All posts by ARP Trish

F4

THREE DIFFERENT WINNERS, ONE WET WEEKEND AT ROAD ATLANTA

THREE DIFFERENT WINNERS, ONE WET WEEKEND AT ROAD ATLANTA

Teddy Wilson, Kiko Porto and Joshua Car all claim victories in wet and wild season opener

BRASELTON, GEORGIA (April 21, 2019)- From photo finishes to multiple lead changes in the rain, Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda delivered three dramatic rounds of racing in the season debut at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. Inclement weather dictated team strategy with three different winners emerging atop of standings. Continue reading THREE DIFFERENT WINNERS, ONE WET WEEKEND AT ROAD ATLANTA →

John Force Racing

AUSTIN PROCK AND MONTANA BRAND / ROCKY MOUNTAIN TWIST LOOKING FORWARD TO NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS

AUSTIN PROCK AND MONTANA BRAND / ROCKY MOUNTAIN TWIST LOOKING FORWARD TO NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS
CONCORD, N.C. (April 24, 2019) — Rookie of the Year candidate, Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Top Fuel dragster team are heading to the NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals, the sixth event on the 2019 NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season schedule, confident after a weekend of solid performance.

From starting the season with first round wins at the season opening Winternationals and Arizona Nationals to making consistent passes at the legendary Gatornationals and fan-favorite Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals, Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team are making all the right moves to have a winning hot rod. At the recent SpringNationals in Houston, Prock laid down a series of qualifying passes in the .70s and headed into race day in the No. 7 position where he added his third first round victory to his resume, defeating fellow rookie Jordan Vandergriff. Although they ended the weekend in the second round to reigning Top Fuel world champion Steve Torrence, Prock and his team are confident they’re headed in the right direction. Continue reading AUSTIN PROCK AND MONTANA BRAND / ROCKY MOUNTAIN TWIST LOOKING FORWARD TO NHRA FOUR-WIDE NATIONALS →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Giovanni Scelzi Captures Top 10 at Knoxville During Season Debut in Indy Race Parts No. 71

Giovanni Scelzi Captures Top 10 at Knoxville During Season Debut in Indy Race Parts No. 71

Inside Line Promotions – KNOXVILLE, Iowa (April 23, 2019) – Giovanni Scelzi earned a top-10 result during his season debut in the Indy Race Parts backed No. 71 last Saturday at Knoxville Raceway.

Scelzi and car owner Bernie Stuebgen headed west to tackle the season opener at the half-mile oval after weather wiped out races near the Indiana shop.

“It’s always great to get laps at Knoxville,” Scelzi said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t time in as well as we wanted and qualifying points are pretty valuable so that buried us.”

Scelzi qualified 10th quickest out of the 30-plus competitors. He then maneuvered from fourth to second place during a heat race to rank eighth in overall points. That lined him up on the outside of the fourth row for the main event.

“The track had a big curb up top and was narrow on the bottom,” he said. “The race went green to checkered and I never got into a rhythm, but you can’t be upset because that was the toughest local competition you’ll get.

“It was productive. We had a brand new car with a fresh engine so there were a lot of variables. Everything went smooth. Plus, every time you go there it helps you. Running the bottom there takes a lot of laps. It’s a very fine line. So any time you get laps at Knoxville it’s very valuable.”

Scelzi is scheduled to return to Knoxville Raceway this Saturday before making his debut at Kokomo Speedway in Kokomo, Ind., on Sunday with the BOSS Series.

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Dominic Scelzi Powers to Runner-Up Result at Keller Auto Speedway

Dominic Scelzi Powers to Runner-Up Result at Keller Auto Speedway

Inside Line Promotions – HANFORD, Calif. (April 23, 2019) – Dominic Scelzi earned his third podium finish of the season last Saturday at Keller Auto Speedway.

Scelzi, who was piloting a Roth Motorsports sprint car, recorded a runner-up result. He has finished in the top three during all three starts this season with the team.

“It’s definitely something to be happy about,” he said. “We’ve shown speed and raced well every single night. For whatever reason the older I get the more I absolutely hate losing races. I felt like I had a real shot in the closing laps and wasn’t able to capitalize.”

The night began with a 10th-place qualifying run after Scelzi was the third-to-final driver to time in. He then won a heat race from the pole position to transfer into the dash.

“The race track did slow down for qualifying, but I felt like we left some on the table,” he said. “We did our job to get into the heat race inversion and we won the heat to get into the dash. At the end of the day it doesn’t matter how you get into the dash as long as you do.”

Scelzi maneuvered from sixth to third in the dash to line up on the inside of the second row for the main event.

“I got to second about 10 laps in,” he said. “I ran second a majority of the race. However, I wasn’t getting good restarts and I fell to third. The longer the runs went the better I was. I would have liked to see traffic because the yellows kind of hurt me. After D.J. Netto crashed with four laps to go I had a good restart. Carson (Macedo) and I were able to race for the win the last four laps.

“We went green and I slid him into turn one. Then he slid me into turn three. I followed him into turns one and two. He drove it off the top and came back and turned left. We were side by side and he slid me into turn three. We were side by side at the line. I tried to slide him again and he was able to drive around. Then I slid him into turn four and he turned under me coming to the white flag. I gave up too much trying to get around him. It’s hard to hang your head with second place, but it’s a good thing I’m not satisfied with second.”

Scelzi’s runner-up result gives him two podium finishes at Keller Auto Speedway this season.

Scelzi will return to action with Roth Motorsports this Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif.

Megan Meyer

Driver Blog: My nightmares of moving on from Houston to Charlotte 

Coming off of a 3-race win streak, and headed into our biggest race of the year, to say there is some pressure is an understatement. I am one of those people who thrives on high-pressure situations and I tend to put things off on purpose just to turn it into motivation to do my best.

My goal is to be a legend in the Top Alcohol Dragster class and we are quickly making strides to achieve that. Leaving Texas with two Wallys, my quickest time of 5.11 ET in Q1, and a new title as the winningest Sportsman female in the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, is still shocking to me. We have had a lot of success this year with both of our cars and the different drivers; Matt Sackman got the runner-up in Pomona, Julie has qualified well and gone rounds at every race to rack up points, Rachel got a win bracket racing with her Super Comp car, and she made it into the prestigious Jegs AllStars race, making us the first sister duo to compete in the AllStars, and Camrie got her A/Fuel license and competing in her first race, and she will race her second event coming up. Continue reading Driver Blog: My nightmares of moving on from Houston to Charlotte  →

RCR

RCR Event Preview – Talladega Superspeedway

Richard Childress Racing’s Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series history at Talladega Superspeedway … Richard Childress began his driving career at Talladega Superspeedway in 1969 and is in a tie for the most all-time car owner victories at the storied Alabama-based racetrack with 12 wins. Dale Earnhardt visited Victory Lane nine times, while Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer swept the 2010 events at the 2.66-mile superspeedway. Bowyer added to the Welcome, N.C.-based organization’s total by claiming RCR’s 100th Cup Series win when NASCAR’s senior series visited the facility in October 2011. In 176 starts, RCR also has four pole awards, 42 top-five, 70 top-10 finishes and has led 1,843 laps of competition.

RCR in the MENCS … In 2,938 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 48 pole awards,108 wins, 488 top-five finishes and 1,069 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.8 and an average finishing position of 16.2. RCR has earned 15 total championships (six Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series championships with Earnhardt in 1986, ’87, ’90, ’91, ’93 and ’94, six NASCAR Xfinity Series titles, two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series titles and one ARCA Menards Series title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR’s three national series.

#RCR50 … Richard Childress Racing celebrates it’s 50th Anniversary in 2019. Follow our social channels season-long to join in the celebration.

Catch the Action … The Alabama 500 will be televised live Sunday, April 28 beginning at 2 p.m. ET on FOX and will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

This Week’s Dow Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Talladega Superspeedway … In 11 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series starts at Talladega, Dillon earned his best finish at the 2.66-mile track in April 2016 when he finished third. His best finish in four NASCAR Xfinity Series Starts was also third. He has two starts in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, earning a best finish of seventh in October 2011.

Dow brings a science and engineering crew who is driven by limitless curiosity to the RCR Team … Austin Dillon and the RCR team are again supported by Dow’s materials science expertise and technologies this season. Backed by the power of data analysis and virtual modeling, Dow develops and manufactures high-performance components and materials custom-made for the No. 3 car. Dow and RCR’s partnership has expedited innovation and shortened testing time in the automotive industry by recreating in the lab one of the most extreme environments – the racetrack. After 5 years of collaboration, Dow scientists and RCR engineers are continuing to work together to make the No. 3 car faster, safer and more precise. Stay up to date with Dow’s exciting developments at www.dow.com/sports and follow us on Twitter @DowRacing, @DowSports & @DowChemical.

Play Ball … Following final practice on Friday, Dillon is scheduled to travel from Talladega Superspeedway to Atlanta, Georgia for NASCAR Night at SunTrust Park. Dillon is scheduled to throw out the first pitch at the Braves game on behalf of Coca-Cola, and his No. 3 Dow Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will also be on display at the game. A special $80 joint ticket offer that includes both a ticket to the Talladega Superspeedway Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on April 28 and a ticket to a Braves game in 2019 is available by visiting braves.com/Talladega.

Birthday Wishes … Dillon celebrates his 29th birthday on Saturday, April 27.

Cheering for Dillon … If you’re at Talladega Superspeedway, come shop the all-new Austin Dillon merchandise available track-side by visiting the RCR souvenir trailer in the fan midway.

Meet Dillon … Dillon is scheduled to participate in a Q & A on the Team Chevy Stage in the Talladega Superspeedway fan midway area on Sunday, April 28 at 9:45 a.m. CT.

AUSTIN DILLON QUOTES:
We are running a much bigger spoiler at Talladega Superspeedway this year. What do you think about that?
“I think everybody is looking forward to something a little bit different in speedway racing. Something to change it up. This should definitely do that. When you get to Talladega Superspeedway there will be a big pack and being able to maneuver through that pack will be everybody’s focus. The handling of the car shouldn’t be as much of a focus as just being able to move through the field the fastest and trying to keep the lead the longest.”

You’ve had a lot of success at superspeedways. When you go there do you have certain guys that you like to work with and ones you don’t so much or is it more dictated by circumstances?
“Sometimes you’re put in situations where you have to work with whoever is around in order to help yourself, but there are definitely guys that I see out there that put themselves in better positions throughout the race than others. There’s some that you just don’t like being around because you feel uncomfortable. Trying to stay with those guys that put you in good positions and knowing how to get to the front are the ones I try to stay around.”

Have you been keeping up with all of the fan improvements coming at Talladega Superspeedway?
“I was at Talladega Superspeedway for the announcement when they announced the changes, and it’s really cool to see all of our tracks and our venues growing and moving into the future. It’s great for our fans and they should be proud of what they’re doing at Talladega Superspeedway.”

Daniel Hemric and the No. 8 Caterpillar Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 at Talladega Superspeedway … Hemric be making his first Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series start at Talladega Superspeedway in this weekend’s 500-mile event. The Kannapolis, North Carolina, native recorded an average start of 2.0 in his two NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at the track. He also made two NASCAR Truck Series starts at the 2.66-mile superspeedway, earning a best-finish of 11th.

About Thompson Tractor Company … Thompson Tractor Company, Inc. is the full-line Caterpillar dealer for Alabama and northwest Florida and the Hyundai lift truck dealer for most of Georgia. The company specializes in the sales and service of Caterpillar products, including earthmoving, construction, forestry and material handling equipment, as well as diesel engines used for electric power generation, on-highway and marine propulsion applications. Headquartered in Birmingham, AL, Thompson Tractor provides a diverse array of solutions to their customers in its service territory through four divisions: Thompson Tractor Company, Thompson Power Systems, Thompson Lift Truck Company, and The Thompson Cat Rental Store. Thompson has 25 locations and the South’s largest fleet of field service vehicles to best serve their customers. For all your equipment and product support needs, please visit www.thompsontractor.com or stop by your nearest Thompson location.

Meet the Driver … Fans will have the opportunity to meet the driver of the No. 8 Caterpillar Chevrolet at the RCR merchandise hauler in the Talladega Superspeedway fan midway on Saturday, April 27, starting at 11 a.m. local time.

Meet the Press … Hemric is scheduled to meet with members of the NASCAR media corps during an availability rotation on Friday, April 26, starting at 2:30 p.m. local time.

DANIEL HEMRIC QUOTE:
Is there anything you and the team learned in the February test at Daytona International Speedway that can be applied to this weekend’s race at Talladega Superspeedway?
“We were fortunate enough to take part in the test in Daytona in February, but there were only four cars total in that test session. With so few cars, it is hard to know what to expect when the entire field is out there this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway racing for the win. There are so many unknowns whenever you go to Talladega, so we will try to keep the No. 8 Caterpillar Chevrolet out of trouble, have a solid day and make the most of the opportunities that come our way.”

Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Talladega Superspeedway … In 48 Series starts at the 2.66-mile speedway, RCR has accumulated five pole awards, nine top-five and 16 top-10 finishes, led 257 laps and averages a starting position of 8.0 and finishing position of 19.4. RCR has completed 4,613 laps of the 5,576 (82.7 percent) that they have competed.

Richmond Review … Tyler Reddick secured his fifth-consecutive top-five finish when he placed fourth during the most recent Xfinity Series race at Richmond Raceway. Kaz Grala had a strong showing in the No. 21 Chevrolet Camaro, capturing his first top-15 finish with RCR at Richmond.

Dash 4 Cash … The NASCAR Xfinity Series Dash 4 Cash is back. The top-four finishing Xfinity Series regulars from Richmond Raceway will compete for a $100,000 bonus at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. Tyler Reddick qualified for this segment of Dash 4 Cash with his fourth-place finish at Richmond.

The Points …Tyler Reddick remains the current Xfinity Series points leader.

Social Media … To keep up with the latest updates from RCR’s Xfinity Series teams, follow @RCRracing and @RCRNXS on Twitter. Updates can also be found via RCR’s Facebook Page and Instagram (@RCRracing).

Catch the Action … Coverage of this week’s Alabama 300 at Talladega Superspeedway will be televised live on Saturday, April 27, beginning at 1 p.m. Eastern Time on FS1. It will also be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Satellite Radio, channel 90.

Tyler Reddick and the No. 2 Roland Chevrolet Camaro at Talladega Superspeedway … Tyler Reddick has two previous NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Talladega Superspeedway, with his best finish of eighth coming during last year’s event. Reddick also has one pole award and two top-10 finishes at the 2.66-mile track in the NASCAR Truck Series.

About Roland … Roland DGA Corporation serves North and South America as the marketing, sales, distribution and service arm for Roland DG Corporation. Founded in 1981 and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Roland DG of Hamamatsu, Japan is a worldwide leader in wide-format inkjet printers for the sign, apparel, textile, personalization and vehicle graphics markets; engravers for awards, giftware and ADA signage; photo impact printers for direct part marking; and 3D printers and CNC milling machines for the dental CAD/CAM, rapid prototyping, part manufacturing and medical industries. For more information, visit rolanddga.com.

Dash 4 Cash … Reddick qualified for this week’s Xfinity Racing Dash 4 Cash bonus after placing fourth and being among the top-four finishing Xfinity Series regulars during the race at Richmond Raceway. He will compete against Justin Allgaier, Austin Cindric, and Cole Custer for the $100,000 bonus at Talladega Superspeedway.

Meet Reddick … Fans have their chance to meet Reddick during Friday night’s “Big One on the Boulevard” event at Talladega Superspeedway. Reddick will be among the featured drivers on the float that takes off down the boulevard at 7:30 p.m. local time on April 26. Reddick will also be available for autographs in front of his No. 2 hauler during the Xfinity Series’ Open Garage on Saturday morning, April 27, beginning at 8:30 a.m. local time.

TYLER REDDICK QUOTES:
Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway can be two very different restrictor-plate races. What are the differences that stand out to you?
“At Talladega Superspeedway, you can be a little bit more aggressive with your speed since handling doesn’t come into play for your car as much as it does at Daytona International Speedway. Part of that is due to the track layout and wider corners that you have at Talladega. If our No. 2 Roland Chevrolet Camaro is as fast as the one we had at Daytona earlier this year, with some added tweaks to it we should be right there for the pole again. Our Camaro was just so good at Daytona and handled so well in the draft that we should be able to cushion it a little more at Talladega, make it a little faster and keep it handling just fine.”

How do you handle that close-quarter, fragile type of racing we see at Talladega?
“It’s not too bad, honestly. At least, it’s not too bad when you’re racing around a bunch of really good drivers. It’s when two drivers have a disagreement on where they want to be on the racetrack that makes it tricky. Whenever we’re riding out there and you’re giving and taking equally, it’s not bad. But when it gets down to the end and you’re trying to get to the front and someone disagrees with you, that’s when the wrecks happen.”

It’s also another Dash 4 Cash race for you. Does that extra incentive change your mindset at all?
“Yeah, it’s definitely something you think about. Maybe you race the other three Dash 4 Cash drivers a little harder so you can lift that check in the end. That’s not necessarily our game plan right from the start, but you definitely have to be a little smarter about it at Talladega than anywhere else we have a Dash 4 Cash race. It’s tough. You have to decide if it’s worth the risk to push and go to the front to work in a pack. Or do you wait for that pile-up to happen first so you hopefully can stay out of it? You have to weigh your options.”

Jegs Racing

Troy Coughlin Jr. loves racing his JEGS dragster amongst like-minded fans in Charlotte

Troy Coughlin Jr. loves racing his JEGS
dragster amongst like-minded fans in Charlotte
CONCORD, N.C. (April 23) — Troy Coughlin Jr. is happy anytime he gets to race his JEGS.com McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster. That’s especially the case when the NHRA tour visits zMAX Dragway in the Charlotte suburb of Concord, as it will this weekend for the 10th annual NGK Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals.

“The No. 1 coolest thing about this race is the fans,” Coughlin said. “They are so passionate about racing — any kind of racing — and that’s exactly the way I am. If it’s got wheels and a motor, I’m interested. Continue reading Troy Coughlin Jr. loves racing his JEGS dragster amongst like-minded fans in Charlotte →

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing

Championship Battles Begin to Take Shape at Second Round of Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series

Championship Battles Begin to Take Shape at
Second Round of Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
from Wild Horse Pass
LeDuc Goes Back-to-Back to Open Pro 4 While Deegan Takes Control of Pro 2
Following a competitive start to the 2019 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series, presented by GEICO, last month, the world’s best short-course racers were back at it the second weekend in April with the championship’s annual spring time visit to the Arizona desert and Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park. The Super Clean Duel in the Desert, presented by Rockstar Energy Drink, provided another nighttime spectacle and thousands of fans filled the grandstands to watch all the drama unfold. Continue reading Championship Battles Begin to Take Shape at Second Round of Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series →

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Dominic Scelzi Returns to Roth Motorsports Sprint Car Saturday at Keller Auto Speedway

Dominic Scelzi Returns to Roth Motorsports Sprint Car Saturday at Keller Auto Speedway

Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (April 17, 2019) – Dominic Scelzi will climb behind the wheel of a Roth Motorsports sprint car this Saturday at Keller Auto Speedway.

It will mark his third race of the season with the team and second at the oval in Hanford, Calif.

“I feel like we’ve come out of the box strong with the Roth team and I’m really excited to get back to the track,” he said. “I’m so grateful for Dennis and Teresa Roth, Todd Ventura and everyone with the team for giving me the opportunity to drive top-notch race cars.”

Scelzi and the team were victorious during their most recent race together earlier this month when they won the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Series season opener at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif.

“When you drive for Roth Motorsports you know you’ll have a chance to contend for wins,” he said. “For us to win in our second start of the season and third career with the team was huge. I think we’ve got a lot of momentum and confidence, which is most of the battle when it comes to running well.”

Scelzi charged from 10th to third place at Keller Auto Speedway in February during his season debut with Roth Motorsports.

“That’s another confidence boost,” he said. “We had a great car and just got behind at the start of the night. I hit a couple of holes in qualifying, which buried us. I think if we can start the night strong we’ll be able to be in contention at the end of the night.”

Uncategorized

Mint 400 Report–Dead legs Racing

Hey guys!
As we were preparing for the Mint 400 we had many challenges to overcome. The nice thing is, not only did we have the help of Can-Am through Jeff Leclerc ,for parts and credits, but we also had the help of Dan Fisher and Lone Star Racing. Between both, I knew we had a winning combo.

They built us a one-of-a-kind, mean, rolling chassis. This car is unique in many ways. It was really neat to see the creative juices flow uninhibitedly, and I was impressed with the solutions they provided to my concerns.
If we didn’t have the help from Jeff and Dan there would have been no way we could have taken on this project. As a matter of fact, we totally forgot about race lights, so Dan called Randy with Tiger Lights, and a few days later I had a ton of boxes show up filled with lights, which I was not invoiced for. This was one of many blessings along the way. Thank you Dan & Randy
Once we received the rolling chassis we immediately went to work completing the car which included wiring the whole car as well as pluming. We had a million issues along the way, but we pressed on.

This is how the car looked 2 weeks before race day! We were super nervous we wouldn’t be done in time, or that we’d be done but face some insurmountable issue. Knowing we didn’t have time for mistakes, we double checked, and triple checked everything!
I also want to mention that students from the local High School auto shop came by after school almost every day to help us meet our deadline. One of our team members (Keith) is their teacher and was able to arrange it so the students could count this time towards their 100 hour internship requirement.

Once we were done with most of the wiring and assembly of the racecar it was time to bring it to a friend of mine Sam with Arizona Color Wrap Pros. These guys are amazing at what they do and have been supporting our race team for over a year now. They are great to work with, and are the best at what they do.
At first I didn’t know if we should keep the wheelchair symbol and design, or create something new. But then I got to thinking. Our mission is to show people with challenges like mine, that with the support of good people and companies, they can compete at the highest levels! The decision was made. We were sticking with our theme!
When we saw the car for the first time after the wrap was complete, we just couldn’t believe how good it looked! These guys did such an amazing job. One of the unique things we did with this wrap, was to take all the people who have contributed to our team and make a collage out of it and put it on the inside of the roof in the cab. This way, we are all reminded of the people who have come together to make this happen. It keeps us grateful and appreciative.

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Now that we had a complete car fully wrapped, with all of our supporters in plain sight, we were off to Las Vegas and the next challenge. Testing the car and tuning suspension.
As it happens, we know some of the best suspension tuners out there! Gary & Vivian (UTV Shocks) & Tom Morris (TM1 Suspension. ) Although they had a number of racers in the Mint, they both made time to come meet us as we were testing. They not only came to help, but they brought two massive trailers with everything needed to breakdown, and rebuild the suspension. This was absolutely huge for us since we had no time left. In the next 12 hours we put about a 100 miles on the car while dialing in the suspension. That was the extent of our testing. . I know, I know….. Gary & Tom and Calculated Risk Racing, was absolutely critical in us getting our suspension done in time. Ben & Tiffany (Calculated Risk Racing) also helped run our pits and have been a huge help all around. Continue reading Mint 400 Report–Dead legs Racing →

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow

RESULTS FROM THE NASCAR – UTI TECH. QUALIFIER

RESULTS FROM THE
NASCAR – UTI TECH. QUALIFIER
Another 2 teams qualified this past week at NASCAR Technical Institute Qualifier! Congratulations to all the teams and sponsors! Thank you to all the Volunteers, Sponsors, and Universal Technical Institute for making this event possible.
Autometer, Energy Suspension

Engine Building Competition Promotes STEM Education Among H.S. Students
More than 35 high school students from around the region competed in a fast-paced annual competition designed to get students excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and introduce them to the high-demand field of automotive technology. The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Engine Challenge was hosted on Saturday by Universal Technical Institute’s Mooresville campus, NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech).

COMING UP NEXT! SUMMIT RACING ATLANTA MOTORAMA QUALIFIER

Chevrolet Racing

CHEVY MENCS AT TALLADEGA 1: Chase Elliott Roundtable Transcript

MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES
TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY
GEICO 500
TEAM CHEVY ROUNDTABLE TRANSCRIPT
APRIL 17, 2019

CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 MOUNTAIN DEW CAMARO ZL1 met with media and discussed the upcoming GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Full Transcript:

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A SUPERSPEEDWAY RACE VERSUS A SHORT TRACK RACE?
“I personally don’t. Our preparation week-to-week is basically the same. Obviously you’re going to a different track and the cars are set-up differently, but I recognize what’s ahead and deal with it, I guess, as they come. I don’t change my week whether I’m going to Talladega or going to Bristol.” Continue reading CHEVY MENCS AT TALLADEGA 1: Chase Elliott Roundtable Transcript →

Jegs Racing

Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals tops $100K for JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research

Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals tops $100K
for JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research
DELAWARE, Ohio (April 16) – This year’s 15th annual Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals Bench Race and Charity Challenge raised $13,652 for the JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research. What started as a fun way to break up the winter months, Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals has now topped $100,000 in total monies raised.
Continue reading Mr. Aruba’s Winter Nationals tops $100K for JEGS Foundation for Cancer Research →

Hot Rodders of Tomorrow

KEEPING YOU UP-TO-DATE ON THE 2019 HOT RODDERS OF TOMORROW SEASON

RESULTS FROM THE YORK COUNTY TECH. QUALIFIER
Had another great event at York County School of technology! Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out! Congratulations to Team Derale Performance! They are moving on to the 2019 Dual National Championship in the fall.

TULSA TECH QUALIFIER RESULTS
First time event at Tulsa Tech! Thanks for Hosting you did a GREAT JOB!! Congratulations to Teams FAST and FiTech! They are moving on to the 2019 Dual National Championship in the fall.

HROT JR. ENGINE CHALLENGE @ ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER
Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Junior Engine Challenged was hosted this past weekend in Phoenix, AZ by the Arizona Science Center. The S.T.E.M. innovative is something that we strive to teach individuals that participate in the Junior engine experience. Our opportunity allows individuals to completely disassemble/reassemble a complete single cylinder OHV engine, utilizing only basic hand tools. The experience also has a goal of helping youngster’s develop great problem solving skills and an understanding of an internal combustion engine. This would not have been possible without great support from Universal Technical Institute, Briggs and Stratton, The Science Center and various donors helping pull off this wonderful event!

COMING UP THIS WEEKEND!
Grab your school spirit and join us at the NASCAR/UTI Tech in Mooresville, NC.!

Helping School Programs Grow!
“The superintendent at our tech center toured another tech center that happened to have a Hot Rodders team, and decided that we needed to have a team or two at our own school. Having a Hot Rodders team has gotten current and prospective students excited about our program as it gives them a way to compete and have fun in the field that they are interested in. The local newspaper showcased last year’s team when they qualified for nationals and that helped our program gain exposure to the community.”
-Nathan Dial, Pontotoc Tech Center, Ada, OK.

Please Support Our Sponsors!
Thank You to our SPONSORS!
Sponsors are the only way we can continue and expand the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow Program. Each and every one of these companies have contributed and have helped make a difference in a high school students life!
It is with great pleasure and thanksgiving to be associated with these companies. They have gone above and beyond the normal sponsor support! They have invested in the future of the aftermarket auto industry. They have helped students who’ve felt lost in school, belong. Kids that didn’t have a way to college – now have hope. Kids that were going to drop out of school – stay and go on to college. Auto tech programs that were going to be cut, are now full of students. They may not realize it but they have made a huge impact on over 500 students this year alone.

WE NEED YOUR HELP! BECOME A SPONSOR!
Each year as we grow we try to develop new challenges to attract new students. To continue to do this we need more resources, donations and sponsors. If you or your company love the auto aftermarket and would like to be a part of helping high school students become the future of our industry. Please call Rodney Bingham at 815-722-5460 to find out how you can participate.

Volunteers are the backbone of Hot Rodders of Tomorrow!
Volunteers are the people who, in the background make the HROT run. During the 2018 season we had 130 volunteers help. They came from all over the country. From different backgrounds. some are retired mechanics, others are past HROT student competitors. But they all do it for one reason. PASSION. Passion for the industry, passion in helping the future. Volunteering, especially within the context of an activity you love or a cause you embrace can be extremely gratifying. If you love our industry and want to help the future workforce. Call Rodney Bingham @ 815-722-5460 and find out how you can help.

Honda Racing

Honda Racing–An interview with: JON IKEDA

An interview with: JON IKEDA

T.E. McHALE: Good morning, everyone. I know this is about the 50th time I’ve said this this morning, but I’ve never said it into a microphone: Welcome to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Those of you who visit us regularly for these media briefings know we typically do them with representatives from Honda Performance Development. Today we have a special guest. To my right is Acura brand officer Jon Ikeda. We’re making Jon available to talk a little bit more about this sponsorship that came together after Toyota had it for so long.
Jon, welcome, and thanks for making the time for us today.
Continue reading Honda Racing–An interview with: JON IKEDA →

Mopar Racing

Licensed to Drag: 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 “Angry Bee” Approved for NHRA Stock and Super Stock Competition

Licensed to Drag: 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 “Angry Bee” Approved for NHRA Stock and Super Stock Competition

· Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320, named for quarter-mile distance (1,320 feet), now legal for drag race competition in National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Stock and Super Stock classes
· Quarter-mile elapsed time of 11.70 seconds at 115 mph makes showroom-stock Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 fastest naturally aspirated, street-legal muscle car
· Drag-oriented, street-legal Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 now arriving in FCA US dealerships
· New “Angry Bee” interpretation of legendary Dodge Super Bee logo marks front fenders, illuminated Air Catcher headlamps, instrument panel and startup splash screen in gauge cluster
· Owners of new Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 to receive complimentary one-year membership in NHRA and National Muscle Car Association (NMCA)
· Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 powered by 392 HEMI® V-8 that delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque
· Infused with exclusive drag strip technology from iconic Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is blank canvas for serious grassroots drag racer
· Vehicle first revealed last year at 2018 Dodge Mile-High NHRA Nationals and commemorated with special “Angry Bee” graphics on Leah Pritchett’s Top Fuel dragster

April 16, 2019, Auburn Hills, Mich. – The drag-oriented, street-legal 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is now National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) approved. The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 was recently given the green light to be modified for competition in NHRA Stock and Super Stock Sportsman class competition for the 2019 season.

Named for the quarter-mile distance (1,320 feet), the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is powered by the 392 HEMI® V-8 engine that delivers 485 horsepower and 475 lb.-ft. of torque. With a quarter-mile elapsed time (E.T.) of 11.70 seconds at 115 miles per hour (mph), the showroom-stock Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is the fastest naturally aspirated, street-legal muscle car available.

The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 can be modified for competition in NHRA according to Stock and Super Stock class rules. The vehicle will feature a class weight break of 8.72 and carry a minimum weight of 3,400 lbs. Contestants intending to compete at an NHRA event must meet any and all rules and regulations for the category they intend to enter.

A new “Angry Bee” interpretation of the legendary Dodge Super Bee logo marks the vehicle’s front fenders, instrument panel, headlamps, instrument gauge cluster startup splash screen and key fob. The street-to-strip muscle car is beginning to arrive in FCA US dealerships.

“With the new 2019 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 hitting showrooms, we know it’s just a short time before the ‘Angry Bee’ is buzzing the quarter-mile in NHRA and NMCA competition,” said Steve Beahm, Head of Passenger Car Brands – Dodge, SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA – North America. “The 1320 brings the drag racing technology we launched on the limited-production Demon and pairs it with the proven 392 HEMI engine to create a blank canvas for the serious grassroots drag racer who may have one car that needs to do double duty — both at the drag strip and on the street.”

The Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is approved to be modified to race in hotly contested NHRA Stock Eliminator and Super Stock competition. In Stock Eliminator, the Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 fits directly into the “B” Stock category, with competitors able to move up and down to run in the “A” or “C” Stock classes.

The Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 can compete in the SS/FA class in Super Stock, but is also eligible for other specific classifications such as SS/EA or SS/GA. Grassroots NHRA Sportsman racers will have more flexibility and opportunities to compete and win in a variety of Stock and Super Stock categories by adjusting the NHRA minimum vehicle weight.

The Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 was first announced last year at the 2018 Dodge Mile-High NHRA Nationals near Denver. NHRA star and Dodge brand ambassador Leah Pritchett commemorated the vehicle’s unveiling by carrying a special “Angry Bee”-themed paint scheme on her Top Fuel dragster, which she drove all the way to the event win.

The Challenger R/T Scat Pack 1320 is also approved to race without modification in National Muscle Car Association (NMCA) events, making it a true street/strip vehicle. NMCA features both heads-up and bracket racing, one of the most popular forms of drag racing.

Gary Scelzi Motorsports

Giovanni Scelzi Sweeps Sprint Car Challenge Tour’s Asparagus Cup at Stockton Dirt Track

Giovanni Scelzi Sweeps Sprint Car Challenge Tour’s Asparagus Cup at Stockton Dirt Track

Inside Line Promotions – STOCKTON, Calif. (April 15, 2019) – Giovanni Scelzi is $25,000 richer after one of the most dominating weekends of his racing career.

Scelzi guided his family owned No. 41s to a sweep of the Asparagus Cup last weekend at the Stockton Dirt Track, which hosted the Sprint Car Challenge Tour event that paid $10,000 to win on Friday and $15,000 to win on Saturday. Continue reading Giovanni Scelzi Sweeps Sprint Car Challenge Tour’s Asparagus Cup at Stockton Dirt Track →

Roush Yates

CUSTER & CINDRIC FINISH 1-2 FOR FORD PERFORMANCE

CUSTER & CINDRIC FINISH 1-2 FOR FORD PERFORMANCE

RICHMOND, VA – April 15, 2019 – Ford teammates Cole Custer and Austin Cindric battled for their first short track win Friday night in Richmond, VA. But it was the No.00 of Cole Custer that finished top of the class, winning his second race of the 2019 NASCAR Xfinity Series while Cindric finished second.

“Congratulations to Cole, Tony, and Gene,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “It was great to see two young Ford Performance drivers battling it out tonight. It means so much to these guys to win and make a mark for themselves. We, at Roush Yates Engines, are just blessed to be part of that winning formula with Ford Performance tonight.” Continue reading CUSTER & CINDRIC FINISH 1-2 FOR FORD PERFORMANCE →

NHRA

NHRA Houston

Top Fuel — Brittany Force, 3.749 seconds, 302.14 mph def. Antron Brown, 3.995 seconds, 233.48 mph .

Funny Car — Robert Hight, Chevy Camaro, 3.941, 310.84 def. Matt Hagan, Dodge Charger, 3.966, 311.70.

Pro Modified — Steve Jackson, Chevy Camaro, 5.675, 255.00 def. Todd Tutterow, Camaro, 13.471, 76.06.

Top Alcohol Dragster — Megan Meyer, 5.231, 279.15 def. Troy Coughlin Jr., 5.266, 275.90.

Top Alcohol Funny Car — Brian Hough, Chevy Camaro, 5.705, 263.31 def. Annie Whiteley, Camaro, 10.066, 89.54.

Super Stock — Pete Peery, Olds Calais, 9.198, 138.97 def. Darrin Christen, Chevy II, 9.922, 129.85.

Stock Eliminator — Jacob Pitt, Plymouth Barracuda, 10.468, 122.93 def. Brett Candies, Ford Mustang, 9.367, 142.16.

Super Comp — Veron Rowland, Dragster, 8.890, 166.52 def. Chris Vang, Dragster, 8.873, 171.12.

Super Gas — Robert Rowan, Chevy Corvette, 9.908, 161.92 def. Koy Collier, Chevy Camaro, 9.882, 151.51.

Top Dragster presented by RacingRVs.com — Ross Laris, Dragster, 6.106, 227.38 def. William Kruse, Dragster, Foul – Red Light.

Top Fuel Harley — Jay Turner, JTR, 6.792, 163.63 def. Mike Scott, JTR, 7.027, 164.55.

Mountain Motor Pro Stock — John DeFlorian Jr, Chevy Camaro, 10.434, 90.12 def. JR Carr, Camaro, Foul – Red Light.

Honda Racing

Rossi, Honda Rule at Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

Rossi, Honda Rule at Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
• Alexander Rossi dominates race for second consecutive Long Beach win
• Scott Dixon, Graham Rahal take battle for third to the checkers
• Third Honda NTT IndyCar Series victory in four races

LONG BEACH, Calif. (April 14, 2019) – Starting from the pole, Alexander Rossi fended off an early challenge from fellow Honda driver Scott Dixon and then took command of Sunday’s Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, dominating the 85-lap race and moving into second in the Drivers’ Championship points standings after four of 17 races.

Rossi led all but five laps of today’s 85-lap contest to score his second consecutive NTT IndyCar Series victory at Long Beach, becoming the first driver to successfully record back-to-back victories on the classic temporary street circuit since Alex Zanardi accomplished the feat in his Chip Ganassi Racing Honda in 1997-98. Today’s victory was the third for Honda in four races this season, and the 14th Honda win in 20 races at Long Beach.

Dixon continued in second place until the first round of pit stops, where he briefly dropped to fourth behind Josef Newgarden and Will Power, then moved to third when Power briefly slid off course on Lap 31. But an issue with the refueling probe during his final stop cost Dixon 18 seconds in pit lane, dropping him to fifth, behind both Graham Rahal and Ryan Hunter-Reay.

Dixon passed Hunter-Reay, who was having to save fuel in the closing laps after making an early final pit stop, for fourth place on Lap 81 and quickly closed on Rahal, who was slowing in the final laps due to tire wear. On the final lap, the pair made contact when Dixon attempted to pass while exiting Turn 8. Following the checkers, Rahal was issued a time penalty that reversed their finishing positions, awarding Dixon with third place and dropping Rahal to fourth.

Behind the leaders, Hunter-Reay conserved fuel to finish in fifth, with Takuma Sato, winner of last weekend’s Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama, eighth. James Hinchcliffe, moving up from 15th on the starting grid, and rookie Felix Rosenqvist rounded out the top ten for Honda.

Next
The NTT IndyCar Series now heads “home” to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway for “Month of May” activities, including the May 11 Grand Prix of Indianapolis road course race and the May 26 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500. Both races will be broadcast live on NBC.

Social media content and video links from this weekend’s Honda IndyCar Series action at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach are available on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/HondaRacingHPD) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/HondaRacing_HPD) channels. Produced by the Carolinas Production Group, YouTube video packages can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/HondaRacingHPDTV.

Quotes
Alexander Rossi (Andretti Autosport Honda) Started first, finished first, first IndyCar Series win of 2019, sixth career victory, second consecutive Long Beach win, 200th win for Andretti Autosport: “We knew it was going to be a hard-fought battle, but the team gave me such a great, great car and it’s the 200th win for Andretti Autosport, so what better way than to do it in that [dominating] kind of fashion, here at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, here in California. It’s an amazing day. This is a special one. I just found out that my grandfather died yesterday, so I want to dedicate this [victory] to him, and to Michael Andretti for his 200th win.”

Scott Dixon (Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) Started second, finished third: “It was unfortunate. Graham [Rahal] overshot Turn 8 and then quickly tried to turn in reaction. The rules don’t allow you to come back across or defend if somebody’s already there, and that’s what happened. We made contact coming out of [Turn 8], I hit his rear tire and lost momentum as a result. I think, had he not reacted there, I would’ve gotten him anyway. But that’s racing. It’s hard racing. We were strong the last stint. Congratulations to [Alexander] Rossi, that was a fantastic drive.”

Graham Rahal (Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing) Started sixth, finished fourth following a time penalty from Race Control: “It’s not that tough to swallow, we were going to lose the spot [to Scott Dixon] anyway. My fronts [tires] were absolutely gone. I had no braking grip whatsoever. I moved right as quick as I could out of the [Turn 8] corner and gave him a lane [on the left]. By the rules, you’re allowed to make one move, which I did on the exit of the corner, and that was it. We’ll have to discuss it [with race officials]. I’m not upset about it. Our car wasn’t great today, but it was decent. At the end of the day, P-4, it was a good day, good [championship] points for us. We haven’t had a lot of luck this year, so we’ll just take it as it is and move on.”

Steve Eriksen (Vice President and COO, Honda Performance Development) on today’s race win at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach: “What a great way to kick off the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, with a dominating performance from Alexander [Rossi] and Andretti Autosport in front of so many Honda and Acura fans. Four of the top five drivers were in Hondas, representing three different teams, and we’re very pleased to have powered Andretti Autosport to their 200th race win. With great drives today from Rossi, [Scott] Dixon and [Graham] Rahal, I believe this sets us up for a great Month of May in Indianapolis, so we’re really looking forward to both the Grand Prix of Indianapolis and, of course, the 103rd running of the Indianapolis 500.”