| BATAVIA, Ohio (September 23, 2024) – Get ready for an epic showdown as the top drivers of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series descend upon Brownstown, Ind., this weekend. Brownstown Speedway is set to host its most lucrative weekend ever, promising high stakes and intense racing action on Friday and Saturday. The festivities will begin on Friday, September 27, with the 3rd Annual CJ Rayburn Memorial. The event will include Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 40-lap, $10,000-to-win A-Main. On Saturday, September 28, there will be a full show of Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains for the 45th Annual Jackson 100 presented by Summit Racing Equipment. The highlight of the evening will be a thrilling 100-lap race, with a record-breaking $50,000 prize for the winner. All gates will open at 12:00 PM (noon) each day. Hot Laps are scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM on Friday and 6:00 PM on Saturday. A Dirt Racing Outreach service will take place at 3:00 PM on Saturday in the Pavilion. The Indiana Pro Late Models join the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on Friday; with Modifieds and Super Stocks on the card for Saturday. Brownstown Speedway is a quarter-mile oval located just off Highway 250 at the Jackson County Fairground, one mile southeast of Brownstown, Indiana. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, please visit www.brownstownspeedway.com. The Big River Steel Chase for the Championship, presented by ARP, has now narrowed down to a seven-race showdown among four drivers. Ricky Thornton Jr., Devin Moran, Jonathan Davenport, and Tim McCreadie will fiercely battle it out over the next four weeks to determine the 20th Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion. For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please visit www.lucasdirt.com. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purses: 3rd Annual CJ Rayburn Memorial (Friday): 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,700, 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. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800 = Total $48,575 45th Annual Jackson 100 (Saturday): 1. $50,000, 2. $20,000, 3. $10,000, 4. $8,000, 5. $7,000, 6. $6,000, 7. $4,500, 8. $4,000, 9. $3,800, 10. $3,600, 11. $3,400, 12. $3,200, 13. $3,000, 14. $2,500, 15. $2,400, 16. $2,300, 17. $2,200, 18. $2,100, 19. $2,000, 20. $2,000, 21. $2,000, 22. $2,000, 23. $2,000, 24. $2,000 = $150,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4 Previous Jackson 100 Winners:2023 – Ricky Thornton Jr.2022 – Tim McCreadie2021 – Jimmy Owens2020 – Tim McCreadie2019 – Hudson O’Neal2018 – Bobby Pierce2017 – Scott Bloomquist2016 – Scott Bloomquist2015 – Jonathan Davenport2014 – Scott Bloomquist2013 – Don O’Neal2012 – Jimmy Owens2011 – Scott Bloomquist2010 – Scott Bloomquist2009 – Earl Pearson Jr.2008 – Tim McCreadie2007 – Matt Miller2006 – Don O’Neal2005 – Billy Drake2004 – Don O’Neal2003 – Jim Curry2002 – Billy Drake2001 – Brian Brikhofer2000 – Don O’Neal1999 – Billy Moyer1998 – Jim Curry1997 – Rick Aukland1996 – John Gill1995 – Jack Boggs1994 – John Gill1993 – Davey Johnson1992 – Billy Moyer1991 – Scott Bloomquist1990 – Scott Bloomquist1989 – Jeff Purvis1988 – Jim Curry1987 – Billy Moyer1986 – Jack Boggs1985 – Kenny Brightbill1984 – Kenny Simpson1983 – Russ Petro1982 – Russ Petro1981 – Paul Crockett1980 – Charlie Swartz |
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Race Wrap | 23rd Annual NMCA World Street Finals
Posted By: Mary Lendzion Sep 22, 2024
Written by Mary Lendzion
Photos by Rudy Rouweyha
Racers are the heart and soul of the Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, and they certainly had everyone’s attention and appreciation across the categories at the 23rd Annual NMCA World Street Finals presented by Chevrolet Performance, held over the weekend of Sept. 19-22, 2024 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indiana.
As the final of six events on this year’s tour, championships and coveted points standings were a focus for many. The pressure was on, but the persistence and the performances proved that the racers accepted the challenge, despite hot and humid conditions. As a special feature, they shared the track with NHRA Funny Car racer Paul Lee in his McLeod Racing/FTI Performance Charger, and NHRA Top Fuel racer Krista Baldwin in her McLeod Racing/Lucas Oil Dragster, as they were on hand to make a few passes.
“It would be understandable if our racers were worn out by the time this final race of the year rolled around, but instead, they felt invincible, and that is inspiring,” said Rollie Miller, General Manager and National Event Director for NMCA and NMRA. “Through testing, qualifying and eliminations, they showed their razor-sharp skills and their resolution, and we applaud and admire that.”
Seeing, hearing and feeling the force of the cars in VP Racing Lubricants Xtreme Pro Mod is always entrancing, and that definitely includes Bob Glenn’s 1967 Mustang-bodied Pro Mod, which he piloted to a 3.76 to qualify in the third spot. The Floridian then flew through the rounds and met Craig Sullivan and his 1949 Mercury-bodied Pro Mod in the final round of eliminations. Both drivers tickled the throttle a bit to help settle their high-horsepower cars mid-track, and Glenn headed to the celebratory NMCA Winner’s Circle with a 4.12, as Indiana-based Sullivan stopped the clocks at 4.61.
Tony Scott and Lindsay Wheelock lined up for the final round of eliminations in Holley EFI Factory Super Cars, and Scott secured the win with a 7.85 in his COPO Camaro when Wheelock ran into trouble, after recording a good .017 reaction time, and couldn’t complete her pass in her Drag Pak.
Lenny Grawburg, out of Florida, has one gorgeous 1969 Camaro, and he has been driving the wheels off of it all season in ARP Nitrous Pro Street. At this event, he landed in the NMCA Winner’s Circle with a 4.23, and he was promptly celebrated among his NMCA family.
Two of the NMCA’s finest racers, Jessie Coulter and Bill Trovato, were ready to give it their all in Edelbrock Xtreme Street, but Coulter, in a 2003 Mustang Cobra, got the win with a 4.53 when Trovato was forced to lift in his 2013 Camaro.
When Dwight Ausmus and David Theisen lined up for the Dart NA 10.5 final round of eliminations, fans knew they were about to see some seriously nail-biting, naturally aspirated action. Both went wheels-up at the hit, with Theisen going higher and harder in his 1969 Firebird, and Ausmus arrived at the finish line first for the win with a 7.73 in his 1972 Firebird to Theisen’s 7.85.
It took four rounds of tough competition in Scoggin Dickey Parts Center Street Warrior 10.10 presented by Chevrolet Performance, but Brian Keiser went to the NMCA Winner’s Circle with a holeshot and a 10.27 in his 2016 Mustang over Mike Winters, who was 10.16 in his 1982 Mustang.
In Micro Strategies Stock Eliminator, Denny Hillman used an 11.49 on an 11.45 in his 1967 Camaro to defeat Jim Kaekel, who broke out with an 11.06 on an 11.09 in his Oldsmobile.
Bruce Lang and Mark Nowicki, two tough racers, made it to the Micro Strategies Super Stock Eliminator final round of eliminations, and Lang landed the win with a 9.61 on a 9.61 in his 1968 Barracuda while Nowicki broke out with a 9.60 on a 9.61 in his 1998 Avenger.
Cool Kentuckian Audrey Baize found herself in the final round of eliminations in Erson Cams Nostalgia Muscle presented by World Products, where she took the win with an 11.80 in her 1969 Dart over talented racer Jeff Toepper, who turned in an 11.23 in his Camaro.
MagnaFuel Open Comp saw tight racing on both ends of the track all weekend, and among the racers holding their own in the category were David Rickey and Jason Dietsch, who made it to the final round of eliminations. Rickey rocketed to the win with a 10.51 in his 2002 Camaro over Dietsch, who drove to an 8.93 in his Mustang Cobra Jet.
SunCoast Performance 8.60 Street Race, which is also contested in the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals, put the spotlight on Logan Day and Justin Johnson, and Day, who made the trip all the way from Florida, won with an 8.61 in his 2021 Mustang over Johnson, who also turned in an 8.61 in his 1982 Fairmont but wasn’t quite as quick when the tree came down.
In LME Street King presented by Chevrolet Performance, David Rickey, in his 2002 Camaro, defeated Wesley Butler, in his 1997 Mustang, with a 10.55 to Butler’s 11.17. Rickey doubled up for the weekend, as he also earned a win in MagnaFuel Open Comp.
Proform Rumble presented by Chevrolet Performance featured a father and son final round of eliminations, with Nicholas and Dewayne Massengale. Son Nicholas illuminated the win light in his 1999 Trans Am with a 14.03 on a 14.00 while father Dewayne broke out with a 12.18 on a 12.25 in his Corvette.
Circle D Specialties NMCA True Street drivers went for a 30-mile cruise before returning to the racetrack to make three back-to-back laps down track in competition. When the dust settled, Kevin Schweizer emerged as the winner with an 8.98 average, while Mike Post was the runner-up with a 9.38 average. Other standouts included Larry Rose (10-second winner), Rick Doern (11-second winner), Bryan Benge (12-second winner), Boy Huyser (13-second winner), Adam Retford (14-second winner) and Mike Baker (15-second winner).
Challengers, Chargers and Demons were featured in the Dodge //Direct Connection Shootout, where John Johnson earned the overall win with an 8.65 average. Other winners included Michael England (9-second), Michael Smith (10-second), Jessica Sipple (11-second), Dennis Cherry (12-second), Kimberly Smith (13-second), Audrey Baize (14-second) and Adrian Vander Acker (15-second).
The eight quickest drivers in the Dodge // Direct Connection Shootout earned entry into the HHP Racing Quick 8 presented by Scoggin Dickey Parts Center, where John Johnson joined the NMCA Winner’s Circle festivities with an 8.54 on an 8.54 after Michael Smith turned on the red light.
More than 30 racers with remarkably clean and chock-full of character classic cars came together for the NMCA Nostalgia Super Stock vs. Victory Series Nostalgia Super Stock Shootout presented by FueLab, and the old school charm was appreciated by all in attendance. In the fifth and final round of eliminations, Gabriel Ray recorded a perfect .000 reaction time and took the win in a 1964 Chevelle over Shaun Johnston, who turned on a -.004 red light in a 1967 Belvedere.
About 60 racers took part in the incredibly intoxicating throwback Dave Duell Classic/ Nostalgia Super Stock category, and in the sixth and final round, Donald Stahl locked up the win with a 10.51 on a 10.50 in his 1964 Dodge over John Hamer, who broke out with a 10.22 on a 10.25 in his 1967 Barracuda. In A Class, Al Corda collected the win in his 1962 Dart over David Horton and his 1965 Belvedere with a 10.29 on a 10.25 to Horton’s 10.75 on a 10.75, and in B Class, Cameron Stark secured the win over Dalton Bruemmer, in a battle of the 1965 Belvederes, and in a double breakout, with an 11.48 on an 11.50 to Bruemmer’s 10.96 on an 11.00.
Fast and fan-favorite cars were part of the FX Shootout presented by Dale Meers Racing Engines, and Brent Wheeler wrapped up the win with a 9.50 on a 9.50 in his 1966 Coronet over accomplished Nostalgia Super Stock racer Doug Duell, who went through the traps at 9.03 on a 9.00 in his 1964 Fury wagon.
The final round of eliminations in National Parts Depot F.A.S.T. Presented by Horsepower Depot welcomed Jordan Pennington and Terry Pennington. Jordan, in a 1967 Corvette, cruised to the win with a 9.62 over Terry, who took the runner-up spot with a 15.61 in a 1969 Corvette.
In National Parts Depot F.A.S.T. Factory Stock presented by Cor-A-Vent, Ryan Van Dusen buckled into his 1967 Corvette, and Jeff Wilkins buckled into his 1970 Torino, and Van Dusen drove to the win with a 12.50 over Wilkins’ 18.88.
Bracket Mayhem was also in the mix at this event. In Bracket 1, Cameron Bowles drove his grandfather’s famous Little Coal Digger Maverick to a 6.14 on a 6.12 dial to claim victory over Rusty Dobbs, who drove to a dead-on 5.53, but wasn’t quite as quick on the tree as Bowels, and in Bracket 2, Randy Dobbs raced his Chevy II to a 6.37 on a on a 6.32 to defeat Keith Seymore, who raced his 1974 Malibu to a 6.63 on a 6.42.
The NMCA offers a sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the winners on their success, and thanks race fans and sponsors for their support.
Points will now be carefully counted, and a story announcing 2024 Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals champions, and the final points positions, will soon be posted to NMCADigital.com and the series’ Facebook page.
“The 2024 Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals tour has been tremendous,” said Steve Wolcott, president and CEO of NMRA and NMCA. “We had everything from amazing racing to awe-inspiring added elements designed to entertain racers and race fans of all ages.”
We look forward to celebrating our racing family at the Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 13 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
Posted By: Mary Lendzion Sep 22, 2024
Written by Mary Lendzion
Photos by Rudy Rouweyha
Racers are the heart and soul of the Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals, and they certainly had everyone’s attention and appreciation across the categories at the 23rd Annual NMCA World Street Finals presented by Chevrolet Performance, held over the weekend of Sept. 19-22, 2024 at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park in Indiana.
As the final of six events on this year’s tour, championships and coveted points standings were a focus for many. The pressure was on, but the persistence and the performances proved that the racers accepted the challenge, despite hot and humid conditions. As a special feature, they shared the track with NHRA Funny Car racer Paul Lee in his McLeod Racing/FTI Performance Charger, and NHRA Top Fuel racer Krista Baldwin in her McLeod Racing/Lucas Oil Dragster, as they were on hand to make a few passes.
“It would be understandable if our racers were worn out by the time this final race of the year rolled around, but instead, they felt invincible, and that is inspiring,” said Rollie Miller, General Manager and National Event Director for NMCA and NMRA. “Through testing, qualifying and eliminations, they showed their razor-sharp skills and their resolution, and we applaud and admire that.”
Seeing, hearing and feeling the force of the cars in VP Racing Lubricants Xtreme Pro Mod is always entrancing, and that definitely includes Bob Glenn’s 1967 Mustang-bodied Pro Mod, which he piloted to a 3.76 to qualify in the third spot. The Floridian then flew through the rounds and met Craig Sullivan and his 1949 Mercury-bodied Pro Mod in the final round of eliminations. Both drivers tickled the throttle a bit to help settle their high-horsepower cars mid-track, and Glenn headed to the celebratory NMCA Winner’s Circle with a 4.12, as Indiana-based Sullivan stopped the clocks at 4.61.
Tony Scott and Lindsay Wheelock lined up for the final round of eliminations in Holley EFI Factory Super Cars, and Scott secured the win with a 7.85 in his COPO Camaro when Wheelock ran into trouble, after recording a good .017 reaction time, and couldn’t complete her pass in her Drag Pak.
Lenny Grawburg, out of Florida, has one gorgeous 1969 Camaro, and he has been driving the wheels off of it all season in ARP Nitrous Pro Street. At this event, he landed in the NMCA Winner’s Circle with a 4.23, and he was promptly celebrated among his NMCA family.
Two of the NMCA’s finest racers, Jessie Coulter and Bill Trovato, were ready to give it their all in Edelbrock Xtreme Street, but Coulter, in a 2003 Mustang Cobra, got the win with a 4.53 when Trovato was forced to lift in his 2013 Camaro.
When Dwight Ausmus and David Theisen lined up for the Dart NA 10.5 final round of eliminations, fans knew they were about to see some seriously nail-biting, naturally aspirated action. Both went wheels-up at the hit, with Theisen going higher and harder in his 1969 Firebird, and Ausmus arrived at the finish line first for the win with a 7.73 in his 1972 Firebird to Theisen’s 7.85.
It took four rounds of tough competition in Scoggin Dickey Parts Center Street Warrior 10.10 presented by Chevrolet Performance, but Brian Keiser went to the NMCA Winner’s Circle with a holeshot and a 10.27 in his 2016 Mustang over Mike Winters, who was 10.16 in his 1982 Mustang.
In Micro Strategies Stock Eliminator, Denny Hillman used an 11.49 on an 11.45 in his 1967 Camaro to defeat Jim Kaekel, who broke out with an 11.06 on an 11.09 in his Oldsmobile.
Bruce Lang and Mark Nowicki, two tough racers, made it to the Micro Strategies Super Stock Eliminator final round of eliminations, and Lang landed the win with a 9.61 on a 9.61 in his 1968 Barracuda while Nowicki broke out with a 9.60 on a 9.61 in his 1998 Avenger.
Cool Kentuckian Audrey Baize found herself in the final round of eliminations in Erson Cams Nostalgia Muscle presented by World Products, where she took the win with an 11.80 in her 1969 Dart over talented racer Jeff Toepper, who turned in an 11.23 in his Camaro.
MagnaFuel Open Comp saw tight racing on both ends of the track all weekend, and among the racers holding their own in the category were David Rickey and Jason Dietsch, who made it to the final round of eliminations. Rickey rocketed to the win with a 10.51 in his 2002 Camaro over Dietsch, who drove to an 8.93 in his Mustang Cobra Jet.
SunCoast Performance 8.60 Street Race, which is also contested in the Holley NMRA Ford Nationals, put the spotlight on Logan Day and Justin Johnson, and Day, who made the trip all the way from Florida, won with an 8.61 in his 2021 Mustang over Johnson, who also turned in an 8.61 in his 1982 Fairmont but wasn’t quite as quick when the tree came down.
In LME Street King presented by Chevrolet Performance, David Rickey, in his 2002 Camaro, defeated Wesley Butler, in his 1997 Mustang, with a 10.55 to Butler’s 11.17. Rickey doubled up for the weekend, as he also earned a win in MagnaFuel Open Comp.
Proform Rumble presented by Chevrolet Performance featured a father and son final round of eliminations, with Nicholas and Dewayne Massengale. Son Nicholas illuminated the win light in his 1999 Trans Am with a 14.03 on a 14.00 while father Dewayne broke out with a 12.18 on a 12.25 in his Corvette.
Circle D Specialties NMCA True Street drivers went for a 30-mile cruise before returning to the racetrack to make three back-to-back laps down track in competition. When the dust settled, Kevin Schweizer emerged as the winner with an 8.98 average, while Mike Post was the runner-up with a 9.38 average. Other standouts included Larry Rose (10-second winner), Rick Doern (11-second winner), Bryan Benge (12-second winner), Boy Huyser (13-second winner), Adam Retford (14-second winner) and Mike Baker (15-second winner).
Challengers, Chargers and Demons were featured in the Dodge //Direct Connection Shootout, where John Johnson earned the overall win with an 8.65 average. Other winners included Michael England (9-second), Michael Smith (10-second), Jessica Sipple (11-second), Dennis Cherry (12-second), Kimberly Smith (13-second), Audrey Baize (14-second) and Adrian Vander Acker (15-second).
The eight quickest drivers in the Dodge // Direct Connection Shootout earned entry into the HHP Racing Quick 8 presented by Scoggin Dickey Parts Center, where John Johnson joined the NMCA Winner’s Circle festivities with an 8.54 on an 8.54 after Michael Smith turned on the red light.
More than 30 racers with remarkably clean and chock-full of character classic cars came together for the NMCA Nostalgia Super Stock vs. Victory Series Nostalgia Super Stock Shootout presented by FueLab, and the old school charm was appreciated by all in attendance. In the fifth and final round of eliminations, Gabriel Ray recorded a perfect .000 reaction time and took the win in a 1964 Chevelle over Shaun Johnston, who turned on a -.004 red light in a 1967 Belvedere.
About 60 racers took part in the incredibly intoxicating throwback Dave Duell Classic/ Nostalgia Super Stock category, and in the sixth and final round, Donald Stahl locked up the win with a 10.51 on a 10.50 in his 1964 Dodge over John Hamer, who broke out with a 10.22 on a 10.25 in his 1967 Barracuda. In A Class, Al Corda collected the win in his 1962 Dart over David Horton and his 1965 Belvedere with a 10.29 on a 10.25 to Horton’s 10.75 on a 10.75, and in B Class, Cameron Stark secured the win over Dalton Bruemmer, in a battle of the 1965 Belvederes, and in a double breakout, with an 11.48 on an 11.50 to Bruemmer’s 10.96 on an 11.00.
Fast and fan-favorite cars were part of the FX Shootout presented by Dale Meers Racing Engines, and Brent Wheeler wrapped up the win with a 9.50 on a 9.50 in his 1966 Coronet over accomplished Nostalgia Super Stock racer Doug Duell, who went through the traps at 9.03 on a 9.00 in his 1964 Fury wagon.
The final round of eliminations in National Parts Depot F.A.S.T. Presented by Horsepower Depot welcomed Jordan Pennington and Terry Pennington. Jordan, in a 1967 Corvette, cruised to the win with a 9.62 over Terry, who took the runner-up spot with a 15.61 in a 1969 Corvette.
In National Parts Depot F.A.S.T. Factory Stock presented by Cor-A-Vent, Ryan Van Dusen buckled into his 1967 Corvette, and Jeff Wilkins buckled into his 1970 Torino, and Van Dusen drove to the win with a 12.50 over Wilkins’ 18.88.
Bracket Mayhem was also in the mix at this event. In Bracket 1, Cameron Bowles drove his grandfather’s famous Little Coal Digger Maverick to a 6.14 on a 6.12 dial to claim victory over Rusty Dobbs, who drove to a dead-on 5.53, but wasn’t quite as quick on the tree as Bowels, and in Bracket 2, Randy Dobbs raced his Chevy II to a 6.37 on a on a 6.32 to defeat Keith Seymore, who raced his 1974 Malibu to a 6.63 on a 6.42.
The NMCA offers a sincere and heartfelt congratulations to the winners on their success, and thanks race fans and sponsors for their support.
Points will now be carefully counted, and a story announcing 2024 Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals champions, and the final points positions, will soon be posted to NMCADigital.com and the series’ Facebook page.
“The 2024 Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals tour has been tremendous,” said Steve Wolcott, president and CEO of NMRA and NMCA. “We had everything from amazing racing to awe-inspiring added elements designed to entertain racers and race fans of all ages.”
We look forward to celebrating our racing family at the Red Line Oil NMCA Muscle Car Nationals Awards Ceremony on Friday, December 13 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis.
PROCK WINS CAROLINA NATIONALS, EXTENDS POINT LEAD
| Beckman Loses All-JFR Semifinal; Brittany Out in Quarterfinals at zMax Dragway |
| CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Sept. 22, 2024) – Austin Prock didn’t dominate in the manner to which everyone has become accustomed this season, but the result was the same on Sunday at zMax Dragway, where the 29-year-old Funny Car rookie drove the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS to victory in the 16th NHRA Carolina Nationals. Driving a blue-and-black Chevy bearing the number 374, which was his grandfather’s competition number when he was racing Funny Cars in the 1970s, Prock covered the 1,000-foot distance in 3.924 seconds at a finish line speed of 326.46 miles per hour in the final round to get to the line just ahead of No. 1 qualifier Matt Hagan (3.958, 324.98 mph). “We’ve got a great team behind us and I just try not to mess it up,” said the winner. “I just stab and steer, and this Chevrolet Camaro has won me a lot of rounds this year (42 thus far). I’ve just been trying to do my best. I’ve been more focused than I ever have (been) in any category I’ve ever driven. “I just feel so comfortable – and I love racing with my family (dad Jimmy is his crew chief, brother Thomas a key technician),” he said. “I know how good this team was (with Robert Hight in the harnesses) and how great it was when they told me I was going to get put in the seat (while his predecessor went on medical leave). “I had high expectations for myself from the start,” said the 2019 Rookie-of-the-Year, an award he won at the wheel of a JFR Top Fuel dragster. “You don’t want to be the guy who lets them down. I’ve done that a couple times this year and it’s the worst feeling in the world.” It was Prock’s third straight tour victory, his seventh of the season, and it powered him to a commanding point lead entering this week’s 28th NHRA Midwest Nationals at St. Louis, a race that marks the midway point of the playoffs. When qualifying begins Friday at World Wide Technology Raceway, the former quarter midget and sprint car driver will lead second place Bob Tasca III by 129 points and JFR teammate Jack Beckman (3rd), whom he defeated in an all-JFR, all-Chevy semifinal, by 136. The No. 2 qualifier after missing his 12th No. 1 start of the season by .001 of a second, Prock ousted Alexis DeJoria in round one and turned back three-time former series champion Ron Capps in the quarterfinals to set up an intramural duel with Beckman. In that race, he left first and never trailed, winning in 3.962 seconds to 4.016 for the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Camaro. It was a disappointing outcome for Beckman, who is earning Countdown points on behalf of 16-time series champion John Force, who continues to receive treatment for a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) suffered in a June crash in Richmond, Va. Although he held onto third place in points, the two-time World Champion acknowledged that Sunday was a missed opportunity in the bid to get a 17th series title for Force. “It was another solid weekend for us, but frustrating,” Beckman said. “Our PEAK Chevy has all the resources and talent to put us back into the winners’ circle. It’s time to get it done in St. Louis.” After qualifying her HendrickCars.com Chevrolet No. 1 in Top Fuel and after putting up the event’s best performance numbers at 3.690 and 335.73 mph, Brittany Force succumbed to a loss of traction that slowed her to 3.909 seconds at 314.53 mph in a quarterfinal duel with Clay Millican. That left the two-time World Champion disappointed but still encouraged about the chances of ending a lengthy victory drought in one of the season’s last four events. “Charlotte was a special weekend for us running for HendrickCars.com,” said the 16-time tour winner and Rookie-of-the-Year six years before Prock. “I’m very proud to represent Hendrick, especially here in their back yard. We had an incredibly strong car all weekend (and) even though we didn’t get the result we wanted, I’m proud of the progress we’re making and proud of our effort against Clay Millican. “We’re staying positive and we’re confident that bigger results are just around the corner.” |
CORVETTE RACING AT INDY: No. 3 Corvette Fights Way to Podium
| Garcia’s late charge sends him, Sims to P3; AWA wins second straight Akin Award in GTD INDIANAPOLIS (September 22, 2024) – Corvette factory drivers Antonio Garcia and Alexander Sims climbed back on the podium in GTD PRO on Sunday in the six-hour Battle on the Bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course to lead the contingent of three Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in the next-to-last race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. |
| LARS KERN, NO. 13 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “At the end of the day, we can be happy with the result. The team did a mega job. In my stint, I was struggling a lot when there was still a lot of water on the track. Once it dried, the car was rapid but we couldn’t really recover from this loss. So we could have finished better but I couldn’t activate the tires in my middle stint. I’m super-happy with what Matt did at the end. At one point I don’t think we really believed we could win the Akin Award today. Orey did great at the beginning and kept it clean. This was a big step toward our target of getting to Le Mans next year.” |
chevy racing–NHrA–charlotte post race
| CHEVROLET IN NHRA2024 NHRA CAROLINA NATIONALS zMAX DRAGWAY CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA TEAM CHEVY RACE REPORT | NOTES & STATS SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 AUSTIN PROCK AND JOHN FORCE RACING TAKE CHEVROLET TO THE WINNER’S CIRCLE FOR THE SEVENTH TIME THIS SEASON AT zMAX DRAGWAY Chevrolet Captured Two Top Wally Trophies, with Prock in Funny Car and Dallas Glenn of KB Titan Racing in Pro Stock |
| Notes:Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools/HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, captured his seventh victory of the 2024 season and 11th career NHRA win while earning Team Chevy their 168th in the NHRA Funny Car category. His win Sunday is his third in a row after winning the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Reading last weekend, and now Charlotte 2.Prock, who maintained an 86-point lead heading into Charlotte 2 over Bob Tasca, III, leaves the NHRA Carolina Nationals still maintaining the Championship standings lead unofficially by 129 points over Tasca, III in second.Prock qualified No. 2 heading into Sunday’s race day, with his run of 3.833 seconds E.T. at 332.84 mph qualifying him behind Hagan. Prock defeated Alexis DeJoria in Round 1, Ron Capps in Round 2, and teammate Jack Beckman in the semifinals on his way to winning the NHRA Carolina Nationals by defeating Hagan in the finals. After qualifying No. 3 this weekend at zMAX Dragway, Jack Beckman, driver of the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car and competing on behalf of 16-time champion John Force, fell to teammate Prock in the semifinals after defeating Buddy Hall in Round 1 and Daniel Wilkerson in Round 2.Sunday’s semifinal appearance is his second in four events after returning to the Funny Car seat for the first time in four years and being tapped to drive on behalf of Force after being sidelined while competing for his potential 17th career championship.Capturing her 49th No. 1 qualifier in NHRA, Brittany Force, driver of the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster for John Force Racing, also earned her third of the season.Force set fast time on the first day of qualifying, taking the provisional pole position on the leaderboard with her and her team’s Q2 run of 3.690 seconds E.T. at 334.24 mph.Facing off against Clay Millican in Round 2 after defeating Ida Zetterstrom in Round 1, Force fell to her opponent with her run of 3.909 seconds E.T. at 314.53 mph to Millican’s 3.796 seconds E.T. at 323.04 mph.In a tight final race to the win light, Dallas Glenn, driver of the RAD Torque Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for KB Titan Racing, captured his 13th career NHRA victory and Chevrolet’s 397th in the category, the 278th in the Camaro, after defeating Elite Motorsports’ Aaron Stanfield with his run of 6.626 seconds E.T. at 207.18 mph to Stanfield’s 5.549 seconds E.T. at 207.75 mph.Erica Enders, driver of the Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Melling Performance Chevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock, captured her 40th career No. 1 qualifier and sixth of 2024, with her fastest run of four rounds at 6.557 seconds E.T. at 208.20 mph. Separated by .023 seconds, Greg Anderson, driver of the HenrickCars.comChevrolet Camaro SS Pro Stock for KB Titan Racing, qualified No. 2 heading into Sunday’s race day. |
| Quotes: AUSTIN PROCK, DRIVER OF THE CORNWELL TOOLS/HENDRICKCARS.COMCHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR, JOHN FORCE RACING:You said you made big changes ahead of the semifinal. How much trust is in this team?‘All of it. My dad (Jimmy Prock), Thomas (Prock), Nate HIldahl, all of these Cornwell Tools guys are just so incredibly smart. They study their craft every single day and it shows on the racetrack, and it sure is fun. This trophy right here is going to Rick Hendrick. I know he’s out there watching. He’s in Europe right now and wanted to be out here watching and couldn’t. HendrickCars.com doubled up this weekend with Kyle Larson (winning NASCAR in Bristol). What a weekend right in his hometown. I’m so proud to drive this Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car. This is a dream come true.” JACK BECKMAN, DRIVER OF THE PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR, JOHN FORCE RACING: “It was another solid weekend for us, but frustrating. Our PEAK Chevy team has all of the resources and talent to put our Camaro back into the Winner’s Circle. It’s time to get it done next weekend in St. Louis.” BRITTANY FORCE, DRIVER OF THE HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET TOP FUEL DRAGSTER, JOHN FORCE RACING:“Charlotte was a special weekend for us running HendrickCars.com. I’m very proud to represent Hendrick, especially here in Charlotte, North Carolina, their back yard. We had an incredibly strong car all weekend, taking the number one qualifier spot. Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted in the second round, I’m proud of how fast we were and the progress we’re making. I am proud that we put on a good drag race next to Clay Millican. We’re staying positive and confident that bigger results are just around the corner.” DALLAS GLENN, DRIVER OF THE RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS FUNNY CAR, KB TITAN RACING:“A lot (of pride in this Wally). I had to work really hard for this. I’m really tired. Aaron (Stanfield) and I always have really good races. He’s super tough. Super great racer. I don’t feel like I drove as good as I was in Reading, but I definitely drove a lot better there in the final. I had to earn that one. That thing went hard left, and I had to drive it out of the wall. Everybody at KB Titan Racing is here, and hey, we got the points lead back!” |
| AUSTIN PROCK, driver of the Cornwell Tools/HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car – Winner’s Circle Transcript:“We’ve got a great team behind us, and I try not to mess it up. I just stab and steer, and this Chevrolet Camaro has won me a lot of rounds this year.” You were just on the phone with (team owner) John (Force)…“He sounds great. Love hearing from him. I know he’s really proud of everything that’s going on and he thinks it’s really cool our family gets to work together, and the success we’ve had. It’s all good at John Force Racing.” Coming into this team and taking over for Robert (Hight) as the driver this year, you had high expectations. Even you have to be going wow…“I’ve just been trying my best. I’ve been more focused this year than I ever have in any category I’ve ever driven. I just feel so comfortable, and I love racing with my family. I know how good this team is and how great it was when they told me I was going to get put in the seat. I had high expectations for myself because you don’t want to be the guy who lets them down. I’ve done that a couple of times this year, and it’s the worst feeling in the world. They work so hard; they study so much to produce the results we have. I’m trying to put the same work in and just be a machine. It’s been working out. Missed the tree there. Had a lot of glare there on the tree, and had me a little nervous. I stuttered my foot and had a 70-light. I think that was the worst light of mine in three or four races.” Are you thinking far enough ahead yet that you legitimately have a shot at standing on the stage at the end of the year celebrating a championship?“No. I just look at it one round at a time. The only way we’re going to win this championship is if we’re perfect every time we drag it up there. Just one round at a time, and if we do that and everybody does their best, we’ll be up on that stage. Working hard, we’re trying to get that 348-point lead back.” |
Antron Brown claims second straight victory to start Countdown to the Championship
Toyota now has 15 victories in last 17 Top Fuel races
CONCORD, N.C. (Sept. 22, 2024) – Antron Brown captured his fifth win of the 2024 season and his second straight to begin the Countdown to the Championship by taking home the Wally Trophy in the NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMAX Dragway. Brown now has 79 wins in his historic NHRA career and 63 in Top Fuel, which puts him second all-time in Top Fuel history. He now holds the category points lead heading to St. Louis next weekend.
The triumph for Brown is also Toyota’s 15th Top Fuel win in the last 17 races, and by him making the finals on Sunday, Toyota has now reached 39 consecutive NHRA event final rounds in either Top Fuel and/or Funny Car.
Brown defeated Toyota teammate, Doug Kalitta, in the semifinals, as well as Steve and Billy Torrence on his way to victory today. Justin Ashley and Shawn Langdon were the other Toyota dragsters to advance out of round one, both falling in the second round.
In Funny Car, Ron Capps advanced to the second round in his NAPA Auto Care GR Supra Funny Car but fell in the quarterfinals. Alexis DeJoria and J.R. Todd were both eliminated in round one on Sunday.
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series heads to World Wide Technology Raceway outside of St. Louis for the Midwest Nationals next weekend, with eliminations next Sunday, September 29.
Toyota Post-Race Recap
NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series
zMAX Dragway
NHRA Carolina Nationals
Race 16 of 20
TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS
| Name | Car | Final Result | Round-by-Round |
| Antron Brown | Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | Winner | W (3.829 – holeshot) v. S. Torrence (3.817) W (3.869) v. B. Torrence (3.892) W (3.873) v. D. Kalitta (3.876) W (3.848) v. D. Foley (3.862) |
| Doug Kalitta | Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | Semi-finals | W (3.894) v. T. Stewart (4.299) W (3.905) v. S. Langdon (4.364) L (3.876) v. A. Brown (3.873) |
| Shawn Langdon | Kalitta Air Careers Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | Second Round | W (3.775) v. J. Hart (4.923) L (4.364) v. D. Kalitta (3.775) |
| Justin Ashley | SCAG Power Equipment Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | Second Round | W (4.498 – holeshot) v. D. Foley (4.411) L (5.203) v. D. Foley (4.709) |
| Billy Torrence | CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | Second Round | W (3.884) v. S. Reed (6.993) L (3.892) v. A. Brown (3.869) |
| Steve Torrence | CAPCO Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | First Round | L (3.817) v. A. Brown (3.829 – holeshot) |
TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS
| Name | Car | Final Result | Round-by-Round |
| Ron Capps | NAPA Auto Care Army Tribute Toyota GR Supra Funny Car | Second Round | W (3.933) v. C. Green (7.770) L (6.772) v. A. Prock (4.029) |
| J.R. Todd | DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car | First Round | L (3.945) v. D. Wilkerson (3.984 – holeshot) |
| Alexis DeJoria | Bandero CaféToyota GR Supra Funny Car | First Round | L (4.994) v. A. Prock (3.965) |
*= Non-Toyota driver
TOYOTA QUOTES
ANTRON BROWN, Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, AB Motorsports
TF Final Result: Winner
Describe this win and how you’re feeling so far in the Countdown.
“I feel like we have some momentum going our way and we’re just finding ourselves in the right situation and we’re capitalizing on it. We’re doing the right things at the right time, and no matter what blows come our way, as we’ve had some struggles, I see Brian (Corradi, co-crew chief), Mark (Oswald, co-crew chief), Brad (Mason, car chief) and these Matco Tools guys make the car do what they want it to do. And we’re really, really close to where we need to be, but the good part is, we’re working and we’re getting better and we’re in the right spot, in the right time, to capitalize to make the runs we need to make to win the rounds and that’s the main thing. Our guys know how to race and I’m super proud, super blessed to be on this team and to bring these wins home means something, but the work is not done yet. Not at all. We have to keep going until the job’s finished.”
DOUG KALITTA, Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Kalitta Motorsports
TF Final Result: Semifinalist
Take us through your day here in Charlotte.
“It was nice to go a couple rounds today. We were right there in the semifinals, it was really close, but we came up a little bit short. We’re figuring out a hot-track tune-up, and I think the guys are doing a good job figuring it out for Mac Tools, Revchem, Toyota, SealMaster and all the great people who help is make all this happen.”
Promising start, tough finish at Brickyard
| Cadillac Racing GTP entries encounter unforced issues in six-hour race |
| INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 22, 2024) – A promising start to the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks ended in double disappointment for the Cadillac Racing Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) entries in the six-hour race Sunday. Contending with the 56-car, four-class field and dramatic changing weather and track conditions that included a long full-course yellow in the opening hours on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R were poised to challenge for podium positions. |
| Media resources* Photo gallery of on-track activity | Cadillac Racing IMSA statistics |
| Bourdais soldiered on, overtook the No. 7 Porsche 963 and drove the No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R to eighth place overall. The No. 24 BMW M Hybrid V8 won the race. |
| The IMSA GTP season concludes Oct. 12 with the 10-hour Motul Petit Le Mans at 2.54-mile, 12-turn Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R was runner-up in the 2023, clinching the GTP and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup manufacturer championships for Cadillac Racing. Peacock will stream flag-to-flag coverage, with USA telecasting the race from 6-10:30 p.m. |
| What they’re saying |
| No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R |
| Sebastien Bourdais: “I think pace-wise we were OK, but the competition was stronger again. … Unfortunately, we probably didn’t have what we needed to fight. But it turned into a very weird race at the end with the BMW winning. I jumped in the car. I did the out lap. I didn’t hit anyone, but something cut the right rear tire. Debris, or someone when they got by when I was crawling around on cold tires, I have no idea. I didn’t feel anything at all. Just another really disappointing race because it definitely feels like we did everything we could to give ourselves a chance, then we get nothing at the end.” Renger van der Zande: “I’m very disappointed with where we ended up because we had good speed in the car, we worked really hard on the setup and to get it done. The team did a fantastic job. I think we extracted everything we could out of the car. Seb did a good job; I did a good job. At the end, a blown tire ended our fight today. I’m not happy, but we’ll move forward from here, and we’ll see what we can do at Petit Le Mans and hopefully win that race.” |
| No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R |
| Jack Aitken: “The first stint went great for us. The car was working really well and managed to move up from P4 to second and even were closing in on the No. 6 Porsche. Then the rain started to come and we managed that pretty well, too, getting out of the pits in first place. But a bit of bad luck and the race unraveled for us. It was an encouraging race start and we’ll take that to Petit Le Mans.” |
HART TURNS ATTENTION TO ST LOUIS COUNTDOWN RACE
CONCORD, NC (September 22, 2024) — Unseasonably warm conditions dogged the Top Fuel and Funny Car competitors during the 16th annual NHRA Carolina Nationals at zMax Dragway this weekend. For Josh Hart and the newly adorned pink TechNet Brakes for Breasts Top Fuel dragster the three-day national event was a good opportunity to talk about an amazing program supporting breast cancer awareness, but a tough weekend for on-track performance. Through two days of qualifying Hart’s team made three solid passes and landed on the qualifying sheet as the No. 11 quickest Top Fuel dragster on the property.
“We came off the trailer and made some decent runs considering the conditions were pretty tricky,” said Hart, the 2021 Carolina Nationals Top Fuel winner. “Everyone had to deal with the same track and same conditions. I thought we made the most of it. On Saturday we made a strong run in the first session and then we missed in it the last session. I had a lot of confidence coming in the first round match-up with Shawn (Langdon).”
Josh Hart and the Brakes for Breasts Top Fuel dragster on track at the Carolina Nationals,
photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary Nastase
Entering race day Hart was ready for a close race with the No. 6 qualifier. The pink TechNet Brakes for Breasts Top Fuel dragster was first off the starting line with Hart’s .058 second reaction time getting a slight edge on Shawn Langdon’s .061 second reaction time. Unfortunately, by the time the 11,000-horsepower land rockets were closing in on halftrack Hart’s Goodyear tires lost traction and Langdon was pulling away on a smooth run. Langdon’s elapsed time of 3.775 seconds outpaced Hart’s 4.923 second run.
“It was really warm for the first round and usually that gives us a little advantage,” said Hart. “It didn’t work out for us today. There were a lot of teams smoking the tires, but we need to work on our own program. We will head right to St. Louis and get ready for the Midwest Nationals. That is another great facility and we will get right back after it.”
For the fourth season in a row Hart is supporting the Brakes for Breasts initiative. Part of the Advance Auto Parts portfolio of brands, TechNet Professional Automotive Service features a network of more than 15,000 repair shops across the U.S. and Canada. Shops also participate in important charitable initiatives in the communities they serve, such as Brakes for Breasts.
“We’re pleased to once again feature TechNet and Brakes for Breasts on Josh’s dragster for this weekend’s race,” said Todd Sanders, Advance’s senior vice president, professional business. “We hope this partnership drives awareness around the fundraising program while encouraging race fans to be proactive around their own personal health.”
Hart hoped his efforts with the Brakes for Breasts Top Fuel dragster and the additional social and media promotion this weekend helped raise awareness for the 1 in 8 women who will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. All the funds raised will go towards the Cleveland Clinic Breast Cancer Vaccine Research Fund.
There are several ways for consumers to help the program through their donations. Fans and supporters can visit their local TechNet repair shop to give or get up to $40 on their qualifying brake service. Consumers can receive up to $40 rebate in the form of a TechNet Professional Prepaid Mastercard or $10 rebate per axle on Carquest Premium Gold brakes and $20 rebate per axle on Carquest Professional Platinum brakes. To find your local TechNet Professional Automotive Service Center, click here and help us put the brakes on breast cancer!
Hart and the Brakes for Breasts Top Fuel dragster team will be back on track for two qualifying runs to start the Midwest Nationals on Friday from World Wide Technology Raceway outside of St. Louis.
Qualifying Results
Q1: 3.795 sec, 326.71 mph; Qual. 9
Q2: 3.755 sec, 322.65 mph; Qual. 11
Q3: 3.792 sec, 327.59 mph; Qual. 11
Q4: 6.548 sec, 92.30 mph; Qual. 11
Bonus Points: 0
Race Results
First Round
Shawn Langdon, Avon, Ind., KalittaAir.com/careers dragster, (.061), 3.775 sec, 327.98 mph def. Josh Hart, Ocala, Fla., TechNet Brakes for Breasts dragster, (.058), 4.923 sec, 165.97 mph
Mission Foods Drag Racing point standings – Top Fuel Championship Points
1. Antron Brown 2292
2. Justin Ashley 2239
3. Shawn Langdon 2230
4. Doug Kalitta 2225
5. Clay Millican 2174
6. Steve Torrence 2162
7. Tony Schumacher 2119
8. Tony Stewart 2118
9. Brittany Force 2114
10. Billy Torrence 2082
11. Josh Hart 2056
12. Shawn Reed 2029
HULL MATCHES BEST QUALIFYING EFFORT AT CAROLINA NATIONALS
CONCORD, N.C. (September 22, 2024) — In his second Countdown race of his career, rookie Funny Car driver for Jim Dunn Racing Buddy Hull was able to match his best qualifying effort in back-to-back weekends at the NHRA Carolina Nationals, entering race day from the No. 12 spot at zMAX Dragway.
“Now that we’re inching up in qualifying, I know I’m doing my part as a driver,” said Hull. “I’m keeping the car in the middle of the groove. I’m working with Big Jim and Jon (Dunn) to improve my reaction times with the race car idling up a bit, and adding a little more tug, so that way, when I smash the pedal, the car really moves.”
Buddy Hull and the Lescure Funny Car qualified No. 12 at Carolina Nationals, photo credit Krista Zivcic
After making three solid qualifying runs on Friday and Saturday, Hull faced off against Jack Beckman in round one of eliminations on Sunday. It was Hull’s first time running against Beckman, who is currently competing for points for a sidelined John Force. Hull had previously raced against Force twice earlier this season. When Hull took off from the starting line, he like many other drivers during round one, smoked the tires.
“We took a bunch of weight off the clutch,” said Hull. “We were trying to just slide it down the track. It should have labored down through there and ran, between a 4.00 or 4.10. Instead, it straight up knocked the tires off the car. Which is not normal for us. But we were part of about half the field who did the exact same thing in this first round. Sometimes these track conditions will do that to you.”
This weekend was Hull’s first time competing in the Carolina Nationals. In 2021 he competed in the Four-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway driving his Top Fuel dragster, and this year he returned to the event for the first time in a nitro Funny Car.
“From a driver’s perspective, from the first time I raced here at zMAX at the beginning of the year to now, I’m a completely different guy in my race car,” said Hull. “I’ve improved in almost every category as far as driving the race car goes. I’m way more comfortable now than I was back in April. We also have a significantly faster and more consistent race car than we did earlier in the season.”
Despite the tough first round exit, Hull still has a lot to be grateful for after his inaugural Carolina Nationals race weekend. It was the first race that his wife and newborn son, Maverick, have been able to attend since Maverick’s birth in mid-August.
“Having my family back on the road here with me is the best feeling,” said Hull. “My wife, Madi, and now Maverick are my biggest supporters and cheerleaders. I’m also thankful for our new sponsor Sunshine Energy Drink, who are based locally in the North Carolina area. I could not do what I do without the support of my family, Jim Dunn Racing and our incredible sponsors.”
Now that the Carolina Nationals is in the rearview mirror, Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team are looking ahead to next race in the Countdown, the Midwest Nationals, located just outside of St. Louis. This will be the fourth year in a row that Hull has competed at the Midwest Nationals, but the first as a Funny Car and Countdown-competitive driver. He has his eyes on the prize: moving on up into the top 10.
“I’m thinking about the race to get into the top 10 every run,” said Hull. “We are absolutely bound to move up a bit and finish in the top 10. We have four races left. We need to win a round or two in St. Louis. But there’s no question that we can do it. Our car is going down the track more often than it ever has. We’re right there, and we’re getting better. I really think St. Louis is going to be our race.”
Hull and the Jim Dunn Racing team will next be in competition for the third race in the Countdown at the NHRA Midwest Nationals on September 27-29 at World Wide Technology Raceway. There will be one qualifying session on Friday, September 27 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, September 28. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Midwest Nationals visit nhra.com.
Qualifying Results
Q1: 4.108 sec, 307.30 mph; Qual. 11
Q2: No run; Qual. 12
Q3: 7.197 sec, 93.39 mph; Qual. 12
Q4: 4.101 sec, 308.92 mph; Qual. 12
Bonus Points: 0
First Round
Jack Beckman, Norco, Calif., PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS, (.077), 3.934, 322.81 mph def. Buddy Hull, Dallas, Tex., Lescure Dodge Charger, (.105), 4.597, 191.95 mph
Mission Foods Drag Racing Series – Funny Car Championship Points
1. Austin Prock 2370
2. Bob Tasca III 2241
3. John Force/Jack Beckman 2234
4. Matt Hagan 2217
5. Ron Capps 2163
6. J.R. Todd 2160
7. Alexis DeJoria 2113
8. Dan Wilkerson 2108
9. Blake Alexander 2103
10. Chad Green 2100
11. Cruz Pedregon 2075
12. Buddy Hull 2044
13. Dave Richards 2032
STEAK DINNER: Carson Macedo Tops Dennis Roth Classic for Biggest Win of Career
| The Californian sweeps the night in his home state’s biggest World of Outlaws race everTULARE, CA (September 21, 2024) – Only a few short weeks ago Carson Macedo saw the potential biggest win of his career fall from his grasp.The white flag waved at Huset’s Speedway, and he threw everything he had at Michael “Buddy” Kofoid with a final corner slider. Macedo cleared him but couldn’t stop Kofoid’s crossover as he watched $100,000 and Huset’s High Bank Nationals glory slip away.But he refused to suffer the same fate at the Dennis Roth Classic.It was a special event for several reasons for Macedo. First, the host track – Thunderbowl Raceway – is only about 30 miles from his hometown of Lemoore, CA. Secondly, the event boasted the largest winner’s share in World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car history with $83,000 going to the champion. And the event saluted perhaps his home state’s most impactful car owner in Sprint Car racing.There was plenty of motivation. He and the Jason Johnson Racing simply needed to execute, and that’s exactly what they did to perfection.Macedo pieced together a full sweep of the night. It started off with his second straight Simpson Quick Time. He then went on to top both his Heat Race and the Toyota Racing Dash. And he finalized the special evening by leading every circuit of the 35-lap finale to collect the massive payday.“What a night to have a perfect night,” Macedo said. “Philip (Dietz) just delivered tonight. It was, from start to finish, an absolutely excellent performance by this JJR 41 team. Adam Zimmerman and Robby McQuinn, they worked their tails off. They did a great job. They just made phenomenal adjustments. I wasn’t that comfortable in Hot Laps. Phil just knocked it out of the park for Qualifying really. We just never faded from that point on. It was just unbelievable to drive from start to finish.”The sweep of the night not only netted Macedo the massive check, it also came with some tasty rewards. With 20 pounds of choice New York steaks, 20 pounds of choice Tri-Tip, and 30 pounds of ribeye steaks collected courtesy of Roth Motorsports, Macedo walked away with 70 pounds of meat.Macedo’s ninth win of the year was his 44th overall with The Greatest Show on Dirt. He became the 20th different competitor to top a Series race at the Thunderbowl. The Tulare, CA 1/3 mile is the 26th different track where Macedo has won with the World of Outlaws and fourth in his home state.Macedo started on the pole for the main event and drove ahead to an early advantage. The 28-year-old may have gapped the field early on, but the action behind him was plentiful. Sixth-starting David Gravel charged by Buddy Kofoid to grab third, but Kofoid returned the favor by ripping the top in Turns 3 and 4 to take it right back. A little further behind them Sheldon Haudenschild was giving the fans a show all on his own aboard the NOS Energy Drink No. 17. He glued his right rear tire to the cushion and beat down the boards. After starting 12th, the Wooster, OH native had cracked the top five by Lap 7. A lap later he took fourth from Gravel. Up ahead of them Kofoid started to battle with Shane Golobic for the runner-up spot.A Lap 9 restart proved to be pivotal as Kofoid, Gravel, and Haudenschild all rocketed ahead of Golobic for spots second, third, and fourth. Kofoid looked to run down Macedo to deliver a storybook win for his Roth Motorsports crew, but it wasn’t in the cards on Saturday night. He did everything he could to keep up with Macedo through traffic, but he never managed to close in.Macedo maintained a healthy advantage throughout the race’s second half on his way to $83,000 and a mountain of meat to feed him and the Jason Johnson Racing cast for weeks.“Man, what a night,” Macedo said. “Obviously, we were racing for the Dennis Roth Classic. Dennis and Teresa Roth, they’ve given a lot to the sport of Sprint Car Racing. It feels special to win this race. I’ve been competing against the Roth 83 for a while. Obviously, out here in California driving the Tarlton Motorsports 21 and through the transition of my career.”Kofoid collected his sixth straight podium and $40,000 with a runner-up finish. The Penngrove, CA native had high hopes of bringing the Dennis Roth Classic trophy back to Roth’s Fresno, CA shop, but he didn’t hang his head over yet another strong run as he and the No. 83 team continue to click as the season winds down.“I feel like I could pace Carson,” Kofoid said. “And I felt like I was just as good as him, but clean air is huge, and when you��re behind him and he kicks up dust, it’s hard to see the wall sometimes when you’ve got to ride the wall. It was a really fun track. I’m just super happy that this event was able to happen for Dennis and Teresa. I feel like they deserve a race like this. I just feel very honored to be the guy to drive this car and be close to getting it done.”The final spot of the podium belonged to Haudenschild as his charge from 12th led him all the way to third. Combine that with his Friday run, and Haudenschild passed a total of 23 cars in two nights at the Thunderbowl. Time simply ran out for him to have an opportunity at potentially moving by Kofoid and Macedo for victory.“I had a beautiful race car honestly,” Haudenschild said. “I had confidence right from the drop of the green. I just knew I had to clear a few of those guys that would give a little bit of trouble. Once I got to the guys I knew I could race with like David (Gravel) and a couple other ones, I feel like we had the pace with them for sure. Just too little too late.”David Gravel and Shane Golobic rounded out the top five.A 23rd to 10th run earned Tim Kaeding the KSE Racing Hard Charger.Carson Macedo completed a weekend sweep of Simpson Quick Time Awards by claiming his 12th of the season and 45th of his career in Sea Foam Qualifying.NOS Energy Drink Heats One, Three, and Four belonged to Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart, and Landon Brooks. Milton Hershey School Heat Two went to Kaleb Montgomery.Carson Macedo topped the Toyota Racing Dash.Bill Balog won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.The Smith Titanium Break Systems Brake of the Race went to Bill Balog.UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars head east for an Ohio doubleheader beginning with Wayne County Speedway’s (Orrville, OH) Buckeye Brawl presented by NOS Energy Drink on Friday, Sept. 27. Then it’s off to Hartford, OH’s Sharon Speedway on Saturday, Sept. 28 for the Federated Auto Parts Showdown. For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.FEATURE RESULTS:NOS Energy Drink Feature (35 Laps): 1. 41-Carson Macedo[1]; 2. 83-Michael Kofoid[3]; 3. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[12]; 4. 2-David Gravel[6]; 5. 17W-Shane Golobic[2]; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart[5]; 7. 15-Donny Schatz[19]; 8. 18-Giovanni Scelzi[4]; 9. 23-Garet Williamson[11]; 10. 0-Tim Kaeding[23]; 11. 3-Kaleb Montgomery[7]; 12. 45-Landon Brooks[8]; 13. 41S-Dominic Scelzi[22]; 14. 17B-Bill Balog[21]; 15. 21-Cole Macedo[15]; 16. 29-Bud Kaeding[18]; 17. 88N-DJ Netto[9]; 18. 83V-Dylan Bloomfield[20]; 19. 88-Austin McCarl[17]; 20. 2K-Gauge Garcia[16]; 21. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[24]; 22. 83T-Tanner Carrick[14]; 23. 2X-Justin Sanders[13]; 24. 57W-Jock Goodyer[10]For complete results, CLICK HERE.ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/steak-dinner-carson-macedo-tops-dennis-roth-classic-for-biggest-win-of-career/EVENT INFO: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/schedule/event-info/?event=6226 TRACK INFO: http://www.thunderbowlraceway.comFAN 101: https://about.worldofoutlaws.com/ |
Hauser racing update
We went into the European Finals race trailing Daniel Giles in his dragster by over 3 rounds worth of points, but a better qualifying position for us reduced the deficit slightly and then we really benefitted when he red lit in the 1st round and eliminated himself.
With a full field of 32 cars in the eliminations, that means 5 rounds of knock-out racing to establish the winner. Due to rain on Sunday morning, and then prioritising the Pro cars (which need 90 minutes to turn-around) we didn’t get to run our 2nd round until 5.30 in the afternoon!
We had another piece of luck in eliminations when one of our competitors had to withdraw due to some engine damage, giving us a bye run into the next round, and then as we advanced darkness was approaching fast.
The track is floodlit to enable night racing and we were fortunate that there was sufficient breeze to stop any dew forming.
With a 9pm curfew rapidly approaching, we had our final race at 8.50, and Scott did it!
The car performed flawlessly throughout the event and even set a new personal best of 7.27 seconds @ 183 mph set during a qualifying run.
So, we have now taken the lead in the points chase, with the final event this weekend. Obviously, we will do our utmost to win or at least stay in front and claim the championship. We’ve had a couple of years of near misses so we’re definitely up for it.
GAMERS UNITE: Midgets Ready to Race in World of Outlaws Dirt Racing 24
All-new Xbox-PlayStation title includes 35 real-life Midget drivers plus Millbridge, Micro Sprints
CONCORD, NC (Sept. 17, 2024) — The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota returns to the home console world of gaming for the second consecutive year with the official release of the all-new World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing 24 title on Xbox and PlayStation.
Thirty-five authentic national Midget drivers are represented on the in-game Midget roster, included along with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series, Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds, ASCS Elite Non-Wing 410 Sprint Cars, DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals and several other dirt track racing divisions.
The game is available for purchase today on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The full roster of drivers included with the initial release is listed below and includes all new paint schemes for 2024 with additional schemes for select drivers to be added in a future DLC pack.
Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series championship chasers Ryan Timms and Chase McDermand are included in the playable drivers and shared their anticipation to continue dirt racing’s reach beyond the racetrack.
“When I was younger, I’d play the World of Outlaws 2002 game on my PlayStation, and that’s how I learned who a lot of the older drivers were,” Timms said. “Now me, and I’m sure a lot of other people are getting kids coming up to you and saying they use your car in the video game. It’s just pretty cool to see.”
“It’s one thing to see kids at the racetrack and stuff, but to hear from the kids outside of that playing as me in a video game is pretty cool,” McDermand said. “I’ve actually gotten a lot of feedback and comments from various fans and just friends and their kids sending me pictures and stuff of my car on a videogame. It’s pretty cool.”
New for the 2024 edition of the game is the addition of Winged Micro Sprints, as seen in the weekly program of the birthplace of the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series — Millbridge Speedway. Several present-day open-wheel stars began their careers in Micro Sprints as kids, racing both on the real track and in the virtual world, which will continue to draw in new racers into 2025 and beyond.
“Chances are, if a kid likes to play a certain type of car on a video game, they’re gonna be able to make that connection when they go to the racetrack,” McDermand said. “That’s the same thing that they can do with drivers themselves, and that’s how you build fans and build and fanbase.
“Just being able to connect more people to our sport in whatever way possible is something that’s super important to be able to continue the sport that we all love.”
Both the Midgets and Millbridge Speedway are available for download today with all of the other car types, tracks and new features — including Outlaw Challenge mode, improved graphics, streamlined career mode, variable track conditions and more.
For more information about World of Outlaws: Dirt Racing 24 or to purchase your copy of the game, visit WorldofOutlawsGame.com or your home console’s digital store today.
Xtreme Outlaw Midget drivers included:
Chase McDermand
Ryan Timms
Zach Daum
Cannon McIntosh
Jade Avedisian
Ashton Torgerson
Karter Sarff
Hayden Reinbold
Tyler Edwards
Gavin Miller
Luke Drotschie
Peter Smith
Trevor Cline
Brayton Lynch
Jayden Clay
Kale Drake
TJ Smith
Elijah Gile
Austin Torgerson
Thomas Meseraull
Kyle Beilman
Kyle Jones
Nick Hoffman
Ethan Mitchell
Jake Neuman
Mitchell Davis
Gunnar Setser
Taylor Reimer
Andrew Felker
Casey Shuman
Gary Taylor
Tyler Robbins
Corbin Rueschenberg
Branigan Roark
Sean Robbins
EVENT INFO:
TRACK INFO: https://worldofoutlawsgame.com/
FAN 101: https://about.dirtcar.com/
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Thunderbowl’s Dennis Roth Classic Ready to Offer $83,000 Payday
| The World of Outlaws salute one of the sport’s most dedicated car owners with two huge nights of racingTULARE, CA (September 17, 2024) – The time has come for the biggest California race in World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car history.A three-week stay in the “Golden State” wraps up in a huge way this weekend (Sept. 20-21) at Tulare, CA’s Thunderbowl Raceway. The third annual Dennis Roth Classic is set to serve up a beefy $83,000 payday to the winner of the finale as a nod to Roth’s car number. His cars have become an iconic staple with many of the sport’s greats climbing behind the wheel of a Roth ride over the years.The pay won’t be the only prize on Saturday night as Roth is adding some other goods to the menu. The Simpson Quick Time and Toyota Dash winners will head home with 10 pounds of choice New York steaks. Each NOS Energy Drink Heat Race winner receives 20 pounds of choice tri-tip. The event winner gets 30 pounds of choice ribeye steaks while second and third collect 20 and 10 pounds. Danny Lasoski will also be making a special appearance as he reunites with his 1998 Knoxville Nationals winning Roth Motorsports ride. The team has kept the car maintained since that night, and Lasoski is heading to California to pace the field aboard the historic machine.All in all, it’s shaping up to be a memorable weekend saluting one of the most important figures in Sprint Car racing history.Tickets will be available at the gate, or fans can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.Let’s look at the weekend’s top storylines:BRING HOME THE BEEF: The stars could be aligning for a storybook weekend for Michael “Buddy” Kofoid.He’s living out his dream in 2024 as he tackles his rookie World of Outlaws campaign thanks to none other than Dennis and Teresa Roth giving him the opportunity. The Californian grew up watching the California car, and now he has the honor of piloting the No. 83 alongside the nation’s best. Kofoid would love nothing more than to bring the Dennis Roth Classic trophy to Roth’s Fresno, CA shop.Kofoid rolls into the weekend as, arguably, the hottest driver on tour. Four of the last five races have belonged to the 22-year-old including a sweep of Bakersfield and Merced last weekend. He hasn’t finished worse than fourth in the last nine races.Thunderbowl has seen Kofoid visit its Victory Lane multiple times in the past. Back in 2016 he topped a Trophy Cupprelim at only 14 years old. He claimed another prelim in 2021 that helped lead him to a Trophy Cup title. It’s also where he made his World of Outlaws debut in 2018.CARSON IS CLOSING: With only 14 races remaining before the 2024 World of Outlaws champion is crowned, there may be a battle brewing for the title.Carson Macedo and the Jason Johnson Racing team have strung together eight podiums in the last 11 races, including five victories. A pair of third place finishes over the weekend helped Macedo trim David Gravel’s advantage down to 86 markers.Thunderbowl gives Macedo two more chances in home territory to make up some ground before the tour ventures back east. Macedo won a Kings of Thunder 360 Sprint Car race at the Tulare, CA oval in 2021, and his best World of Outlaws finish there is fifth (2018).ROTH’S WINNERS: A record 16 different drivers have steered Dennis and Teresa Roth’s race cars to World of Outlaws Victory Lane, and along with Kofoid two more of those names will be in the Thunderbowl pit area this weekend.Current Series point leader David Gravel got his first national touring opportunity when Roth put him in the seat during the 2014 World of Outlaws season. The pairing claimed four races that year including a crown jewel triumph at Williams Grove Speedway’s National Open. Through Gravel hasn’t won with Roth at the Thunderbowl, he has claimed a pair of events with CJB Motorsports. The richest Sprint Car driver in the country this season eyes $83,000 this weekend.The other is Roth’s second winningest driver with the World of Outlaws, Tim Kaeding. The San Jose, CA native collected 19 of his 21 career checkered flags behind the wheel of the No. 83, and a trio of those came at Thunderbowl. “TK” added one more Tulare triumph in the Kinser No. 11K (2007). Kaeding’s four Series victories at the 1/3 mile are tied with Joey Saldana for the most.TAMING TULARE: In addition to Gravel, two more current full-time World of Outlaws competitors have won with The Greatest Show on Dirt at Thunderbowl.Ten-time Series champion Donny Schatz has topped three Tulare visits (2005, 2007, 2017). One more at the Dennis Roth Classic would equal him with Kaeding and Saldana for the most, and a weekend sweep in the Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing No. 15 would give him sole possession of the most.Giovanni Scelzi grew up less than an hour from Tulare, calling Fresno, CA home in his youth. Two years ago, Scelzi came out on top of a Thunderbowl thriller after trading sliders with Kyle Larson and David Gravel in the closing laps. “Hot Sauce” has also won there with both the Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) and Sprint Car Challenge Tour (SCCT).CAN CALI CASH IN?: With such major money on the line, a big cast of local California talent is expected to join the field in search of an Outlaw upset.Rocklin, CA’s Shane Golobic has made it abundantly clear that he knows his way around Thunderbowl. He’s claimed a trio of the coveted Trophy Cup titles, and he’s won with a 410 under the hood in NARC action. Golobic is already a two-time Series winner with both scores coming in his home state at Antioch (2013) and Placerville (2019).Dominic Scelzi has been a force at Tulare to the tune of 12 career triumphs. Three of those have come in NARC action. The Fresno, CA native is still seeking his first World of Outlaws victory, and he led laps at the most recent Series visit in 2022. Cole Macedo was impressive this past weekend, posting finishes of sixth and fifth in the Tarlton Motorsports No. 21 at Bakersfield and Merced. Before he joins the tour full-time next year, the Lemoore, CA native looks to win one as a California local this weekend at the Thunderbowl. He topped a 360 show last year at Tulare and finished fourth with NARC back in May this year.Hanford, CA’s D.J. Netto has been perhaps the most impressive “Golden State” local through the California swing with a pair of top five finishes at Kings Speedway and Merced Speedway. Netto is a four-time Thunderbowl winner including two last year.These three will be joined by many more including the likes of Justin Sanders (Aromas, CA), Caeden Steele (Fresno, CA), Kaleb Montgomery (Templeton, CA), and many more.THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCEWHEN AND WHERE Friday-Saturday, Sept 20-21 at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, CAON THE INTERNETWorld of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series X – @WorldofOutlaws Instagram – @WoOSprint Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsSprintCarSeries YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/monthCURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (55/69 Races):1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (7450 PTS) 2. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-86 PTS) 3. Donny Schatz – Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing No. 15 (-132 PTS) 4. Giovanni Scelzi – KCP Racing No. 18 (-226 PTS) 5. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-232 PTS) 6. Sheldon Haudenschild – Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing No. 17 (-360 PTS) 7. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-362 PTS) 8. Bill Balog – B Squared Motorsports No. 17B (-848 PTS) 9. Brock Zearfoss – Brock Zearfoss Racing No. 3Z (-1184 PTS) 10. Landon Crawley – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-1438 PTS)NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (16 Drivers): 13 Wins – David Gravel 8 Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo 5 Wins – Michael Kofoid 4 Wins – Donny Schatz 3 Wins – Giovanni Scelzi, Kyle Larson 2 Wins – Tyler Courtney, Rico Abreu 1 Win – Brad Sweet, Brent Marks, Brady Bacon, Corey Day, Logan Schuchart, James McFadden, T.J. StuttsFEATURE LAPS LED (25 Drivers):373 Laps – Carson Macedo 317 Laps – David Gravel 205 Laps – Giovanni Scelzi 177 Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild 132 Laps – Donny Schatz 119 Laps – Michael Kofoid 97 Laps – Kyle Larson 75 Laps – Rico Abreu 49 Laps – Logan Schuchart 44 Laps – James McFadden 36 Laps – Emerson Axsom 34 Laps – Brady Bacon 29 Laps – Chase Randall 25 Laps – Brad Sweet, T.J. Stutts 15 Laps – Ryan Timms, Tyler Courtney 14 Laps – Shane Golobic 13 Laps – Anthony Macri 11 Laps – Bill Balog 9 Laps – Parker Price-Miller, Corey Day 4 Laps – Hunter Schuerenberg 3 Laps – Brent Marks 1 Lap – Kalib HenrySIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (21 Drivers):10 Quick Times – Carson Macedo 9 Quick Times – David Gravel 7 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild 5 Quick Times – Michael Kofoid 4 Quick Times – Giovanni Scelzi 3 Quick Times – Brent Marks 2 Quick Times – Daryn Pittman, Donny Schatz, Landon Crawley 1 Quick Time – Brian Brown, Aaron Reutzel, Brady Bacon, Cory Eliason, Brock Zearfoss, Rico Abreu, Chase Dietz, Matt Juhl, Emerson Axsom, Shane Golobic, Bill Balog, Landon BrooksHEAT RACE WINNERS (52 Drivers): 27 Heat Wins – David Gravel, Carson Macedo 24 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild 19 Heat Wins – Giovanni Scelzi 18 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid 9 Heat Wins – Rico Abreu, Logan Schuchart, Donny Schatz 7 Heat Wins – Brock Zearfoss 6 Heat Wins – Bill Balog5 Heat Wins – Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks 3 Heat Wins –Daryn Pittman, Garet Williamson, Kaleb Johnson 2 Heat Wins – Brian Brown, Landon Crawley,Corey Day, Kyle Larson, Anthony Macri, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Austin McCarl, Aaron Reutzel, Emerson Axsom, Scott Bogucki, Chase Randall 1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Bill Rose, Ryan Timms, Danny Sams III, Tim Shaffer, Nick Omdahl, Brad Sweet, Spencer Bayston, Brady Bacon, Parker Price-Miller, Chase Dietz, T.J. Stutts, Kelby Watt, Jamie Ball, Hunter Schuerenberg, Tasker Phillips, Ayrton Gennetten, Tanner Holmes, Kasey Kahne, Cole Macedo, Cale Thomas, Dusty Zomer, Andy Pake, Shane Golobic, Dylan Bloomfield, D.J. NettoTOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (69 Drivers):38 Dashes – Carson Macedo 37 Dashes – David Gravel 33 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild 32 Dashes – Giovanni Scelzi 27 Dashes – Michael Kofoid 20 Dashes – Donny Schatz 19 Dashes – Logan Schuchart 15 Dashes – Bill Balog 10 Dashes – Brock Zearfoss 9 Dashes – Rico Abreu 7 Dashes – Landon Crawley, Brent Marks 6 Dashes – Tyler Courtney, Emerson Axsom 5 Dashes – Corey Day, Aaron Reutzel, Garet Williamson 4 Dashes – Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Anthony Macri 3 Dashes – Brad Sweet, Daryn Pittman, Justin Peck, James McFadden 2 Dashes – Cole Duncan, Cole Macedo, Kalib Henry, Danny Sams III, Kyle Larson, Parker Price-Miller, Chase Dietz, Ayrton Gennetten, Scott Bogucki 1 Dash – Zeb Wise, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Bill Rose, Ryan Timms, Logan McCandless, Skylar Gee, Kody Hartlaub, Tim Shaffer, T.J. Michael, Craig Mintz, Brandon Spithaler, Sye Lynch, Cale Thomas, Kaleb Johnson, Nick Omdahl, Austin McCarl, Christopher Thram, Kraig Kinser, Troy Wagaman Jr., T.J. Stutts, Freddie Rahmer, Jacob Allen, Lance Dewease, Kelby Watt, Will Armitage, Dusty Zomer, Andy Pake, Shane Golobic, Justin Sanders, Kaleb Montgomery, Tanner Carrick, Tim Kaeding, Jock Goodyer, Landon Brooks, Dylan Bloomfield, Tim Kaeding, D.J. Netto, Jamie VealMICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (44 Drivers):3 LCS Wins – Bill Balog, Anthony Macri, Landon Crawley, Garet Williamson, Brock Zearfoss 2 LCS Wins – Logan McCandless 1 LCS Win – Austin McCarl, Corey Day, Kasey Kahne, Koty Adams, Jace Park, Kevin Newton, Brenham Crouch, Sheldon Haudenschild, Brandon Rahmer, David Gravel, Nate Dussel, Cole Macedo, Zeth Sabo, Brooke Tatnell, Donny Schatz, Brent Marks, Cory Eliason, Kerry Madsen, Creed Kemenah, Joel Myers Jr., Hunter Schuerenberg, Kody Hartlaub, Lucas Wolfe, Larry Wight, Kyle Larson, Jesse Attard, Dusty Zomer, Chris Windom, Ayrton Gennetten, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Scott Bogucki, Mark Dobmeier, Scott Winters, Christopher Thram, Logan Schuchart, Caeden Steele, Kraig KinserKSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (33 Drivers):8 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz 6 Hard Chargers – Logan Schuchart 3 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo, Michael Kofoid, Garet Williamson 2 Hard Chargers – Aaron Reutzel, Cale Thomas, Danny Dietrich, Emerson Axsom, Tim Kaeding 1 Hard Charger –Jace Park, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Brock Zearfoss, Chase Randall, Chris Windom, Noah Gass, Austin McCarl, Giovanni Scelzi, Sheldon Haudenschild, Landon Crawley, Sye Lynch, Bill Balog, Scotty Neitzel, Brent Marks, Larry Wight, Anthony Macri, James McFadden, Parker Price-Miller, Corey Day, Tim Estenson, David Gravel, Ryan Bernal, Shane GolobicPODIUM FINISHES (28 Drivers):27 Podiums – David Gravel, Carson Macedo 20 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild, Michael Kofoid 17 Podiums – Donny Schatz 9 Podiums – Giovanni Scelzi 6 Podiums – Kyle Larson 5 Podiums – Rico Abreu 3 Podiums – Brad Sweet, Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks, Bill Balog 2 Podiums – Aaron Reutzel, Logan Schuchart, Justin Peck, James McFadden, Corey Day, Emerson Axsom 1 Podium – Anthony Macri, Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Parker Price-Miller, Ryan Timms, T.J. Stutts, Chase Randall, Shane Golobic, Justin Sanders, Tim KaedingTOP 10 FINISHES (81 Drivers): 49 Top 10s – David Gravel 47 Top 10s – Giovanni Scelzi 46 Top 10s – Donny Schatz 45 Top 10s – Michael Kofoid, Carson Macedo 42 Top 10s – Logan Schuchart 38 Top 10s – Sheldon Haudenschild 28 Top 10s – Bill Balog 14 Top 10s – Brock Zearfoss 10 Top 10s – Tyler Courtney 9 Top 10s – Rico Abreu, Garet Williamson 8 Top 10s – Brent Marks, Brad Sweet, James McFadden, Anthony Macri, Garet Williamson 7 Top 10s – Aaron Reutzel 6 Top 10s – Kyle Larson, Corey Day, Emerson Axsom, Cole Macedo 5 Top 10s – Brian Brown, Ryan Timms 4 Top 10s – Landon Crawley, Brady Bacon, Justin Peck, Chase Randall 3 Top 10s – Cole Duncan, Skylar Gee, Zeb Wise, Danny Dietrich, Jacob Allen, Scott Bogucki 2 Top 10s – Kraig Kinser, Cale Thomas, Parker Price-Miller, Cory Eliason, Chase Dietz, Troy Wagaman Jr., Daryn Pittman, Ayrton Gennetten, Kerry Madsen, Tim Kaeding, D.J. Netto, Justin Sanders 1 Top 10 – Kasey Kahne, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Chris Windom, Joe B. Miller, Scotty Milan, Brandon Spithaler, Kalib Henry, Tim Shaffer, Zane DeVault, Sye Lynch, Travis Philo, Trey Jacobs, Scotty Thiel, Mark Dobmeier, Kaleb Johnson, Austin McCarl, Christopher Thram, Landon Brooks, Greg Wilson, Spencer Bayston, Daison Pursley, Devon Borden, T.J. Stutts, Freddie Rahmer, Lance Dewease, Stewart Friesen, Jordan Poirier, Larry Wight, Andy Pake, Shane Golobic, Kaleb Montgomery, Dylan Bloomfield, Jamie Veal, Ryan Bernal, Jock Goodyer, Dominic Scelzi2024 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)1. Wed, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brad Sweet (1) 2. Thurs, Feb 8 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1) 3. Fri, Feb 9 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (1) 4. Sat, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1) 5. Mon, March 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Donny Schatz (1) 6. Fri, March 15 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Brent Marks (1) 7. Sat, March 16 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Giovanni Scelzi (1) 8. Sat, March 23 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / Carson Macedo (1) 9. Sat, March 30 / 81 Speedway / Wichita, KS / Rico Abreu (1) 10. Fri, April 5 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / David Gravel (2) 11. Sat, April 6 / Arrowhead Speedway / Colcord, OK / Sheldon Haudenschild (2) 12. Fri, April 12 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / David Gravel (3) 13. Sat, April 13 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Donny Schatz (2) 14. Fri, April 19 / Paducah International Raceway / Paducah, KY / Sheldon Haudenschild (3) 15. Sat, April 20 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Brady Bacon (1) 16. Wed, May 1 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / David Gravel (4) 17. Fri, May 3 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (4) 18. Sat, May 4 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (5) 19. Wed, May 8 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / David Gravel (6) 20. Fri, May 17 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Michael Kofoid (1) 21. Sat, May 18 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / David Gravel (7) 22. Fri, May 24 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / David Gravel (8) 23. Sat, May 25 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (5) 24. Mon, May 27 / Fremont Speedway / Fremont, OH / Carson Macedo (2) 25. Fri, May 31 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (6) 26. Fri, June 7 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Giovanni Scelzi (2) 27. Sat, June 8 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN / Sheldon Haudenschild (7) 28. Fri, June 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (9) 29. Sat, June 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Corey Day (1) 30. Wed, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Tyler Courtney (2) 31. Sat, June 29 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Logan Schuchart (1) 32. Wed, July 10 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Giovanni Scelzi (3) 33. Fri, July 12 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Carson Macedo (3) 34. Sat, July 13 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Donny Schatz (3) 35. Tues, July 16 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / David Gravel (10) 36. Fri, July 19 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (2) 37. Sat, July 20 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (11) 38. Wed, July 24 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA / James McFadden (1) 39. Fri, July 26 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / T.J. Stutts (1) 40. Sat, July 27 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (12) 41. Sun, July 28 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (13) 42. Fri, Aug 2 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Kyle Larson (1) 43. Sat, Aug 3 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Kyle Larson (2) 44. Sat, Aug 10 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Kyle Larson (3) 45. Fri, Aug 16 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Carson Macedo (4) 46. Sat, Aug 17 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Donny Schatz (4) 47. Fri, Aug 23 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (5) 48. Sat, Aug 24 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND / Carson Macedo (6) 49. Fri, Aug 30 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (8) 50. Sat, Aug 31 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Carson Macedo (7) 51. Sun, Sept 1 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (2) 52. Fri, Sept 6 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA / Michael Kofoid (3) 53. Sat, Sept 7 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA / Carson Macedo (8) 54. Fri, Sept 13 / Bakersfield Speedway / Bakersfield, CA / Michael Kofoid (4) 55. Sat, Sept 14 / Merced Speedway / Merced, CA / Michael Kofoid (5)For the remaining 2024 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car schedule, CLICK HERE.ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/what-to-watch-for-thunderbowls-dennis-roth-classic-ready-to-offer-83000-payday/EVENT INFO: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/schedule/event-info/?event=6226 TRACK INFO: http://www.thunderbowlraceway.comFAN 101: https://about.worldofoutlaws.com/ |
All Eyes on 20th Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals
| BATAVIA, Ohio (September 17, 2024) – The 20th running of the Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals presented by Your Life Iowa is set for this Thursday thru Saturday, September 19-21 at the famed Knoxville Raceway. It is the only annual late model event at the “Sprint Car Capital of the World,” bringing the nation’s elite dirt late model teams together on one of motorsports’ biggest stages. Over $290,000 in purse money will be paid out during three nights of racing on the historic black-dirt, half-mile oval at the Marion County Fairgrounds. The festivities on Thursday and Friday, September 19-20 will feature a complete program of Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 25-lap, $7,000-to-win main event. The DTRA Dirt Trucks will join the racing action on Thursday, while the Dirt Crown Stock Cars will compete on Friday. Saturday night’s program will include Dirt Draft Hot Laps, B-Mains, and the 75-lap, $50,000-to-win main event for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The Malvern Bank Super Late Models will serve as a support division on Saturday, September 21. The unique format of the Knoxville Nationals makes every lap on the track important. Drivers score points for each performance, from time trials to heat races, to preliminary night feature events. The champion at the end of the week not only writes their name into the history books but earns the $50,000 winner’s check. Numerous off-track activities will take place surrounding the three-day event. The Hall of Fame Auction will take place at the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame & Museum, behind turn two, on Saturday at 11:30 AM. There will be a Dirt Racing Outreach service in the Main Show Barn outside turn four at 1:45 PM, with an autograph session to follow at 3:00 PM, on Saturday. This half-mile speed-plant is located within the Marion County Fairgrounds, in the heart of Knoxville, Iowa, just a short drive from Des Moines. Three-day ticket packages and single-night tickets are available at www.knoxvilleraceway.com or by calling the ticket office at 641-842-5431. Ricky Thornton Jr. is currently leading the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship presented by ARP. Jonathan Davenport holds the second position, followed by Devin Moran in third. Hudson O’Neal and Tim McCreadie continue to battle for the fourth position in the championship standings. The 20th Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals presented by Your Life Iowa will be the final bonus round in the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship presented by ARP. The Big River Steel Big Four drivers – who will battle the final seven events of the season to determine the 2024 National Championship – will be determined following Saturday’s main event at Knoxville Raceway. For the latest news, results, championship standings and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please visit www.lucasdirt.com. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purses:Thursday, September 19:B-Main Purses: 1. Transfer + $100, 2. Transfer + $100, 3. Transfer + $100, 4. $200, 5. $200, 6. $200, 7. $200, 8. $200, 9. $200, 10. $200, 11. $200, 12. $200, 13. $200, 14. $200, 15. $200, 16. $200, 17. $200, 18. $200, 19. $200, 20. $200, 21. $200, 22. $200, 23. $200, 24. $200 = Total $4,500 A-Main Purse: 1. $7,000, 2. $4,000, 3. $3,000, 4. $2,000, 5. $1,500, 6. $1,000, 7. $900, 8. $800, 9. $700, 10. $600, 11. $580, 12. $560, 13. $540, 14. $520, 15. $500, 16. $490, 17. $480, 18. $470, 19. $460, 20. $450, 21. $440, 22. $430, 23. $410, 24. $400 = Total $28,230 Friday, September 20:B-Main Purses: 1. Transfer + $100, 2. Transfer + $100, 3. Transfer + $100, 4. $200, 5. $200, 6. $200, 7. $200, 8. $200, 9. $200, 10. $200, 11. $200, 12. $200, 13. $200, 14. $200, 15. $200, 16. $200, 17. $200, 18. $200, 19. $200, 20. $200, 21. $200, 22. $200, 23. $200, 24. $200 = Total $4,500 A-Main Purse: 1. $7,000, 2. $4,000, 3. $3,000, 4. $2,000, 5. $1,500, 6. $1,000, 7. $900, 8. $800, 9. $700, 10. $600, 11. $580, 12. $560, 13. $540, 14. $520, 15. $500, 16. $490, 17. $480, 18. $470, 19. $460, 20. $450, 21. $440, 22. $430, 23. $410, 24. $400 = Total $28,230 Saturday, September 21:B-Main Purses: 1. Transfer + $200, 2. Transfer + $200, 3. Transfer + $200, 4. $500, 5. $500, 6. $500, 7. $500, 8. $500, 9. $500, 10. $500, 11. $500, 12. $400, 13. $400, 14. $400, 15. $400, 16. $400, 17. $400, 18. $400, 19. $400, 20. $400, 21. $400, 22. $400, 23. $400, 24. $400 = Total $9,800 A-Main Purse: 1. $50,000, 2. $25,000, 3. $10,000, 4. $8,750, 5. $7,500, 6. $7,000, 7. $6,500, 8. $6,000, 9. $5,500, 10. $5,000, 11. $4,500, 12. $4,000, 13. $3,500, 14. $3,400, 15. $3,300, 16. $3,200, 17. $3,100, 18. $3,000, 19. $3,000, 20. $3,000, 21. $3,000, 22. $3,000, 23. $2,700, 24. $2,700, 25. $2,500, 26. $2,500, 27. $2,500, 28. $2,500, 29. $2,500, 30. $2,500, 31. $2,500, 32. $2,500 = Total $196,650 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4 Previous Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals Winners:2023 – Ricky Thornton Jr.2022 – Jonathan Davenport2021 – Mike Marlar2019 – Jimmy Owens2018 – Jimmy Owens2017 – Mike Marlar2016 – Mike Marlar2015 – Jared Landers2014 – Brian Birkhofer2013 – Darrell Lanigan2012 – Steve Francis2011 – Don O’Neal2010 – Billy Moyer2009 – Scott Bloomquist2008 – Tim McCreadie2007 – Brady Smith2006 – Brian Shirley2005 – Scott Bloomquist2004 – Brian Birkhofer |
Cadillac aims for endurance title advantage
| Defending champion enters six-hour Indianapolis race second, third in standings |
| DETROIT (Sept. 17, 2024) – Cadillac Racing will seek to add another signature victory in program history when it returns to iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the penultimate race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season. New for the second edition of the TireRack.com Battle on the Bricks is extension of the September 22 race duration from 2 hours, 40 minutes to six hours on the 2.439-mile, 14-turn road course. The event, featuring 11 Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) entries in the 56-car field across four classes, is the fourth in the IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup series. The 10-hour Petit Le Mans on October 12 closes out the calendar. |
| Cadillac Racing is the defending and five-time IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup (IMEC) Manufacturer champion, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R run by Action Express Racing claimed the team and driver titles in 2023. Cadillac and the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R contingent are second in their respective categories entering the race that awards points at the three-hour mark and checkered flag. “It’s nice that the championship will now finish with two endurance races in a row, which can create a lot of interesting battles and different strategies around not only the overall championship but also the endurance championships,” said Pipo Derani, the 2023 GTP champion and endurance race champion who will share driving duties in both races with Jack Aitken and Tom Blomqvist. The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R driven by Sebastien Bourdais and Renger van der Zande are a close third in the IMEC GTP standings. The duo, who tested on the road course earlier this summer, have qualified in the top three in all seven races including earning the pole at Laguna Seca. |  Media resources* Event notes, bios, more* Cadillac ’24 IMSA stats* About the V8 engine* Driver photos* Endurance Cup standings |
| Bourdais, who co-drove to the overall victory in the inaugural NASCAR Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series race at Indianapolis in 2012 and is a 10-time INDYCAR starter on the road course, said driving in the congested field spread across the four classes is a “game of patience.” “In a six-hour race, I guess there will be more management because it will come down to what happens at the last safety car, so it might be a bit easier to manage frustration. In a 2-hour, 40-minute race, it’s trying to get track position the whole time,” said Bourdais, the four-time Indy car champion.Blomqvist made two starts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May in INDYCAR competition: finishing 23rd on the road course and 31st in the Indianapolis 500. He co-drove to sixth place in the 2023 IMSA GTP race on the IMS road course with another manufacturer. “You’ve got to be patient and pick your moments carefully, especially when the track gets crowded. Having raced here last year in IMSA and this year in INDYCAR, I feel confident in knowing the nuances of the track, but it’s always evolving and, with managing traffic, balancing risk and reward will be a key factor in the race,” he said. |
 Peacock and IMSA.tv will stream qualifications at 3:35 p.m. ET Saturday. Peacock (in U.S.) and IMSA.tv (outside U.S.) will stream flag-to-flag action at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, with NBC telecasting the final three hours starting at 3 p.m. IMSA Radio (imsa.com), RadioLeMans.comwill broadcast qualifications and be joined by SiriusXM (XM 206, Web/App 996) for the race. Cadillac Racing 2023 at Indianapolis (2-hour, 40-minute race):* Seventh (No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R) start fourth – Sebastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande* Fourth (No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R) start eighth – Pipo Derani, Alexander Sims |
| What they’re saying |
| No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R |
 Sebastien Bourdais: “Physically, it’s hard. It’s a track that doesn’t give you much rest and it’s seriously difficult in traffic. There are a lot of sections on the track where you can’t pass. Once you get into turn 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 you got to wait all the way until the backstraight and same thing when you get to 7, 8, 9, 10. If you don’t clear just before you get to the long right, the marbles build up and you can’t pass either. There are few places to clear traffic and it’s really a game of patience because if you try to force the issue it can go sour pretty fast. You have to be careful but at the same time you can’t be too careful. In a 2-hour, 40-minute race, you can’t take it that easy. In a six-hour race, I guess there will be more management because it will come down to what happens at the last safety car, so it might be a bit easier to manage frustration. In a 2-hour, 40-minute race, it’s trying to get track position the whole time. You’re fighting for a couple tenths and then you give up 5 seconds on a lap because you get stuck behind a GT or something for six corners. It’s a tough one.” |
 Renger van der Zande: “It’s one of those tracks where strategy and track position will play a big role. It’s a fun track on your own. It’s not a typical IMSA track either. I did the 8 hours of Indy as well; finished second. It’s not the most exciting track but it’s the home for a lot of race teams, including our team. It’s a home race for them, so it’s a home race for me. I’m looking forward to Indy. The tough part for us in this part of the season is the hard tire, which we focused on getting it better and found some setup stuff that worked.” |
| No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R |
 Pipo Derani: “Indianapolis six hours will be a new challenge as it enters the endurance rounds of the championship. It’s also a very peculiar racetrack, one that can create a lot of marbles off track. It’s most likely going to create a very interesting endurance event, and I am looking forward to that. I also think it’s nice that the championship will now finish with two endurance races in a row, which can create a lot of interesting battles and different strategies around not only the overall championship but also the endurance championships. Last year we had a relatively strong race car apart from the Porsches who were on a league of their own and we weren’t so quick in qualifying. We will be looking to unlock some speed this year and hope that we can fight the Porsches during the race.” |
 Jack Aitken: “Indianapolis may be a new track for me, but it’s one I know from the simulator and having watched quite a few races there, so I’m not too concerned about getting up to speed. Going to a six hour this year will mean a bit more strategy playing out over the race, and as always traffic management will be a huge part of the game. Competing at such a historic venue will always be a cool outing, and Indy is a bit of a home away from home at this point, thanks to the Dallara simulator being just next to the Speedway.” Tom Blomqvist: “Racing at Indy is always a special experience, and the new six-hour format definitely changes things and adds a new challenge for everyone. The circuit is tight and technical, so traffic management will be crucial to a strong result. Overtaking can be challenging, but there are a few decent spots to make moves, particularly heading into Turn 1 and on the backstretch. You’ve got to be patient and pick your moments carefully, especially when the track gets crowded. Having raced here last year in IMSA and this year in INDYCAR, I feel confident in knowing the nuances of the track, but it’s always evolving and, with managing traffic, balancing risk and reward will be a key factor in the race. To be back working with the team, Pipo and Jack is fantastic and I’m optimistic about our chances. We’re currently second in the Endurance Cup standings, so the goal for the last two rounds is to maximize every opportunity for points and try to win the title.” |
Randy Meyer Racing Faces Biggest Upset of the Year at NHRA Pep Boys Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania
Sep 16, 2024 | Featured, Race Results
Maple Grove Raceway Continues to Challenge Team as Hunter Green and Matt Sackman Battle Adversity
Reading, PA (September 16, 2024) – Randy Meyer Racing faced their toughest weekend of the 2024 NHRA season at the Pep Boys Nationals in Reading, Pennsylvania, marking their biggest upset of the year. Despite entering the event with high hopes, the team struggled to find their groove on the Maple Grove Raceway track, a venue that continues to elude their victory list.
Driving for the team were Top Alcohol Dragster points leader Hunter Green and the returning Matt Sackman, an experienced driver who has been exploring other forms of drag racing. Both drivers encountered challenges early on, with their cars overpowering the track and smoking the tires in the first two qualifying sessions, leaving them at the bottom of the field.
In the third and final qualifying session, Sackman finally put together a solid pass, running a 5.272-second elapsed time at 271.35 mph to secure a spot into eliminations. Green launched hard on his final attempt and kept the car hooked up, but an unfortunate issue with the timing system meant his run did not get recorded, and he failed to qualify for the event. Despite this setback, Green remains the Top Alcohol Dragster points leader.
Sackman, eager to make the most of his return, faced Brandon Greco in the first round of eliminations. He delivered his quickest pass of the weekend with a 5.234 at 272.01 mph to Greco’s 5.268 at 272.45 mph, advancing to the second round. However, the team’s struggles continued Saturday night under the lights as Sackman left too early on the starting line in his second-round matchup against Jackie Fricke, going red and handing the win to Fricke.
Although it was a disappointing weekend for the team, Hunter Green’s strong performance throughout the season keeps him atop the points standings. Green earned 10 points for not qualifying, but due to NHRA rules, he will not count them toward his national championship total. The team has confirmed that Green will replace Gary Pritchett in the upcoming NHRA Carolina Nationals this weekend.
According to NHRA guidelines, each driver is eligible to earn points at their first five regional and first ten national events, with their best three regional and best seven national finishes contributing to their national championship points total. Randy Meyer Racing remains confident that Green will bounce back in Charlotte, a track they’ve had the most success at.
Joining the team for the NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte is defending event winner and reigning national champion Julie Nataas. This will be her final race at zMAX Dragway with Randy Meyer Racing, adding an extra layer of excitement as the team aims for redemption and a return to the winner’s circle.
CHRIS BUESCHER CAPTURES WIN AT WATKINS GLEN, MARKING 4-IN-A-ROW FOR FORD PERFORMANCE
BRISTOL, TN – September 16, 2024 – Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing’s Chris Buescher won Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen, completing a 4-in-a-row streak for Ford Performance and Roush Yates Engines. This weekend’s win marked Buescher’s first win of the season, 143rd NASCAR Cup Series win for car owner Jack Roush, and sixth since the forming of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing. |
| “Congratulations to Jack, Brad, Scott, Chris, and everyone at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing on the race win at Watkins Glen,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “What an incredible drive and finish by Chris Buescher. The No. 17 Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing team worked their way to the front of the field for the win at the Glen.” |
| “That’s such a good BuildSubmarines.com Ford Mustang. This team is so great. Our long run speed was just phenomenal. I thought we lost it there on that last one and to stay right there with him. That was the spot he was better than us and he missed it, so I tried a crossover. He went to cut and just hard racing there. It’s just such an awesome finish. To be that good for so much at the end of the race, all race, to get a win is good. We came here to be a spoiler and we’re gonna do that,” commented Buescher. |
| Sunday’s race marked the first time that Watkins Glen International has hosted a playoff race. Four Ford Performance drivers started from the top-10: Team Penske’s Austin Cindric in P5, Team Penske’s Joey Logano in P7, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Noah Gragson in P9, and Front Row Motorsports’ Michael McDowell in P10. The action-packed race started with a crash just past the bus stop on lap 1, involving multiple playoff drivers. Several cars pitted before the end of the first stage, shaking up the finishing order. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe finished the stage in P3 along with Team Penske’s Austin Cindric in P5. An accident on lap 38 of 40 in the second stage caused it to end under caution with four Ford Performance drivers finishing in the top-10: Team Penske’s Joey Logano in P3, Wood Brothers Racing’s Harrison Burton in P6, and Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe and Ryan Preece in P7 and P9. The final stage of the race was filled with action. With under 20 laps remaining, RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher passed Joey Logano after turn one to take the lead. Shortly after, the caution flag came out for debris left on the track following an incident. With 7 laps remaining, a crash in turn 4 brought out a caution. With three laps to go, another caution was thrown after two cars collided just before the esses, causing the race to go into overtime. During the overtime restart, Shane Van Gisbergen passed Chris Buescher for the lead but became loose on entry to the bus stop chicane allowing Chris Buescher to close in on him with his No. 17 RFK Racing Ford. The two drivers made contact in the carousel, but Buescher surged ahead to make the race-winning pass, crossing the finish line 0.979 seconds ahead of Van Gisbergen. |
| Five Ford Performance drivers finished in the top-10: Stewart-Haas Racing’s Chase Briscoe in P6, Front Row Motorsports’ Michael McDowell in P7, Stewart-Haas Racing’s Ryan Preece in P9, and Team Penske’s Austin Cindric in P10. |
| The NASCAR Xfinity Series also raced at Watkins Glen International on Saturday. Joey Logano, driving for AM Racing, finished in P9. The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series both compete this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee. |
| 39 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 470 WINS – 435 POLES |
Herta, Honda Win Nashville as Palou Claims INDYCAR Championship
September 15, 2024 — LEBANON, TN
- Late-race pass secures Colton Herta’s second victory of 2024 – and career first oval win – in the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES finale at Nashville Superspeedway
- Alex Palou repeats as Drivers’ Champion, his third title in the last four years
- Linus Lundqvist named 2024 INDYCAR Rookie of the Year
Colton Herta and Alex Palou saved their best for last, as Palou successfully defended his NTT INDYCAR SERIES Drivers’ Championship and Herta won today’s 2024 season finale at the Nashville Superspeedway.
Leading the championship by 33 points coming into today 17th and final race of the season, Palou’s 11th-place finish secured the Chip Ganassi Racing driver’s second consecutive INDYCAR title, and third in the last four years. It also is Honda’s 20th Drivers’ Championship in 31 seasons of INDYCAR competition.
But neither driver had an easy time of it. After running at or near the front all day in his Andretti Global Honda, Nashville resident Herta made a thrilling three-wide pass for the lead in the closing laps of today’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, then pulled away to score his second win of 2024, and his career-first oval victory.
For Palou, issues in qualifying and an engine-change penalty left him deep in the field – 24th – for the start of today’s 206-lap contest. But a strong early run saw Palou gain 10 positions in the opening stint, and his 11th-place finish was more than enough for the title; while Herta’s race win vaulted him from fourth to second in the final championship standings.
Palou’s teammate, Linus Lundqvist, also closed out the 2024 season in strong fashion with an eighth-place result after clinching series Rookie of the Year honors at the penultimate round in Milwaukee earlier this month. Lundqvist becomes the 23rd Honda driver to win IndyCar’s Rookie honors.
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Honda Race Results
| 1st Colton Herta | Andretti Global Honda |
| 4th Kyle Kirkwood | Andretti Global Honda |
| 7th Marcus Armstrong | Chip Ganassi Racing Honda |
| 8th Linus Lundqvist-R | Chip Ganassi Racing Honda [Wins Rookie of the Year for 2024] |
| 9th David Malukas | Meyer Shank Racing Honda |
| 11th Alex Palou | Chip Ganassi Racing Honda [2024 INDYCAR Champion] |
| 13th Jack Harvey | Dale Coyne Racing Honda |
| 17th Scott Dixon | Chip Ganassi Racing Honda |
| 19th Christian Lundgaard | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda |
| 21st Pietro Fittipaldi | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda |
| 22nd Kyffin Simpson-R | Chip Ganassi Racing Honda |
| 23rd Graham Rahal | Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda |
| 25th Marcus Ericsson | Andretti Global Honda [Did not finish – contact] |
| 26th Katherine Legge | Dale Coyne Racing with RWR Honda [Did not finish – contact] |
| 27th Felix Rosenqvist | Meyer Shank Racing Honda [Did not finish – contact] |
R – Rookie
NTT INDYCAR SERIES Drivers’ Championship Standings (after 17 of 17 rounds)
1. Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing 544 points (2 wins)
2. Colton Herta, Andretti Global 523 (2 wins)
3. Scott McLaughlin, Team Penske 505 (3 wins)
Quotes
Alex Palou (#10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) finished 11th, 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion, second consecutive drivers’ title and third in last four years: “What an amazing year! We made it a bit more exciting than we wanted, obviously, with the issues we had in race 2 at Milwaukee. But, what an amazing year! We were able to win three races. One didn’t count at Thermal—but next year counts and that’s good. And we won the championship back-to-back! Amazing job by HRC, everybody on the #10 car, and DHL.”
Colton Herta (#26 Andretti Global Honda) Race winner, second win of 2024, INDYCAR career first oval track victory, second to fellow Honda Racer Alex Palou in the Drivers’ Championship: “The whole race, I was getting my passes done coming off the corners. I was able to drive off the middle to exit of the corners, and get the power down really well. We had a lapped car to play off of, and we had just enough room between us to go down low and get the pass [of race leader Pato O’Ward] done. I’m just so happy. The Gainbridge Group 1001 Honda has been so fast this whole weekend. We didn’t get to show it in qualifying, but we knew we had a hot rod in the race today. It’s been an amazing year. Second in the championship is awesome, but it gives us something to shoot for in 2025.”
Linus Lundqvist (#8 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) finished 8th, wins 2024 INDYCAR Rookie of the Year honors: “Winning Rookie of the Year is obviously amazing. We’re very proud of that, to join that list of names who have done it before me. I mean, it’s a title you can only win once so happy and proud to have down that. I’ve made plenty of rookie mistakes, but I’ve also learned a lot. I think the second half of the season, we’ve really shown what we’re capable of. I’m leaving this season extremely proud of what we’ve accomplished and also very hopeful for the future.”
David Salters (President, Honda Racing Corporation USA) on this weekend’s season finale and the 2024 INDYCAR season: “In summary: Pole, Win, Drivers’ Championship. All down to the superb skill, efforts and teamwork of Honda Racing Corporation and our fantastic teams. Huge congratulations to Andretti Global on their race win today and of course to the folks at Chip Ganassi Racing on Alex’s third drivers’ title. Huge thank you to all the men and women at Honda Racing Corporation. We are incredibly proud to represent Honda in pinnacle racing in North America. Pure teamwork, hard work, and the results speak for themselves. Now, regroup—perhaps a cheeky beer—and let’s get on with the big fight for next year. We’re looking forward to the challenge. Bring it on.”
Next
This weekend’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix at Nashville Superspeedway concludes the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The 2025 season begins March 2 with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg in Florida.
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PROCK BEATS BECKMAN IN ALL-JFR FINAL AT READING
| Cornwell Tools Camaro Wins Pep Boys Nationals for Third Straight Year |
| READING, Pa. (Sept. 15, 2024) – After Jack Nicklaus won the 1965 Masters in dominating fashion, Hall of Fame golf great Bobby Jones famously observed that “he plays a game with which I’m not familiar.” Funny Car rivals of young Austin Prock are beginning to share that sentiment after the 29-year-old drove the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS to victory in Sunday’s 39th Pep Boys Nationals at Maple Grove Raceway, beating teammate “Fast Jack” Beckman in an all-John Force Racing final round. Prock, who has started 11 of 15 races this season from the No. 1 qualifying position, won in 3.896 seconds at a finish line speed of 332.51 miles per hour. Beckman, driving the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Camaro in relief of Force, trailed in 3.951 seconds at 330.88 mph. For Prock, it was his sixth win in 15 races this season, his second in succession, and it enabled him to open a commanding 86-point lead after the first race in the Mission Foods Countdown to the Championship. He’ll be heavily favored when qualifying begins this Friday for the 16th NHRA Carolina Nationals at Charlotte, N.C. “It feels amazing,” Prock said of the win. “It’s great to rack up some points and build a bit of a gap over second place again, especially after losing about 300 points (in the points adjustment that precedes the playoffs) This is exactly how you want to start the Countdown. We were the No. 1 qualifier, picked up points almost every round (of qualifying) and the car was flying today. “To win (the championship) we just have to do what we’ve been doing all year long,” said the grandson of ‘70s era Funny Car driver Tom Prock. “We have to execute exactly how we have all season long. We’re racing ‘lights out’ right now and I feel like we’re consistently making the best runs we’re capable of making.” “You couldn’t script it any better,” said assistant crew chief Nate Hildahl of Sunday’s win. “We’re going to keep pushing and maybe we’ll even tie (or eclipse) John Force’s all-time record of pole starts (13).” Beckman, who had been out of the sport for more than three years and was working as an elevator repairman when Force crashed heavily at Richmond, Va., on June 23, quickly has acclimated himself to the cockpit of the aqua blue Chevy. He reached the quarterfinals in his first start, the semifinals in his second two weeks ago at Indianapolis, Ind., and advanced to the final on Sunday. Obviously, there’s only one more rung on that ladder. As Force’s surrogate, by NHRA rule Beckman can earn points on the 16-time champion’s behalf in a maximum of eight races. His performance Sunday moved him and Force from sixth to third in the driver standings behind only Prock and Reading semifinalist Bob Tasca III. “If we want to win the championship, Austin is the target,” Beckman said. “We can’t spot him (points) every race and expect to win it but they did everything right this weekend. That car was the class of the field. “Our PEAK Chevy went down the track top three every run in qualifying (but) we had two elimination rounds where it didn’t do what we asked it to,” said the 33-time pro tour winner, “but we got eight total runs (for the weekend) and the crew chiefs are smart enough to be able to look at that and figure out what the car is wanting.” The Prock-Beckman shootout marked the 54th time JFR teammates have opposed one another in the final round of an NHRA tour event. It was the second such occurrence this year, following on the heels of Force’s win over Prock in the final at the NHRA New England Nationals at Epping, N.H., on June 2. Prock’s Sunday victory came just two years after he won the same race at the wheel of a JFR Top Fuel dragster, but this win light was significantly more meaningful insomuch as he celebrated in the winners’ circle with a crew that includes dad Jimmy and brother Thomas. It was the third straight Maple Grove win for the Cornwell Camaro team following on the heels of 2022 and 2023 victories by three-time World Champion Robert Hight, who is sitting out the season for medical reasons. For Brittany Force and the Monster Energy Chevy dragster, it was one of those throwaway weekends when the required elements just weren’t in sync. Fortunately, the two-time World Champion won’t have long to ponder the “what ifs” insomuch as she and her veteran crew will be back on a racetrack this Friday for the start of qualifying for the 16th NHRA Carolina Nationals in Charlotte. “We came into Reading with a lot of confidence after some solid runs in qualifying but unfortunately, the Monster Energy team’s day ended earlier than we had hoped against (four-time series champion) Steve Torrence,” she said. “The car went up in smoke (losing traction) right at the hit (of the throttle),” she recounted. “I pedaled it a few times (trying to regain traction) but, on my last pedal I lost power and Steve drove around us. It’s tough, especially knowing how well we’ve done here in the past, but we’re not going to let this get us down. We’ve got a strong team and a lot of good data from the weekend to work with. We are staying positive. “Charlotte is up next and that’s always been one of my favorite places to races,” said the 16-time tour winner. “We’re going to regroup, bring everything we’ve got and aim for that win in our HendrickCars.com dragster.” |
CHEVROLET CAPTURES TWO PODIUM FINISHES WITH PATO O’WARD AND JOSEF NEWGARDEN AT NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY
| CHEVROLET IN NTT INDYCAR SERIES BIG MACHINE MUSIC CITY GRAND PRIX NASHVILLE SUPERSPEEDWAY LEBANON, TENNESSEE TEAM CHEVY RACE REPORT SEPTEMBER 15, 2024 Pato O’Ward, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, and Josef Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet, capped off the 2024 season with Team Chevy finishing on the podium in second and third, respectively.The Bowtie brand finished the 206-lap, 267.8-mile season finale with five in the top-10, including O’Ward (second) and Newgarden (third), as well as Team Penske’s Scott McLaughlin (fifth), AJ Foyt Racing’s Santino Ferrucci (sixth), and Juncos Hollinger Racing’s Conor Daly (10th).Team Chevy combined for 107 of 206 laps led during Sunday’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, with Newgarden leading the most for the Bowtie brand with 54.The NTT INDYCAR SERIES returns to action on the Streets of St. Petersburg live on FOX Sunday, March 2, 2025.TEAM CHEVY TOP-10 RACE RESULT:Pos. Driver2nd Pato O’Ward3rd Josef Newgarden5th Scott McLaughlin6th Santino Ferrucci10th Conor Daly |
| WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (QUOTES):Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:“A really tough race today. I think the grid penalty hurt me more than I initially thought, but we fought really hard all day to keep the 14 Sexton Properties Chevy up front.The crew was awesome in the pits, incredible stops. We had a great strategy. Everything really kind of went our way to get another top five, and we just kind of fell short there right at the end. But overall, incredible day. We locked ninth in the drivers’ championship. Just really great execution these last few events, to do what we’ve done as a team. Really proud of our guys.” Sting Ray Robb, No. 41 AJ Foyt Racing Chevrolet:“After yesterday‘s qualifying, we were very hopeful. We thought we had a really, really good race car. In qualifying, we would’ve been top-10, if we didn’t have the issue with the fuel pressure dropping out. So today was going to be a good day but food poisoning last night was a difficult thing to deal with so unfortunately, we were dealing with that today. I feel like we somewhat maximized the event but it wasn’t quite enough. Overall, I think we learned a lot this year. This team is definitely on the rise and I think that they’re gonna be one of the winners consistently next year.” Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“The team did an unbelievable job, and I was pushing. I was pushing, pushing. We really took these tires to the limit to what they’re capable of. I don’t know if we could’ve made two or three more laps. Bummer there we got stuck with traffic which gave Colton (Herta) a run. That one stings a little bit. Got taken from us pretty late. It was a fantastic race and a really good way to end the season. “It’s a great end to the season. The momentum will roll into the offseason, but we’ve got work to do. We’re going to put our heads down, make the cars go better, and challenge for the championship once again next year but hopefully we’ll be coming out on the top end.” Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“We had an alright race today. We were on the back foot after missing most of Practice 1 and Qualifying yesterday. I spent the first stint getting comfortable, and ultimately by the end of the race I think that our pace was quite good. We just didn’t have track position because of the situation we were in yesterday. It’s kind of a bummer to finish the season like this, but the No. 6 NTT DATA crew did an incredible job this weekend and all year long. I’ve really, really enjoyed working with the Arrow McLaren team, and I am motivated for next year. It has been a year of growth, and I feel like every weekend, we have gotten better and gotten closer to fighting at the front. That is where we expect to be next year. There have been so many people that I have learned from, including Pato, Alex and, of course, Tony, so having teammates like that have really helped me grow. We’ll get to work and focus on a big 2025.” Alexander Rossi, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“This was a pretty disappointing outcome. We knew this was going to be hard work obviously, starting from the back. The race was going quite well up until the last 20 percent. I think there was some confusion as to who the actual leader of the race was and whether or not we needed to pit or not. Unfortunately, that took us from a top-six position to be a lap down finishing 15th. It’s a hard pill to swallow in my last event with the team. I’ll look back on the positive memories and not let this taint the bigger picture. It’s been great to be part of this organization, and now I’ll look toward my next step.” Gavin Ward, Team Principal, Arrow McLaren:“I just want to say thanks to Alexander (Rossi) for his dedication and help over the last two years. We wanted to finish on a bit higher note than we did today, and frankly, I don’t think we were very happy on the timing stand with how we ran the race. It probably limited his ability to run a top-five race. Pato (O’Ward) did a great job to hang on with tire vibrations and could hardly see where he was going at the end there. That cost us the win today. We struggled on the softer alternate tires, so that is something to learn from. Nolan (Siegel) learned a lot today and just got better and better as the race went on. That’s the whole point for him, to finish all the laps. Overall, I think it was a season of highs and lows. We won three races, more than the team had done before, but consistency held us back from fighting for the championship. I’m pretty excited to take a break and then hit it hard to get ready for next year.” Christian Rasmussen, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:“I felt like today’s race for me was really up and down! Throughout a lot of the race, I really didn’t know where we were as the field was so mixed. Once we got kicked loose and I didn’t have to hit the fuel number anymore, we had a lot of pace. We basically put a lap on the car we needed to in a very short time. We were flying! That was super fun. There was one objective today – to make Leader’s Circle – and we did it! Good day! Rinus VeeKay, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Chevrolet:“We opted to start on the red tires and just get them out of the way, knowing they had more degradation. That took us off the leader’s strategy, which was unlucky, but then it felt like every time we pitted it went yellow! All the cautions worked against us, but we had a really, really good car. I would say if things went the right way, we could have beat anyone! It was an awesome car. Finishing 12th isn’t bad, but there was so much more available. Kind of sums up the season as a whole! We did so many things right, but so many things didn’t go our way. But the team never gave up and I thank them for all the work they did all year! Time for the offseason!” Romain Grosjean, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:“The season is over and P16 today. I think we got a bit unlucky with the yellow, but that happens. Fantastic job by the team the whole season. Happy that they worked hard for some great races until the end. It was great to be here for the first podium for the team, so I’m excited for the team as a whole.” Conor Daly, No. 78 Juncos Hollinger Racing Chevrolet:“The start was ok, but the red [tires] at the beginning were a challenge for us. We held station for a little bit and was happy to get off those tires, but then we got killed with the first yellow and that put us two laps down so it was really hard to come back from that. But we did – the car was good, and the team was good. We put ourselves back on the lead lap which was nice. I had to save a crazy amount of fuel to get to the end. It was difficult – I hadn’t done a race like that in a long time. Thankful to be in the top 10. It feels like we have been really competitive all weekend so that was really, really satisfying.” Ricardo Juncos, Co-Owner of Juncos Hollinger Racing:“Really happy with the results. The goal was to get both cars inside the Leaders Circle and we did that. P10 with Conor Daly with an amazing recovery so I want to thank him again, he drove an amazing race. Same with everyone on the team – the pits stops, the strategy – everyone did an amazing job, so I want to thank them for that. Romain Grosjean and the 77 as well. A big team effort the whole year, so I’m really pleased. I thank all of the team members, drivers, our sponsors and fans. We are looking forward to next year already and are focusing on continuing to grow as a team in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.” Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Team Penske Chevrolet:“I’m really happy. Obviously, Team Chevy got us the goods all season. It was a pretty fun race to finish it off. We got the Biggest Mover Award so that’s always a good thing, but we had a heck of a race there. Finished third in the championship, so that’s a great thing two years in a row.” Will Power, No. 12 Team Penske Chevrolet:“On the lap belt, I’m like ‘man, that was weird.’ It felt kind of loose in the car. Came out of turn two and I’m feeling around, and I felt the end of the belt as it goes in. I thought ‘Man, my belt just fell off, we’re going to have to pit.’ It took five laps to… It could’ve happened a second time at the race. We learned how to do it quickly. If we’d known that… That’s a very abnormal thing. I just don’t know what went wrong. We’ll have to send it back to the manufacturer. Very strange failure. I do wonder if I hit the wall and if it did break, if I was going to have a real bad situation, but never have that before. You have (other issues). Disappointing, but big congrats to Alex (Palou). Tough guy to beat. Ganassi did a great job this year. Been fun racing those guys this year. We dropped back to fourth (in the championship) because of this day, but man, if you don’t win it doesn’t matter. But happy with the season. The whole team won about half of the races. We did well. I want to win that championship, so I’ll come back fighting next year. We did a great job (all season), winning the Indy 500, winning the most races of any team. Obviously, stoked to win three races this year. It’s a tough series. Very difficult to win. Have to thank Verizon and Chevy. Those guys have been fantastic. I only used four engines this year, so the reliability was great. We’ll come back fighting next year.” |
| PATO O’WARD, driver of the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, and JOSEF NEWGARDEN, driver of the No. 2 Team Penske Chevrolet – Podium Press Conference:THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon. Wrapping up not only the 2024 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season, but today’s race. Currently joined by Pato O’Ward. The second podium in the last three races, sixth podium of the season, 26th of his career. Josef Newgarden also joins us. Sixth podium of the season, 58th career podium. THE MODERATOR: Pato, obviously crazy finish at the end. What did you see out of your rearview mirror trying to hold off Colton? PATO O’WARD: Yeah, I wish I could have done it a little bit harder on him. Sting Ray facilitated that. A bit of a stinger to lose it that way. I would have liked to have at least fight him for a little bit more. No, it was a pretty hectic race for our 5 car, to be honest. I had no idea where I was the whole race till the end. Guys are starting to pit and you are leading. That’s great. I just tried to continue pushing. Oh, my God, those reds at the end, I couldn’t see straight with so much vibrations. Could barely talk to the team with just how much was going on in the car. Yeah, pretty gnarly in the end. Congrats, Colton. I think one more lap, Josef would have gotten me for sure. I was dying. THE MODERATOR: Josef, another podium for you to wrap up the season. Your thoughts on being back in Nashville and a chance to win today… JOSEF NEWGARDEN: Yeah, good to be back. I don’t know what we made up there in the last 25 laps, maybe 12 seconds or something. We’ll digest that next week. Going to be a tough pill to swallow, but one we’re going to have to swallow. Yeah, great to be here. I thought the race was incredible as far as ease-ability. It’s what we wanted, to put on a good show. I think it was very possible to do that today. Thankful to Nashville and the surrounding areas, Scott Borchetta, everybody that put this on. A big event. Congrats to Colton on a good win. Yeah, hard to not be pissed. Really got that wrong. THE MODERATOR: We’ll start with questions. Q. Josef, you’re another hometown driver. To have finished on the podium, considering the way the season went, how does it feel to get another podium finish?JOSEF NEWGARDEN: It seems fitting for this year, I would say, the way this one shaped up for us. I’m going to be happy to leave all this in 2024. We’re going to reset. Team did a great job today. They put a good car on the track, a great car. We’re going to come back next year and hopefully have a little different cadence would be nice. It’s great to be here at this facility. I just want to say again everything that Scott has done with Big Machine to make sure we maintain this event on the calendar I think was really, really important. We had an incredible crowd for making the shift year over year. Everybody’s efforts should be applauded. We should be super thankful for what everyone has done. It should be on the calendar. So happy we were here. If nothing else, great to end the finale in the Nashville area. Q. In 2018, last race of the year, you guys step up to INDYCAR the next year. Six years later, you guys have lived up to the Stars of the Future potential. What is it like to be here together?PATO O’WARD: I think it’s really cool. At one point I actually thought we were going to be together in Formula 1. That didn’t work out (smiling). We’re here. Well, we’ve got some work to do to catch up to the 10 car with Ganassi. I think they’ve really set the bar where they’ve been leaders in that in terms of consistency. Us as a team, we have a lot of work to do to be in the conversation, to be fairly honest. We’re going to work for that and try and just truly be there to fight until the end ’cause I think this year we fell a little bit short like we have the last couple years. I’d love to see that take a different place next year and really give them that fight. I’m sure Colton, Josef, you can never count out all the Penskes, Ganassis, hopefully a couple McLarens. Obviously Andrettis are going to be in the fight. Like 10 cars for the championship. THE MODERATOR: Thank you. |