CHICAGO, IL (June 21, 2023) — TJ Zizzo made a dramatic return in May to his hometown track Route 66 Raceway outside of Chicago for the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series. While the veteran racer hadn’t been on track since late 2021, he took the Rust-Oleum “Rocket” Top Fuel dragster to the semifinals and thrilled thousands of his fans. Zizzo also let his competitors know that the time his team dedicated to improving was going to pay off in 2023. This weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 23-25, Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel team will return to America’s Racetrack Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, Ohio, for the second time in his career.

TJ Zizzo and Rust-Oleum Rocket Top Fuel, photo courtesy of Auto Imagery

“We are full speed ahead, but we have had to traverse around a lot of parts that are just not correct in 2023,” said Zizzo, following a positive but challenging debut in Chicago. “Our team still has a lot of catching up to do. We will be prepared, but we can never be prepared enough.
We just hope to qualify. Just because we ran well at Joliet does not mean we will be able to duplicate that performance at Norwalk. We will continue to put one foot in front of the other until we finally win after $10,000,000 and 10,000,000 hours of trying.”

Zizzo’s enthusiasm and work ethic have driven his Rust-Oleum team to completely overhaul their operation in the past two years. The team competed in Chicago with a new race car thanks to a generous offer by NHRA Hall of Fame driver and team owner, Don Schumacher. For years, Zizzo and his team competed on a budget repurposing quality parts and chassis to race with the better funded teams. They made a gallant effort and saw flashes of success. Zizzo feels like his career could now be turning a corner with an updated Top Fuel dragster.

“After St. Louis 2021, we knew we couldn’t keep up with the best in the sport anymore,” said Zizzo. “We really tried hard with our older equipment and car, but we knew we needed to change. Don reached out to us and offered to build a car that could be competitive. We are still playing catch-up, and Chicago was a great first step but there are no guarantees in this sport which is what makes it so amazing.”

Top Fuel driver TJ Zizzo, photo courtesy of Auto Imagery

He had been able to keep his quality team of crew members intact but investing even more into a race team was not a decision he took lightly. He has continued to work with crew chief Mike Kern and has had support from crew chief consultant Rahn Tobler but the real key to his success has been the support of his family, his crew and long-time marketing partners like Rust-Oleum.

“I also couldn’t have done this without the support and encouragement of my team. Chicago was an emotional and hectic weekend,” said Zizzo. “Getting everything right goes beyond the parts when it comes to making a difference. In fact, it took us a solid year to get this car ready to go out and even feel comfortable making runs. We haven’t had a chance in my entire 30-plus years of driving to have the same equipment that our competitors have. We’ve always been a little behind, but we are catching up. It won’t happen overnight, but we are going to keep working hard.”

Zizzo made his first and only appearance to date in 2012 at the Norwalk NHRA national event. His Rust-Oleum Top Fuel team qualified No. 11 and took out Cory McClenathan in the first round. In the quarterfinals, Zizzo lost a close race to David Grubnic, who is now the world championship Top Fuel crew chief for Brittany Force. Zizzo was first off the line in that race and was leading at half-track before his engine let go and he lost power allowing Grubnic to drive around him for the win light.

This year in Chicago, Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum team made serviceable passes throughout qualifying with their new racecar and earned their spot in one of the quickest Top Fuel fields in history. They entered race day as the No. 16 qualifier, but Zizzo and his team knew they could win from any spot in the ladder. With only a brief test session before the race and three qualifying runs under his belt, Zizzo was still strong off the line taking a starting line advantage over Mike Salinas. The Rust-Oleum Rocket was on a smooth pass while Salinas had his hands full on a wild run that saw him cross the centerline for an automatic disqualification.

Zizzo outran Leah Pruett in the quarterfinals and in the semifinals, his 12,000 horsepower Top Fuel dragster overpowered the track on the starting line wrapping up a strong debut weekend for the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel team. Zizzo looks to take advantage of four qualifying sessions as he heads to Norwalk for his second race of the year and a good racing surface to make continued improvement with the Rust-Oleum Rocket.

Qualifying begins Friday, June 23 with two runs scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET and 8:30 p.m. ET and two more qualifying runs on Saturday, June 24, at 2:00 p.m. ET and 5:00 p.m. ET. The quickest 16 Top Fuel competitors will square off on Sunday, June 25 for the coveted NHRA Wally trophy as well as the equally significant Norwalk Ice Cream Scoop presented to each category winner. The race will be televised nationally on FOX.

Jun 21, 2023 | Featured, Julie Nataas, Race Results

With a big lead in the points standings of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, Julie Nataas and Randy Meyer Racing are looking forward to returning to Summit Motorsports Park in Norwalk, OH after picking up a recent win there. Hunter Green will also be back, this time behind the wheel of the GUNK/Boxo Tools dragster to continue his sophomore season in the Top Alcohol Dragster class.

The team visited the well-known facility earlier this month for the 17th annual Stainless Works Cavalcade of Stars presented by Budweiser. Julie qualified no. 2 running a 5.24 ET at 276 mph, while teammate Matt Sackman sat 4th with a 5.28 ET at 273 mph. Julie took down Jasmine Salinas in first round with an impressive 5.20 ET and Matt also scored a first round win running a 5.26 ET. The pair also won each of their second round matchups, pairing the two Randy Meyer Racing dragsters up in the final round. Julie had slight lane choice with er 5.252 ET to Matt’s 5.253 ET in the semifinals. Matt, known for his sharp reaction times, got the jump on the starting line but lost traction by 60′ while Julie’s OTG dragster won with a strong 5.24 ET and her best reaction time of the race.

“Going into to Norwalk I knew the race could play a big role in our Championship chase, so I was ready for another win,” said Julie. “There was no other option but to keep the points lead. We ran in the low 5.20s on race day and I’m proud of my guys for working hard to keep my race car consistent and fast.”

The team hopes to continue their momentum and lead in the standings this weekend with Julie and Hunter and park one, or both, dragsters in the winner’s circle again. Qualifying will begin at 11am on Friday and first round of eliminations kick-off Saturday at 2pm. Stay tuned to our social media pages for round-by-round updates.

 

NORWALK, Ohio (June 21, 2023) – Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown class heads to Summit Motorsports Park for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, the fifth of 10 events on the 2023 schedule, with competitors like Ohio native Mark Pawuk, ready to make a splash. It will take a strong effort from the veteran driver with over 22 racecars entered every driver will have a shot at the title in the all-run field.
 
Pawuk, who is a second-generation racer and former NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Pro Stock driver, started his own race team ahead of the 2023 season. Pawuk Family Racing will have two entries in Norwalk, Ohio with his son Kyle competing as well.

Mark Pawuk and Empaco Dodge Drag Pak, photo by Innovative Creation Experts

 
“I’m real pleased with the season so far. Over the winter I started Pawuk Family Racing with my son and daughter. My son is going to be racing this weekend in Norwalk too and my daughter Kassandra handles all our social media along with a bunch of other professional teams,” Pawuk said. “I bought the car in the winter from Don Schumacher and switched engine builders over to Ray Barton and David has been tuning our car. He’s done a really good job. We’ve come a long way from the beginning of the season. We struggled a little bit, but we’ve stepped up our performance in the past couple races.”
 
Pawuk, who drives the Empaco Equipment Dodge Challenger Drag Pak is currently fifth in the points standings after qualifying third at the most recent event at Bristol Dragway’s NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals where he had a quarterfinal exit. Pawuk’s connection to Summit Motorsport Park goes back decades.
 
“I never got to race professionally at Summit Motorsports Park, we were racing at Columbus when I got out of the seat of the Pro Stock car, but I grew up going there, raced there in the 70s, Summit Motorsports Park was the place to go. My dad and I were close with Bill Bader and the Bader family,” Pawuk said. “I’d love nothing more than to get a victory there in front of friends and family, all those great Ohio fans and for our local sponsors: Ohio Cat Rental Stores, Mr. Heater / Heatstar, Summit Racing Equipment, Cometic Gaskets and our long-time supporters, Goodyear / Mickey Thompson, Redline Oil, E3 Spark Plugs, VP Racing Fuels. Looking forward to the weekend.”
 
Hoping to stave off Pawuk’s first victory of the season is current points leader Aaron Stanfield and his Stanfield Racing Engines Chevrolet COPO Camaro. Stanfield is coming off a victory at Bristol Dragway, the first of the season and 10th of his career.
 
“Getting that win in Bristol was big,” said Stanfield, a two-time Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown world champion. “We have been working really hard to get back into the winner’s circle. Now we have the bounty and some momentum going into Norwalk. We want to keep the points lead and maybe stretch it out a little bit. The competition will be tough with over 20 racecars on the property. Everyone is going to have to be at the top of their game.”

 
Aaron Stanfield, Thunder Valley Nationals Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown winner, photo courtesy Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

With Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Bounty Program in play for its second season, Stanfield will have a target on his back for more than just the points lead this weekend. As the most recent winner he also has a $1,000 bounty on his head that will be collected by the first competitor to knock him out of eliminations.
 
Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown competition at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park begins with qualifying sessions Friday at 3:15 and 6:30 p.m. Eliminations begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.. Sunday will wrap up competition with the quarterfinals at 1:15 p.m., semifinals at 2:30 p.m. and finals at 3:25 p.m. ET.
 
 

NORWALK, Ohio (June 21, 2023) – Entering as the defending Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals winners, Robert Hight and the AAA / Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS are hoping to repeat history at Summit Motorsports Park with their third victory of the 2023 season. Currently in third place Hight won in Ohio last year from the No. 3 starting position, his first victory in 15 starts at the fan-favorite venue. Hight has three No. 1 starts at Norwalk in 2007, 2008 and 2011. Before breaking through for a win, he was runner-up in 2008 and 2017. He is the current track record holder for speed at 334.65 mph set in 2017. “Racing in Nrowalk is always a highlight. There’s a lot of history there, the Bader family has created a tradition of putting on great events for fans,” Hight said. “It should be a good weekend. We’ll have AAA out and we’re right in Cornwell Tools’ backyard. It would be great to get AAA their first win of the season and share the winner’s circle with them.” Hight became just the 13th driver in NHRA pro drag racing history to win 600 competitive rounds, a mark he reached with a first-round win at the NHRA Route 66 Nationals after qualifying No. 1. His qualifying efforts extended his record of having qualified No.1 at least once and won at least once in every season that he has contested the championship (18). The AAA Chevy currently sits third in the overall championship standings thanks to two victories at the Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals and NHRA Arizona Nationals. Hight most recently qualified No. 1 at the Thunder Valley Nationals in Bristol, Tennessee and had a semifinal exit.   The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park begins with qualifying on Friday at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. Eliminations for the event are slated for Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Television coverage of race weekend action begins with a qualifying show Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will air on FOX Broadcasting Network Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ET.

NORWALK, Ohio (June 21, 2023) – Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster team return to Summit Motorsports Park for the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals sitting tied for third with his teammate Brittany Force in the Camping World points standings. Just 58 points back from second, Prock is hoping to create some distance with a second win in the 2023 season. Prock’s year thus far has included a win in the Charlotte Four-Wide event, a runner-up finish in the Winternationals at Pomona, California, and a semifinal finish in the most recent event in the series, the Thunder Valley Nationals at Bristol, Tennessee. Prock had his best qualifying effort of the season in Chicago, starting race day from the No. 2 position. “I’m looking forward to heading back to Nrowalk. We had a pretty good race car there last year and hopefully, we can have that right at the first qualifying session to start off a strong weekend,” Prock said. “We have a new front half on the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist dragster that the guys worked on after Bristol. We’re looking forward to debuting the fresh pipe this weekend.” Prock has had a roller-coaster history at the Norwalk event. His best result at Summit Motorsports Park came in a car other than his Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster. In 2021 he worked as a crew guy on Robert Hight’s Funny Car as John Force Racing was re-organizing after the COVID-19 pandemic, Prock stepped in for an ailing Clay Millican qualifying fourth and reaching the semifinals. Back in a JFR dragster last year, he qualified fifth and beat Millican in round one but lost to Josh Hart in the quarterfinals.   The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park begins with qualifying on Friday at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. Eliminations for the event are slated for Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Television coverage of race weekend action begins with a qualifying show Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will air on FOX Broadcasting Network Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ET.

NORWALK, Ohio (June 21, 2023) – John Force will switch gears at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park trading in his BlueDEF PLATINUM livery for the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant paint scheme on his Chevrolet Camaro SS, a look he’ll keep for the remainder of the 2023 season. Starting the weekend from the No. 8 spot in the Camping Word Crag Racing Series point standings, Force is coming off a busy weekend at Bristol Dragway where he was runner-up in the postponed NHRA New England Nationals originally scheduled to be contested in Epping, N.H., and had a quarterfinal exit at the regularly scheduled Thunder Valley Nationals. Force is racing for his 17th series championship and is trying to win at least one tour event for the 35th season. “I’m looking forward to going back to Norwalk. Summit Motorsports Park is an amazing facility. The Bader family knows how to do it right,” Force said. “I’ve been coming here for a lot of years. I know the family well, Bill Bader Sr., he built something great and now his family has continued the tradition and grown the vision, it is spectacular really. Every weekend I race, I want to win. It’s why I do it, why I’m still out here. So I’m hoping this PEAK team puts on a good show for these Ohio fans.”  A year ago, Force made history at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, winning his 1,400th round of racing by besting Bobby Bode in the first round with the quickest time, 3.878 seconds, and top speed, 333.41 mph, of the entire event. Force started from the No. 1 qualifying position one time at Summit Motorsports Park, in 2013, and won the event in 2014 defeating the now reigning world champion Ron Capps in the finals. The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park begins with qualifying on Friday at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. Eliminations for the event are slated for Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Television coverage of race weekend action begins with a qualifying show Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will air on FOX Broadcasting Network Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ET.

NORWALK, Ohio (June 21, 2023) – John Force will switch gears at this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park trading in his BlueDEF PLATINUM livery for the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant paint scheme on his Chevrolet Camaro SS, a look he’ll keep for the remainder of the 2023 season. Starting the weekend from the No. 8 spot in the Camping Word Crag Racing Series point standings, Force is coming off a busy weekend at Bristol Dragway where he was runner-up in the postponed NHRA New England Nationals originally scheduled to be contested in Epping, N.H., and had a quarterfinal exit at the regularly scheduled Thunder Valley Nationals. Force is racing for his 17th series championship and is trying to win at least one tour event for the 35th season. “I’m looking forward to going back to Norwalk. Summit Motorsports Park is an amazing facility. The Bader family knows how to do it right,” Force said. “I’ve been coming here for a lot of years. I know the family well, Bill Bader Sr., he built something great and now his family has continued the tradition and grown the vision, it is spectacular really. Every weekend I race, I want to win. It’s why I do it, why I’m still out here. So I’m hoping this PEAK team puts on a good show for these Ohio fans.”  A year ago, Force made history at the Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, winning his 1,400th round of racing by besting Bobby Bode in the first round with the quickest time, 3.878 seconds, and top speed, 333.41 mph, of the entire event. Force started from the No. 1 qualifying position one time at Summit Motorsports Park, in 2013, and won the event in 2014 defeating the now reigning world champion Ron Capps in the finals. The Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park begins with qualifying on Friday at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. Eliminations for the event are slated for Sunday at 11:00 a.m. Television coverage of race weekend action begins with a qualifying show Friday at 5:30 p.m. and Saturday at 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Eliminations will air on FOX Broadcasting Network Sunday at 4:00 p.m. ET.

First race in more than a month for GTD PRO contending team, drivers DETROIT (June 21, 2023) – Corvette Racing’s team in the FIA World Endurance Championship is coming off an epic endurance victory. Now it’s time for the program’s squad in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship to try and follow suit. Antonio Garcia, Jordan Taylor and the rest of the No. 3 Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R race team resume its push for the IMSA GT Daytona (GTD) PRO title this weekend with the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. The event is the first for the team since mid-May and starts a stretch of four races in seven weekends – a run that will largely determine this year’s GTD PRO champions.

Corvette Racing has three victories at Watkins Glen, including two in the Sahlen’s Six Hours. Last year’s race was the first at Watkins Glen for the team in the GT3-based GTD PRO class, which provided plenty of lessons for this year’s return visit.

CORVETTE RACING MEDIA INFORMATION Corvette Racing media information is updated and available ahead of this weekend’s Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. Materials include:  · IMSA race advance and quotes· Corvette Racing stats and figures· Corvette Racing racecar comparisons· Corvette Racing Fast Facts· Driver biographies

Both Garcia and Taylor are past winners at the Glen. They won together in 2021 – both the Six Hours of a two-hour, 40-minute sprint race – with Garcia also winning in 2014 with Jan Magnussen. The rapid Spaniard also is a two-time pole winner at The Glen (2019 and 2021 Six Hours) while his American teammate was the pole winner and set the fastest race lap in the ’21 sprint race.

Corvette Racing Media AdvisoryCorvette Racing will hold a press conference on its future plans in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at 11:15 a.m. ET on Friday, June 23 in the Watkins Glen Media Center Deadline Room.

The No. 3 Corvette team and its drivers sit fourth in GTD PRO points after four rounds. They are second, however, in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup standings following long-distance races at Daytona and Sebring. The IMEC is a four-race championship made up of the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, Watkins Glen and the 10-hour Petit Le Mans to end the season. At The Glen, points are earned at three and six hours with strategic decisions factoring in for both points in the IMEC as well as the regular class championship. In the Sebring round Garcia, Taylor and endurance teammate Tommy Milner scored the most points of any driving competition in GTD PRO. The Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen is scheduled for 10:40 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 25 and airs live on USA from 2 to 5 p.m. ET with full streaming coverage on Peacock beginning at 10:30 a.m. ET. IMSA Radio will have live audio coverage on XM 207, SiriusXM Online 992 and IMSA.com, which will have IMSA Radio coverage of all practice sessions, Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race.

ANTONIO GARCIA, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “Corvette Racing has always been good at Watkins Glen. We usually are quite decent there, and it seems like we always have a chance in this race. Watkins Glen is a track that I’ve always liked, and it’s always good to turn laps there. Being part of the Michelin Endurance Cup adds something extra for us. We are in contention in that and in the regular championship, so this weekend has added importance. This is six hours, so it’s one of those races that has something extra for the competitors.”

JORDAN TAYLOR, NO. 3 MOBIL 1/SiriusXM CHEVROLET CORVETTE C8.R: “It feels like we haven’t been at the track in months since Laguna, so it’ll be great to get back to racing at Watkins Glen. We didn’t have the fastest car there last year, but we somehow found ourselves in contention. I feel like we’ve made some big gains this season that should benefit us there. We haven’t had the results to show our true performance this year, so hopefully we can have a clean weekend and start getting back into the championship fight.”

2023 WeatherTech SportsCar Championship – GTD PRO (After four of 11 events)Driver Standings1. Ben Barnicoat/Jack Hawksworth – 1,4152. Daniel Juncadella/Jules Gounon – 1,3743. Klaus Bachler/Patrick Pilet – 1,3244. Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 1,2975. Alex Riberas/Ross Gunn – 1,136 Team Standings1. No. 14 Vasser Sullivan – 1,4152. No. 79 WeatherTech Racing – 1,3743. No. 9 Pfaff Motorsports – 1,3244. No. 3 Corvette Racing – 1,2975. No. 23 Heart of Racing Team – 1,136 Manufacturer Standings1. Lexus – 1,4152. Mercedes-AMG – 1,3743. Porsche – 1,3244. Chevrolet – 1,2975. Aston Martin – 1,146 CORVETTE RACING AT WATKINS GLEN: By the Numbers• 1: As in one team, one manufacturer and one model of car for 25 years of racing: Corvette Racing, Chevrolet and the Chevrolet Corvette• 2: Wins at Watkins Glen International in 2021 for Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor: the Sahlen’s Six Hours and the WeatherTech 240 in consecutive weeks• 2: Wins and pole positions in the Sahlen’s Six Hours for Antonio Garcia. He won GTLM in 2014 and 2021 and was the GTLM pole-sitter in 2019 and 2021• 3: Victories at Watkins Glen for Corvette Racing since its debut there in 2014: 2014 and 2021 Sahlen’s Six Hours, and 2021 WeatherTech 240• 5: Consecutive podium finishes for Antonio Garcia at Watkins Glen from 2017-2021• 9: Class victories for Corvette Racing at Le Mans – all since 2001. Ben Keating and Nico Varrone from this year’s GTE Am-winning Corvette are entered in separate entries at Watkins Glen• 14: Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001• 18: Victories for Chevrolet in the Sahlen’s Six Hours, ranking second among all manufacturers• 27: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Daytona, Detroit, Houston, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen• 34: Number of drivers for Corvette Racing since 1999. Ben Keating and Nico Varrone joined that list with their participation – and victory – in the 1,000 Miles of Sebring for the World Endurance Championship.• 125: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 113 in North America, nine at Le Mans – including two weeks ago – and three in the FIA WEC.• 274: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999.• 8,976: Number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing in its nine previous trips to Watkins Glen. That represents 2,640 laps… or 1,360 laps around the original Watkins Glen historic circuit.• 357,522.73: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. To put that in perspective, Corvette Racing is more than halfway to the distance traveled by Apollo 13 – the longest manned spaceflight in history: 622,268 miles. That means Corvette Racing has raced to the moon… and then some! Corvette Racing at Watkins Glen (wins in bold)2014No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen – 1st in GTLM (Team’s first race at Watkins Glen)No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner – 4th in GTLM 2015No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen – 4th in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner – 7th in GTLM (Ret., Accident) 2016No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen – 7th in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner – 4th in GTLM 2017No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen – 3rd in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner – 5th in GTLM 2018No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GTLMNo. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner – 5th in GTLM 2019No. 3 Corvette C7.R: Antonio Garcia/Jan Magnussen – 2nd in GTLM (Garcia pole, fastest race lap)No. 4 Corvette C7.R: Oliver Gavin/Tommy Milner – 8th in GTLM (Accident on first lap) 2021No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 1st in GTLM (Garcia pole)No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy – 4th in GTLM (Tandy fastest race lap) 2021*No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 1st in GTLM (Taylor pole, fastest race lap)No. 4 Corvette C8.R: Tommy Milner/Nick Tandy – 2nd in GTLM 2022No. 3 Corvette C8.R: Antonio Garcia/Jordan Taylor – 6th in GTD PRO * Two-hour, 40-minute sprint race

The tripleheader weekend kicks off a stretck of seven races in nine days through the Midwest

WICHITA, KS – June 21, 2023 – A weekend in America’s Heartland awaits the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models as they kick off the inaugural World of Outlaws Heartland Speedweek.

A tripleheader weekend begins a stretch of seven races in nine days, starting with the Wichita Late Model Showdown June 23-24 at 81 Speedway in Wichita, KS.

Drivers will battle in 25-lap, split-field $4,000-to-win Features on Friday, June 23, accumulating points throughout the night.

Those points line up the Heat Races on Saturday, June 24, as competitors wage war for $30,000 in a 60-lap finale. 

The Wichita Late Model Showdown will pay out a two-day total purse of $152,000.

Then, the Speedweek continues with an appearance at Off Road Speedway in Norfolk, NE, on Sunday, June 25—the first trip to the Cornhusker State for the World of Outlaws since 2008.

A winner’s share of $10,000 is on the line in a 40-lap Feature.

After Off Road, the World of Outlaws Heartland Speedweek continues at Mason City Motor Speedway (June 27), Red River Valley Speedway (June 28), River Cities Speedway (June 30), and I-94 EMR Speedway (July 1).  

For Tickets: CLICK HERE. 

If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action live on DIRTVision – either online on with the DIRTVision App. 

Here’s a look at the storylines entering this weekend:

Out In Front: As the Series moves into the Summer, Chris Madden stands tall at the top of the Series points standings.

The Gray Court, SC driver roars into 81 Speedway with a 40-point lead, coming off a third-place finish at Paducah International Raceway earlier this month.

In 14 races this season, Madden has only finished outside the top 10 twice, and both of his wins came at Sharon Speedway, a track similar in size to 81.

He’s made one appearance at 81 throughout his career, finishing eighth in 2017.

A win this weekend would be “Smokey’s” 36th career World of Outlaws victory.

Chasing Smokey: While Madden has held his spot at the top, three drivers are breathing down his neck after a strong showing in June’s Midwest tripleheader.

Bobby Pierce, Kyle Bronson, and Germfree Labs Rookie of the Year contender Nick Hoffman are in a three-way tie for second. 

Pierce scored a win at Farmer City on June 1 and has a top-five finish in six out of the last eight races.

The Oakwood, IL driver has also found past success at 81, winning a Lucas Oil MLRA Feature last season.

Bronson enters the weekend after three straight podium finishes, including a win at Tri-City Speedway. 

In the last 10 World of Outlaws Features, the Brandon, FL driver has only finished outside the top 10 twice. 

A win this weekend would be his fourth World of Outlaws triumph. 

While Hoffman didn’t score a win in the June tripleheader, he did score a top-five finish in all three races and was in contention for the win at both Farmer City and Tri-City.

The Mooresville, NC driver has hit the ground running in his Rookie season, with a win, seven top fives, and 11 top 10s. 

He’s finished in the top 10 in nine of the last 10 races.  

Hell Tour Heat: While Bronson, Pierce, and Hoffman enter the weekend with momentum, perhaps the hottest driver heading into 81 Speedway is Brian Shirley. 

After scoring his first World of Outlaws win of the season at Paducah, the Chatham, IL driver kept his momentum rolling by winning three DIRTcar Summer Nationals Features last week, and the Week 1 points championship worth $10,000.

READ MORE: Brian Shirley Taking Summer Nationals Success into Heartland Speedweek

Shirley is currently fifth in the standings, 62 points behind Madden. 

A win this weekend would be his eighth career World of Outlaws win.

A Champion’s Edge: The Wichita Late Model Showdown at 81 could be the weekend Brandon Sheppard breaks through with his first World of Outlaws win in a Longhorn Chassis. 

The four-time champion has never lost a World of Outlaws Feature at 81, winning last October and back in 2017.

A win for Sheppard would be his 82nd career Series win, adding to his total at the top of the Series win list. 

Former champions Dennis Erb Jr. and Shane Clanton also found success at 81 last October. The defending Series champion finished third, while the “Georgia Bulldog” finished 10th. Clanton also added a fifth there in 2017.

Like Sheppard, both are looking for their first World of Outlaws win of 2023. 

Critical Experience:  While Sheppard has won both Series appearances at 81, three other drivers have found Victory Lane during different events.

Along with Pierce’s win last year, both Cade Dillard and Ryan Gustin have won at 81 in USMTS Modified action.

However, only one full-time World of Outlaws driver has a Late Model win at 81 and Off Road—Johnny Scott.

The Las Cruces, NM driver won MLRA events at both tracks in 2022.

A win this weekend would be the Germfree Rookie of the Year contender’s first career World of Outlaws win.

WHEN AND WHERE  

81 Speedway (3/8-mile) in Wichita, KS on June 23-24
Off Road Speedway (1/3-mile) in Norfolk, NE on June 25

ONLINE   
81 Speedway: www.81speedway.com 
Off Road Speedway: www.offroadspeedway.com

TRACK RECORD   

81 Speedway:    
15.718 by Mike Marlar on 10/22/22 

Off Road Speedway:    
13.366 by Justin Zeitner on 6/24/22 

On the Internet   
World of Outlaws CASE Late Models Series   
Twitter – Twitter.com/WoOLateModels – @WoOLateModels   
Instagram – Instagram.com/WoOLateModels – @woolatemodels   
Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsLateModelSeries   
YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws   
DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/month 

FEATURE WINNERS: (10 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-2
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-2
   Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-2
   Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-2
2. Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-1
   Cory Hedgecock, Loudon, TN-1
   Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
   Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-1
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-1
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-1

HEAT RACE WINNERS (31 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-7
2. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-6
3. Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-4
4. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-3
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-3
   Drake Troutman, Hyndman, PA-3
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-3
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-3
5. Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-2
   Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-2
   Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-2
   Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-2
   Max Blair, Centerville, PA-2
   Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-2
   Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-2
   Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-2
6. Ricky Thornton Jr, Martinsville, IN-1
   Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC-1
   Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-1
   Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
   Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-1
   Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-1
   Jensen Ford, Johnson City, TN-1
   Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA-1
   Chris Ferguson, Mt. Holly, NC-1
   Todd Cooney, Des Moines, IA-1
   Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
   Doug Drown, Wooster, OH-1
   Ryan Montgomery, Fairmont, WV-1
   Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, NM-1
   Tanner English, Benton, KY-1
   Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (20 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, NM-3
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-3
2. Mark Whitener, Middleburg, FL-2
   Chub Frank, Bear Lake, PA-2
   Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-2
3. Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-1
   Daulton Wilson, Fayetteville, NC-1
   Tanner English, Benton, KY-1
   Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
   Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-1
   Ricky Thornton, Jr, Martinsville, IN-1
   Mike Spatola, Manhattan, IL-1
   Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, NM-1
   Carson Ferguson, Concord, NC-1
   Garrett Smith, Eatonton, GA-1
   Garrett Alberson, Las Cruces, NM-1
   Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-1
   Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-1
   Alex Ferree, Saxonburg, PA-1
   Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-1
   Dan Stone, Thompson, PA-1
   Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL-1
   Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1

PODIUM FINISHES (18 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – Podiums

1. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-6
2. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-5
3. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-4
4. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-3
   Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-3
   Ricky Thornton Jr., Martinsville, IN-3
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-3
5. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-2
   Tanner English, Benton, KY-2
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-2
   Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-2
6. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
   Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-1
   Cory Hedgecock, Loudon, TN-1
   Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
   Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-1
   Max Blair, Centerville, PA-1
   Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-1

FOX FACTORY HARD CHARGER (11 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – H.C.

1. Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-2
   Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-2
   Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-1
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-1
   Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-1
   Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-1
   Ricky Thornton Jr., Martinsville, IN-1
   Wil Herrington, Hawkinsville, GA-1
   Tanner English, Benton, KY-1
   Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA-1
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-1
   Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1

SIMPSON RACING PRODUCTS QUICK TIMES (12 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – QTs

1. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-3
2. Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-2
3. Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-1
   Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-1
   Drake Troutman, Hyndman, PA-1
   Jake Timm, Winona, MN-1
   Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
   Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-1
   Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-1
   Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-1
   Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-1
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon FL-1

CASE FEATURE LAP LEADERS (19 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – Laps Led

1. Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-72
2. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-60
3. Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-59
4. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-58
   Tanner English, Benton, KY-58
5. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-54
6. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-41
7. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-38
8. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-29
9. Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-28
   Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-28
10. Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-18
    Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-15
    Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-15
    Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-15
11. Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-14
12. Cory Hedgecock, Loudon, TN-10
    Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-6
    Ryan Montgomery, Fairmont, WV-6
    Ricky Thornton Jr., Martinsville, IN-1
    Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-1

2023 World of Outlaws Late Model Schedule & Winners

1. Thursday, Jan. 19 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Devin Moran (1)
2. Friday, Jan. 20/ Volusia Speedway Park/ Barberville, FL/ Devin Moran (2)
3. Thursday, Feb. 16/Volusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Bobby Pierce (1)
4. Saturday, Feb. 18/Volusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Hudson O’Neal (1)
5. Thursday, April 20/ 411 Motor Speedway/ Seymour, TN/ Cory Hedgcock (1)
6. Friday, April 21/ Talladega Short Track/ Eastaboga, AL/ Tanner English, Kyle Bronson/Brandon Overton*
7. Saturday, April 22/ Talladega Short Track/ Eastaboga, AL/ Brandon Overton (1)
8. Thursday, May 4/Mississippi Thunder Speedway/Fountain City, WI/Brandon Sheppard, Cade Dillard*
9. Friday, May 19/Marion Center Raceway/Marion Center, PA/Ryan Gustin(1)
10. Tuesday, May 23/ Stateline Speedway/Busti, NY/ Nick Hoffman (1)
11. Thursday, May 25/ Sharon Speedway/ Hartford, OH/Chris Madden (1)
12. Friday, May 26/Sharon Speedway/Hartford, OH/Ryan Gustin (2)
13. Saturday, May 27/Sharon Speedway/Hartford, OH/Chris Madden (2)
14. Thursday, June 1/ Farmer City Raceway/Farmer City, IL/Bobby Pierce (2)
15. Friday, June 2/ Tri-City Speedway/Granite City, IL/Kyle Bronson (1)
16. Saturday, June 3/ Paducah International Raceway/Paducah, KY/Brian Shirley (1)

Feger posts third runner-up in six races, Blight nails best career finish in third

MOBERLY, MO (June 20, 2023) – A fast car, a growing lead, and the final laps closing in. Drake Troutman was only moments away from his first career DIRTcar Summer Nationals victory Tuesday night at Moberly Motorsports Park. And then, pop.

The right-rear tire on Troutman’s Wheeler Fleet Solutions, Jay Dickens/Longhorn #7 had blown while entering Turn 3, dramatically slowing him through Turn 4 before the caution was thrown. He pulled behind the wall and into the pit area, and just like that, the 18-year-old Pennsylvanian’s run was over in a matter of seconds.

Outside polesitter Billy Moyer Jr. had been stalking him a handful of car lengths behind, waiting for his opportunity to strike and take the lead back. He inherited the lead under the yellow, fended off a hard-charging Jason Feger, Morgan Bagley and Kye Blight in the closing laps and brought the field back around to the checkers to win his 11th career Hell Tour Feature in the opening race of Week 2.

“Eleven Summer Nationals wins – that’s pretty cool,” Moyer Jr. said. “I’ve been around this a long time and watched a lot of guys who ran a lot of Summer Nationals races and never won more than three or four. So, it’s pretty cool to win 11.”

Back in the pits, Troutman stood by his car, knowing it was fast, despite the bitter outcome.

“That was an upsetting deal, for sure,” he said.

On the other side, Moyer Jr. celebrated his $5,000 victory and recalled the moment when he saw Troutman’s right-rear issue, knowing he was about to be the leader for the final restart.

“My first thought was, ‘Alright, now don’t let anybody behind you get you,’” Moyer Jr. said. “We had a little luck, so we’ll take it.”

Moyer’s run to the checkers started with a run out front for the first 16 circuits of the 30-lap event. Troutman trailed him by only a half-second on average every lap, waiting for Moyer to make a mistake and capitalize.

The two leaders broke away from the pack and soon dipped into lapped traffic, where the gap tightened the most. Troutman ramped-up the banking in Turn 1 with a great burst of speed on Lap 17 and drove right around Moyer Jr. on the top side, sealing the pass down the backstretch.

“We were just kinda riding around there, and if the right opportunity came, we were going to take it,” Troutman said. “[Moyer Jr.] ended up moving down that one trip for the lapper and it just opened up the door for me.”

Though he had just lost the lead, Moyer Jr. had already devised a plan to put himself in a spot to regain it.

“Once [Troutman] got by me, I knew I had a [big gap] on third place – I was just halfway cruising,” Moyer Jr. said. “I was trying to get [Troutman], but I was thinking at that point, it was gonna be hard to pass him. So now, I was trying to make my tires last. And we did, luckily.”

Once he did, there was no stopping Moyer Jr, who cruised to the Week 2 Summer Nationals victory in his first start of the season.

UP NEXT

The DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models head to the famed Iowa 1/4-mile of Davenport Speedway in Davenport, IA, for a Wednesday night show on June 21. Tickets will available at the gate; streaming is available at DIRTVision.com.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 21J-Billy Moyer Jr[2]; 2. 25-Jason Feger[7]; 3. 31AUS-Kye Blight[4]; 4. 42-Chad Finley[9]; 5. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[8]; 6. 15-Clayton Stuckey[6]; 7. 58-Tyler Clem[12]; 8. 4G-Bob Gardner[16]; 9. 22H-Daniel Hilsabeck[17]; 10. 42H-Johnathan Huston[14]; 11. 14X-David Melloway[21]; 12. 50K-Kayden Clatt[13]; 13. 38-Thomas Hunziker[22]; 14. 14M-Morgan Bagley[1]; 15. 7-Drake Troutman[5]; 16. 22R-Will Roland[11]; 17. 21-Billy Moyer Sr[10]; 18. 5-Austin Vincent[15]; 19. 101-Forrest Trent[18]; 20. 30-Mark Voigt[20]; 21. 4D-Doug Tye[19]; 22. 12-Ashton Winger[3]

Beccera Wins First Career Summit Modified Feature at Moberly

Austen Beccera collected his first career DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals Feature win Tuesday at Moberly Motorsports Park, surrounded by his family and friends.

Beccera, of Carthage, IL, took the lead on Lap 2 of the Feature and never looked back, denying runner-up Chris Spalding’s early challenge for the lead and running away to bag the $1,500 check. He noted the tough frontrunners he faced in the event and took pride in the triumph over his fellow Illinois/Missouri rivals.

“Michael [Long] is here, Dave [Wietholder] is really fast, [Chris] Spalding has been running pretty good back at our local track – it’s good to have some decent cars here,” Beccera said. “It feels pretty good to get a win.”

UP NEXT

The Summit Modifieds take Wednesday off before returning to action Thursday, June 22 at Spoon River Speedway in Lewistown, IL. Tickets will available at the gate; streaming is available at DIRTVision.com.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (15 Laps): 1. 22-Austen Becerra[2]; 2. 00S-Chris Spalding[3]; 3. 28-Preston Dawson[5]; 4. 9-Charles Baker[6]; 5. 05-Dave Wietholder[7]; 6. 29-Jace Gay[4]; 7. 18L-Michael Long[1]

OCALA, FL (June 20, 2023) — The R+L Carriers Top Fuel team will be rolling into Summit Equipment Motorsports Park looking to grab one more win light this year. Team owner and driver Josh Hart raced through three rounds at America’s Racetrack and then his momentum was sidelined by a rainstorm before the final. Hart missed picking up his third career Top Fuel win and the young driver used that experience as a motivator moving forward in his career. This weekend at the Summit Racing Equipment Nationals, June 23-25, Hart will bring his 12,0000-horsepower R+L Carriers land rocket to the track with his focus on picking up his first win of the season. “We have been making steady progress all season with a new racecar and we have made major strides in the past two races,” said Hart, who has five career final round appearances in Top Fuel. “Getting to the final round in Chicago was big and we lost a close race to my friend Clay Millican. We ran two races in one weekend in Bristol and our R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster made some strong passes. We just need to string four good qualifying runs together and then four good runs on Sunday.” Josh Hart and R+L Carriers Top Fuel dragster, photo credit Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery Hart has kept a laser focus on the development of his team since he burst onto the scene during the 2021 NHRA season. Last year was his first full year on tour and this season the young driver who is establishing himself as a leader in the category is finding his way on and off the track. “A lot of people don’t know how much time it takes to run a race team and race competitively,” said Hart, who also owns Burnyzz Speed Shop in Ocala, Florida. “I manage two teams all the time with the assistance of some great teammates. I have my Burnyzz team in Ocala, Florida, and then this R+L Carriers Top Fuel team based out of Brownsburg, Indiana. There are a lot of similarities between the two but there is really no crossover. I think it makes me a better driver when I focus on the task at hand and I am seeing positive results.” Hart’s racing operation is a collaborative effort with veteran crew chief Ron Douglas. The Douglas and Hart combination have built a program that continues to improve race to race. The two soft-spoken racing professionals understand the season is a marathon not a sprint. “Working with Ron Douglas has been a blessing,” said Hart. “He is a tremendous crew chief but more than that he really does a great job running the motorsports operation out of Brownsburg. I knew when I gave him an ownership stake in the team we were going to be together for a long time. I want to win a lot of races with him and he is putting me in a great position to be successful.” This season Hart got off to a slower than expected start, but the team did not panic and over the past five races there has only been one first round exit combined with three final round appearances including but four-wide national events when Hart and the R+L Carriers Top Fuel team were competing in the final quad. The race in Chicago was a breakthrough and quick runs in Bristol also have the team eager to get to Norwalk where the track will be quick and conditions should be perfect for great times and speeds. “Norwalk is one of those places you want to put on a good show,” said Hart. “The Bader family pours their hearts into the race and as a competitor you want to give them everything you have because you know how hard they are working. They will have a great crowd and there is an R+L Carriers facility right across the street so we are looking to represent R+L Carriers with a strong performance. The Top Fuel teams will get on the track on Friday for two qualifying runs at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. ET and they will be back on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to wrap up qualifying. The quickest 16 Top Fuel dragsters will hit the track in head-to-head action on Sunday, June 25, at 11:00 a.m. ET with the race being broadcast nationally on FOX from 4:00-7:00 p.m. ET.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (June 20, 2023) – Following three straight Miles, Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, now shifts its gears to race four consecutive Half-Miles starting with this weekend’s Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio, on Saturday, June 24. Reigning Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Rogers Racing/SDI Racing FTR750) comes in with all the momentum after sweeping the aforementioned Miles. He’s also fully at home at the venue with its trademark pea-gravel cushion, considering he’s not just a five-time winner of the race but also its promoter with wife Nichole. Even with all that considered, Mees isn’t necessarily the overwhelming favorite to win this weekend; several others have a legitimate claim as well. Even as a rookie, Mission SuperTwins points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) looked like the rider to beat pretty much all day here a year ago. In the Main Event, he fought his way up from a bad start to battle for the lead before coming home in second place. And the rider who ultimately beat Daniels was not Mees, but rather Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750). Robinson, who comes in fresh off an ultra-close runner-up result at the DuQuoin Mile, is a two-time winner of the Lima Half-Mile and driven to score his first victory of ‘23. That’s also the case for Briar Bauman (No. 3 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 790 Duke), another two-time winner of the prestigious event. Bauman was as strong as he’s been all season this past weekend and is now primed to capitalize as the season shifts to some tracks well aligned with his strengths. JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Indian FTR750) have all had their moments this season and look to add some more this weekend as the trio headline an extended list of additional podium contenders. Another rider to keep tabs on is the returning Johnny Lewis (No. 10 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), who won the Mission Production Twins race aboard the Royal Enfield here in 2021. Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER The hard-won points advantage of defending Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F) took something of a battering during the recent run of Miles. This didn’t come entirely unexpectedly, and despite the dip, he still managed to weather the storm and continues to stand atop the championship standings. Now he’s poised to strike back. A year ago, the foundations of Kopp’s championship campaign were built on his Half-Mile prowess, reeling in five HM victories in eight attempts. Included in that list of wins was a blowout performance at the Lima Half-Mile, in which he shook free from the pack on the race’s opening lap and never looked back. The riders who joined him on the podium that night will look to make it more of a contest this time around, as both come into the weekend considerably more experienced and in stellar form. Chase Saathoff (No. 88 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) is just nine points behind Kopp on the strength of five consecutive podiums, four of which runner-ups. And he’s the opposite of satisfied by that impressive stat considering he’s still seeking his first Progressive AFT victory after multiple near-misses. Even with Kopp’s one-sided victory, the rider who turned the most heads at Lima a year ago was arguably Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), who finished in second while making his series’ debut. The Aussie is a class full-timer now and quickly making his presence felt, notching up a pair of race wins already in ‘23. The rest of the usual suspects should factor up front again this weekend, including the likes of Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), Max Whale (No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-F), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F), Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R). While a bit quiet at the last two rounds, 1st Impressions Husqvarna teammates Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) and James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team/Husqvarna Racing FC450) might just make more noise this weekend. Cose managed to win a Mission Production Twins race and podium in Parts Unlimited AFT Singles at Lima on a single evening back in ‘19, while Ott finished inside the top five here just last year. And don’t rule out a huge night for Shayna Texter-Bauman (No. 52 Parts Plus/Jacob Companies KTM 450 SX-F), who was victorious at Lima in both 2018 and 2019. There will be plenty to keep fans entertained at the track on Saturday as well, including numerous vendors, expansive food and beverage options, and extensive motorcycle parking. Don’t miss your last chance to save $10 per ticket before the sale ends and prices return to normal on Wednesday, June 21. Act fast to get General Admission Bleacher ticketsfor just $30 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult GA ticket). Upgraded options include Reserved Grandstand and Premier Reserved Grandstand tickets along with VIP ticket add-ons. Pit Pass Upgrades are also available for purchase, which provide all-day access to the pits where fans can scope out the world’s fastest dirt track motorcycles and get up close and personal with the stars of the sport. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/meespromotions/events/lima-half-mile-58771 to reserve your seats today. Gates will open for fans at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 a.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 6:40 p.m. ET (3:40 p.m. PT). For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, 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 of the Mission Lima Half-Mile presented by Indian Motorcycle and Drag Specialties, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, July 2, at 2:00 p.m. ET (11:00 p.m. PT). For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

PLAINVIEW, NY (June 20, 2023) — Two weeks ago Justin Ashley turned on every win light available to the third-year pro winning the rescheduled NHRA New England Nationals, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals over a three day stretch at Bristol Dragway. For the second time this season Ashley defended his 2022 victory at a national event going back-to-back in Bristol just like he did earlier this season at the historic NHRA Winternationals. This weekend at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals, June 23-25, Ashley and his Maynard Ashley Racing Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster powered by Okuma will be looking to make it three national event wins in a row.

Justin Ashley with New England Nationals and Thunder Valley Nationals Wallys, photo by gary Nastase. Auto Imagery

“We approach each race with a renewed mindset,” said Ashley, who will also be competing in his fourth Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. “Our Phillips Connect Toyota Racing team accomplished something very special in Bristol. It was important for us to reflect, appreciate and value those victories. But our focus and attention has now shifted to Norwalk. The competition is going to be tough and many teams are hitting their stride. We’re excited for the challenge.”

Summit Motorsports Park, recognized as “America’s Racetrack,” is a fan friendly facility that Ashley would like to build a winning legacy. The past two seasons he has qualified well, starting in the top half twice, but his race days have not been extended efforts.

“Norwalk is an amazing facility and the Bader family does a tremendous job promoting NHRA and their national event,” said Ashley, the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year. “The stands are always packed with fans eager to watch racing. The full fields will make for an excellent show and varying conditions could create unpredictably. Our Phillips Connect team will be ready.”

Justin Ashley and Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

This season Ashley has won more races already than any previous campaign for the second-generation driver. His four wins have come in his four final round appearances. It has been feast or famine for Ashley since he also have three first round losses and a quarterfinal finish over eight races. The up and down nature of the sport has not phased Ashley how keeps and even keel when he reflects on his season’s progress.

“You look at the competition we are facing every weekend and there are no easy rounds,” said Ashley, who leads the category in reaction time average. “In Bristol there were multi-time Top Fuel champions going into race day deep in the bottom half of the field. That could just as easily be our team any weekend because the margins of success versus failure are so thin out here. Qualifying positions and races are being set by one or two hundredths of a second or even a few thousandths of a second. Every round is a battle.”

Ashley and his newly formed team Maynard Ashley Racing are building a program that will keep the nine-time Top Fuel winner at the top of the category. This weekend Ashley will be recognizing Okuma on his 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster along with long-time sponsors KATO Fastening Systems, Strutmasters.com, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools and Toyota. The list of supporters that keep Ashley powering towards win lights continues to grow and the goal of Maynard Ashley Racing is to make sure all the marketing partners get maximum return on and off the track.

“Maynard Ashley Racing is focused on growth, stability, and bringing world-class results to our marketing partners both on and off the racetrack,” said Ashley. “You will start seeing more business-to-business elements coming together as the season progresses and Okuma is a great example of that. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Okuma and I can’t say how excited I am to be working with the Joe, Cathi, Joe C. Maynard, and Eric Lehman.”

This weekend Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster powered by Okuma will get four qualifying passes leading up to eliminations on Sunday. In addition to two runs on Friday and Saturday Ashley will be racing for his fourth Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge title which would put another $10,000 and three championships in his pocket. The addition of this specialty program has Ashley and his team thrilled to head into the countdown.

“I love the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge,” said Ashley. “Of course, winning additional prize money is great but collecting championship points is critical. These points could prove to be the difference in seeding once the countdown begins. We want to keep stacking up round wins and championship points.”

Qualifying will begin on Friday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m. ET with final eliminations on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. ET. The race will be broadcast nationally on Sunday, June 25, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX.

PLAINVIEW, NY (June 20, 2023) — Two weeks ago Justin Ashley turned on every win light available to the third-year pro winning the rescheduled NHRA New England Nationals, the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals over a three day stretch at Bristol Dragway. For the second time this season Ashley defended his 2022 victory at a national event going back-to-back in Bristol just like he did earlier this season at the historic NHRA Winternationals. This weekend at the NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals, June 23-25, Ashley and his Maynard Ashley Racing Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster powered by Okuma will be looking to make it three national event wins in a row.

Justin Ashley with New England Nationals and Thunder Valley Nationals Wallys, photo by gary Nastase. Auto Imagery

“We approach each race with a renewed mindset,” said Ashley, who will also be competing in his fourth Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. “Our Phillips Connect Toyota Racing team accomplished something very special in Bristol. It was important for us to reflect, appreciate and value those victories. But our focus and attention has now shifted to Norwalk. The competition is going to be tough and many teams are hitting their stride. We’re excited for the challenge.”

Summit Motorsports Park, recognized as “America’s Racetrack,” is a fan friendly facility that Ashley would like to build a winning legacy. The past two seasons he has qualified well, starting in the top half twice, but his race days have not been extended efforts.

“Norwalk is an amazing facility and the Bader family does a tremendous job promoting NHRA and their national event,” said Ashley, the 2020 NHRA Rookie of the Year. “The stands are always packed with fans eager to watch racing. The full fields will make for an excellent show and varying conditions could create unpredictably. Our Phillips Connect team will be ready.”

Justin Ashley and Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

This season Ashley has won more races already than any previous campaign for the second-generation driver. His four wins have come in his four final round appearances. It has been feast or famine for Ashley since he also have three first round losses and a quarterfinal finish over eight races. The up and down nature of the sport has not phased Ashley how keeps and even keel when he reflects on his season’s progress.

“You look at the competition we are facing every weekend and there are no easy rounds,” said Ashley, who leads the category in reaction time average. “In Bristol there were multi-time Top Fuel champions going into race day deep in the bottom half of the field. That could just as easily be our team any weekend because the margins of success versus failure are so thin out here. Qualifying positions and races are being set by one or two hundredths of a second or even a few thousandths of a second. Every round is a battle.”

Ashley and his newly formed team Maynard Ashley Racing are building a program that will keep the nine-time Top Fuel winner at the top of the category. This weekend Ashley will be recognizing Okuma on his 12,000-horsepower Top Fuel dragster along with long-time sponsors KATO Fastening Systems, Strutmasters.com, Lucas Oil, Mac Tools and Toyota. The list of supporters that keep Ashley powering towards win lights continues to grow and the goal of Maynard Ashley Racing is to make sure all the marketing partners get maximum return on and off the track.

“Maynard Ashley Racing is focused on growth, stability, and bringing world-class results to our marketing partners both on and off the racetrack,” said Ashley. “You will start seeing more business-to-business elements coming together as the season progresses and Okuma is a great example of that. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Okuma and I can’t say how excited I am to be working with the Joe, Cathi, Joe C. Maynard, and Eric Lehman.”

This weekend Ashley and the Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel dragster powered by Okuma will get four qualifying passes leading up to eliminations on Sunday. In addition to two runs on Friday and Saturday Ashley will be racing for his fourth Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge title which would put another $10,000 and three championships in his pocket. The addition of this specialty program has Ashley and his team thrilled to head into the countdown.

“I love the Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge,” said Ashley. “Of course, winning additional prize money is great but collecting championship points is critical. These points could prove to be the difference in seeding once the countdown begins. We want to keep stacking up round wins and championship points.”

Qualifying will begin on Friday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m. ET with final eliminations on Sunday beginning at 11 a.m. ET. The race will be broadcast nationally on Sunday, June 25, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET on FOX.

About Maynard Ashley Racing
Maynard Ashley Racing (MAR) was founded in 2023 with the express goal of delivering world class results, on and off the racetrack, for a growing community of marketing partners and fans drawn to Justin Ashley, the 2020 NHRA Rookie-of-the-Year and seven-time Top Fuel national event winner. Behind Maynard Ashley Racing is a partnership between JCM Racing, led by Joe E. and Cathi Maynard, Joe C. Maynard, and Eric and Kim Lehman, who have taken the NHRA by storm over the last year, and Max Out Motorsports a partnership between Justin Ashley, Dustin Davis and Jim Epler. 
 

MOBERLY, MO (June 20, 2023) – A stretch of six races in six days through three different states is set to commence on the 38th annual DIRTcar Summer Nationals as the Hell Tourheads for Week 2.

Multi-time champions Brian Shirley and Bobby Pierce reaped the rewards during Week 1, sharing wins in each of the five races – three for Shirley and two for Pierce. Though Shirley now leads the overall Late Model points standings, both drivers are not projected to compete with the tour this week as they return to full-time World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Seriescompetition in Kansas.

Four different winners headlined the first week of DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals action, with Kyle Steffens taking the points lead after four races. A five-race slate is on tap for the Modifieds this week; Wednesday, June 21 will be an off-day, featuring Late Models only at Davenport Speedway.

Week 2 Schedule
Tuesday, June 20 – Moberly Motorsports Park (Moberly, MO)
Wednesday, June 21 – Davenport Speedway (Davenport, IA) [Late Models only]

Thursday, June 22 – Spoon River Speedway (Lewistown, IL)
Friday, June 23 – Brownstown Bullring (Brownstown, IL)
Saturday, June 24 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO)
Sunday, June 25 – Lincoln Speedway (Lincoln, IL)

Tickets for each Week 2 event will be sold at the gate on race day. If you can’t make it to your favorite tracks, watch all the action live on DIRTVision.

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

GREEN MACHINE – Jason Feger had a solid first week out on the trail of the Summer Nationals, posting two runners-up and no finishes worse than ninth. With his second runner-up to Brian Shirley on Sunday at Sycamore, he moved into second place in Week 1 points and took home the $5,000 points fund check for his weeklong efforts.

Feger, the 2010 Hell Tour champion from Bloomington, IL, is projected to take over the overall Summer Nationals points lead during Week 2, as Shirley – the Week 1 points winner – will head west to continue his run for a national championship with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Series this week.

Feger’s decorated Midwest racing career includes Feature wins at several tracks on the Week 2 schedule, including Davenport Speedway (Aug. 28, 2022 with World of Outlaws); Spoon River Speedway (May 28 with Midwest Auto Racing Series [MARS]); Brownstown Bullring (June 23, 2011 with Summer Nationals); and Lincoln Speedway (July 3, 2022 with Summer Nationals).

CONSISTENCY COUNTS – Frank Heckenast Jr. also had a strong stretch through Week 1 and was the only other driver to post top-10 finishes in all five events, with a best run of second Friday at Tri-City Speedway.

Heckenast, the former World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year from Frankfort, IL, has plans to take on the entire Week 2 schedule, vying for another shot at a $10,000 check as champion of the weekly points standings. He currently sits third in overall Summer Nationals points, 59 points out of the top spot.

Though he’s yet to win in Summer Nationals competition at any of the tracks on the Week 2 docket, he did capture a MARS victory at Davenport Speedway in June 2020. This week, he’ll be going for his first Hell Tour Feature win since that year.

FIRST WEEK ADVERSITY – What began as a rough first week out on his quest for a Summer Nationals championship turned out much better for Ashton Winger.

After taking a DNF in the season opener Wednesday at Peoria Speedway, Winger – the 23-year-old from Senoia, GA – rebounded well, posting three-straight top-10 finishes to end Week 1. That put him back in the thick of the overall standings, now riding in the sixth spot, 108 points out of the lead.

He and the Jeff Mathews Motorsports team brought a truckload of spare parts and equipment with them as they prepare for the long-haul, planning to compete in all 28 events on the schedule this season.

HOT START – Kyle Steffens currently leads the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals standings, 36 points up on second-place Tyler Nicely.

The St. Charles, MO-native posted a streak of four top-five finishes in all four Summit Modified races last week with a runner-up Thursday at Kankakee. Though he’s never won a Summit Modified Feature, Steffens’ chances are as high as ever with two DIRTcar UMP Modified wins already recorded this year.

He’s set for competition in select events in Week 2 and several other Summit Modified events dotted throughout the season as he aims to get a full, points-paying 12 races this summer.

ROLLER COASTER RIDE – It was an up-and-down Week 1 for current DIRTcar UMP Modified national points leader Tyler Nicely on the journey for his first Summit Modified championship.

Nicely, 27, of Owensboro, KY, currently sits second in the standings, 36 back of leader Kyle Steffens after four races. He began the week strong, running second in a photo finish to Illinois rival Allen Weisser at Peoria Speedway, followed by his first-ever Feature win at Kankakee County Speedway on Thursday. That preceded a rough start to his night at Tri-City on Friday, where he tangled with another car in his Heat, forcing him to take a provisional and come from 23rd on the grid to finish sixth in the Feature.

His outing Saturday at Fairbury Speedway was quiet as Nicely missed the transfer cutoff in his Heat and opted to take another Feature provisional, which ended with a 22nd-place finish, handing the points lead over to Kyle Steffens.

Nicely is projected to be back in action with the Modifieds at select events in Week 2, trying to reclaim the points lead he held during most of Week 1.

DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models Overall Points Standings (view full standings)
1. Brian Shirley – 352 points
2. Jason Feger – 312 points (-40)
3. Frank Heckenast Jr. – 293 points (-59)
4. Dennis Erb Jr. – 288 points (-64)
5. Bob Gardner – 253 points (-99)
6. Ashton Winger – 244 points (-108)
7. Ethan Dotson – 243 points (-109)
8. Tommy Sheppard Jr. – 241 points (-111)
9. Shannon Babb – 221 points (-131)
10. Forrest Trent – 180 points (-172)

MOORESVILLE, NC (June 20, 2023) — Second year pro Camrie Caruso is ready to race into the summer months of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series starting with this weekend’s Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, June 23-25. The driver of the Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro is looking to build off momentum that has steadily been building all season beginning with her first career win at the NHRA Arizona Nationals earlier this year.

“I set a lot of goals for our team and last year we accomplished some of them, but I knew this year I wanted to start winning races and chase that Pro Stock championship,” said Caruso, the 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year. “We picked up the win in Arizona and then another No. 1 qualifier at the Winternationals. This Tequila Comisario team is moving in the right direction. I felt we had a Camaro that could have won Bristol, but we had a bad second round that really wasn’t our fault. I am not going to make any excuses, but we have a good race car, and I can’t wait to get to Norwalk.”

Camrie Caruso and Tequila Comisario Chevrolet Camaro, photo credit Innovative Creation Experts

Two weeks ago, at the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals there was a four hour rain delay that sidelined all the Camping World Drag Racing Series first round winners. The NHRA Safety Safari did an amazing job recovering the track for the competitors to return to racing in the second round but the first two pairs of Pro Stock competitors, including Caruso and her teammates Greg Anderson and Dallas Glenn had their hands full during their respective races. Caruso was pulling away from Cristian Cuadra when both race cars began sashaying at the top end. Caruso wisely lifted and deployed her parachute to maintain control. The track crew re-prepped the racetrack following the first two pairs and proceeded to complete the event without issues.

“The Safety Safari does an amazing job every race. They bust their butts when it rains and they have to get the track prepped,” said Caruso. “It was just one of those bad timing deals that we were in the first pair of cars to go the full quarter mile after the rain delay. I am glad we didn’t have a serious issue and that was a learning experience for me. I don’t think I have ever been that sideways in a Pro Stock car. I would have liked to have had the round win but keeping my Tequila Comisario Camaro in one piece is more important.”

Caruso was racing in Bristol with additional confidence after winning the first ever NHRA Pro Stock Allstar Callout at the previous NHRA national event in Chicago. The second-year driver was one of eight drivers eligible to compete based on her qualifying efforts during the start of the 2023 season. She entered the specialty race as the No. 8 qualifier and defeated Cristian Cuadra, Troy Coughlin Jr. and Aaron Stanfield for the top prize and specialty trophy. After the first round Caruso was the lone KB Titan Racing driver remaining to take on a full field of Elite Motorsports drivers.

“I love that there is a rivalry between KB Titan Racing and Elite Motorsports,” said Caruso. “They have great racers and cars in their pits and I am really proud to be a part of KB Titan Racing. Getting the win at the Pro Stock Allstar Callout for KB Titan Racing was a big deal. We are going to be battling them all season for the championship.”

For the third generation drag racer her second full time season behind the wheel on a Pro Stock race car is a continual learning experience. Last season she raced to one final round and secured her first career No. 1 qualifier. She finished the regular season in the Top Ten and then battled through the Countdown against some of the toughest competition the category has seen in recent memory. This year with more experience Caruso is leaning on and learning from her teammates.

“I learned a ton in my rookie year but this year I am still picking up so many new things,” said Caruso. “I love racing in Pro Stock and I can’t thank my family and my marketing partners enough for all their support. We are a new team and we are looking for funding all the time. We picked some new partners this season like Big Jeff Audio and that has really helped our program. We are going to continue to work with new people throughout the season to go along with our Powerbuilt Tools, VP Racing Lubricants and DENSO relationships.”

NHRA^® Team Report

NHRA Summit Racing Equipment Nationals  

Pre-Race Report

The Snap-on^® “Makers and Fixers” Dodge^® SRT^® Hellcat^® is good to go for Norwalk after driver Cruz Pedregon experienced a one-in-a-million shake at the end of the burnout on race day in Bristol.

“We replaced bent rims and the team combed through the car after we had that shake that literally ripped the wheel out of my hands…a high-speed wobble on the burnout has never happened to me before,” says Cruz. “Even after that rare event, we feel good about the car now and know we can be successful at getting the car down a hotter racetrack.”

Hanging out with Cruz in the pit this weekend will be Snap-on Nitro Franchisee Matt Harrison. Matt worked for Snap-on before becoming a franchisee where he says he gets lots of customer interaction calling on shops each week. Before that, he worked his way up at a tire company originally changing tires to ultimately being responsible for a huge amount of inventory. Matt’s name is the one you’ll see on the side of Cruz’s car in Norwalk. 

Before arriving at “America’s Track,” the team loaded a show car to head to sponsor Snap-on’s booth at what’s being called “the largest gathering of America’s future skilled workforce,” SkillsUSA in Atlanta. An estimated 15,000 attendees will get to see Cruz’s nitro Funny Car during the week which includes more than 100 competitions in everything from automotive service technology to welding fabrication and precision machining. If you’re a future or seasoned maker and fixer, be sure to check out “Makers and Fixers” on Instagram and share your stories at makersandfixers.com.

After this weekend’s race, Cruz will join other NHRA racers to visit Riley’s Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. They’ll be doing crafts and playing video games with young people at the hospital and passing out some cool swag to the patients.

The four-night event features a trio of $20,000-to-win prelims with a $250,000-to-win finaleBRANDON, SD (June 20, 2023) – History awaits. The richest payday for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series awaits.The Billion Auto Huset’s High Bank Nationals presented by Menards is here. Four days of racing (June 21-24) will begin with three preliminary nights that each award $20,000 to the winner. Those will set the stage for Saturday and the largest payday in World of Outlaws history. The driver who parks in Victory Lane when the dust settles on the finale will have a $250,000 check awaiting them.The massive event has already drawn a pre-entry list of 56 of the nation’s best Sprint Car drivers. They’ll all converge in Brandon, SD to battle for a quarter of a million dollars and a place in Sprint Car history.BUY HIGH BANK NATIONALS TICKETSLet’s look at some of the weekend’s top storylines:THE FORMAT: Such a special race calls for a unique format, and that’s exactly what’s been organized.Points and inverts are the name of the game. Each of the three prelims will begin with points being awarded for Qualifying. Heat Races will be lined up with a six-car invert. The top 20 in combined Qualifying and Heat points will be locked into the Feature with the top eight heading to the redraw. The Last Chance Showdown and C-Main will be lined up by points with the top two from the “C” joining the Last Chance Showdown and the top four from that joining the Feature.Each driver will get to drop their worst of the three prelim nights. Saturday’s format will feature a “King of the Hill” that includes top point earners from the prelims and the winners of either four or six (depending on car count) qualifiers. Those qualifiers will be lined up based on points and also help determine a majority of the finale’s lineup with the Last Chance Showdown supplying the final couple rows.HIGH BANK HAUDENSCHILD: In last year’s High Bank Nationals finale, Sheldon Haudenschild lived up to his reputation of being one of the sport’s most exciting drivers. With five laps to go, he was sixth. When the white flag flew, he was third. In Turns 1 and 2 on the final circuit, he blasted to the lead and went on to claim the win and $100,000.The Wooster, OH native looks to repeat in 2023 with more than double the money on the line. On top of last year’s High Banks glory, Haudenschild also topped a 2020 Series race at Huset’s. He and his Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing crew enter the important week on the highest note possible as the most recent winner having triumphed this past Saturday at Beaver Dam Raceway.BIG GAME HOME GAME: Plenty of eyes will be on David Gravel this week. The Watertown, CT pilots the Big Game Motorsports #2 owned by Huset’s Speedway owner – Tod Quiring.Gravel enters the High Bank Nationals on a hot streak with three consecutive top-two finishes including a win at Knoxville. He’s also only 10 points behind Brad Sweet in the chase for the championship.The 30-year-old has experienced plenty of success at Huset’s in his career. Gravel has topped a pair of World of Outlaws races at the 3/8-mile – both in 2021. In his 14 career Series starts at the Brandon, SD oval, he’s finished in the top-five eight times.MACEDO MAGIC: One driver who may be most hungry for the $250,000 is Carson Macedo.Last year, the Jason Johnson Racing pilot topped the penultimate night for his first Huset’s victory. Then on the final night, Macedo appeared headed for the checkered flag by starting from the pole and leading the first 34 circuits. But then he faded to fifth in the closing laps.Macedo has been one of the fastest cars all season with a trio of wins under his belt, and he’ll go for redemption this week with even higher stakes than last year.DONNY IN THE DAKOTAS: Any trip to the Dakotas is a special on for 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz. He may be from North Dakota, but he made plenty of trips to the south to Huset’s while cutting his teeth in Sprint Cars.Schatz is a four-time World of Outlaws Feature winner at Huset’s – most recently claiming a 2016 visit. The Fargo, ND driver has struggled in recent appearances at the facility with no finish better than sixth in the last four races. But prior to that he had a stretch of five podiums in nine races.It’s been an up and down 2023 so far for Schatz. The Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing driver has 13 finishes outside the top 10 but also owns seven podiums including a pair of wins through 30 races.BAYSTON BREAKTHROUGH?: More than a quarter of the way through his second season with the World of Outlaws, Spencer Bayston is still chasing his first win of the year. Huset’s Speedway might be the place where he’s primed to breakthrough.One of Bayston’s four career Series victories occurred at the 3/8-mile last year on opening night of the High Bank Nationals. The Lebanon, IN native also finished fourth there two nights later.That victory last June remains the CJB Motorsports driver’s most recent with the Series – a fact he hopes to change this week.BIG MONEY VICTORS: As expected, the lucrative event has attracted some of the sport’s top talent that plan to accompany the World of Outlaws full-timers.Kyle Larson has entered in Paul Silva’s #57. The 28-time World of Outlaws Feature winner is no stranger to claiming high-paying Sprint Car races. Larson topped both the Kings Royal ($175,000) and Knoxville Nationals ($150,000 plus lap money) in 2021. The Elk Grove, CA native topped a 2020 World of Outlaws race at Huset’s.One of the nation’s hottest drivers in the form of Rico Abreu is expected to make the trip to South Dakota. With Abreu gelling strongly with Ricky Warner, the team has been a nightly threat wherever the #24 shows up. Abreu already owns a trio of World of Outlaws wins in 2023.Fresh off claiming an Ohio Sprint Speedweek title, Tyler Courtney plans to compete for the $250,000 prize with Clauson Marshall Racing. The two-time All-Star Circuit of Champion titlist’s one career World of Outlaws win came with big money on the line in the form of a $175,000-to-win Kings Royal.MORE STARS: The entire list of entrants is filled with drivers who could make some noise.Two of Mark Dobmeier’s three career World of Outlaws wins have come at Huset’s (2012 & 2014). The Grand Forks, ND native will look for more success this week.Sandwiched between Dobmeier’s victories was a Tim Kaeding triumph in 2013. The Californian is fresh off finishing second in Sunday’s Border Battle at Huset’s aboard the Lunstra #3 – the same ride he’ll pilot during the High Bank Nationals.Another former World of Outlaws winner at Huset’s – Aaron Reutzel – has the High Bank Nationals on his schedule. The Clute, TX native also topped a Huset’s NOSA race last September.Riley Goodno impressed at last year’s High Bank Nationals – leading eight laps before finishing third on the second night. The budding talent from Knoxville, IA already picked up a Huset’s local win this month.Ayrton Gennetten is the most recent Huset’s winner having claimed Sunday’s Border Battle. The Versailles, MO native has continued to show more and more improvement behind the wheel of a Sprint Car.If you can’t make it to the track, catch all of the action live on DIRTVision.THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCEWHEN AND WHEREWednesday-Saturday, June 21-24 at Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, SDON THE INTERNETWorld of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Twitter – @WorldofOutlaws Instagram – @WoOSprint Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsSprintCarSeries YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/monthCURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (30/80 Races):1. 49 – Brad Sweet (4196PTS) 3. 2 – David Gravel (-10PTS) 3. 41 – Carson Macedo (-40PTS) 4. 1S – Logan Schuchart (-176PTS) 5. 15 – Donny Schatz (-228PTS) 6. 17 – Sheldon Haudenschild (-248PTS) 7. 18 – Gio Scelzi (-268PTS) 8. 5 – Spencer Bayston (-352PTS) 9. 3Z – Brock Zearfoss (-562PTS) 10. 1A – Jacob Allen (-622PTS)NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (13 Drivers):6 wins – David Gravel (Big Game Motorsports #2)5 wins – Brad Sweet (Kasey Kahne Racing #49)3 wins – Rico Abreu (Rico Abreu Racing #24), James McFadden (Roth Motorsports #83), Carson Macedo (Jason Johnson Racing #41)2 wins – Donny Schatz (Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing #15), Sheldon Haudenschild (Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing #17)1 win – Buddy Kofoid (CMS Racing #11), Brady Bacon (TKH Motorsports #21), Logan Schuchart (Shark Racing #1S), Anthony Macri (Macri Motorsports #39), Brian Brown (Brian Brown Racing #21), Gio Scelzi (KCP Racing #18)FEATURE LAPS LED (16 Drivers):147 laps – Brad Sweet131 laps – David Gravel126 laps – Carson Macedo115 laps – James McFadden106 laps – Rico Abreu70 laps – Sheldon Haudenschild46 laps – Buddy Kofoid44 laps – Logan Schuchart43 laps – Brent Marks41 laps – Donny Schatz39 laps – Gio Scelzi24 laps – Brian Brown11 laps – Anthony Macri10 laps – Cory Eliason3 laps – Brady Bacon1 lap – Austin McCarlSIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (12 Drivers):10 QuickTimes – Carson Macedo6 QuickTimes – David Gravel3 QuickTimes – Logan Schuchart2 QuickTimes – Anthony Macri, Rico Abreu1 QuickTime – Brian Brown, Donny Schatz, Buddy Kofoid, Gio Scelzi, James McFadden, Sheldon Haudenschild, Jacob AllenHEAT RACE WINNERS (21 Drivers):19 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo18 Heat Wins – David Gravel8 Heat Wins – Buddy Kofoid, Donny Schatz6 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Logan Schuchart5 Heat Wins – Brad Sweet, Rico Abreu, Gio Scelzi4 Heat Wins – Brent Marks3 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri, James McFadden, Brian Brown, Jacob Allen2 Heat Wins – Spencer Bayston, Parker Price-Miller, Justin Peck, Brock Zearfoss,1 Heat Win – Danny Dietrich, Freddie Rahmer, Cory EliasonTOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (34 Drivers):25 Dashes – Carson Macedo24 Dashes – David Gravel20 Dashes – Brad Sweet16 Dashes – Logan Schuchart13 Dashes – Donny Schatz12 Dashes – Gio Scelzi, Sheldon Haudenschild11 Dashes – Rico Abreu10 Dashes – James McFadden8 Dashes – Buddy Kofoid, Spencer Bayston7 Dashes – Jacob Allen6 Dashes – Brent Marks5 Dashes – Brock Zearfoss, Anthony Macri4 Dashes – Brian Brown3 Dashes – Justin Peck, Danny Dietrich, Cory Eliason2 Dashes – Parker Price-Miller, Robbie Price, Tyler Courtney, Garet Williamson, Austin McCarl1 Dash – Kasey Kahne, Freddie Rahmer, Devon Borden, Aaron Reutzel, Brady Bacon, Chad Trout, Dylan Norris, Cap Henry, Stuart Brubaker, Kyle LarsonMICROLITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (20 Drivers):4 LCS Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild2 LCS Wins – Robbie Price, Parker Price-Miller1 LCS Win – Brock Zearfoss, Gio Scelzi, Noah Gass, Hunter Schuerenberg, James McFadden, Wayne Johnson, Ryan Timms, Ayrton Gennetten, Spencer Bayston, Logan Schuchart, Kraig Kinser, Freddie Rahmer, Henry Malcuit, Cole Macedo, Tim Estenson, Aaron Reutzel, Kerry MadsenKSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (22 Drivers):3 Hard Chargers – Sheldon Haudenschild2 Hard Chargers – Brock Zearfoss, James McFadden, Tyler Courtney, Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart, Brad Sweet1 Hard Charger – Gio Scelzi, Robbie Price, David Gravel, Justin Peck, Blake Hahn, Buddy Kofoid, Joe B. Miller, Kyle Larson, Hunter Schuerenberg, Kyle Moody, Freddie Rahmer, Skylar Gee, Cole Duncan, Austin Pierce, Brenham CrouchPODIUM FINISHES (22 Drivers):15 Podiums – David Gravel14 Podiums – Brad Sweet10 Podiums – Carson Macedo7 Podiums – Donny Schatz, Rico Abreu5 Podiums – Logan Schuchart, Sheldon Haudenschild4 Podiums – Buddy Kofoid, James McFadden3 Podiums – Brent Marks, Brian Brown2 Podiums – Jacob Allen1 Podium – Danny Dietrich, Kasey Kahne, Devon Borden, Spencer Bayston, Parker Price-Miller, Brady Bacon, Anthony Macri, Kyle Larson, Garet Williamson, Gio ScelziTOP 10 FINISHES (42 Drivers):27 Top 10s – Carson Macedo, Brad Sweet26 Top 10s – David Gravel23 Top 10s – Logan Schuchart20 Top 10s – Gio Scelzi19 Top 10s – Sheldon Haudenschild18 Top 10s – Spencer Bayston17 Top 10s – Donny Schatz16 Top 10s – James McFadden13 Top 10s – Buddy Kofoid, Rico Abreu10 Top 10s – Jacob Allen8 Top 10s – Justin Peck6 Top 10s – Brent Marks5 Top 10s – Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown4 Top 10s – Kasey Kahne, Danny Dietrich, Brock Zearfoss, Cory Eliason3 Top 10s – Anthony Macri2 Top 10s – Aaron Reutzel, Blake Hahn, Brady Bacon, Kyle Larson, Parker Price-Miller, Robbie Price1 Top 10 – Zeb Wise, Devon Borden, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Joe B. Miller, Hunter Schuerenberg, Brandon Rahmer, Chad Trout, Lance Dewease, Cap Henry, Cole Macedo, Stuart Brubaker, Skylar Gee, Cole Duncan, Austin McCarl, Garet Williamson2023 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)1. Fri, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1)2. Fri, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (2)3. Sat, Feb 11* / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / James McFadden (1)4. Sun, March 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Carson Macedo (1)5. Mon, March 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (3)6. Sat, March 18 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Rico Abreu (1)7. Fri, March 24 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Buddy Kofoid (1)8. Sat, March 25 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Brad Sweet (1)9. Fri, March 31 / Devil’s Bowl Speedway / Mesquite, TX / Brad Sweet (2)10. Sat, April 1 / Devil’s Bowl Speedway / Mesquite, TX / James McFadden (2)11. Fri, April 7 / U.S. 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)12. Sat, April 8 / 81 Speedway / Wichita, KS / Rico Abreu (2)13. Fri, April 14 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Brad Sweet (3)14. Fri, April 28 / Tri-City Speedway / Granite City, IL / David Gravel (4)15. Sat, April 29 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Brady Bacon (1)16. Fri, May 5 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)17. Sat, May 6 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (3)18. Wed, May 10 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Anthony Macri (1)19. Fri, May 12 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Brad Sweet (4)20. Fri, May 19 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Donny Schatz (1)21. Sat, May 20 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / Donny Schatz (2)22. Fri, May 26 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / Brad Sweet (5)23. Sat, May 27 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / Carson Macedo (2)24. Mon, May 29 / Lawrenceburg Speedway / Lawrenceburg, IN / James McFadden (3)25. Fri, June 2 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / David Gravel (5)26. Sat, June 3 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN / Carson Macedo (3)27. Fri, June 9 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brian Brown (1)28. Sat, June 10 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (6)29. Fri, June 16 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Gio Scelzi (1)30. Sat, June 17 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)

CONCORD, NC – JUNE 20, 2023 – Bobby Pierce’s wraps for Eldora Speedway’s crown jewels have always brought excitement. But in 2023, the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series standout chose a scheme that honored his hero and benefited others. 

Pierce’s hero – his dad Bob – fought and won against bladder cancer two years ago. With June being National Cancer Survivor Month, an idea was sparked to honor his father’s victory and those who have also beat cancer or are still fighting. 

“We brainstormed some ideas, and with my dad having gone through bladder cancer and that he’s now in the remission phase, my mom mentioned that June was National Cancer Survivor month,” Pierce said. “So, we kind of threw something together that represented anyone that’s ever dealt with it and been affected by it. 

“There’s not a single person out there that doesn’t know somebody that’s been affected by cancer. So, when you go to “The Dream,” you want to win, and when you battle cancer, you want to win.” 

While most wraps you see during the three-day event stay the same, Pierce’s was the opposite. Fans bought ribbons all week to honor someone affected by the disease. Those ribbons ended up on the back of Pierce’s car, between the driver’s seat and the spoiler. 

“I’m just happy with the amount of exposure it got and how close it brought people together seeing the ribbons on the car,” Pierce said. “I was kind of shocked by how quickly the ribbons were filling up. It was definitely something to go out and race for and try to do my best. 

“It was pretty heartwarming just to see the support for it. It’s very humbling and almost sad to see all of the ribbons on there because that’s a lot of people.” 

At the end of the weekend, Pierce didn’t win “The Dream,” but he did help take a step forward in improving cancer research, raising over $20,000 to benefit cancer research. 

“It was for a great cause,” Pierce said. “It was fairly cheap, just $20 per ribbon. There were so many people. They just loved that they could put someone on the car. Whether it was a family member who they could put on the car, say it was someone who passed away that racing was their life. To be able to get on the car was cool, and hopefully, the money we raised is able to put some more research into it. It really brought a lot of people together.” 

With “The Dream” complete and his dad by his side, the Oakwood, IL drivers switches his attention from one battle to another as he returns to his chase for the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models championship. The Series is back in action this weekend, starting the inaugural World of Outlaws Heartland Speedweek on Friday-Saturday, June 23-24, at 81 Speedway in Wichita, KS.  

Then, the Speedweek continues at Off-Road Speedway (June 25), Mason City Motor Speedway (June 27), Red River Valley Speedway (June 28), River Cities Speedway (June 30), and I-94 EMR Speedway (July 1).  

Cadillac V-Series.R coming off second win in four GTP races, good showing at Le Mans

DETROIT (June 20, 2023) – Cadillac Racing seeks to continue its positive vibes flowing this weekend at Watkins Glen International following a double podium finish in the last IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship race. The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R, driven by Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande, carved through the Grand Touring Prototype field from its sixth starting spot and won the 2-hour, 40-minute race at Laguna Seca. The No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Pipo Derani and Alexander Sims placed third.

Cadillac has won two of the four IMSA GTP races and paces the Manufacturer Championship entering the six-hour race on the 3.4-mile, 11-turn Watkins Glen International road course. Both sets of drivers are coming off competition in the Hypercar class of the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans in which Bourdais and van der Zande, joined by six-time INDYCAR champion Scott Dixon, secured fourth place overall in the 62-car field. The sister No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R – a full-time FIA World Endurance Championship entry – claimed Cadillac’s first podium finish in the iconic endurance race. In 2022, Bourdais and van der Zande drove to a third-place finish at The Glen.

Media resources Weekend guide:* Driver and team bios* Cadillac pit notes* Cadillac at The Glen* A look at the V-Series.R* History of winningFor editorial use:* Driver headshots* Driver candid photos* Racecar photos

Derani and Sims will team with Jack Aitken for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen. They combined for victory in the Twelve Hours of Sebring in March and co-drove to 10th place in the Hypercar class at Le Mans in the No. 311 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R. Peacock will stream flag-to-flag coverage of the race in the U.S. starting at 10:30 a.m. ET, with IMSA.com/TVLive providing streaming coverage outside the U.S. USA Network will telecast the race from 2-5 p.m. ET. Qualifying and the race will be broadcast on IMSA.com and RadioLeMans.com, with SiriusXM live broadcast of the race on XM 207 and Web/App 992 starting at 10:30 a.m. See the roster of Cadillac vehiclesSpectators can view the exciting lineup of Cadillac vehicles, including the Escalade-V and the track-capable CT5-V Blackwing at the Cadillac display in the midway. The special CT4-V Blackwing Watkins Glen track edition will also be on display and lead the prototype field to the green flag.. Hours are 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

What they’re saying

No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R Renger van der Zande: “Watkins Glen is one of the better tracks in a six-hour race. It’s a track where you really get tired because of the high G loads and the track has a lot of grip. It is the first time we’ll be there with the Cadillac V-Series.R car, so that will be interesting how we set up the car. I was in the Dallara simulator this week to see if we can benefit for the weekend. There always seems to be a red flag because there is often rain on at least one of the days, so we’ll see what it brings this year. We had some practice in the rain at Le Mans, so hopefully we can benefit from when we go back to IMSA racing. We’re the winners from the last race so obviously that’s motivating.” Sebastien Bourdais: “A lot of things have happened in the last few weeks — the win at Laguna Seca and a strong performance from the whole Cadillac group at Le Mans. With all the adversity we had throughout the week and the race itself, that we finished the race and finished fourth is a credit to the entire team and Cadillac. Going into Watkins Glen, it is an intense race on a very intense track. High speed, mega commitment with quite a bit of momentum. Hopefully, we can build on the form we had at Le Mans and Laguna and the progress we’ve made over the last few weeks. The weather can be a wild factor in that race, so it’s going to be interesting to see how it all shakes out. On top of it, we have the medium hot temperature Michelin tire for that weekend, which is the hard from Le Mans. Overall, pretty happy where we are at and looking forward to the challenge.”

No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-Series.R Jack Aitken: “Looking forward to getting back into IMSA racing after our trip to Le Mans with the team. I think we learned a lot from that trip and there are some lessons that we can bring to IMSA, which is quite exciting. A six-hour race compared to 24 hours is going to feel like a sprint. Probably just one time in the car for each driver. Watkins Glen is a new track for me and it will be a challenge with the amount of cars starting the race, so we’ll be working our way through traffic the whole time. We don’t have a lot of practice time, so we’ll have to learn fast and make good decisions during those sessions. I’m looking forward to driving what looks like an exciting, fast-flowing track. I think it will suit the car well.” Pipo Derani: “Happy to come back to Watkins Glen. It’s a very fast and enjoyable track to drive and also part of the endurance championship where we are also fighting at the top. It will be, as usual, a demanding race and I am looking forward to be back in IMSA after having the pleasure to race at Le Mans with our team. Hoping we can get back on victory lane as we did in Sebring and continue our fight for the endurance and overall championship.” Alexander Sims: “Looking forward to Watkins Glen. Having completed the Le Mans 24-hour race, we got a lot of really useful information to develop and verify some of the systems on the car, the engine management software seems to be going in a good direction. And it was good to get a lot of laps to get a good feel for the car. It’s always difficult with some of the short weekends. You go from one practice session to the next doing short runs and short runs and then you’re in the race without a lot of time to get on top of things, so the Le Mans week was good for that. The car felt really good in the Porsche curves at Le Mans and we’ll see similar medium and high speed corners at Watkins, so hopefully that will play to our advantage. It’s my first time there in a prototype so it will be a challenge in short practice sessions. I’m hopeful we can get a good result and continue our form in IMSA.” Cadillac Racing DPi-V.R Watkins Glen results 2022-2017 2022: Third (No. 01 V-Performance Academy Cadillac DPi-V.R) start third – Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande         Fourth (No. 02 Cadillac Accessories Cadillac DPi-V.R) start fourth – Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn         Fifth (No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R) start fifth – Pipo Derani, Olivier Pla, Mike Conway         Sixth (No. 48 Ally Cadillac DPi-V.R) start seventh – Jimmie Johnson, Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Rockenfeller         Seventh (No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R) start sixth – Tristan Vautier, Richard Westbrook, Loic Duval 2021 (2-hour, 40-minute race): First (No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R) start fourth – Pipo Derani, Felipe Nasr        Second (No. 01 Cadillac DPi-V.R) start third – Renger van der Zande, Kevin Magnussen        Fourth (No. 5 Mustang Sampling Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R) start sixth – Tristan Vautier, Loic Duval2021 (6-hour race):  Fourth (No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R) start fifth – Pipo Derani, Felipe Nasr, Mike Conway        Fifth (No. 48 Ally Cadillac DPi-V.R) start fourth – Jimmie Johnson, Simon Pagenaud, Kamui Kobayashi        Sixth (No. 01 Cadillac DPi-V.R) start third – Renger van der Zande, Kevin Magnussen        Seventh (No. 5 Mustang Sampling Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R) start sixth – Tristan Vautier, Loic Duval, Sebastien Bourdais2020: No race2019: Fourth (No. 10 Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R) start fifth – Renger van der Zande, Jordan Taylor         Sixth (No. 5 Mustang Sampling Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R) start sixth – Joao Barbosa, Filipe Albuquerque, Mike Conway         Seventh (No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R) start seventh – Pipo Derani, Felipe Nasr, Eric Curran        Eighth (No. 50 Juncos Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R) start 10th – Will Owen, Rene Binder        Ninth (No. 84 JDC-Miller Motorsports Cadillac DPi-V.R) start ninth – Simon Trummer, Stephen Simpson, Chris Miller        11th overall (No. 85 JDC-Miller Motorsports Cadillac DPi-V.R) start eighth – Tristan Vautier, Misha Goikhberg, Juan Piedrahita2018: Fifth (No. 10 Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R) start sixth – Renger van der Zande, Jordan Taylor         Sixth (No. 5 Mustang Sampling Cadillac DPi-V.R) start 12th – Gabby Chaves, Filipe Albuquerque, Christian Fittipladi         Seventh (No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R) start ninth – Felipe Nasr, Eric Curran, Mike Conway         11th overall (No. 90 Spirit of Daytona Cadillac DPi-V.R) start 10th – Tristan Vautier, Matthew McMurry2017: First (No. 5 Mustang Sampling Racing Cadillac DPi-V.R) start third – Christian Fittipaldi, Joao Barbosa, Filipe Albuquerque         Sixth (No. 10 Konica Minolta Cadillac DPi-V.R) start fourth – Ricky Taylor, Jordan Taylor         16th overall (No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac DPi-V.R) start sixth – Dane Cameron, Eric Curran, Filipe Albuquerque 2023 Cadillac V-Series.RWins: Sebring (Pipo Derani, Alexander Sims, Jack Aitken), Laguna Seca (Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande)2 wins, 4 podiums (including wins) IMSA1 podium FIA WEC (Le Mans; No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R – Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn, Richard Westbrook) Cadillac total wins in all classes/series since 2004: 68Cadillac total podiums in all classes/series since 2004: 216IMSA GTP (4)IMSA DPi (85)FIA WEC (1)World Challenge (126)Cadillac Manufacturer Championships in all series: 8IMSA DPi (2021, 2018, 2017)Pirelli World Challenge GT (2014, 2013, 2012)SPEED World Challenge GT (2007, 2005)IMSA DPi Driver Championships: 2021, 2018, 2017IMSA DPi Team Championships: 2021, 2018, 2017IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Champion: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Driver Championships: 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Team Championships: 2018, 2017Pirelli World Challenge GT Driver Championships: 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012SPEED World Challenge GT Driver Championship: 2005