All posts by ARP Trish

More than 40 of the best Late Model drivers in the country will compete at Bristol April 8-10By Mike WarrenBRISTOL, TN – March 19, 2021 – The invites were sent, and all the RSVPs have returned.The stars of the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series, along with a plethora of Late Model standouts, are set to battle at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway for the World of Outlaws Bristol Bash, April 8-10.The prospective list of drivers attending the historic event include: B1 Brent LarsonOE Rick EckertOS Ryan ScottO Scott Bloomquist1 Brandon Sheppard1G Devin Gilpin6 Blake Spencer6JR Parker Martin Jr.7 Ross Robinson7 Ricky Weiss8 Kyle Strickler9 Devon Moran11 Gordy Gundaker14 Josh Richards16 Tyler Bruening18 Chase Junghans18D Daulton Wilson19R Ryan Gustin20 Jimmy Owens20RT Ricky Thornton Jr.22 Chris Ferguson24D Michael Brown25 Mason Zeigler25 Shane Clanton28 Dennis Erb Jr.29 Darrell Lanigan32 Bobby Pierce40B Kyle Bronson42 Cla Knight44 Chris Madden44F Stewart Friesen49 Jonathan Davenport54 David Breazeale56 Tony Jackson Jr.57 Zach Mitchell58 Ross Bailes76 Brandon Overton81E Tanner English97 Cade Dillard99B Boom Briggs157 Mike MarlarSome invites were not accepted as some drivers had other commitments on those dates. World of Outlaws Late Model Series Director Casey Shuman addressed how the invitation process worked.“There have been a lot of questions on why certain people weren’t invited,” Shuman said. “We looked to invite not only our full-time World of Outlaws teams but also the top-25 drivers across the county, including the DIRTcar Summer Nationals and the Xtreme Late Model Series.”Some of the tour regulars have already made some laps around the track, covered in dirt for the first time in 20 years.Ricky Weiss was the fastest in that test session, clocking in with a time of 15.266 sec., going around the half-mile oval with an average speed of 125mph.

While he wasn’t the fastest car during the test session a few weeks ago, three-time defending champion Brandon Sheppard can say he has the most experience. The New Berlin, IL native ran 156 laps around the speedway and is the only driver who ran more than 100 laps during the test session.Sheppard’s crew made a lot of changes during that five-hour test session, which is something that many drivers expect to do throughout the weekend. They also expect the two races to be a different animal than what they’re used to.“The track’s a lot bigger, and a lot different than we usually run on, so you’re going to have to change your car around, and it’s going to have to be kind of like an endurance deal,” Dennis Erb Jr. said.While the drivers are preparing for those changes, they’re also excited to hit the track, at a speedway with such a rich history.“It’s definitely going to be exciting,” Chase Junghans said. “I think the atmosphere’s going to be really cool, it’s going to be really fast.“Hopefully we come out of there with two cars and have a good finish.”All drivers will get a practice session on Thursday, April 8, before the Features on Friday, April 9, and Saturday, April 10. Both Feature events will be 40 laps, with $10,000 on the line Friday, and $25,000 to the winner Saturday. The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds will also accompany the World of Outlaws Late Models throughout the event.While the excitement continues to build for the Bristol Bash, the World of Outlaws Morton Building Late Models are in action the two weekends prior.The Series will stop at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC Friday and Saturday, March 26-27, for the inaugural Rock Gault Memorial, paying $35,000 to the winner of Saturday’s race.Then, the Series returns for the Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway Friday and Saturday, April 1-3, with $20,000 going to the winner.For tickets to the World of Outlaws Bristol Bash, go to BristolMotorSpeedway.com.If you can’t make it to the track, catch all of the action on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

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Mopar and Dodge//SRT HEMI® Shootout Returns for 2021 NMCA Season

March 19, 2021 ARP Trish

Mopar and Dodge//SRT continue support of HEMI^® Shootout for a fourth season of competition in National Muscle Car Association (NMCA)
HEMI Shootout provides Dodge, Chrysler, and Jeep^® performance vehicle owners a safe, controlled environment to hone their driving skills on a drag strip
First of six 2021 NMCA season events take place this weekend at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida
Vehicle owners can register their modern muscle cars online for Mopar Dodge//SRT HEMI Shootout by visiting www.NMCAdigital.com/hemi

March 19, Auburn Hills, Mich. – For a fourth consecutive year, Mopar and Dodge//SRT will present the HEMI^® Shootout competition at all six 2021 National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) events, beginning this weekend at the 19th Annual Muscle Car Mayhem at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida.

The brands have partnered to bring back the popular program that provides enthusiasts and owners of model year 2005 and later Gen III HEMI-powered Dodge Challenger, Demon, Hellcat, Charger, Durango, Chrysler 300 and Jeep^® performance vehicles with a secure, controlled environment to hone their driving skills and race on the quarter-mile drag strip at a sanctioned event.

Each NMCA event will have a dedicated tent for Mopar Dodge//SRT HEMI Shootout competitors to register, receive a gift bag and socialize with other Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep performance enthusiasts. The first 75 enthusiasts to register their Mopar-powered modern day muscle car for the HEMI Shootout will receive complimentary entry; a $175 value.

The HEMI Shootout offers competitors the opportunity to race at their own pace and comfort level, along with personalized, step-by-step instruction from dedicated, trained personnel. There will be tablets available with “how-to” videos for burnouts, properly staging the car at the tree and using various vehicle features.

Early registration and test sessions are available on Thursday and Friday, with the Mopar Dodge//SRT HEMI Shootout scheduled to take place on Saturday at each event. The NMCA will provide a special winner’s circle experience, along with awards and payout prizes for winners and runner-up finishers.

For a complete schedule, rules, entry guidelines and registration information on the NMCA Mopar Dodge//SRT HEMI Shootout, visit www.NMCAdigital.com/hemi.

Mopar

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

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

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

Dodge//SRT

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

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

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

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RCR Event Preview – Atlanta Motor Speedway

March 18, 2021 ARP Trish

Richard Childress Racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway… In 147 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Richard Childress Racing has earned nine wins and three pole awards, including Kevin Harvick’s emotional victory in the Cracker Barrel 500 on March 11, 2001. Dale Earnhardt won eight times at the Hampton, Ga.-based track under the RCR banner. Additionally, RCR boasts 29 top-five and 57 top-10 finishes at AMS and RCR-prepared Chevrolets have led 2,955 laps at the ultra-fast, 1.54-mile oval. Richard Childress, a former driver on NASCAR’s senior circuit, recorded his best finish at AMS, ninth, in the Atlanta Journal 500 on Nov. 2, 1980. Catch the Action… The NASCAR Xfinity Series Xfinity 250 will be televised live Saturday, March 20, beginning at 5 p.m. ET on FS1 and will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. The NASCAR Cup Series Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 will be televised live Sunday, March 21, beginning at 3 p.m. ET on FOX and will be broadcast live on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

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Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Atlanta Motor Speedway… Dillon has eight NASCAR Cup Series starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway to his credit, earning a best finish of 11th twice in 2020 and 2016. About Tracker Off Road… Dillon’s No. 3 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE prominently features TRACKER ATVs, a game-changing new line of all-terrain vehicles and side-by-sides offering breakthrough performance, service and value in the off-road industry. TRACKER OFF ROAD was born out of a powerhouse partnership formed between Bass Pro Shops and TRACKER founder Johnny Morris and Textron Specialized Vehicles, bringing together the undisputed world leader in boating with a global leader in innovation and technology. About Bass Pro Shops… Bass Pro Shops is North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company. Founded in 1972 when avid young angler Johnny Morris began selling tackle out of his father’s liquor store in Springfield, Missouri, today the company provides customers with unmatched offerings spanning premier destination retail, outdoor equipment manufacturing, world-class resort destinations and more. In 2017 Bass Pro Shops acquired Cabela’s to create a “best-of-the-best” experience with superior products, dynamic locations and outstanding customer service. Bass Pro Shops also operates White River Marine Group, offering an unsurpassed collection of industry-leading boat brands, and Big Cedar Lodge, America’s Premier Wilderness Resort. Under the visionary conservation leadership of Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops is a national leader in protecting habitat and introducing families to the outdoors and has been named by Forbes as “one of America’s Best Employers.” Bass Pro Shops has a long relationship with NASCAR, dating back to 1998. For more information, visit http://www.basspro.com/. AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:Atlanta Motor Speedway is a track where the asphalt there is among the favorite of the drivers, am I right?“It’s old, but I’m glad they’ve kept it the same. It’s a place that drivers love because you know it’s going to be slick and over time you might be able to find some grip by moving around or changing your line and being disciplined with the throttle.”

Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Alsco Uniforms Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Atlanta Motor Speedway… Tyler Reddick has one previous NASCAR Cup Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway, finishing 16th there during last year’s race. Reddick also has two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts and one top-five finish at the 1.5-mile speedway, as well as two NASCAR Truck Series starts and one top-five finish from 2015. About Alsco… Alsco is a fifth-generation family-owned and -operated uniform company founded in 1889 and recognized by the prestigious Hohenstein Institute for having invented the uniform rental industry. Celebrating over 130 years of business, Alsco provides uniform laundry services and other products that keep businesses clean and safe to all kinds of customers in the healthcare, automotive, industrial and hospitality industries. With more than 180 locations and 20,000 employees, Alsco provides laundry rental services to more than 355,000 customers in 14 countries, which makes Alsco Uniforms the largest uniform company in the world. Visit alsco.com to learn more about how Alsco Uniforms is the industry’s best kept secret. Making His Broadcast Debut… Reddick will be making his debut in the FOX Sports booth this weekend to help call the action during Saturday’s Xfinity Series race at Atlanta. Catch the race live starting at 5 p.m. ET on FS1.
TYLER REDDICK QUOTE: What will be the key to success this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway?“Tires will be very important to having a successful race at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend. Even with the downforce package we have, tires still remain as a key to this track due to the extremely worn-out surface. Last year, I was still getting a feel for a Cup car when we raced at Atlanta and thought I had a tire going down during the first stage, so now that I know what that feels like I know what to watch out for. We had some handling issues during last year’s race too where our Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE would swing from being way too loose to way too tight, so my team has looked back at last year’s notes a lot this week to prepare and have a better handling No. 8 Alsco Uniforms Chevrolet this time around. I enjoy racing at Atlanta with its old track surface, so I’m excited for this weekend.”

Myatt Snider and the No. 2 TaxSlayer Chevrolet Camaro at Atlanta Motor Speedway… Snider has one career NASCAR Xfinity Series start at Atlanta Motor Speedway, which came one season ago in 2020. The 26-year-old has also competed in one NASCAR Truck Series race at the Georgia quad-oval, earning a seventh-place finish in 2018. About TaxSlayer… TaxSlayer makes online tax filing accessible for millions of Americans, with an easy-to-use platform and unlimited support at a fraction of the cost of the competition. Trusted for over 50 years, the Augusta-based tech company successfully completed more than 10 million federal and state e-filed tax returns in 2020 and processed $15 billion in refunds. TaxSlayer achieved a 4.5/5 TrustScore on consumer review site Trustpilot, with 87% of its customers rating the tax filing platform Great or Excellent. For more information, visit www.TaxSlayer.com. MYATT SNIDER QUOTE:What are your expectations heading into Atlanta Motor Speedway?“Atlanta’s track surface is old and worn out, which makes it really fast. I personally don’t have a ton of experience there, so our TaxSlayer team has been working hard in the sim and watching film to prepare for Saturday’s race. We will need to manage the race and our tires to be there at the end with a shot at another victory.”

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TEXAS STRONG: Cotton Bowl Speedway eager for World of Outlaws return

March 18, 2021 ARP Trish

The Series will make its first trip back to the track since 2018 for a doubleheader weekendPAIGE, TX – March 18, 2021 – There’s no quit in Texas. Cotton Bowl Speedway, in Paige, TX, is a prime example of that.It’s had to suffer rain, a pandemic and a severe snowstorm in the past two years, forcing the cancellation of multiple World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series events. However, its determination to host the World of Outlaws again has never faltered.That Texas-tough attitude is bringing The Greatest Show on Dirt back to Cotton Bowl Speedway this Friday and Saturday, March 19-20, for the Drydene Texas Two-Step presented by American Lube Supply. This will be the Series’ first time back at the 3/8-mile track since 2018.“It’s a shame the Series hasn’t been able to race at Cotton Bowl the past few years due to varying factors, so we’re excited to bring the World of Outlaws back to Texas this weekend for a fun two-night event,” said Carlton Reimers, World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series Director and Texas-native. “Cotton Bowl Speedway is a great facility and its team did a good job getting it ready in a short amount of time to allow for this weekend to happen.”Rain plagued the Series’ return to the speedway in 2019 and then hours before the start of the event in 2020, the growing emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the event. Knowing the level of interest from the fans and the track’s ability to produce thrilling racing, the World of Outlaws worked with the speedway to create a doubleheader event this year in February. Then, as Mary Ann Naumann, the owner and operator of Cotton Speedway called it, “Snowvid” hit Texas.A massive snowstorm, accompanied by record-setting freezing temperatures, hit nearly the entire state, creating hazardous conditions. Millions were initially left without power. Thousands were stuck in their homes. And a few deaths were reported.Cotton Bowl Speedway was prepared for the storm to hit, according to Naumann, but no one expected the impact to be as severe as it was.“We really prepped the track really well with the plumbing and everything like that,” Naumann said. “We were completely ready. The first night of the storm, we lost electricity. So, we froze almost from the first night. Then, we couldn’t get to the racetrack. When the water finally unfroze, we had flooding issues. We had flooding in VIP (suite) and race control. Flooding in the restrooms. We lost the ceilings in the restrooms in the pit area. Our concessions got flooded. It was really a nightmare.“It’s been none stop for us. But things are looking up. We had a race last weekend, and everything went great. We were like, ‘How did we even do this?’ But we pulled it off. We’re excited. Everyone is excited.”With the track crew’s ability to get the facility ready in time, and, coincidentally enough, the cancellation of the West Coast Swing due to COVID, the Series was able to push the Texas Two-Step to a new date a couple of weeks later.The excitement for the event is growing among the local communities, Naumann said. Not only does the arrival of teams and fans bring in more business to the town, but the locals are just ready to see the World of Outlaws back at the speedway.“I think even more so (this year) because the couple of years of excitement was there and then wasn’t able to happen,” Naumann said. “I know there’s been a lot of chatter going on in the town close to us, which is Bastrop. It has the haulers in there at different hotels and stuff. The excitement is even more because they see the big haulers and everything. I think the community is excited. We love that we’re an outdoor venue and blessed that we’re able to do this. And that people get to be out and about and be safe at the same time. I think they can have good family fun and see exciting action on the racetrack.”Fans could see multiple historic milestones reached at the track this weekend. It starts with the doubleheader being the Series’ first two-day event at the track. Currently, the Series has only made two visits to Cotton Bowl Speedway – in 2016 and 2018.Two-time defending Series champion Brad Sweet picked up the win in 2016 and 2019 Knoxville Nationals champion David Gravel won in 2018. A win for either of them at the track would be their 60th career World of Outlaws victory. Both have one win this year. Gravel is the most recent winner, outdueling Sweet for the win in a spectacular race at The Rev.Another milestone win could come from 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz. He’s on the verge of his 300th career World of Outlaws victory.Aaron Reutzel, of Clute, TX – less than 3 hours from Cotton Bowl – will be on the hunt for his first home-state win with the World of Outlaws. The leading Rookie of the Year contender picked up his third career win, and first of the year, at East Bay Raceway Park, by following the driving style of his idol and fellow Texas native Gary Wright.So far, in six races, there have been six different winners in 2021. That streak could go to seven and eight this weekend – a streak that hasn’t been reached since 2015.“I’m so excited,” Naumann said. “I’m excited about the double night. The enthusiasm is great. We’ve worked really hard on the track even though we’ve had to overcome a lot of objectives. But the track looks good and we’re so excited.”For tickets to the Drydene Texas Two-Step presented by American Lube Supply, CLICK HERE.If you’re unable to make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

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

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WHERE IT ALL BEGAN: Original Outlaw Tracks Lawton & Devil’s Bowl Return on April 16-17

March 18, 2021 ARP Trish

Texas Outlaw Nationals Offers $20,000/Win at World of Outlaws BirthplaceLAWTON, OK – March 17, 2021 – 43 years ago in 1978, Lawton Speedway and Devil’s Bowl Speedway hosted the brand-new World of Outlaws in year one.43 years later in 2021, Lawton and Devil’s Bowl are two of only eight original tracks still on the NOS Energy DrinkSprint Car Series scheduleThis time next month, on Friday and Saturday, April 16-17, The Greatest Show on Dirt writes its next chapter at these iconic facilities. It’s the Series’ first and only appearance in Oklahoma this year, as well as the third and final stop in Texas, preceded by this weekend’s doubleheader at Cotton Bowl Speedway.LAWTON TICKETS (4/16)
DEVIL’S BOWL TICKETS (4/17)The April doubleheader, which is the final weekend before the World of Outlaws race at dirt-covered Bristol Motor Speedway, begins on Friday, April 16 at the Lawton, OK quarter-mile.Eight events through the Series’ first eight years (1978-85) ran through Lawton with legends Steve Kinser and Sammy Swindell each scoring three wins, while Rick Ferkel and Jeff Swindell both had one victory. After a 25-year hiatus, the Outlaws returned in 2020 highlighted by an emotional home-state win for Owasso, OK native and 2013 World of Outlaws champion, Daryn Pittman.Notables Brad Sweet, David Gravel, Sheldon Haudenschild, and Logan Schuchart were top five finishers in last year’s event.For Wayne Johnson, the defending Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year, it’s his only chance to race close to his Oklahoma City, OK home. He’s a multi-time winner at the track in ASCS competition, including a victory as recent as summer of 2018. In his only World of Outlaws start at Lawton in 2020, Johnson finished 14thth.”Lawton is my home track,” Johnson noted on how special it is. “I live just about 70 miles from there, and I’ve been racing there since I was 16 years old. You’d think I’d have some sort of home field advantage there, really. We’ve won a lot of races there with ASCS. If I’m ever gonna win one of these Outlaw races, this is the one I want to win in front of my family and friends.”The next night on Saturday, April 17, the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars return home to Devil’s Bowl Speedway, where the Series was born on March 18, 1978. The Mesquite, TX half-mile has Outlaw heritage dating back four decades with countless iconic moments from beginning to now. With 87 previous events, Devil’s Bowl ranks fifth behind Williams Grove, Eldora, Knoxville and Lernerville for most Series events.Logan Schuchart, who currently leads the World of Outlaws chmpionship standings, has topped the last two appearances at Devil’s Bowl. 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz and reigning Series champion Brad Sweet are also former Outlaw winners at Devil’s Bowl.Paying $20,000-to-win the Texas Outlaw Nationals, the April 17 date at Devil’s Bowl will be the highest-paying show of the season for at least one week until Bristol takes that honor.A native of Sunnyvale, TX, Sam Hafertepe Jr. has been turning laps around Devil’s Bowl since he was a little boy. Now, he’s returning to the half-mile with his best shot ever at winning a World of Outlaws feature at his home track. The five-time ASCS National Tour champion already has a bundle of 360 victories at the track, but a 410 win would be extra special.”I grew up racing there, so it just means a little bit more to me,” Hafertepe spoke on his home track, “Racing there for me, that’s where the Outlaws started and it’s got a ton of history. Turns three and four at Devil’s Bowl is probably my favorite two turns in racing, period. It’s just a place I’ve really gotten comfortable around. I feel like I could drive blindfolded there sometimes. I always feel like we have an advantage when we pull into the gate, whether it’s a 360 or 410 under the hood. It’s cool to have so many family and friends come out to support you as well.”Heading into this weekend’s first Texas trip to Cotton Bowl Speedway, the Series has provided six different winners in six races; a near-historic start to the 2021 campaign. Winners have included Brad Sweet, Logan Schuchart, Carson Macedo, Aaron Reutzel, Sheldon Haudenschild and David Gravel.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

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Atlanta’s Old Asphalt Suits DiBenedetto Just Fine

March 17, 2021 ARP Trish

March 17, 2021

The last time Atlanta Motor Speedway got a new coat of asphalt was during the middle of the 1997 season.

Bill Clinton was President at that time. Gasoline was $1.23 a gallon, “Titanic” was playing in theaters and “Candle in the Wind” was the top song. In the NASCAR world, Michael Waltrip was driving the Wood Brothers’ No. 21 Taurus, North Wilkesboro Speedway has been dropped from the Cup Series schedule, and inaugural races were held at Texas Motor Speedway and Auto Club Speedway.

There have been lots of changes since – in America, in NASCAR and at the Atlanta track. The old Weaver grandstands, named for one of the track’s first presidents, Nelson Weaver, have been removed as have the Elliott Family Grandstand in Turn Three. The track lost and then regained its second Cup race, which will be run in July.

But through it all, the original pavement, laid down when the track was reconfigured from a true oval to the current quad-oval, has remained. The surface has faded from black to a light gray, and multiple cracks have been sealed with ribbons of tar.

Plans to repave have been nixed, largely due to pleas from drivers like Matt DiBenedetto, who will start the No. 21 Menards/Maytag Mustang from 20^th place in Sunday’s Folds of Honor/QuikTrip 500.

Despite the excessive tire wear and other issues that arise from the work surface, drivers love it.

“The old pavement gives the track character,” DiBenedetto said. “It’s fun to race on, and it has multiple grooves. Tracks get better with age, and Atlanta is definitely an old one. It’s extremely fun.”

Last year, in his first Atlanta drive in the Menards Mustang, DiBenedetto showed top-10 speed and was poised to finish well until an unscheduled pit stop forced the team to try to make a set of tires last through a long-green flag run. The track chewed them up, and DiBenedetto was forced to pit in the closing laps.

Still, he’s optimistic headed into Sunday’s race.

“This could be a pretty good place for our Menards/Maytag team,” he said. “Last year, we started out really loose, got it fixed and had a top-10 car.”

There are other reasons for his optimism.

“The mile-and-a-half tracks are a strong point for us,” he said. “I feel pretty good.”

There will be no practice or qualifying prior to Sunday’s 500-miler, which is set to start just after 3 p.m. Eastern Time with TV coverage on FOX.

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SUPER SUB: Kasey Kahne’s Success is Crucial for KKR #9’s Owner Title Hopes

March 17, 2021 ARP Trish

Australia’s James McFadden Begins Full-Time Ride in KKR #9 This Weekend at Cotton BowlMOORESVILLE, NC – March 16, 2021 – Statistically, Kasey Kahne just completed the greatest six-race stretch of his career with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.His four top-ten finishes were highlighted by a hard charging 23rd-to-fifth bid at Magnolia and a pole position at The Rev. The Enumclaw, WA native didn’t just fill the seat and turn some laps to collect points; he became a true contender to win on a nightly basis with The Greatest Show on Dirt.By result of Kahne’s impressive numbers, his early-season success has the Kasey Kahne Racing, Karavan Trailers #9 in a good position with the World of Outlaws Owners Championship in mind. Beginning this weekend at Cotton Bowl Speedway, James McFadden will begin his tenure – sitting -82 out of the points lead – and Kahne will return to his role as team owner of McFadden’s #9 and Brad Sweet’s NAPA Auto Parts #49.”It’s been a lot of fun,” Kahne said on his driving duties. “I don’t really remember driving to every race this early in the year before, just running the World of Outlaws tour is pretty cool. I’ve really enjoyed it this last month or so. I’ve been working with the team more and more, and that’s been fun. Racing and running up and down the road, though, I kind of feel like a real World of Outlaws driver at the moment.”Since established in 2006, the KKR #9 has been one of the most potent rides in the sport, and Kahne takes immense pride in that. McFadden, of Warrnambool, VIC, AUS, will become only the third driver in 16 years to pilot the #9 on a full-time basis with the World of Outlaws.The Brownsburg Bullet Joey Saldana first drove the #9 for seven years from 2006-12 and collected 68 wins before Daryn Pittman took the wheel from 2013-18, another highly-successful relationship which brought 47 victories and Kasey Kahne Racing’s first-ever World of Outlaws championship in 2013. Now, it’s McFadden’s turn to build that heritage.”To me, I think the #9 car is one of the best sprint cars in the country when we put it on the track,” Kahne spoke on his passion for the #9. “We want it to be in the title hunt and competitive every single night, which is tough with the guys out here. Overall, that’s our biggest goal, though. I’m excited to get James in the car this week. We’ve worked to get everything in a good spot these first few weeks of the season.”For McFadden, a sensational Australian talent, this new full-time opportunity marks his third season at KKR. He began driving the #9 in 2019 and has since racked up 40 starts, one win, 13 top-five finishes, and 22 top-tens with the World of Outlaws. His lone win came at Lake Ozark Speedway last October, where he’ll return as the defending Jason Johnson Classic champion next weekend on Saturday, March 27.For Kahne, this is his chance to continue bonding with the well-established organization he has built at Kasey Kahne Racing. The 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner believes their team environment is partially responsible for his early-season success behind the wheel.”I’ve really enjoyed racing this year, but I enjoy a lot of just because of the team that I’m with,” Kahne mentioned. “Working with these guys is why I think I’m having the most fun right now. I won’t be driving anymore, but I’ll still have the same group on both teams and I’ll still be working with everybody and traveling up and down the road.”Justin Adams will continue as crew chief on McFadden’s #9 with Rob Beattie and Gary “Woodman” also on board. For Sweet’s championship-winning #49, it’s still crew chief Eric Prutzman, Joe Mooney, and Andrew Bowman.UP NEXT – James McFadden makes his first start of the 2021 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season this Friday and Saturday, March 19-20 at Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, TX.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

SUPER SUB: Kasey Kahne’s Success is Crucial for KKR #9’s Owner Title HopesAustralia’s James McFadden Begins Full-Time Ride in KKR #9 This Weekend at Cotton BowlMOORESVILLE, NC – March 16, 2021 – Statistically, Kasey Kahne just completed the greatest six-race stretch of his career with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.His four top-ten finishes were highlighted by a hard charging 23rd-to-fifth bid at Magnolia and a pole position at The Rev. The Enumclaw, WA native didn’t just fill the seat and turn some laps to collect points; he became a true contender to win on a nightly basis with The Greatest Show on Dirt.By result of Kahne’s impressive numbers, his early-season success has the Kasey Kahne Racing, Karavan Trailers #9 in a good position with the World of Outlaws Owners Championship in mind. Beginning this weekend at Cotton Bowl Speedway, James McFadden will begin his tenure – sitting -82 out of the points lead – and Kahne will return to his role as team owner of McFadden’s #9 and Brad Sweet’s NAPA Auto Parts #49.”It’s been a lot of fun,” Kahne said on his driving duties. “I don’t really remember driving to every race this early in the year before, just running the World of Outlaws tour is pretty cool. I’ve really enjoyed it this last month or so. I’ve been working with the team more and more, and that’s been fun. Racing and running up and down the road, though, I kind of feel like a real World of Outlaws driver at the moment.”Since established in 2006, the KKR #9 has been one of the most potent rides in the sport, and Kahne takes immense pride in that. McFadden, of Warrnambool, VIC, AUS, will become only the third driver in 16 years to pilot the #9 on a full-time basis with the World of Outlaws.The Brownsburg Bullet Joey Saldana first drove the #9 for seven years from 2006-12 and collected 68 wins before Daryn Pittman took the wheel from 2013-18, another highly-successful relationship which brought 47 victories and Kasey Kahne Racing’s first-ever World of Outlaws championship in 2013. Now, it’s McFadden’s turn to build that heritage.”To me, I think the #9 car is one of the best sprint cars in the country when we put it on the track,” Kahne spoke on his passion for the #9. “We want it to be in the title hunt and competitive every single night, which is tough with the guys out here. Overall, that’s our biggest goal, though. I’m excited to get James in the car this week. We’ve worked to get everything in a good spot these first few weeks of the season.”For McFadden, a sensational Australian talent, this new full-time opportunity marks his third season at KKR. He began driving the #9 in 2019 and has since racked up 40 starts, one win, 13 top-five finishes, and 22 top-tens with the World of Outlaws. His lone win came at Lake Ozark Speedway last October, where he’ll return as the defending Jason Johnson Classic champion next weekend on Saturday, March 27.For Kahne, this is his chance to continue bonding with the well-established organization he has built at Kasey Kahne Racing. The 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner believes their team environment is partially responsible for his early-season success behind the wheel.”I’ve really enjoyed racing this year, but I enjoy a lot of just because of the team that I’m with,” Kahne mentioned. “Working with these guys is why I think I’m having the most fun right now. I won’t be driving anymore, but I’ll still have the same group on both teams and I’ll still be working with everybody and traveling up and down the road.”Justin Adams will continue as crew chief on McFadden’s #9 with Rob Beattie and Gary “Woodman” also on board. For Sweet’s championship-winning #49, it’s still crew chief Eric Prutzman, Joe Mooney, and Andrew Bowman.UP NEXT – James McFadden makes his first start of the 2021 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season this Friday and Saturday, March 19-20 at Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, TX.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

SUPER SB: Kasey Kahne’s Success is Crucial for KKR #9’s Owner Title HopesAustralia’s James McFadden Begins Full-Time Ride in KKR #9 This Weekend at Cotton BowlMOORESVILLE, NC – March 16, 2021 – Statistically, Kasey Kahne just completed the greatest six-race stretch of his career with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.His four top-ten finishes were highlighted by a hard charging 23rd-to-fifth bid at Magnolia and a pole position at The Rev. The Enumclaw, WA native didn’t just fill the seat and turn some laps to collect points; he became a true contender to win on a nightly basis with The Greatest Show on Dirt.By result of Kahne’s impressive numbers, his early-season success has the Kasey Kahne Racing, Karavan Trailers #9 in a good position with the World of Outlaws Owners Championship in mind. Beginning this weekend at Cotton Bowl Speedway, James McFadden will begin his tenure – sitting -82 out of the points lead – and Kahne will return to his role as team owner of McFadden’s #9 and Brad Sweet’s NAPA Auto Parts #49.”It’s been a lot of fun,” Kahne said on his driving duties. “I don’t really remember driving to every race this early in the year before, just running the World of Outlaws tour is pretty cool. I’ve really enjoyed it this last month or so. I’ve been working with the team more and more, and that’s been fun. Racing and running up and down the road, though, I kind of feel like a real World of Outlaws driver at the moment.”Since established in 2006, the KKR #9 has been one of the most potent rides in the sport, and Kahne takes immense pride in that. McFadden, of Warrnambool, VIC, AUS, will become only the third driver in 16 years to pilot the #9 on a full-time basis with the World of Outlaws.The Brownsburg Bullet Joey Saldana first drove the #9 for seven years from 2006-12 and collected 68 wins before Daryn Pittman took the wheel from 2013-18, another highly-successful relationship which brought 47 victories and Kasey Kahne Racing’s first-ever World of Outlaws championship in 2013. Now, it’s McFadden’s turn to build that heritage.”To me, I think the #9 car is one of the best sprint cars in the country when we put it on the track,” Kahne spoke on his passion for the #9. “We want it to be in the title hunt and competitive every single night, which is tough with the guys out here. Overall, that’s our biggest goal, though. I’m excited to get James in the car this week. We’ve worked to get everything in a good spot these first few weeks of the season.”For McFadden, a sensational Australian talent, this new full-time opportunity marks his third season at KKR. He began driving the #9 in 2019 and has since racked up 40 starts, one win, 13 top-five finishes, and 22 top-tens with the World of Outlaws. His lone win came at Lake Ozark Speedway last October, where he’ll return as the defending Jason Johnson Classic champion next weekend on Saturday, March 27.For Kahne, this is his chance to continue bonding with the well-established organization he has built at Kasey Kahne Racing. The 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner believes their team environment is partially responsible for his early-season success behind the wheel.”I’ve really enjoyed racing this year, but I enjoy a lot of just because of the team that I’m with,” Kahne mentioned. “Working with these guys is why I think I’m having the most fun right now. I won’t be driving anymore, but I’ll still have the same group on both teams and I’ll still be working with everybody and traveling up and down the road.”Justin Adams will continue as crew chief on McFadden’s #9 with Rob Beattie and Gary “Woodman” also on board. For Sweet’s championship-winning #49, it’s still crew chief Eric Prutzman, Joe Mooney, and Andrew Bowman.UP NEXT – James McFadden makes his first start of the 2021 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season this Friday and Saturday, March 19-20 at Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, TX.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

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Team War Wizard Event update

March 16, 2021 ARP Trish

February 2021

It was a sweet 3rd attempt. Giving him enough wow factor for the fans to secure the 1st of many wins for Team War Wizard. We sat the remainder of racing out checking the truck out to make sure all was well before freestyle. With this happening they put RJ out 1st in the line up for freestyle. He ran a soft run but gave the fans a show, with big air, clearing the center pod a few times as well as a stoppie or two to close out his run. Leaving the fans with a lasting impression being 1st in the line up securing his 2nd win of the weekend.

The picture above says it all. With nearly 6 months out of the seat RJ was happy to be back in his office! February 5th & 6th we hit the ground full of excitement and ready to greet our fans.

We started the Friday night show on fire. In racing qualifying RJ flat tracked the Ole Wizard around the Chicago track with the fast time earning him a bi run in the 1st round of racing. Only to let the fans down when he was on a great run yet again but the truck hooked hiking the left front tire up over the turn post a little to much. Which lead to a roll over in his bi run! Not much body damage was cause. We rolled him over and he fired up and went and got ready for the rest of the show.

In the skilled event contested RJ said I’m going to try a stoppie and see what happens.

5006 General Stuart CT. Sharpsburg, MD 21782 Office: 407-314-6936 wwr@warwizardracing.com

qualifier run, but this time RJ made sure to keep the truck on all 4’s in the bi run going to the next round. Only to make his way to semi finals to lose gracefully when the truck hooked and hiked again but this time he saved it and road it out and down to finish the run. Skilled contest was another win with a good sky wheelie followed up with a stoppie. Then there was freestyle!, 2nd to last in the line up RJ went out on fire. Clearing the pod several times, big air, cross threading the jumps, yet another stoppie and then he stepped it up one more time with his 1st attempt at a bicycle. The fans loved it. Locking in the 5th win out of 9 events and 2 fastest qualifying pasts was a great welcome back for our team and our marketing partners.

Kicking Friday night off with some good luck we still had two more shows Saturday. Saturday running on the conservative side RJ fell a little shy of fastest qualifier but advanced a round of racing only to have rear steer issues putting him out of racing. The skills contest was soft for us as well taking in a close 2nd. But the fan’s favorite was next, RJ made up for the slacking in the other events. With a very nice freestyle run the included big air, cross threading and a few more stoppie’s but this time he stepped it up and back the truck up the ramp putting the grill on the ground crunching it just a tad. Claiming the 3rd win for the weekend.

The 3rd and final show was here. With body work done, oil changed & truck doubled checked between shows we were ready. RJ came out hot nailing yet another fastest

5006 General Stuart CT. Sharpsburg, MD 21782 Office: 407-314-6936 wwr@warwizardracing.com

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Cherokee doubleheader set for twin Features on Friday, $30K to win on Saturday

March 16, 2021 ARP Trish

$40,000 in total winnings and three trophies on the line between two nights of racing, March 26-27, for the World of Outlaws Late ModelsGAFFNEY, SC – March 16, 2021 – The month of money continues for the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models, March 26-27, at Cherokee Speedway for the first annual Rock Gault Memorial with $40,000 in winnings and three trophies waiting for a new home.Friday night’s event – giving show-up points only – will feature twin 25-lap Features – splitting the night’s field of cars – each paying $5,000-to-win/$500-to-start. Then, Saturday’s event – a regular points night – will award the winner with one of the biggest payouts of the year: $30,000-to-win/$1,200-to-start.“We’re excited to team with Cherokee Speedway for a doubleheader weekend that presents the drivers with a great opportunity to run for an impressive payout and presents fans with two nights of exciting racing,” said Casey Shuman, World of Outlaws Late Model Series Director. “The event is one of many examples this year of the Series’ commitment to continually provide opportunities to put more money in driver’s pockets and the best racing possible for the present and years to come.”The format for Friday’s twin-Features will look like a normal race night with Qualifying, Heat Races, a Redraw and Last Chance Showdown. However, the A/B split in Qualifying will determine which of the twin Features a driver will race in. Saturday’s event will be a normal race night.There will be a practice night for all classes on Thursday, March 25.COMPETITOR NOTES: https://bit.ly/2P3DedFThe event is set to see the biggest names in Late Model racing take on the stars of the World of Outlaws. Chris Madden, a South Carolina native, made the decision to join the Series full-time after claiming the win at the Series’ most recent event. He has 27 victories in total at the 3/8-mile track, most recently in February with the Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series. However, he’s still searching for his first Series win at the speedway.Fellow South Carolina-native Ross Bailes, who is running for Rookie of the Year honors with the Series this year, earned his first career World of Outlaws victory at Cherokee in 2019 and has 10 wins there overall.“I feel like any car I get in there, I just feel comfortable at that track,” Bailes said on the Stick Signals podcast. “I don’t think there are many other drivers that have more laps than I do at that track. That’s a comfortable track to me.”Brandon Overton, who won with the Series at Volusia in February, has won the last two Series events there.They’ll be joined by the likes of three-time defending Series champion Brandon Sheppard – still looking for his first win in 2021 – current Series points leader Kyle Strickler, 2004 Series champion Scott Bloomquist, 2015 Series champion and 2017 Series winner at Cherokee Shane Clanton, 2019 Rookie of the Year Ricky Weiss and a plethora of regional standouts.If you’re unable to make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

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

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Forecast Changes Lucas Dirt Action to Saturday/Sunday

March 16, 2021 ARP Trish

Batavia, OH (March 16, 2021) – Due to the forecasted weather and chilly temperatures on Friday, March 19th, the Buckeye Spring 50 at Atomic Speedway has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 21st, with starting times being moved up one hour earlier. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will still visit Brownstown Speedway on Saturday, March 20th, as originally scheduled.
Both events are expected to attract a powerful field of entries as drivers battle in a complete program of: Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap main event.
Brownstown Speedway, located on the Jackson County Fairgrounds, will kick off their 2021 racing season on Saturday, March 20. In addition to the pulse-pounding action of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, the 24th Annual Indiana Icebreaker paying $15,000-to-win, will also include Modifieds and Pure Stocks. Both the pit gate and general admission gates at Brownstown Speedway will open at noon. On-track action will begin at 6:00pm ET. For more information, visit: www.brownstownspeedway.com.
Sunday’s event at Atomic Speedway, the 7th Annual Buckeye Spring 50, will pay $12,000-to-win and include an $800-to-win event for the Sport Modifieds. Both the pit gates and general admission gates will open at 2:00pm ET. Hot laps will begin at 5:00pm, followed by action-packed racing. For more information, visit: www.atomicspeedway.net.
The 24th Annual Indiana Icebreaker at Brownstown Speedway and 7th Annual Buckeye Spring 50 from Atomic Speedway will also be streamed live on MAVTVPlus.com starting with hot laps.
Brownstown SpeedwayPhone Number: 812-358-5332Location: 476 East CR 100, Brownstown, IN 47220Website: www.brownstownspeedway.com
Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1350Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) 1350 NRM, (29.0) 1350 NRMW, (92) LM40*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 2 new rear tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position.
Purse:$15,000-to-win – 1. $15,000, 2. $6,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $3,000, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,400, 7. $2,300, 8. $2,200, 9. $2,100, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,300, 14. $1,200, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000.
Atomic SpeedwayPhone Number: 740-703-9749Location: 2535 Blain Hwy, Waverly, OH 45690Website: www.atomicspeedway.net
Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1300Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) 1300 NRM, (29.0) 1300 NRMW, (29.0) 1425 NRM, (29.0) 1425 NRMW*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 2 new rear tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position.
Purse:$12,000-to-win- 1. $12,000, 2. $6,000, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,800, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,100, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000.

About Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt SeriesFounded in 2005, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series showcases the talents of the top dirt late model drivers from across the country. In 2021, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction 59 events across 18 states, including some of the biggest marquee events in the industry, providing dirt slinging, sideways, door-to-door racing action lap after lap. The series receives national exposure through a television package filmed, produced and edited by Lucas Oil Production Studios. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events will broadcast on four networks including CBS, NBC Sports, CBS Sports Network and the MAVTV Motorsports Network. The in your face excitement of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is second to none in motorsports. For more information, including the latest news, tour schedule, driver information, and more, visit the official website at: www.LucasDirt.com.

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Stockton to Host the King of the West Season Opener on Saturday.

March 16, 2021 ARP Trish

(March 15, 2021 – Jim Allen) Sacramento, CA … The high powered NARC King of the West Fujitsu General Series will kick off its highly anticipated 2021 sprint car campaign on Saturday, March 20th, with the Salute to LeRoy Van Conett at theStockton Dirt Track. The event is in honor of legendary eight-time Northern Auto Racing Club champion LeRoy Van Conett.

This marks the first of 20 scheduled championship racing events at 10 different dirt track venues this season. The traveling series and its loyal teams are attempting to return to some form of normalcy after getting sidetracked by the pandemic last year. Only four of the planned 19-events were run season and the Northern Auto Racing Club did not crown a champion for the first time in 61-years.

The sanctioning body is realistic on what is possible this season with the pandemic still looming strong in the background. A few setbacks and cancellations are expected, but a majority of the schedule is should run as scheduled.

“We are looking to get back to the business of dirt track racing and put on some entertaining shows for the fans,” said 13-time series champion and Series Board Member Brent Kaeding of Campbell. “It’s been a rough year for motorsports in California and everybody is anxious to get back to doing what they love the most. We should have a great show at Stockton on Saturday.”

Admission is $30 per person. Seniors 65+ and Military personnel will be admitted for $25. Pit passes are $40.

All NARC King of the West races are are available on PPV at Floracing.com.

Hanford driver DJ Netto will be defending his 2019 series title this season and the competition is expected to be fierce. Several teams have already declared their intentions to make a championship run including Dominic Scelzi of Fresno; three-time series titlist Tim Kaeding of San Jose; 2018 champ Bud Kaeding of Campbell; Aromas driver Justin Sanders; Sean Becker of Roseville, the 2005 series champion; Roseville’s Willie Croft; Hanford’s Mitchell Faccinto; and Austin McCarl of Iowa. Collectively, this group has 148 NARC King of the West feature event victories to their credit.

Others expected to compete include four-time King of the West champion Kyle Hirst of Paradise; Elk Grove’s Shane Golobic; Rico Abreu of Rutherford; Clovis driver Sean Watts; Kyle Offill of Tracy; Chico’s Kenny Allen; Mark Barroso of Merced and many more.

The NARC King of the West Hoosier Tire format will include qualifying, three 8-lap heat races, a six-lap Sunnyvalley Bacon trophy dash, and the $3000 to win Fujitsu feature event headliner.

Pit gates will open at noon. Qualifying is set to get underway at 5:00 p.m., followed by racing at 6:00 p.m. Also on the racing card is Nor Cal Dwarf Cars.

The Stockton Dirt Track is located on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, located at 1658 S Airport Way, Stockton, CA 95206. For more information, call 916-370-9417.

Race fans and teams are required to wear mask and maintain social distance as much as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

ED NOTE: Commemorative LeRoy Van Conett event shirts will be sold near victory lane between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit the NARC Benevolent Fund.

The King of the West-NARC Fujitsu General Racing Series is also sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires. Associate and product award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, Automotive Racing Products (ARP), Autometer, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Bullet Impressions, FK Rod Ends, FloRacing.com, Hooker Harness, Johnstone Supply, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, Swift Metal Finishing, Sunnyvalley Bacon, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Wilwood Disc Brakes, and Winters Performance Products.

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Texas Two-Step at Cotton Bowl Awaits the World of Outlaws

March 16, 2021 ARP Trish

Intense Action and Thrilling Races Move to The Lone Star State This WeekendPAIGE, TX – March 15, 2021 – The Dirty South Swing was epic. Now, it’s time for the Drydene Texas Two-Step presented by American Lube Supply.This Friday and Saturday, March 19-20, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is coming to Cotton Bowl Speedway.BUY TICKETS HEREFor the Lone Star State fans, this return to the Paige, TX 3/8-mile is a special one. From Mother Nature’s rain to the COVID-19 pandemic to State of Emergencies, fans have been stripped of the Outlaws at Cotton Bowl far too many times for too many different reasons. This weekend, that’s not happening.A pair of previous Outlaw visits in 2016 and 2018 gave the Austin area fans a taste of The Greatest Show on Dirt with exciting last-lap passes and thrilling green-to-checkered wins. This weekend, fans get not only one show, but two full nights with the 900-horsepower machines.Before the fun begins on Friday night, let’s catch you up on the storylines to follow:HISTORY IN THE MAKING: The 2021 season is officially tied for the second-most diverse start in 44 years of competition for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. The current streak of six winners – Brad Sweet, Logan Schuchart, Carson Macedo, Aaron Reutzel, Sheldon Haudenschild & David Gravel – is tied for the second-longest streak without a repeat winner alongside seasons in 1984, 2006 and 2007.The all-time record is held by the 2015 campaign, which featured eight different winners to start the year with wins from Daryn Pittman, Donny Schatz, Brad Sweet, Shane Stewart, Terry McCarl, Brian Brown, Tim Kaeding and Rico Abreu.THE GREATEST SHOW ON DIRT – FOR A REASON: You get yours monies worth at a World of Outlaws show. Four of the last five races have featured a pass for the lead with less than ten laps remaining. There was Schuchart capitalizing on Schatz’s ignition box failure with two to go at Volusia; then Macedo’s charge from tenth to steal a Volusia victory from Hafertepe; then Haudenschild snookering Schuchart through lap traffic at The Mag; and most recently, Gravel beating Sweet in a barnburner at The Rev.The good news? We’re heading to a track that has already proven to create some instant classics. During Cotton Bowl Speedway’s World of Outlaws debut in 2016, the feature provided three different leaders, two lead changes in the last ten laps, and a last-lap, last-corner pass for the win. Relive those highlights below for an idea of what to expect this weekend.IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME: For Aaron Reutzel of Clute, TX, this weekend is a chance to get some much-needed and enjoyed time in his native state. A resident of Knoxville, IA these days, the leading Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year contender appreciates every moment he gets to spend back home at his parents’ house with his family. He says “it’s like a weeklong vacation” any chance he gets to go racing in Texas.Returning to Cotton Bowl Speedway for the first time as a full-time Outlaw, Reutzel will have a previous experience to rely on as he and Roth Motorsports chase their second win of the year. The multi-time ASCS National Tour champion ran second in a pair of ASCS regional races in 2013 and 2014, and he also has a top ten finish during the World of Outlaws debut at Cotton Bowl in 2016.DONNY WANTS NEXT: Surprisingly enough, 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz is not one of the six winners this season. A win this weekend at Cotton Bowl would not only extend that streak to seven, it would also mean his 300th career World of Outlaws Sprint Car feature victory. In two previous trips to the Paige, TX facility, the Fargo, ND has finishes of fifth and ninth.Although winless, Schatz and his Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, Carquest, Ford Performance #15 have been incredibly consistent, proven by their fourth-place points position. Through six races, Schatz has five top-five finishes and it would be a perfect six if it wasn’t for an ignition box failure while leading at Volusia. Could this be the weekend for #300?THE RACE TO WIN AGAIN: If any of the early-season track were to provide a repeat winner, Cotton Bowl would be among the favorites looking at previous results. Fresh off their jaw-dropping battle at The Rev, David Gravel and Brad Sweet return to a track they’ve both already won at. Sweet, driving his Kasey Kahne Racing #49, won the Series’ debut at Cotton Bowl in 2016 with a last-lap pass over Daryn Pittman. Gravel, now with Big Game Motorsports, is the most recent winner at the track with a wire-to-wire route in 2018.Along with Sweet and Gravel, any of four including of Logan Schuchart, Carson Macedo, Aaron Reutzel, or Sheldon Haudenschild could be the first repeat winner of 2021 this weekend.Photo – Tim Aylwin

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SEASON 3 IS HERE: Big Blocks Form Core of DIRTcar eSports Tour

March 16, 2021 ARP Trish

, Street Stocks ReturnFour DIRTcar-branded divisions plus Midgets also included in 10-race slate CONCORD, NC – March 15, 2021 – The ground-pounding, earth-shaking, window-rattling Beasts of the Northeast Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds are back in all of iRacing’svirtual glory as the star attraction of DIRTcar eSports Season 3. The virtual Big Blocks, which reached season-high car counts last season, are back as the focus of a 10-race Tour, every Wednesday from March 24 to May 26, for Season 3 – one that also includes the return of the Chevy Performance Street Stock League for its second season. TOUR REGISTRATION STREET STOCK REGISTRATION Beginning with the first race at Weedsport Speedway on March 24, the Big Blocks will contest five races on the Season 3 Tour, alternating each Wednesday night with 360 Sprint Cars, Pro Late Models, UMP Modifieds, 358 Modifieds and the first-ever appearance by dirt Midgets. iRacing’s newest dirt track at Bristol Motor Speedway also has its spot on the docket, setting the stage for a Week 2 showdown with the UMP Modifieds. All 10 races will be $250-to-win and pay back through the Feature field. Commemorative trophies will be awarded to the podium finishers in the final points standings after the Week 10 finale at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. The Chevy Performance Street Stock League will also begin March 24, setting out on a 10-race championship chase of its own. Racing across eight different tracks, competitors will chase a $100 top prize each night as Feature winner. New to the Street Stock campaign in Season 3 is the highly requested addition of a points championship system, mirroring that of the DIRTcar eSports Tour. Trophies will be awarded to the podium finishers in final points after 10 races. Following the precedent set in Season 2, the Street Stock League will once again be held with the more causal sim racer in mind, and thus only be available for competitors with iRatings 4800 and below. Every race will once again be broadcasted on DIRTVision presented by Drydene, free to all account holders. Street Stocks will kick each night off with practice at 6:50pm ET and Qualifying at 7pm. The Tour session will open with practice at 7:50pm ET and follow with Qualifying. Registration for each race tentatively closes the Monday before each event and is now open for all 10 events in each league. Sign up today at DIRTcar.com/eSports. DIRTcar eSports Tour Season 3 ScheduleMarch 24 – Big Block Modifieds at Weedsport Speedway (50 Laps)March 31 – UMP Modifieds at Bristol Motor Speedway (40 Laps)April 7 – Big Block Modifieds at Williams Grove Speedway (50 Laps)April 14 – Pro Late Models at The Dirt Track at Charlotte (40 Laps)April 21 – Big Block Modifieds at Lernerville Speedway (50 Laps)April 28 – Midgets at Lanier National Speedway (30 Laps)May 5 – Big Block Modifieds at Cedar Lake Speedway (50 Laps)May 12 – 360 Sprint Cars at Kokomo Speedway (30 Laps)May 19 – 358 Small Block Modifieds at USA International Speedway (40 Laps)May 26 – Big Block Modifieds at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway (50 Laps) Chevy Performance Street Stock League Season 3 ScheduleMarch 24 – Knoxville Raceway (20 Laps)March 31 – Limaland Motorsports Park (25 Laps)April 7 – Eldora Speedway (20 Laps)April 14 – Fairbury Speedway (25 Laps)April 21 – Cedar Lake Speedway (25 Laps)April 28 – Lernerville Speedway (25 Laps)May 5 – Limaland Motorsports Park (25 Laps)May 12 – Eldora Speedway (20 Laps)May 19 – Williams Grove Speedway (20 Laps)May 26 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway (25 Laps)

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

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Dominic Scelzi Earns Two Victories in Nine-Day Span

March 16, 2021 ARP Trish

Inside Line Promotions – HANFORD, Calif. (March 15, 2021) – Dominic Scelzi is off to one of the hottest starts of his sprint car career.

Scelzi has captured a feature triumph during each of the last two weekends, producing two triumphs in a nine-day stretch with the Kings of Thunder 360 Sprint Cars.

“I felt like last year we really ended the year on a good note,” he said. “We started off this year the same way. We’re still learning each other and what we can get away with. We’re really coming into ourselves and I feel confident. It’s been a good start to the season. My confidence in Jimmy (Carr) and the team, and what we’re doing when we show up, is high. I feel good and I’m comfortable behind the wheel.”

That has been evident the last two weeks beginning on March 5 at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif., where Scelzi opened the I-5 Classic by qualifying third quickest before he won a heat race, the dash and the main event. It marked his third straight victory at the track.

“We haven’t raced there a lot, but we’ve been competitive every time,” he said. “I feel like I have a good handle on the track itself. We qualified good and were able to win the heat race, which got us into the dash. We drew the No. 2 for the dash and we won the start again just like the heat race. In the feature we took the lead on the start and didn’t look back. We had one restart where I bobbled and got passed. I was running the top in turns one and two. There was a hole and I got into the cushion. Another driver rolled the bottom and slid up, but I got myself collected and passed him back going into turn three and we didn’t look back.”

The event concluded the ensuing night. Scelzi timed in second quickest and placed second in a heat race before ending the feature seventh.

“We qualified really good,” he said. “It put us on the front row of the heat race. On the start another driver beat me into turn three and won the heat. That took us out of a chance in the dash, but we were fast. We lined up seventh in the feature and the track was extremely slick. We tightened up quite a bit and they reworked it as we went out. We were just a bit off. We could have run fifth and could have run ninth. All in all, it was frustrating because we’re better than that, but to come away with a seventh-place finish and to be upset with it is good.”

Scelzi ventured to Keller Auto Speedway last weekend for a doubleheader featuring approximately 50 drivers that began on Friday. He qualified fifth quickest in his group and advanced a position in a heat race to lock into the main event. Scelzi elected to pull off the tricky track early in the feature to save his equipment and avoid a potential crash.

“It’s a track like I haven’t seen in a long time,” he said. “It was extremely wet and we didn’t qualify very well. The track still had grease in it for the heat race. We went green for the feature and didn’t make anything happen. The track was wide open, about 20 feet wide. I wasn’t making anything happen and decided to save our equipment so we pulled off.

“As soon as we rolled through the pit gate on Saturday we knew it’d be a different track. It was in pristine shape. It was slick and wide. We’ve worked really hard on slick tracks and we enjoy racing on it. We qualified good for when we went out. Then in the heat race we won it by three and a half seconds after having a caution halfway through.”

Saturday started on the right foot as Scelzi timed in second quickest before he scored a heat race win. A fourth-place finish in the dash lined him up on the outside of the second row for the Gregg Spanky Matthews Memorial A Main.

“I had a great start, but got racing with a car in front of me and that let someone by,” he said. “A yellow came out at the wrong time and I was fifth. We got up to fourth and then a guy spun and another got a flat tire so that moved us to second. We were right there on Austin McCarl for the lead. With seven laps to go he slid a lapped car into turns one and two. I stayed around the top, caught him and passed the lapped car. I slid (McCarl) into turn three. He slid me back going into turn one and I was able to turn under him.”

Scelzi led the remainder of the race to post his second win of the year to give him multiple victories in the same season for the fifth straight year.

On tap is the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series season opener this Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif.

QUICK RESULTS –

March 5 – Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif. – Qualifying: 3; Heat race: 1 (2); Dash: 1 (2); Feature: 1 (1).

March 6 – Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif. – Qualifying: 2; Heat race: 2 (1); Feature: 7 (7).

March 12 – Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif. – Qualifying: 5; Heat race: 4 (5); Feature: DNF (18).

March 13 – Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif. – Qualifying: 2; Heat race: 1 (2); Dash: 4 (4); Feature: 1 (4).

SEASON STATS –

8 races, 2 wins, 4 top fives, 7 top 10s, 7 top 15s, 7 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif. , with the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series

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CINDRIC WINS BACK-TO-BACK IN PHOENIX

March 15, 2021 ARP Trish

AVONDALE, AZ – March 15, 2021 – Austin Cindric backed up his 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Championship win in Phoenix, scoring his second win at Phoenix Raceway and recording his 10^th career win. Cindric took the Ford Mustang to victory lane for the second time in the 2021 season for Team Penske and Ford Performance.

“Congratulations to Austin, Brian, Roger and the No. 22 team,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Austin raced like a champion, smooth and confident throughout the entire race. We are proud to be part of powering Austin to his 10^th Xfinity win with Ford Performance.”

Cindric was in a class of his own, winning Stage 1 and leading a race high 119 laps out of the 200 lap Call 811 Before You Dig 200 race, including the last 54 consecutive laps.

In a late race restart with 2-laps remaining, Cindric led the field back to green from the outside lane. The No. 22 Ford Mustang was able to hold off the hard charging field, crossing the finish line .360 seconds in front of Ty Gibbs. Cindric leads the driver points standings with 248 points, 47 points ahead of second place.

“You have to work hard the rest of the year to get here,” said Cindric in post-race interview. “That is where my focus is. I have my name on the wall there and the goal is to be back here with a shot to do it again.”

Stewart-Haas Racing captured a top-5 finish with No. 98, Riley Herbst finishing fourth.

The Ford Mustangs ran strong in the NASCAR Cup Series, on Sunday, leading a manufacturer’s high 197 laps in the 312 lap Instacart 500. Four Ford teammates finished in the top-10 led by Stage 2 winner, Joey Logano in P2, Brad Keselowski in P4, Kevin Harvick in P6, and rounding out the top-10 was Stage 1 winner, Ryan Blaney in P10.

The NASCAR Series is headed to ‘Hotlanta’ to race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series will strap in to run the second race of the season in Sebring, Florida this weekend.
33 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 415 WINS – 375 POLES!

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DiBenedetto Finishes 14th at Phoenix

March 15, 2021 ARP Trish

March 14, 2021

The climb back from a disappointing start to the 2021 Cup Series season for Matt DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team continued on Sunday with a 14th place finish in the Instacart 500 at Phoenix Raceway.

DiBenedetto’s finish, plus a Stage point earned for a 10th place finish in the first Stage, allowed him to continue his methodical climb in the points standings. He heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway 28th in the standings, a gain of seven spots in the past two races. Now, he’s just 24 points behind 20th place Cole Custer.

DiBenedetto was set to start 20th at Phoenix, but moved up three rows for the green flag after drivers ahead of him were sent to the rear for rules infractions.

He moved to 10th place after just 12 laps and stayed inside the top 10 for most of the first Stage before ending that 80-lap segment in 10th place.

The second Stage saw DiBenedetto and the Motorcraft Mustang fall just outside the top 10, but still finish 12th at the end of that segment.

The team continued to deal with handling issues at the start of the final segment, with DiBenedetto reporting that the car was tight in the centers of the corners, and free on the entry and exit.

Crew chief Greg Erwin and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane crew were able to adjust the car, correcting some of the issues. After running outside the top 20 in the early laps of the third Stage, DiBenedetto began to regain lost positions. A final pit stop with 25 laps remaining provided one last opportunity for adjustments, and he was able to move from 17th position at the start of that run to 14th at the finish.

It was his best finish of the five races to date.

“We just couldn’t get our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang to where we needed it,” DiBenedetto said. “It wasn’t quite as good as it was here last fall. We weren’t bad, but we weren’t great.

“We had one run at the start of the last Stage that kind of set us back, and we couldn’t quite recover from it.

“Earlier we’d run between eighth and 11th so if we’d had better track position at the end we probably could have finished a few spots better than 14th.

“We’ll take what we got and move on to the next one.”

Eddie Wood said he likes seeing his team make progress, even if the finishes aren’t what he believes the team is capable of.

“We weren’t blazing fast, but we weren’t terrible either,” he said. “We have some work to do, but if we can keep clicking off top-15 finishes, it’s a good thing.”

The 2021 Cup Series campaign continues with next Sunday’s Folds of Honor/QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

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RCR Post Race Report – Instacart 500

March 15, 2021 ARP Trish

Hard-Fought Race for Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Team at Phoenix Raceway

“We fought all day in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. We struggled with a loose-handling condition in Stage 1, but Justin Alexander and the entire No. 3 team worked hard to adjust and got the car running much better by the end of the race. Early in the race, we knocked a hole in the right-front nose and that set us back a bit. It was just one of those deals where I had nowhere to go. The team did a good job with the car and making the repair, but we had to recover from a speeding penalty on pit road. It felt like we were just trying to get back track position all race and trying to get the car handling better. We’ve got some stuff to clean up for sure, but we’ll figure it out and move onto Atlanta Motor Speedway. We’ll be just fine.”
-Austin Dillon

Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Nate Barnes / Quartz Hill Records Team Fight Through Tough Phoenix Raceway Weekend

“Today was a tough day for our No. 8 Nate Barnes / Quartz Hill Records Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Phoenix Raceway, but we’ll study and learn from our race. We had decent long run speed throughout the day that allowed me to climb up through the field during the longer green flag runs of the race. I was just too tight in the center of both turns to get through them as good as I would have liked and I needed more to fire off with on the restarts, but we were making some small gains during the end of Stage 3. Unfortunately, I had a miscue on our final stop of the day and that led to speeding on pit road, and then a valve stem broke and I got into the wall. We were able to finish the race though and fought for every spot that we could in the final handful of laps. A frustrating day for our team, but we’ll learn from it and move on to Atlanta.”
-Tyler Reddick

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Pro Stocker Troy Coughlin Jr. off to a fast start with runner-up finish at Gatornationals

March 15, 2021 ARP Trish

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 14) — The fledgling Pro Stock career of third-generation drag racer Troy Coughlin Jr. received a boost Sunday when he guided the JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to a runner-up finish at the season-opening Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals. It marked the second time in just nine starts Coughlin has reached the trophy round in the category.
“This was a good way to start the season and it shows the professionalism of the Elite Motorsports team,” Coughlin said. “We rolled into Florida two weeks ago and right out of the trailer we were strong. We’ve been making great passes almost every round since.
“It was very warm today and the track was difficult to deal with. We had a little jump on Greg Anderson in the final and I felt like we could have won the round but we had pretty severe tire shake almost right away. Greg’s car shook a little also but he was able to drive through it and get the win. Aside from that, we had a lot of fun.”

Traction seemed to be an issue all day, with Coughlin benefitting from opponents Aaron Stanfield and Mason McGaha tire-shake issues in both Rounds 1 and 3, respectively. He also got a free pass in the second session when Fernando Cuadra Jr. fouled out after getting very loose during the prerace burnout.
“Today was a lot about overcoming adversity,” Coughlin said. “As it turned out, we got some luck against our first three opponents when Aaron and Mason shook and Fernando got loose and then red-lighted, but that doesn’t take away from the fact we made great passes against each of them (6.564 at 209.20 mph in Round 1, 6.572 at 208.91 mph in Round 2, and 6.633 at 208.55 mph in Round 3).
“Credit Mark Ingersoll, Eric Luzinski, Kelly Murphy, Steven Hurley and Kyle Bates with putting this car together perfectly every time out, both in qualifying and today. This was a decent first race. We’re in second place, and we have 17 more national events to go. There’s so much more for me to learn how to become a better driver. I’m excited.”

Coughlin’s uncle Mike Coughlin reached the second round in Top Dragster before breaking-out of his index and losing to Jeff Strickland, who went on to win the entire event.

Also a part of the Team JEGS contingent was multi-time world champion Jeff Taylor, who competed in Super Stock in the JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt. The car, which will be driven by Mike’s son Clay later this year, was named the event’s “Best Engineered Vehicle.”

Fellow world champion Danny Nelson also put some laps down in the JEGS.com Super Comp dragster, which Mike’s other son Jack will take over once school is over.

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Solid Runs for Mopar Dodge//SRT Entries at Gatornationals to Kick-off 2021 NHRA Season

March 15, 2021 ARP Trish

· No. 1 qualifier Ron Capps drove his Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car to quarterfinal appearance at the 52^nd annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway

· Defending NHRA Funny Car World Champion Matt Hagan raced his DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye to his best run of the weekend with 3.922-second pass at 329.67 mph missing the chance to advance past the opening round by just 0.001 seconds

· DSR Top Fuel driver Leah Pruett took her No. 3 qualified Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye dragster to the quarterfinals

· Solid debut for the new generation 2021 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak as Pruett posts her career best run in Factory Stock Showdown in a close first-round loss

· Pawuk takes third generation Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak to Factory Stock Showdown semifinals finish at Gatornats

March 14, 2020, Gainesville, Fla. – Solid runs by the Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) contingent of Mopar and Dodge//SRT supported race cars marked the start to the 2021 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series season at the 52nd annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway.

In Funny Car competition, No. 1 qualifier and three-time NHRA Gatornationals winner Ron Capps took his DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat for a 3.923-second elapsed time run at 323.74 mph to earn the opening round win over No. 16 qualifier Jim Campbell who went up in tire smoke. For his quarterfinal match-up against Bob Tasca, Capps gave up lane choice which proved to be key, as traction was an issue in his lane, and hampered his progress resulting in an early exit from competition.

2020 NHRA Funny Car World Champion, Matt Hagan took his DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye into race day as the eighth seed and seeking his first coveted win at the Gatornationals, one of the few places left at which he has not yet earned a Wally trophy. The opening round of the new season saw him paired with No. 9 seed Bob Tasca against whom Hagan drove his HEMI-powered Funny Car to his best run of the weekend with a 0.072-second reaction time and 3.922-second pass at 329.67 mph in a very close battle. However, while Hagan had a slim starting line advantage, his opponent’s 0.074-second reaction time and 3.920 second / 330.47 mph pass provided the first upset of the year by the slimmest 0.0001-second margin of victory at the stripe to send the DSR driver home early.

Without a DSR entry advancing to the final round of eliminations for the first time in nearly a year and a half, the team’s NHRA record streak of 14 consecutive Funny Car wins (dating back to October 2019) comes to an end.

In Top Fuel, DSR pilot Leah Pruett was also looking to score her first Gatornationals event win from the No. 3 qualifier position on the eliminations ladder earned aboard her red, black and chrome Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye dragster. Her opening-round run of 3.787 seconds at 314.09 mph gave her the win over rookie Mike Bucher who lost traction early. Pruett had the early advantage in her quarterfinals battle against Shawn Langdon, but saw her opponent make the pass when her nitro-fueled machine dropped a cylinder and some oil to send the team home earlier than they had hoped.

Despite the early exit, Pruett put in a lot of track time throughout the weekend as she pulled double duty by running in both the Pro and Sportsman categories as she will at seven more events this season.

In Factory Stock Showdown (FSS) competition, Pruett took her 2021 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak for its first official eliminations drive as a No. 13 qualifier against the No. 4 seed John Cerbone. Pruett drove the new generation drag pak to her quickest career run in FSS competition with a stout 7.806-second pass at 177.44 mph, bettering her previous personal records of 7.852 seconds set at Gainesville in 2019 and best speed of 173.94 mph posted at Charlotte that same year.

Unfortunately, while her new ride was faster on the track than her opponent’s, Pruett fell just short of turning on the first win-light of the season as her 0.073-second reaction time was overshadowed by her competitor’s 0.002-second start to give him the hole shot victory with a slower 7.808 sec./174.80 mph pass. Pruett’s next chance to take the new HEMI-powered drag pak for a quick drive in FSS competition will be at the Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil in Houston on May 21-23.

Pruett’s teammate Mark Pawuk came into race day at the Gatornationals as the 11^th seed after steady improvement in his Empaco Equipment Mopar Drag Pak performance through each qualifying session. In the opening round of FSS eliminations, the team’s hard work paid off as Pawuk drove his HEMI-powered drag pak to their quickest run of the weekend with a 7.855 seconds at 174.26 mph pass. He followed that up with an 8.038 sec./ 170.17 mph lap in his round 2 win over No. 3 seed Gardner Stone who left prematurely.

Pawuk was matched up with No. 2 qualifier Aaron Stanfield for the semifinal round but saw his day shortened by a red-light start. Pawuk now looks forward to taking delivery of one of the new generation Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Paks at an upcoming FSS series race in the next few months.

ADDITIONAL NOTES and QUOTES:

Matt Hagan, Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Funny Car
(No. 8 Qualifier – 3.975 seconds at 321.35 mph)
Round 1: (0.072-second reaction time, 3.922 seconds at 329.67 mph) lost to No. 9 Bob Tasca (0.074/3.920/330.47) 0.001 margin of victory

“We had a good test session in West Palm Beach to kick off the year and we were on the bad side of a really, really good drag race today to (Bob) Tasca. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tasca goes out and wins it. That’s a good car. It’s tough out there and we were on the tough side of the ladder. We would have had (Ron) Capps, our teammate, in the second round. It was going to be a dog fight all day. I have to say a lot about (my crew chief) Dickie Venables and (assistant crew chief) Mike Knudsen and this Dodge Mopar team and their leadership. The guys worked late working through some gremlins and put a really good race car under me. We’ll be back out here for the next one and will get back after it.”

Ron Capps, NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car
(No. 1 Qualifier – 3.895 seconds at 329.02 mph)
Round 1: (0.090-second reaction time, 3.923 seconds at 323.74 mph) defeated No. 16 Jim Campbell (0.125/12.844/76.95)

Round 2: (0.077/4.946/158.91) loss to No. 9 Bob Tasca (0.079/3.958/327.11)

“That’s what I love about this sport – the competition. “We had a great qualifying outing, but with only three laps you only get one run in one of the two lanes. We wanted to win first round and lost lane choice going into the second round. After watching Robert (Hight) and some of the other cars run, we were very confident with that right lane, but it just seemed to chatter a little bit, sort of in the same spot it did on Q3. That’s just the way it is. Funny Car is so tough. It was almost a perfect weekend, but still ended up being a really good weekend overall.

“I’m really looking forward to working more with these guys led by Guido (Dean Antonelli) and

John Medlen. We’re keeping it fun like we did with (my former crew chief Rahn) Tobler. It’s

great to see so many fans and people being responsible and following protocols to allow us to

race. We love the fans coming from all over to support us this weekend. A great opening weekend with GEARWRENCH on the car, and Pennzoil of course.”

Leah Pruett, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Top Fuel Dragster
(No. 3 Qualifier – 3.741 seconds at 326.32 mph)

Round 1: (0.060-second reaction time, 3.787 seconds at 314.09 mph) defeats No. 14 Mike Bucher (0.076/7.686/81.27)

Round 2: (0.054/3.887/294.05) loss to No. 6 Shawn Langdon (0.065/3.764/317.79)

“I think there’s an overall consensus that the 2021 Gatornationals was a little unconventional for us as we experienced some issues early in qualifying on the first lap and we quickly adapted from and had a very competitive race car for Sunday. Unfortunately, we started off this season with some mechanical gremlins. Our team, with the addition of a few new members, has done a great job meshing quickly. The tuning calls were great, but some parts failures plagued us this weekend. After that you shake their hands and say good job and know that we have the heart and ability to get round wins and race wins. Overall, we feel good about the weekend. Walking away from eliminations, there’s nothing that we would have done differently. We’ll get to the bottom of it and roll on to the next Camping World NHRA race and be ready to win.”

Leah Pruett, Mopar Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak – Factory Stock Shootout
(No. 13 Qualifier – 7.892 seconds at 173.49 mph)

Round 1: (0.073-second reaction time, 7.806 seconds at 177.44 mph) loss to No. 8 John Cerbone (0.002/ 7.808 sec./ 174.80 mph)

“The ‘shake their hands and walk away’ mentality definitely applies to our first round of Factory Stock (Showdown) round one this morning. Just an incredible package and race. John Cerbone had a .002 light and was two thousandths (of-a-second) slower than us at the stripe, and that would have required me to have a .004 reaction time. Right now, for me, those kinds of lights aren’t quite in the cards. I need a bit more seat time getting acquainted with this new Dodge SRT Drag Pak Challenger. Hats off to the entire DSR Factory Stock team, Terry (Snyder), Kevin (Helms), and everyone at Dodge and the SRT engineers for getting this great piece of machinery ready for us to debut this weekend at Gainesville. We were able to get this car into competition-form very quickly and I’m looking forward to some more seat time before our next race at Houston in May. We had a very good showing for the debut of the Drag Pak and we’re looking forward to maximizing all of its capabilities. What we saw today in round one is a testament to the type of competition this team and Dodge brings. Our competitors know that they have to step up to that level in order to try and beat us. We’re going to continue to be on top of our game, and pick away at it some more, and I’m confident we’ll have a very strong season.”

Mark Pawuk, Empaco Equipment Mopar Drag Pak– Factory Stock Shootout
(No. 11 Qualifier – 7.873 seconds at 174.12 mph)
Round 1: (0.095-second reaction time, 7.855 seconds at 174.26 mph) defeats to No. 6 Jim Betz (No Time)

Round 2: (0.129/8.038 sec./ 170.17 mph) defeats No. 3 Gardner Stone (no time)

Round 3: (-0.296/14.875/71.82) loss to No. 2 Aaron Stanfield (0.056/7.890/173.99)

“For the way we started out this weekend, Leah (Pruett)’s car ran really good, ours was a little behind, but the guys worked really hard. We changed a lot of parts and we were able to make good runs. Maybe we got a couple of lucky breaks but hey, to go to the semis at the first race out this weekend in Gainesville, it’s awesome to go some rounds. I’m looking forward to our next race in Houston.”

NHRA Championship Points Standings:
Following the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

FUNNY CAR (season wins in parentheses)
1. Matt Hagan (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat) –
4. J.R. Todd –
5. Ron Capps (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat) –
6. Bob Tasca III –
7. Tim Wilkerson –
8. Alexis DeJoria –
9. Cruz Pedregon –
10. Paul Lee –

TOP FUEL (season wins in parentheses)
1. Doug Kalitta –
2. Leah Pruett (Mopar Dodge//SRT) –
3. Steve Torrance –
4. Justin Ashley –
5. Billy Torrance –
6. Shawn Langdon –
7. Antron Brown –
8. Terry McMillen –
9. Clay Millican –
10. Doug Foley –

Uncategorized

ROBERT HIGHT AND AUTO CLUB PROVE TIME AWAY HAS NOT FAZED THEIR COMPETITIVE SPIRIT

March 15, 2021 ARP Trish

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 14, 2021) – Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS team proved they’re still a threat with a runner-up finish at the NHRA Camping World Series season opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway on Sunday, March 14th. John Force and the PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Camaro began their 17th-championship campaign with a semifinal finish while 2017 Top Fuel world champion Brittany Force and her Monster Energy team had a first-round exit.
After qualifying fourth, Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro continued their consistent weekend on Sunday. Rolling out in the first round, Hight handled the Auto Club Camaro to a 3.921-second pass at 327.11 mph to defeat the young Bobby Bode’s 4.025 at 309.91 mph.
The win would match the three-time world champion up against team owner and 16-time champion John Force in the quarterfinals. With Force having lane choice, Hight lined up on the right and sailed to a clean 3.931-second pass at 330.39 mph to defeat Force whose Chevy Camaro had tire smoke for only a 4.994-second pass.
In the semifinals it would be a test of seven cylinders as both Hight and his opponent, Bob Tasca III, had a hole out. Hight would prevail with a 4.093-second pass at 306.19 mph to Tasca’s 4.115 at 312.35 mph to reach his 81st career final round, fifth at Gainesville Raceway.
The final round was a pedal fest as Hight and fellow finalist J.R. Todd went up in smoke at the hit. Todd was able to hook back up and finish with a 5.184-second pass at 286.38 mph while Hight and the Auto Club Camaro ran 6.591-seconds at 144.41 mph.
“It’s a good weekend when you go to the final. When you watch the other guy smoke the tires, though, you look at it as one that got away, we beat ourselves,” said Hight who sits second in the Camping World Series championship points standings. “We’ve got some gremlins; we had a lucky round in the semis dropping a cylinder and winning with a 4.09. We have to do some polishing, but we’ll be back. When we go to the final when we have this Auto Club Chevy running right, look out.”
In his 500th race start in a Chevrolet John Force and the PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro took the first-round victory with a 3.915-second pass at 326.56 mph over Paul Lee’s 3.977 run at 328.94. Lining up against his team president, Robert Hight, in the second round, Force and his Chevy Camaro ran into tire smoke and coasted to a 4.994-second pass at 164.19 mph. Force currently sits eighth in the points standings.
“We all made the show after being off a year. It was exciting to be back and be back in the seat of my PEAK BlueDEF / PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro and we went a couple of rounds,” Force said. “We look like a race team again; Robert Hight and Auto Club getting to the final., qualifying well, Brittany with Monster and Flav-R-Pac. We’ll move on to the next race. We’re excited and we’ll see how it goes.”
Brittany Force and the Monster Energy Top Fuel team had an early exit on Sunday. Force and her David Grubnic and Mac Savage tuned dragster powered to an impressive 3.727 at 331.94 mph that was second quickest of the round but lost on a hole shot. Justin Ashley laid down a 3.733 at 324.05 but his .034-second reaction time bettered Force’s .072. Despite the first round exit, Force still sits in the top 10 of the points standings in ninth.
“A year away and John Force Racing is proud to be back. Our Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team qualified in the top five and we had a consistent race car all weekend long,” Force said. “First round was tough, getting beat on a hole shot is never easy but finding the positives: we ran well and I had a decent light. I’m using today’s upset as motivation going into the next one. Ready to go after another win.”
The NHRA Camping World Series season continues with the Lucas Oil Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona Calif., April 9-11 and the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 16-18. The NHRA Camping World Series schedule is still subject to change.

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