Sent on behalf of Sammy Halbert Racing DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 20, 2024) – Veteran Mission SuperTwins ace Sammy Halbert will contest the season-opening Daytona Short Track I & II , along with other select rounds of the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track championship, aboard a Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750.  The union pairs championship-winning team owners Tony and Andy Dodge with the highly decorated Halbert, who boasts an overall AMA Pro Flat Track Championship, a Grand National Singles Championship, and an X Games gold medal, among his many racing accomplishments.  Dodge Bros. Racing is well known for its immaculately prepared and beautiful Harley XR750s. Teaming with Halbert provides a unique opportunity to see one of the sport’s top riders compete aboard history’s most iconic flat track bike in what could potentially prove to be its last, best chance to battle up front in Grand National Championship competition.  Halbert who runs the number 69 in honor of his late brother Jethro, is the winningest rider of the Daytona Short Track with four wins to his credit. Along with the double Daytona opener, Halbert is already committed to racing at the Silver Dollar Short Track in Chico, California, and the Ventura Short Track, in Ventura, California.  “At this point in my career, I’m racing very select events and having fun with it,” said Halbert. “The opportunity to race the Dodge Bros. XRs makes perfect sense for me. It’s the bike that I had the most success on in my career, and I’m excited to give the old girl another ride at the big dance.”  Tony Dodge said, “We’re really looking forward to going racing with Sammy on the XR750. It’s always a great time working with him. We’ve got the bikes looking brand new and we’re ready to represent for all the Harley XR750 fans out there.”  Sammy Halbert’s racing efforts are supported by the following partners: Castrol, Cardo Systems, Martin Trucking, 6D Helmets, Kibblewhite, Penske, Shimano, Pro Plates, Mika, Enerlon, Saddlemen, RSRK10-J2Motorsports, Regina Chain, Boswell’s Harley-Davidson, Oakley, CTI, MS, Fly Racing, Lightshoe, Motion Pro, Access Media Lab, Hathaway Racing, Fredericktown Cycles

TF Sport set to give Corvette Z06 GT3.R its debut in FIA WEC testing and first race DETROIT (Feb. 20, 2024) – The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R is set for its second debut – this time in the hands of TF Sport at the FIA World Endurance Championship’s opening event for 2024. For the first time, the Corvette brand and the FIA WEC field will visit Lusail International Circuit in Doha, Qatar. The Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km – in reference to Qatar Day, observed on December 18 and commemorating the country’s unification – also marks the first event in the World Endurance Championship for the Corvette GT3 racecar following its competition debut last month in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. TF Sport is set to campaign the No. 81 and No. 82 Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in the WEC’s LM GT3 class for the full season. The squad – led by team owner Tom Ferrier – is a perennial contender in a number of GT series around the world and will field Corvettes for the first time in 2024.

CORVETTE RACING MEDIA INFORMATION Corvette Racing media information is updated and available ahead of the FIA World Endurance Championship Prologue and Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km. Materials include Corvette Racing event advance and quotes, Corvette Racing stats and figures, Corvette Z06 GT3.R racecar comparisons, Corvette Racing Fast Facts, driver biographies and Corvette Racing photography, among other items.

Following three days of testing last week in Dubai – Monday and Tuesday working on general and procedural items due to flooding rains with one full day of running Thursday – the TF Sport Corvettes will take part this weekend in the FIA WEC Prologue. It’s two days of testing at Qatar ahead of official free practice, qualifying and the race from February 29-March 2. Two first-year Corvette factory drivers will spearhead the lineups in each Z06 GT3.R. Charlie Eastwood – a familiar face within the TF Sport garage – leads the No. 81 Z06 GT3.R with Rui Andrade and Tom Van Rompuy joining for the full season. In the sister No. 82 Corvette, Daniel Juncadella will embark on his first season in the FIA WEC alongside Sébastien Baud and Hiroshi Koizumi. Both Corvettes and all six drivers will contest the full eight-race calendar, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June – a race that the Corvette brand won nine times with the Corvette Racing factory team from 2001-2023. Four of the Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs raced at the Rolex 24, and members of the Corvette Customer Support team flew directly afterward to TF Sport’s shop in the UK to help with car prep and final installations ahead of the Dubai test. Corvette Racing engineers also conducted an intensive review process following Daytona to focus on operational reliability and optimizing areas of improvement with the findings relayed to TF Sport ahead of Qatar. The Corvette Z06 GT3.R is Chevrolet’s first car built to global GT3 regulations. It’s based on the production Corvette Z06 supercar with the two sharing a significant amount of DNA.  The racecar is built on the same production aluminum chassis frame – from Chevrolet’s Bowling Green (Ky.) Assembly plant – as the road-going Z06. Similar carbon-fiber splitters for front downforce, and the surface area from the top of the windshield to the rear of the Z06 remained intact on the Z06 GT3.R. That includes side air ducts behind the doors — directly inspired by Z06 production road car — that help to cool the engine, transaxle and rear brakes. The similarities carry over to the hand-built 5.5L, flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine in the Z06 GT3.R. Both original from the Bowling Green factory with the racing version sharing 80 percent of the production content from the Z06, including the crankshaft, connecting rods, cylinder heads, fuel injectors, coils, gaskets and a variety of other sensors. The FIA WEC Prologue is set for Saturday and Sunday on the 3.34-mile, 16-turn Lusail International Circuit. The Qatar 1812 Km is scheduled for 11 a.m. Arabian Standard Time / 3 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, March 2.  MotorTrend and MotorTrend Plus will provide both live television and streaming coverage of the race and Friday’s qualifying, as will the FIA WEC app. Radio Le Mans will stream audio coverage of the race plus Friday’s final practice and qualifying.

TF SPORT PRE-EVENT DRIVER QUOTES

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 81 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “We finally got to drive the Z06 GT3.R last Thursday at Dubai. To be honest, it was very good to have three days with the car just to get through all the procedural stuff because this is a brand new car for everybody. On that Monday and Tuesday, we still got through a lot of things… media things, all our seat fits and some general procedures. The team has been used to being with Aston Martin before, and for everyone this is a new challenge with how this car works from the pit stops and everything else. So we were able to get some efficient use out of those couple of days. After last week, I think everyone feels significantly more prepared than we would have if we just tested on the Monday and Tuesday. The test went very well. Even in the short span of time from Daytona, it was a massive step forward from Corvette and Pratt Miller with the car. The test went flawlessly, and all the drivers got up to speed super quick. They all loved it, so it was a really good test in general. Now we’re all ready to go for Qatar.”

DANI JUNCADELLA, NO. 82 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I couldn’t really turn any laps at the test in Dubai because of the weather, but my teammates did get a day Thursday, which is very positive. The main thing is that they get comfortable with the car. Anything I can do as the pro driver to help my teammates go faster is going to be better for our overall results. That is my main focus. They luckily got a day Thursday, and I heard everything went well in getting their first kilometers in the Corvette. We didn’t have any setbacks, which is great for our reliability. We took some knowledge from the setbacks we had at Daytona, which is positive. All in all with the limited mileage in the Corvette for the team, I think we are well-prepared. It will be my first experience in WEC, and that’s pretty exciting to say the least. We are going in with a lot of motivation and hopefully we can build on a good starting base after a good Daytona weekend for me as a Corvette driver.”

CHRISTIE BAGNE, CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PROGRAM MANAGER: “This is an event that we have been looking forward to since we revealed the Corvette Z06 GT3.R in 2023. We’re extremely happy and proud of the effort that TF Sport and our Corvette Customer Support team have put in to get these two Corvettes ready for the Prologue and the first race of the season. Collaboration is the biggest key to success, in our eyes, and we have that in our relationship with Tom Ferrier and his team. We wish them the best of luck.”

CORVETTE RACING BY THE NUMBERS: Qatar 1812 Kilometers• 2: Number of Corvettes entered in the full FIA WEC championship for the first time – the No. 81 and No. 82 Z06 GT3.Rs from TF Sport• 3: Number of GTE Am wins a year ago for Corvette Racing in the FIA WEC for the No. 33 Corvette C8.R• 7: Wins in FIA WEC competition for TF Sport – including the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans; current TF and Corvette factory driver Charlie Eastwood was part of that triumph• 14: Drivers who have driven in entries affiliated with Corvette Racing for at least one FIA WEC race – Nicky Catsburg, Marcel Fässler, Antonio Garcia, Oliver Gavin, Ben Keating, Jan Magnussen, Tommy Milner, Mike Rockenfeller, Alexander Sims, Nick Tandy, Jordan Taylor, Ricky Taylor, Nico Varrone and Richard Westbrook. That number will go up by six in Qatar• 27: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Daytona, Detroit, Houston, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sebring, Sonoma, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen• 41: Number of drivers for Corvette Racing since 1999. GM factory drivers Earl Bamber, Dani Juncadella, Alex Lynn and Charlie Eastwood joined the list at Daytona, as did AWA’s Matt Bell, Orey Fidani, Lars Kern, Anthony Mantella and Thomas Merrill• 71: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year• 127: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 115 in North America, nine at Le Mans and three in the FIA WEC• 285: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999• 101,857: Total number of racing laps completed by Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The program went over the 100,00-lap mark at the Rolex 24 of Daytona• 370,025.44: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing entries since 1999. To put that in perspective, Corvette Racing is more than halfway to the distance traveled by Apollo 13 – the longest manned spaceflight in history: 622,268 miles

20th

1st

11th

“I had a fast Whelen Chevrolet tonight at Daytona International Speedway. To sit on the pole, lead the most laps, and win my first stage in my first NASCAR Xfinity Series race are all things to be proud of. I was able to learn how to lead the line from the beginning. We lost our track position when we pitted during the first stage break, which put me back in the field and unfortunately in a position to get caught up in an accident that did a lot of damage to the body of my Camaro. The plan after being farther back in the field was to be super aggressive and get to the front as quickly as possible. I felt like we were doing that until the accident with the No. 20 car. My Richard Childress Racing team worked on the car every chance they got without going a lap down. Even with the damage, my car was still fast. I’m proud of the effort my team showed, and I know we will be strong all season. Congratulations to the No. 21 team on their win. That’s big for our program.”  -Jesse Love

Austin Hill and the No. 21 Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet Team Claim Third Consecutive Win in Season Opener at Daytona International Speedway

1st

2nd

1st

“Three-peat! Do you know how hard it is to win at Daytona? My Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet was extremely fast tonight. When I got caught up in the first accident that also hurt my teammate, Jesse Love, I wasn’t sure how bad the damage actually was. The No. 21 crew did an excellent job of making the repairs without losing a lap and I was able to drive back to the front immediately after. I don’t know what was going on with me on pit road today though. I sped on pit road and slid through the box, which put us back in the field once again. I about did it earlier on the first stop, too. My Richard Childress Racing guys kept telling me to dig deep and remember that I’m really good at these superspeedway tracks. Winning, especially at Daytona, is a great way to start the season. We are going to celebrate this one and then shift our attention to Atlanta Motor Speedway to see if we can go back-to-back there this weekend. I appreciate all of the fans for sticking it out through the rain and the late start time. Hopefully, we put on a good show for you to watch.”-Austin Hill

37th

33rd

36th

“Not the most memorable Daytona 500 for the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet team. Thankful for all of the employees at RCR and ECR for building a great race car. I hate that we never really got a chance to show what we have. Only way to move is forward and to get ready for Atlanta Motor Speedway.” -Austin Dillon

Kyle Busch and the No. 8 zone Chevrolet Team Lead Laps and Avoid the “Big One” On the Way to a 12th-Place Finish In The Daytona 500

12th

34th

8th

“We had a strong zone Camaro for sure tonight at Daytona International Speedway. All the guys on the zone Chevrolet team did a great job preparing the backup car. We ran up front and led some laps tonight and scored points in both stages. At the end of the race we tried to pick off a couple of spots and just got shucked out of line and shuffled to the back. It’s always disappointing when you don’t win, especially at Daytona.”   -Kyle Busch

NASCAR CUP SERIES DAYTONA 500 DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE REPORT FEBRUARY 19, 2024

William Byron, Chevrolet Takes 2024 Daytona 500 VictoryChevrolet’s 26th Win in the ‘Great American Race’

·       William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1, captured the victory in the 66th running of the Daytona 500 – his first career victory in the NASCAR Cup Series’ crown jewel event.  ·       The victory marked Chevrolet’s second consecutive – and 26th all-time – triumph in the ‘Great American Race’.  ·       Byron is the 19th different driver to take Chevrolet to victory lane in the Daytona 500.  ·       The victory is Chevrolet’s 51st NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway, and the manufacturer’s 852nd all-time win in NASCAR’s top division – both of which are series-leading feats. ·       Byron delivered Chevrolet its 101st win in the NASCAR national ranks at Daytona International Speedway, extending the Bowtie brand’s record as the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at the ‘World Center of Racing’.

TOP TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL TOP-10 RESULTS: POS.  DRIVER1st William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL12nd Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL14th Corey LaJoie, No. 7 Chili’s Catch-a-Rita Camaro ZL16th AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Celsius Camaro ZL1

TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE QUOTES: William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1Finished: 1stHOW DOES DAYTONA 500 CHAMPION SOUND TO YOU?“It sounds really damn good! Just thanks to an awesome crowd coming out. I have so many emotions. Obviously, I hate what happened on the backstretch. I just got pushed and got sideways.  I am just so proud of this team – this whole No. 24 Axalta Chevy team, winning on the 40th anniversary to the day (of Hendrick Motorsports’ first race). Just extremely blessed and thankful for all the opportunities and we just want to keep it going. We have a lot to prove this year and this is a good start, obviously. Daytona 500, its freaking awesome. Let’s go.” YOU HAD NOT EVEN HAD A TOP-TEN IN THIS RACE BEFORE. WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE TONIGHT TO GETTING IN POSITION TO WIN?“I don’t know, just really good strategy. We obviously laid back and tried to save fuel for most of the race. We would get up there at the end of the stages and make some moves. Just thankful for the power under the hood, all of our partners, Chevrolet, and everybody that allows us to do this. I’m just a kid from racing on computers and now winning the Daytona 500. I can’t believe it. I wish my dad was here, he is sick, but this is for him, man. We have been through so much and we sat up in the grandstands together and watched this race. This is so freaking cool.” Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1Finished: 2nd“Proud of William (Byron) and his team – they deserved it there at the end. They did all the right things, and I feel like we did too there at the end. Had to go up and block the top lane and that just killed the middle for a bit. We got the middle back rolling and then they all started crashing.  Just proud of everybody on this No. 48 Ally Chevy team. Super pumped for everybody at Hendrick Motorsports – it’s 40 years to the day since the first HMS race, so really cool to see William in victory lane, and obviously a good day for our Ally Camaro, as well.” Corey LaJoie, No. 7 Chili’s Catch-a-Rita Camaro ZL1Finished: 4th“Really stoked to start the year with a top five in our Chili’s Catch a Rita Chevy Camaro. Super happy with our team’s execution to start the season. Our Spire Motorsports team brought a great race car with good speed & executed throughout the course of the day. We gained some track position, led some laps and after getting shuffled back continued to fight & claw our way to the front. The 500 begins a marathon season, so it’s great to start off on the right foot. We have 35 more to execute one run at a time & one race at a time to keep this 7 car up front where should be.” Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1Finished: 11th TELL US HOW YOUR RACE WENT. “Yeah, obviously the first stage went well and then the next two stages just got caught in the wrong lanes at pivotal points and lost track position. So, yeah, kind of cost us a good shot to win there at the end, but was able to miss that big wreck mostly.  Got a left, front flat from sliding them and had to pit, but thankfully we missed the last one and awesome to have a Hendrick Chevrolet win that race and cool to see William win.” Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1Finished: 14th“I made a mistake and I saw Kyle was coming really hard on the top and I tried to pick that lane up and he gave me a big shove down the short shoot, and I thought I could sneak back to the middle but the 20 was wanting to be there too. Just made a mistake there on the last lap and not sure I would have got to the front row, but certainly would have been a better finish for us. I hate that because we had a solid day otherwise. Happy for William to kick off the 40th year of Hendrick Motorsports with the win.”                                         Daniel Hemric, No. 31 Cirkul Camaro ZL1Finished: 16th“I’m proud of the fight this No. 31 Cirkul team showed from the start of the weekend getting our backup car ready to race. We wanted to get to the front early in the race if possible, which was a little bit of a different approach than what I’ve typically had at these kind of tracks. Trent [Owens] made some great calls, and we were able to do just that and stay up there to show everyone we can push successfully and accept pushes successfully while battling up front. That goes a long way when you get down to the end of these races. I thought it was going to workout there at the end, but unfortunately we got some nose damage we couldn’t avoid with about 10 to go. Not quite the finish we wanted, but I’m looking forward to what’s to come with this team.” Ross Chastain, No. 1 Busch Light Camaro ZL1Finished: 21stARE YOU SATISFIED WITH HOW YOU RACED THERE?“I am. To learn the fuel saving game and really get aggressive and match these guys, so that we can pit when we need to…..I have burned up too much fuel in the past couple of races and to put ourselves in position on the final pit stop to come out with the lead, cover the other OEM when they caught up to us, and just work with some legends of the sport, and have control over the race there at the end. I know the top is the logical thing and it makes sense when the third lane is split up. It just pulls us back and we still had a shot though. I really do feel content. It’s weird to say it, but we did everything right.” CAN YOU BE TOO AGGRESSIVE ON THE FINAL LAP?“When you crash, I think so. Happy for William and Chevy and General Motors to win. It was really awesome for us to control some of the cycles, the green flag pit cycles, and kicked their butts. So that was really cool and then to have a bunch of Chevys left there at the end there made me feel good. It was cool Alex (Bowman) pushed me there at the end and I felt like there was minimal chance that a Chevy wasn’t going to win and one of them got it done. But yeah, too aggressive is when I don’t finish.” Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Boost by Kroger Cottonelle Camaro ZL1Finished: 31st“I didn’t see what happened there. I know I got us in that position, made a bad move once I got to the lead. The outside lane had a run coming and I thought I could get there, and I didn’t, and I got hung there in the middle so that kind of got us back there kind of in the middle of that pack there and I didn’t see what happened there obviously. Someone got turned around and caused a melee. I thought I was going to get through, I got clipped just there at the end and broke a right rear. So, unfortunate for our Boost by Kroger/Cottonelle Camaro because it was really, really fast and I felt very strong about it in the draft and what I was doing out there, but just didn’t make it to the end.” Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Freeway Insurance Camaro ZL1 Finished: 34thIt’s very heartbreaking right now because the car was very strong, and the team did an amazing job calling the race strategy-wise. We got points in both stages, and this was my strongest Daytona 500. The car was capable of winning the race, we just needed things to fall our way, and unfortunately, they didn’t.  I haven’t seen the replay, but I was told that we almost missed the wreck. Just part of it.” CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 77 GAINBRIDGE / ZEIGLER AUTO GROUP CAMARO ZL1Finished: 40th HOCEVAR ON THE ACCIDENT THAT ENDED HIS RACE IN STAGE ONE: “I didn’t really see anything. I was just going where I could go. Just a bummer.. bummer for my No. 77 Gainbridge / Zeigler Auto Group Chevy team. There’s a lot of people here from Gainbridge and Zeigler here, and I wanted to be able to put on a good showing. Just really disappointing to have our race end early.” HOW MUCH TIME DID YOU HAVE TO REACT? “0.1 seconds, basically. It happened right in my lap. I tried my best not to slide across the grass, but obviously with two-plus days of rain, it’s going to be really slick. I just kept sliding. It felt like I was all alone sliding across the grass and just hoping that nobody hit me. It’s just unfortunate that was the case.”

February 19, 2024

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/DEX Imaging team were knocked out of Monday’s rain-delayed Daytona 500 after just six laps.

Burton had his Mustang Dark Horse just outside the top 10 when a driver running to his outside got a push that caused him to suddenly turn left into the No. 21 Mustang. The contact shoved Burton off the racing surface into the grass on the inside of the track. 
 
With matters out of his control, Burton eventually slid back up onto the banking, where he was hit by oncoming cars. Six other drivers were involved.
  
Burton was uninjured but the Motorcraft/DEX Imaging Mustang was too damaged to continue. He was credited with 39^th place.
 
“I don’t remember exactly who it was on my outside,” Burton told reporters at the track after being checked at the track’s care center. “It just looked like they either got a bad push or got loose and just hit me in the right side and sent me across.  
 
“The grass was so wet that once I got in the grass I thought I’d be OK, but the car just kept going and going, so really sad that our day is over as quick as it was.”
 
Burton said the wreck was especially disappointing because the No. 21 Mustang had been fast in the preliminary events at Daytona and finished a strong fifth in Thursday’s second Duel qualifying race.  
 
“We had a really fast Motorcraft/DEX Imaging Ford Mustang,” he said. “It’s just a bummer. There’s nothing we can do but just move on and try to win next week.”
 
Burton said it’s not uncommon for drivers to push one another at Daytona, and to run three-lanes wide, but it requires drivers to be precise in the moves they make.
 
“I don’t mind top of three-wide,” he said. “We should be good enough to do that, but I guess just the pushing end and the placement of the pushing was not ideal, obviously.”
 
Once things go awry, there’s not much a driver can do at that point, Burton said.
 
“It’s a pretty helpless feeling, but I’m OK,” he said. “I felt fine. All good. I’m just over wrecking early that’s for sure.”
 
Burton and the Wood Brothers team will return to the track later this week for the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
 

William Byron, Chevrolet Takes 2024 Daytona 500 VictoryChevrolet’s 26th Win in the ‘Great American Race’

·       William Byron, No. 24 Axalta Camaro ZL1, captured the victory in the 66th running of the Daytona 500 – his first career victory in the NASCAR Cup Series’ crown jewel event.  ·       The victory marked Chevrolet’s second consecutive – and 26th all-time – triumph in the ‘Great American Race’.  ·       Byron is the 19th different driver to take Chevrolet to victory lane in the Daytona 500.  ·       The victory is Chevrolet’s 51st NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway, and the manufacturer’s 852nd all-time win in NASCAR’s top division – both of which are series-leading feats. ·       Byron delivered Chevrolet its 101st win in the NASCAR national ranks at Daytona International Speedway, extending the Bowtie brand’s record as the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at the ‘World Center of Racing’.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 19, 2024) – Enduring a rain-delayed start and an intense late-race battle to the finish, it was Chevrolet’s William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 team that earned the title as the 2024 Daytona 500 Champion. A first-time winner in the ‘Great American Race’, Byron became the 19th different driver to take Chevrolet to victory lane in the crown jewel event – extending the manufacturer’s record to 26 all-time Daytona 500 wins.  “Congratulations to William Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1 team on their win in the 2024 Daytona 500,” said Scott Bell, Vice President, Global Chevrolet. “Winning NASCAR’s most iconic race is a goal for Chevrolet each season, and we are proud to have William bring home our 26th victory in the Great American Race.” NASCAR’s season-opening weekend started with Chevrolet reaching a milestone feat at Daytona International Speedway with Chevrolet’s Nick Sanchez and the No. 2 Rev Racing Silverado RST team earning the manufacturer’s milestone 100th NASCAR victory at the famed 2.5-mile Florida Superspeedway in Friday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race. “The victory added to an already special weekend for Chevrolet at Daytona,” added Bell. “We are honored to have Nick Sanchez and William Byron add their names to an elite list of drivers who have taken Chevrolet to 101 NASCAR wins at Daytona International Speedway.” The triumph marked Hendrick Motorsports’ return to victory lane in the Daytona 500 for the first time in nine years, with Bryon’s win taking the organization to a record-tying nine victories in the crown jewel event. Making the triumph even more special, the win came exactly 40 years since Hendrick Motorsports’ first-ever start in NASCAR’s top division to mark a storybook beginning to the organization’s anniversary season.   The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Atlanta Motor Speedway the Ambetter Health 400 on Sunday, February 25, at 3 P.M. ET. Live coverage can be found on FOX, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

The Modified and Late Model veteran clinches his first DIRTcar points championship with two wins in Florida

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 19, 2024) – Coming into the 13th and final race of UMP Modified Florida Speedweeks, Kyle Strickler sat 43 points behind the leader with only one 30-lap Feature left in front of him.

He was set to take the green flag from 17th position on the starting grid, driving one of DIRTcar UMP Modified racing’s fastest tracks – Volusia Speedway Park – buried halfway deep in a field of the best racers from across the country.

“I thought there was no chance today,” he said.

The walls were closing in, and Strickler’s canteen of hope was running dry.

“We were not fast enough to win this race,” he said.

But after hours of work in the pits with the Melanie Motorsports crew, Strickler pulled onto the track with a car that was fast enough. In 27 laps, he passed every car in front of him and went on to take the checkered flag in the Gator Championship Feature, surging 53 points in the standings to surpass his deficit by 10 points and clinch the Speedweeks championship for the first time in his career.

“For it all to come together on Saturday, I couldn’t have drawn it up to be any more perfect in the way it played out,” Strickler, 39, of Mooresville, NC, said. “It took a little bit to sink in, but I was really happy with our overall performance and being able to get that points championship.”

Going back to his earliest days in the UMP Modified ranks in the mid-2000s, Strickler has since established himself as one of the nation’s top dirt Modified racers, but never possessed any DIRTcar points championships until 2024 Speedweeks. He admits he’s always raced for Feature wins and has never been a “points racer,” but Strickler said his efforts during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals – and an untimely DNF from defending champion Lucas Lee – in the final race contributed the most to finally accomplishing a longtime goal of his.

“I think that’s kinda what led to the points championship, because I was so focused on doing whatever I had to do Saturday to give myself the best chance at winning that race, and whatever happens, happens,” Strickler said. “I think if I would’ve been leading or [if it was] a tight points battle, I might’ve run the race a little different, trying to salvage the points title.

“But it was balls-to-the-wall, do everything we could to try to win that race. Then, with Lucas’ (Lee) misfortune, it all played out and worked out in our favor.”

Though Volusia featured his crowning moment, some of Strickler’s early Speedweeks results fell short of his expectations. He began the two-week grind with a win in the opening race at North Florida Speedway but followed with three-straight DNFs at East Bay Raceway Park – due to mechanical failure, a blown tire and other incidents – setting him 76 points back in third place. In the remaining nine races, Strickler finished outside of the top-five only once and won twice.

He arrived in Lake City for the first race at North Florida with only his equipment, himself to work on the car and help from Jerovetz Motorsports Shock Service. But as Speedweeks progressed, Strickler picked up more crew help from his dedicated friends and sponsors that helped him prepare the car for a steep climb back in the standings.

“[Troy Girolamo] with G-Style Transport – he came down to race, but he brought two of his guys with, Josh and Jake, that were there to help me,” Strickler said. “I had Glenn and Lori Miller that are longtime friends; they came over at Volusia and East Bay. Then, I had the guys from QuickDump and American Fence; they came over to help.

“It was definitely a support group thing that helped me keep everything together and keep battling. Whether it be through the bad luck, through the broke motors, wrecks… it was definitely a hard-fought battle and a huge struggle at some points.”

But his biggest help came from longtime team owners/sponsors at Melanie Motorsports. They’ve supported all of his racing operations, from Modified to Late Model, with sponsorship from Donaldson Grading and KAT Industries.

“Charlie and Melanie Donaldson – they’ve stuck with me,” Strickler said. “Charlie and I, when I first moved to North Carolina, he was one of my first guys to help me go racing and is still with me today.”

With his Modified success still fresh in his mind, Strickler turns his attention back to his Super Late Model, which he’ll race on a pick-and-choose schedule in 2024. He’s also got plans to contest the Modified in several marquee events across the country – riding the wave of Florida momentum as he continues to be a major player in the division that made him.

“It’s pretty cool to do it, and the way that we did it was awesome as well,” Strickler said. “Stepping back to have fun and just go back to my roots.”

$100,000 added to overall purse of Weis Markets National Open presented by Sage Fruit Weekend

MECHANICSBURG, PA (Feb. 19, 2024) – Sage Fruit is upping the ante with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars by sponsoring the 2024 National Open at Williams Grove Speedway and bringing fans closer to the drivers with the Sage Fruit Stage at multiple events.

In addition to Sage Fruit’s sponsorship of the National Open, Weis Markets has joined as title sponsor of the historic Pennsylvania event, making it the Weis Markets National Open presented by Sage Fruit – bringing a $100,000 increase to the overall purse.

“Weis Markets are a great partner of ours,” said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing for Sage Fruit. “They run fantastic stores and drive incredible volumes of our Sage Fruit apples, pears and cherries. To partner with them on the National Open made a lot of sense and will hopefully drive increased traffic from Sprint Car fans to shop their stores.

“Williams Grove and Weis are two highly recognized brands in the state of Pennsylvania and Sage Fruit is excited to be a part of these brands.”

“We’re thrilled to be the title sponsor of this year’s National Open at Williams Grove Speedway, one of the most authentic racetracks in the country,” said Weis Markets Vice President of Marketing and Advertising Maria Rizzo. “As a company founded in Pennsylvania, we pride ourselves on being able to have partnerships where our roots are. We are proud to work alongside Sage Fruit and join this highly anticipated event that will be watched by many of our consumers.”

With the sponsorships, $100,000 has been added to the two-day event with a $60,500 purse for Friday night’s Feature, paying $12,000 to win and $1,200 to start, and a $191,700 purse for Saturday’s Feature, which pays $75,000 to win and $2,500 to start.

Several positions have been given an upgrade for both days, such as Saturday’s purse paying $30,000 for second, $15,000 for third, $10,000 for fourth, $7,500 for fifth, and more impressive increases down the finishing order. The increases are also reflected in the Last Chance Showdowns as the first non-transfer will leave with $800 both days.

The Weis Markets National Open presented by Sage Fruit, Oct. 4-5, will be the 62nd running of the Sprint Car crown jewel and pinnacle of the World of Outlaws vs. PA Posse rivalry. It also showcases some of the most passionate fans in racing and provides an electric atmosphere like no other.

“Williams Grove Speedway is excited to have Sage Fruit and Weis Markets come on board as the title sponsor of the National Open,” said Justin Loh, Williams Grove general manager. “It is exciting to see these great companies elevate the fan and driver experience. Their support and sponsorship will play a key role in the continued success of this historic, marquee event.”

Sage Fruit will also be a leader in providing the ultimate fan experience with the Sage Fruit Stage Show. It will be utilized at four events throughout the 2024 season, featuring an hour-long show with fan-favorite drivers and crew members.

The Sage Fruit Stage made its 2024 debut at DIRTcar Nationals and will also be at the Huset’s High Bank Nationals, (June 19-22), Knoxville Nationals (Aug. 7-10) and World of Outlaws World Finals (Nov. 6-9).

“The Stage Show lineup this year with DIRTVision is spectacular,” Sinks added. “We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Stage Shows, listen to the incredible talent that they will have lined up and share it with all of the race fans either in person or on the DIRTVision broadcast.

“This is a great opportunity to learn more about your favorite drivers and crew members, before they hit the track.”

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series continues its 2024 season at Volusia Speedway Park during the second annual Bike Week Jamboree, March 3-4. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every race and every Stage Show live on DIRTVision.

Photo: Raggio RacingPosted on behalf of Raggio Racing DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 19, 2024) – Raggio Racing  is excited to announce that Tyler Raggio will compete for the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKERchampionship aboard an ATVs & More KTM 450 SX-F backed by Sluggo Racing and UnSettled Racing for the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season.  A racer since the age of six, Raggio is entering his fifth season as a professional having already logged two dozen points-paying finishes to his name. The Lockeford, California, native has set his sights on achieving the best Progressive AFT campaign of his young career in ‘24, which will also be his first aboard a KTM.  Raggio will continue his long-time association with Michael and Anna Dobbs of Sluggo Racing, which dates back to his amateur career, while also joining forces with UnSettled Racing and ATVs and More for the upcoming campaign.  Tyler Raggio (#55):  “I’m looking forward to hitting the track with my team and seeing what the year has in store for us. I’ve already had the opportunity to get some seat time on my new KTMs, and I’m already feeling very comfortable with them. With the support of Sluggo Racing, Unsettled Racing team, ATVs & More and many others we are poised for great success in the upcoming season.  “I’m thrilled that Sluggo Racing is back on board for a tenth consecutive year. Their support has been a vital part of my journey as a racer. And I’ve had the privilege of working with UnSettled Racing as team manager, mentor, and mechanic for the past three years, and it’s an honor to have them back my effort as well.”  Shawn and Clarissa Raggio, Team Owners of Raggio Racing:“We couldn’t be more thrilled for Tyler to have another year to showcase his skills and prove to himself that he can be a front-runner. Over the years, he’s consistently demonstrated his speed and determination, and we are confident that he will continue to do so. Even though this will be Tyler’s first year competing on the KTM, we can see the excitement in his eyes as he gears up to take on this new challenge, and we know that he has what it takes to succeed.”  Micheal and Anna Dobbs, Owners of Sluggo Racing:“Tyler is an accomplished racer and an exceptional individual who shares our passion for the sport. Our partnership with the Raggio family has been long-standing, spanning over two decades with a decade-long sponsorship. We take pride in supporting talented racers like Tyler and in nurturing their skills and talents. We also value the camaraderie and sense of community that racing fosters, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this vibrant and dynamic industry.”  Greg Settle, Owner of UnSettled Racing:“I’m honored to have Tyler Raggio piloting our ATVs and More KTM 450 in 2024. Tyler is an exceptional individual and one of the most outstanding kids in the paddock. Although he was raised in California, (I don’t hold it against him), I now consider him one of the Fast Boys From Illinois group riding out of Effingham.  “Tyler is an incredibly dedicated and hard-working young man who spends a lot of his time helping several youth riders develop their skills and grow the sport. We have high expectations for him in 2024, and we are confident that he will continue to demonstrate the same level of commitment and excellence that he has shown in the past.”

WEC Hypercar contender to be joined by IMSA GTP cars for second consecutive year

DETROIT (Feb.19, 2024) – Cadillac Racing will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June to challenge for the overall victory with three Cadillac V-Series.R hybrid racecars supported by experienced and championship-winning drivers and teams. It is the second consecutive year that Cadillac Racing has received three invitations from event organizer Automobile Club de l’Ouest to compete in the classic endurance race. In 2023 — Cadillac Racing’s first year of FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar competition — the No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R earned a podium finish and the No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R finished fourth at Circuit de la Sarthe. The No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R placed 10th in class.

“We’re thrilled for Cadillac Racing to return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with three cars competing for the overall win in the Hypercar class,” said John Roth, vice president, global Cadillac. “After scoring our first podium finish at this iconic endurance race in 2023, we look to build on that success and showcase the Cadillac V-Series.R’s technology, innovation and durability, while demonstrating the remarkable capabilities and determination of our race teams.” * French translation of news release* Cadillac Racing driver results at Le Mans Cadillac Racing’s stout roster features drivers who have secured overall and class victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, IndyCar championships and IMSA prototype titles among other motorsport accolades. The 92nd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is June 15-16.

“After scoring our first podium finish at this iconic endurance race in 2023, we look to build on that success and showcase the Cadillac V-Series.R’s technology, innovation and durability, while demonstrating the remarkable capabilities and determination of our race teams.”— John Roth, vice president, global Cadillac

• The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R received an automatic entry based on its full-season participation in the WEC. Earl Bamber, Alex Lynn and reigning IndyCar champion Alex Palou will be the drivers. • The No. 3 Cadillac V-Series.R is a full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entry in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class, where it races as the No. 01. Sébastien Bourdais, Renger van der Zande and six-time IndyCar champion Scott Dixon will be the drivers. • The No. 311 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R is a full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entry in the GTP class, where it races as the No. 31. Reigning IMSA GTP champion Pipo Derani and Jack Aitken will be joined by a co-driver to be named in the future.

“We were excited to race in the 100th anniversary of Le Mans in 2023. To be on the podium in 2023 with a brand-new car, new team and new rules, was amazing,” said GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser. “In 2024, we’ll keep pushing forward, use the lessons from 2023 to make us stronger on the program and be ready to go against the best in the world at Le Mans.” The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R placed third in the centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans among its four top-five finishes in its WEC debut season with Bamber, Lynn and Richard Westbrook sharing the driving duties. “We are all looking forward to Cadillac returning to Le Mans and challenging for the overall victory. It has been decades since an American manufacturer has achieved this and we will be strongly pushing to achieve our goal,” said Bamber, overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015 and 2017. Cadillac claimed every IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship GTP trophy in 2023. Cadillac won its fourth Manufacturer Championship and fifth IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup Manufacturer Championship since entering prototype competition in 2017, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R earned driver/team season and IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup titles. The No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R kicked off 2024 IMSA GTP competition with a pole start and runner-up finish in the 62nd Rolex 24 At Daytona in January. The No. 01 Cadillac V-Series.R qualified second. The No. 2 Cadillac V-Series.R opens FIA WEC Hypercar competition March 2 with the Qatar Airways Qatar 1812 Km.

Second year of global competition The Cadillac V-Series.R design — codeveloped by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis constructor Dallara — was informed by the Project GTP Hypercar that was unveiled in June 2022. The racecar incorporates distinctive Cadillac design elements, such as vertical lighting and floating blades.The Cadillac V-Series.R features a purpose-built Cadillac 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing Propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan.

The Smooth Operator beats Devin Moran by 26 points in his first triumph

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 17, 2024) –

Consistent results paid off for reigning World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models champion Bobby Pierce. The Oakwood, IL driver clinched his first career Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator championship after Saturday’s finale was canceled due to rain throughout the morning.

“It’s badass,” Pierce said. “Obviously, I’ve got some little gators, but the big one, I haven’t seen (until Saturday). I’m excited.” 

Pierce began the points chase on Tuesday with an early setback – being involved in a multi-car pileup after leading a majority of the Feature.

The “Smooth Operator” immediately put his #32 to work on Wednesday to get back into contention for the Big Gator. The result? Winning two consecutive golden gator trophies.

Pierce continued to produce high-placing results with two third-place finishes on Thursday and Friday with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models.

He finishes the week at Volusia Speedway Park with two wins, four top fives, and four top 10s, defeating Dresden, OH’s Devin Moran and New Berlin, IL’s Brandon Sheppard in the standings, respectively.

“It proves that we were the most consistent car all week and that’s even with falling out of a race. Honestly, if you would have told me I was gonna win the Big Gator after falling out of that race on Tuesday, I probably would have said you’re crazy.”

Leaving Volusia with the Series points lead, Pierce credited the improvements he’s made at the track since his rough start in 2023 to continue his journey towards a second World of Outlaws title.

“That’s the main goal,” Pierce said. “We’re off to a much better start than last year. I keep looking at it. We’re six points ahead now, but I think last year we were 50 points out of the lead. I mean, it’s too early to be looking at the points, but it’s really cool that we just leave here with a Big Gator before we go racing again. I get to be the points leader for a month, which is cool.”

The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models head to Thunderhill Raceway Park in Summertown, TN, to continue the 2024 season on Friday and Saturday, March 22-23. Tickets will be available at the track.

BARBERVILLE, FL (Feb. 17, 2024) – Due to on-and-off rain this morning, and a weather model received from Precision Weather Service meteorologist Wayne Mahar – who officials worked with on a daily basis – showing worsening conditions throughout the day and into the night, officials have canceled DIRTcar Nationals’ Saturday finale at Volusia Speedway Park.

With that, Bobby Pierce (World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models) and Mat Williamson (Super DIRTcar Series) have been crowned 2024 Big Gator champions.

If you purchased a ticket in advance through the World of Outlaws for the event, you will receive a face-value credit to your MyDirtTickets.com account – good for two years – to be used toward any World of Outlaws event available at WorldofOutlaws.com/tix. If a credit to your account does not work for you, then you have until March 17, 2024 to request a refund.

If you purchased a three-day pit pass, or Saturday grandstand ticket, at the track, please mail your ticket or wristband back to 7575 West Winds Blvd. Suite-D Concord, NC 28027, post marked by March 17, 2024.

The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series will continue its 2024 season at Thunderhill Raceway Park in Summertown, TN, March 22-23. Tickets will be available at the track. If you can’t make it there, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.

The Super DIRTcar Series will commence its 2024 championship season at New Egypt Speedway in New Egypt, NJ for the Power in the Pines on Saturday, March 30. Tickets are available at the track and you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.

You can renew your tickets for the 54th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 4-15, 2025) at Volusia Speedway Park by calling 844-DIRT-TIX or through your My Dirt Tickets account.

Moran picks up his second DIRTcar Nationals gator after holding off Chris Madden and Bobby Pierce 

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 16, 2024) –

Devin Moran continues to deliver for Double Down Motorsports at Volusia Speedway Park, adding a second Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals golden gator to the package.

Friday night saw the Dresden, OH driver win his second World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models Feature in 2024 after a race that saw him fend off a tough field of 28 Late Models in a 40-lap Feature.

Bilstein Pole Award winner Cade Dillard led the field to the green with Moran on the outside. Dillard took the lead off of Turn 2 to control the first quarter of the 40-lap Feature.

On Lap 14, the Robeline, LA driver jumped the cushion on Turn 2 and lost his momentum, with Moran behind to take the lead from the #97.

Moran used the high line to keep his lead, but it was never safe as Gary Court, SC’s Chris Madden, and DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator points leader Bobby Pierce stayed in check with Moran as they navigated lap traffic.

While “The Mailman” used the high line for most of the Feature, Pierce and Madden used a mix of the high and low lines to find some ground to gain on Moran. Madden retained second, closing the gap on Moran as the laps got closer to the finish.

A caution with two laps to go stacked the field for a heart-pumping battle to the end. Madden tried everything he had in his #44 to get around Moran, even using the bottom line Thursday night’s winner Nick Hoffman used to beat Madden.

On the final lap, Moran had a tire go over the cushion, giving Madden one last gasp to win. Madden swung low, attempting to slide past the #99 to the line. Moran kept his foot on the gas through Turns 3-4 to cross the twin checkered flags as the night’s winner.

“Cade messed up behind that lapped car and jumped the cushion,” Moran said. “So I knew I had to take advantage of it when I did the slide for life. I felt like it was so slick through the middle tonight. Just got by (Cade) and held on from there. I knew Bobby was in second and was railing that top. I actually saw my dad telling me to run slider line and once I did that through one and two, I was way better. Bobby and Chris were good tonight, we just edged them out.”

Madden came home second after fighting constantly for space and an opportunity to get around the #99. Though it never came to fruition, Madden is happy with how his car drove in the grueling 40 laps.

“It was a great race and great race track,” Madden said. “It finally came around there toward the end of the race and was able to move around instead of being wide open up on the top. Tonight, the goal was to start and have a really good race and we finally had a line going and was able to keep up top and mount a challenge and then the caution waved. 

“Thanks to everybody that makes this happen, Volusia Speedway Park, everyone that makes this happen, and we’ll keep it going.”

Pierce finished the night in third, hoping to have back his Heat race in which he lost to Moran on the last lap and last corner.

“The track was really good,” Pierce said. “I think it had a bottom out there I was making it work a lot out till the water puddles were getting splashed around. After that, the top got to be the best lane again and we kinda had to ride there. It was a good race though. I think they figured out the race track once the week was getting towards the end here. 

“We’ve had a fast car and it makes us want to keep racing here more. I feel like I was right there with the win tonight if I wouldn’t have messed up in the Heat race, catching that lapped car and getting passed in the final corner. That’s probably did us in tonight.”

Centerville, PA’s Max Blair earned the FOX Factory Hard Charger award after a twelve-place grind to come home in fourth place. Current World of Outlaws CASE Late Models points leader Brandon Sheppard finished the night with a top-five finish.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models make their final 2024 appearance in the Sunshine State with the finale to the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Saturday, Feb. 17. The night will crown the champion of the week-long Big Gator points championship in a 40-lap, $16,000 finale Feature. For more information and tickets, visit DIRTcarNationals.com 

If you can’t make it to the track, watch every lap live on DIRTVision – available either online or through the DIRTVision App.

CASE Late Model Feature (40 Laps): 

1. 99-Devin Moran[2]; 2. 44-Chris Madden[4]; 3. 32-Bobby Pierce[7]; 4. 111-Max Blair[16]; 5. B5-Brandon Sheppard[9]; 6. 16-Tyler Bruening[6]; 7. 1-Hudson O’Neal[12]; 8. 5-Mark Whitener[11]; 9. 76-Blair Nothdurft[13]; 10. 3S-Brian Shirley[19]; 11. 97-Cade Dillard[1]; 12. 97C-Cody Overton[17]; 13. 19R-Ryan Gustin[20]; 14. 20-Jimmy Owens[18]; 15. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[15]; 16. 19-Dustin Sorensen[26]; 17. B1-Brent Larson[23]; 18. 30-Todd Cooney[24]; 19. 18D-Daulton Wilson[14]; 20. 114-Jordan Koehler[10]; 21. 22*-Max McLaughlin[27]; 22. 6JR-Parker Martin[28]; 23. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[8]; 24. 9-Nick Hoffman[5]; 25. 66C-Mason Zeigler[21]; 26. 14W-Dustin Walker[25]; 27. 17M-Dale McDowell[22]; 28. 157-Mike Marlar[3]

·       Nick Sanchez, No. 2 Rev Racing Silverado RST, took the checkered-flag in the 2024 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series’ season-opener at Daytona International Speedway – earning Chevrolet its milestone 100th all-time points-paying victory in the NASCAR national ranks at Daytona International Speedway.  ·       The victory – Sanchez’s first career victory in the series – is Chevrolet’s fourth NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win at Daytona International Speedway, and the manufacturer’s series-leading 277th all-time win in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition.  ·       Chevrolet – the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at Daytona International Speedway – has also earned a series-leading 50 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, including 25 Daytona 500 triumphs, and 46 all-time NASCAR Xfinity Series wins at the “World Center of Racing”.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 16, 2024) – As Nick Sanchez took his first career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory in the series’ season-opening race at Daytona International Speedway, he also became a pivotal part in Chevrolet’s history at the famed Florida superspeedway. Sanchez and the No. 2 Rev Racing Silverado RST team earned Chevrolet its milestone 100th all-time points-paying NASCAR win at Daytona International Speedway – further extending its record as the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at the track.  “To earn 100 NASCAR wins at Daytona International Speedway is a monumental achievement in Chevy’s storied racing history,” said Scott Bell, Vice President, Global Chevrolet. “On behalf of everyone at Chevrolet, thank you to all the drivers and teams who have contributed wins over the years that brought us to this milestone. Chevrolet is proud to be the winningest manufacturer at one of NASCAR’s most iconic venues.” Chevrolet’s legacy at the “World Center of Racing” began early when Bob Welborn drove his 1959 Chevrolet to the win in NASCAR’s first-ever race at Daytona International Speedway. Now, over 60 years later, the Bowtie brand has accumulated 50 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, 46 all-time NASCAR Xfinity Series wins and four NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series wins at Daytona International Speedway – a combined record that continues to raise the mark for its manufacturer competitors. Sanchez is the 48th different driver to carry the Bowtie brand to victory lane in the NASCAR’s national ranks at Daytona International Speedway.  The 2024 NASCAR season-opening race weekend at Daytona International Speedway continues with Saturday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 300, followed by the NASCAR Cup Series 66th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday.   # # # #

Chevrolet NCS Winners at DISJeff Gordon: 6Dale Earnhardt Jr: 4Tony Stewart: 4Cale Yarborough: 3Dale Earnhardt: 3Jimmie Johnson: 3Michael Waltrip: 3Sterling Marlin: 3Austin Dillon: 2Ernie Irvan: 2Junior Johnson: 2Kevin Harvick: 2Benny Parsons: 1Bob Welborn: 1Dale Jarrett: 1Darrell Waltrip: 1Derrike Cope: 1Geoff Bodine: 1Greg Sacks: 1Jamie McMurray: 1Johnny Rutherford: 1Justin Haley: 1Ricky Stenhouse Jr: 1Tim Richmond: 1William Byron: 1

Chevrolet NXS Winners at DISDale Earnhardt Jr: 6Tony Stewart: 6Dale Earnhardt: 5Austin Hill: 2Justin Haley: 2Randy LaJoie: 2Austin Dillon: 1Chase Elliott: 1Clint Bowyer: 1Darrell Waltrip: 1Geoff Bodine: 1James Buescher: 1Jeremy Clements: 1Joe Nemechek: 1Justin Allgaier: 1Kasey Kahne: 1Kevin Harvick: 1Kurt Busch: 1Kyle Busch: 1Kyle Larson: 1Martin Truex Jr: 1Matt Kenseth: 1Michael Annett: 1Noah Gragson: 1Regan Smith: 1Ross Chastain: 1Steve Grissom: 1Tyler Reddick: 1William Byron: 1

Chevrolet NCTS Winners at DIS Johnny Sauter: 2Kaz Grala: 1Nick Sanchez: 1

NASCAR CUP SERIES DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY DAYTONA 500 MEDIA AVAILABILITY TRANSCRIPT FEBRUARY 16, 2024

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 RICHARD CHILDRES RACING CAMARO ZL1, was the fastest Chevrolet driver in the NASCAR Cup Series’ practice session at Daytona International Speedway. Media Availability Quotes –  Is there any concern that Chevrolet is not up to speed with the Fords and Toyotas?“I don’t know. I mean we looked pretty good in qualifying and it’s hard to tell when you have small packs out there. The RCR cars and the HMS cars made a run together, but you throw in the Trackhouse guys then maybe we start running the same lap times that the other manufacturers are running. They were just in bigger groups, so I think more is better. At least it was right there it seemed like. We were kind of working on our car because we had quite a bit of damage from the other night, but it seemed to turn a pretty decent lap, wasn’t very good getting pushed, so we made an adjustment, and it seemed like that was a positive there at the end. Kyle (Busch) was able to push me there at the end and I could feel better because that was kind of our Achillies heel, because we couldn’t be pushed.  But that was better right there. Pretty happy with it and if we can make that a little better then we can go into Sunday and have a little fun.” I noticed a backup car on a flatbed. Were you guys ready to go to a backup if your car couldn’t be repaired?“I am assuming that was because the No. 8 went to a backup, and we probably carry one backup car in the two haulers. So, they probably brought one down last night. That’s probably what that was, in case something happened in practice.” Do you and Kyle (Busch) feel good about going into this race as well as you ran last year?“I felt really good about it last night when we took off there in the front. It’s so hard with the Duels and the way it works out right now with the speedway racing we have right now where you are racing to a fuel window.  You saw Denny gained 15 spots by saving fuel and that was kind of what we were trying to do. And when someone in front of you makes a mistake getting to pit road like the 45 and the 19 and then we got sideswiped, it just kills your day, and you are trying to fight back. It’s not like a couple of years ago when you could just drive back to the front if you had a good car, and you made some good moves.  Now, you just start side drafting each other and you just don’t have that third lane. My hope now is now with more race cars that we get a third lane formed. It usually changes a lot from the Duels to the race, so I want to see better racing. I don’t know about the current package, and I don’t know how great it is, I don’t know how good it is with the ones we have had in the past.  I say that, but you can always make it worse.” With the fuel mileage, is there a disadvantage to leading?“I mean look at the 47 last night. He carried everybody and looked like a hero, but then has to come to pit road laps early and he is pretty much stuck in the back and gets caught up in a wreck. So, you can get some TV time for your partners by going up there and staying 100% throttle, knowing that you are going to rotate to the back for the next run and hope that you can get back up through there by just being patient, making some good moves and trying to take advantage of people who are lifting.  It’s just kind of an accordion to who is running wide open and who is not. It’s different because you always wanted to be the guy that was 100% running in the throttle all the time.   And now its become a fuel saving game to flip pit strategy. It’s just different.”

NASCAR CUP SERIES DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY DAYTONA 500 MEDIA AVAILABILITY TRANSCRIPT FEBRUARY 16, 2024

KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 ZONE CAMARO ZL1, met with the media ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series’ practice session at Daytona International Speedway. Media Availability Quotes –  “Happy to have Zone as a new partner at RCR and we are excited to carry their colors. Was hoping for a better night last night, definitely got them some TV time, but not quite the glamorous way to victory lane, but hopefully on Sunday.” What are you gaining skill-wise in running all these micro dirt races? Are you able to take some of those learnings to Cup, or how does that work?“No, its just practice. Just staying in the car, staying sharp and doing all those things. I used to do that with all the unlimited Truck starts, unlimited Xfinity starts.  Did that for a long time, but then got limited on that. Then I started doing some Super Late Model stuff, and started doing that a little bit more and more, but years went on and that stuff is just crazy, crazy expensive. The Micro thing, with Brexton going to the races he is going to, I can run on the same track as he can, and I can just get out there and run around and just get laps and do it for fun mostly. I have won a few shows. I won I think two winged shows at just different tracks across the country, not the big ones, I am not that good. The wrong Kyle. The point is to just go out there and get some track time and I can help with Brexton’s stuff when I can feel and see what the track is doing than just being a spectator or crew chief on his car.” What are you looking for out of the next two rounds of practice in your backup car?“Yeah, I thought media day was Groundhog’s Day. Then I had yesterday running the Duels Groundhog Day from last year getting torn up and crashed, having to go to a backup car, and starting all over again. I don’t know if we saw our shadow today or not, but we will get out there and work on the things that we know we need in our car which is the drivability of it. I will probably get out there and make a single car lap or two just to make sure the heights are all right and make sure everything is good, nothing is bottoming out and nothing is not how we expect it to be.  Then we will get in a pack draft with our Chevy key partner teams, go out there and make some laps, and trade some positions.  See what it’s like out front, see what its like in the back, and that is kind of all you can really learn.” What is it like seeing your old team KBM having success and in a way keep what you started going?“Yeah, I told them, don’t screw it up. I left it in a pretty good spot. I am excited about the opportunity to get some races over there, but we haven’t finalized all that yet. They have got a great organization, a lot of really good people. A lot of them stayed, some left, so it does look a lot different.  That shop is entirely different than what it was the last 12-13 years or however many I was in it.  They are doing a good job with what they got, and I am supposed to go over there….I am a consultant. I am supposed to go over there next week and do some consulting and talk to them about some of their race stuff and what they go through tonight.  Excited to see the progress, sit down with the guys, the drivers, stuff like that, and to continue that leadership role.”                                                                                                                                                            Regarding being an athlete and there is one thing you are striving for, how you approach the disappointment of the Daytona 500 and not have won it but have come close?“I would say the biggest thing that helped me through that is being in the Championship Race at Homestead and letting that race play out and letting everything kind of happen because we went into that race playing with house money.  Nobody thought we should be there, all the stuff, whatever.  And then we were like, ‘oh well, we are not going to be expected to win the championship, so let’s just go see what we can do’. And low and behold we win the race, and we win the championship and so that kind of taught me right there that you can’t force things always. Even last year I tried to force situations and I ended up spun out and backed into the fence. I had to go backwards down the track to get to my pit box. You know, it’s stuff like that where a lot of people try to force a lot of things in this race, and they get themselves in trouble. Some moment it pays off for them. There’s guys that have made good moves, aggressive moves, that have won this race too. You just have to play it out as it comes to you and be ready for the unexpected.” Does this race become more like your job, or are there still butterflies, but now that you have done it six thousand times, is it any different?“Its six hundred and eight-something. God, six thousand, that would be a lot. No, coming here for the first two or three…..so I was here three years with Hendrick (Motorsports) then two with Gibbs (Joe Gibbs Racing), the second year with Gibbs, probably five years in, it was kind of like – it’s a big deal, this is a big race, this is a big moment. It was butterflies, it was all that sort of stuff, especially when you get down toward the end. Since I got comfortable at JGR, it was like ‘man, its just another race’, don’t let it get to you and don’t let the meaning of this race counteract the events of you trying to win. Vegas for instance. I went to Las Vegas, my home track, and I watched that place be built and all that. I put so much pressure on myself in winning an Xfinity race there that I crashed every year, did stupid stuff, spinning out at the checkered flag, and whatever, you know? Finally, we won that thing and it was like a relief and it was like, ‘wow, you really didn’t have to do as much’. You know? You do have to put all the right pieces in the right places. You have to have the right car, you have to have good pit stops, you have to do your job, and if we can all execute and do our job as our team, with this No. 8 Zone Camaro ZL1 on Sunday, then its meant to be and its our day, then by all means we are going to celebrate like crazy.” In 2015, did you gain perspective in having to watch that race from wherever you were and missing that race?“I was watching it in Halifax Hospital, don’t remember what room I was in, or floor number, but I was laying in a hospital bed and wondering if I was ever going to walk again. Just being a little dramatic after the day’s prior event, but yeah, watched the start. Remember seeing it. Shed a few tears, crying to just if I was going to get back, or if I was going to get back. I had the determination to get back. You just don’t know at that point. Then I passed out for a good while. Drugs were good. I don’t remember a whole lot of the race, but then somehow, I think I did wake up somewhere near the end and I think Logano won that year. So, I did see that and that didn’t make me feel any better.”

The 16-year-old silenced many doubters with speed and maturity as his rookie campaign began

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 16, 2024) – A week ago, Sprint Car fans across the nation were left stunned. 

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars unleashed its first Sea Foam Qualifying session of the 2024 season at Volusia Speedway Park and when the final car took the checkered flag, it wasn’t one of the usual suspects laying down the fastest lap. Neither qualifying master David Gravel nor Carson Macedo stood atop the speed chart. That spot belonged to 16-year-old Landon Crawley.

The Benton, AR native came out with a bang in his first laps with The Greatest Show on Dirt. And he wasn’t done yet. Crawley finished second in his Heat race to qualify for the Dash in his first appearance. Two nights later he qualified fourth fastest in his Flight and again made the Dash. This time he topped the Dash to sit on the pole of only his third World of Outlaws Feature. Heads were turned and doubters silenced.

“Blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while. I just happened to find two this week,” Crawley joked. “I don’t know how long I can keep it up, but I’m going to do my best and just take it one night at a time.”

The teenager is wise beyond his years and taking a healthy approach to his rookie World of Outlaws campaign. A one-night-at-a-time outlook is exactly what’s required to tackle the demanding 80-plus race calendar. Crawley displays a maturity that didn’t go unnoticed by Jason Sides as the longtime driver for his own team put him in the seat of the #7S for 2024.

“It definitely helps,” Crawley said of working with Sides. “As far as driving, he kind of just lets me do my thing and learn as I go. As far as setup and car, I feel like I’ve had probably one of the best race cars right now. This thing practically drives itself. I had probably one of the best cars I’ve ever had in my life last weekend. Everything has gone over so well.”

Crawley entered this year with only one night’s worth of 410 Sprint Car experience. Prior to making the leap to full-time 410 racing, Crawley followed in his father’s footsteps with success in the 360 ranks. His dad – Tim Crawley – is a three-time American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) champion.

The blooming racer’s mature mindset wasn’t only apparent on the track at Volusia. He came across well-spoken and articulate in interviews. He also made it clear he still has plenty of improving to do and a long road ahead. He doesn’t merely want to start first in World of Outlaws Features. He wants to finish up front, too.

“The biggest thing right now is I run up front, but I’m struggling with restarts and struggling with dirty air,” Crawley admitted. “The first night dirty air was my biggest problem on top of some motor problems, but I also had to fight some issues driving. I’m kind of just learning as I go.

“I’ve got to stay out of my own head. I beat myself down and get in my head then I lose 20 spots in a Feature. But at the same time, I’ve hardly ever done this before. I’ve only ran five 410 races in my life. It’s all just a learning process, and it’s going to take time.”

Track time is something Crawley will have plenty of as the season continues. The nine-month campaign takes the tour to 41 ovals of various shapes and sizes in 19 different states. Many new tracks await Crawley during his debut year with the World of Outlaws. But fortunately for him, the schedule also takes him to familiar territory soon. March and April boast a dozen races combined in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri – all not far from home for the Arkansas driver.

“I think I should be alright at some of those places,” Crawley said. “It’s more similar to what I’m used to. The biggest thing is just going to be the power difference for me. It may take three or four nights to get comfortable again, but I think all of that will go over decent. There’s definitely some Oklahoma tracks that I’ve already been to that I’m really looking forward to, Muskogee (Thunderbird Speedway) and 81 (Speedway) in Kansas, some of those places. They’re bigger tracks, but I feel like I’m a little bit better on the bigger tracks here recently.”

The 2024 season currently sits in a small break as teams regroup from four straight nights of racing during DIRTcar Nationals. The grind resumes in two weeks with another trip to Volusia, and Crawley isn’t thinking about replicating his Qualifying speed. He’s ready to put a full night together. He’s ready to learn what it takes to run up front with The Greatest Show on Dirt on a nightly basis.

“I’m just trying to get a little bit more consistent, put together some good laps, and get some better results.”

Crawley’s rookie World of Outlaws campaign continues in two weeks at Volusia Speedway Park’s Bike Week Jamboree (March 3-4) in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

NASCAR CUP SERIES DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY DAYTONA 500 OEM PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT FEBRUARY 15, 2024 JIM CAMPBELL, VICE PRESIDENT, PERFORMANCE AND MOTORSPORTS FOR GENERAL MOTORS MET WITH THE MEDIA WITH LEADERS FROM FORD AND TOYOTA TO DISCUSS A NUMBER OF TOPICS BEFORE THE START OF THE 2024 NASCAR SEASON.  Regarding the outlook for the 2024 NASCAR race season. “We look forward to this weekend in a big way, and looking back at 2023, it was a good season but obviously there are certainly more goals that we want to accomplish in 2024.  We won fifty percent of the races across Cup, Xfinity and Truck Series, we had the manufacturer’s championships in those series as well, but we got to the Championship Race in Phoenix and didn’t bring home the championship. Obviously, the goal this year is to have good momentum this year and qualify the Chevrolet teams into the playoffs and get to Phoenix and go for a different outcome. Manufacturer and Driver Championships are always a goal and always go hand in hand. Excited about this year, excited to be in Daytona because here we have had 99 wins across all the national series. So, the next win here will be 100 and it will be a special one. All the teams are trying to get that 100th win for Chevrolet and obviously a win for themselves in either Truck, Xfinity or Cup. So, looking forward to the season and it’s great to be here.” Regarding the future of hydrogen and hybrid technology development for street vehicles and potentially in motorsport? “I would just say for GM, on the propulsion side, you really have to prepare for all lanes. Internal combustion and we do have a long-time development program in hydrogen fuel cells and we are partnering with Honda on that. Obviously around the world in our portfolio we do have hybrids and PHEV, so you have to be ready for all the combinations for the production side of the business, depending on what the consumers want and also for the compliance for the countries that you compete in. And we compete all over the world. So, we are developing all of those. As far as hydrogen, we have been in development for about a decade and a half and have a good partnership with Honda on that. So we will see where that goes as far as in market applications in the showroom and we will take that on down the road for the performance application.” Do you know whether you will replace the Camaro for next year since its going out of production and what is your timeline to decide on a new body style?“We are not making any announcements today, but we did say that Camaro is ending production. We are selling Camaros all through this year and actually some may remain in next year as well.  And as Scott Bell, who heads up our Chevrolet dealers said, this is not the end of the Camaro story.  But we have nothing to announce today.” Did General Motors/Cadillac find F1’s statement about your ability insulting or anything like that? And second part, you can build an engine in F1 by 2026, but can’t because of the regulations? “Just on the last part of your question, when you register to be a power unit, there is a deadline to do that, and for us it was last June for 2028. If you wanted to develop an engine sooner, then you would have had to register the previous year for that. So, it’s simply a regulation.   In terms of our application with Andretti (Autosport), we feel great about our application. The FIA studied it against other applicants and then gave our application a vote of confidence and approval. So obviously the FOM made their statement, and we have asked for a follow up meeting with FOM and so we will work through that. We do believe between Andretti and Cadillac that we have got the capability of fielding a competitive entry. We are not saying that it is easy, but we do between our two organizations have examples in our history of where we have been successful in other motorsports categories and that is true of Cadillac and Andretti. With that said, our joint teams are continuing to develop our car at pace. So, that is where we are at.” You weren’t insulted at all that they didn’t think you could do it? “As I said, we believe in the application we submitted and in that application we articulated the abilities of both Andretti as a race team, and Cadillac as a manufacturing and engineering entity. So, we feel confident in the application and are asking for a meeting with FOM.” Can you speak about the significance of the potential of reaching 100 NASCAR national wins here at Daytona and what that means for your company?“Yeah, I mean it is significant because across the three series we are at 99 and this is such a special venue to race at and whether you win in Truck, Xfinity or Cup, it’s a special moment. It’s a great way to start the season and to do that one of the teams could get their first win of the season and our 100th.  So it’s a special celebration and we do look for those key milestone victories as a way to rally and motivate our internal team as well as our partner teams.” Regarding keeping the Camaro gives Chevy a competitive advantage given that Toyota and Ford have new bodies in the sport. Do you think that an advantage will even be a thing?“Well, we will see here this weekend. Hopefully this weekend, if not this weekend, soon. The one thing that NASCAR has done in the ruleset is they keep us in a pretty tight box and keep the competition tight. Basically, in downforce and drag, they have parameters that you are required to stay within. And so our car is within that box as are the other two OEMs. It’s going to be tight. You can see out there in the Duels how tight that is going to be. The one thing that we do have because our body is the same as last year, is just continuity and momentum in development in preparation and simulation versus the time that we have had to switch to a new body, we spent a lot of time in that switchover. That is a positive, but you can see how tight it is out there and that is mainly because of the rule settings that NASCAR has on downforce and drag requirements.”  You won half the races, won the manufacturer championship, but didn’t win the driver championships. Does that make the season a yea or nay for you guys?“You know, it’s a bit of both. You are excited about winning 18 of the 36 in the Cup Series and the Manufacturer’s Championship and what that means and what that takes. Then you are completely motivated when you leave Phoenix to prepare and go back and win the Driver’s Championship. This season, the Manufacturer and Driver’s Championship are goals that we put forth every season and every series.  We didn’t get all the way there and it motivates us more at the end of that race in Phoenix and when you go to the banquet. You see who is getting celebrated and you get motivated. That is part of the excitement of racing is to come back the next season and go for it. And that is what we are doing.”

February 16, 2024

Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/DEX Imaging Mustang Dark Horse are set to start Sunday’s Daytona 500 from 12^th place after finishing fifth in the second Bluegreen Vacations Duel qualifying race on Thursday night.

In that 150-miler, Burton avoided significant damage in the “Big One” multi-car crash with 13 laps remaining then made a bid for the win on the final lap only to fall to fifth place at the finish line.

Burton started that qualifying race, the second of two that set the majority of the line-up for Sunday’s Great American Race, from fifth place.

He raced in the top 10 in the early going, and after dropping back a few positions, was back in the top 10 as a round of green-flag pit stops got under way.

Burton cycled into the lead before making his stop at Lap 44. He returned to the track in 15^th place and was running there on Lap 47 when a wreck began unfolding ahead of him.

Burton, one of 11 drivers collected in the incident, was able to slow the Motorcraft/DEX Imaging Mustang and avoid race-ending damage. When the race resumed following a red-flag period, he made a pit stop then worked his way forward and ran as high as second place before winding up fifth. That earned him a good starting spot for the 500 and six Stage points.

“I had a real shot at it,” Burton told reporters after the race. “I’m really proud of our guys.”

Burton said he bounced off the wall in the big wreck, but the Motorcraft/DEX Imaging crew checked over his Mustang and determined it was safe to continue.

“I have a lot of confidence in that crew,” he said. “When they say my car is good to go, it’s good to go. Burton added that he thought he was in position on the last lap to take the win.

“I tried to get to the [Christopher Bell’s] outside, … with [Austin Cindric] pushing me and got really, really loose,” he said. “I thought I had plenty of momentum to make it happen, but I just got a little free there, but I’m really proud of our guys. 

“We were a little damaged and still had a good car, so that’s how you know you have a really good car. Hopefully, we can see what’s wrong and it’s nothing major and we can go run this car in the 500 and try and win that one.”

Two practice sessions, the first on Friday at 5:35 p.m. and the second on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., will give the Motorcraft/DEX Imaging team a chance to fine tune the No. 21 Mustang Dark Horse.

The green flag for Sunday’s 200-lap Daytona 500 is set to fly just after 2:30 p.m., with Stage breaks planned for Laps 65 and 130.

FOX Sports 1 will televise the practices, with the coverage switching to FOX for the 500.