Category Archives: Uncategorized

Sent on behalf of RVR DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 14, 2024) – Ryan Varnes Racing LLC (RVR) is proud to announce thatCameron Smith will pilot the #34 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 790 Duke in Mission SuperTwins competition for the 2024 Progressive American Flat Track season. The Pennsylvanian is coming off an impressive ‘23 season in which he demonstrated his ability to compete with the world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers in the premier class, logging a pair of late-season top tens, including a fifth-place finish at the Black Hills Half-Mile. Smith has been racing since he was six years old, and the 2024 season will mark his tenth as a professional. During that time, he’s twice finished sixth in the championship standings – once apiece in the Mission Production Twins and Parts Unlimited AFT Singles classes – while registering numerous top fives and multiple podiums along the way. RVR is committed to campaigning the entire 2024 Progressive AFT season along with select test days and special events. The effort is backed by Rausch Fuel and Oil, Iowa City Brake, Dick Ford, Brian Willis, and Brush/Eaken Racing with Bart Addis. Team Manager Kevin Varnes said, “We’re excited to have Cam aboard this season. Cam and my late son, Ryan, grew up racing together, and I was lucky to have the opportunity to watch Cam compete at every level throughout his career. He is a talented hard charger with the ability to ride anything he sits on to its fullest potential.” Smith said, “Thanks to RVR, I feel like 2024 will be my time to show everyone what I’ve really got. The team gives 100% effort, and I’m ready to give them the same every time I ride. I’ve been training hard, eating right, and doing a lot of riding this winter to get ready. I can’t wait for Daytona.” Stay up to date with RVR by following: Instagram : 34cameronsmith Facebook :  Cameron Smith

Uncategorized

Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Daytona Media Day–austin dillon

February 14, 2024 ARP Trish

NASCAR CUP SERIES DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY DAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAYS FEBRUARY 14, 2024

AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 RICHARD CHILDRESS CAMARO ZL1 – 2024 Daytona 500 Media Day Quotes Being a defending winner of the Daytona 500, how does it feel coming back for another Daytona 500?“The events I think about are 2021 and last year, so the ones you didn’t win. Probably the most dominant race car I had here would have been in 2021 when (Michael) McDowell won. Won the Duel, ran inside the top-five all day and just were very close to winning that race and we finished third. That one was one that was everything, man. That was a magical weekend – to run the Duel, running top-three and close to winning another one. And then you come back last year and Kyle (Busch) and I find ourselves first and second coming to the white flag when the caution falls, and then you know, mayhem ensues after that restart and trying to push him around the backstretch. And then I get hit, and those are the ones you think of that got away. There’s potential of having three Daytona 500 wins by now in my career, so that gives you even that much more confidence. You know how to find that way, to be in that position in this thing, so it gets you excited.”
“Losing definitely hurts, but it also gives you the confidence that there is a pattern here. There’s a reason why I’m able to get to the end of these things and be in a position to win. You lean back on that confidence.. that pattern you’ve been able to create as a driver here. You use that to your advantage.”
What do you feel has been your strength, particularly in the NextGen car, on these superspeedways?“I’d say even before the Next Gen car, I thought RCR and ECR has a bigger advantage. The Next Gen has really tightened up the field, so you have to be strategic about not making a mistake and putting yourself in a good position. I think transitioning on pit stops strategy, that’s become such a big part of these things now. Getting on pit road cleanly; getting in line and getting up to speed fast. ECR horsepower, I think, is a big part of that. We’ve always had strong engines at the speedways, and then Kyle (Busch) is a good speedway racer. He hasn’t won here at the 500, but he’s a dang good speedway racer. He puts himself in good position, and I’ve worked with him in past in Trucks, Xfinity, and Cup even when we weren’t aligned. Now, I think last year, the Talladega win for Kyle – that was a lot on him saying ‘Hey, I’m not coming down pit road for fuel’, and then he drove his butt off. Last year, it was just kind of a weird 500 with how it worked out. We found ourselves in a really good position there at the end. We’re linked up, and Kyle gave me a hand signal with five or six to go – went outside of the two most dominant cars and were in that great position we were in.”
What did you glean from Kyle (Busch) last year during his first full year at RCR?“I think just his competitive nature. He truly eats, sleeps, and breathes racing. When he’s not at a NASCAR track, he’s at a dirt track with Brexton (his son) and racing when Brexton isn’t racing. He is just a competitor, and he’s very good at explaining what he wants in the racecar. What we need to do to get better. He’s one of those people that at all costs, he’s trying to make things better.”

With the hybrid that is Atlanta now, what did you have to learn to be successful at that track given the change in the track and change in the car?“I haven’t been successful at Atlanta, so I’ve got to go to work on that one. Truthfully, since we’ve gone to Atlanta… in the first race, we were pretty good. I got turned at the end of the stage, and if we didn’t, we would’ve finished second or third. That was probably one of the best cars I’ve had there. Past that, Atlanta has been… I’ve had some massive hits there.
I think this time around, it’s coming up with a game plan. When you don’t have a game plan going into one of these races that you can’t truly commit to, you kind of get stuck in the middle and you don’t know what you’re doing, and it usually doesn’t turn out good. You’ve got to be committed to strategy and stick to that strategy. That’s a part of speedway racing. I’m not going to go all day and try and lead every lap or am I going to ride around and make a charge. But you can’t just be in the middle like I’m just going to figure it out. Sometimes that works, but I feel like being decisive on one of the two places you want to be.”
“Atlanta has been really weird, and it’s still changing. I think the track with another winter on it, it could be slicker. But we’re going to be there when it’s probably cold and we’ll have grip. You’ll be in between trying to take as much downforce as you can and drag out, and we’ll try to choose a path. We just haven’t been great there yet, but we’ve just got to figure it out.”
On Atlanta, you talked about it being a hybrid and taking massive hits at Atlanta, but is the crashing the same? Meaning, there’s usually not a single-car crash at Daytona. Is it the same way at Atlanta?“If you’re involved in a wreck, it’s going to suck either way. Atlanta is similar crashing to Daytona. It did spread out on the long green flag run in the summertime, or whenever the second race was when pit stops started happening. But it seems to kind of yoyo back together.”
The Chevy bodies have remained, but in figuring out how Ford and Toyota draft, is that something that will change how we see racing in the Duels tomorrow?“I tried to talk to some of the guys in the Ford camp when I was on RaceHub, and just say ‘Hey, what do you think of the new car? Is it going to change the way you guys have drafted?’. The only thing I got was that they felt the nose might be a little more pointed, not as rounded as it has been. That’s kind of been our Achilles’ Heel from the Chevrolet standpoint, is being to successfully push at all times, whereas the Fords can kind of push us and push themselves very well. We’ve always had to be a little more strategic in how we push and communicate to each other the best way to push with our car. If that brings that in to play for them, I think there will be a learning curve, first of all. They will probably wreck a couple of cars, if it’s a little more pointed. And then once they figure that out, it will be normal. It’s a little harder when the nose doesn’t line up great.”
If one (a Ford) is behind you in the Duels, is it something you don’t feel comfortable with?“It’s hard. I think you’re going to just have to take it at the start if they’ve got a run and that guy is being aggressive. You can probably feel it right off. If you catch it quick, and it’s in the backstretch or in the tri-oval, the backstretch can sometimes be as bad as the tri-oval depending upon your setup. Hopefully you’ve built the car that it will receive a push as good as possible. The Duel is the time to test it. The racing in the Duels have been kind of odd the last year or so. It’s hard to be aggressive in the Duel because you have the one pit stop that really matters, and I feel like everyone plans around that one pit stop. So if you get yourself out of position before that pit stop, you’re kind of screwed. It’s hard to make a big gain, where it used to be where you could make moves and get yourself back to position. Now, it starts from the drop of the green flag that you’re positioning yourself for the pit stop and how you leave pit road. Definitely got to figure that out because you want to know how good your car is handling. Whenever everyone is running around the bottom in one line or everyone is splitting up, you’re not really getting that handling sensation. I remember leaving the Duel last year thinking my car is good. I mentioned handling was going to be an issue, but it didn’t… But in Sunday it was a big issue compared to the Duel. You’re running at night, you’re not running two- or three-wide as much, so when you go to say ‘Hey, my car is this or that,’ it’s got to be double the effect, usually, for the (Daytona) 500 because of the heat and more cars on track.
Is the dynamic going to change with three additional Toyotas in that camp?“You’ll see them out there, and you’ll see it… It’ll probably take the first time when a guy that was a Chevy and is now a Toyota, would have probably stuck with you, but now… They’ll just be stronger. It definitely helps when you have numbers, but we all find each other out there and having to work with each other at certain times – Toyota, Ford and Chevy. But, Chevy is who I’m going to commit to when it comes down to it, and they know that.”
Where do you see yourself now in the sport, and where do you see yourself in five years?“I feel like I’m at a place where I need to step up and take that next step, to try and get to a multi-win season. Go further than I’ve ever gone in the Playoffs. My ultimate goal since I’ve got to the Cup level is to be the first guy to win a championship at all three levels. That is still where my head is at. I’ve been able to see a lot of changes throughout my career, starting when Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Dale Jr. were in the Cup level and I got to race against those guys. Now, we’re at a whole new change of the car, a new racecar, new style of racing, so I’m going to try and do my best to put myself and my name back in that top tier of guys. Last year was one of those years where you just got kicked and kicked, and I was wondering when it was going to end. This year is a fresh start. Everybody is excited to go, my family, everybody being at the track to support us, so it’s going to be a good year. Just want to put myself where I feel I can be, and that’s in that top tier. I’ve been there before, and I want to be a multi-win guy at the Cup level.”
How much is having Kyle Busch in the building, helped you push to elevate yourself that much more?“Kyle always shows the capability of the racecars, and that’s big. He pushes it, and if it’s not there, he’s going to push it past that. It’s good to see that. It gives you confidence knowing where we stand as an organization, and what you can accomplish.”
Does coming back here as a previous winner (in 2018) take any pressure off coming into this week?“Once you’ve won it, you put the pressure on yourself because you want to do it again. You know what that experience is like. I don’t feel pressure from the outside, because I’ve already become a Daytona 500 champion. But, it’s more for me, because I enjoy this place, everything that it is, the victory lane here and what comes with it. Once you win here, it’s a game-changer. Not very often do you get to live in your dream, because everybody dreams about winning something, and dreaming about winning the Daytona 500 was one of those dreams for a long time for me. Then, you go and accomplish it, and you get to live in it. You taste it. It’s something you crave after that.”
What’s the sense you get from Kyle (Busch), who has won just about everything but this? Is there extra incentive over this one?“I think everybody at our shop knows it for Kyle this is huge, and we’d like to give him that opportunity. Kyle puts extra on this race. He wants it. He’s so good at driving a racecar that this race will never define his career, but I know the competitor he his. He wants it bad, and he will be one to reckon with this weekend.”
Have you talked through strategies if it comes down to the last final laps with you two what to do?“Yeah, we’ll probably try and figure out what we did wrong last year. (Laughs.) Last year came down to the perfect situation, and the caution comes out. The perfect situation ended up changing quick. Our cars just didn’t take off well because we couldn’t push great. Our cars were fast once you got them going, but we had to get through that first lap to really have the shot we needed. It was green, and we needed it to go green. This year, if that situation comes, we’ve made adjustments to our cars that hopefully they will handle better in that position where we really have to push super hard. On top of the fact that, maybe, we decide to change up our strategy, not be in a line, and split ourselves up, and try and get back together once we get going. We’ll have strategy, for sure, for that same situation because we’ve experienced it now.”
Does Richard (Childress) poke his head in there to give advice, being experienced?“He gives us advice on the radio during the moment, usually. His opinion is always wanted, and when he talks, he usually has very good points, because he tries to cover them all.”
What conversations did you have in the offseason when trying to figure out how or what was more necessary to make improvements?“I think just having a set schedule for to meet each and every weekend to talk about… We’ve already talked about the races, but to sit down and go over video together, eating lunch together, there’s not a whole lot we can do, just be better as a group. We’ve added a couple of guys, but most of the guys have stayed. The biggest thing, I think, I’ve said in our competition lunch, we went through the hardest thing you can as a team. Last year was a struggle. We hit the wall a lot, a lot of crashes. And then by the end of the year, we started having some pretty good runs. We started ticking off some pretty good runs that were acknowledgeable. For those guys to fight through that, and for them to not leave us… First of all, it’s hard to keep a group of guys together in this sport, because there are always other opportunities in this sport. We were able to retain everybody, and they wanted to be there, and that shows me they believe in what we’ve got as a group. Now, we just got to be smart about how we pick and choose our battles this year, and attack when we’re hot.”
Are there ways that the 3 and the 8 can work closer together and are there things like that, that can be done?“Yeah, for sure. You know, I think you saw some improvement from us when we started following on the 8 more last year. We just want to bring more to the 8 more often. Last year we used them a lot and we need to do our part and give something back to them from time to time. But yeah, we are definitely going to work on trying to work together the best we can.”
Are there things you have changed over the years to be a better race car driver? “Yeah, you know, for me I think it is doing as much road racing as I can in the offseason and working with Josh Wise and his program has been big. I have improved a lot on the road racing thing a lot and that was big for me, but even looking for ways for me to be better on the ovals. I have always thought that ovals come more natural to me, so I haven’t put a lot of extra effort into becoming a better oval racer, but now I look at it a lot more differently when I am working with Josh and those guys. Just trying to take everything I can and use it.”
The 1.5-mile tracks with the Next Gen car…how has that racing changed and how do you think it’s improved?“I think the racing on the 1.5-mile tracks is probably the best racing we have now with this new car. It really seems to put on a good show, and you find certain times and tracks that race really (inaudible). The restarts are really pretty wild.”
In the year since Kyle (Busch) joined, what has changed and what has improved with RCR going into year two?“Yeah, I think everybody is just putting in a little extra effort. Kyle really demands that and does a good job of pushing everybody in the shop to give us the best we can. Our communication is good and we are learning more about the simulator together and what tools we have and can properly use.”
Talk about Ty (Dillon) racing in the Trucks and if it is disappointing not to race against him?“I think he is excited about the opportunity to go out there and be competitive each and every weekend. Obviously, it’s a bummer not seeing him on Sunday’s as much, but I think he’s got some opportunities there as well. I am seeing him in the simulator because he has been taking on some simulator time for our team. So, communicating with him like that is a little different because we haven’t been teammates at that level and that type of capacity, so having him at the shop and simulator like that is cool.”
With there being five different champions in this series the past five years, how have you seen the parity change?“For sure. I was in the years where Jimmie Johnson was dominating, and you couldn’t touch him. So, definitely the Next Gen brought something to our sport and that was very competitive calibration. What would you call it? Brought everybody together.”
You won this race in 2021 and your teams were close last year. Does it matter to have to have a bad or good run in the Daytona 500 to make a difference and how long does that last?“Yeah, I mean a great run here can carry you for weeks. Just because there are extra points to get in the Dual and then, yes, it’s just a huge momentum boost because every one of your partners and fans are going to be watching it.” Are there ways that the 3 and the 8 can work closer together, and are there things like that, that can be done?“Yeah, for sure. You know, I think you saw some improvement from us when we started following on the 8 (Kyle Busch) more last year. We just want to bring more to the 8, more often. Last year, we used them a lot and we need to do our part and give something back to them from time to time. But yeah, we are definitely going to work on trying to work together the best we can.”
Are there things you have changed over the years to be a better race car driver? “Yeah, you know, for me – I think it is doing as much road racing as I can in the offseason, and working with Josh Wise and his program has been big. I have improved a lot on the road racing thing a lot and that was big for me. But even looking for ways for me to be better on the ovals. I have always thought that ovals come more natural to me, so I haven’t put a lot of extra effort into becoming a better oval racer, but now I look at it a lot more differently when I am working with Josh and those guys. Just trying to take everything I can and use it.”
The 1.5-mile tracks with the Next Gen car…how has that racing changed and how do you think it’s improved?“I think the racing on the 1.5-mile tracks is probably the best racing we have now with this new car. It really seems to put on a good show, and you find certain times and tracks that race really (inaudible). The restarts are really pretty wild.”
In the year since Kyle Busch joined, what has changed and what has improved with RCR going into year two?“Yeah, I think everybody is just putting in a little extra effort. Kyle really demands that and does a good job of pushing everybody in the shop to give us the best we can. Our communication is good and we are learning more about the simulator together and what tools we have and can properly use.”
Talk about Ty (Dillon) racing in the Trucks and if it is disappointing not to race against him?“I think he is excited about the opportunity to go out there and be competitive each and every weekend. Obviously, it’s a bummer not seeing him on Sunday’s as much, but I think he’s got some opportunities there, as well. I am seeing him in the simulator because he has been taking on some simulator time for our team. So, communicating with him like that is a little different because we haven’t been teammates at that level and that type of capacity, so having him at the shop and simulator like that is cool.”
With there being five different champions in this series the past five years, how have you seen the parity change?“For sure. I was in the years where Jimmie Johnson was dominating, and you couldn’t touch him. So, definitely the Next Gen car brought something to our sport and that was very competitive calibration. What would you call it? Brought everybody together.”
You won this race in 2021 and your teams were close last year. Does it matter to have to have a bad or good run in the Daytona 500 to make a difference and how long does that last?“Yeah, I mean a great run here can carry you for weeks, just because there are extra points to get in the Dual. And then, yes – it’s just a huge momentum boost because every one of your partners and fans are going to be watching it.”

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chevy racing–nascar–daytona–media day–Daniel Hemric

February 14, 2024 ARP Trish

NASCAR CUP SERIES DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY DAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAYS FEBRUARY 14, 2024

DANIEL HEMRIC, NO. 31 KAULIG RACING CAMARO ZL1 – 2024 Daytona 500 Media Day Quotes What’s it like having Josh Williams as a teammate and to see him get this opportunity?“It’s super cool for him to get a shot and to have a group of partners behind him that even led him to have a conversation with Kaulig Racing to get a deal done. That’s what it takes. So it’s cool to see him form those partners. He’s so much fun. He just brings a different feel, which is good. He fits right in, and it’s been good to see the respect he has for the race team, for the parts and pieces. I’ve known Josh for a long time, since we were kids. He’s had to work on his own stuff and build a lot of his own racecars, so he understands and appreciates every part of the dynamic that it takes to get a car ready for the racetrack and what it takes to fix and repair those cars. I feel like half that understanding gives you a sense of respect for the guys and girls that work on them. I’m looking forward to him having a really good year.”
What’s it like coming back to this race having been away from the Cup Series for a full year from when you ran your first 500?“It’s something that you don’t take lightly. Once you’ve experienced this entire week of Daytona 500, it’s not like anything else. And once you experience it once and don’t know if you’ll experience it again, you learn not to take it for granted. Grateful to be here with Kaulig Racing. Excited to be part of the Great American Race one more time.”
You saw it on the Xfinity side last year, but how do you feel like Kaulig has grown to be more competitive on the Cup side?“I think it kind of starts with the kind of moves that were made at the end of last year, into the offseason. We tried to build more depth in the company. Are we there yet? Time will tell. There’s always room for improvement and to grow, but I think we’ve taken the correct measures to give ourselves that chance to grow. You look at these huge organizations that have been around for 20, 30, 40 years and the depth that they have. They can pull from different parts. I feel like in the past we haven’t had that at Kaulig Racing and we’re super young. So we’ve been slowly but surely building that talent pool. There is a long way to go, for sure. But it’s cool to see them taking steps from the management side to gain that depth, give ourselves a chance to get better.”
What’s a fair amount of time for you to get comfortable with this car and how it responds?“I feel like we prepare throughout the year to be ready when they drop the first green flag of the year. Even the limited starts I made when the Next Gen car came out, it was so new to everybody that everybody was sort of on a blank canvas starting off. Obviously, with me being away from these cars for a year changes the dynamic for myself. I think through this process of being in this car in ’22, not in it in ’23, the rules packages and stuff have changed pretty substantially. Obviously, the guys who ran this car last year have an advantage no doubt. But I feel like the car feel is so different that it’s something that you have to jump in and drive like a racecar. Your instincts will kind of take over and that’s the way I approached it when we all ran this car for the first time back in ’22 and it’s no different to me. I feel like we’ll go find the edge of the speed and work accordingly. The biggest thing for me is understanding as we go from a short track package to mile and a half to superspeedways just understanding what’s in the car, what are the rules, what’s different. It’s more of an adjustment from that side. I’d like to think that once we get through this first swing of races, we’ll have a good idea of where we stand.”
What’s your favorite part of the Daytona experience?“Honestly, just the stage itself. Once you have the opportunity to run the Cup level and you’re out and about away from the racetrack, there’s a certain thing that comes with being a Cup driver. Even if you go on to win the Xfinity championship, a lot of the folks that know racing, they know NASCAR, they know the Cup Series, but when you start talking about lower series, they don’t really follow that part of it. You’re a driver and they ask what do you race and they look at you. When you say Cup Series, it gets their attention. It’s no different than a kid playing Pop Warner football and playing in the NFL one day. Just having that stage, that platform. And then this particular weekend — Daytona 500 weekend — there’s nothing else like this. There’s not another race; maybe Coke 600 for me that even gives you those feelings. This stage is super special.”
When you look at the experience you gained and how your career has matured, do you think you came up to Cup a little too early the first time?“For me, it’s timing and it’s exactly what it’s supposed to be. I went through that season of life the exact time I was supposed to, and it sure brought its challenges. But I feel like how I grew through that whole process will kind of – and it did – define me as how I can handle those situations and I’m grateful for that time. Would I have been content to race another year in Xfinity in 2019? Possibly. But there were changes in the company that year and I got the call. End of the day, you want to be needed and wanted.”
When you come up to Cup now, where do you think you’ve progressed as a driver?“For me, so much has changed. I think more has changed on the personal side of life that kind of changes you. I had my first Cup opportunity as myself and my wife, and we were kind of living this crazy thing of a racecar driver at the Cup level. And five years later, we have two kids. Just in life in general, I have a different perspective. But back in 2019, I came with so much expectation. You get a shot at Cup for the first time and you think you’re going to be there for a long time. And to see the way things turned out six months later – out of a job, a baby on the way, it for sure changes how you view things. I think through that process I’ve become a better person, better father, racer because of my mental state where I stand right now. I come into it with not maybe the expectation I had in 2019. Just come into it with a bit of a thankful kind of grace. Just come in here with a blank canvas and something to enjoy.”
What does it mean to you to get a second chance?“I’m really trying to grasp and make the most of it. The story is to be told. Having a shot again is something I don’t take lightly. I just look forward to living in the moment of this opportunity.”
What’s the hardest part of your daily life managing two kids?“I think it was time allocation. Whether it’s morning, lunch or dinner, once you’re with them you’re with them. Do I have it figured out yet? By no means. But, over time, you kind of develop some habits that help you manage that. In season between the training, having a really good plan I think has helped me. Learning how to say no is important. Certain things just don’t matter. Our kids need our attention and that’s where it’s at.”
How did you work through going back to Xfinity?“No matter what your profession, there are people who will take that as a life loss and they may never find another win. For me, not finding another win was not an option. I’m just going to keep my legs moving and know that one particular bump in the road or life lesson as I like to call it was just that. What’s next? That’s all there was to it. Just continue to figure out how to make this work. I’m still trying to figure out how to make it work. Just because you’re back here doesn’t mean it’s going to work. In my mind, it was not proving people wrong, it was proving yourself right. Everything you put your life into, I’m doing it to prove myself right. That’, I think is a big motivator.”
Where does that mindset come from?“There’s a lot to that. You feel defeated, for sure. You still have to figure out how to pay your bills. You still have to figure out how to eat. When I lost my deal, there was one point I flipped a house with a buddy to try to make some cash. My point is you just figure it out, keep things going. As a racecar driver, the best that we’ve seen do it lost 90 percent of the time. I think there is some lesson that comes with it that doesn’t come with other businesses in general. You go to school, get your degree and it doesn’t guarantee you anything, but you do that because you see there is a need for that profession. There isn’t necessarily a need for racecar drivers. There are hundreds of thousands that want to do this and only a select few get a chance to call it a living one day.”

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chevy racing–nascar–daytona media day–aj allmendinger

February 14, 2024 ARP Trish

NASCAR CUP SERIES DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAYDAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAYSFEBRUARY 14, 2024

AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 16 KAULIG RACING CAMARO ZL1 – 2024 Daytona 500 Media Day Quotes You’ve won at Daytona in the Rolex 24 numerous times. As big as that is, can you imagine would it be like to have a Daytona 500 victory?“For sure. It’s the reason I’m doing this race, not being in Cup full-time. You want to be part of the biggest race in the sport… the prestige of it, the history. It’s such a tough race to win. There is so much luck that is involved with this type of racing and putting yourself in the right position. Heck, last year we led with nine to go and took the lead. We’ve had opportunities to be up front. I’d be lying to you if I said that during the offseason, you’re working out and stuff like that and you’re kind of letting your mind wander. My mind carries off to what it would be like to win this race. But you know there’s a lot that goes into it. You’re part of a legacy once you win this race, no matter what you’ve done.”
It’s kind of the same thing when you won at Indianapolis on the road course. It wasn’t the Indianapolis 500 or the Brickyard 400, but it was at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Reflecting on that, how big a deal was that?“Indy was my dream. I had always thought about drinking the milk but never thought I’d be in a Cup car to begin with and on the road course. But you’re still part of what that racetrack means to the motorsports world. I drive in there and at Turn One and Turn Two, my banner was hanging there. It gives me chills every time I drive by it. Daytona is the same thing.”
What’s your mindset going into this year chasing the Xfinity championship this year. Does it feel any different when that’s your full-time goal?“My mentality going into every season is just trying to prove that I can drive a racecar to myself, first and foremost. You spend the offseason and you think maybe it’s disappeared or maybe I wake up and I get in the racecar and I can’t drive the racecar anymore. It’s probably not the most healthy way living in the offseason every year, but it’s what I do in that way and how I push myself. No matter if I’m full-time Xfinity, full-time Cup, part-time driving racecars, it’s still about trying to prove to myself that I’m at an elite level. If I’m not, then I have to make decisions in my own self. It doesn’t change anything.”
You are still at an elite level, how frustrating does it get knowing you’re not full-time (in Cup)?“At the end of the day, my preference was to stay in Cup if we were going in the right direction. At the end of the day, what Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice and all the men and women of this race team have done for my life over the last six years and hopefully more years down the road of believing in me to drive their racecars – whether it’s Xfinity or Cup of if we ever go Truck racing… whatever it is that they believe in me to drive their racecars, that means the world to me. There’s no frustration at all. I’m still so fortunate in my life that they still want me to drive their racecars. They’re paying me to drive their racecars. At the end of the day, I told them ‘This is my preference but I’m going to live off what you want me to do.’ I keep hoping they want me to drive their racecars because they have really saved my happiness of my racing career with what we’ve been able to do over the last six years.”
What can Kyle Larson expect doing The Double. What do you think the challenges will be for him at both?“How you celebrate both wins during that day in that amount of time! Seriously, Kyle Larson to me is the pinnacle of what we have as a racecar driver in the world – not just in NASCAR, not in IndyCar, not in North America… in the world. I haven’t experienced doing both in the same day, but I’m sure in the mental aspect of it. Physically, I think racing 340-something races during the year somehow in 365 days, he isn’t going to have to worry about stamina in that way. But the mental side of it of griding away for two to three weeks in that process and that timeline is going to probably be the most challenging part of it.”
What about acclimating to the traffic and the aero portion of that?“You don’t really experience it until they drop the green and you’re three-wide on the start, you roll down in the corner and all of a sudden all that turbulent air becomes something completely different than what you knew in practice. But I keep going back to him being the most talented guy we have in motorsports when it comes to driving. He’ll figure it out real quick.”

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No. 21 Motorcraft/DEX Imaging Team Excited About Daytona 500

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

February 13, 2024

After a disappointing outing in the non-points Clash at the Los Angeles Coliseum a week ago, Harrison Burton and the No. 21 Motorcraft/DEX Imaging team are fired up heading into this weekend’s Great American Race – the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.

“The Clash is one thing, and I know it’s the first race on the schedule, but there’s something special about loading up to head to the Daytona 500,” said the team’s crew chief Jeremy Bullins, who won the 500 two years ago with Team Penske’s Austin Cindric as his driver and was runner-up in 2017 with Ryan Blaney in the No. 21 Wood Brothers Ford.

“It’s the obvious race on the schedule that everyone wants to win,” Bullins said. “While it’s changed a lot over the years with different cars and rule packages, you never stop getting excited about it.”

“We can’t wait to see how competitive our Mustang Dark Horse is and look forward to having some practice sessions to get the handling dialed in and try to kick the season off with a great finish for this Wood Brothers Racing team.”

The Wood Brothers have a long and storied history in the Daytona 500, NASCAR’s biggest race. They have five 500 victories beginning with their win in the 1963 event with Tiny Lund at the wheel of the iconic No. 21 Ford. Trevor Bayne delivered the Woods their most recent 500 victory in 2011.

In between were 500 triumphs with three giants of the sport – Cale Yarborough in 1968, A.J. Foyt in 1972 and David Pearson in 1976.

Preliminary events prior to the start of Sunday’s 66^th-annual Daytona 500 kick off with pole qualifying on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 8:35 p.m. Only the top-two starting positions will be determined in this session.

The twin Bluegreen Vacations Duel qualifying races that will determine the remainder of the 500 starting grid will be run Thursday evening, with the first 60-lap, 150-mile race getting the green flag at 7 p.m. The second race will start at approximately 8:45.

Two practice sessions are scheduled, the first on Friday at 5:35 p.m. and the second on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

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 preliminary events, with the coverage switching to FOX for the 500.

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No. 21 Motorcraft/DEX Imaging Team Excited About Daytona 500

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

February 13, 2024

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BILSTEIN Partners With World of Outlaws Late Models For Pole Award

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 13, 2024) – BILSTEIN is providing World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model drivers with an extra incentive to draw the pole during each re-draw.

The driver that draws the No. 1 pill during the re-draw will receive the BILSTEIN Pole Award, which includes a $100 bonus.

“We express our enthusiasm in establishing a partnership with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Late Model Series as we embark on what we anticipate being another exceptional year for BILSTEIN Motorsport,” said Aaron Morey, director of motorsports for BILSTEIN. “The World of Outlaws Series stands as a testament to excellence, and we are eagerly anticipating the 2024 season alongside.”

BILSTEIN manufactures high-quality shock absorbers and suspension systems, which spans from road cars to race cars. The company operates at 10 locations worldwide with over 4,000 employees.

Several Late Model drivers have already benefited from BILSTEIN’s support for multiple years and won some of the World of Outlaws’ biggest events with BILSTEIN shocks and suspension.

Fans will see the debut of the BILSTEIN Pole Award when the World of Outlaws Late Models return to Volusia Speedway Park for Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 15-17. Tickets are available now at DIRTcarNationals.com.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.

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Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Daytona Speedweek Advance

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCEDaytona International Speedway Daytona Beach, Florida Feb. 16-18, 2024

ONE AWAY FROM 100Already the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at Daytona International Speedway (DIS), Chevrolet has the opportunity to add yet another monumental feat to that legacy – entering the 2024 season-opening weekend with 99 points-paying victories across NASCAR’s three national series at the “World Center of Racing”. Chevrolet made its presence known early at DIS courtesy of Bob Welborn, who drove his 1959 Chevrolet to the win in NASCAR’s first-ever race held at the Florida superspeedway (Feb. 20, 1959). Throughout the series’ more than 60-year history at the track, the Bowtie brand has earned 50 all-time NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) victories. Exactly one-half of those triumphs have come in the Daytona 500, with Ricky Stenhouse Jr. delivering Chevrolet its 25th victory in the crown jewel event last season. The manufacturer’s success in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) at DIS is unmatched – earning 46 victories in 64 races held at the track; a winning percentage of 72 percent. Chevrolet has posted a near-dominant performance in the series at DIS in recent years – collecting the victory in 12 of the series’ past 13 races at the track. Having a much shorter history at the Florida superspeedway, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) joined the DIS scene in 2000. Three of Chevrolet’s series-leading all-time DIS victories have come in the NCTS – all of which were recorded in consecutive seasons (2016-2018).

CELEBRATING AN ANNIVERSARY SEASON In 1984, Rick Hendrick took his passion for automobiles and auto racing and turned it into a business venture by starting Hendrick Motorsports. Now 40 years later, Hendrick Motorsports has become the sport’s most successful organization, with every win and championship recorded in partnership with Chevrolet. Geoffrey Bodine put Hendrick Motorsports on the map in its founding season – giving the organization its first NASCAR Cup Series win at Martinsville Speedway in April 1984. Fast forward 39 seasons, the Chevrolet organization leads NASCAR’s top division in nearly all major statistical measures with 14 championships, 301 points-paying wins, 246 poles and 1,318,526 laps led. Hendrick Motorsports earned the title as the winningest organization in NCS history in May 2021 when Kyle Larson’s victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway took the team’s all-time win count past the record previously held by Petty Enterprises for more than 60 years. The organization reached its most recent milestone victory last season with William Byron’s playoff win at Texas Motor Speedway giving Hendrick Motorsports its 300th all-time NCS win.

One of the most successful manufacturer-team partnerships in NCS history, Hendrick Motorsports has been a pivotal part in making Chevrolet the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR’s premier series. With 851 all-time victories in the series, a Hendrick Motorsports driver has delivered Chevrolet its past five milestone victories in the NCS: 400th NCS win: Sept. 9, 1994 – Terry Labonte (Richmond Raceway)500th NCS win: Aug. 12, 2001 Jeff Gordon (Watkins Glen International)600th NCS win: March 25, 2007 – Kyle Busch (Bristol Motor Speedway)700th NCS win: Nov. 4, 2012 – Jimmie Johnson (Texas Motor Speedway)800th NCS win: May 23, 2021 – Chase Elliott (Circuit of The Americas)

FACES IN NEW PLACESComing off yet another stellar season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Chevrolet looks to continue that momentum with an even more bolstered driver lineup for the 2024 season.

New to the Team Chevy family, Sammy Smith will take over the driving duties of the No. 8 JR Motorsports Camaro SS this season. At just 19-years-old, the Iowa native has already been a proven force in the NASCAR national ranks. In his rookie NXS season (2023), Smith claimed his first-career win in the series at Phoenix Raceway – becoming the series’ youngest winner in the track’s history. Securing a berth into the playoffs, Smith wrapped up his rookie campaign with six top-fives, 15 top-10s and a sixth-place finish in the final points standings. Smith joins Justin Allgaier, Sam Mayer and Brandon Jones to complete the four-car JR Motorsports lineup.

Also new to the Bowtie brigade is Jesse Love, who will pilot the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Camaro SS for his rookie season in the NXS. The 18-year-old California native competed full-time in the ARCA Menards Series in 2023, where he notched 10 wins in 20 races en route to the series’ championship title. Love also holds the title as the youngest champion in NASCAR history with his two ARCA Menards Series West Championship (2020, 2021). Love will be joined by the 2023 NXS Regular-Season Champion Austin Hill, who will return to the RCR stable to drive the No. 21 Camaro SS.

Kaulig Racing will field three full-time NXS entries this season. Series’ veteran AJ Allmendinger will make his return to full-time NXS competition this season – returning to the wheel of the No. 16 Camaro SS. The 42-year-old California native was a winner in two of NASCAR’s top series last season – earning two NXS victories (Circuit of The Americas, Nashville Superspeedway) and one victory in NASCAR’s premier series (Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course). Allmendinger’s NXS resume includes back-to-back NXS Regular-Season Championships, 17 wins, 50 top-five and 68 top-10 finishes.
Completing the Kaulig Racing trio will be Shane van Gisbergen and Josh Williams. Van Gisbergen took the NASCAR world by storm when he claimed the checkered-flag in the NCS’ inaugural Chicago Street Race – becoming the first driver since 1963 to win in his first career start in NASCAR’s top division. Josh Williams will make the transition from DGM Racing to drive the No. 11 Kaulig Racing Camaro SS. All three drivers will also make select starts in the NCS this season – sharing the seat of the organization’s No. 16 Camaro ZL1 entry.

CARRYING CONSISTENCYChevrolet’s drivers and teams put the manufacturer back on the map in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series last season. Five drivers from five different Chevrolet teams recorded a combined 14 NCTS wins in 2023 – a record nearly triple its win count from the previous season. Limited changes to the Team Chevy NCTS driver lineup during the offseason will provide for a sense of consistency to carry the momentum into the new season. The 2024 NCTS field will see a former NCS regular make a run for the series’ title, with Ty Dillon taking over the driving duties for the No. 25 Rackley W.A.R. Silverado RST. The 31-year-old North Carolina native brings experience to the table with three wins, 20 top-five and 36 top-10 finishes in the series to his name. This will mark the first time in over a decade that Dillon will compete full-time in the NCTS, with his last title bid in 2013 bringing the Team Chevy driver a pair of wins and a runner-up finish in the points standings. As a part of Spire Motorsports’ expansion in the NASCAR national ranks, the Chevrolet organization will field two full-time NCTS entries this season – tabbing Team Chevy’s Rajah Caruth (No. 71 Silverado RST) and Chase Purdy (No. 77 Silverado RST). The 2023 NCTS Rookie of the Year, Nick Sanchez, will return to the seat of the No. 2 Silverado RST for Rev Racing, with the organization now in a technical alliance with Spire Motorsports. After a runner-up finish in last season’s title hunt, series’ veteran Grant Enfinger has a new home with CR7 Motorsports to pilot the No. 9 Silverado RST. McAnally-Hilgemann Racing has also expanded its lineup to field three full-time entries with Christian Eckes, Tyler Ankrum and Daniel Dye, as well as a part-time entry with Jack Wood.

BOWTIE BULLETS:· Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – two wins (July 2017 & Feb. 2023) Austin Dillon – two wins (Feb. 2018 & Aug. 2022) William Byron – one win (Aug. 2020)Kyle Busch – one win (July 2008) · Active Chevrolet drivers with a Daytona 500 victory: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – one Daytona 500 Win (2023)Austin Dillon – one Daytona 500 Win (2018) · In 153 NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona International Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 50 wins, with 25 of those triumphs coming in the “Great American Race”. · Chevrolet has 99 points-paying wins at Daytona International Speedway across all three NASCAR national series, making Chevrolet the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at Daytona International Speedway. · Chevrolet has captured the Daytona 500 pole a manufacturer-leading 31 times, including an active streak of 11-straight (most recent: Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman – Feb. 2023). · Chevrolet has swept the Daytona 500 front-row 21 times in the event’s history, including 11 of the past 13 years (most recent: Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson – Feb. 2023). · Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman is the only driver in series’ history to sit on the front-row of the Daytona 500 for six consecutive years (2018-2023). · All behind the wheel of a Chevrolet-powered machine, Hendrick Motorsports has won a series-leading 16 Daytona 500 poles: Ken Schrader (1988, 1989, 1990), Jeff Gordon (1999, 2015), Jimmie Johnson (2002, 2008), Mark Martin (2010), Dale Earnhardt Jr. (2011), Chase Elliott (2016, 2017), Alex Bowman (2018, 2021, 2023), William Byron (2019), Kyle Larson (2022). · Since the debut of the Next Gen Cars in 2022, Chevrolet has won eight of the 12 superspeedway-style races in the NASCAR Cup Series – recorded by six drivers from four different Chevrolet teams. · With its 42 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 851 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

FOR THE FANS•          Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway, Chevrolet Injector and Chevrolet Experience Center at Daytona International Speedway.
•          Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles at each display location including: Chevrolet Racing Display in Fan Midway: Traverse Z71, Corvette E-Ray 3LZ Convertible, Silverado EV RST, Blazer EV RS, Colorado ZR2 Bison, Silverado 1500 Trailboss, Silverado 2500 Crew ZR2 Bison Diesel, Camaro ZL1 Convertible, Trax Activ, Equinox Premier.
Chevrolet Injector: Blazer RS, Camaro ZL1, Corvette 3LT Z51 Convertible, Corvette Stingray Coupe, Equinox RS, Silverado 2500 HD ZR2 Bison Diesel, Silverado 1500 ZR2, Tahoe RST, Trax 2RS, Blazer RS, Corvette Stingray Coupe 1LT, Silverado 1500 Crew 2LT Trailboss, Suburban Z71, Tahoe High Country.
Chevrolet Experience Center: Blazer RS, Colorado ZR2, Corvette Z06, Silverado EV RST, Firebird 1.
•          Fans can also view William Byron’s No. 24 Camaro ZL1 show car at the Chevrolet Racing Display in the Fan Midway.  Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display:Thursday, February 15•          Nick Sanchez: 3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. •          Rajah Caruth: 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Friday, February 16•          Ty Dillon: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. •          Grant Enfinger: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. •          Christian Eckes: 1 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. •          Chase Purdy: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. •          Tyler Ankrum and Jack Wood: 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. •          Austin Hill & Jesse Love: 1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.  Saturday, February 17: 8 AM – 5:30 PM •          Josh Williams: 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. •          Dawson Cram: 1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. •          AJ Allmendinger: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. •          Sam Mayer: 2:15 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. •          Justin Allgaier & Sammy Smith: 2:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. •          Brandon Jones: 2:45 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. •          Jeremy Clements: 3:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.  Sunday, February 18•          Zane Smith: 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. •          Daniel Suarez: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. •          Ross Chastain: 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. •          Carson Hocevar: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. •          Alex Bowman: 11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. •          Chase Elliott & William Byron: 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. •          Kyle Busch: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. •          Shane van Gisbergen: 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. •          Kyle Larson: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation: Thursday, February 15: 3 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 16: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, February 17: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sunday, February 18: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tune In: NASCAR Cup Series66th running of the Daytona 500Sunday, February 18, 2:30 p.m. ETFOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90
NASCAR Xfinity SeriesUnited Rentals 300Saturday, February 17, 5 p.m. ET FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90
NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250Saturday, February 16, 7:30 p.m. ET FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:
Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1How does the Daytona 500 make you feel?“Daytona has all of this buildup but as soon as you hit the track, it all goes away. Once I’m on the track, it’s just another race to me that I’m trying to win. The introductions for the Daytona 500 are unique because you have that long runway that goes out in between the fans and you walk out with another driver past the Daytona 500 trophy. I remember walking out for my first Daytona 500 introduction and every one since. The fact that I’m one of the 40 drivers who has a shot to win the Daytona 500 is an incredible feeling. I was a kid sitting in the grandstands not that long ago. Now, I have a shot to win it. There’s only 39 others. I haven’t won it yet but if I do, it will be incredible.”
What is your 2024 season outlook?“Sustaining what we’ve accomplished but we also want more. We’ve been able to sustain in 2022 and 2023. So for 2024, we’ll need to evolve. We’ve added more employees, more engineers, Daniel has a new crew chief and we continue to evolve in the Cup Series.”

Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1Larson on racing on superspeedways: “We’ve run well but we just don’t have the results to back it up – whether it was running out of fuel or getting involved in an accident late in the race battling for the win. I watched a lot of video to see what others are doing to make it to the end and hopefully I can do that and battle for the win on Sunday.”

Corey LaJoie, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1“It’s the granddaddy & we’re ready to race our Chili’s Chevy Camaro ZL1. It’s really a track position game all day. The cars don’t punch as big of a hole in the air as the old ones, so the runs don’t come as quickly. You can see them coming from further away with the rear-view camera. So, if someone wants to make a move on you, you can cover it easier than with the old mirrors. Spotters can see energy building. That’s why you don’t see a whole lot of moving and shaking, because everyone knows how we’re trying to get positions. We need to have the same mentality about the track at Daytona as we do Martinsville. We want good track position early and need to maintain it all day long. If you happen to be in a position where a wreck catches you up, that’s just part of the deal. We will put our Camaro in position to win the race from the first lap.”

Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1How special is the Daytona 500?“Obviously the Daytona 500 is the biggest race of our season, our Super Bowl, so it’s a huge deal. It’s certainly a race that’s high on my bucket list. We were leading last year at mile marker 500 but it didn’t work out. I’ve been so close to winning that race. Maybe one of these days we can check the box and bring home the Harley J. Earl trophy.”
What can you learn in the Duel that will help you in the 500?“I think one of the biggest things you can learn in the Duel for the 500 is just how fast your car is, working on the balance making sure it’s not too tight, it’s not too loose, and that it drives good. But I think the other thing is working around other cars, seeing how well your car drafts, how well it sucks up to others, how well it pushes, how well it does getting pushed, all of those things. You’re just trying to build the notebook and build the confidence in the car for Sunday.”
Is out front the best strategy to avoid the Big One at Daytona?“I don’t know if you’re safe anywhere. I think the biggest thing is to just build that confidence in your car and build that camaraderie with other drivers around you to give them the confidence that you’re fast and your car is fast, that they can work with you and that sort of helps you as the race closes. Where opposite of that, if you’re a guy who hangs out in back all day and then you’re there at the end, nobody knows anything about you so they don’t want to hang out with you. It’s like you’ve got to be one of the cool kids and sit at the cool kids table but if you’re not in the cool kids club then they will not work with you as well.”

Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1Elliott on what it would mean to win the Daytona 500: “It would be awesome to check that box. We’ve had a couple of opportunities, but my biggest reason for really wanting to win the (DAYTONA) 500 is because Alan (Gustafson, crew chief) has never won it. He’s from down there (Ormond Beach) and I know it’s a big deal to him. I just think it would be a really cool thing for him. Being a hometown guy like that, he’s come so close, so many times. When you work with a guy like that who has had a lot of success, it is kind of rare to be able to help him achieve something he has not already achieved. That would be a big one.”

AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Camaro ZL1“The Daytona 500 is obviously the biggest race we have in our sport. The emotions, the nerves and everything that come with that as you do all the prerace events and everything the week leading up to it. Last year, we had a great chance to win. It would be a dream come true to win that race and stand in victory lane. We aren’t racing for driver points, so I can be aggressive and hopefully put ourselves in position to win.”

William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1Byron on his excitement to start the season: “Technically the season started with the Clash (at the Coliseum) but I’m ready to get to Daytona (International Speedway) and really get the season going. Usually, we start the season with a couple of bad races and then pick up the pace a few races in. This time the goal is to hopefully get off to a better start. We want to be around at the end of the DAYTONA 500, going for a win and then back that up with a solid run at Atlanta (Motor Speedway). I know the team has been putting in the work to have us ready to get going, I’m just ready to go execute.”

Daniel Hemric, No. 31 Kaulig Racing Camaro ZL1“Anytime you get a chance to go down and be a part of the Daytona 500 weekend, it’s a dream come true, no matter how many times you do it. I’m excited to have an opportunity to do something special with this No. 31 group to kick the season off, and I’m honored to welcome Cirkul to the sport as a majority Cup primary sponsor with our race team. We’re looking forward to what this season will bring.”

Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro ZL1Bowman on racing at Daytona International Speedway:“I feel like I learned a lot last year at (super) speedways in general. The Daytona 500 is tough. It’s a long day. There’s a lot of ways to crash and I feel like I’ve shown a lot of those ways to crash. Last year, obviously we finished well (P5) and had a good day with a good result. We’re hoping to improve on that just a little bit and continue to learn, execute and have a good day. I want to put myself in the right position and know what moves I need to make- and not make- so that our No. 48 Ally team can be in contingency there for a win at the end. I’m looking forward to getting back to it at Daytona (International Speedway).”

Anthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports Camaro ZL1You are heading back to Daytona to start the NASCAR season with the Daytona 500, and this year you are getting a second chance at The Great American Race. What has it been like getting ready for this week?“Talk about a gift. Any opportunity to race in the NASCAR Cup Series – especially the biggest race of the year – is an incredible blessing. To have the chance to go race in the Daytona 500 is huge. It’s one I have always wanted another shot at since 2021, when we got caught up in that early big one. To do this with Beard Motorsports is really cool. I’m so thrilled about this opportunity and very thankful to the Beard family. I have always watched them at all of the superspeedway races and have respected what they do. They bring really competitive cars to the track. To know that I not only have a shot to go race in the Daytona 500, but to actually have a chance to run up front and compete for the win, is something that I’m really pumped about. I want to go down there and be competitive and I know I can do that with them. Their crew chief, Darren Shaw, has assembled a really good group of people. I don’t take this chance for granted and can’t wait to get to work.”
Will you talk a little bit about this partnership with Beard Motorsports and the opportunity to race with them at Daytona, and even later in the season at Talladega?“To be able to work with Beard Motorsports is really exciting to me because they have been a part of NASCAR for many years, now, and a lot of people pull from them at the superspeedway races. The Beard family does this as a way of carrying on Mark Beard Sr.’s legacy, and to be a part of that is very special to me because he was the one that really loved racing and they do it to honor him. Getting to know Amie and Linda Beard during these last couple of months has been really cool. They have great Chevrolet Camaros, and to be able to climb behind the wheel of one is an honor for me because they have worked with some talented drivers and provided them the chance to showcase that talent at the Cup level. To be able to do that in the Daytona 500 – our biggest race of the year – is huge. The Beards are very clear on their goals – we are going down to Daytona to have fun, but we have a job to do. We want to qualify into the Daytona 500 and race for the win. I’m very thankful for their family, our partners, and Beard Oil, their family business.”

Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports Camaro ZL1“I went to the Daytona 500 as a kid in 2014 when Dale Jr. won and knew then and there that I wanted to race a cup car on this track. Now, behind the wheel of my Chevrolet, that dream becomes a reality, and it’s still surreal. Time to learn from the best, push myself, and see what this car and team can do.”

Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing Camaro ZL1Are you ready for the Daytona 500?“Yes, of course. You can’t be a driver in NASCAR and not think about the Daytona 500. Every time you go into the tunnel you get a thrill. This is our most important race of the year. It’s not about points or where you finish. It’s about being a Daytona 500 winner.”
What would a victory in Daytona mean to you?“Think about it. It’s the biggest race in our sport. It would be my first, Justin Marks first, my friends at Freeway Insurance are going to be our primary sponsor in this race, Pitbull is going to perform the pre-race show, I can go on and on. This would mean a lot to a lot of people. Freeway has been with me a long time and to win a race with Freeway, let alone the Daytona 500 would a reward for all the faith they have shown me over the years. They celebrated with us winning the Mexico race in Los Angeles and that was a blast. I can’t imagine the Daytona 500 win party.”
Are you ready for a return to the Xfinity Series?“Looking forward to going BIGGIE with Wendy’s on the track Saturday. I’m excited by Xfinity Racing. I’m with a good team at Kaulig Racing and it marks our first race with Wendy’s who is joining Trackhouse Racing this year. I love the Xfinity Series and it’s always fun to get back and race with them.”
It’s been more than a weeks since the Mexico Series victory, how do you feel?“That was really a great moment for me. I am so proud of the race the Mexico Series put on at the Coliseum and we had so much fun in victory lane. That was really a big deal. I hope one day those drivers get their shot in America like I did.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturers Championships:Total (1949-2023): 42First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15) Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023 Drivers Championships:Total (1949-2021): 33First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021) Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007) CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 851 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 743Laps led to date: 249,175Top-five finishes to date: 4,298Top-10 finishes to date: 8,861 Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date: General Motors: 1,185 Chevrolet: 851 Pontiac: 154 Oldsmobile: 115 Buick: 65 Ford: 828 Ford: 728 Mercury: 96 Lincoln: 4 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467 Dodge: 217 Plymouth: 191 Chrysler: 59 Toyota: 180

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR: World of Outlaws Late Models Continue Sunshine State Battle at DIRTcar Nationals

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

The World of Outlaws go at it Feb. 15-17 after the DIRTcar Late Models on Feb. 12-14

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 12, 2024) –

The annual hunt for a Big Gator title ramps up at Volusia Speedway Park with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models returning for the 53rd Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 15-17.

The Series makes its second and final stop of the season at “The World’s Fastest Half Mile” with more money on the line between an increased purse and a new Big Gator points fund.

The World of Outlaws start the week on Thursday, Feb. 15, with a 30-lap Feature paying $12,000-to-win, followed by a 35-lap, $12,000-to-win Feature on Friday, Feb. 16. Saturday’s 50-lap finale will pay $20,000-to-win and crown a Big Gator champion.

Before the Outlaws take over the Big Gator hunt, the DIRTcar Late Models will kick off the Big Gator championship chase for the Late Models, Feb. 12-14.

Also featuring the World of Outlaws stars, and other big names in Late Model racing, the DIRTcar Late Models will open the week with a pair of 30-lap, $7,000-to-win Feature races on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 12-13. Wednesday will see the field split into three Features, each paying $5,000-to-win – giving three drivers the chance to kiss a gator trophy on Valentine’s Day.

BUY DIRTCAR NATIONALS TICKETS HERE

Here are the storylines to keep an eye on:

SHEPPARD’S HERD: After two races to begin the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models season, Brandon Sheppard holds the early lead in the points standings.

The New Berlin, IL driver picked up two top five finishes at Sunshine Nationals and holds a six-point lead over reigning champion Bobby Pierce.

The pilot of the Sheppard Riggs Racing Longhorn Factory Team #B5 is hoping to set a new benchmark by winning a record-breaking third Late Model Big Gator title in 2024 – his first two came in 2019 and 2020. He has eight Feature wins during DIRTcar Nationals – two with the DIRTcar Late Models and six with the World of Outlaws, which were also six straight wins from 2018 to 2020.

SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND: In 2023, Tim McCreadie wrote his name into the history books as the first driver to win a Big Gator title in two divisions, previously winning with the Super DIRTcar Series in 2018.

The Watertown, NY driver put on a remarkable run at Volusia in 2023, earning an average finish of 2.1 and finishing outside of the podium once through Sunshine Nationals and DIRTcar Nationals.

A second Late Model Big Gator will see him join a club that features Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Shane Clanton, and Josh Richards as multi-time Late Model Big Gator winners.

BOBBY’S BACK: Bobby Pierce used DIRTcar Nationals as a springboard for his championship and looks to do so again after finishing fourth and sixth at January’s Sunshine Nationals.

The Oakwood, IL driver enters DIRTcar Nationals off the momentum of picking up wins at New Zealand’s Waikaraika Family Speedway in January.

Pierce won 14 World of Outlaws Features in 2023, the first of which was a gator at DIRTcar Nationals – also his first World of Outlaws win at Volusia Speedway Park.

SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED: Volusia Speedway Park has become one of Devin Moran’s favorite tracks to race at, winning January’s season opener at Sunshine Nationals and clinching his second Surfboard trophy at the event.

The Dresden, OH native rides into DIRTcar Nationals with previous success, winning two consecutive Big Gator titles in 2021 and 2022.

The Double Down Motorsports #99 could continue shining bright in Florida at the 1/2-mile track, looking to become the first three-time Big Gator champion.

THE REAL DEAL: Hudson O’Neal begins 2024 trying to win his first Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals after picking up two gators at the event in 2023.

He has two wins with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models – both at Volusia Speedway Park. The first came during the DIRTcar Nationals where O’Neal became the 100th different winner in Series history.

His second win came at the 2024 Sunshine Nationals finale – a moment of redemption as the pilot of the Rocket1 Racing machine missed the same race the year prior.

GATOR TRIUMPHS: Florida in February attracts the best drivers in dirt Late Models to Volusia, with eight races for drivers to claim victory Models – Feb. 12-17.

Last year saw Hudson O’Neal, Tim McCreadie, Brandon Overton, Chris Madden, and Bobby Pierce earn Feature wins between the DIRTcar Late Models and World of Outlaws CASE Late Models, respectively, at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.”

This year, another stout field is expected to chase the coveted gator trophies. And many standouts will be chasing their first with the Late Models.

Cade Dillard began his 2024 season to a strong start – earning two top 10 finishes at Sunshine Nationals and sitting third in Series points. The Robeline, LA driver hopes to claim his first career gator trophy in the next six days.

Nick Hoffman earned seven consecutive DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator titles from 2016-2022 in a DIRTcar UMP Modified. This year, the Mooresville, NC driver looks to join McCreadie as the only other driver to win a Big Gator in multiple divisions in his Tye Twarog Racing #9.

Florida native Kyle Bronson shines bright at Volusia, finishing in second at January’s Sunshine Nationals and two Series wins. Bronson enters his home track looking to add a gator to his mantle aboard his #40B Longhorn Chassis.

LATE MODEL BIG GATOR CHAMPIONS

2023 – Tim McCreadie

2022 – Devin Moran

2021 – Devin Moran

2020 – Brandon Sheppard

2019 – Brandon Sheppard

2018 – Chris Madden

2017 – Shane Clanton

2016 – Josh Richards

2015 – Shane Clanton

2014 – Scott Bloomquist

2013 – Josh Richards

2012 – Dennis Erb Jr.

WHEN AND WHERE

Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL
TICKETS: www.DIRTcarNationals.com

ABOUT THE TRACK

Volusia Speedway Park is a 1/2-mile dirt oval
Track Record: 15.100 sec. by Bobby Pierce on Jan. 19, 2024

ONLINE
Volusia Speedway Park: www.volusiaspeedwaypark.com

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

Around the Turn: The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models travel to Thunderhill Raceway for Tennessee action on March 22-23. For Tickets: CLICK HERE.

FEATURE WINNERS: (2 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1
Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 1

HEAT RACE WINNERS (10 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 2
Dale McDowell – Chickamauga, GA – 2
Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 1
Chris Madden – Gray Court, SC – 1
Ethan Dotson – Bakersfield, CA – 1
Cade Dillard – Robeline, LA – 1
Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr – Martinsville, IN – 1
Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN – 1
Garrett Smith – Eatonton, GA – 1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (6 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

Dennis Erb Jr – Carpentersville, IL – 1
Dustin Sorensen – Rochester, MN – 1
Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1
Max Blair – Centerville, PA – 1
Jimmy Owens – Newport, TN – 1
Boom Briggs – Bear Lake, PA – 1

PODIUM FINISHES (5 Drivers)
Rank – Driver – Hometown – Podiums

Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 2
Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 1
Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr – Martinsville, IN – 1
Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1

FOX FACTORY HARD CHARGER (2 Drivers)
Rank – Driver – Hometown – H.C.

Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr – Martinsville, IN – 1

SIMPSON RACING PRODUCTS QUICK TIMES (2 Drivers)
Rank – Driver – Hometown – QTs

Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 1
Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 1

CASE FEATURE LAP LEADERS (4 Drivers)
Rank – Driver – Hometown – Laps Led

Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 29
Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 21
Ricky Thornton Jr – Martinsville, IN – 13
Ethan Dotson – Bakersfield, CA – 6

2024 World of Outlaws Schedule & Winners

Friday, Jan. 19/ Volusia Speedway Park/ Barberville, FL/ Devin Moran (1)
Saturday, Jan. 20/ Volusia Speedway Park/ Barberville, FL/ Hudson O’Neal (1)

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GATOR CHAMPS: Strickler Wins Gator Championship Feature from 17th, Nicely Crowned DIRTcar Nationals Points Champion

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

BARBERVILLE, FL (Feb. 10, 2024) – Lining up 17th on the starting grid, Kyle Strickler said he thought he had “no chance” in winning the Gator Championship Feature Saturday night.

Thirty trips around Volusia Speedway Park later, he had passed every car in front of him, led the field back around to the checkered and pulled into Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar NationalsVictory Lane to claim his $5,000 grand prize and the fourth Gator Championship trophy of his career.

In his post-race interview on DIRTVision, the 39-year-old Strickler was visibly out of breath, stunned and nearly in tears as he uttered some words to describe one of the deepest-starting Gator Championship wins in DIRTcar Nationals history.

“I can’t believe this happened,” he said.

Strickler, a winner on Tuesday night, did not get the Feature result he was looking for in the Gator Qualifiers on Friday, swiping the third and final transfer spot late, which meant a 17th-place spot on Saturday’s starting grid. And once he got on-track for Saturday’s main event, more issues arose during the race.

“I told everybody that – I said it’s gonna be impossible to win this thing from 15th, and then I forgot that they were doing it with [three Friday transfers], so that put me 17th,” Strickler said. “I’m like man, it just keeps getting worse. Then, my Raceiver wouldn’t work, so I had no clue what was going on.

“Of all the bad luck I’ve had through Speedweeks, it all came back to pay me back today.”

Crossing the finish line second after Strickler came Tyler Nicely, who clinched his first career DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator points championship after a drive from the 10th starting spot. In six starts throughout the week, Nicely collected four Feature wins and no finishes worse than sixth, earning him enough points to capture the weeklong points title – worth the giant golden gator trophy and a $1,000 bonus check.

Nicely will take the big gator back home to Owensboro, KY, as the 12th different UMP Modified driver to win it and the first from the state of Kentucky.

“When they put up the added points fund and all that, it gives us drivers an incentive,” Nicely said. “I really was gonna be disappointed if we didn’t come out of here with the big gator for the points after winning four (Features) this week.

“It feels good. Maybe gives me a bit more motivation to come back to try and get that big gator on Saturday.”

Before their crowning moments on stage, both drivers had several opponents to pass in their way.

Polesitter Dustin Sorensen showed the way in the opening laps while Strickler and Nicely began mounting their charges. By Lap 10, Strickler had already cracked the top-10, and from there used the cautions to his advantage to pick-off multiple cars on the restarts.

He worked his way up into the top-two with a pass for second on Michael Leach on a Lap 13 restart and began mounting a charge for Sorensen as the laps clicked off. When Leach and Strickler were racing for second in the final 10 laps, Leach went around, handing third over to Nicely for the ensuing restart.

When the green came back out on the final restart, Nicely tried to get a run on Strickler around the top but was unable to match his speed down low.

“I thought I had a good enough run coming off the hill that I could’ve made it interesting,” Nicely said. “But everybody was fighting for the bottom over here in Turns 3-4, so you couldn’t really poke your nose down in there unless they knew you were actually all the way at the bottom.”

Meanwhile, Strickler had leader Sorensen in his crosshair after getting a good takeoff on the restart. They came back around to complete Lap 26, and that’s when Strickler pulled the trigger with a full-throttle charge into Turn 1.

“That first lap when I caught Dustin, I could see he was getting really tight,” Strickler said. “I just said I’m gonna hold [the pedal] to the wood and never check it until I got to the grip coming off of (Turn) 2 and it all worked out.”

Strickler raced into the lead out of Turn 2 and turned on the jets, racing back around to collect the checkered ahead of Nicely, who also moved past Sorensen for second.

Strickler’s fourth Gator Championship Feature win ties him with Nick Hoffman for most all-time.

“To have four Saturday wins and add to my gator count, it’s huge,” Strickler said. “I like the history of it. Trying to catch Nick here, if he doesn’t run the Modified any. I think I’ll be coming down here with the Modified for a while.”

Sorensen, winner of two Features during the week, crossed the stripe in third but knew his mistake on the final restart.

“I saw Strickler coming on the board and I knew he started deep,” Sorensen said. “I figured he was running the top. Then I saw Michael Leach get back by him on the scoreboard, so that kinda got in my head. I just changed my line too much, and they got around me.”

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 8S-Kyle Strickler[17]; 2. 25-Tyler Nicely[10]; 3. 19-Dustin Sorensen[1]; 4. K9-Will Krup[8]; 5. 18L-Michael Long[11]; 6. 5-Jonathan Taylor[3]; 7. 777-Trevor Neville[23]; 8. 96M-Mike McKinney[15]; 9. 5CS-Curt Spalding[13]; 10. 36-Kenny Wallace[32]; 11. 10Y-Trent Young[21]; 12. 95-Michael Altobelli[16]; 13. 77-Ray Bollinger[22]; 14. 49-Brian Ruhlman[20]; 15. 3-Josh Sanford[34]; 16. 114-Jordan Koehler[26]; 17. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[33]; 18. 23Z-Austin Self[24]; 19. 09-Michael Leach[2]; 20. 97-Mitch Thomas[14]; 21. 35-David Stremme[12]; 22. 24-Zeke McKenzie[5]; 23. 4TW-Tim Ward[4]; 24. 6-Ryan Ayers[29]; 25. 17N-Dillon Nusbaum[18]; 26. 114B-Clayton Bryant[28]; 27. 13-Charlie Mefford[31]; 28. 18K-Brandon Kinzer[19]; 29. 12L-Lucas Lee[7]; 30. 17T-Tyler Evans[9]; 31. 11X-Tom Berry Jr[6]; 32. 90-Jason Beaulieu[27]; 33. 3F-Rob Fuqua[30]; 34. 9-Ken Schrader[35]; 35. 7-Justin Allgaier[25]

Photo credit – Tyler Carr

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GRABBIN’ GATORS: Sheldon Haudenschild Tops Wild DIRTcar Nationals Finale; David Gravel Secures Third Big Gator

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

Haudenschild puts on a show with late charge to victory while Gravel wraps up record-tying third Big Gator championship

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 10, 2024) – Sheldon Haudenschild can’t help but make any race he wins exciting. Whether he’s leading the whole race and slicing through traffic or he’s working his way through the field, Haudenschild never fails to send thrills through the stands. And Saturday night at Volusia Speedway Park with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars was no different.

The 30-year-old started third, slipped to fourth early, and then pieced together a ferocious charge in the second half of the 30-lap Feature to arise victorious. Haudenschild sealed the deal with a Lap 24 slider on Anthony Macri to top the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals finale and bank $20,000.

The fans roared for one of their favorites as Haudenschild rose atop the Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing/NOS Energy Drink #17 machine in Victory Lane. His smile was ear to ear as he and the team bounced back in the best way possible from what had been a rough week.

The win marked the 35th of Haudenschild’s career with The Greatest Show on Dirt and third at “The World’s Fastest Half Mile.”

“Hats off to (Kyle) Ripper, Steve (Kinzer Dussel), and Luke (Vaughn),” Haudenschild said. “We had a hell of a week and a lot of work. They never gave up. We never give up and just keep on ripping.”

A little way behind Haudenschild, David Gravel had to make some moves of his own. The Big Game Motorsports driver entered the main event with a 14-point lead over Giovanni Scelzi in the Big Gator standings. But Scelzi started on the pole and led early while Gravel got stuck in eighth. If they finished in those two spots, Scelzi would’ve snatched the title and extra $3,000 prize.

But Gravel rallied as Scelzi faded late in the main event. The Big Game Motorsports driver worked his way up to sixth while Scelzi slipped to fourth when the checkered flag flew. The results gave Gravel his third Big Gator title, which equaled him with Daryn Pittman for the most. Consistency carried the Watertown, CT native. He finished no worse than sixth in four nights and highlighted the week with a win on Thursday.

“We battled hard. That was an intense Feature,” Gravel said. “I nearly got passed in the beginning by Sunshine (Tyler Courtney) and Donny (Schatz) but was able to get in front of them. My car really came to life there at the end of the Feature. I wish it was a 40-lap race.

“It was a really good week. Started the week off with a third and a first. Obviously, couldn’t ask for much better than that. And then last night with a fifth and tonight with a sixth. It was a very strong week and good way to start the year.”

Before Haudenschild and Gravel made their moves forward, the race’s opening half was highlighted by plenty of action from other competitors up front.

Giovanni Scelzi led from the pole through the opening laps and held firm control of the top spot until a caution 10 laps in bunched the field together.

On the restart the outside-pole starter – Anthony Macri – powered by “Hot Sauce” on the outside to take the lead. Only a few laps later Michael “Buddy” Kofoid drove around Scelzi to grab second and began to reel in Macri.

Then the race moved beyond halfway, and it’s as if that was Haudenschild’s cue to go as he went to work on Scelzi for third. On Lap 17 he took the spot to climb into a podium position. A lap later Kofoid surrendered second to the Wooster, OH gasser.

Behind Haudenschild a fast-approaching Brad Sweet made his presence felt. He followed Haudenschild through the top five and claimed third on Lap 19. He even managed to drive by Haudenschild on the 20th circuit, but Haudenschild countered and was able to keep back around him – a move he knows was crucial.

“I was more worried about Brad than anything,” Haudenschild admitted. “I knew if he cleared me, he was probably winning that race. Me and him had a great race.”

After reclaiming second from “The Big Cat,” Haudenschild knew he needed to go and set the leading Macri in his crosshairs. On Lap 24, Haudenschild delivered the winning move with a slide job exiting Turn 4. He cruised through some lap traffic over the final six circuits and took the checkered flag on what was a tricky track to conquer.

“The #39(M) just missed the bottom a couple times, and I was able to get under him,” Haudenschild explained. “I was a little nervous of it (the cushion) in (Turns) 3 and 4. It’s gnarly up there. It’ll eat you up over there and the same over here. For the first five laps. I struggled in (Turns) 1 and 2. The bottom is just so much easier to run, and it was faster tonight.”

Macri made the Pennsylvania Posse fans proud with a valiant effort of leading 13 laps before finishing second. The Dillsburg, PA native thought the closing laps were a prime example of why it can be better to be running second in a Sprint Car race as he struggled to handle traffic.

“Obviously, he’s in the better position there running second,” Macri said. “I knew I needed to be on the bottom, but I didn’t want to risk following lapped cars on the bottom and have somebody blow around the top of me. I’m pretty sure I tripped on the curb the lap Sheldon got by me. He hammered it in there on the bottom and got by us, and that’s pretty much all she wrote.”

Brad Sweet completed the top three, notching his third podium of DIRTcar Nationals week. The five-time World of Outlaws champion thought he might have a shot at the win, but a slight hiccup in traffic allowed Haudenschild to put himself in a better position.

“I love coming here. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a high-speed chess match out there,” Sweet said. “Sheldon did a great job. He moved around, found some lines, and kind of kept me behind him. I finally got by him and thought we were going to have a chance at Anthony there. And I just got held up with a lapped car. I don’t know if I made a bad move there or what, but it opened the door back up for Sheldon, and he got really going there and was able to get through the lapped cars. Hats off to him. He drove a great race. We gave it our all, but sometimes you just don’t get it done.”

Giovanni Scelzi and Buddy Kofoid rounded out the top five.

Carson Macedo earned his second KSE Racing Hard Charger of the week with a drive from 23rd to 14th.

Brent Marks claimed his second straight Simpson Quick Time Award in Sea Foam Qualifying and the fifth of his career.

NOS Energy Drink Heats One, Three, and Four were topped by Sheldon Haudenschild, Rico Abreu, and Buddy Kofoid. Milton Hershey School Heat Two belonged to David Gravel.

Giovanni Scelzi won the Toyota Racing Dash.

Kasey Kahne claimed the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars take two weekends off before returning to Volusia Speedway Park for the Bike Week Jamboree (March 3-4). For tickets, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (30 Laps): 1. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[3]; 2. 39M-Anthony Macri[2]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet[8]; 4. 18-Giovanni Scelzi[1]; 5. 83-Michael Kofoid[4]; 6. 2-David Gravel[7]; 7. 15-Donny Schatz[9]; 8. 24-Rico Abreu[5]; 9. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[10]; 10. 26-Zeb Wise[15]; 11. 19-Brent Marks[6]; 12. 1S-Logan Schuchart[11]; 13. 13-Justin Peck[16]; 14. 41-Carson Macedo[23]; 15. 5-Spencer Bayston[18]; 16. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[25]; 17. 9-Kasey Kahne[21]; 18. 14-Corey Day[12]; 19. 24D-Danny Sams III[24]; 20. 8-Cory Eliason[17]; 21. 21-Brian Brown[14]; 22. 7S-Landon Crawley[13]; 23. 1-Brenham Crouch[20]; 24. 17B-Bill Balog[19]; 25. 6-Bill Rose[26]; 26. (DNS) 48-Danny Dietrich

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Daulton Wilson Earns First Lucas Oil Victory in Wieland Winternationals Finale at East Bay

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

TAMPA, Fla. (February 10, 2024) – After nine career runner-up finishes in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Daulton Wilson finally broke through for his first career victory. The $15,000 triumph on Saturday night concluded the 48th Annual Wieland Winternationals – Presented by Lucas Oil at East Bay Raceway Park. It was the final Winternationals for the 3/8 oval that is scheduled to permanently close at the end of the 2024 season. Wilson, who started sixth powered to the lead around Tyler Erb on lap 16 and led the rest of the way to become the 90th different winner in the 20-year history of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Wilson had to withstand a three-lap shootout at the finish after a caution came out, but he pulled away for a 1.454 second advantage at the finish over Brandon Sheppard who passed Erb on the final lap to take the second position. Erb rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third. Rounding the top five were Garrett Smith and Devin Moran. Wilson, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina became the eighth different winner in the first 12 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events of 2024 and emotional in Lucas Oil Victory Lane after scoring the win. “I don’t know what to say. This is a dream come true. My whole family is right here they sacrificed everything for me, they believed in me 100%, my guys, my car owners James, Jennifer and Justin Rattliff, [Jeff] Gullett, [Tim] Tungate, just everybody who believed in me and gave me an opportunity and everybody at home who gave me a chance. I can’t thank everyone enough.” Wilson thought he had given the race away near the end, but the caution with 47 laps complete allowed him to regain his composure. “I thought I had given it away down there in turn four when I hopped the cushion before the caution ever came out. We have been digging on this thing all week. We got off there a little bit during the middle of the week, but we hunkered back down. The racetrack threw us a little bit of a curveball before the feature. This thing could probably drive itself right now. I am just the lucky guy who gets to hold the steering wheel.” Sheppard, who started ninth moved into contention before the halfway mark and got underneath of Erb coming off of turn four on the final lap to take second. “Our biggest downfall this week was qualifying. We kind of struggled there all week. We raced really well all week. We just about had a catastrophic situation there in the heat race and we were able to come out of that with just a flat tire. We got it changed and come back to second in the heat. So, the way the night started and the way it ended we couldn’t be more tickled about it.” Erb, who has led in four of the six races during the week at East Bay came home in third at the finish after running either first or second during 49 of the 50 laps. “He [Wilson] has been really fast and I think it’s taken him like three years and I can feel that pain so I know what it feels like to win. Yeah, this is a heck of a place to win your first race too, congrats to him and his team and family. I have gotten real close to Daulton in the last three years. If there is anybody that could win, I would have liked to see him win for sure.” The winner’s James Rattliff-owned, Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by MGL Auto Sales, JRR Trucking, The Auto Outlet, Keltner Contracting, Earnhardt Technologies, Grant Lee Farms, Innovative Community Solutions, New Point Lighting, B&L Construction, and Worldwide Custom Car Haulers. Completing the top ten were Jonathan Davenport, Jimmy Owens, Ricky Thornton Jr., Drake Troutman, and Hudson O’Neal.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary 48th Annual Wieland Winternationals | Night 6Saturday, February 10, 2024East Bay Raceway Park – Tampa, FL
Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Tyler Erb | 14.357 seconds (overall)Fast Time Group B: Boom Briggs | 14.410 seconds
Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 1T-Tyler Erb[1]; 2. 89-Mike Spatola[5]; 3. 174-Ethan Dotson[3]; 4. 76N-Blair Nothdurft[2]; 5. 187-David McCoy[7]; 6. 46-Earl Pearson Jr[6]; 7. S21-Seth Daniels[8]; 8. 6H-Ross Bailes[9]; 9. 47W-Brandon Weigle[10]; 10. 4S-Danny Snyder[11]; 11. 75-Daniel Adam[4]
Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 58-Garrett Alberson[2]; 2. B5-Brandon Sheppard[3]; 3. 17SS-Brenden Smith[10]; 4. 39-Tim McCreadie[7]; 5. 33-Jeff Mathews[4]; 6. 71R-Rod Conley[8]; 7. 07-Brian Ledbetter[11]; 8. 71C-RJ Conley[6]; 9. 1-Hudson O’Neal[1]; 10. 81-Jason Riggs[5]; 11. 6B-Adam Boyd[9]
Earnhardt Technologies Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 20-Jimmy Owens[1]; 2. 49-Jonathan Davenport[2]; 3. 40B-Kyle Bronson[6]; 4. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[3]; 5. 18-Chase Junghans[5]; 6. 6T-Tim Dohm[8]; 7. 31-Tyler Millwood[7]; 8. 81J-Jack Riggs[4]; 9. 93-Cory Lawler[9]; 10. 2*-Logan Hitt[10]; 11. 6-Clay Harris[11]
Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 99B-Boom Briggs[1]; 2. 10-Garrett Smith[2]; 3. 8-Dillon McCowan[8]; 4. 111-Max Blair[10]; 5. 157-Mike Marlar[5]; 6. 214-Haiden Cowan[7]; 7. 51-Brandon Carpenter[11]; 8. 12R-Ryan Payne[9]; 9. 6JR-Parker Martin[4]; 10. 3S-Brian Shirley[6]; 11. 7T-Drake Troutman[3]
Lucas Oil Heat Race #5 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 15K-Jensen Ford[1]; 2. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[6]; 3. 12-Ashton Winger[4]; 4. 69-Brandon Thirlby[5]; 5. 1Z-Logan Zarin[8]; 6. 27-Michael Lake[10]; 7. 7-Ross Robinson[3]; 8. 29-Larry Grube[9]; 9. 20B-Todd Brennan[2]; 10. 4G-Bob Gardner[7]; 11. (DNS) 9-Levi Yetter
Lucas Oil Heat Race #6 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 18D-Daulton Wilson[1]; 2. 99-Devin Moran[3]; 3. 96V-Tanner English[2]; 4. 25-Tony Jackson Jr[7]; 5. 5-Mark Whitener[10]; 6. 11C-Trevor Collins[6]; 7. 19M-Spencer Hughes[4]; 8. 3-Brennon Willard[9]; 9. 32-Jason Jack[5]; 10. 14X-Wil Herrington[8]
Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 76N-Blair Nothdurft[1]; 2. 46-Earl Pearson Jr[5]; 3. 33-Jeff Mathews[4]; 4. 71R-Rod Conley[6]; 5. S21-Seth Daniels[7]; 6. 47W-Brandon Weigle[11]; 7. 187-David McCoy[3]; 8. 07-Brian Ledbetter[8]; 9. 75-Daniel Adam[15]; 10. 6B-Adam Boyd[16]; 11. 4S-Danny Snyder[13]; 12. 1-Hudson O’Neal[12]; 13. 39-Tim McCreadie[2]; 14. (DNS) 6H-Ross Bailes; 15. (DNS) 71C-RJ Conley; 16. (DNS) 81-Jason Riggs
UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 111-Max Blair[2]; 3. 157-Mike Marlar[4]; 4. 18-Chase Junghans[3]; 5. 6T-Tim Dohm[5]; 6. 31-Tyler Millwood[7]; 7. 93-Cory Lawler[11]; 8. 214-Haiden Cowan[6]; 9. 51-Brandon Carpenter[8]; 10. 7T-Drake Troutman[16]; 11. (DNS) 81J-Jack Riggs; 12. (DNS) 12R-Ryan Payne; 13. (DNS) 6JR-Parker Martin; 14. (DNS) 2*-Logan Hitt; 15. (DNS) 3S-Brian Shirley; 16. (DNS) 6-Clay Harris
MyRacePass B-Main Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 5-Mark Whitener[4]; 2. 25-Tony Jackson Jr[2]; 3. 19M-Spencer Hughes[8]; 4. 4G-Bob Gardner[13]; 5. 32-Jason Jack[12]; 6. 1Z-Logan Zarin[3]; 7. 3-Brennon Willard[10]; 8. 69-Brandon Thirlby[1]; 9. 11C-Trevor Collins[6]; 10. 27-Michael Lake[5]; 11. 20B-Todd Brennan[11]; 12. 7-Ross Robinson[7]; 13. 29-Larry Grube[9]; 14. (DNS) 14X-Wil Herrington; 15. (DNS) 9-Levi Yetter
48th Annual Wieland Winternationals | Night 6 Feature Finish (50 Laps):

Race Statistics Entrants: 65Victory Fuel Pole Sitter: Tyler ErbLap Leaders: Tyler Erb (Laps 1-15); Daulton Wilson (Laps 16-50)Wieland Feature Winner: Daulton WilsonArizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup Feature Winner: n/aBrandon Ford TV Challenge Feature Winner: Daulton WilsonMargin of Victory: 1.454 seconds Dave Warren Powersports Cautions: Garrett Alberson (Lap 5); Mike Spatola (Lap 18); Jensen Ford (Lap 21); Dillon McCowan (Lap 28); Boom Briggs (Lap 47)Series Provisionals: Hudson O’Neal; Tim McCreadieFast Time Provisional: n/aSeries Emergency Provisionals: Spencer Hughes; Ross Robinson; Mike Marlar; Drake TroutmanTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Daulton Wilson, Brandon Sheppard, Tyler ErbPenske Shocks Top 5: Daulton Wilson, Brandon Sheppard, Tyler Erb, Garrett Smith, Devin MoranTodd Steel Buildings Hard Charger of the Race: Drake Troutman (Advanced 21 Positions) Wilwood Brakes Lucky 7th Place Feature: Jimmy OwensDeatherage Opticians Lucky 13th Place Feature: Kyle BronsonMD3 Most Laps Led: Daulton Wilson (35 Laps) Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Ricky Thornton, Jr.Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Ricky Thornton, Jr.O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/a Coltman Farms Fastest Lap of the Race: Daulton Wilson (Lap 24 – 15.334 seconds) Slicker Graphics Slickest Move of the Race: Daulton WilsonMiller Welders Hard Luck Award: Jensen FordOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Nick Hardie (Daulton Wilson)ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Racing EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: David McCoy (14.7107 seconds)Time of Race: 35 minutes 38 seconds
Big River Steel Chase for the Championship Presented by ARP Point Standings:

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AUSTIN PROCK WINS IN FUNNY CAR DEBUT AT INAGURAL PRO SUPERSTAR SHOOTOUT

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

BRADENTON, Fla. (Feb. 10, 2024) – The stars of John Force Racing joined their toughest competition at the inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The event, an invitational match race aimed to promote drag racing in a new and fan-focused way, used social media and support from PRO (Pro Racer’s Owners Organization) to enhance fan experience both at track and watching on FloRacing. A private three-day testing session acted as a preview for the week. Each of the three JFR Chevrolet race teams led their respective leaderboards at different times during the time trials. Qualifying for the PRO Superstar Shootout consisted of four rounds, with an evening session on Thursday night, followed by three additional rounds on Friday. In both the Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, eight teams advanced. Austin Prock, driving the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, achieved the class-best speed with a 3.825 ET at 337.41 mph. John Force, piloting the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, attained the third-best qualifying result with a 3.849-second elapsed time at 332.59 mph. A random chip draw determined Austin Prock to compete against Alexis DeJoria and John Force would match up with longtime friend and rival Cruz Pedregon. Brittany Force, driving the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster, posted a best qualifying effort of 3.736-seconds at 330.39 MPH, ranking eleventh overall, but did not qualify for the main event. Teams that did not advance into the PRO Superstar Shootout competed in a unique cross-class competition that paired both Top Fuel and Funny Car teams on track against one another for the newly formed Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award. This event took place Saturday in between rounds of the PRO Superstar Shootout. Times each round were compared against like-class competition to determine advancement. The Monster Energy Chevrolet dragster led by crew chiefs David Grubnic and John Collins posted a 3.862-second elapsed time at 302.75 MPH against Blake Alexander’s Jim Head Racing Funny Car. Unfortunately, it was not quick enough to advance after a Top Fuel run by Steve Torrence resulted with a 3.787-second elapsed time at 328.78 MPH. “Our Monster Energy team spent five days in Bradenton at the PRO Superstar Shootout and did not leave with a win but are leaving with some solid runs going into the start of our season,” said the two-time champion, Brittany Force. “Not qualifying for the main event was tough but we had a lot of changes we had to adjust to. We gained three new crew members, and a new co-crew chief in John Collins. They are all great assets to the team, and I can already see this group is going to successful.” Force had only competed against a Funny Car one other time in her career, against her father ,John Force, in 2014 in a match race at Palm Beach International Raceway. “This weekend is all about entertaining the fans and I believe they got quite a show. As a result of not qualifying, I was automatically entered into the Top Fuel vs. Funny Car event.” Elimination racing in the PRO Superstar Shootout feature commenced at 2 p.m. on Saturday amidst a packed venue and under sunny skies, with temperatures peaking at 81 degrees. Leading the charge wes the Jimmy Prock and Thomas Prock-led Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS team, as well as the Daniel Hood, Chris Cunningham, and Tim Fabrisi-led PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS team, both of which successfully advanced through the initial round of competition. In the second round of the Shootout, an additional chip draw determined that teammates John Force and Austin Prock would compete head-to-head in the semi-final, guaranteeing a John Force Racing team in the final round for a chance to win the $250,000 grand prize. Prock’s 3.890-second elapsed time defeated his boss Force’s 3.914-second run in a closely contested race. In the final round of Funny Car competition, Prock and reigning world champion Matt Hagan were paired together. Despite it being his debut race, Prock showcased his veteran expertise, clocking in with a 3.845-second elapsed time at 332.43 MPH, outpacing Hagan’s 3.872-second elapsed time at 329.75 MPH.
“I don’t even know what to say, I’m stunned. We just won the biggest payout in drag racing history,” Prock said. “We took it to the winner’s circle, Grandpa.” “Anytime you win It’s a great day. To see the young Austin Prock working with his dad and brother, being able to win the PRO Superstar Shootout shows you they can deliver,” said John Force Racing owner and 16-time world champion John Force of the historic victory. “I’m sure that Robert will be excited for Prock and to see him win in his absence.” The season continues with the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series starting with the NHRA Gatornationals March 7-10 at Gainesville Raceway.

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Josh Hart Makes Best of Inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

BRADENTON, FL (February 10, 2024) — Today at the inaugural SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout multi-time Top Fuel winner Josh Hart and the R+L Carriers narrowly missed racing into the final round in the Top Fuel versus Funny Car competition for the Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award. After four rounds of qualifying Josh Hart and the R+L Carriers team found themselves with a consistent Top Fuel dragster posting competitive times from 3.729 to 3.774 seconds. Unfortunately, they were not able to crack the top eight to compete for the $250,000 top prize at the inaugural SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout.

“We really tested aggressively, and I have never made this many runs in a week before,” said Hart, the defending big money Pep Boys Top Fuel Allstar Callout winner. “Once the PRO Superstar Shootout started, we got down to business trying to get one of those eight spots. The level of competition was very tough, and we wound up 10^th. Ron Douglas and the team works their tails off and we were looking forward to putting on a good show for the fans today.”

Josh Hart takes off during the PRO Superstar Shootout, photo credit Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

Hart joined Brittany Force and both Steve and Billy Torrence as the Top Fuel competitors taking on Funny Car drivers Chad Green, Ron Capps, Dave Richards, Daniel Wilkerson, and Blake Alexander for the Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award and $10,000. The quickest Top Fuel dragster and quickest Funny Car would square off in the final round. Hart drew full-time Funny Car rookie Daniel Wilkerson as his exhibition run opponent. Both 11,000-horsepowered nitro machines launched together and Hart hazed the tires at the top end slowing to a 4.212 second run at 208.78 mph.

“It was cool to run beside a nitro Funny Car because the fans really don’t get to see that,” said Hart. “This whole event was a unique and positive experience for the teams, sponsors and the fans. I think this is the future of the sport with a festival style event. There were thousands of fans here with smiles on their faces all day and they saw some awesome competition.”

Chad Green and Steve Torrence posted the quickest runs of the session to square off for the trophy and prize money.

Qualifying Results
Thursday
Q1: 3.767 sec, 321.88 mph; Qual. 9
Friday
Q2: 3.774 sec, 327.82 mph; Qual. 12
Q3: 3.729 sec, 323.12 mph; Qual. 10
Q4: 3.762 sec, 326.95 mph; Qual. 10

Race Day Results
First Round
Daniel Wilkerson, SCAG Mustang Funny Car, 4.054, 294. 50 mph
Josh Hart, R+L Carriers dragster, 4.212, 208.78 mph

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Camrie Caruso Makes Early Season Strides at Inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

BRADENTON, FL (February 9, 2024) — After nearly a week of testing Pro Stock championship contender Camrie Caruso wrapped the three-day inaugural SCAG Power Equipment PRO Superstar Shootout today at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The third-year pro driving the Aqua Prop Chevrolet Camaro powered by Big Jeff Audio and True Brand made four quality runs of the two days of qualifying leading up to race day. Sixteen Pro Stock cars made the field and on Friday night a random chip draw matched first round opponents. For a first-time event the stands were packed and the competition was fierce.

“We knew it would be tough to make the field with all the top tier Pro Stock cars on the property,” said Caruso, a multi-time NHRA Pro Stock winner. “Our goal was to get into the show and then see how the chips fell. We got in and that gave us a chance for the big money. We drew Aaron Stanfield and he is a tough racer. I felt good going into the first round today.”

Stanfield along with Caruso is a rising star in the Pro Stock ranks and one of the stars that drew record setting crowds this weekend to Bradenton Motorsports Park. Both cars had a chance to turn on four win lights today and walk away with the $125,000 top prize. Stanfield got a jump off the starting line and never trailed in the race as Caruso made her slowest run of the week.

“The conditions threw everyone a curveball today with the warmest track temps we saw all week,” said Caruso. “The good news is we got a ton of good data and I have some great teammates at KB Titan Racing so I think we will be very strong in a couple weeks when the NHRA season starts at the Gatornationals.”

In addition to the on-track action Caruso and her marketing partners were very active with the thousands of fans in attendance. Big Jeff Audio brought their super-sized golf cart and gave away their signature Big Jeff Audio gold chains as well as goodie bags and frisbees to the fans. The atmosphere at the PRO Superstar Shootout was a combination of race and festival which Caruso felt was amazing for the fans and the sport.

Camrie Caruso and Aqua Prop Camaro launch at Bradenton Motorsports Park, photo credits Werner Communications

“It was awesome to be able to do so many cool giveaways with Big Jeff Audio and our other sponsors,” said Caruso. “This event was great from start to finish. The competition was tough, but the fans had a great time. I loved signing so many autographs and getting to mingle with fans from across the country. I have never been in a race with this kind of energy. I can’t wait to get the season started.”

Caruso and the Aqua Prop Chevrolet Camaro powered by Big Jeff Audio and True Brand will be back in action March 8-10 at the NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway to start the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
Qualifying Results
Thursday
Q1: 6.573 sec, 209.82 mph: Qual. 10
Friday
Q2: 6.582 sec, 210.54 mph; Qual. 13
Q3: 6.583 sec, 209.49; Qual. 14
Q4: 6.659 sec, 182.13 mph; Qual. 16
Race Day Results
First Round
Aaron Stanfield, JHG Chevrolet Camaro, (.036), 6.887, 208.10 mph def. Camrie Caruso, Aqua Prop Chevrolet Camaro, (.071), 9.403, 101.74 mph

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Chevy Racing–nhra–pro superstar shootout–bradenton

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

CHEVROLET IN DRAG RACING 2024 PRO SUPERSTAR SHOOTOUT BRADENTON MOTORSPORTS PARK BRADENTON, FLORIDATEAM CHEVY RACE RECAPFEBRUARY 10, 2024 AUSTIN PROCK WINS HIS FIRST FUNNY CAR EVENT FOR JOHN FORCE RACING WITH CHEVROLET AT THE PRO SUPERSTAR SHOOTOUT IN BRADENTON

Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, in his Funny Car competition debut, took home both the victory and a $250,000 cash prize at the inaugural PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park.Prock qualified No. 1 Friday night with his fastest run of 3.825-second E.T. at 337.41 mph over the 13-car, invitation-only field.Prock also earned a $10,000 bonus for qualifying No. 1 in the inaugural event after stepping in for John Force Racing teammate Robert Hight during the offseason, shifting from Top Fuel to Funny Car and making his class competition debut this weekend at Bradenton.John Force, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, qualified provisional No. 2 Thursday evening after the first qualifying session of the event weekend with his pass of 3.849-second E.T. at 332.59 mph.

BRADENTON, Florida (February 10, 2024) – Austin Prock, driver of the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, raced to the inaugural 2024 PRO Superstar Shootout victory over 2023 NHRA Funny Car World Champion Matt Hagan with his pass of 3.845-second E.T. at 332.43 mph to Hagan’s 3.872-second E.T. at 329.75 mph. Claiming the $250,000 prize and bragging rights, Prock showcased his Funny Car piloting prowess in his class debut this weekend after taking over driving duties for teammate Robert Hight in the offseason. Taking John Force Racing and Chevrolet to the winner’s circle, the team now shift their sights to kicking off the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season in Gainesville, Fla. March 8-10, 2024.
After qualifying No. 1 with his pass of 3.825-second E.T. at 337.41 mph over the 13-car, invitation-only field, Prock first defeated Alexis DeJoria in Round 1 Saturday, then owner and teammate John Force, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car, in the semifinals to eventually take the win over Hagan in the finals. “It’s unbelievable. I’ve just got to thank God above, Cornwell Tools, John Force Racing, Chevrolet, and all our partners that believed in us,” said Prock. “Get well soon, Robert Hight. This is a bad hot rod and I hope you’re watching, and hope we made you proud today. Jim Prock, my dad, Thomas Prock, Nate Hildahl, they’re all on top of it. It’s so much fun to drive this racecar.” “I don’t even know if I will be able to put this into words until tomorrow morning,” continued Prock. “It still hasn’t hit me; it’s surreal that I’m even driving a Funny Car right now. I’ve got my grandfather’s 374, his number when he drove Funny Car, on this thing. We took it to the winner’s circle.” Force, who was unfortunately forced to settle for an early day in semifinals, started the weekend strong qualifying provisional No. 2 Thursday with his pass of 3.849-second E.T. at 332.59 mph. The big money and bragging rights event saw a unique format of not only Top Fuel vs. Top Fuel and Funny Car vs. Funny Car elimination rounds Saturday for the top eight qualifiers, but also a unique Top Fuel vs. Funny Car elimination format for those who qualified outside the top eight. Brittany Force, driver of the Monster Energy Chevrolet Top Fuel dragster and No. 11 qualifier, faced off against Blake Alexander and claimed the Round 1 win with her pass of 3.862-second E.T. at 302.75 mph to Alexander’s 4.031-second E.T. at 308.43 mph. In Pro Stock, Erica Enders, the six-time NHRA World Champion, kicked off her 2024 season carrying the momentum she finished 2023 with, taking home top honors and $125,000 after racing to the win light over Dave Connolly with her run of 6.531-second E.T. at 210.05 mph to Connolly’s 6.577-second E.T. at 208.81 mph. The 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season begins March 8-10, 2024 with the NHRA Gatornationals from Gainesville Raceway in Gainesville, Fla. Finals for the event air from 10:30 a.m. ET to 1 p.m. ET and 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ET, both on FOX Sports 1 (FS1). Coverage streams live throughout the weekend on NHRA.tv, and is available via AppleTV, Android TV, and Roku devices.

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Dominic Scelzi Selected to Pilot Roth Motorsports Entry During High Limit Racing Doubleheader at East Bay Raceway Park

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (Feb. 10, 2024) – The racing season is beginning a couple of weeks earlier than expected for Dominic Scelzi, who has been selected to fill in for Roth Motorsports driver James McFadden during the High Limit Racing season-opening doubleheader next week.

The new national series kicks off the 2024 campaign on Monday and Tuesday at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Fla., and Scelzi will be behind the wheel of a Roth Motorsports No. 83 sprint car during the Battle at the Bay.

“I got the call to fill in for James so I’m excited to make my High Limit and East Bay debut,” Scelzi said. “Roth Motorsports has always been a big supporter of myself and our family team so I’m more than happy to step in.”

The two races at East Bay Raceway Park will mark Scelzi’s debut at the track as well as his first two starts with High Limit Racing.

“I’m excited to visit East Bay for the first time and get to race on the track before it’s gone,” he said. “Also, I’m planning to compete in some High Limit races in the Midwest this spring so this gets it started a little sooner.”

Scelzi recently announced plans to start the season by racing in select High Limit Racing and World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series shows in the Midwest throughout March and April.

“I’ve raced with Roth Motorsports many times throughout the years,” he said. “They have great equipment and a top-notch program so hopefully I can knock the offseason rust off quickly and we can be competitive each night. This will also be a great opportunity for me to get up to speed a bit before climbing into my family car next month. Thank you to Dennis and Teresa Roth and Todd and Brent Ventura as well as Toyota.”

UP NEXT –

Monday and Tuesday at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Fla., for the Battle at the Bay with High Limit Racing

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SUNSHINE STEALS ONE: Tyler Courtney Sneaks by Abreu in Final Corner for Volusia Victor

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

The Hoosier leads the final few hundred feet of the race to add his first gator to the trophy roomBARBERVILLE, FL (February 9, 2024) – You can’t ever give up in Sprint Car Racing. Action happens so fast all over the track that a driver’s outlook can change in an instant. And that’s exactly what happened on Friday night to send Tyler Courtney to World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Victory Lane.Courtney chased after race-long leader Rico Abreu for nearly all 25 laps at Volusia Speedway Park. He’d come close to Abreu multiple times, but the chance at a win appeared gone as the checkered flag began to wave. But in the final corner Abreu tripped on the huge cushion, and Courtney capitalized on the bottom to roll right on by.The wild drag race to the finish brought the massive crowd to its feet as Courtney claimed night three of the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. “Sunshine” himself stole one in the “Sunshine State.”The win moved Courtney’s total with The Greatest Show on Dirt to three. The entire trio have come on three of the country’s fastest half miles – Eldora Speedway, Port Royal Speedway, and now Volusia. The Indianapolis, IN native became the 21st different driver to top a World of Outlaws race at “The World’s Fastest Half Mile.” Friday was Courtney’s 15th Sprint Car appearance at Volusia. “I saw the double checkers, and I didn’t know if we’d already gone another lap or that was actually the end of the race,” Courtney said. “And I looked at the board and saw the #7 (BC) was number one. It’s just awesome man.”Bringing the field to green was 16-year-old Landon Crawley on the pole with Abreu to his outside. Crawley attempted to slide in front of Abreu in Turns 1 and 2, but the St. Helena, CA native ripped by the teenager on the top to take the early lead. Courtney, who started third, also slipped by Crawley on the opening lap to grab second.A caution and then a red flag for a huge pileup on the front straightaway interrupted the flow of action in the first half of the race.On a restart with 19 laps to go, another contender began to assert himself while Abreu and Courtney maintained the top spots up front. After starting 10th, Brad Sweet powered by both Giovanni Scelzi and Landon Crawley to rise into fourth with plenty of time remaining. Another yellow with 15 to go opened the door for Sweet to power ahead of David Gravel for the third spot.Disaster nearly struck Abreu with 10 laps remaining. After clearing two lapped cars, Abreu stumbled on the cushion in Turn 4 and got sideways, leaving Brenham Crouch nowhere to go. Crouch slammed into Abreu’s side and spun to bring out the yellow. Fortunately for Abreu, his car left the scene unharmed allowing him to maintain the lead.On the restart Abreu darted ahead of Courtney who found himself having to fend off Sweet. “The Big Cat” began to work the bottom and showed Courtney a nose, which wound up benefitting Courtney. He quickly adjusted the Clauson Marshall Racing/NOS Energy Drink #7BC to prevent Sweet from passing him and found speed on the low line in Turns 1 and 2.“I knew I was getting tight behind him (Abreu) in traffic on the top of (Turns) 3 and 4,” Courtney said. “Luckily Brad showed me the bottom, and so I moved down there. I knew I was making ground up in (Turns) 1 and 2, but in (Turns) 3 and 4 I just started going to the bottom to see if I could do something different. Honestly, I didn’t know how many laps were left, but I knew if I could get him to mess up or let him mess up somehow, running the bottom was going to be much safer.”Safer is exactly what the bottom turned out to be. Courtney closed in on Abreu’s tail tank in traffic as the white flag flew. Abreu opted to protect the bottom in Turns 1 and 2 which worked as he pulled ahead down the back straightaway. But in Turns 3 and 4 he returned to the cushion and went slightly above it leaving the lane for Courtney to steal the victory.“I didn’t know it was that exciting until I realized what we did there at the end,” Courtney said. “That was fun. It was non-stop the whole time. Even though we were just running around the top, it’s a lot harder than people think. That top was real treacherous. You get your right-rear (tire) just over it a little bit, it sucks you over.”For the second straight night Abreu was forced to settle for the runner-up spot. He admitted he could’ve driven a little more reserved in the final set of corners but also acknowledged you can’t ever let up in a Sprint Car race.“It’s just tough racing, just trying to process keeping your momentum up in traffic and hitting your marks,” Abreu said. “It’s the last lap, and you’re still racing hard. We’re Sprint Car Racing here, so we’re racing as hard as we can for 25 laps on a demanding and technical track. I felt pretty sporty on the cushion. I knew I was good off of (Turn) 2, but I never ran the bottom all race in (Turns) 3 and 4. I should’ve just drove a little bit more secure on the white flag lap, but you never know who is behind you and how close they are.”Rounding out the podium after his charge from 10th was Brad Sweet. The five-time World of Outlaws champion came away a little disappointed with himself after a small mistake cost him a chance to potentially be the one driving by Abreu coming to the finish line.“I’m a little disappointed in myself,” Sweet admitted. “I felt like I had kind of found the groove on the bottom of (Turns) 1 and 2 and put myself in a good position, but then got in the grease just a little bit and overdrove (Turn) 3 just a little bit and got out. And Tyler got back by me, but then once he knew where the line was he covered it really well and ultimately won the race.”Giovanni Scelzi and David Gravel completed the top five.Gravel’s effort allowed him to maintain his lead in the Big Gator standings. Courtney sits second eight points back. Giovanni Scelzi (-14), Rico Abreu (-16), and Donny Schatz (-18) complete the top five with one night to go.Donny Schatz earned the KSE Racing Hard Charger with a drive from 18th to sixth.Brent Marks claimed his fourth career Simpson Quick Time in Sea Foam Qualifying.NOS Energy Drink Heats One, Three, and Four were topped by Brent Marks, Brian Brown, and Rico Abreu. Giovanni Scelzi claimed Milton Hershey School Heat Two.Landon Crawley won the Toyota Racing Dash.Corey Day won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars wrap up their portion of the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals with a $20,000-to-win, $1,500-to-start finale on Saturday, Feb. 10. For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, catch all of the action live on DIRTVision.RESULTS:NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[3]; 2. 24-Rico Abreu[2]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet[10]; 4. 18-Giovanni Scelzi[6]; 5. 2-David Gravel[4]; 6. 15-Donny Schatz[18]; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart[16]; 8. 19-Brent Marks[5]; 9. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[9]; 10. 39M-Anthony Macri[14]; 11. 21-Brian Brown[8]; 12. 26-Zeb Wise[7]; 13. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[12]; 14. 14-Corey Day[21]; 15. 48-Danny Dietrich[24]; 16. 41-Carson Macedo[11]; 17. 83-Michael Kofoid[17]; 18. 22-Riley Goodno[20]; 19. 7S-Landon Crawley[1]; 20. 17B-Bill Balog[27]; 21. 1-Brenham Crouch[22]; 22. 88-Austin McCarl[13]; 23. 13-Justin Peck[15]; 24. 5-Spencer Bayston[19]; 25. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[25]; 26. 0-Justin Whittall[23]; 27. 6-Bill Rose[26]

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Davenport Gets First Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win of the Year at East Bay

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

TAMPA, Fla. (February 9, 2024) – Jonathan Davenport became the seventh different winner in the first eleven Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events of 2024. The three-time series champion picked up his 74th career series win during the 48th Annual Wieland Winternationals – Presented by Lucas on Friday night at East Bay Raceway Park. Hudson O’Neal, the defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion finished in second followed by Daulton Wilson, Garrett Alberson, and Ashton Winger completed the top five drivers. Davenport jumped to the lead at the start of the 50-lap main event and led until he got too high in turn two, turning the lead over to Tyler Erb. Erb then led the next 16 circuits until Davenport was able to catch back up to Erb, retaking the lead for good on lap 28 despite being challenged by the ninth place starting O’Neal who briefly pulled even with Davenport at one point in the closing laps. Davenport in Lucas Oil Victory for the first time this season led 34 of the 50 laps to claim the victory. “It’s a great car all my guys give me for sure. I thought I gave it away when I messed up in one and two. We made one little shock adjustment before the feature that made this thing a bear to handle. We know not to do that no more. I just kept trying to be patient when I lost the lead, I just tried to stay in his [Tyler Erb’s] tire tracks and just know that I was probably running a little wide on the throttle than he was just trying to save my tires. When I got back to him, I thought I had a good run and at the last second, I kind of slowed up. I don’t know if went over the cushion or not, because I figured he would go right back by me on the outside there. We rubbed a little bit.” “This place is so tricky. The black is so black and then like there is a lot of grip in the brown and if you get too far in the brown like it’s slimy. I would get to high down there and wheel-spin too much. When I moved down to get more grip the car started to push.” O’Neal, who was looking for his fourth series win of the young season came home in second. “I tried every inch of this racetrack trying to get by him [Davenport]. I thought it was a great race. We raced all over it. I started to keep pace a little bit there at the end and I thought I had some hope to run that bottom and just by the end of it we had a right rear tire so hot there from running around that top that it was hard to move around and get off the cushion. Man, what a race track East Bay gave us tonight and hopefully we can put on another great show tomorrow night for all the fans.” Wilson rounded out the Big River Steel Podium for the third time this season. “We didn’t want to see a caution for sure. We needed ten more laps. We had a really good car tonight. We kind of went forward and then fell back. We put on a charge there towards the end. Once we got to move around the racetrack a little bit I had a really good car like I said.” The winner’s Lance and Darla Landers-owned, Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by Nutrien Ag Systems, Dyno Gro Seed, Lucas Oil Products, Bilstein Shocks, ASC Warranty, Mark Martin Automotive, VP Fuels, and Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas. Completing the top ten were Ricky Thornton Jr., Brandon Sheppard, Clay Harris, Jimmy Owens, and Dennis Erb Jr.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary 48th Annual Wieland Winternationals | Night 5Friday, February 9, 2024East Bay Raceway Park – Tampa, FL
Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Blair Nothdurft | 14.167 seconds (overall)Fast Time Group B: Jonathan Davenport | 14.170 seconds
Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 5-Mark Whitener[2]; 2. 76N-Blair Nothdurft[1]; 3. 6-Clay Harris[3]; 4. 3S-Brian Shirley[5]; 5. 39-Tim McCreadie[8]; 6. 69-Brandon Thirlby[4]; 7. 97-Cody Overton[7]; 8. 6T-Tim Dohm[10]; 9. 51-Dean Carpenter[9]; 10. 48-Tim Lance[11]; 11. 187-David McCoy[6]; 12. 07-Brian Ledbetter[12]
Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 1T-Tyler Erb[1]; 2. 1-Hudson O’Neal[2]; 3. 46-Earl Pearson Jr[3]; 4. 12-Ashton Winger[6]; 5. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 6. 33X-Brandon Overton[7]; 7. 18-Chase Junghans[5]; 8. 71R-Rod Conley[8]; 9. 81-Jason Riggs[9]; 10. 12R-Ryan Payne[10]; 11. 81F-Jadon Frame[11]; 12. 82B-Jason Milam[12]
Earnhardt Technologies Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 20-Jimmy Owens[2]; 2. 58-Garrett Alberson[4]; 3. 99B-Boom Briggs[6]; 4. 15K-Jensen Ford[1]; 5. 25-Tony Jackson Jr[5]; 6. 75-Daniel Adam[3]; 7. 6JR-Parker Martin[9]; 8. 17SS-Brenden Smith[8]; 9. 47W-Brandon Weigle[7]; 10. 4S-Danny Snyder[11]; 11. 93-Cory Lawler[10]; 12. (DNS) K&B-Kerry King
Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 49-Jonathan Davenport[1]; 2. 18D-Daulton Wilson[2]; 3. 99-Devin Moran[5]; 4. 20B-Todd Brennan[8]; 5. 89-Mike Spatola[6]; 6. 71C-RJ Conley[4]; 7. 29-Larry Grube[3]; 8. 96V-Tanner English[10]; 9. 174-Ethan Dotson[7]; 10. 3-Brennon Willard[9]; 11. 11C-Trevor Collins[11]; 12. 214-Haiden Cowan[12]
Lucas Oil Heat Race #5 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 7-Ross Robinson[1]; 2. 19M-Spencer Hughes[2]; 3. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[3]; 4. 157-Mike Marlar[4]; 5. 14X-Wil Herrington[5]; 6. 4G-Bob Gardner[8]; 7. 1Z-Logan Zarin[6]; 8. 7T-Drake Troutman[10]; 9. 8-Dillon McCowan[9]; 10. 00-Carson Ferguson[7]; 11. 32-Jason Jack[11]; 12. 6B-Adam Boyd[12]
Lucas Oil Heat Race #6 Finish (8 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 10-Garrett Smith[1]; 2. 2*-Logan Hitt[5]; 3. 33-Jeff Mathews[2]; 4. 6H-Ross Bailes[7]; 5. B5-Brandon Sheppard[9]; 6. 40B-Kyle Bronson[8]; 7. 31-Tyler Millwood[4]; 8. 9-Levi Yetter[10]; 9. 111-Max Blair[12]; 10. S21-Seth Daniels[11]; 11. 30-Ryan Gustin[6]; 12. 81J-Jack Riggs[3]
Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 12-Ashton Winger[2]; 2. 3S-Brian Shirley[1]; 3. 39-Tim McCreadie[3]; 4. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 5. 6T-Tim Dohm[9]; 6. 71R-Rod Conley[10]; 7. 18-Chase Junghans[8]; 8. 81-Jason Riggs[12]; 9. 81F-Jadon Frame[16]; 10. 51-Dean Carpenter[11]; 11. 187-David McCoy[15]; 12. 12R-Ryan Payne[14]; 13. 82B-Jason Milam[18]; 14. 33X-Brandon Overton[6]; 15. 48-Tim Lance[13]; 16. (DNS) 69-Brandon Thirlby; 17. (DNS) 97-Cody Overton; 18. (DNS) 07-Brian Ledbetter
UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 15K-Jensen Ford[1]; 2. 25-Tony Jackson Jr[3]; 3. 20B-Todd Brennan[2]; 4. 174-Ethan Dotson[12]; 5. 96V-Tanner English[10]; 6. 75-Daniel Adam[5]; 7. 6JR-Parker Martin[7]; 8. 3-Brennon Willard[14]; 9. 4S-Danny Snyder[13]; 10. 93-Cory Lawler[15]; 11. 89-Mike Spatola[4]; 12. 71C-RJ Conley[6]; 13. 17SS-Brenden Smith[9]; 14. 29-Larry Grube[8]; 15. 47W-Brandon Weigle[11]; 16. 11C-Trevor Collins[16]; 17. (DNS) K&B-Kerry King; 18. (DNS) 214-Haiden Cowan
MyRacePass B-Main Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 157-Mike Marlar[1]; 2. 14X-Wil Herrington[3]; 3. B5-Brandon Sheppard[4]; 4. 40B-Kyle Bronson[6]; 5. 6H-Ross Bailes[2]; 6. 4G-Bob Gardner[5]; 7. 1Z-Logan Zarin[7]; 8. 9-Levi Yetter[10]; 9. 31-Tyler Millwood[8]; 10. 7T-Drake Troutman[9]; 11. S21-Seth Daniels[14]; 12. 32-Jason Jack[15]; 13. 6B-Adam Boyd[17]; 14. 111-Max Blair[12]; 15. 00-Carson Ferguson[13]; 16. (DNS) 8-Dillon McCowan; 17. (DNS) 30-Ryan Gustin; 18. (DNS) 81J-Jack Riggs
48th Annual Wieland Winternationals | Night 5 Feature Finish (50 Laps):

Race Statistics Entrants: 72Victory Fuel Pole Sitter: Mark WhitenerLap Leaders: Jonathan Davenport (Laps 1-12); Tyler Erb (Laps 13-28); Jonathan Davenport (Laps 29-50)Wieland Feature Winner: Jonathan DavenportArizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup Feature Winner: n/aBrandon Ford TV Challenge Feature Winner: n/aMargin of Victory: 1.000 seconds Dave Warren Powersports Cautions: Garrett Smith (Lap 7); Wil Herrington (Lap 15); Ross Robinson (Lap 16)Series Provisionals: Ricky Thornton, Jr.; Tim McCreadieFast Time Provisional: n/aSeries Emergency Provisionals: Max Blair; Brandon Sheppard; Drake Troutman; Bob GardneerTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Jonathan Davenport, Hudson O’Neal, Daulton WilsonPenske Shocks Top 5: Jonathan Davenport, Hudson O’Neal, Daulton Wilson, Garrett Alberson, Ashton WingerTodd Steel Buildings Hard Charger of the Race: Brandon Sheppard (Advanced 21 Positions) Wilwood Brakes Lucky 7th Place Feature: Brandon SheppardDeatherage Opticians Lucky 13th Place Feature: Drake TroutmanMD3 Most Laps Led: Jonathan Davenport (34 Laps) Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Hudson O’NealMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Ricky Thornton, Jr.O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/a Coltman Farms Fastest Lap of the Race: Jonathan Davenport (Lap 1 – 14.810 seconds) Slicker Graphics Slickest Move of the Race: Jonathan DavenportMiller Welders Hard Luck Award: Tyler ErbOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Cory Fostvedt (Jonathan Davenport)ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Racing EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: LonghornChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Garrett Smith (14.3467 seconds)Time of Race: 25 minutes 52 seconds Big River Steel Chase for the Championship Presented by ARP Point Standings:

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AUSTIN PROCK EARNS NO. 1 QUALIFIER IN FUNNY CAR DEBUT

February 13, 2024 ARP Trish

Bradenton, Fla. (Feb 9, 2024) – Austin Prock earned No. 1 qualifier in his Funny Car debut at the PRO Superstar Shootout at Bradenton Motorsports Park. The Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS tuned by his father Jimmy, brother Thomas, and Nate Hildahl recorded a 3.851-second elapsed time during Thursday night’s qualifying session, which put Prock third in the 13-car field. Prock and team maintained his spot in the top three after second and third qualifying sessions as many cars did not improve during the heat of the day. The Cornwell Tools team saved their best for last and threw down a 3.825-second pass at 337.41 mph in the final qualifying session to earn the top spot and $10,000 bonus. Prock drew Alexis Dejoria, who qualified seventh with a 3.893-second elapsed time, in the chip draw to determine Saturday’s 8-car race day ladder. “My dad told me before we even rolled up there, we’re going for it because it’s the only way we’re going to absolutely get lane choice,” said Prock. “We were going for it and that put a little pressure on me because this was only my second night run. On my first I lifted early because I was losing track of the blocks down there, so I had to be perfect, and that was the best run I made all weekend. It was a hell of a package and just so proud of this Cornwell team, my dad brother Nate dog, and everyone that’s part of it.” John Force and his PEAK Chevrolet Camaro SS team put down a stout run in the first qualifying session with a 3.849-second elapsed time at 332.59 mph which put them in second at the end of day one. The team did not see an improvement in day two across three qualifying sessions but finished in the number three spot. The chip draw resulted in a fan-favorite matchup with Force set to line up against Cruz Pedregon, who made it into the final qualifying position during the fourth qualifying session with a 3.903-second run. After a 3.740-second pass in the first qualifying session, Brittany Force ended day one in seventh in the 12-car Top Fuel field. The team improved to a 3.736 elapsed time in Q3, however when Force pulled the Monster Energy dragster up to the team’s final qualifying try, they had been bumped out of the top eight. The David Grubnic and John Collins-led team were met with tire smoke early in the run and did not qualify for the Top Fuel race on Saturday.
Both Austin Prock and John Force will race for a purse of $250,000 on race day on Saturday while Brittany Force will participate in the Top Fuel vs. Funny Car shootout. She will compete for the Don Schumacher Nitro Superstar Award and $10,000 bonus. The race will consist of two rounds with the first matchup assigned on race day and the quickest of each car advancing to the final.
The PRO Superstar Shootout continues with eliminations on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Live streaming is available on FloRacing.

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