’S QUEST FOR THREE IN A ROW In just his third start with the Chevrolet organization, Christian Eckes drove McAnally-Hilgemann Racing to its first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend. The triumph came after Eckes battled with fellow Chevrolet driver Nick Sanchez in an overtime finish, ultimately surging to the lead on the backstretch of the final lap en route to the victory and a playoff berth. The victory also marked back-to-back victories for the Silverado RST, following up to Kyle Busch’s win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway two weeks prior.   Chevrolet drivers will head to Austin, Texas, with a mission to get the Silverado RST to victory lane at Circuit of The Americas for the first time. Three of Chevrolet’s NASCAR Cup Series regulars will join the NCTS lineup, including the series’ winningest driver Kyle Busch (No. 51 KBM Silverado RST), Alex Bowman (No. 7 Spire Motorsports Silverado RST) and Ross Chastain (No. 41 Niece Motorsports Silverado RST).

ON TOP IN THE STANDINGSWith a strong start to the 2023 season, Chevrolet will head to Circuit of The Americas as the manufacturer points standings leader across all three NASCAR national series.  Corey LaJoie (No. 7 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1) recorded a career-best fourth-place finish to lead Chevrolet to the checkered flag at Atlanta Motor Speedway last weekend. In addition to the manufacturer’s four NASCAR Cup Series wins this season, Chevrolet continues to lead in the series’ standings by 20 points. With five points-paying NCS races in the books, the Bowtie brand leads the series in wins (four), top-fives (12), top-10s (24), stage wins (seven) and laps led (724).  With Austin Hill’s win at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chevrolet maintained the lead in the NASCAR Xfinity Series’ manufacturer points standings, now sitting nine points ahead of second. Chevrolet’s three NXS wins this season have all come from the 28-year-old Richard Childress Racing driver, making Hill an early championship favorite. Hill also continues to lead in the NXS driver points standings, extending the gap to 46-points over second. Joining Hill in the top-10 of the points standings includes series’ rookie Chandler Smith (fourth), JRM Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier (fifth), Sam Mayer (sixth) and Josh Berry (eighth), and former series’ champion Daniel Hemric (10th).  Recording his first win under the Chevrolet banner, Christian Eckes also powered the Bowtie brand to the lead in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series manufacturer points standing. Eckes’ win at Atlanta Motor Speedway also took him back to the top spot in the series’ driver points standings. The 22-year-old New York native has become an early force to be reckoned with since joining the Chevrolet team, leading the series in top-10 finishes (three), laps led (54) and stage wins (two) thus far. Five drivers from five different Chevrolet team will head to COTA in the top-10 of the NCTS driver points standings including Eckes (points leader), GMS Racing’s Grant Enfinger (sixth), Rackley W.A.R.’s Matt DiBenedetto (seventh), Kyle Busch Motorsports’ Chase Purdy (eighth) and Niece Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar (ninth).

BOWTIE BULLETS:·       Chevrolet has won both NASCAR Cup Series races at Circuit of The Americas with Chase Elliott (No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1) in 2021 and Ross Chastain (No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1) in 2022. ·       Chevrolet’s Chase Elliott and Ross Chastain are the only two drivers in the series to record top-five finishes in both NASCAR Cup Series races at Circuit of The Americas, both having an average finishing position of 2.5. ·       Chevrolet has recorded wins in 15 of the past 17 NASCAR Cup Series road course races, including a streak of 11 consecutive wins that started with Chase Elliott’s victory at Circuit of The Americas in May 2021.  ·       Six active Chevrolet drivers have at least one career NASCAR Cup Series road course win:Kyle Busch – 4 (Sonoma – 2008 & 2015; Watkins Glen – 2008 & 2013)Kyle Larson – 4 (Sonoma – 2021; Watkins Glen – 2021 & 2022; Charlotte ROVAL – 2021)AJ Allmendinger – 2 (Watkins Glen – 2014; Indianapolis Road Course – 2021)Jimmie Johnson – 1 (Sonoma – 2010)Ross Chastain – 1 (Circuit of The Americas – 2022)Daniel Suarez – 1 (Sonoma – 2022) ·       Chevrolet leads its manufacturer competitors in wins this season across all three NASCAR national series with four NASCAR Cup Series wins, three NASCAR Xfinity Series wins and two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins. ·       Chevrolet’s four NASCAR Cup Series wins this season have been recorded by drivers from three different Chevrolet teams: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (JTG Daugherty Racing), Kyle Busch (Richard Childress Racing) and William Byron (Hendrick Motorsports). ·       Chevrolet drivers have recorded seven of the 10 NASCAR Cup Series stage wins this season: Ross Chastain (three), William Byron (three) and Kyle Larson (one). ·       With five points-paying NASCAR Cup Series races in the books, Chevrolet leads the series in wins (four), top-fives (12), top-10s (24), stage wins (seven) and laps led (724). ·       Chevrolet sits atop the manufacturer points standings in all three NASCAR national series, leading by 20 points in the NASCAR Cup Series, nine points in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and seven points in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. ·       With its 41 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver’s Championships, and 837 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title of winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.   FOR THE FANS·       Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Circuit of The Americas.·       Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles the Fan Midway including: Silverado 1500 ZR2 Bison, Traverse 2LT, Corvette Convertible 3LT, Tahoe RST, Bolt EUV 2LZ, Silverado 2500 HD Crew. ·       Fans can also view Chase Elliott’s No. 9 Camaro ZL1 show car at the Chevrolet Display in the Fan Midway. Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display: Saturday, March 25·       Grant Enfinger, Rajah Caruth & Daniel Dye: 9:45 a.m.·       Chase Purdy & Jack Wood: 10 a.m. ·       Nick Sanchez: 10:15 a.m.·       Matt DiBenedetto: 10:30 a.m.·       Justin Allgaier & Miguel Paludo: 11:30 a.m.·       Brandon Jones: 11:50 a.m.·       Josh Berry: 12:00 p.m.·       AJ Allmendinger: 12:45 p.m.·       Sam Mayer: 1:30 p.m. Sunday, March 26·       Erik Jones: 10:30 a.m. ·       Noah Gragson: 11 a.m.·       Ross Chastain: 11:15 a.m.·       Jordan Taylor: 11:30 a.m.·       Kyle Busch: 11:45 a.m. Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation: Friday, March 24: 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.Saturday, March 25: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Sunday, March 26: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tune In: ·       NASCAR Cup Series – EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix; 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 26(FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90). ·       NASCAR Xfinity Series – Pit Boss 250 presented by USA Today; 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 25 (FS1, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90). ·       NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – XPEL 225; 1:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 25(FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90).

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Worldwide Express Camaro ZL1You have your same crew from last year. Can you talk about the significance of that?“I’m so happy to have the same group of people around me for this season. It’s so hard in this sport to keep the same groups together whether it’s because someone wants a different travel schedule, they get another opportunity at another team, or they have some other reason. We are the exact same group, from crew chief, to engineers, to crew guys, the pit crew, truck drivers – I mean everyone is the same. That’s very valuable to have in this sport and it’s rare that it happens, so I think it’s very significant that we’ve been able to do that.” Now that it has been a year since your first win, what do you think was so special about it?“Last year’s win was huge for so many people and so many different reasons. It was my first win, it was Justin’s first win as a team owner, it was my crew chief’s first win in his position, my spotter’s first win, and some of the crew guys, it was their first win. These people all put so much effort into making the car go fast and I have to execute to the car’s fullest extent, and when that happens and we win, there’s no greater feeling. I also got to share a special moment with my brother who was one of my spotters and I got to pick him up out there after he climbed over the fence, and we rode in the car together all of the way to victory lane. Those are the moments are so special. He’s six years younger than me but we are so close and he’s watched me have great opportunities and watched me have great opportunities go away.” Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1Larson on racing at Circuit of The Americas: “We’ve gotten both COTA’s I feel like. (We got) the monsoon the first year, which was my first-ever time really racing in the rain. So that was a blast. We came up a little short there because it started raining a little too hard and we had to call the race short. We were in position to win that one. Last year, I didn’t qualify well, didn’t race well and did a terrible job on restarts. I look forward to going back to hopefully do a better job behind the wheel, having a better setup under us and having a better opportunity to race for a win would be great.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Netspend Camaro ZL1“I enjoy road course racing and COTA is really fun. It’s obviously high prestige with it being a Formula One track when Formula One comes to the United States that those guys get to race on there, so it’s nice to have a shot on a big stage like that. Our cars are really big, really heavy and makes it for a big challenge getting those vehicles around there fast. There’s a lot of rhythm sections to the esses and down through the back area in the stadium section. It really is tough to kind of get a car that is really good set up for there. Our big, heavy stock cars are a challenge to try and slow them down in the braking zones. We obviously have to brake well earlier than many other divisions that get to race there but it still makes it for a fun road course. Road course racing has definitely gotten a lot tighter and has increased on the competition level for sure. It used to be easy to kind of go to a track and think that you can come away with a top-five. Now you kind of go to a road course and you think you can come out of there with a top-10 and you’re hoping for a top-five. I think a lot of it, obviously, has to do with driver preparation. Everybody is getting more accustomed to road racing and with more road courses on our schedule plus the parity within the car and everybody running much of the same stuff. You don’t really have teams that are able to splurge on brakes or suspension components and things like that to make your stuff better than someone else’s. That makes it tough.”  Was the extra track time you had at COTA in the offseason with the Goodyear tire test a big help to you as you prepare for the Cup race?“Getting to go there and run the Goodyear tire test earlier this year was really important for the chemistry of the team and just getting started off on the right foot. I think, though, with the aero changes that have now come about, we weren’t prepared for that, so we didn’t test that aero package that we’re going back to the road course with this weekend. We did get laps, but it wasn’t laps and reps in the proper setting.” Jordan Taylor, No. 9 UniFirst Camaro ZL1Taylor on the expectations and preparation for his first NASCAR Cup Series start: “Any driver wants to be at the front and battling for the win, but I think I have to keep my expectations in check. Everyone in the Cup Series these days is good on every form of racing, whether it’s a superspeedway, short track or a road course. I know that it’s going to be a big uphill battle, battling these guys. I’m glad we do have an extra (practice) session to kind of understand it. From a driver’s perspective, I have the belief that I can figure out how to drive the car and then it just comes down to the little details of pit stops, pit lane speed. I’m used to pushing a button on the steering wheel and it controls my pit lane speed. In NASCAR, you have to control it all yourself. So little details like that are the things that I’ve been bouncing off Chase (Elliott); little tricks of the trade and what to expect. Even little things like coming into the pit box, knowing how to launch the car and things like that. I know it’s going to be a big challenge, but I’m looking forward to it. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.” AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Farmsmart Camaro ZL1“Obviously last year we had a really good shot to win the race. It’s a completely different year with a completely different package. Hopefully we’ll unload close to what we had last year and just build off of that as the weekend goes on. New way of racing without stages there, so you have to qualify well and try to run up front because there isn’t much you can do strategy wise. We know this is a weekend we can run up front, score good points and hopefully give ourselves the chance to win which is the ultimate goal.” William Byron, No. 24 Liberty University Camaro ZL1Byron on running two races at COTA: “I’m really optimistic for this weekend, especially running double duty. We’ve always seemed to run well at COTA but just need to be a step better. I think the No. 24 team has shown that this year already. The only real difference for this race is that there are no longer true stage breaks, but that just changes how we work our strategy. If we go out and execute, we should be in a good spot for both races in the end. Hopefully, we can go out and not only get Mr. (Rick) Hendrick a win in the No. 17 but also Liberty University a win in the No. 24.” Justin Haley, No. 31 Celsius Camaro ZL1“I’m looking forward to the first road course of the year. COTA was the first track that we made the final round of qualifying at last year. We showed a ton of speed in both qualifying and the race along with my teammate, AJ (Allmendinger). It’s one of those tracks I’ve enjoyed racing at in other series and have some confidence going into the weekend.” Noah Gragson, No. 42 Black Rifle Coffee Company Camaro ZL1Gragson on running at COTA: “We finished fourth last year in the Xfinity car and we have put a lot of work in this season to get better at COTA. It’s a really fun track with some awesome energy from the crowd. We have a great looking Chevy Camaro ZL1 with the Black Rifle Coffee Company partnership and I was able to make it to victory lane with them in Xfinity and looking forward to the challenge. We had a great run last weekend at Atlanta and I want to keep this momentum going.” Erik Jones, No. 43 Allegiant Camaro ZL1With there being no stage breaks for this race, how will that affect the strategy in how you approach this weekend?“I think it opens up some more options, the old stages how we’ve had the last few years, you were kind of locked in to one way or the other – take stage points or take a higher finishing position. We will see how it used to be I think with running the race backwards and trying to make sure you have enough fuel to get to the end of the race. We will see how much tires matter; I think they are going to be pretty important with probably some more fall off than what we’ve seen in the past with the track aging and getting more slick a bit. I think it will be a fine balance between tires and trying to pit as early as you can to make it on fuel, so we will see how it plays out with our Allegiant Chevy.” Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Kroger / Blue Buffalo Camaro ZL1“We’re excited to get to COTA. It will be our first race with our partners at Blue Buffalo and the pain scheme looks amazing. I’m excited to get there. COTA is obviously a road course with a lot of shifting and a lot of crazy things going on. Weather could be an issue with rain. We’ve had a rain race there before and it was kind of chaotic. I’m looking forward to turning left and right. COTA is a really fun racetrack and it’s in a really cool town. There’s a lot of fun things there to do and I’ve got a lot of friends coming out to the race.” Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1Bowman on pulling double duty at COTA: “I am excited to go truck racing at COTA this weekend. Last year, we had a lot of speed and I am hopeful we have the same this weekend. It would be really neat to have wins in all of NASCAR’s national series and this weekend gives me another chance to add that to my resumé. I also like running the truck because it helps me for Sunday’s Cup race.” Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Club Wyndham Camaro ZL1Johnson on running at COTA: “This is going to be such a great weekend. I’ve had this race on my bucket list for a really long time and I’m thankful for a partner like Club Wyndham for making it possible. I’m looking forward to the challenge of the track, these NextGen cars with the low downforce, and thankful we have a practice on Friday to see what we have to work with. Todd Gordon and the LEGACY MOTOR CLUB team have prepared a great car back at the shop. From everything I’ve heard this track puts on a heck of a show, and from a venue standpoint, it’s such a great stage for this sport. I’m looking back to getting back to the track, we have spent some time in the SIM to prepare and I’m ready for the weekend.” Todd Gordon, Crew Chief, No. 84 Club Wyndham Camaro ZL1Gordon on running at COTA: “I ran COTA with Ryan Blaney in 2021 in the rain. Neat venue, really long and lots of different facets to this place. There are high speed straightaways and some rhythm stuff through the esses, lots of short, tight 90-degree corners and it’s got some sweeping right handers through the stadium section. So, it’s really a track that has all the facets of road course racing. This track asks a lot out of the team, car and driver and it’s the first time we’ve gone there with this low downforce and the package we ran at Phoenix. It’s a really cool opportunity. I’m looking forward to the practice and see what Jimmie likes – he is a really good student – and I think his INDYCAR road course experience is going to be key because he understands how to race his way thought a road course. It’s great to have a very detailed driver who knows how he can affect the racecar. Should be a great weekend.” Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Freeway Insurance Camaro ZL1 Are you looking forward to COTA?“Yes, I feel like that track owes me one. We had a very fast car there last year and I felt like we were going to win the race if we didn’t have any problems. Unfortunately, we did but Ross was able to get the win for Trackhouse. I was glad to see that, but I really thought we were going to be in victory lane.” What has allowed Trackhouse to stay near the front over the last year since that last win?“That’s a very good question. I think it’s a combination of many things, starting with our people. We have great people; great engineers, good pit crews. I think that if we look back to one year ago…one year ago we were a team that was very promising. I feel like right now, Trackhouse is a reality. I think we have shown that we’re here to stay and to be competitive. Last year was a very good year and this year, so far, has gone in a very good way. We have to continue to work; not feel comfortable and not stay still because everyone is working very hard. I feel like that has been one of the keys of Trackhouse to continue to evolve and continue to move forward.” Are you excited to have Kimi Räikkönen join the team this weekend?“Of course. Kimi was a lot of fun last year when he raced with us in Watkins Glen. You can certainly see his talent. He picked up NASCAR racing so quickly last year. It’s going to be interesting to see how he does this year on a track where he has won in Formula One. I think he will be very quick.” ——————————————————————————————————————————— Chase Purdy, No. 4 Bama Buggies Silverado RSTDo you enjoy road course racing?“I used to hate it, but now I actually kind of like it — COTA specifically. COTA is probably my favorite road course that I get to race and that I have raced. I’m actually really excited to get to Austin this week and to race COTA.” What do you think not having stage breaks will do to the flow of the race on Saturday?“I think it will affect people’s strategy — when they come to pit road and where they want to position themselves for the end of the race. Kind of going back to how it was years ago when you didn’t have stage breaks and you just ran until there was an actual caution or the end of the race. I think there will be a lot of green flag stops, I think that opens the door for that. Just being mindful of the rules changes this weekend and positioning yourself to where you can be there at the end of the race without having stage breaks.” Evaluate how your team has performed over the first three races.“I think we are obviously figuring out how to put together races and run consistently up front. We only want to get better from here. I think that if we can continue to get better every week and just get a little bit more at a time, I think one of these days we can finish one off and lock ourselves into the playoffs. Then we can concentrate on continue to have consistent finishes and run strong every week.” Kyle Busch, No. 51 Zariz Transport Silverado RSTYou already have a win in trucks this year. What is your outlook on getting a second win Saturday?“I’m looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Zariz Silverado this weekend at COTA. We were able to get Zariz a win at Las Vegas in their first race as a primary NASCAR sponsor — that was pretty cool, and they were pretty pumped about it. Vegas was also the first race for me working with (Brian) Pattie in trucks and a few other new people on the 51 team, so to have that much speed out of the gates shows how hard everyone at KBM has worked to make sure that we didn’t skip a beat with the manufacturer change and the other changes that we had with our crew chief lineup and such over the offseason. Hopefully we can make it two-for-two on the year with a win at COTA Saturday. The goal every year in trucks is to go five-for-five with my five truck races — we’ve been able to accomplish that before and I don’t see any reason why we can’t do it again, just have to click them off one at a time. We had a really fast truck at COTA last year, felt like we deserved the win and kind of got one taken from us. We just need to go out there Saturday and execute our race, control what we can control and try to be the first one to the finish line this time around.” Grant Enfinger, No. 23 Champion Power Equipment Silverado RSTThough you don’t necessarily consider yourself a road course racer at heart, your COTA track record may say otherwise. How well do you enjoy racing at this facility?“I would say that I’ve definitely put a lot of effort into my road course racing over the last couple of years, and I think COTA is one of those tracks that has a little bit of everything – there are some technical sections, there are some slow-speed corners and high speed corners. Obviously, that back straightaway is really, really fast, and it forces you to almost have to get the truck completely stopped at the end of it. But yeah, it’s a place I really enjoy; I enjoy the challenge of it and I’ve worked really hard at learning the layout. I know [Jeff] Hensley and the rest of my guys at GMS Racing have put a lot of effort into this Champion Power Equipment Chevrolet, so hopefully we will have something to contend with.” Rajah Caruth, No. 24 Wendell Scott Foundation Silverado RSTYou’ve never seen the racetrack at COTA before, so how big of a help has iRacing been to you in preparing for this weekend?“So since I’ve never been to COTA before, iRacing is going to be so pivotal to me this weekend. Albeit, I’m pretty much on the service all the time for any of the tracks that we go to, but for COTA, since I’ve never raced there before, it’s going to be even more useful for me before I hop in my actual Wendell Scott Foundation Silverado RST. I’m excited to give it a whirl, and I think we will have a strong weekend, especially with all of the prep that Josh Wise and Scott Speed have us Chevrolet athletes doing, and I think the GMS Racing trucks should be pretty sporty across the board.” Daniel Dye, No. 43 Dell Children’s Medical Center/Nyle Maxwell Supercenter Silverado RSTCOTA will be the first road course that you run with in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, can you tell us a little more about your previous road racing experiences?“Yeah, I’m looking forward to it. I mean, COTA is a whole different beast compared to Mid-Ohio, Watkins Glen, and Portland that I’ve raced at before. I loved road course racing last year in the ARCA Series. It’s going to be fun to try it out in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series; there’s a lot more trucks and competition out there, but to go to a huge place like COTA with 20 turns is going to be super cool. It’s going to be fun; we’re just going to stay on our toes and learn all day to be the best we can be by the end of it with our No. 43 Chevy.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturers Championships:Total (1949-2022): 41First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15) Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022 Drivers Championships:Total (1949-2021): 33First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021) Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                2023 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 4Poles: 2Laps Led: 724Top-five finishes: 12Top-10 finishes: 24Stage wins: 7·       Ross Chastain – 3 (Daytona), (Auto Club x2)·       William Byron – 3 (Las Vegas x2), (Phoenix)·       Kyle Larson – 1 (Phoenix)   CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 837 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 736Laps led to date: 246,268Top-five finishes to date: 4,233Top-10 finishes to date: 8,736                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,171           Chevrolet: 837           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 821                                                                      Ford: 721           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 170

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Bryan Lively (rblively@hotmail.com)Sellersburg, IN (March 22, 2023) – Automotive Racing Products (ARP), the “World Leader in Fastener Technology,” returns as a sponsor for the Pro Pulling League in 2023. “ARP has been a valued partner with the Pro Pulling League for many years,” commented PPL Chief Operations Officer Kristi Asher. “Their support continues as it has in years past as ‘Official Fastener’ of the Pro Pulling League and title sponsor of the Super Stock Diesel Truck and Lightweight Super Stock Tractor classes. We appreciate their continued support of PPL for 2023.” About ARP:Automotive Racing Products offers over 5000 fastener kits manufactured to exactingly high standards at facilities across Southern California. Their website, www.ARP-Bolts.com, provides volumes of product and technical information while their catalog is available in print or digital form at www.ARPCatalog.com. About Pro Pulling League:Now in its 18th season, the Pro Pulling League features 250+ sessions of competition across twenty states through the Champions Tour, Silver Series, Champion Seed Western Series, Ag Protect 1 Midwest Region and their member-states. For the latest in news from the Pro Pulling League stay tuned here atwww.propulling.com and follow us in social media: On our Facebook page, on Twitter (@propulling), and on Instagram (propullingleague). Our YouTube channel (@propullingleague) offers exciting truck and tractor pulling action from past events.

CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 22, 2023) – John Force and his BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro SS team head to the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park with history on their side as the sixteen-time champion hopes to close out the track’s final event with a victory.  Force’s eight wins at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2005) are three more than anyone else in any professional category. From 1994 through 2002, Force was in the final every year except 1998 and in addition to his eight wins, he has been runner-up six times, most recently in 2016. Force’s history at the track started at the beginning, he participated in the first race ever run at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park (formerly Firebird Raceway) in 1985. Later that same year, he was runner-up to John Collins in the track’s first official NHRA national event. “I’ve loved racing in Arizona at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. I’ve got a lot of memories there, a lot of success,” Force said. “Never want to see a racetrack go, we’ll see what happens, but me and my team, we’re hoping to bring this chapter to a close with a win. I want to get this BlueDEF Chevrolet in the winners circle, just like I do every weekend. Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi and my guys, they’ve been working hard, I’ve got to step it up to keep up but we’ll get the job done.” The BlueDEF Chevrolet came up short in the quarterfinals of the season-opening Gatornationals, but a solid qualifying effort that had them No. 2 to start race day earned them seven total bonus points to put Force fifth in the championship points standings.   The NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park kicks off with qualifying Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Race Day is set to begin with the first round of eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning with a qualifying show Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET and Sunday at noon ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET

MOORESVILLE, NC (March 22, 2023) — Last year in just her second career Pro Stock race Camrie Caruso picked up her first win light at the NHRA Arizona Nationals. That round win gave the rookie loads of confidence that carried her through a strong rookie campaign that included a No. 1 qualifier a few weeks later in Houston and her first final round appearance at the same national event. At the end of the season Caruso was crowned NHRA Rookie of the Year and now the second year pro is looking to return to the site of her first win light with her sights set on securing her first win. Caruso will be wheeling her Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro with a new team and crew chief.

“Last year we qualified in the top half of the field at the Winternationals to start the season and then got our first win light at the Arizona Nationals,” said Caruso, a third generation drag racer. “I can’t explain the feeling of seeing that win light come on at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park last year. So much time and energy went into just getting our team organized to race last year. I am looking forward to getting back with my new KB Titan Racing team and turning on even more win lights this weekend.”

Camrie Caruso, Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro

Over the off-season Caruso jumped at the opportunity to join KB Titan Racing and become a teammate with multi-time Pro Stock world champion Greg Anderson, 2021 NHRA Rookie of the Year Dallas Glenn and second-generation driver Kyle Koretsky. The new alliance has freed up Caruso’s time to focus even more on improving her driving skills and building her marketing team of supporters. One of her biggest backers, Powerbuilt Tools, will be on her Chevrolet Camaro for multiple races starting this weekend. Caruso will not just be promoting the outstanding tool brand but also promoting CAWA, a non-profit trade association, representing automotive parts manufacturers, jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers and program groups. The Association was formed in 1955 and serves as the voice of the aftermarket parts industry in the West, i.e., Arizona, California and Nevada. CAWA prides itself on quality customer service to its members and the industry.

“Powerbuilt Tools is a great company to be associated with and our relationship is about more than selling tools,” said Caruso, who made multiple appearances for Powerbuilt Tools in the off-season. “Through their relationship with CAWA we are helping provide scholarships and career opportunities for people all over Arizona, Nevada and California. They are doing great things to encourage women to get involved in motorsports at all levels. There are so many opportunities beyond driving and working on race cars and CAWA is doing great things to promote this with the support of Powerbuilt Tools.”

Last year Caruso experienced firsts at every NHRA national event on her way to her Rookie of the Year honors. To celebrate her accomplishments Caruso is teaming up with NHRA announcer Jason Galvin to spend time at each NHRA national event talking to fans about what they can expect from an NHRA national event if they are first time attendees. The free stage show will take place on Friday at 3 p.m. on the Nitro Alley stage in the pit area. Aptly named “Just the Basics with 2022 Rookie of the Year Camrie Caruso” will give fans the chance to hear about what is going on at the Arizona Nationals as well as behind the scenes stories from the reigning rookie of the year.

“I am looking forward to participating in the Just the Basics stage show with Jason,” said Caruso. “I learned so much last year and I want to help our fans understand everything that is going on at the races. There is so much to see and do if I can help a fan have a better experience I want to help them out. This is something new and hopefully fans will enjoy hearing some cool and sometimes funny stories.”

On the track Caruso will be looking to continue to develop as a driver and race her Powerbuilt Tools Chevrolet Camaro Pro Stock car to round wins on Sunday. She will get her first shot at the track on Friday night during the opening day qualifying run. On Saturday Caruso and the Pro Stock class will get two more qualifying runs before the 16 quickest Pro Stock competitors race on Sunday for the coveted NHRA Wally. The race will be nationally televised on FS1 throughout the weekend.

PLAINVIEW, NY (March 22, 2023) — Heading into the second race of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series this weekend at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park Justin Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster team powered by National Debt Relief are looking to write their name into the record books. This weekend’s NHRA Arizona Nationals will be the last NHRA national event at the storied facility located 20 minutes from beautiful downtown Phoenix and Ashley would like to etch his name into the winner’s column. The fourth-year pro has raced at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park twice before and the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year is hoping the third time racing in the desert will be the charm.

“The NHRA has had so many great races at this facility,” said Ashley, who has qualified No. 5 in both of his previous races in Arizona. “Every race is equally as important. But this one has added significance. We’d love the opportunity to join a long list of previous winners in Phoenix. We have high expectations for ourselves and look forward to racing in front of a sold-out crowd.” 

With three qualifying sessions on the schedule Ashley knows it will be critical to come off the trailer on Friday night and lay down a solid number. At the season opening NHRA Gatornationals the team battled some early season issues during qualifying before losing a close first round race at Gainesville Raceway. Ashley was at the top of his form off the starting line with a stellar .038 reaction time, quickest of the round in the losing effort.

Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster powered by National Debt Relief, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

“There is so much that goes into making these 12,000-horsepower race cars perform at a high level. It’s one of twenty-one races,” said Ashley. “The race in Gainesville quickly went into the rear-view mirror and our focus immediately shifted to Arizona.  We have a championship team with the right mentality and skillset to achieve our goals. We will be ready for this weekend and understand the importance of each pass down the racetrack beginning on Friday night.”

Over the off-season Ashley renewed a number of marketing relationships including KATO Fastening Systems and added Century 21 Realty Specialists, Mac Tools and National Debt Relief. These companies and brands are seeing the rise of an NHRA superstar and championship contending team. 

“It’s an honor to represent the partners that we do,” said Ashley. “I am fortunate to work closely with each of them and truly value their time, energy and commitment to the success of our program. I love being the spokesperson for Phillips Connect, the leader in the field of trailer telematics. I love representing National Debt Relief, a company that prides themselves on helping clients achieve financial independence. But most importantly, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with each one of the amazing companies that contribute so much to our team both on and off the racetrack.”

In Ashley’s rookie season he raced to the quarterfinals starting from the No. 5 spot. Last season once again starting No. 5 he was upset in the first round by Tony Schumacher. This year Ashley is looking for another top half of the field or better start in the qualifying order and a long day on Sunday.

“This class was so tough last year, and it’s shaping up to be even tougher this season,” said Ashley. “Every driver who qualifies has a legitimate chance to win the race. We saw it at the Gatornationals and you will see more of the same this weekend at the Arizona Nationals. Teams will have to have four near perfect rounds of racing to put themselves in a position to win. But that is part of what makes our sport so great. The tide is rising and teams are having to rise with it. Our Phillips Connect team is ready.”

Qualifying for the NHRA Arizona Nationals will begin on Friday night with one session followed by two qualifying sessions on Saturday. The quickest 16 Top Fuel dragsters will battle for the Wally starting at 11:00 a.m. local time with the race being televised nationally on FS1.

CHANDLER Ariz. (March 22, 2023) – Robert Hight returns to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park for the NHRA Arizona Nationals, the second event of the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, as the defending race champion in the Flav-R-Pac / Cornwell Tools / AAA Chevrolet Camaro SS. Last year’s win over Matt Hagan in the finals was Hight’s second at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The other came in 2012 when he beat then-teammate Mike Neff in an all-John Force Racing final round. Hight has also been runner-up in Arizona in 2007, 2008, and 2014 and was the No. 1 qualifier in 2007 and 2019. He earned the No. 1 spot in 2007 with a time of 4.636 seconds which remains the quickest run ever at the quarter-mile distance at which races were contested until July of 2008. “I feel good coming into Arizona this weekend. This Flav-R-Pac team is getting settled in and getting back into our groove. We were getting back to it there at the Gatornationals, but it just wasn’t our weekend,” Hight said. “We’ll pick right back up and get the job done at Wild Horse Pass. I’ve done well here, know that helps. Hopefully, we’ll qualify well and have a long race day. Would really like to get this Flav-R-Pac Funny Car in the winners circle with Brittany’s Flav-R-Pac dragster.” A mechanical issue plagued the Flav-R-Pac Camaro at the season-opening Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, handing Hight a quarterfinal finish after starting the day as the No. 3 qualifier. The Flav-R-Pac / Cornwell Tools / AAA team will enter the Arizona Nationals looking for a jump from their No. 8 points standing position. The NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park kicks off with qualifying Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Race Day is set to begin with the first round of eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning with a qualifying show Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET and Sunday at noon ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

The Mooresville, NC driver sits eighth in the points standings, leads Germfree Rookie of the Year Battle

FARMER CITY, IL – March 22, 2023 – When the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series returns to Farmer City Raceway, March 30-April 1, there will be a sense of needed familiarity for Nick Hoffman. 

He grew up developing his skills on Midwest bullrings and scored two national wins in a DIRTcar UMP Modified at Farmer City. However, he admitted going there with the World of Outlaws for the Illini 100 will be a new challenge. 

“I’ve ran good in the Modified there, but this is a whole different deal,” Hoffman said. “You’ll have 15 to 20 guys that can legitimately win that deal, so we’ll just throw our name into the ring, and hopefully, we’ll be one of them. 

“Farmer City, I kind of know what to expect. Looking at pictures, it looks like they kind of changed [Turns] 3 and 4 a little bit, maybe banking-wise. So, we’ll see what we got when we get there.” 

Hoffman can get his feet wet at Farmer City as teams are offered a practice session on Thursday, March 30, before the racing begins on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1.  

It’s a test he said he’s looking forward to since his last race was the final night of DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park. 

“The biggest thing is we have a test night,” Hoffman said. “That’s kind of nice to get back in the swing of things. I feel like it’s been a year since it feels like since we’ve raced with so many off weekends.  

“I kind of know what we need to do or what to expect as the night goes on, which is kind of nice. Any of those Illinois’ racetracks are pretty similar as the night goes on, which for sure helps.” 

Hoffman enters the Illini 100 eighth in the points standings—38 points behind Chris Madden. However, he currently leads the battle for Germfree Rookie of the Year after four races.  

Despite being in contention for a championship, he’s hoping to get back on track at Farmer City. After a top five and two top 10s at Sunshine Nationals, his best finish was 17th when the Series returned to Volusia for DIRTcar Nationals. 

“I just sucked, really, at the Speedweeks side of it,” Hoffman said. “I was good at the beginning of the week. Then, I pulled my car I ran at Sunshine Nationals out and just wasn’t very good. I don’t know where I missed it.  

“Once we got back to the shop and worked on some stuff, I found some areas that were off. I had a bent A-frame and stuff like that. Little things that I missed, I guess. Just bad maintenance on my part, I guess.” 

Despite not racing since Volusia, Hoffman has been busy in his Mooresville, NC shop getting a car ready for one of the most significant events of the season—the Dirt Late Model Dream at Eldora Speedway.  

However, that car is also necessary if things don’t go as planned. 

“The biggest thing is to make sure we’re prepared for the whole year for this World of Outlaws schedule, so if we do go out there and happen to junk one or two cars, we’re not sitting on our hands and don’t have everything ready,” Hoffman said. 

Hoffman had plenty of success building Modifieds with his Elite Chassis business and said he’s excited to put together his first Late Model. But he hopes that the car doesn’t hit the track too soon. 

“This is the first Late Model I’ve ever put together myself,” Hoffman said. “Everything else has been put together by either Longhorn or Rocket, so I was kind of excited just to put one together myself. I had some areas I felt I wanted to change and make a bit different and see how it goes.  

“We’ll debut it probably a couple of weeks before The Dream. Hopefully, we don’t have to use it before then.” 

With more knowledge about his Late Model and a sense of familiarity, Hoffman has all the tools he needs to get back on track at Farmer.  

The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models return to Farmer City Raceway for the Illini 100, March 30-April 1.  

OCALA, FL (March 21, 2023) — Last year Josh Hart made his Arizona debut at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park racing his R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster to the semifinals. The third year pro is looking to add two more win lights to his Sunday this year and win the final NHRA Arizona Nationals Wally. The Ocala, Florida racer and business owner is off to a hot start so far in 2023 winning the Pep Boys Top Fuel Allstar Callout two weeks ago at the NHRA Gatornationals. The $80,000 winner-take-all payday in front of his hometown fans and family was a great momentum builder for the season and Hart’s R+L Carriers team.

“We saw the first big money win light of the season on Saturday of the Gatornationals winning the Pep Boys Allstar Callout and I talked about how great the win was but also how this sport will humble you very quickly,” said Hart, who also won his first career Top Fuel race in 2021 at Gainesville Raceway. “We celebrated on Saturday with our team and lots of our staff from Burnyzz Speed Shop. Then we got serious for Sunday. Ron Douglas and my guys gave me an amazing race car and I didn’t take advantage of it.”

Josh Hart and R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

On Sunday morning racing in the first pair of Top Fuel dragsters Hart was second off the line against eight-time Top Fuel world champion Tony Schumacher and his race day was over in spite of making his quickest pass of the weekend. Hart’s R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster crossed the finish line 3.693 seconds after it left the starting line at a career best speed of 335.40 mph. It was a disappointing end to a magical weekend to start the season. At the end of the day Hart reflected on the high of winning the Pep Boys Callout with the low of not advancing further on race day.

“I talked about how this sport will humble you in less than a second,” said Hart. “I am not sure what happened on the starting line, but it was not up to my personal standards. I told my guys I will do better and then I put it behind me. You can’t dwell on your mistakes, you have to learn from them and move on. I am excited to get back to Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. I wish this race was the Monday after the Gatornationals.”

Last year Hart qualified No. 8 and raced past Leah Pruett and Rob Passey before dropping a semifinal race to veteran Clay Millican. The first-time experience of racing in the desert was a great learning opportunity for Hart. He spent time with new fans and made laps at a brand new facility. This year Hart will be taking that experience and build on it heading into this weekend’s race.

“Last year we were racing for the first time at a lot of tracks,” said Hart. “It was a huge deal but there was a level of uncertainty that I don’t have this season. I think we will be better prepared and ready to take our first win of the season. We are racing against the best drivers in the world and there is no doubt I feel like I belong. Qualifying starts on Friday night and we are going to come out with a winning attitude.”

Qualifying for the NHRA Arizona Nationals will begin on Friday night for Hart and the R+L Carriers team with one session followed by two qualifying sessions on Saturday. The quickest 16 Top Fuel dragsters will battle for the Wally starting at 11:00 a.m. local time with the race being televised on FS1.

CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 22, 2023) – Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster team are settling in as they head to the NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, the second of 21 events on the NRHA Camping World Drag Racing Series schedule. The Montana Brand / RMT team is coming off a disappointing end to their season-opening Gatornationals where a mechanical issue prevented the 2019 Rookie of the Year from taking the tree in their quarterfinal matchup. Sitting __ in points, Prock will be making his fourth appearance at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. While he’s yet to make it out of the quarterfinals, the track just outside of Phoenix is significant for the third-generation driver. “I’m ready to get back into action with my Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team at the Arizona Nationals. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is where I made my first pass in a Top Fuel Car and there’s just something about being out west early in the year that feels right,” Prock said. “We are going to come out strong this weekend and put the Gatornationals behind us. We’ve got a great team and car that can run with the best of them.” After an impressive end to the 2022 season where Prock jumped from 12th to third with three final round appearances and two wins in the six-race Countdown to the Championship, Prock entered the 2023 season with a revamped team led by veteran crew chief Chris Cunningham and Joe Barlam who led the team with now-retired Hall of Fame crew chief Rahn Tobler in 2022. The NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park kicks off with qualifying Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Race Day is set to begin with the first round of eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning with a qualifying show Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET and Sunday at noon ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

EASTABOGA, AL (March 22, 2023) – The racing is intense. Everything happens at an accelerated pace. The smallest mistake can cost you so much.

That’s how Kasey Kahne described racing at Talladega. Both Talladega tracks – the Superspeedway and the Talladega Short Track across the street, where the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will be racing, Friday, March 24.

“Any Sprint Car race, it’s so intense and things are happening all the time,” Kahne said. “And the same thing at Talladega (Superspeedway).

“That restrictor plate stuff is so close together. The slightest mistake, you’re in the big one. Definitely different there. But very intense in all of it.”

He spent 15 years running full-time with the NASCAR Cup Series and made 30 starts at the Talladega Superspeedway in that span.

Now, as a full-time World of Outlaws competitor, Kahne, of Enumclaw, WA, said Sprint Car is what he enjoys most. But when he was in NASCAR, restrictor plate racing held that sentiment. He was comfortable with the close-quarters, tense racing, atmosphere both forms of racing produce. And while he stopped short of saying his Sprint Car conditioning helped his restrictor plate racing, Kahne admitted it didn’t hurt.

“You’re relying so much on runs and your spotter and people making the right decisions,” he said about racing at the big track. “It always showed over the years that certain guys, certain spotters understood it a little better and did a better job, and I think that is a completely different kind of racing than Sprint Car race. But the intensity and things can happen so quick at either one of them, that is very similar. Sprint Car races are very intense at all times.”

Kahne’s sole start at the Talladega Short Track came in 2011 – the Series’ last visit to the 1/3-mile Alabama facility. In attendance as driver and race promoter, he finished eighth.

While the Short Track is vastly different than the Superspeedway across the street, it’s still just as fun.

“It’s a neat little track,” Kahne said. “It’s wide and really racy. I raced there once and watched it a few different times. It can be a great place. It can be sketchy running the top. There’s a little cushion there. You can get over that, over the edge and off over. It’s a very cool like track. I’m looking forward to it. Have been.”

A win would be his first at either Talladega track – he finished second twice at the Superspeedway in the Cup Series. And while that’s his goal, he’s mainly focused on keeping his Fuel Me #9 car in the top 10 on a consistent basis.

Kahne earned his second podium with the World of Outlaws at Volusia Speedway Park this year, but has finishes of 11th, 17th, 13th, 16th and 21st in the other five events. However, the Series has only visited two tracks, so far, due to weather cancellations. Talladega will be the third different track of the season. Then, the Series will visit Magnolia Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 25 – where Kahne finished fifth in 2021.

“My biggest thing is to keep getting better as a driver,” he said. “I feel, every so many races, more confident in what I’m doing behind the wheel. I like that. I like feeling more understanding of what’s going on. Things happen quick, so when you don’t think about it and just do it, it seems to always go better. I think I’m getting closer to that, which has been nice.

“I just want to run in the top 10 all the time. That’s no different than anyone else. But all the time I want to be in the top 10. We’re getting closer to that. That’s the biggest thing for me. If we’re there, and running better than that at times, it would be awesome to win some races. But to ultimately run in the top 10 all the time is definitely what we’re shooting for.”

The one-day event at the Talladega Short Track will be a change from the NASCAR weekends at the Talladega Superspeedway, but Kahne said he still expects the same atmosphere.

“I think the fans and the way they support the racing around that area, it’s just a different feel for sure,” he said. “It will be really cool to go race a World of Outlaws race there.”

For tickets to the Friday, March 24, event at the Talladega Short Track, and the Saturday, March 25, event at Magnolia Motor Speedway, CLICK HERE.

CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 22, 2023) – Reigning and two-time Camping World Top Fuel champion, Brittany Force and her Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster team will be trying to get John Force Racing’s first Top Fuel win at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park this weekend at the NHRA Arizona Nationals. Coming off a No. 1 start at the season-opening Gatornationals in Gainesville Raceway, the 43rd of her career, Force is looking for her second No. 1 start at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. Her first No. 1 came in 2020, before the pandemic disrupted the season, while she set both ends of the track record at 3.643 seconds at 337.92 mph. Force has made her way to the finals of the Arizona Nationals three times, coming up with runner-up finishes in 2014, 2016, and 2017. “Heading into race two on the NHRA circuit this weekend in Phoenix and we plan to come out with a win. With this being the final NHRA national event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, this Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy team wants to leave on a strong note,” Force said. “We plan to qualify in the top three and go four rounds on race day. We’ve set both ends of the track record with our No. 1 qualifier from 2020 but it wasn’t enough on race day. Hoping to turn things around this year and get our first win of the 2023 season.” Most recently, Force qualified sixth and had a quarterfinal exit en route to her second Top Fuel world championship in 2022. This season, she is trying to become JFR’s third three-time champ while also tying Shirley Muldowney, the only other woman to win a nitro category championship, in championship titles. The NHRA Arizona Nationals at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park kicks off with qualifying Friday at 5 p.m. and Saturday at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Race Day is set to begin with the first round of eliminations Sunday at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) beginning with a qualifying show Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET and Sunday at noon ET. Eliminations will air Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

2023 NHRA Arizona Nationals

Chandler, Arizona

March 24-26, 2023

ONE LAST SHOOTOUT AT WILD HORSE PASS

For the final time, the horsepower-filled field of the NHRA will take to the track at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park near Phoenix, Arizona. As the sun sets on the Southwest staple, Team Chevy drivers and teams look to rebound after NHRA’s Gatornationals in Gainesville while also capitalizing on 2022’s victories in Pro Stock (Elite Motorsports’ Aaron Stanfield) and Stock Eliminator (Leo Glasbrenner).

Featuring Top Fuel, Funny Car, and Pro Stock categories in competition this weekend, Troy Coughlin, Jr. looks to extend his streak of victory after capturing the 2023 season-opening Wally in Pro Stock in his JEGS.com/Elite Performance Chevrolet Camaro SS. Coughlin, Jr.’s Elite Motorsports teammate Aaron Stanfield heads into the race defending his 2022 NHRA Arizona Nationals Pro Stock win. Facing redemption from a Round 1 elimination in Gainesville, five-time Pro Stock champion Erica Enders enters the event weekend with a clear vision of her potential 44th career victory.

With KB Titan Racing’s Greg Anderson and Dallas Glenn racing to the semifinals in Gainesville, they hunt for their first Wally of the year alongside teammates Camrie Caruso, Kyle Koretsky, Deric Kramer, and Matt Hartford. With 115 Pro Stock victories – 101 career for Anderson, four Pro Stock wins notched by Glenn, four career wins by Kramer, five credited to Hartford, and one Pro Stock win to Koretsky, the team continues to seek the NHRA Winner’s Circle as Anderson looks to continue his drive for a sixth championship.

Prepared to battle for more championships and adding to their legendary winning history, the quartet at John Force Racing looks to reverse Gainesville’s results and sets sights on building momentum at Phoenix and beyond. Looking to match Shirley Muldowney (Top Fuel) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) for second on the NHRA all-time championship list by females with another title in 2023, Brittany Force, in her Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, also seeks her 44th No. 1 qualifier at Phoenix as well as her 17th career victory. Austin Prock, in his Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, seeks his fourth career NHRA Top Fuel victory, building on his 52 round wins and one No. 1 qualifier in his 50-race career. On the Funny Car side of the nitro ladders, John Force, in his PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, enters his 834th NHRA race seeking to build on his 1,423 round wins, 155 victories, and 16 championships. Robert Hight, in his Auto Club Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, also looks to build on 398 events with 61 victories, 77 No. 1 qualifiers, and 593 round wins.

NHRA Arizona Nationals action from Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park airs first with Friday qualifying on Friday, March 24 at 10:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Saturday qualifying from Phoenix airs Sunday, March 25 at 12 p.m. ET on FS1. Sunday’s Finals also air on FS1, starting at 7 p.m. ET. Coverage streaming live throughout the weekend can be found through NHRA.tv, available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING

Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pack Chevrolet Top Fuel Dragster for John Force Racing:

“Heading into race two on the NHRA circuit this weekend in Phoenix and we plan to come out with a win. With this being the final NHRA national event at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, this Flav-R-Pac / Monster Energy team wants to leave on a strong note,” Force said. “We plan to qualify in the top three and go four rounds on race day. We’ve set both ends of the track record with our No. 1 qualifier from 2020 but it wasn’t enough on race day. Hoping to turn things around this year and get our first win of the 2023 season.”

Austin Prock, driver of the Montana Brand/Rock Mountain Chevrolet Top Fuel Dragster for John Force Racing:

“I’m ready to get back into action with my Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team at the Arizona Nationals. Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park is where I made my first pass in a Top Fuel Car and there’s just something about being out west early in the year that feels right,” Prock said. “We are going to come out strong this weekend and put the Gatornationals behind us. We’ve got a great team and car that can run with the best of them.”

TEAM CHEVY BY THE NUMBERS

1,423: Round wins for John Force (1st all-time)

593: Round wins for Robert Hight (14th all-time)

367: Number of wins in Pro Stock since 1970; 247 won in the Chevrolet Camaro body

264: Final Round wins by John Force (the last coming in Topeka, runner-up)

165: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for John Force (1st all-time)

155: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins since 1967

77: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Robert Hight (6th all-time)

75: Number of Chevrolet Racing Funny Car wins with the Camaro body

43: Number of career No. 1 qualifiers for Brittany Force

27: Number of NHRA championships Chevrolet holds as a manufacturer since entering the first in 1966. No other manufacturer has won it more than Chevrolet.

24: Wins by John Force in a Chevrolet-bodied Funny Car

18: Number of Pro Stock championships

16: Chevrolet career Top Fuel wins in NHRA

16: Number of Chevrolet career wins by Brittany Force

7: Number of Funny Car driver championships

2: Number of Top Fuel driver championships

MOST RECENT WIN IN NHRA BY CHEVROLET

Gainesville, 2023: Troy Coughlin, Jr., Pro Stock

MOST RECENT DRIVER CHAMPIONSHIPS IN NHRA BY CHEVROLET

2022: Brittany Force, Top Fuel

2022: Erica Enders, Pro Stock

2022: David Barton, Factory Stock Showdown

2019: Robert Hight, Funny Car

UPCOMING NHRA MILESTONES

950: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) is second all-time with 914 elimination round wins. He could reach 950 round wins with a decent run in the 18-race schedule.

600: Robert Hight has 593 Funny Car elimination round victories to rank 14th on the all-time NHRA list. Reaching 600 round wins would put him 13th all time.

437: By qualifying for his next race, Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) will extend his NHRA record to 437 consecutive race day appearances.

138: Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) ranks third on the NHRA all-time list with 121 No. 1 qualifiers. He will tie Warren Johnson (Pro Stock, 138) for second to John Force (165) on the list.

62: Robert Hight will move into the top 10 on the all-time NHRA victory list with his next win, tying the retired Larry Dixon (Top Fuel) with 62 wins. Jeg Coughlin Jr. (Pro Stock, retired) is ninth on list with 65.

46: Erica Enders has 43 career Pro Stock victories (all with Chevrolet). Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) is the all-time NHRA female leader with 46. 

18: Brittany Force (16 Top Fuel career wins) will move past Shirley Muldowney (18 wins) into third on the NHRA all-time victory list for females. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, 43) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle, 46) are ahead.

6: Erica Enders (Pro Stock) could tie Warren Johnson (6 Pro Stock championships) for second on the class list. The same holds for Greg Anderson. Bob Glidden is the leader with 10.

3: Brittany Force (Top Fuel, 2 championships) would tie Shirley Muldowney (Top Fuel) and Angelle Sampey (Pro Stock Motorcycle) for second on the NHRA all-time championship list by females with another title in 2023. Erica Enders (Pro Stock, 5) is the leader.

Right On Track, A Disney Channel Original Movie, Featured NHRA Jr. Drag Racing

WYNNEWOOD, Okla. (March 21, 2023) – Twenty years ago, The Disney Channel released a Disney Channel Original Movie, Right On Track, based on the life of drag racing sisters Erica and Courtney Enders. Right On Track premiered on March 21, 2003, and starred two young actresses who’ve gone on to have phenomenal careers in show business. Beverly Mitchell (7th Heaven, Candy Cane Christmas) played Erica Enders and Academy Award winner Brie Larson (Room, Captain Marvel) played Courtney Enders. It all started when Erica Enders, now a five-time Pro Stock world champion, began competing in the newly formed NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League when she was just 8 years old. Soon after, her younger sister Courtney followed suit and the two became an unstoppable force, picking up wins across the country. They caught the attention of a People Magazine journalist who wrote a feature on the dynamic duo.  That article led to interest from the Disney Channel. At the time, the network was focused on creating original content with a focus on unique true stories in the world of sports. Right On Track was an instant favorite, reaching new fans outside the drag racing world. Erica and Courtney not only made cameo appearances in the film, but they also did most of the stunt driving required to make the feature-length film. There are a few Hollywood embellishments like a crash and some pretty intense rivalries. But the film certainly hit the nail on the head when it came to depicting the personality differences between Erica and Courtney. That’s likely why they still make a good pair to this day. Through their experiences in Jr. Drag Racing, Erica learned to embrace the competitive pressure and Courtney learned to embrace the spotlight so Erica can remain focused on driving while Courtney handles all of the public relations aspects. “At the time, Right On Track felt like the peak of our careers,” said Courtney. “To have a movie made about your life when you’re still just a teenager is unheard of but we had already accomplished so much. I wish I could have absorbed every moment more as it happened. Fast forward 20 years and it’s still unbelievable to see the impact this movie had and still has on our sport. We get parents at the ropes introducing their kids to us saying they made their kids watch their favorite movie from 20 years ago and now their kids want to race. It’s wild. To know we had anything to do with the youth and female participation in the sport we love so much really wows me. I’m so proud of not only the movie and the story it told but where Erica and I have both taken our careers since then.” “It’s crazy to think that Right On Track was released 20 years ago,” said Erica. “To be a high school kid and have a movie made about your life is pretty surreal. It was fun to be a part of making a movie from start to finish – especially since we got to do all of the stunt driving. At the time, it was hard to comprehend the gravity of it. Looking back, it is so cool to see the impact the movie had on us, our sport and the Jr. Drag Racing League. To this day, I still hear kids talk about how they started racing because of this movie. To hear little girls (and grown women) tell us how our story impacted them and changed the course of their lives is unbelievable. When the movie was made, about 25% of Jr. Dragster drivers were girls. Now it’s around 50%. Courtney and I are perfect examples of normal kids who had big dreams. We were able to accomplish great things through hard work, determination and surrounding ourselves with the right people. It goes to show you that the sky is the limit when you never give up.” Right On Track received a resurgence of interest in late 2019 when Disney launched its streaming service, Disney+, which featured all of the Disney Channel Original Movies. Brie Larson has been known to mention the movie on talk shows when promoting other projects. Twenty years later, Right On Track is still inspiring young drivers in the Jr. Drag Racing League: “I love that movie! My favorite part is when the sisters compete against each other and it gets really intense.” – Cora H., 9 years old “I really like Right On Track because it’s about drag racing and there isn’t much out there for kids that’s about drag racing. I think it’s really cool that Erica started out racing Jr. Dragsters and now she’s racing in Pro Stock.” – Cam M., 9 years old The Enders sisters still work together in drag racing. Erica Enders is a professional Pro Stock racer with multiple records, national event wins and world championships to her credit. In addition to being Erica’s brand manager, Courtney Enders is the head of Drag Racing Content and on-air talent for FloRacing. She works with Elite Motorsports and a number of other drag racing entities doing team management, PR and content creation.  ***

Photos

Logo commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Disney Channel Original Movie, Right On Track, based on the lives of Erica and Courtney Enders. (Photo source: Elite Motorsports)

Courtney and Erica Enders were both champions in the NHRA Jr. Drag Racing League. (Photo source: Enders Family)

Right On Track starred Beverly Mitchell and Brie Larson. (Photo source: Disney)

Erica Enders and Beverly Mitchell on the set of Right On Track. (Photo source: Enders Family)

The Enders family with Beverly Mitchell at the Right On Track premiere. (Photo source: Enders Family)

L to R: Erica Enders, Beverly Mitchell, Courtney Enders and Brie Larson on the set of Righ